WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR

After some eight months in the Chair, it seems appropriate to look at my original message and its relevance to Marylebone today.

Continuous change is still with us, as witnessed by the forest of cranes, continuous road closures and diversions, and the almost constant "re-planning“ of street layouts.

While these moves are always termed “improvements”, they are in fact changes, many of which have unintended consequences. A little more thought and genuine consultation, particularly focussed on those most directly affected, might avoid errors which only emerge when the change has taken place. It is very rare that these errors are reversed.

The phrase “doing nothing is not an option“ has been frequently used to justify this frantic urge to meddle, however more constructive engagement, and less assumption that all change is necessary and beneficial, might produce better results.

Apart from the Associations work in representing local interests, we are also expanding our social programme, providing opportunities for members (both residential and business) to meet, network, and at times learn more about the historic area in which we live and work

News of these events appears in the monthly newsletter

The dedicated members of the Committee and specialist sub committees will continue to monitor new proposals -- in Planning, Traffic and city management and Licensing applications to ensure that their impact on local residents is fully appreciated.

Meanwhile Marylebone life continues with the Summer Fair, Local music festivals, and on a larger scale, events in Regents Park and Hyde Park.

The benefits -- and problems we face are essentially those of living in the centre of a dynamic and ever evolving metropolis. I suspect that the citizens of Rome felt the same way two thousand years ago!

Welcome to the Marylebone Association. Please take part in our activities and enjoy life in this ever-changing village.

Richard Lovell

Chairman