Chamber elects youngest ever president

Aged just 24, Dale Cromwell took over the reins from previous president Gary Honeysett last week. He has been with family firm Dask since it opened in 2002 and became the director of the businesses at the tender age of 19.

Dale told the Observer: “It’s a privilege. I have been part of it (the Chamber) for quite a few years now and it’s really good.

“It’s an honour really. It’s the chance to make a big difference.”

Dale has been particularly active in the Chamber over recent months, working with other members on how to pull shoppers into the High Street.

Along with Liz Honey, of the Saffron Gallery, Paul Bennett, of Battle Interiors and Alan Deeprose, of the Bull Inn, he has helped launch the parking refund scheme, initiate new monthly late night shopping and set up Battle Gift Vouchers scheme.the

Dale was also chairman of the Chamber’s Mediaeval Fayre committee.

He said some residents may not be aware of how much the Chamber does for the town.

“A lot of people don’t realise we do the Christmas lights in Battle and we have just had the Mediaeval Fayre.

“I have just got the comment forms back and there’s not one negative comment on the whole thing.

“People seemed to love it, which is really good.”

Dale added: “If it was not for the people in the Chamber and the businesses in it, these things would not happen.”

In his new role as president, Dale hopes to persuade even more businesses to get involved with the Chamber of Commerce. He said: “It’s a good thing to be a part of and I’m really chuffed to be involved in it all and to go that extra mile.”