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 Minutes of the Tourism Committee held in the Town Hall, Bideford on Wednesday 14 September 2016 at 6.00 pm

PRESENT:

East Ward:    
Councillor J McKenzie
Councillor S Robinson
Councillor Mrs R Craigie

South Ward (Outer):    
Councillor D Howell (Chairman)

South Ward    
Councillor A T Inch

North Ward    
Councillor P Pester

Atlantic Village    
Mrs Ruth Benney

IN ATTENDANCE:    Mrs L Dixon-Chatfield (Town Clerk’s Asst)
Councillor P Christie

027   APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor D Bushby (North Ward – personal)

028   DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

No declarations were made at this point.

029   PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

No members of the public wished to participate.

030   MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 27 July 2016 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote For: 7, Against: 0)

031   ONE OFF ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS.

Members were updated as follows:

•    Craft Fair –
Mrs Benney reported that she had met with the Market Officer who had explained to her that there were only 5 tables available for the Craft Fair (taking place on the same day as Signing of the Lease).  She was somewhat dismayed that these tables were by the lavatories, the doors and the units.  She had been expecting 12 tables, but with the Christmas Tree and the Mead and Mince Pies taking up extra room in the layout Ahmet had given her, there was little space left.

The Chairman advised Mrs Benney that he would look at more space and would clarify the costs as well.  
Mrs Benney confirmed that she was confident that she would have 9 – 12 stallholders.  She also requested publicity.  The Chairman advised that there would be funds for this within the Market Budget, and that they would look at publicity in November.

Mrs Benney concluded that she would like clarification also on the opening times for Craft Fair.  The Chairman agreed he would confirm for her.

•    Evening Entertainment –
The Chairman reported that after a few changes in dates for the venue for the Evening Concert with “Encore”, he would be looking at the possibility of Friday 9 December at the Conservative Club but would have this confirmed.  He explained that he is keen to hold the Concert before Christmas in order to look at the possibility of another in the New Year.

He further reported that he was also considering using the Town Hall for an event but would need to speak with Andrew Waite of Torridge District Council.

He would update members at the next Tourism meeting.

032   “TAKE A PRIDE IN YOUR TOWN” SPRUCE UP DAY – TO RECEIVE AND UPDATE AND SET A DATE FOR THE NEXT “SPRUCE UP DAY”

The Chairman confirmed that the next Spruce Up day would be Sunday 16 October 2016, to meet in Jubilee Square at 9am and go through until 1pm (or any time during those hours).  He felt that the areas to concentrate on would be the same as before.

Councillor Robinson informed members that the Torridge Bridge was in poor condition through weeds and blocked drains and that he had reported it to Devon County Council.  The Chairman explained that it was not the kind of job the teams could tackle without a Chapter 8 qualification.
Councillor Robinson went on to report that Kingsley Road (from the Northam sign to Morrisons supermarket) was in a poor state with weeds.

Councillor Mrs Craigie reported that the Heritage Trails would need some looking at, especially the Tower Street area.  The Clerk (Lesley) explained that it is an area that the Road Sweeper, Ben, tackles on a regular basis.

Councillor Pester advised that he and his wife would clear from their house and along Mignonette Walk on the Spruce Up day and take a wheelie bin with them for weeds and rubbish.

Councillor Mrs Craigie further reported the drang between the Joiners Arms and the car park was also in need of tidying.  Lesley explained that Ben was working on it currently.

033   LITTLE AMERICA – TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON ACTIONS FROM THE LAST MEETING

The Chairman reported that the project was moving along and that he had sent through to members the indication of the layout for the information boards.  These were now back with the designer for the final proof.  Lesley would send the designer a selection of high resolution pictures to be used

He further reported that the area had been cleared of scrub, the fencing had been repaired and that the DCC benches had been refurbished.  The picnic tables were finished and awaiting final fixing with secure bolts.  

The Chairman concluded by advising members that each panel of the Information Board would be adorned with a Town Council crest and that the picnic tables would also have a plaque showing the crest.

034   TO RECEIVE AN UP DATE ON THE REFURBISHMENT OF THE ART BRICKS IN THE QUAY WALL AND RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL ANY ACTIONS REQUIRED

The Chairman advised members that Torridge District Council was going ahead and had appointed a contractor to carry out the refurbishment work.  The Chairman would carry out an assessment at the end of the work, with the original Project Officer, to see what final touches would be needed.

035   UPDATE OF SCHOOL CHOIRS PLAYING IN PANNIER MARKET IN DECEMBER AND RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL ANY ACTIONS REQUIRED

The Chairman advised that he had booked East the Water School for 9th December in the Pannier Market and was in contact with Westcroft and St Mary’s schools.  He would update members at the next meeting.

It was suggested that Bideford College be contacted to see if they would be interested in performing in the Pannier Market.  Lesley agreed to contact the College and report back.

036   UPDATE ON THE MAKING OF A VIDEO OF BIDEFORD EVENTS AND RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL ANY ACTIONS REQUIRED

Lesley reported that Councillor Bushby had made contact with AJB Videos who were unable in this instance to be considered for making a video.  They did, however, suggest Mr Tony Koorlander who is considered very experienced in this type of work.

Further options were also considered, but after some discussion regarding editing and content, it was agreed that Councillor McKenzie would contact Mr Koorlander regarding costs and would update members at the next meeting.

037   UPDATE ON THE NEW DATE FOR TASTE OF TORRIDGE FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL

Lesley reported that she had sent an invitation to the set of stallholders who originally showed interest, advising them of the new date of Sunday 20 August 2017 and had favourable responses back.  She would continue with the Festival arrangements and make contact with Sarah Logan (Pannier Market) and the Market Officer, as well as ensuring the necessary licences are in place for music and alcohol.

038   TO CONSIDER MARKING THE OCCASION OF 2017 BEING THE CENTENARY OF THE END OF THE BIDEFORD RAILWAY AND RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL ANY ACTIONS REQUIRED

Councillor McKenzie advised members that he had not yet had a chance to contact the relevant people, although he was making progress with research.  

Councillor Robinson suggested he contact Lewis Andrews at TDC who has an interest in the subject.  

It was suggested Councillor McKenzie contact the Archive office.  He agreed to follow these suggestions and would have an update for the next meeting.

039   TO CONSIDER A PICTORIAL BOARD OF WHATS ON IN BIDEFORD AND RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL ANY ACTIONS REQUIRED

The Chairman opened the discussion on a pictorial What’s On board for areas around Bideford, mainly car parks and the Coach stop.  He suggested it could be a board with photos of events – maybe pick out the major events from Manor Court to New Year’s Eve.  He further suggested that it could work back-to-back with the Discovering Bideford boards.  

There was discussion about a digital type display (as in Regency Estate Agent).  Lesley agreed to call into Regency and enquire as to where they had this produced, costs etc.

040   AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING

Members suggested items that they wished to discuss further at the next meeting.  These were:

•    Following a meeting between the Chairman and Mr Trevor Stanbury, that Lesley looks at and contacts Mr Stanbury regarding an entry for Bideford on the Visit North Devon & Exmoor website.  Mr Stanbury had mentioned that the Bideford section was somewhat empty.  Lesley agreed to have an update at the next meeting.

•    To reinstate an Ancient Fair in Bideford around July time (hopefully starting 2017).  This Fair would be to celebrate St Margaret of Antioch, Patron Saint of Bideford and was first chartered by Henry III.  More research would be needed for a one-day Fair.
 
041   DATE OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that the next meeting would be scheduled for Wednesday 26 October 2016 at 6.00 pm in the Council Chamber.


The business of the meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the members for their attendance and the meeting concluded at  7.00 pm.


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