Newton Abbot Town Council

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE EVENTS SUB- COMMITTEE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 4th JANUARY 2012 AT 7.00 P.M. AT THE TOWN HALL, GREAT WESTERN HOUSE, 9 DEVON SQUARE, NEWTON ABBOT

PRESENT Councillor C Bunday (Chairman) Presiding

  Councillors  M Hocking
    D Howe
    C Parker
    K Purchase
    M Ryan
    
In attendance: Kelly Burridge – Events Co-ordinator
Sally Henley – Town Development Manager
Michael Martyn – Steward to the Lords of the Boroughs and acting Secretary and Planning Officer of the Civic Society

E27. APOLOGIES

An apology was received on behalf of Councillor Mrs G Antao.

E28. MINUTES

The minutes of the Events Sub-Committee meeting held on the 5th October 2011 were received and signed as a correct record.

E29. INTERESTS
 

Councillors M Ryan, C Bunday, M Hocking and C Parker declared personal interests in Agenda Item 5, Newton Abbot Carnival 2012.

E30.   PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

 None.

E31. NEWTON ABBOT CARNIVAL 2012

The Chairman invited Carnival Chairman Councillor Mike Ryan to update the Sub-Committee on the Carnival 2012 proposals.  It was reported that the next carnival meeting was to be held on the 24th January where the full week of events would be discussed further. 

The Carnival Chairman suggested it would prudent to encourage more involvement as the Events Co-ordinator could no longer assist to the same level as in previous years.  A Member asked if the 2012 carnival should be named the ‘Jubilee Carnival’, the Chairman noted the suggestion and agreed to raise it at the next Carnival meeting.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Ryan for his report.

 
E32. EVENTS UPDATE

The Town Development Manager reported to the Sub-Committee on all the Christmas events with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation.  The following was reported:

I. Christmas Light Switch on

The Christmas Lights Switch on was a success in 2011 and enjoyed better weather than in 2010.  The evening began with a procession through the town with Father Christmas, the Carnival Queen, Mayor and Mayoress and Magpies Preschool.  There was plenty of entertainment in town, including a BMX display from Kye Forte.
 
The atmosphere in town was excellent with the biggest crowd yet for the light switch on and the excellent Father Christmas’ float.  The Town Development Manager and the Events Co-ordinator thanked everyone for their assistance and involvement.

Members noted the report and made suggestions for some areas for improvement, they included:

• To have more fireworks on the night;
• To ensure there was more marshalling for Father Christmas whilst he is walking through Courtenay Street with the possibility of getting the police involved;
• To make sure all timings are correct for the 2012 procession and fireworks.

Members commented about how great the PA system had worked on the evening and how in the long run it had saved money for the Events Sub-Committee.

II. Victorian Evening

The success of the Victorian Evening in 2011 and the positive feedback which had been received from stall holders.  A report listing the feedback was shown to members in the PowerPoint presentation.  The night had been a success once again with plenty of entertainment, and Santa in the Clock Tower grotto.  Members commented that they thought this year was the best year for fancy dress from all stall holders.

Members noted the report and discussed the event, the following points were raised which were to be addressed for 2012:

• That each stall needed to have their charity name displayed predominately throughout the evening or for each stall to be clearly numbered, to ensure easier judging;
• To reduce the amount of raffle prizes in 2012 to a maximum of 25 prizes.

III. Santa’s Grotto

The success of Santa’s grotto  and how it wouldn’t be possible without everyone’s involvement.  It was also reported that takings this year had increased from 2010.

 Members noted the report and suggested that

• £300 be made available in the events budget for 2013 to purchase gifts for Santa’s grotto.

IV. Mayor’s Carol Service

The Mayor’s Carol Service and the amount of money raised from Santa’s grotto and the collection boxes.  It was reported that the event was well received and singing from Bradley Barton Primary School children really added to the festive atmosphere.

Members expressed their thanks to the councillors on the evening and to Sam Davis of Coombeshead Academy for his support during the afternoon and evening.

Members noted the events update and mentioned that the Town Council Events were growing yearly, yet the help received was not.  Members agreed that before each event councillors would be approached to help out, by giving them designated tasks.

 E33. BAND CONCERTS 2012

The Events Co-ordinator verbally reported on the band concerts for 2012 and commented that only one band had been allocated a specific date, other bands had been contacted but are still awaiting confirmation.  The Events Co-ordinator had hoped that by the next Sub-Committee meeting all bands would have been confirmed along with sponsorship.

E34. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE – 2nd to 5th June 2012

a) The Chairman reported to the Sub-Committee that herself and Councillors M Hocking and M Ryan had investigated beacon locations.  The following locations were identified:

• Buckland;
• Highweek;
• Wolborough.

Members were informed that only one beacon had been sourced and therefore another two would need to be ordered.  Members agreed that 2 beacons were to be purchased and also for the beacon locations to be registered.

b) Members discussed the possible planting of the floral roundel in Courtenay Park and arising from the discussion it was agreed that the Events Co-ordinator would contact Teignbridge District Council to find out more information along with a breakdown of the cost.  The Events Co-ordinator would report back to the Sub-committee in March with details.  Members mentioned that funding could be received from District councillors.

c) Members discussed bunting requirements for the Jubilee and after considering examples tabled by the Events Co-ordinator, the Sub-Committee agreed to purchase x 30, ten meter lengths of polyester Union Jack bunting, which was to be erected alongside the Carnival bunting in Courtenay Street and x 6, ten meter lengths of plastic bunting for St Leonard’s Clock Tower.

E35. BARHAM CUP

The Chairman reported her findings of the new site recommended for the Barham Cup in 2012. Having completed the site visit the Chairman and Members agreed that due to Health and Safety reasons the Barham Cup for 2012 would be cancelled.

E36. INCOME & EXPENDITURE

Members noted the Events Sub-Committee income and expenditure. 

E37. LATE CORRESPONDENCE

None.

E38. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Wednesday 21st March 2012. 

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Chairman