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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE 14TH NOVEMBER 2007
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE MINUTES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED AS A CORRECT RECORD AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2007 AT 7.00 P.M. AT THE TOWN HALL, 9 DEVON SQUARE, NEWTON ABBOT
PRESENT Councillors Miss J Fry (Chairman) Presiding
H. L. J. Cole (Vice-Chairman)
Mrs C. Bunday
D. Corney-Walker
Mrs A. Fry
M. Hocking
D. Howe
Mrs G Leeper
K. Lewis
C. Parker
K. Purchase
K. Smith
A. Vizor
Mrs D. Watts
Co-opted Members:
Mr M E Ryan
Julie Cleave – Newton Abbot & District Town Band
Flt Lt Rick Webb – (ATC)
Martin Arliss (Tall Sounds)
Reporter in attendance: None
285. APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Mrs G Gaskell and Mrs S. Maddicott together with co-opted members Mr K Ballamy – G.W.R. Room Volunteer, Barbara-Ann Curran (Town Centre Manager) and Stella Watson (Newton Abbot & District Chamber of Commerce) and Stuart Gray (Newton Abbot Carnival Committee), Mike Croydon (Barham Cup)
286. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Activities Committee held on 15th August 2007 were received and signed as a correct record.
287. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
‘Things Are Looking Up’ – Newton Abbot Gateways Project.
Presentation received by Gill Greatorex and Ben Yates
The Chairman thanked Gill and Ben for attending and they introduced themselves:
Ben Yates is an artist who produces photographic sculptures; 2-dimensional pictures mounted 3 dimensionally. Ben has been producing this new form of photography for two years, exhibiting and selling work nationally.
Gill Greatorex is an environmental artist who usually works with rural crafts, waste and recycled materials to form large sculptures. Occasionally collaborating with other artists, she has survived many community projects. Gill has also had experience as a Corporate Identity Manager in London.
Together they have come up with a proposal to inject art into the town which could support other initiatives as a catalyst for change. What they are proposing may have a beneficial effect on visitor numbers and could involve a number of youth groups, schools and other groups and clubs based in the town.
The presentation addressed various issues:
Why do people visit Newton Abbot?
Out of the research conducted by Gill and Ben, it was apparent that the main reason that people visit Newton Abbot is to do their weekly shop.
When people are shopping their eyes are not drawn to anything above shop level; i.e. the amazing architecture that Newton Abbot holds.
The importance of visual gateways into the town.
Gateways are the visual ambassadors of any town as they are the first things that visitors see (and generally remember) when approaching a town.
Images of different approaches into Newton Abbot were shown to members:
• Looking from Asda and St Leonard’s Tower, approaching Newton Abbot
• Approaching Newton Abbot from Kingsteignton, via the B&Q roundabout
• From the Railway Station into Newton Abbot going up to Queen St.
It was the general opinion that all of these routes into the town did not possess any attractive ‘gateways’ that would create a lasting, attractive visual impression of Newton Abbot.
The general history of Newton Abbot was also referred to and its importance in the past of being a central ‘hub’ utilised for business transacting and networking.
It was reported that things were beginning to improve with the gradual pedestrianisation of Newton Abbot and café culture slowly seeping into Newton Abbot.
Images of various sites around Newton Abbot were shown and the members were asked to guess which building they belonged to; e.g. the roof tiles of the new indoor market, the signage of the Swan public house, the top floor window of the Passmore Edwards building (the library).
The proposal of the two artists was to create a visual stimulus for the town (above shop height), which would reflect the theme of Newton Abbot’s history that would create a lasting impression for both locals and visitors alike.
An image site for the proposed gateway was then displayed to members. The proposed site was the side of a building (the side of the ‘Animals in Distress charity shop), which can be viewed when leaving Asda on foot, or by car when driving through Highweek Way into the town.
Visual ideas for the wall were shown to members and included images of small boxes, (creating a 3D effect) encompassing images that were viewed earlier in the presentation – snap shots of pieces of architecture in and around the town, together with a mural, containing the same images, as well as the 3 dimensional box idea, but in light boxes, creating a stunning, illuminated display during darker periods of the day.
The presenters then spoke about the ways to involve the whole community in the process of creating the gateway, through Art groups, youth groups, photography clubs, even through the community plan theme groups.
The issue of funding was then addressed briefly, and a few organisations were mentioned:
Awards for All (Lottery application)
Arts Council
Private Sector funding (sponsors)
Percent for Art (Section 106)
‘Spin-offs’’ to the project were mentioned briefly:
Photography competition
Book of images created by community involvement in the project
Ceramic tiles
Treasure Hunts
It was explained that the project was very much still in its early stages and an in depth business plan would need to be written to plan the process effectively.
The entire process would have to be facilitated and guided through a small project management team.
This project management team would have to tackle projects such as :
Feasibility studies
Research and Development
Funding
Communication with owners of buildings to be utilised
The artists asked if any members of the Council would be interested in being part of the project management group. No offers of assistance were made during the meeting.
The Chairman thanked Gill and Ben for their interesting presentation and then invited members to ask questions.
Many members made very positive comments about the project, together with asking questions.
Questions were asked around the following topics:
• Community involvement
• The structural aspects of the building
• Possibility of same artists brightening up signage of Newton Abbot
• Business plan approach
Ben and Gill answered members’ questions and then raised the issue of making the same presentation to members of Teignbridge District Council to get their views on the project.
Councillor Mrs Fry agreed to contact one of Strategic Managers of TDC on Ben and Gill’s behalf.
The Chairman concluded that the Committee consensus was that of support and would like the artists to gain information regarding costings for the project and then come back to re-present their findings.
The Chairman thanked Gill and Ben for their interesting presentation, whereupon they left the meeting.
288. INTERESTS
Nil
289. BARHAM CUP – FRIDAY 14TH JULY 2008
Mike Croydon was unable to attend the meeting due to illness, so it was agreed to postpone the discussion of this item until the next meeting on 9th January 2008.
290. NEWTON ABBOT & DISTRICT TOWN BAND
The Committee received a progress report submitted by Julie Cleave, Secretary of the Newton Abbot & District Town Band on performances which have been given since the last meeting, planned performances. It was noted that although the Band had full programme this year their performances had been affected by the inclement weather.
She reported that the performance at Remembrance Sunday service was very well received and that it was hoped that the band would be selected to play at the service again in 2008.
The Chairman thanked Julie King on behalf of the Council for their efforts and in particular for their latest performance at the Remembrance Sunday service.
291. SOUTH LONDON CONCERT BAND
The Events Co-ordinator reported that the South London Concert Band had approached the Town Council and offered to perform in Courtenay Park on Saturday 24th May 2008 for a cost of £250.00.
The members felt that this was very expensive for a performance and that it would not be appropriate to perform on a Saturday.
The members stated that they prefer to have performers from the Devon area, such as the Devon Youth Orchestra or suchlike.
The Events Co-ordinator was requested to politely decline the offer of a performance from the South London Concert Band.
292. EVENTS UPDATE
a) SINCE LAST MEETING
` i) CHEESE & ONION FAYRE – 5th SEPTEMBER
The Events Co-ordinator reported on the success of the Cheese and Onion Fayre and parade this year, despite the lack cheese present!
The Events Co-ordinator stressed that it would be fantastic to re-introduce the idea of COGNAC (Cheese, Onion, Garden, Arts & Crafts) for 2008.
ii) TOWN CRIER’S COMPETITION – 8th SEPTEMBER
The Events Co-ordinator reported on the success of the Town Crier’s Competition, which took place on 8th September 2007.
The Chairman commented on the fact that more people appeared to stop and observe the competition, in comparison to previous years.
iii) REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY – 11TH NOVEMBER
The Events Co-ordinator referred briefly to the recent Remembrance Sunday parade and the fantastic number of attendees.
Members made several comments of praise and added that it seemed to attract a bigger audience, year on year.
Flt. Lt. Rick Webb of the ATC requested that a letter be written to him regarding the use of official weapons during the parade to enhance the authenticity of the ceremony.
The Town Clerk was requested by the Chairman to prepare a letter to this effect.
iv) AIR FUSION 2008
Martin Arliss from Platform was invited to speak to update members on the progress of this event for 2008. (Members had been circulated a report containing proposals at the start of the meeting).
Martin Arliss reported that Air Fusion was to be a one day event in 2008, to be held at Forde House, but would like to arrange some other events in the town such as street artists, story tellers, etc, in order to bring the ‘feel’ of the music festival into the centre of the town.
Members raised the question about holding the event in Courtenay Park, but Martin explained that this was not possible since the license for Courtenay Park had been surrendered. The premises license that was currently in possession was for Forde House and would accommodate an audience of 5000.
The Chairman thanked Martin for his address and confirmed that the members at Newton Abbot Town Council were fully supportive of the Air Fusion event.
b) REMAINING EVENTS 2007
• Christmas Lights Switch On – 17th November 2007
The Chairman invited Councillor David Howe to speak on this issue, as the
Co-ordinator of the switch on.
Councillor Howe stated that the switch on was taking place outside of Lloyds Bank, Courtenay Street at 6pm on Saturday 17th November and if any Councillors could offer help during the day leading up to the event, it would be appreciated.
• Victorian Evening
The Events Co-ordinator reported that Asda had kindly sponsored the Victorian Evening for 2007 (to the amount of £500.00) and this has enabled the Events
Co-ordinator to organise a mini penny farthing replica, a chimneysweep and policemen in Victorian clothing, walking around on stilts.
Members were pleased at these additions to the Victorian Evening.
• Mayor’s Carol Service
A reminder was given to members that the carol service was to commence at 7pm, outside of Austins.
c) New Event for 2008
The Events Co-ordinator reported on communications that she had had with Sarah Dumont of Fermoys Garden Centre, Ipplepen regarding the possibility of organising an event around Easter of 2008.
The event would be set in Courtenay Park, under a marquee, and it is hoped that it the event would be around good food, drink, crafts and possibly garden produce.
Some members viewed this idea very positively, while others preferred not to comment.
Members were concerned about the weather around March, but the Events Co-ordinator reassured the members that heaters could be used in the marquee to keep the temperature at a reasonable level.
Concerns were also raised regarding the cost of such an event. Again, the Events Co-ordinator explained that although the marquee would cost in the region of £2195.00, Fermoys would be contributing at least £1000.00 and the plan would be to recoup further funds by charging stall holders in the region of £25.00 per stall.
The event was very much in its early stages and another progress report would be submitted from the Events Co-ordinator at the next meeting in January.
293. CARNIVAL 2007
The Chairman invited Mike Ryan, Chairman of the Carnival Committee, to report on the progress to date for the Carnival for 2008.
The Chairman of the Carnival Committee confirmed that the planning was still in its very early stages, but talks were ongoing with the Recreational Trust in Marsh Road for as possible finishing point for the Carnival in 2008.
He also stated that a further progress report would be available at the next meeting of the Activities Committee in January 2008, as the Carnival Committee were due to meet again on 26th November 2007.
The Events Co-ordinator then spoke briefly about her recent meeting with the Reverend Caroline Eglin (East Street Baptist Church) about an event that is planned for the 13th July 2008, as a finale to Carnival week, similar to that of the annual ‘Songs of Praise’ event, but with a non-religious theme, in Courtenay Park.
The Committee would like to have a jazz band, singers, etc and would like it to be a family event, around the theme of ’picnic in the park’.
Members noted these suggestions and looked forward to hearing more details at the next meeting.
294. CHRISTMAS ILLUMINATIONS 2007
The Chairman invited Councillor David Howe to report on the forthcoming ‘switch on’ of the Christmas lights on Saturday 17th November 2007.
Councillor Howe explained that the timers were being set for the lights to be switched on at 6pm, in the area outside of Lloyds Bank, Courtenay Street, by the winner of the ‘Young Hero’ competition.
295. STRATEGIC WORKING PARTY
The Committee received reports of Strategic Working Party held on 5th September and 18th October respectively (previously circulated); the Committee noted these reports.
296. INCOME & EXPENDITURE
The Committee noted the report showing the Income & Expenditure 1st April 2007 – 31st October 2007. There was a net expenditure to date of £2,363.84p.
Reference was made to a change in the budget heading for band concerts from ‘Misc’. to ‘Band Concerts’. The Committee noted this change.
A budget proposal was made for the amount of £6200.00 for the year 2008/9.
The proposal for seconded – all in favour.
The amount of £6200.00 was to be agreed at the next meeting of the Finance & General Purposes Committee in December 2007.
297. LATE CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk circulated a letter from Teignbridge District Council detailing a stakeholder meeting to be held concerning the Future of Decoy Country Park on Wednesday 28th November, 7pm, at the Devon FA Headquarters, Coach Road, Newton Abbot.
298. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting of this Committee be held on Wednesday 9th January 2008.
…………………………….
Chairman