Tourism Committee Minutes 6 November 2013
Minutes of the Tourism Committee held in the Town Hall, Bideford on Wednesday 6 November 2013 at 6.00 pm
PRESENT:
North Ward:
Councillor D Fulford (Deputy Town Mayor)
Councillor Mrs M P Fulford
South Ward:
Councillor R Wootton
East Ward:
Councillor D Howell (Chairman)
South Ward (Outer):
Councillor A T Powell
Chamber of Commerce: Mrs S Smith
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs H J Blackburn (Town Clerk)
Mr B Duhig – Blue Soup
Mrs F Balfour –Winter Fair Working Group.
012 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mrs R Benney (Tourist Information - Personal).
013 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
None
014 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION
Mr Ben Duhig from Blue Soup spoke about the new marketing strategy his company had produced for Bideford following a brief from Torridge District Council and the Chamber of Commerce. He showed Members the new logo for the Bideford Bay area and spoke about the idea of a Town Centre Manager who could work with external agencies to promote events. He also spoke about the North Devon + website which could be used to promote the town.
015 MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 1 October 2013 were approved and signed as a correct record.
(Vote For: 6, Against: 0)
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Proposed by Councillor Powell, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the Order of Business is changed to take agenda item 7 next.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
016 PUBLICITY VIA EXISTING WEBSITES.
There was a general discussion regarding the best way to promote Bideford including the suggestion for an Events/Town Centre Manager. One Member had heard that an events board for Jubilee Square may be being discussed at another forum, and it was agreed that more information should be found out about this. It was reported that the Bideford Bay Visitors Website is looking very good.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS
Proposed by Councillor Powell, seconded and
RESOLVED: That Standing Orders are suspended in order to allow Mr Duhig and Mrs Balfour to join the discussion.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
Mr Duhig advised the purchase of the visitbideford.com domain name which is available for £10 and he also talked about the Bideford Bay website, and possible further links to the town itself from the website. The idea of a self-employed publicist was suggested and Councillor Powell explained how this had been very successful in Manteo. Mr Duhig advised that employing an agency as and when required could be a cost effective method of promoting the town.
Proposed by Councillor Howell, seconded and
RECOMMENDED: The Tourism Committee revisit how Bideford is promoted as a destination at a future meeting.
(Vote For: 6, Against: 0)
017 BIDEFORD WINTER FAIRS
Councillor Howell updated Members on the Winter Fair plans, at the Pannier Market, during the lead up to Christmas. A press release has been distributed to the local newspapers, the Link, the Buzz and local radio. Councillor Powell offered to post the information to Facebook, and suggested that the new traders should also be advertised, as this would be an additional draw to the Pannier Market.
Themed activities have been organised as follows:
Saturday 30 November
Entertainingly Different will perform their interactive “Traditional Tales Show” for all the family, the Petroc Players, a group of illustrious roving actors will re-live events from the past, and both the Appledore Lady Singers and Pynes School Choir will be performing.
Saturday 7 December
The Signing of the Lease Celebrations will be taking place in the Pannier Market during the morning, and complementary activities will be provided by the Bideford Town Band, Bideford 500 and the Petroc Players.
Saturday 14 December
The theme will be “Christmas Celebration” and the following performers have been booked; Balloonatic, Steve Manning and Captain Coconut.
Saturday 21 December
Entertainingly Different will perform their Special Christmas Show and will be supported by Bideford 500 with Steve Manning and the Petroc Players. Father Christmas will make a special appearance.
The Market Committee have also agreed a special package of charges for “first time” traders in the Market Hall. The charge for a stall on a single Saturday between 30 November and 21 December will be £5, for all four £20 and if all four Saturdays and Tuesdays are booked £30.
A free vintage transport shuttle service has been arranged from the Quay to the Pannier Market. The effect on footfall via this bus service will be monitored. (A bucket will be available for donations which will be given to the Mayor’s Charity).
The Winter Fair Working Group, led by Councillor Howell, was commended on their hard work in putting together such an extensive and interesting programme.
018 St VALENTINES DAY FAIRS
Councillor Howell advised Members that the £5,000 requested for the St Valentine’s Day Fair activity had been ratified at the last Town Council meeting. He has spoken to John Emms of Lathwells who is very keen to get involved, and will speak with other local chefs. Members agreed that the event should showcase food and drink that is available locally. A tea dance was also suggested.
Proposed by Councillor Howell, seconded and
RECOMMENDED: That a further meeting is arranged for early December to talk specifically about the St Valentine’s Day Fair.
(Vote For: 6, Against: 0)
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS
Proposed by Councillor Howell, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the meeting return to Standing Orders.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
019 STREET NAME INTERPRETATION BOARDS
Councillor Howell suggested that boards could be made, similar in style to the Interpretation Boards, but explaining the derivation of the street names. Members felt this was an excellent suggestion, and it was agreed that Councillor Howell would speak with the Conservation Officer, TDC about this.
Proposed by Councillor Powell, seconded and
RESOLVED: That Councillor Howell will pursue the idea of street name interpretation boards and report back to the Tourism Committee.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
The business of the meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the members for their attendance and the meeting concluded at 6.55 pm.
Signature of Town Mayor: …………………………………. Date: ……………………........
Signature of Chairman: …………………………………….. Date: ………………………....
