Minutes of the Tourism Committee Meeting held in the Town Hall, Bideford on Tuesday 26th March 2019 at 6.00 pm
PRESENT:
East Ward:
Councillor Mrs J Gubb
Councillor Mrs R Craigie
South Ward (Outer):
Councillor D Howell (Chairman)
Atlantic Village TIC Mrs R Benney
IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs H Blackburn – Town Clerk
083. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Councillor D Bushby (Town Mayor, North Ward – Mayoral Engagement).
Councillor McKenzie (East Ward – Personal).
084. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
There were no declarations of interest.
085. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION
No Members of the public were present at the meeting.
086. MINUTES
Proposed by Councillor Mrs Gubb and seconded by Councillor Mrs Craigie, the minutes of the meeting held on 29th January 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record.
(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0)
087. UPDATE ON COMMENTS FROM THE YOUTUBE PILOT
The Clerk advised that the Office Administrator had put the promotional video on Facebook and YouTube. It had received 6 hits on YouTube and 147 on Facebook. The Facebook comments had not been very positive and criticism was directed at the backing music and the fact that the pictures had no captions to put them into context. Members agreed that the fact that the video was being seen proved its value and that the comments would be taken on board for an improved future version. Members discussed inviting Members of the public to send in video clips / photographs from events that they had attended in Bideford for inclusion in future compilations. A request could be posted on the website.
088. BIDEFORD FAIR 2019 UPDATE.
Councillor Mrs Gubb advised that she is still waiting for some of the booking forms to be returned. She has sent out reminders, and is following up opportunities. Some groups have been unavailable due to other events. Councillor Mrs Gubb advised that she is basing this year’s event on the blueprint from last year.
The Chairman advised that he has met with The Community Champion from ASDA and has submitted an application for £500 to support Bideford Fair. Once this is confirmed, there will be more funding to put towards the event. The Chairman should hear the outcome shortly.
089. BIDEFORD HERITAGE THEATRE UPDATE.
The Chairman advised that he has met with Up-Close Theatre who are thrilled with the Town Hall as a venue for the re-enactment of the witches trial. They are looking at generating a script and sourcing costumes. Due to current commitments, this will be scheduled for early next year.
090. FOOD AND DRINK EVENT.
Councillor Mrs Craigie suggested that this could be part of the remit for the Market Development Officer who is soon to be employed on a part time basis at the Pannier Market. Members concurred with this idea and agreed to support this event as it develops.
091. UPDATE ON THE COLONIES 2020 EVENT.
The Chairman advised that he had met with the Rotary Club President, who was very keen to be part of a larger event. They are at the point of committing to working with the Town Council on this. Bideford 500 will also support this event. Once the new Tourism committee is elected in May, talks with the Rotary Club will be initiated.
092. UPDATE ON THE DECORATIVE ARTWORK IN COOPER STREET
The Town Clerk reported that detailed information regarding the installation of the structures had been submitted to Devon County Council as part of the licence requirement. She is awaiting further information on the site safety visit that is required. She hopes that following this visit the licence will be granted.
The first piece of artwork has been completed and Torridge District Council have given permission for this to be installed on 1 Queen St. once the Devon County Council licence has been received.
093. UPDATE ON THE HANGING BASKETS SCHEME
The Town Clerk reported that the required owner permissions from the properties in Mill Street and Allhalland Street had now been gathered by Councillor Bushby. The Town Clerk had submitted a licence application to Devon County Council and was waiting to hear back.
094. DATE FOR THE BIG CLEAN 2019
The Chairman thanked Councillors Mrs Craigie and Gubb for their work during the Clean up event held at East-the-Water recently. Councillor Mrs Craigie advised that she was preparing to enter this area into Britain in Bloom and part of the criteria was a litter free environment. It was agreed that the clean up would focus on the town centre and a location in East-the-Water.
Members discussed possible dates for the Big Clean 2019.
Proposed by Councillor Mrs Craigie, seconded by Councillor Mrs Gubb and
RECOMMENDED: That a provisional date of either 15 or 22 June 2019 is agreed.
(Vote For: 4, Against: 0)
This item will be placed on the agenda for confirmation at the next meeting.
095. DATE OF NEXT MEETING 2019
Proposed by Councillor Howell, seconded and
RECOMMENDED: That the meeting scheduled for 23 April 2019 is not held due to its proximity to the Elections.
(Vote For: 4, Against: 0)
The date currently scheduled for the next meeting is Tuesday 4 June 2019.
The business of the meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the members for their attendance and the meeting concluded at 6.40 pm.