New Alresford Town Council

Draft Minutes of the Tourism Committee Meeting

Wednesday 24th March 2010

at 6:30pm in the Station Buffet

 

0310

 

Present: Cllrs. Phillips, Cattle, Gentry, Evans, Ellen Simpson (WCC Tourism), Anna Wilson-Barnes (Watercress Line).

Minutes Clerk: Mrs S Bettridge

 

 

Press/Public: 0

 

113

Apologies None

 

 

114

Declarations of interest  None

 

 

115

115.1

 

 

115.2

 

Minutes of the meeting 4th November 2009

Proposed: Cllr. Phillips          Seconded: Cllr. Cattle           AGREED

 

Minutes of the meeting 22nd July 2009 (carried forward from Nov’09 meeting as not quorate)

Proposed: Cllr. Gentry          Seconded: Cllr. Evans           AGREED

 

 

116

Public Questions No Public in attendance

 

 

117

117.1

Finance

Budget And Expenditure to 28th February 2010

MP explained that there was an expected expenditure on the Millennium Trail for cutting back the overgrowth between Ladywell Lane and the Fulling Mill, but this was rejected at a Full Town Council meeting.  Currently trying to ascertain ownership of land on the South side of this section of the trail along Ladywell Lane.  Clerk to continue investigation and contact landowner accordingly to request they cut back or contribute to the cost.  Maps and documents have been received from HCC highlighting all footpaths which should assist in this investigation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clerk

117.2

2010/2011 Budget

MP talked through proposed budget explaining that the increased expenditure on hanging baskets is for a new water pump for the bowser which was approved in February’s Full Town Council meeting..

 

 

118

118.1

Projects

Watercress Festival  16th May 2010

JC advised that all preparations appear to be going as planned.  Road closures arranged.  Stalls have all been taken up.  Costs for police presence have increase as have road closures.  Programme going to print after Easter, already posters up.  Using church for Music sections if weather poor.  There is to be a petting farm which is very popular at the Hampshire Farmers Market.  Wendy is dealing with the national media, AWB – printed material.

MP interviewed by Hampshire Life

SE reported on the ‘Watercress race’.  He managed to ride on the footplate of the Tornado from Alresford to Alton with watercress and video camera at the beginning of March.  Photos have also been taken.  There is a cyclist in place to carry out the journey from the Watercress farm upto Covent Garden.  Still working on a title but coming together nicely.  Just trying to locate the exact spot of where the market stall used to be situated within Covent Garden market. ES is going to see what media coverage she can rustle up.  Challenge ongoing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SE/ES

118.2

Hanging Baskets/Bowser

Bowser currently with George Cann.

Leaflet drop for hanging baskets carried out today. SE has already received a response

RG has spoken with Ceejay/Warwicks regarding sponsorship and they have pledged their support.  JC to get in touch with Alresford Salads in the near future to request their support

 

 

 

 

JC

118.3

Millennium/Arle Valley Trail Maintenance: 

Awaiting confirmation of land ownership at the section from Fulling Mill to Ladywell Lane.  George Hollingbery has offered to carry out the works on his side of the path.  Clerk to contact owners of property at the bottom of the Dean (with the large gates) to see if they own it and contact the Land Registry office for details. 

All future artwork for the trail boards to have the Chamber of Commerce logo removed.  Currently looking for a volunteer to clean and maintain the Trail Noticeboards.  ES may have someone who might be able to help at a cost.  RG to speak to Andy Hickman.  RG offered to also contact David Goodman’s wife to try and locate the materials for the new Eel House noticeboard ready for installation.

RG reported that at the bottom of Arlebury Park the retaining boarding has been removed and that flooding is occurring further along near Hambone’s grave.  Peter Bridges has been approached but he does not normally carry out this type of work.  Wednesday Conservation Volunteers (WCV) feel that it is not a day’s work.  It was agreed to keep an eye on the condition of both that and the condition of the hedge and possibly  get WCV in at a later date to carry out the works

 

 

 

 

Clerk

 

 

 

ES/RG

119

Literature and Technology

 

119.1

Millennium/Arle Valley Trail Leaflets: 

There are currently 4 boxes in the office and RG has recently delivered 2 boxes so we should be alright for the next few months.

The leaflet is currently being updated.  £2k in budget with contribution from WCC for production.  Designer quotes received from WCC and Tim Beere with a difference only of £30.  Chose to keep it within WCC for continuity between copywriting and production.  MP and RG have had input into the design.

ES showed the latest design.  The committee were not happy with the picture on the front cover.  It was felt that watercress did not have a large link to the Trail.  Fulling Mill was the favourite for the front cover but will mean that the Pocket Guide will have to be amended.  It was requested that we have the Fulling Mill on the Trail leaflet and a view of Broad Street on the front of the Pocket Guide which SE agreed.  ES to go back to the design team to explain.  The new map now shows both trails and the landmarks are linked to the map.

ES asked RG to mark up copy with art/photos and remarked that the leaflet is much more interesting/informative.  Front cover will be developed using a Fulling Mill shot with the background bleeding to solid colour

MP – need to consider when to be printed in May and how many.

AWB asked that we make sure boxes of leaflets are available at the station

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RG/ES

 

MP

119.2

Alresford Pocket Guide

ES showed the meeting the front cover proof.  Picture to be changed from Fulling Mill.  It should be printed in April ready for distribution in the first couple of weeks of May. See Chamber report below for more detail.

Concerns were raised regarding Take One Media (took over Impact).  AWB to provide clerk with contact details for the distributors she uses - Jill Dain @ Brochure Connect so that they could quote for covering an area similar to Impact.  The distribution details will be finalised before requesting NATC approval.

Resolution: To distribute 40,500 Trail leaflets at a cost of approximately £800 prior to ratification by Full Town Council

Proposed: Cllr Phillips           Seconded: Cllr Jeffs              AGREED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AWB/Clerk

120

Reports

 

120.1

 

 

Town Trust:

The Trust has been approached by a group of people known as ‘the King’s Somborne Society’ for a tour of the town on 23rd June.  There will be approximately 30-35 people.  RG asked if it would be possible for the Trust to carry out their initial talk at the Watercress Line Picnic area.  AWB to arrange loan of key.

 

 

 

 

AWB

120.2

Winchester Tourism

MP thanked ES for all her work on the development of the new trails leaflet.

ES reported that the new Pocket Guide lists all business that have won a Hampshire Hospitality Award.

There is a new Visit Winchester guide.  Currently 3 films being edited to help promote the area.  One is a video version of Visit Winchester, a retail film for Christmas and a conferencing film.  The Christmas film has excellent footage of Santa on WL train.  MP asked whether a link can be made available to the Alresford website.  ES has managed to keep publication costs low which might cause difficulties to attach links but will see what she can arrange

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ES

120.3

Chamber of Commerce

The new logo is on the website.  Earlier this year they were unsure if they could afford to print the new Pocket Guide as revenue is down due to lack of advertisers.  However, economies were made and 120k are to be printed.  MP asked that the Chamber provide a breakdown of overall expenses when they invoice the Council for a contribution to the costs.

Thanks to Cradducks for their hard work.

Candidates have to be present for the elections that are taking place at the AGM. 

 

 

120.4

Watercress Line

Fantastic weekend when the Tornado was on the line.  Approximately 5k visitors over the 3 days.  The Thomas event starts on Good Friday.  So far bookings are down but believe the recent bad weather is deterring people from booking too far in advance.  MP informed the room that AWB is leaving and thanked her for all her help during her time at the Watercress Line.

 

 

120.5

Rotary Club:

No report/representation

 

 

121

SE commented on the Music Festival and whether the Tourism Committee should be more aware of it.  MP advised that sponsorship will be forthcoming from NATC subject to the event actually taking place and that Health & Safety procedures are in place.

 

 

 

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 16th June 2010 at 6.30pm in the Station Buffet

The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.10pm

 

 

Chair Signature__________________________    Date__________________