New Alresford Town Council

Draft Minutes of the Tourism Committee Meeting

Wednesday 4th November 2009

at 6:30pm in the Station Buffet

 

 

 

Present: Cllrs. Phillips, Cattle, Ellen Simpson (WCC Tourism), Tim Beere (Watercress Line). Minutes Clerk: Mrs.B.Gray

 

 

 

Press/Public: 0

 

103

Apologies Cllr Gentry

 

 

104

Declarations of interest  None

 

 

105

Minutes of the meeting 22nd July 2009 to be brought forward to next meeting 24th March in light of current meeting not being quorate

 

 

 

106

Public Questions No Public in attendance

 

107

Finance

Budget And Expenditure to 30th October 2009

Cllr Phillips outlined expenditure to date which was under forecast for the year

Cllr Cattle to contact Alresford Salads this week re their 2009 sponsorship

Cllr Phillips talked through proposed budget. Telephone increased re Broadband rental.

Resolution: To approve the draft 2010/2011 budget of £10,000 for Tourism prior to ratification by Full Town Council

Proposed: Cllr Phillips Seconded: Cllr Cattle  (Agreed)

 

 

 

JC

 

108

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

109

 

 

 

 

 

110

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projects

Watercress Festival  16th May 2010

Cllr Cattle advised that Watercress Alliance had reduced their contribution by £3,000. ES concerned to hear of this funding shortfall.

Looking for possible additional contribution from The Co-op. Signage responsibility is being returned to the AA due to vandalism of signage at lower level. Parking costs are yet to be decided. Cllr Phillips recommended TB to liaise with JC on parking issues. Hampshire Farmers Market very successful and they will play a prominent role again next year. A large banner to be erected in a field towards Ropley visible from the Alresford By-Pass.

ES advised that WCC is part of main PR launch and PR is to include outlying areas.

ES asked if the event could cover two days. JC advised we could not afford a weekend festival nor do we have the infrastructure as we rely heavily on local associations for stewarding. Burger vans to be limited and located at top of Broad St and the Celebrity Chef and demonstration kitchen to be located at bottom of Broad St. Watercress eating championship is to be held with a view to getting in the Guinness Book of Records. SE continues to investigate the journey of watercress from Alresford to London idea.

 

Hanging Baskets/Bowser

 

RG ordered parts and spares. George Cann to store/work on bowser over the winter. JC advised that a new bowser would require a vehicle to transport it for health & safety reasons which would require two men not one. To get further update from RG next meeting

 

Millennium/Arle Valley Trail Maintenance: 

Letter to go to HCC re possible cut backs and  to approach landowners asking for contributions, quotation already in from P Bridges

JC noted fallen trees check with landowner for clearance JC to check landowner details and letter to be sent

 

WCV Footpath work at Eel House

Work at Eel House completed and Notice Board up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RG

 

 

 

MP/ Clerk

 

JC /Clerk

 

 

111

Literature and Technology

 

111.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

111.2

Millennium/Arle Valley Trail Leaflets: 

Stock held at Town Offices currently at 6,750 enough for the first half of 2010.

Cllr Phillips tabled attached draft ‘Millenium & Arle Valley Trails: Leaflet Design Brief’ asked ES if she would critique and provide copy and visual for next committee meeting in March. TB suggested optimal sheet format would reduce cost. Map copy to be sourced and forwarded to ES.

Cllr Phillips asks all tourism committee members to feed back any comments on the leaflet brief  (attached) so they can be taken into account in the early development stages..

 

 

Alresford Pocket Guide

Clerk to email Cllr Evans for update on this item reference SE/ES/Chamber with regard to the reprint schedule for the Pocket Guide as per action min100.2

Clerk to raise an invoice to Winchester Tourism for £1,000

 

 

 

ES

Clerk

 

All

 

 

 

 

Clerk

 

112

Reports

 

112.1

 

 

112.2

 

 

 

 

 

112.3

 

 

 

 

112.4

Town Trust:

No report/representation

 

Winchester Tourism:

Ellen Simpson tabled and read through her report. (attached)

Eel House promotion: Town Trust liaising with WCC Museums and Heritage department.

Kiosk details tabled visitor numbers increased

WCC Festival promotional DVD tabled – not yet in public domain

 

Chamber of Commerce:

No report/representation

Clerk to request SE nominates representative in his absence

 

Watercress Line:

Tim Beere reported visitor numbers slightly down but revenue increased. Tornado steam locomotive due on 5th and 7th March 2010 at the Spring Steam Gala. The Bittern, the twin sister engine to the Mallard, is making  last departure during this Gala and moving to main line usage out of  London. Thomas the Tank Engine is 65 in 2010. All details on web site

Concerns raised about the parking details on the leaflet for Perins.  Perins manager and Watercress investigating to clarify opening parking times. TB advised have had some issues with visitors being locked in. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clerk

112.5

Rotary Club:

No report/representation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 24th March 2010 at 6.30pm in the Station Buffet

The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.05pm

 

 

Chair Signature__________________________    Date__________________