Leisure Services Minutes (Signed) 05-08-2019
Minutes of a Meeting of the Leisure Services Committee
Held on Monday 5th August 2019 at 7.15 pm at the Memorial Hall Newmarket
Attendance:
Councillor J De’Ath (Chairman) Councillor Hulbert
Councillor J Borda Councillor J Lay
Councillor A Drummond
Also Present: Bobby Bennett – TCM, Julie Ashton – Minute Assistant, Cllr Jefferys and 1 Member of the Public.
L/19/08/1 Chairman to read fire safety notice and announce that proceedings may be filmed or recorded
The Chairman opened the meeting and read out the Fire Safety briefing and the announcement that proceedings may be filmed or recorded.
L/19/08/2 Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllrs Cooke, Hirst, Hood and Lindsay.
L/19/08/3 Declaration of members interests & to remind councillors of the need to keep up to date their register of members interest and to consider any requests received for members dispensation.
None noted.
L/19/08/4 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 1st July 2019
Members received the minutes of the Leisure Services Committee meeting held on 1st July 2019 and the following amendment was made:
Page 3 – L/19/07/13 – typo amended to read flower boxes.
Subject to the amendment being made, the following was agreed:
L/19/08/4.01 Resolved
That the minutes of the Leisure Services Committee meeting held on 1st July 2019 be adopted and signed as a true record by the Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee.
There were no matters arising.
L/19/08/5 Puplic participation an invitation to members of the public to put questions/statements of not more than 3 minutes duration. No resolutions can be made but councillors are very happy for matter relating to the town to be brought to their attention.
Cllr Jefferys referred to the minutes of the last meeting regarding item L/19/07/6 – Cricket Facilities and advised that the English and Welsh Cricket Boards had approved the Severals as a suitable site for cricket and that there were no health and safety issues. The Newmarket Cricket Club had regularly played on the Severals and the wicket was still there although it had not been maintained. Every effort should be made to bring cricket back to the heart of Newmarket.
The Chairman agreed and members were advised that the Rugby and Hockey Clubs were in favour of developing a sports hub at the George Lambton Playing Fields to cover a range of sports and this item would be deferred to the next meeting.
Cllr Jefferys left the meeting
L/19/08/6 To review income & expenditure for July 2019
TCM advised that the income and expenditure reports for July 2019 would be circulated following the close down of the end of the month.
L/19/08/7 To review the bookings event staffing and requirements
TCM advised that bookings for August were very slow and that one wedding had been booked for 2020. There were no staffing requirements.
L/19/08/8 West Suffolk play safety report
TCM advised that items identified were all low risk and action had been taken to clear them. The report would be circulated after the meeting. There had been an issue with children climbing up the side of the slide and pictorial signs had been installed. The issue would be monitored.
L/19/08/9 To receive a report on the carnival 2019
TCM advised that the organisers had given feedback and that the numbers attending had been lower than last year which could have been due to the rain. There had been fewer floats and the accounts would be submitted soon.
It was noted that more effort was required to gain support for the Carnival and TCM would invite the BID Board and Discover Newmarket to a meeting to discuss working in partnership and to look at future options.
L/19/08/10 Sun lane
Members were advised that plans had been drawn up to install 6 slim flower boxes and benches in Sun Lane. The installation of wrought iron arches was being discussed with West Suffolk and TCM would contact Suffolk Highways, emergency services and the BID to seek approval.
L/19/08/11 To consider plans for a taste of Christmas 2019
TCM advised that 15 Alpine huts had been booked for the Memorial Gardens for the event on 14th December 2019. The lights and decorations were being looked at and the Events Manager would be asked to enquire about the Walking Nativity activity to be added to the event.
L/19/08/12 To receive an update on twinning
TCM read out a letter of thanks from two Newmarket students who had clearly enjoyed and appreciated all of the activities, hosting and hospitality that had been provided. Members were advised that the Rugby and Hockey clubs were in favour of playing French teams and further enquiries would be made.
L/19/08/13 To receive an update on the tea dance
TCM advised that the numbers attending had dropped over the summer and that it had made a loss of £30.00. The efforts to increase attendance was noted and the following was agreed:
L/19/08/13.01 Resolved
That NTC continue to subsidise the Tea Dance.
L/19/08/14 Correspondence
• Oktoberfest Newmarket – The request to bring the Oktoberfest to Newmarket was welcomed and the following was agreed:
L/19/08/14.01 Resolved
That the request to bring the Oktoberfest to Newmarket be accepted and NTC would explore the provision of an Oom Pah band to support the event
L/19/08/15 To note any items for next meeting
• Carnival 2019
• Sun Lane
• Taste of Christmas
• Oktoberfest
• Programme of Town events for 2020
• Review of hire fees
L/19/08/16 Date of next meeting
Monday 2nd September 2019 in the Memorial Hall
Meeting closed at 8:08pm.
Signed ______________________________ Date _________________________