Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed Dawn Runciman, Town Centre Management Team to her first meeting of the Group.

Agreed:-  That the minutes of the meeting of this Group held on 23^rd September, 2004 be received as a correct record.

(a)                Carols from the Church

Sound Services had visited the church and established that it was possible to erect speakers on columns.  The Company had given a price for the work and the matter was presently being considered.

(b)                Christmas Trees

Marie Hayes explained that the funding for district trees had been from the Grounds Maintenance Contract., based on tendering over the past five years.

A new company had recently won the contract and the price of trees had risen considerably.  It may therefore not be possible to provide the trees next year.

(c)                Parade Route

The meeting discussed several aspects concerning the arrangements for the parade.

These included:-

-                       Police outriders

-                       Timings

-                       Actual Route

-                       Staffing/Marshalls on route

-                       Placement of Cones

-                       Windscreen passes for key personnel

-                       Santa’s role

-                       Barriers for Santa’s Grotto

-                       Street Entertainment

-                       Road Traffic Regulations

The Group was informed that the tender evaluation of three contracts submitted for the installation and erection of lights had been completed.

The contract had been awarded to Blachere UK.

On the proviso that catenaries have been checked, electrical work on the installation of new lights was due to start.

A brochure containing coloured photographs of areas of Rotherham showing the new lighting structures was provided at the meeting.

Discussion took place regarding the arrangements for Hallam FM’s involvement on switch on evening during the countdown and illuminated parade.

The following aspects were referred to:-

-                      Timetable of events

-                      Duration of Parade

-                      Cast of Cinderella/TV personalities

-                      Bands/Music/Games

-                      Late Night Opening

Colin Scott confirmed that Santa’s Grotto was to be sited at 8 Church Street this year.

The position was considered to be good and arrangements would be made for the installation of the Grotto.

Agreed:-  That a suitable press release be issued on the siting of Santa’s Grotto, and that information be placed on the Council web site.

Dawn Runciman reported that several town centre events were presently in the planning stages and had yet to be confirmed.

One event was to have a short parade of reindeers before going into the market on Saturday, 18^th December.

Other events included:-

-                       Outdoor markets

-                       Santa’s Grotto

-                       Christmas Craft Market – 10^th/11^th December

Peter Coulton wished to formally thank all those involved in the work of the Group over the past year, and particularly the hard work towards arrangements for switch on evening.

Agreed:-  That the next meeting of this Group take place on Thursday, 13^th January, 2005 at 2.00 p.m.