Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from:-

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting of the Tourism Panel held on 16^th March, 2009.

Agreed:-  That the minutes be approved as a correct record.

There were no issues to raise from the previous minutes.

Steve Lewis, Oak Holdings.

The Panel was informed that, unfortunately due to having to meet visitors from abroad, Stephen Lewis, from Oak Holdings plc, was unable to attend the meeting to speak about developments at the country park and about the YES project.

However, it was hoped that Stephen would be able to attend a future meeting.

The Chairman reported that the first meeting of the joint steering group (Council and Oak Holdings) had taken place.

Joanne Edley, Tourism Manager, reported that a world qualifying tournament was being held at Rotherham Golf Club and that golfers from Rotherham would be taking part.  The Tourism Manager was working with the organisers in conjunction with the Events and Promotions team to encourage more spectators and to assist them to arrange relevant services and facilities for visitors to the golf course.

Joanne Edley, Tourism Manager, on behalf of Stuart Reaney reported on the Chesterfield Canal Festival – Kiveton Park Spring Bank Holiday weekend as follows:-

“The Chesterfield Canal Trust supported by the Inland Waterways Association and the Chesterfield Canal Partnership hosted a festival adjacent to the Chesterfield Canal at Kiveton Park over the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend.

The opening ceremony took place on Saturday, 23^rd May and there were around 60 official guests including the Mayor of Rotherham and a number of parish councillors representing the parishes in Rotherham which were near to the canal.

Over the weekend the weather was perfect and it is estimated that the festival attracted around 10,000 visitors.  This was a very credible performance.

We had a lot of publicity in local papers as well as a spot on Radio Sheffield and there is no doubt that the festival has raised the profile of the canal restoration project throughout the region.

There was the usual collection of trade stalls, exhibitors, children’s entertainment as well as boat trips on the canal and fishing competitions.  The beer tent proved extremely popular.

Because of its success we are now seriously looking at holding another festival on the canal at Worksop in July next year so watch this space!

On behalf of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership, I would like to thank Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council for the help they gave us in the run-up to the event, and in particular I would like to thank Joanne Edley and the Rotherham tourism team for helping to promote the festival and for supporting us by having a promotional stand over the weekend.”

Joanne Edley, Tourism Manager, to report.

Joanne Edley, Tourism Manager, reported that a meeting had taken place to discuss the Council’s partnership with the YTB. 

Also a meeting had taken place with YST regarding the partnership and Service Level Agreement.  The SLA had now been drafted and would be ready to be agreed shortly.

There were no issues raised by the Industry representatives.

The following issues were reported:-

(i)         Councillor Boyes thanked Marie Hayes and the Events and Promotions Team for helping a voluntary group to host a recent large event.

(ii)  Joanne Edley, Tourism Manager, distributed copies of the 10th Rotherham Walking Festival leaflet, which was to be held from 29th June to 5th July, 2009.  7,500 leaflets had been produced;  advertisements had been placed in Walk and in Country Walking Magazines;  press releases had been sent out.  Also 3,000 had been distributed to those on the mailing list.

It was confirmed that Walk No. 19 – RSPB Old Moor to Gypsy Marsh was already fully booked.

To confirm:  Monday, 13^TH July, 2009, at 2.00 p.m. at the Town Hall, Moorgate Street, Rotherham.

Agreed:-  That the next meeting of the Tourism Panel be held on MONDAY, 13^TH JULY, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Town Hall, Moorgate Street, Rotherham.

Please wear sensible footwear and ideal clothing for walking for outside for approx.  30 minutes.

The meeting was followed by a walkabout lead by Alistair Farr, Clifton Park Manager.  The Panel viewed on-going works in the following areas:-

• Garden building and walled garden
• Waterplay area
• Play and amusements area
• bandstand
• Cenotaph and memorial garden
• Rock garden