Agenda and minutes

Councillor Smith, Chairman, welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.

Apologies for absence were received from:-

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting of the Tourism Panel held on 1^st June, 2009.

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

There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.

Verbal Update by Marie Hayes, Events and Promotions Service Manager.

Marie Hayes, Events and Promotions Service Manager, Culture and Leisure Services, reported on the recent Customer Service Excellence inspection.

The Service was still awaiting the formal letter which had recommended a pass for Customer Service Excellence.

Reference was made to some partial non-compliances and it was reported that the Service would be drawing up an Action Plan to address these, in readiness for the re-inspection in 12 months time.

Agreed:-  That all staff in Culture and Leisure Services be thanked for their hard work towards the inspection and for providing the evidence.

Verbal report by Joanne Edley, Tourism and Marketing Manager for Culture and Leisure Services.

Joanne Edley, Tourism and Marketing Manager for Culture and Leisure Services, reported on the Walking Festival which had taken place over one week from 29^th June to 5^th July, which had attracted 700 participants.

Consultation questionnaires had been distributed and the replies were still being collated for analysis.  Further questionnaires needed to be collected from Creswell Crags Heritage Centre and RSPB Old Moor both of which had hosted a walk.

It was anticipated that a collection to raise money for the Mayor’s charity would be in the region of £100.

The Festival programme had comprised 37 walks, together with a walk organised by the Friends of Ulley Country Park.

The Visitor Centre had sold tickets for the Boots and Boats events organised by the Chesterfield Canal Partnership.  Unfortunately 2 walks had to be cancelled due to lack of take up. 

Also only one person expressed an interest in the Photographic walk from MAGNA and this event was cancelled.  The interested person was offered free entrance into MAGNA.  Matthew Beck, Chief Executive, MAGNA added that the event would be run again over the summer linked to the Blackburn Meadows Wildlife area and to the Photographic Exhibition at MAGNA.

Reference was also made to the ABLE project, associated activities organised by Children and Young People’s Services, and to future continuing funding.

Reference was made to future funding for the Walking Festival and it was pointed out that once its future had been decided a bid would have to be made to the Council’s Communications Central Pot for October.

Agreed:  (1)  That the good participation level at this year’s Walking Festival be noted

(2)  That the results of the analysis of the consultation responses about the Walking Festival be reported to the next meeting of this Panel.

(3)  That an options paper be presented to a future meeting of this Panel in respect of the future of the Walking Festival.

-           to feed into the Tourism Panel and Communications Group for promotional budgets from April 2010.

Verbal report by Joanne Edley, Tourism and Marketing Manager for Culture and Leisure Services.

Joanne Edley, Tourism and Marketing Manager for Culture and Leisure Services, referred to changes in the national, regional and sub-regional tourism structures which influenced the decision last year regarding the holding of the development of a Visitor Economy Strategy.

It was pointed out that this meant that there was no official Tourism Plan agreed either by the Council or the industry.

It was explained that this document was now needed for October in order to bid into the central pot.

It was suggested that a special meeting of selected members of the Tourism Forum be called in September to provide in put into this document.

Agreed:  That a special meeting of the Tourism Panel be arranged in September to assist in the production of a Visitor Economy Strategy.

Verbal report from Joanne Edley, Tourism and Marketing Manager for Culture and Leisure Services.

Joanne Edley, Tourism and Marketing Manager for Culture and Leisure Services, reported on the meeting of the Tourism Forum which was held on 6^th July at the Tropical Butterfly House, North Anston, which was attended by 25 representatives.

The Forum members were given a tour to showcase the developments at the centre over the past 12-18 months.

Forum Members had been asked to complete a questionnaire about the format of meetings etc. The results indicated that Forum Members considered meeting 3 times a year was sufficient.

It was suggested that a link with the Tropical Butterfly House and St. Quentin be investigated.

The Panel was also informed that CBeebies was also filming at the Butterfly House during week commencing 5^th July.

The following items were reported:-

(i)                 South Yorkshire Transport Museum had moved into the adjoining unit and had therefore doubled its space.  This meant that more space was available now for display.  The exhibits were being re-organised and it was hoped to have an opening ceremony in October.

The Council’s support, and that of the people of Rotherham, for the Museum was acknowledged.

(ii)               Invitation from Riesa

Joanne Edley, reported that an invitation had been received from Riesa to go to an event 24^th to 28^th September.  Options to staff and fund a tourism and leisure related exhibition stand were being put forward and discussion was taking place with the International Links Officer.  In put from staff at Yorkshire South Tourism was also being invited.

Reference was made to forthcoming events in association with the Rotherham Schools Music Service at Rotherham Minster, at Wombwell and at Hellaby.

(iii)             Events at MAGNA

Matthew Beck added that Rat Race was being filmed by Channel 4 at MAGNA.  This was an event which involved extreme running.  The event would also link to Rother Valley Country Park (where it was noted that the train tracks were being laid).

(iv)              Dearne Valley College

Julie Williamson reported that in response to the industry and sector skills  council requirements the College had now developed a Foundation Degree in Travel and Tourism, which can be accessed on a part time or on a single  modular basis by industry employees.

(v)                Big Screen Events

Reference was made to:  La Traviata – which had attracted an audience of 300 people

15^th July – Barber of Saville

-          to consider:-

MONDAY, 14^th SEPTEMBER, 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, 14^th September, 2009 ay 2.00 p.m. at the Town Hall, Rotherham.