Minutes:
Phil Rogers, Head of Culture & Leisure gave a presentation in respect of work prepared for the Cultural Services Inspection which had taken place during July, 2006.
The information included a DVD and a verbal report on service development and activities over the last six months in all aspects of Culture and Leisure delivery for all generations.
The information on the DVD drew particular attention to:-
- Catcliffe Glass Cone
- Allotments/Gardening
- Watersports
- Libraries
- Urban and Country Parks
- Rotherham Show
- Kashmere Project
- Park Ranger Service – RosehillPark
- Clifton ParkMuseum – Granary Café
The following figures were given:-
· 80,000 visitors to this year’s Rotherham Show
· 100,000 visitors to Clifton ParkMuseum since its re-opening – now recognised as one of the main tourist attractions in Yorkshire
Other issues reported were:-
- Recent death of Margaret Holland, Librarian for Inclusive Service. Margaret had carried out a great deal of work with ethnic communities.
- Burst water main at Herringthorpe Athletics Track – now restored by Yorkshire Water. Thanks were extended to the Athletics Club for their involvement.
- All swimming pools awarded the National Standard Aquamark for quality of teaching and instruction.
- Park Rangers – Paul Spriggs had received a National award for the best park worker in Britain. He was to travel to Central Park, New York in the Spring to work in partnership with the New York parks department.
- Recent significant article in The Times in recognition of Rotherham parks.
- E-Librarian of the Year – awarded to Askander Akram – who was last year’s winner.
- Swimming Pools – It was hoped to complete all building work on schedule by the Summer of 2008 (Aston, St. Ann’s and Wath), with the exception of the Second Phase of the Maltby Leisure Facilities. The Maltby project will include a Family Health Centre and Contact Centre.
- Pantomime – Peter Pan scheduled for December 2006 – Box office records for last year’s pantomime had been broken for the fifth year in succession and the Pantomime had been extended for a further week. A further 3 year Pantomime Contract was presently being re-negotiated.
- Green Flag Awards - National Benchmark Award won for ThryberghCountry Park. Further submissions for Ulley and RotherValley CountryParks to be made for this year.
- Excellent Summer activities co-ordination involving approximately 20-30 community groups. Action groups had put together a package called “Mega-Active”.
- Clifton Park – a great deal of work was taking place on the Heritage Lottery Fund bid for Clifton Park. A great deal of improvements would then take place if the bid succeeded, some of which included new buildings, re-opening of the walled garden, reinstatement of older features, children’s water play area, and toilets. Work was to involve partnership with RCAT. A National Funding Panel had visited the Park and a decision on the bid would be made on 22nd September, 2006.
- Officers had been asked to attend Birmingham to speak on Performance Management. This had been led by Steve Hallsworth, Business Manager, Leisure & Green Spaces, and Sheffield University.
- Rotherham Show – thanks were extended to everyone involved in the arrangements and success of this year’s show.
- Inspections – Intense inspection had taken place within Culture & Leisure during July, 2006. The result of the inspection which it was felt had been fair, was presently awaited. Members of the Consortium would be invited to attend de-briefing sessions. This is seen as an important area of work in terms of planning cultural facilities for the next thirty years.
- Cultural Centre – A meeting to identify funding streams for a Cultural Centre would be held shortly. A series of meetings had already been held this month with potential developers.
- Town Centre Heritage Lottery Funding – Head of Culture and Leisure to liaise with Civic Society when relevant officers have been consulted.
Other issues raised by members of the Consortium were:-
Lack of commity facilities in Kiveton Park. Ownership issues were debated with respect to some community venues in Kiveton Park and the Head of Culture & Leisure undertook to look into the matter and to liaise with the member concerned.
Poor attendance at Friends AGM. Officers were aware of the importance of Friends Groups and were looking at ways of raising the profile. Funding Bodies may be asked to attend future meetings, as a way of attracting more members.
Need for iconic buildings and quality design for new town centre regeneration. The meeting was assured that User Groups would be formed at an appropriate stage of the planning process, which would include representation from this Consortium.
Concert Hall – It was acknowledged that future designs for an auditorium, must be designed for multi-functional use.
Agreed: That the Head of Culture and Leisure be thanked for an interesting and informative presentation.