Minutes:
Premises Licence
It was clarified that the Premises Licence which had now been obtained was a permanent licence.
Christmas Carols
The Chair explained that she had been asked to ensure that Carols are played from the Church yard via a loud speaker system this year.
A lengthy debate ensued covering the following issues:-
- Big Screen
Pilot partnership with BBC – events/music/entertainment - conflict of noise – pilot review period during December
Activities include - count down to Christmas – Pantomime – Involvement with Schools (including the showing of one Nativity)
- Carols
Repetitiveness for businesses in the vicinity
No licensing issue – classed as “incidental” music
Public criticism if Carols are not transmitted
Pre-booked Live Bands and conflict with Carols/Big Screen
- The importance of Carols – encouraging children and families, and links with economy
- Other sites/locations for Carols
- Cost implication if Carols are to be switched on/off to avoid clash with Big Screen
- Suitable times for Carols in considering the needs of Brass Band instrumentalists
The meeting was informed of the views of Jane Sinclair with regard to the use of All Saints’ Church and Health and Safety issues. Jane had given permission for the use of the church yard but understood that speakers could not be attached to the church for health and safety reasons. Jane had requested a letter from RMBC setting out these terms of agreement, which should make the point that it was the Council’s event and not the responsibility of All Saints’ Church.
Similarly, Jane had asked for a letter of confirmation from the Council if the Carols were not to be transmitted.
Agreed:- That Julie Roberts, Town Centre and Markets Manager, be asked to consider a two hour slot per day for Carols to be transmitted in All Saints’ Square during the two week lead-in to Christmas.
Santa’s Grotto
Santa’s Grotto would be sited near Boots Chemist on switch on evening and the following Friday and Saturday.
It would then move to the Outdoor Market.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army band would be playing on switch on evening at the site of Santa’s grotto near Boots.
The Mayor agreed to write to the Lions Club in order to seek their commitment to the Christmas parade.
Representation on Group
The meeting recognised the difficulty for traders attending this meeting during the day and felt it was more appropriate for information regarding the Christmas Carnival to be fed into the meetings of the zone representatives.
Budget 2006/2007
The Deputy Mayor commented on the small budget for Christmas Carnival activities.
The Chair reported that, as a result of a call-in request regarding Minute No. 33 of a meeting of the Cabinet Member, Lifelong Learning, Culture and Leisure held on 9th August, 2006, a Scrutiny Review was presently being carried out into a whole range of issues regarding town centre and borough-wide activities. This would include future provision of district trees, town centre lighting scheme, Health and Safety and maintenance issues, contracting arrangements, and activities. At the conclusion of the review, officers would have a clear view in terms of future work and with regard to the Christmas Carnival budget. In the interim, district Christmas trees would be provided this year.
Town Centre Activities
German Market
The meeting was informed that, due to the lengthy erection process and the fact that the German Markets will only trade for a minimum six weeks period, a German Market would not be held in Rotherham.
However, discussions were taking place with a separate Company into the possibility of a Continental Market next year.
Frostie the Snowman
Frostie will not be in All Saints’ Square this year. However, alternative attractions
were being explored.
Farmers’ Market
Negotiations were presently taking place in an attempt to host this event on a regular basis.
The attraction will be advertised at Christmas and would form part of this year’s festivities.
The Mayor suggested a Victorian Christmas market. It was pointed out that it was planned to capture the Victorian theme within the Craft Market. A number of traders were presently being encouraged to dress in Victorian clothes.
Lantern Parade
A discussion took place regarding ideas for the Lantern Parade and its route into town.
It was reported that with funding from the Town Centre Management budget, it would be possible to do work led by the Community Arts Service. Therefore, from October onwards, a company called Swamp Circus would be visiting targeted schools to do workshops on lantern making and circus skills. It was suggested that any art work undertaken by school children could be filmed and shown on the Big Screen during the festive season.
The meeting discussed suitable sites within the town centre for the Circus to perform.
Storage site for Christmas lights Company
A suitable site to use as storage space had now been identified in the town centre.