Agenda item

Report of the Cultural Services Team Manager

The Head of Economic Development presented the report to Members and provided an update on each event.

Proms and Picnic in the Park

It was confirmed that the running cost of the event was under budget and had been very well received.  Also after making contact with the local charities that were in attendance at the event it had been confirmed that £2,637 had been raised.  Members were asked to consider the proposed dates of Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June for the event in 2018.  Members agreed.

Councillor M B Wyatt reported that he had received some good feedback regarding the event and much preferred the positioning of the stage to previous years.  However, he felt that the flowerbeds were very overgrown, needed watering and were full of weeds, he asked for this to be considered in future years.  He had also received comments regarding the stall advertising funeral services as people felt that it was inappropriate.  He concluded that in his opinion, the Miner’s Gala was overplayed and it was advertised as a big event when in reality it was very poor.  Overall he had enjoyed the event.

Members were in agreement that a stall for funeral services was not appropriate for the event ion future.

Councillor M Specht concurred with Councillor M B Wyatt with regards to the Miner’s Gala as it was disappointing.  He commented that the turnout for the Saturday evening was lower than usual and that the title of ‘Proms in the Park’ may have contributed to that as it could be seen as ‘highbrow’. He suggested a more generic title like ‘Music in the Park’ for next year as this could incorporate a mixture of music and encourage a wider attendance.  Members were all in agreement with the suggestion.  The Head of Economic Development reported that it was possible to change the feel of the whole weekend and the scheduling to start the music earlier as there was lots of time to make plans.

Councillor M Specht thanked all of the officers involved in the organisation of the weekend for their hard work as it was once again, a very successful event.

Councillor P Purver felt that the park looked great with the bunting and flag decorations.  She also commented that in her opinion, it would have been better if the Saturday night music started earlier so that younger children could attend.

Councillor M B Wyatt requested that something be put onto the Council’s website asking for feedback on the events as he felt further opinions would be useful.  Officers agreed to look into this further.

Coalville by the Sea

The event was planned for Friday 4 August at Needhams Walk.  It was currently due to be under budget mainly due to sponsorship from a building supplier for the sand.

Christmas lights

Further to a meeting with a Christmas light contractor, three options were presented to the group for 2017.  Officers recommended option three which was the installation of existing decorations and an investment in new complimentary decorations.  If it was agreed, the Head of Economic Development would request that the Coalville Project fund the one off purchase costs for the lights and then Coalville Special Expenses would be required to continue to fund the ongoing costs in the future.

The Chairman was disappointed that the bagatelle lights were no longer suitable to use as they are not that old.  The Head of Economic Development explained that the professionals had assessed them and in their opinion the bagatelle lights did have a short life span and were therefore no longer suitable.

Councillor M B Wyatt moved that option three be the preferred option, it was seconded by Councillor N Clarke.  Members agreed.

Councillor P Purver referred to a leaflet aimed at businesses, seeking sponsorship for the Coalville Colour Run and asked if the same could be done at Christmas time to sponsor a tree and decorations to be placed in the empty shop units.  The Chairman commented that business owners tended to not fund the decorations for their own units so therefore it may not be popular, however he would be happy to ask.

Coalville commemorates

Initial concept designs were provided within the report for comments.  Members were informed that there would be further development of the area in the near future as part of the Coalville Project.

Councillor D Everitt was not pleased with the design sketches as they were not very detailed.

Councillor M Specht suggested box planting in the area so it did not have to be dealt with each year.  The Chairman agreed that they needed to be conscious of maintenance requirements and possible vandalism.  He also did not agree with the initial sketches and felt that the design cut across the clock tower which was not complimentary.

Councillor P Purver no longer supported the idea of a footpath as it did not have anywhere to lead to.  The Chairman felt that the cross itself would make a good mosaic instead of a footpath.

Councillor J Legrys was also disappointed with the sketches.  He commented that another issue with the area was older children on scooters and skateboards, he felt this needed to be considered when designing the area.  He also requested that Ward Members be consulted on the designs as well as local businesses.

The Chairman reported that the Coalville sub Group would be meeting on 13 September and suggested meeting at the clock tower to discuss ideas with officers at the start of the meeting.  Members agreed.

Councillor M B Wyatt reported that he had been in discussion with Hermitage FM regarding installing a chain barrier around the clock tower with signs requesting people to respect the monument.  The Head of Economic Development commented that this would be looked at as part of the bigger scheme for the area.

RESOLVED THAT:

a)         The progress update on 2017/18 events and commemorative mosaic be noted.

b)         Members to convene at 5pm at the Clock Tower prior to the Coalville Sub Group meeting on 13 September to discuss the options for the commemorative mosaic.

RECOMMEND THAT:

c)         The date for the Proms and Picnic in the Park for 2018 confirmed as Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June.

d)         The preferred option for Coalville lights be option three as detailed within the report.