08 01 2004

A MEETING OF THE GOSPORT/ROYAN TWINNING SUB-BOARD

(INCORPORATING THE TWINNING PANEL)

WAS HELD ON 8 JANUARY 2004

SUB-BOARD

The Mayor (Councillor Mrs Binfield); Chairman of the Policy and Organisation Board (Councillor Cully) (ex-officio); Councillors Allen (P), Carr (P), Carter (P), Edwards (P), Farr (P), Jacobs (P) and Train (P); Honorary Aldermen Flory, Hewitt and Mrs Whitbread (P); and Mr Whitbread (P)

TWINNING PANEL

Mr F Hawkins (Gosport French Circle) (P), Mr G Sampson (Gosport Select Football Club) (P), Mr W Burt (P), Mr K O'Toole (P) and Mr J Purdy (P) (Gosport and Fareham Rugby Football Club), Mr C Colby (P) (Hornet Sailing Club), Mr A Edgar (Gosport Rotary), Mr A Wells (P) (Gosport and District Small Bore Rifle and Pistol Association), Ms S Astbury (Gosport & Fareham Soroptomists), Mr D Collins (Gosport and District Table Tennis Association), Mr N Scruse and Mr A Ramage (Gosport Borough Youth Football Club), Mr L Lee Gosport Cycling Club, Mrs B Coates (Latin American and Ballroom Dancing), and Ms M Allen (Senior Youth Worker)

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies for inability to attend the meeting were submitted on behalf of Councillor Cully and Maria Allen.

2. MINUTES

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Sub-Board held on 10 July 2003 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.

PART II

3. LETTER TO TED BRETT

The Sub-Board noted that a letter had been sent to Mr Brett thanking him for his services to the Twinning Committee and extending him an invitation to remain on the mailing list and take part in the Twinning whenever he wished. The letter also wished him good health for the future.

4. GOSPORT/ROYAN TWINNING DELEGATION

The Secretary advised that originally 20 places had been reserved with British Airways for the flight to Bordeaux. However, the number of confirmed places was too small to be accepted as a group and, therefore, it had been necessary to reconsider the matter.

Flights have now been booked for 7 delegates with Air France at a total cost of £79.80. The Travel Agents have confirmed that they will endeavour to book any additional passengers on this flight although there are no guarantees.

The Secretary also requested further details of those who would be travelling to Royan in May in order that this information could be passed to Annie Chabeneau. This information was required by the end of the month if possible.

In order to increase the number of sporting organisations involved, it was suggested that contact be made with the Dolphin Swimming Club to ascertain whether they would be interested in participating. A contact name for the Clay Pigeon Shooters was also requested as they had expressed an interest.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

5. OFFICIAL GIFT FOR VISIT

Members were informed that the Production Manager at the Defence Munitions Centre had been contacted with a view to obtaining a suitable gift to be presented to the Royannais during the 2004 visit.

A response had been received to the effect that the apprentices had been invited to take on the project to design and manufacture a suitable model/momento that would aid their education and skills and also provide an excellent gift. It was hoped to be able to provide further information by late February/early March. The Sub-Board would be kept informed of progress.

The Secretary advised that if this gift did not materialise she was considering an item of pottery from a local potter.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

6. DATE OF FUTURE MEETINGS

RESOLVED: That the date of the meeting, namely, 4 March 2004 be agreed.

7. TWINNING 2005

The Sub-Board considered a proposal from the Secretary that the Celebration Dinner should be given a new 'lease of life' by providing live music and a change of venue. Whatever was agreed would have to be mindful of the budget available.

A number of suggestions were made as to possible venues; however, it was pointed out that the majority of venues in the Borough were either too small to accommodate the large numbers or too expensive.

With regard to a live band, it was felt that this would only be a viable option if the majority of participants stayed to listen and enjoy the music.

A further suggestion was to change the format of the event in its entirety by possibly holding a welcome lunch rather than an evening dinner.

With regard to funding, Members were of the opinion that were was a European source which could be used for Twinning events and it was agreed that this should be investigated.

Members were generally in agreement that a new venue and a change in music was appropriate and it was, therefore, -

RESOLVED: That –

(i) the Secretary investigate possible venues in the Borough;

(ii) the Rugby Club provide details of live music available;

(iii) funding from a European source be investigated; and

(iv) a report be brought back to the next meeting of the Sub-Board for consideration.

CHAIRMAN