Contact: Louise Pickford - Ext: 7355

1. Summary of Request

1.1. The New Forest County Show is held annually during the last week of July and attracts over 100,000 visitors over the three days. 80% of visitors are from the local area and it is reasonable to assume that the majority of these are Hampshire residents.

1.2. Since the success of this year's show, the show's organisers have been offered the chance to host the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery Gun Display at their 2003 event. The total cost of hosting the troop is £45,000, which includes all tentage, transport, insurances, etc. The troop consists of about eighty men, sixty horses and the ceremonial gun carriages. They would perform twice each day in the main ring and have a static feature to promote the King's Troop role and its duties.

2. Financial Information

2.1. The Society has available £15,000 for the cost of hosting the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and are requesting the County Council to provide the remaining funding of £30,000.

2.2. In April this year the show received a £5,000 grant towards the costs for this year's event.

2.3. In order for the organisers to plan the arrangements, it is recommended that £15,000 be awarded at this meeting from unclaimed awards made over the last few years and a further £15,000 be awarded from the 2003/04 budget.

3. Comments

3.1 The comments of the Tourism Manager in the Recreation and Heritage Department are as follows: .

3.2. "There is no doubt that having the King's Troop Royal Artillery Gun Display at the New Forest County Show is a major coup for the organisers and will attract extra visitors to the show."

RECOMMENDATION:

That a grant of £15,000 this financial year and in 2003/04 be awarded to the New Forest County Show towards the cost of hosting the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excluded:

1. Published works.

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE FILE

Letter from organisation Chief Executive's Department

applying for financial assistance

5dR891202