1.

APOLOGIES:

June Parkinson, Hampshire Gardens Trust

John Tickle, Head of Countryside Service, HCC.

Bevis Ingram, Assistant County Treasurer

Cllr John Waddington, HCC

Christine Dier, Tourism Officer, HBC

Greg Leonard, Rowlands Castle Parish Council

Cllr Virginia Steele, HCC

Mrs Joy Okwuadigbo, Havant Borough Council

2.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 24^TH OCTOBER 2003

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24^th October 2003 were agreed as a correct record with the addition of the following and signed by the Chairman.

1. The Landholding Map of the Park would be sent out to members by the Park Manager with the minutes to this meeting.

2. The spring visit of the Forum to the Park had been delayed. Members would receive an invitation to the formal opening to be held on a Friday evening during June.

3.

PARK MANAGER'S UPDATE

The Forum considered the report of the Park Manager (Item 3 in the Minute Book).

The Park Manager reported on previous year visitor trends and volunteer hours given to the Park. Despite the disruption from the restoration works trends remained fairly positive.

An update on the current position as regards the restoration works was given. Details of the final phase of this lottery bid were in the process of being developed and would consider issues within Leigh Park Gardens including pathways, benches, bins, public conveniences, and restoration of historic planting.

An update on other areas of the Park was given, including the news of the potting of this years Amazon Lily in the Lily Pond and the successful application to become part of the Woodland Grant Scheme.

A reduction in annual membership rates had been well received by the local community and visitors in general, with memberships increasing in excess of 50%.

The Park Manager reported on the successful introduction of the new Education Pack for Sir George Staunton Country Park. Initial bookings from schools and groups were favourable.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

4.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Mike Walls from Hampshire County Council gave a verbal report to the group.

The end of year figures will be completed and presented at the next meeting of the Joint Management Committee.

The Park had remained within the revised forecast for expenditure, and indeed had made additional savings in some areas.

Income was down by £15,000 due mainly to reduced visitors as well as offering 2 for 1 entrance prices and free taster days. This was seen as vital in order to keep the public interest in the Park whilst building works continued and there was a lack of facilities on offer. This approach it is felt would benefit the Park during the current year with more return visits.

The income for the shop remained the same, as secondary spend levels by visitors to the Park were maintained.

With the reopening of the catering facilities the Park would once again have a vital income stream.

Cllr Clegg informed the group that East Hampshire District Council Area South Committee had contributed £1900 to the Park, which would be included within the current financial year budget.

RESOLVED:

That this verbal update be noted.

5.

NEW MEMBERS TO STAKEHOLDER FORUM

The Park Manager informed the group that suggestions for new members had been put forward, these being: an educational representative (possibly a Head Teacher from a local school), volunteer groups and the Parks fishing club. This was welcomed by the group and the Park Manager would now progress.

RESOLVED: That the Park Manager would compile a list of possible new members to be presented at the next Joint Management Committee.

6.

MINUTES OF JMC

These minutes were noted.

7.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The future of the Beneficial Foundation at Sir George Staunton Country Park was raised. Terry Hart reported to the group that the buildings had fallen into disrepair and had become a risk, therefore had been vacated. They would soon be demolished. The Beneficial Foundation students were now being transported daily to Abbey Nurseries at Titchfield. Havant Day Services facilities were now being accommodated within Sir George Staunton Country Park.

The Beneficial Foundation had surrendered their licence and as such the land had reverted to Hampshire County Council. The future of the site was still to be decided, but it was likely that its general usage would remain similar with possibly more links to other educational providers being considered.

Andy Neve reported to the group that Portsmouth Water were submitting a 25 year water supply plan for the area to the Environment Agency. This plan would consider the possible reservoir scheme to the West of Sir George Staunton Country Park. Mr. Neve was not in a position to discuss the plans in greater detail prior to their being published, however he welcomed the opportunity to give a more detailed presentation at the next Stakeholder Forum meeting on Friday 5 November 2004.

Cllr Clegg updated the group on the support for Rowlands Castle joining the National Park.

The question of publicity support for the Park following completion of the current phase of restoration was raised- suggestions put forward included, East Hants Partners Magazine, Meon Valley News, and liasing with Chichester Harbour Conservancy. Cllr. Gale had written to the BBC Countryside programme with a view to them featuring the Park.

RESOLVED:

These suggestions be considered.