Item 3

AT A MEETING of the SIR GEORGE STAUNTON COUNTRY PARK JOINT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE held at the Sir George Staunton Country Park, Havant on 13 June 2005.

PRESENT :

Hampshire County Council

Councillors E. F. Gale MBE ( Chairman ); Mrs. A Buckley; R.C. McIntosh

Havant Borough Council

Councillor Mrs A.J. Rayner

East Hampshire District Council

Councillor Mrs. D.K. Denston

1. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED:

That, Councillor E. F. Gale be appointed for the ensuing year
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COUNCILLOR E.F. GALE IN THE CHAIR
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2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that, where they believed that they had a personal or

personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they

should, normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest and , having

regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9,10,11 and 12 of the

County Council's code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed. Any declaration to be made at the time of the debate.

3. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2004 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

4. APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED:

That, Councillor R.C. McIntosh be appointed Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year.

5. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

There were none.

6. DEPUTATIONS

There were none.

7. PARK MANAGER'S REPORT

The Committee considered the report of the Park Manager (Item 5 in the Minute Book) outlining work undertaken since January 2005.

The Park Manager reported that the following posts had been filled: Senior Farm Ranger; Education Officer; Marketing Officer. The farm stock levels were steadily increasing, and the animals continued to be a significant attraction at the Park. Work continued on improving the visitor experience on and around the farm and much use was made of volunteer effort in this and other areas of activity and work. The use of volunteers significantly promoted ownership of the Park within the local community of Leigh Park. The Park had applied for a Green Flag award in recognition of its achievements and the results were awaited during July.

The reduced annual membership charges had increased numbers to in excess of 2,000. Members received the benefit of newsletters, loyalty scheme and discounts.

A Business Plan was being prepared which would include the recruitment of a Conference, Functions and Events Officer. In house catering had greatly improved sales during the Easter period.

Feedback from the Heritage Lottery Fund had been very positive and they had requested the inclusion of future plans in the Park's bid for finance.

The clearance of the Leigh Park Nursery site formerly occupied by the Beneficial Foundation had afforded further opportunities for the restoration of the Park. Students from Sparsholt Agricultural College would be able to widen their activities during the development stage of the site.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the report be noted.


(ii) That the development of a fully accessible training and education centre on the Leigh Park Nursery site (formerly occupied by the Beneficial Foundation) be supported in principle.

8. FINAL ACCOUNTS 2004/05

The Committee considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) presenting the final accounts for 2004/05.

The Treasurer outlined the financial principles underlying the funding of the Park and agreed by the County Council, Havant Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council. The Treasurer reminded those present that the level of subsidy, currently £212,000 per annum, had been stable for the past 15 years but the proportion of the Park's operation covered by the subsidy had decreased significantly following successes in generating income streams. The budget for 2005/06 approved previously, would reduce the partners' contribution to a projected 25% of operating costs.

The Final Accounts for 2004/05 showed two large variations from the revised budget presented to the Joint Management Committee in December 2004
(i) £70,000 extra expenditure and (ii) £70,000 additional income. The overall deficit was lower than forecast due to an adjustment from earlier years and the Treasurer advised that the Park's deficit should now be paid off during 2006/07 (earlier than anticipated) and subsequently reserves would need to be re-established.

Visitor figures had risen from 60,000 four years ago to 75,000 in 2004/05. The average visitor income at the Park had been £2.45 per head four years ago and was now in the region of £2.87 per head.

RESOLVED:

That the financial outturn for 2004/05 be approved.

9. LEIGH PARK GARDENS - PROPOSALS FOR RESTORATION

The Committee received the presentation of the Park Manager on proposals for the restoration of Leigh Park Gardens.

The Park Manager outlined work required to complete the restoration of Sir George Staunton's scheme for the Park. The Ornamental Farm provided 60% of the attraction of the Park and it was noted that a recent marketing survey in the south east of England had drawn attention to the increasing popularity of parks and gardens as visitor attractions. The Chairman wished to encourage the wider use of publications including Havant Borough Council's "Helping You". Included in the works would be a cycle network, woodland pasture and plans over the longer term (10 to 15 years) for the construction of a reservoir by Portsmouth Water Company Limited.

10. MINUTES OF THE STAKEHOLDER FORUM

The Committee received the Minutes of the Stakeholder Forum held on
18 April 2005.

11. NOTES OF THE OFFICERS' MANAGEMENT GROUP

The Committee received the notes of the Officers' Management Group held on 2 June 2005.

12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 21 November 2005 at 10.00 a.m. at the Country Park.

4JM670605