Archived decisions

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 2006.

PRESENT :

Hampshire County Council

p Councillor E.F. Gale, MBE ( Chairman )

p Councillor Mrs. A. Buckley

p Councillor I.F.A. Beagley

a Councillor Mrs. A. Edwards

p Councillor P.R. McIntosh

East Hampshire District Council

p Councillor Mrs. D. K. Denston

Havant Borough Council

p Councillor K. Moss

Also in attendance : Councillor Mrs. E. M. Byrom

23 DECLARATION 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

24 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Joint Management Committee ( JMC ) held
on 21 November 2005 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the
Chairman.

Matters arising

It was understood that the Portsmouth Water Company's Havant Thicket
Winter Storage Reservoir would be built in 2016.

25 NOTES OF THE STAKEHOLDER FORUM

The Notes of the Stakeholder Forum were received.

26 PARK MANAGER'S REPORT

The JMC received the report of the Park Manager ( Item 7 in the Minutes
Book ) outlining work undertaken since the last meeting.

The Park Manager reported that it had been a positive year. It had been a
busy winter and spring for the ranger team. Visitor numbers in the Pay Zone

had achieved 80,526 in the year 2005/06 and were targeted at 90,000 for 2006/07. Members were pleased to see that Easter figures had increased by 30% and membership sales were buoyant. .

The levels and quality of stock had been improved, and the breeding programme continued successfully.

Successful marketing and publicity had been achieved using Ocean FM and The News, Portsmouth. This was attributed to the appointment of a Marketing Officer. There had been 800 new memberships taken out over Easter 2006. There had been 4,000 education visits during the last year. It was felt that conference business would be increased by ` word of mouth ` rather than paid advertising campaigns, and this view was shared by other attractions in the area.

Efforts were in hand to expand the use of Leigh Park Gardens. This would include opportunities for work and community ownership and access to the countryside; horticultural training and retail experience. It was intended to establish more focused and centralised working practices which would benefit all organisations

Consideration would also be given to leasing suitable portable accommodation for Sparsholt College and Havant Day Services to relocate them to facilitate more effective working within the Nursery Site.

Councillor McIntosh suggested de-centralised catering and vending facilities around the site to avoid queues forming. The Park management were investigating storage and staffing within the constraints imposed by the existing listed buildings in which they operated.

Clarification was sought regarding wedding catering at the Park . It was
stated that some catering was undertaken by the Park, especially Bar B-Q Hog
Roasts, whilst silver service was provided by off-site caters.

Attention was drawn to the popularity of ` green weddings ` in venues such as
the Park offered. It was also suggested that consideration be give to growing
bridal flowers by special order.

Resolved :

1 That the report be noted.

2 That proposals for further investigations be carried out into the leasing options for portable classroom accommodation at the former Nursery Site be supported.

27 FINANCIAL OUTTURN 2005/06

The JMC considered the report of the County Treasurer ( Item 8 in the Minute
Book ) reporting the financial outturn for 2005/06.

The Treasurer reported that the budget changes made in November 2005 had
been adheared to and were basically as approved in November. The Park's

Reserves were overdrawn by £16,230. It was anticipated that the Park would

move into surplus in 2007/08.

In answer to a question about the Park's financial position vis a vis similar
establishments, it was explained that as a partnership, the County Park's
methods of operation and objectives differed from other establishments.

Officers were confident that with the increase of charges and the plans for the
future, the Park would build on its potential.

Members requested that their thanks be conveyed to staff of the Country Park

for their achievement and team effort.

Resolved :

That the financial outturn for 2005/06 be approved.

28 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

Tuesday 21 November 2006 at the Sir George Staunton Country Park.

06 Staunton MINUTES June 2006