Archived decisions
Item 6
Sir George Staunton Country Park
Stakeholder Forum
Unconfirmed Minutes
Of meeting held on17th April 2007 , at 5.30pm
In the Garrett Room, Sir George Staunton Country Park
Present
Hampshire County Council
Cllr E F Gale (Chairman)
Cllr Mrs A Buckley
Cllr Anne Edwards
Cllr R McIntosh
Mr P Thompson
Portsmouth Water Company
Mr I Limb
Horndean Parish Council
Cllr Dr J Sewell
Forestry Commission
Graham Nottage
East Hampshire District Council
Mr S d'Este Hoare
Havant Borough Council
Mr J Crate
Local Member
Cllr Mrs Byrom
Staunton Country Park
Mr L Paterson, Park Manager
Chairman Communications
A letter had been received from Cllr Moss(HBC) outlining his decision to retire as a councillor and his position on the Stakeholder Forum and JMC. The Chairman has responded in writing to thank Cllr Gale for all his efforts whilst on the forum and committee.
1. APOLOGIES
Mrs J Parkinson, PC Z Pragnell, Mr K Golden, Cllr G Leonard, Cllr I Beagley, Cllr Mrs D K Denston, Mrs J Okwuadigbo, Mrs A Farnden, Mr R Bishop, Cllr Mrs M Harvey, Cllr K Moss, Mr T Lee, Mr T Hart
2. MINUTES OF STAKEHOLDER FORUM
The minutes of Stakeholder Forum Meeting held on 19th September 2006 were agreed.
3. UNCONFIRMED MINUTES OF JOINT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The unconfirmed minutes of the joint Management Committee held on 21st November 2006 were noted.
4. PARK MANAGER'S UPDATE
The Manger updated members of the Stakeholder Forum on recent developments at the Park. 2006/07 was the busiest year at Staunton since records began in 1990. 111,029 visitors had entered the pay zone, memberships had exceed targets, and the Park team continued to restore the landscape. Links with the community remain strong.
Visitor pressure had an impact on the spend per head during peak season, particularly in the gift shop and tea rooms, however the overall position recovered following a good winter season. To resolve these issues and maximise income we aim to provide additional satellite catering in the pay zone, and greater separation between the retail and visitor tolls. Car parking is also fast approaching peak time capacity.
Recreation
Restoration and improvements to the Estate continue. Seven Oaks Lawn has now been reseeded where scrub had been cleared. Many of the trails continue to be improved including the Inspirational Surroundings Trail which will be transformed following a successful grant application. Staunton Live! is scheduled for August 5th (Jazz/Classical), 12th (Rock/Popular), 19th (Country), 26th (Tribute). Encounter sessions and holiday activities are being further developed and continue to be popular.
Inspirational Surroundings
The aim is to create, improve and develop children and young people's free local play opportunities through innovative and new approaches to children's play in partnership with Havant Borough Council. We have successfully been awarded a grant of £56,000 this will enable us to install five pieces of play equipment on our 2.2km Inspirational Surroundings Trail.
Heritage
Resubmission of our Lottery Bid to restore the vinery glasshouse, northern farm paddocks, Shell House, Beacon, and create a series of interpretation hubs had been completed by the end of March.
Rangers
Our Ranger team continue to coppice within the woodland. Significant tree work has been undertaken (in house) following last autumns Hazardous Tree Surveys. Ride creation continues along the Avenue and many smaller paths to increase biodiversity. All the by-products from these works have been utilised on the Estate, or sold to visitors (woodchip, fire wood etc).
Education
Education Team continue to develop formal and informal education at Staunton. Key achievements are the introduction of new trails, further development of primary education topics, development of links with local secondary schools, including expanding the school members scheme, and the success of the gifted and talented after schools club.
The re-launched volunteer scheme is now becoming established. The first induction training session for existing volunteers has been held and went well. Volunteer opportunities for adults with learning difficulties are now offered in partnership with Southern Focus Trust, Havant Day Services and Connexions. Unfortunately the Great Copse Conservation Volunteer Group has ceased to operate.
Following his presentation the Park Manager was asked a number of questions by the Forum;
Q. Cllr E F Gale enquired about the cycle hire?
A. The Park Manager answered that cycle hire had been slow to take off but is now being established. Funding has been secured from the Sports Development Coordinator to enable forty of our local junior and secondary schools each to bring fifteen pupils to hire our bikes and complete the cycle route.
Q. Cllr E F Gale asked how are we dealing with the influx of cormorants with regards to fishing?
A. The Park Manager said we had had problems but are looking into applying for a licence to cull. We have recently restocked the lake with fish, so angling was not adversely affected.
Q. Cllr E F Gale enquired as to whether we are advertising Staunton Live?
A. The Park Manager replied that this would form part of our overall advertising campaign, including radio and newspapers, as well as specific event publicity.
Q Cllr Anne Edwards mentioned her recent visit where children were baiting the swan and other children left fishing tackle behind.
A. The Park Manager replied that we had kept fishing prices low to encourage anglers to adopt a community spirit and apply peer pressure. Rangers also check the lake and those fishing regularly in a hope to reduce fairly rare occurrences of anti-social behaviour.
Q. Cllr E F Gale asked The Park Manager what would be happening with the regards to the swan?
A. The Park Manager replied that is was a wild bird and not actually Staunton stock, the swan did seem temperamental at times especially towards other birds at nesting/mating season. The situation is being monitored.
Q Cllr Mrs A Buckley asked if Christmas tree sales went well, and were many bought back for recycling?
A. The Park Manager said they went well and we had a good return on trees for recycling as participants received a free entry ticket to Staunton.
Q. Cllr Mrs A Buckley asked if we were changing the signage?
A. The Park Manager replied that all signage was in the process of being replaced, especially the entrance boards.
Q Cllr Anne Edwards asked what happens when all the car parking spaces are full?
A. The Park Manager said we have our main car park, back car park, the back paddock, storey gardens and if need be the front lawn car park(old car park). The Park team are looking to increase overflow parking in response to demand.
Q. Cllr Dr Sewell asked if Horndean Infants and junior schools were included in the schools membership?
A. The Park Manager said he would look into this and get back to him, although Horndean school do visit regularly.
Q. Cllr E F Gale asked if HCC would be assisting with the financing of the activity hut, in changing it into a catering facility?
A. The Park Manager responded that no further assistance was being given at the moment.
Mr J Crane introduced himself and showed the Forum a promotional leaflet for Havant & Hayling Island that had been produced in which Staunton did not feature, due to budget and the lateness of publication. Staunton would be included next year.
The Stakeholder Forum noted the Park Managers report and the Chairman and members of the Forum congratulated the team at Staunton on positive developments at the Park.
5. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 9th October 2007 at 5:30pm.
6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Mr I Limb of Portsmouth Water Ltd said that the first stage of planning the reservoir had been completed and that the second stage due to beginning. The Chairman of the Stakeholder Forum suggested that Portsmouth Water Ltd may wish to give a presentation to the Joint Management Committee at its next meeting on 12th June 2007. Mr Limb agreed.
Q Cllr Mrs A Buckley asked what the Park was going to do about the fly tipping in Swarraton Rd.
A.Mr Thompson said he was still looking into it.