07 February 2023 – Minutes

THAME TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of a Meeting of the Community, Leisure & Recreation Committee held on 7 February 2023 at 6.30pm in the Upper Chamber, Thame Town Hall.

Present:

Cllrs N Champken-Woods (Chairman), P Cowell (Town Mayor), A Dite (Deputy Mayor), M Dyer, L Emery (Deputy Chairman), K Gregory, C Jones, H Richards, and T Wyse

Officers

M Sturdy, Town Clerk
A Oughton, Operations Manager
B Bennett, Communications & Events Officer

 

1 Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Deacock (personal). Cllr Bretherton was absent without apology.          

 

2 Declarations of Interest and Dispensations

There were no declarations of interest or dispensations.

 

3 Public Participation and Public Questions

Mr. Angus Lachlan spoke on behalf of Thame Town Cricket Club (see item 7).

 

4 Minutes

The Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 25 October 2022 were confirmed as a correct record, and were signed by the Chairman.

Proposed: Cllr Dyer
Seconded: Cllr Cowell
Vote: Unanimous

 

5 Budget Summary

Members received the Budget Summary up to 31 December 2022.

 

6 Reports from Representatives on External Organisations

The reports were noted.

 

7 Thame Town Cricket Club

The report was noted. Mr. Angus Lachlan explained that the new cricket club has been open for over 4 years and is both a successful club venue and well used by community groups. Since last summer, utility costs have spiralled and bills are expected to triple (from c.3k to c.10k) going forward. As a result the club are exploring options to mitigate this, and are looking at installing solar panels. He stated the current planning permission(s) required appear a little ambiguous, but are certainly not a barrier, and that they would be seeking grant funding to help offset some of the overall costs. A visual mock up diagram was shared with the councillors. There were some questions on likely return on any investment, whether the aspects (South West) of the panels would work, and if there were any other options on adjacent land.

Proposed: Cllr Dyer
Seconded: Cllr Jones
Vote: Unanimous

RESOLVED that:

  1. The Town Council agree in principle that, Thame Town Cricket Club proceed with the project to install solar panels on the rear roof of the pavilion subject to any planning permissions being obtained and satisfactory responses to the questions listed in para 5 of the report.

 

8 Street Food Markets

The report was noted.

Proposed: Cllr Emery
Seconded: Cllr Cowell
Vote: Unanimous

RESOLVED that:

  1. The Town Council approve that street food markets be held on Saturday 27 May 2023 (Taste of Thame), Friday 16 June 2023, Friday 21 July 2023, and Friday 18 August 2023, with associated road closures obtained.

 

9 Christmas in Thame

The report was noted. B Bennett, Communications and Events Officer led the meeting through the key aspects of the report. Cllr Emery asked if the booklet was received well, and it was explained that the feedback coming via the information centre was all positive. Cllr Jones raised an issue with what appeared to be some very high charges for food on the night (e.g. for burgers), given it was a family event. The consensus of the meeting was to review our own pricing charge for food stall pitches, while looking at other potential options of food providers for the Christmas event.

Proposed: Cllr Wyse
Seconded: Cllr Emery
Vote: Unanimous

RESOLVED that:

  1. The Town Council agree that the Christmas Lights Switch On event this year will be held on Friday 1 December 2023.

 

10 Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort

The report was noted. M Sturdy, Town Clerk led the meeting though the paper and the survey results. A discussion ensued on the viability of deploying a big screen in the town centre for one or two days over that weekend, noting that there was a special concert planned. The committee favoured the idea of a screen, but requested more information on the costs of the options presented in the paper – and also asked whether security would be required (and available).

Proposed: Cllr Cowell
Seconded: Cllr Emery
Vote: Unanimous

RESOLVED that:

  1. To report back to the full council meeting on Feb 28th with estimated costs for the proposals in the paper (particularly the big screen for 1 and/or 2 separate days).
  2. Review whether security would be required and costs.
  3. Explore sponsorship options (incl. licensed premises).

 

11 Community Youth Centre Working Group

A Oughton, Operations Manager explained that the planning application was going to be submitted next week. Therefore a decision is likely towards the end of April or early May.

 

12 Taste of Thame 2023

The report was noted. The Taste of Thame event will take place on 27 May 2023.

 

13 Thame Green Business Expo Fair

It was noted that Thame’s first Green Business Expo will take place on Thursday 16 March 2023 between 10am and 1pm, in partnership with the District Council. A temporary road closure will be in place along the side of the Town Hall which will be covered under the Town Council’s insurance.

 

14 Thame Events 2023

The dates for the events taking place in Thame in 2023 were noted.

 

15 Maintenance Report

The report was noted. A brief discussion explored on what was proposed for summer and winter planting, and whether there were any sponsorship opportunities. Cllr Dyer added that with the volume of events the town is involved in, having an overall sponsorship plan for events might be a consideration.

 

The meeting concluded at 7.15pm

 

 

Signed ………………………………

Chairman, 4 April 2023