Issue - meetings

This report asks the Committee to note the new process for event applications, the success of the test pitting event and informs the Committee of forthcoming events for 2019/2020.

The Committee received a report outlining the new process for event applications, the outcome of the successful test pitting event and the forthcoming events for 2019/20.

Members offered the following suggestions/comments:

·                 It was noted that the new schedule of event charges included different scales for community and commercial events, and it was agreed to circulate the new schedule to Members.

·                 Parking concerns were raised in relation to public events (community and commercial) and it was agreed that on the back of the recent investigation into the Beddington Park trial parking scheme that a report would be brought to the January 2020 committee

·                 The need for good public transport links to the park was emphasized alongside the reduction of car usage.

·                 A request was received from the Rotary Club of Cheam & Sutton requesting that the proposed date for the Town and Country Fair in Nonsuch Park be changed as it clashed with their May Fair in Cheam Park. Members were advised that the Town & Country Fair was a commercial event generating much needed income and the organisers would have commenced their planning of the event.    It was agreed to contact Town & Country Fair with the aim of negotiating a mutually acceptable outcome.

·                 It was agreed to distribute the new fitness timetable to Members

·                 In light of the success of the test pitting day, there was enthusiastic intent to repeat the event and involve more people through advertising particularly in the London Borough of Sutton.   The opportunity to display any artefacts discovered in the dig (along with those found in the 1959 dig) in the Bourne Hall Museum or a suitable venue in Sutton to be investigated.

The Committee acknowledged that in order to implement a successful and wide reaching events programme in Nonsuch Park dedicated and committed resources were required along with sufficient funding.  The opportunities and necessary resources should form part of a Business Plan that would include marketing proposals and a holistic approach to community involvement.  It was agreed that a report would be brought to the January committee outlining proposals on how a Business Plan could be achieved.  As part of the exercise it was agreed to investigate the new funding opportunities available through a National Trust/Heritage Lottery Funding scheme.

Having considered the Events report the Committee noted the new process for event applications, the success of the test pitting event and the forthcoming event for 2019/20.