Looking for information about a council service?
Minutes
Recreation, Leisure, Culture &Arts Committee
3rd July 2000
Minutes of Meeting of Recreation/Leisure, Culture & Arts Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Derry Road, Strabane on Monday, 3rd July, 2000 at 7.30 p.m.
Present – In the Chair:- Councillors C. McHugh/T. Kerrigan Other Members:- Councillors I. Barr, Mrs. A.Bell, A. Bresland, D. Hussey, E. McMenamin, J. McNulty, E. Mullen, J. O’Kane, E. Turner, MBE. Total = 11 In Attendance:- Chief Executive, Chief Recreation Officer, Administrative Officer. Apologies:- Councillors J. Emery, T. McBride, I. Murtagh.
The outgoing Chairperson of the Cultural Committee Meeting, Councillor Barr thanked the Members for their co-operation and support during the past year and wished the incoming Chairperson good wishes for the forthcoming year.
Election of Chairperson
The Chairman of Council, Councillor McHugh took the chair for the election of the Chairperson stating that he was not a candidate for the position.
Councillor Turner proposed seconded by Councillor Bresland that Councillor Kerrigan be appointed. As there were no other nominations, Councillor Kerrigan was duly appointed to the position of Chairperson and took up his position.
He thanked the Chairman for conducting the election and for the confidence shown in him. He said he hoped he would be able to fulfil the role.
Election of Vice-Chairperson
Councillor Bresland proposed seconded by Councillor Hussey that Councillor Emery be appointed to the position of Vice-Chairperson.
Councillor Mrs. Bell proposed seconded by Councillor Barr that Councillor McMenamin be appointed.
The nominations were put to the Members, 3 Members voted in favour of Councillor Emery and 6 Members voted in favour of Councillor McMenamin.
Councillor McMenamin was duly appointed to the position of Vice-Chairman of the Committee.
Councillor McMenmin thanked his proposer and seconder.
Sympathy
The Chairman referred to the tragic death of Joey Dunlop. He said that Joey had been a sportsman for all traditions right across the world and he asked that a letter of deepest sympathy be sent to his wife and family.
Councillor Barr said that Joey Dunlop was a household name throughout the country and a great ambassador for the island. He said he had learned through the media of the great charitable work which he done and said it would be remiss of Council not to acknowledge the death and send a letter of sympathy.
Councillor McHugh said that as a sportsman Joey Dunlop had no equal in his own field and despite success he had remained a very ordinary person.
Councillor Turner said he would like to be associated with the remarks and as one who had suffered in his young life as a result of a motor cycle he was aware of the dangers involved. He said that the death was a tragedy for his family and for the sport.
Councillor Hussey associated himself with the remarks and said that Joey Dunlop was a man of outstanding qualities.
Councillor Bell said that whilst she did not like motorbike racing, she would like to be associated with the expression of sympathy as Joey Dunlop was a household name.
Councillor McMenamin said that the death of Joey Dunlop was a major loss to sport throughout the world.
It was agreed that a Book of Condolence would be opened to allow people throughout the District to express their sympathy and that a letter would be sent to his family.
The Chief Executive said he would make the necessary arrangements with regard to the Book of Condolence.
Chief Recreation Officer’s Report
Mr. Morrison, Chief Recreation Officer presented his report to Members, a copy of which had been previously circulated. He said that the structure and format of the report had been changed slightly which would hopefully make a more effective method of delivery.
Arising out of the report the following items were discussed:-
LEISURE SERVICES
1.2 Sports Facilities Survey
The CRO referred to the survey which had been conducted and said that out of the 109 clubs within the District only 23% had responded. He said that every effort was being made to obtain a reply and the survey would be updated as information was received.
He said that this item would be discussed at a future meeting.
Sports Council for Northern Ireland The CRO informed Members that Professor Eric D. Saunders had assumed the role as Chairman of the Sports Council and he hoped that he would have the opportunity to meet with Council. Councillor Hussey said that he hoped that representatives of the Sports Advisory Committee be afforded the opportunity of meeting with Professor Saunders.
National Lottery The CRO said that under the new strategic changes and Government direction he hoped that the Strabane District would benefit from the Lottery Funds, particularly the areas of deprivation which the Lottery Board now has the powers to direct funding to.
The CRO said that a number of Councillors had made their views known to Government and the Lottery Boards and now these views have been taken on board.
British Orienteering Championship 2001 The CRO said that for the first time the British Orienteering Championship would be held in Baronscourt on 6th and 7th May, 2001 and it is expected to attract 2000 competitors most of whom would be from overseas. He recommended that the Council support the event and said he would liaise with the organisers to ensure that the accommodation, visitor services, advertising and marketing sponsorship and civic involvement is planned and linked into the Council itinerary.
It was agreed on the proposal of Councillor Hussey seconded by Councillor Bresland to adopt the recommendations of the CRO.
Best Value Review The CRO said it was proposed to set up a Review Task Team to examine Leisure Services and Community Centres as part of the Best Value Review as set out in his report. He said that there were two positions for Councillors in addition to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman as ex-officio Members. The CRO said that Councillor Murtagh had been nominated in the past and asked the Council to nominate one other Councillor to serve on the Team.
Councillor Barr proposed seconded by Councillor Turner and agreed that Councillor Kerrigan, Chairman of the Committee should be appointed.
Tyrone Milk Cup Members noted that the launch of the Tyrone Milk Cup would be held in the Council Offices on 5th July and it is anticipated that over 120 guests will attend. The overall cost of the catering would be shared by Sports Development and Courtesy Visits and this was agreed to by Members.
Councillor McNulty proposed seconded by Councillor Mrs. Bell that 2 delegates from the Sports Advisory Committee be invited to attend and the CRO said he would arrange this.
In response to a query, the CRO said that the Milk Cup Team was made up of players from throughout the Tyrone Clubs.
The CRO said that a request had been received from the Milk Cup Organisers seeking permission to erect banners on the perimeter fence of the Council Offices on the days leading up to the Event and this was agreed.
Councillor McHugh referred to the Manchester United Football Coaching being held and referred to the amount being charged in respect of this coaching. Councillor Hussey said that in response to a question from him, the Council had been informed that this coaching was being provided free of charge. The Chief Executive said he would research this through the Minutes and bring it back to Members before the end of the Meeting.
TOURISM
North West Passage The Committee agreed on the proposal of Councillor Bell seconded by Councillor Hussey to pay the annual contribution of £8,000 to the North West Passage for the financial year 2000/2001. The CRO said that this had been provided for in the annual estimates.
Ulster Tourist Development Association The CRO said that the above Association had invited Strabane District Council to enter the Millennium Guesthouse of the Year Award. The award is designed to recognise the importance to the tourist industry of the network of guesthouses all over the Province.
Councillor Turner said that the Council should be careful about the nominations as one of the guesthouses in the area had received funding from various Departments and this would be unfair to the private people.
Following a discussion, it was agreed that the CRO would contact all the Guesthouses in the district and ascertain from them if they would be interested in entering the competition. He said he would then bring the matter back before the Committee.
Co-operation Ireland – Local Authority Linkages Programme The Committee noted that no linkages had yet been set up under the above but that the application had been approved.
Baronscourt Parish Church The Committee agreed to support the Select Vestry of Baronscourt Parish Church in their application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for restoration work on their Grade B listed building.
Shamrocks Hurling Club The Committee agreed on the proposal of Councillor Turner seconded by Councillor Mrs. Bell to grant a sum of £250 to Shamrocks Hurling Club towards the cost of hosting the All Ireland Feile na Gael to be held from 22nd to 25th June, 2000 and which will attract teams from throughout Ireland and England.
CONFERENCES
Clare Tourist Council Conference – 24th – 25th November, 2000 It was agreed that the 4 Councillors on the Sperrin Tourism Partnership together with 2 Officers at the discretion of the Chief Executive should attend the above Conference. The cost for Councillors would be £564 plus registration fee of £135IR and £430 plus registration fee of £135IR for Officers.
Councillors McHugh and McNulty asked to be recorded as abstaining from the vote.
ISRM Conference & Exhibition 21st – 23rd September, 2000 The CRO recommended that 2 Councillors and 1 Officer attend the above Conference to be held in Cardiff. He said that the cost of the Conference would be £720 per Councillor plus Registration Fee of £284 and the cost for an Officer would be £490 plus registration fee of £284.00.
The Committee agreed on the proposal of Councillor Turner seconded by Councillor Hussey with Councillors McHugh, Barr and McNulty abstaining, that Councillors Bresland and Emery together with an Officer at the discretion of the Chief Executive should attend the above Conference.
Councillor Turner said that if the Council wished to take advance of cheap fares then flights would need to be booked early.
COUNTRYSIDE/ACCESS
Bullock Mountain Amenity Area The Council agreed on the proposal of Councillor McHugh seconded by Councillor Bell to enter into a 5 year lease with the landowner to continue the provision of the Bullock Mountain Amenity Area. The District Valuer had negotiated a sum of £300 per annum for the site.
CULTURAL & ARTS
Cinemagic It was agreed on the proposal of Councillor McMenamin seconded by Councillor Mrs. Bell to host a satellite event during the Cinemagic Festival at a cost of £2,000. The event would be held in late November.
Ulster Brass Residency It was agreed on the proposal of Councillor Turner seconded by Councillor Mrs. Bell to host a residency of the Brass Quintet from the Ulster Orchestra in either February or June, 2001 at a cost of £4,000 to be delivered through the Arts programme. The CRO said it would be an additional £1,500 for the production of a CD but alternative sources of funding are currently being identified to meet this cost.
Community Festivals Networking The Committee agreed on the proposal of Councillor Turner seconded by Councillor Hussey to participate in a Community Festivals Networking event to be held in Belturbet on 28th and 29th July. The CRO said that a sum of £725 had been offered by Co-operation Ireland towards the cost of the Council’s participation in the event. Authority was given for the letter of offer from Co-operation Ireland to be signed.
Councillor McMenamin said he felt this was an excellent idea and may well assist the Council in organising its own Festival.
It was agreed that any Councillor wishing to attend should give their names to the Chief Executive or the CRO.
Community Arts Forum It was agreed on the proposal of Councillor McMenamin seconded by Councillor Turner to become Members of the Community Arts Forum and to pay Membership of £50.
Clipper Carlton Exhibition The CRO informed Members that the Clipper Carlton Exhibition due to be launched on the 17th August, 2000 in Grays Museum and the Chairman would be involved in a photocall in relation to the exhibition tomorrow.
Councillor Hussey asked if there had been any response from the radio stations in relation to the exhibition. He said that perhaps George Jones, through his interest in show bands could host his afternoon show from the Museum during the exhibition.
The CRO said he would check this matter out and would endeavour as part of the marketing to encourage the radio stations to come.
History Makers Arts Project The CRO informed Members that The History Makers Project are promoting an arts project for schools which explores a Millennium focus on the Life of Jesus in the 21st century. At this stage Local Authorities are being asked to indicate their commitment to hosting a display of artwork produced by local schools. The Committee agreed that an indication of initial interest in hosting such an exhibition be made. The CRO said he would report back to the Committee on this project at a later stage.
Arts Plan The CRO reported that in accordance with the planning requirements of the Arts Council NI, it proposed that a new arts plan be prepared to provide a framework for the development of art over the period 2000-2003. It was agreed on the proposal of Councillor McMenamin seconded by Councillor McHugh that Consultants be engaged to carry out this work.
The Chief Executive asked that the policy for Museums be included in the brief to the Consultants.
Grant-Aid Applications The Members approved of the following grants:-
Lisa Duffy – Attending All Ireland Dance Championship, Dublin - £50
Mary Farrell – Attending All Ireland Dance Championship, Dublin - £50
Orlaith O’Neill – Attending All Ireland Dance Championship, Dublin - £50
Mary Coulter – Attending All Ireland Dance Championship, Dublin - £50
Vicki McGarrigle – Atttending All Ireland Dance Championship, Dublin - £50
Aghyaran Magazine Group – Publication of Volume of Parish Magazines – The CRO informed Members that the maximum grant available for this was £300. Councillor McHugh proposed seconded by Councillor Bell that the grant of £300 be paid.
In reply to a query from Councillor Hussey it was stated that this publication was the reproduction of 10 volumes of the Parish Magazine. Councillor Barr asked if a profit would be derived from the sale and in response, it was stated that there would be a shortfall of £3,900. The Committee agreed to the payment of the maximum grant of £300.
Mourne Vale Independent Pipe Band – World Championships in Glasgow – The CRO informed Members that the maximum grant available in respect of the above was £1000. In reply to a query it was stated that there were 25 participants in the Band. Following some discussion, it was agreed on the proposal of Councillor Barr seconded by Councillor Turner to grant a sum of £500.
Niall McGarrigle – Participation in Kick Boxing Championship – It was agreed on the recommendation of the CRO to refer this application to the Sports Advisory Committee for consideration.
5.12 Exhibition Programming Policy
The CRO informed Members that his Department had operated an exhibition programming policy in line with other arts galleries/centres but feels that on occasion it may be necessary to inform Council of the nature and types of exhibitions. It was agreed that the Committee would look at all programmes for the Arts Centres/Museums on a quarterly basis and that the Portfolios of the work be produced in advance.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Millennium Festival Community Awards The CRO said that eight applications had been received for consideration under the above programme, 7 of which he recommended for payment as set out in his report.
With regard to the Mary Gray Rural Community Association Womens Group, the CRO agreed to discuss their application with them to see if they could comply with the regulations. The CRO said that the Churchtown Community Assocation and the Killeter Show & Festival Application would quality for additional funding under ABSAG.
The CRO recommended that further applications for grants be invited in September/October time in order to provide festivals around Halloween. This was agreed.
In reply to Councillor McHugh, the CRO stated that all applications were available for inspection by Councillors at any time.
Community Economic Development Programme The Committee agreed on the recommendation of the CRO to contribute a sum of £2,000 to Mourne Derg Community Care towards the cost of conducting an economic appraisal and business plan for a multipurpose centre on the Derg Valley Hospital Site.
Rural Community Network The CRO informed Members that the AGM of the Rural Community Network will take place on 22nd September, 2000 and if Council wished to make a nomination it should be submitted by 7th July, 2000.
The Chief Executive outlined the make-up and role of the Rural Community Network and felt that the Council should make a nomination. It was agreed on the proposal of Councillor McMenamin seconded by Councillor Bell that Councillor Kerrigan the Committee Chairman should be nominated.
Castlederg Gingerbread The Committee agreed on the proposal of Councillor Bell to grant a sum of £200 under the Voluntary Contributions Budget to Castlederg Gingerbread Group.
Melmount Forum The Committee agreed on the proposal of Councillor Mrs. Bell seconded by Councillor McMenamin to grant a sum of £1,000 to Melmount Forum towards the administrative costs involved in establishing a development support programme for the community groups in Carlton Drive, Ballycolman, Calverts and Lisnafin areas.
Omagh Community Church – Visit to India The CRO said that a letter had been received from two voluntary workers from the Strabane area for financial assistance to travel to India as part of a large team of aid workers. The cost per person for the trip is approximately £750 and under the Voluntary Contributions Budget a sum of £50 per person was the maximum that could be granted.
Councillor Bell declared an interest in this application being related to the applicants.
Councillor O’Kane referred to the deprivation and starvation in India and proposed that a sum of £500 be granted to each person.
Councillor Barr said that whilst he was sympathetic towards the application, he could not support a grant being made outside the policy.
Following a discussion, it was agreed that this application be referred to the Corporate Affairs Meeting for further clarification.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Donemana Senior Citizens Club Annual Outing The CRO agreed to re-look at the above application and report back to the Corporate Affairs Committee.
Western Routes Programme 2000-2001
The CRO referred to the recommendation that £4,000 be made available from the Community Relations Department towards the Western Routes civic leadership development programme within Councils in the Western Region. He said that the figure necessary was now £5,000 and it was agreed on the proposal of Councillor Turner seconded by Councillor Bresland to make this sum available.
Manchester United Football Coaching
The CRO referred to the Minute relating to the above which had been researched by the Chief Executive and apologised for having misled the Council by stating that this coaching would be free.
The question was asked who was in fact running this coaching and who would receive the £32 being charged per child for the two days. The CRO stated that the programme was being run by the Strabane Weekly News and the fee would be payable to them.
He agreed to investigate the matter further before the Chairman would take part in the launch of the scheme.
Sculpture at Lifford Road
The CRO informed Members that in order for the sculpture to be placed at the Lifford Road it would be necessary for the Council to lease the land to the Lifford Commission in order to obtain the grant.
Councillor Turner urged caution against entering into a leasing arrangement and said that the matter would need to be looked at more carefully.
The Chief Recreation Officer’s Report was adopted on the proposal of Councillor Turner seconded by Councillor Mrs. Bell, subject to the foregoing.
Strabane Grammar School Cricket Teams
Councillor Bresland stated that the Strabane Grammar School under 15 and under 18 cricket teams had won the Schools All Ireland Cricket Cup and he asked that a presentation in recognition of their achievements be made.
Councillor Hussey said that this was the first time that any school had won both competitions in the same year.
It was agreed that a presentation would be made to the teams in accordance with Council policy.
Adult Centre, Castlederg
Councillor Hussey declared a non-remunerative interest in the following item.
Councillor Hussey said he had been approached by the Staff of the Adult Centre in Castlederg. He said that 4 young adults from the Centre had won the Northern Ireland Special Pool League and had qualified to take part in the World Championships to be held in Bridlington. Councillor Hussey said that 2 members of staff had volunteered to take the Group and he asked what assistance could be given to them for this. He said he had asked the Group to make application for funding.
The CRO agreed to look at the Policy in relation to this and report back to a future Committee Meeting.
Millennium Clocks
Councillor O’Kane referred to the Millennium Clocks and said that in view of the fact that the sponsorship money had been paid to the Council that the clocks be given to the sponsors.
The Chief Executive said that a meeting had been arranged by Councillor O’Kane between the CRO, himself and the 2 sponsors and a cheque for £4,000 had been paid by one of the sponsors. A cheque for £2,000 from the second sponsor was awaited.He said that the best way forward would be to include this as an item for the Corporate Affairs meeting as there was an issue relating to VAT due to the fact that an invoice had been raised. The Chief Executive said that he considered that the clocks were of little value to the Council and he would prepare a report on the matter for the Corporate Affairs meeting.
Hiring Fair Festival
Councillor Barr congratulated all the Council Officials and Staff who had given of their services last week in relation to the Hiring Fair Festival and said it was a great credit to the organisers. He said that the only negative comments he had heard were in relation to the absence of local industry and business in the parade.
Councillor Barr referred to Vendors who had operated at the Fair in particular the person who had operated the bouncy castle and who had charged 80p for a very short time. He said that at any future Fairs the Council should look at the provision of its own bouncy castle.
Councillor Barr also referred to a Vendor who had charged £4 for a helium balloon despite the fact that he was only charging £3 for these in his own premises in Main Street. He said that this type of behaviour should not be tolerated and there should be no Vendors at any future Fairs.
The CRO said that he would be bringing a report on the Hiring Fair to a future Committee Meeting and all the issues raised would be clarified at that time.
The meeting ended at 9.05 p.m.
_________________________________
