Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 2 March

The notes of the meeting held on 2 March 2022 were received by the Group.

The Head of Leisure and Culture provided an update on the Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations to be held in Horsham.

Several events were due to take place including:

·         The official jubilee proclamation by the Chairman of the Council.

·         Unveiling the commemorative flagstone.

·         Raising the official jubilee flag.

·         The beacon lighting ceremony at the front of the Capitol, with rolling road closures as more people attend.

·         Coronation crafts for younger people at Horsham Museum followed by a street party with live performances in the Carfax.

·         Commemorative trees had been planted in Horsham Park and Warnham. 26 parish and neighbourhood councils have accepted commemorative trees too.

It was noted that across the district, HDC would be waiving fees for street parties.

The Director of Place provided the Group with an update on events within Horsham town.

Future events within the town would follow-on from the Year of Culture, focusing on arts and culture, community cohesion, vibrancy and bringing the town to life visually, and mental health and wellbeing.

It was reported that larger events would not be held until the Horsham Business Referendum had concluded, likely in early 2023.

It was noted by the Group that two options would be scoped for delivering future events, either expanding the in-house team or outsourcing events.

The Head of Leisure and Culture provided the Group with a brief update. It was the view of HDC that the leisure contract would return to a pre-covid position in the current financial year.

The Head of Leisure and Culture provided an update on Southwater Country Park.

A consultation would begin, later this year, to form a master plan for the future of Southwater Country Park.

Feedback from the consultation would be used to achieve a balance between leisure and wildlife.

The consultation was due to begin in the summer holidays to capture as many visitor opinions as possible via online questionnaires, online focus groups, and face-to-face within the park.