1 – Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Oliver.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, s 85.
2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests
There were no declarations of pecuniary interests.
Relevant Legislation: Localism Act 2011, s 31.
3 – Public Participation
There were no members of the public present.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act, s 100.
4 – Approval of Minutes
Members resolved to approve the minutes of the Community Engagement & Events Committee held on Wednesday 31 July 2024.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, Sch 12, para 41 (1).
5 – Kent Police
To receive an update from Kent Police
Members were provided with a short written report from PC Calum Andrews which detailed the level of crime in Stone over the last 30 days. Members were also informed about the ‘best bar none’ training that PC Andrews was currently undertaking to help engagement with local licensed premises and assist with the prevention of crimes associated with alcohol and drugs
Members resolved to note PC Andrews’ report.
6 – Kent Community Warden Service
There was no report from the Community Warden service. It was confirmed by Kent County Councillor Penny Cole that there would be no dedicated Community Warden within Stone Parish, following the results of the recent Community Warden survey.
Members resolved to note the update on the Kent Community Warden Service.
7 – Events
To receive an update on Council Events.
7.1 – To review the Summer events for 2024
Members were provided with a report detailing the recent Summer of Fun events. The report detailed a list of all events provided, the income and expenditure of each event, attendance and feedback received by participants.
Members were pleased to see that such a wide variety of events had been provided and that there were a lot of returning and new customers. Members also praised staff on the delivery of the events as the feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive.
Members resolved to note the report on Summer Events 2024.
7.2 – To note the upcoming events for 2024-25
Members were provided with a report detailing the events calendar for the remainder of the financial year. The report outlined how these events align with the council’s strategic and corporate objectives while also ensuring efficient use of the events budget.
It was noted by members that due to the works at the Recreation Ground, the Remembrance Service would likely be held at the Old War Memorial located on Stone Pit One and would therefore be unlikely to include a parade.
Members were informed that 22 stallholders had already signed up for the Christmas Market event and that tickets for the grotto would become available in the next few weeks.It was also noted that additional stops had been added to the Santa Tractor Trail to include the new developments and reach more residents across the Parish.
Members resolved to note the events report for 2024-25.
7.3 – To Consider the draft Calendar of Events for 2025-2026
Members were presented with a proposed list of planned events for 2025-26.
The report outlined the plan for a number of smaller-scale events in place of Stone Fete, which would now be much more difficult to run, with the new legislation in place for large-scale events requiring much more serious security provision.
Members were pleased to see that the usual autumn and winter events were set to return in 2025 and that there would be scope to include a launch event for the Recreation Ground Masterplan opening. Members were also informed that other events that would increase footfall to the new site would be planned, upon completion of the works.
Members were informed that due to the works on the Recreation Ground, it would not be possible to plan a Christmas Lights Switch On event this year. Members discussed a lights switch on at Horns Cross but it was felt that the location would not be suitable to invite members of the public. Instead, officers would enquire with local businesses on Horns Cross as to the viability of providing power to a set of Christmas Lights at the trees on Horns Cross.
Members resolved to approve the draft Calendar of events for 2025-26 as detailed in the report.
8 – Communications
8.1 – To note the latest communications statistics and strategy
Members were presented with a report on Council engagement and updated communications data.
The report outlined the change in engagement on the Council’s digital communications and outlined the communications objectives previously approved by the Committee as the current focus and the level of progress made on these objectives.
The report showed members that the level of digital communication is strong, but focus would now be on other forms of communication to help widen the reach of the Council, whilst maintaining the high level of digital outreach.
Members resolved to note the Communications report.
9 – Wellbeing
9.1 – To note a report on strategy and activity to support resident wellbeing
Members were presented with a report detailing the wellbeing activity planned for the remainder of the financial year and the future plans for developing regular activity to support the wellbeing of the community.
Members discussed the benefits of cycling and walking groups and agreed that these groups may be more successful once the Masterplan works were completed as it would provide a good, centralized meeting point.
It was also confirmed to members that there would be a need for more Council staff presence at the Recreation Ground on weekends, due to the anticipated increase in usage on the site of the various improvements.
Members discussed the continued low attendance of the Stone Parish Youth Club at the Pavilion on Friday evenings. It was felt that specific groups and activities were achieving much better attendance, like sports and music groups. Members were keen to see that youth engagement be one of the focuses for activity around the new Recreation ground site.
Members resolved to note the report on resident wellbeing.
There being no further business, the Chairperson closed the meeting at 20:39.