1 – Election of Chair

To elect the Chairperson of the Community Engagement, Wellbeing & Events Committee for 2024-25.

The Chairperson asked for nominations for election of the Chairperson of the Community Engagement, Wellbeing & Events Committee for the ensuing year.

Cllr Canham nominated Cllr Thredgle which was seconded.

There were no further nominations and members unanimously resolved to elect Cllr Thredgle as Chairperson of the Community Engagement, Wellbeing & Events Committee for 2024-25.

 

2 – Election of Vice-Chair

To elect the Vice-Chairperson of the Community Engagement, Wellbeing & Events Committee for 2024-25.

The Chairperson asked for nominations for election of the Vice Chairperson of the Community Engagement, Wellbeing & Events Committee for the ensuing year.

 

Cllr Oliver nominated Cllr Howes which was seconded.

 

There were no further nominations and members unanimously resolved to elect Cllr Howes as Vice Chairperson of the Community Engagement, Wellbeing & Events Committee for 2024-25.

 

3 – Apologies for Absence

To receive apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

 

4 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests

To receive disclosure of any pecuniary interests relating to meeting agenda items.

 

There were no disclosures of Pecuniary Interest.

 

5 – Public Participation

 

Community Warden Angela Jarrett advised members that welfare and safeguarding visits being undertaken in Stone currently by the Kent County Council Community Warden Team. Members were also informed that the Community Warden team had been looking at addressing antisocial behaviour and low level crime to assist Kent Police.

 

The recent re-organisation of the Community Warden team has resulted in a reduction of half the wardens in Kent leaving three wardens and a team leader to cover Dartford and Gravesham. Community Warden Angela Jarrett advised members that she had been in post since beginning of June providing feedback to the community safety unit.

 

Cllr Howes raised the issue of Anti-Social Behaviour at St Clements Lakes, which was an ongoing issue and although residents had been encouraged to speak up and report any incidents to the police, there was a perception that when the police had attended, it had not resulted in any action being taken. Community Warden Angela Jarrett advised members that she would look into this and speak with the community safety team and Kent Police.

 

Members thanked Community Warden Angela Jarrett for her attendance and update.

6 – Approval of Minutes

To approve the minutes of the Community Engagement & Events Committee held on Wednesday 11 October 2023.

 

The Minutes of the Community Engagement & Events Committee meeting held on Wednesday 11 October 2023 were approved.

7 – Events

7.1 – To note an updated Events Report for 2024-25

Members were presented with an updated Events Report including planned budgetary spending for each event.

 

The report detailed the current Summer Youth Events that had started, and the Community Engagement Manager confirmed that October’s committee meeting would receive a full rundown of the attendance, cost and feedback of each activity.

 

Members also discussed the planned events for the rest of 2024 including Remembrance, the Christmas Lights Switch-on Event, Christmas Market and Santa’s tractor tour.

Members were informed that there could be some impact on events at Stone Pavilion due to the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan works, but that appropriate amendments would be made to these events once it was confirmed what the impact would be.

 

Members were keen for dates of these events to be advertised as soon as possible to avoid any potential clashes with other local events.

 

Members were also informed of Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism Protection of Premises Bill, expected to become law in 2024 when discussing future calendars of events. The law requires venues to put proportionate steps in place and be better prepared to respond to acts of terrorism. Any events with expected attendances of over 800 will fall in an enhanced tier, whilst events between 100 – 799 will be classified as standard tier.

 

Members thanked the Community Engagement Manager and resolved to note the Events Report for 2024-25.

 

8 – Communications

 

8.1 – To note the latest communications statistics and strategy

Members were presented with a report relating to interactions with council online activity and a strategic plan to develop the council’s communications strategy.

 

The Community Engagement Manager gave further clarification on what was meant in the report by the reach and engagement on the report. ‘Reach’ being how many people had each of the Council’s posts on their social media pages and ‘Engagement’ being how many people reacted to those posts or commented on them. The report confirmed that both reach, and engagement had improved in the last month.

 

It was confirmed that a what’s on directory which showed events and clubs in Stone would be updated to appear on the Council website, social media and noticeboards to ensure that residents were aware of them.

 

The Community Engagement Manager confirmed that a full communication strategy will be presented to the committee in a future meeting for consideration.

 

Members thanked the Community Engagement Manager and resolved to note the Communications, statistics and strategy report.

 

9 – Wellbeing

9.1 – To note a report on strategy and activity to support resident wellbeing

Members were ​presented with a report outlining how the council ​currently supports the well-being of residents. This includes the Seniors of Stone group, Stone Parish Youth Club and the Stone Cycling Group.

 

The Community Engagement Manager confirmed that there are also plans for the return of the Walking Group and potential fitness classes to work towards the Council’s strategic objective of improving the health and well-being of residents.

 

Members were also informed that much of this year will be spent developing networks with local and national organisations to enhance the provision of regular activity once the work at Stone Recreation Ground is completed.

 

Members thanked the Community Engagement Manager and resolved to note the Wellbeing Report.

 

There being no further business, the Chairperson closed the meeting at 20:19.