MEETING: Barnard Castle Vision Sub-Group DATE: 26th October 2007

VENUE: Woodleigh TIME: 10.30am

PRESENT:

Deborah Jenkins

Pat Graham

Andrew Walker

Anne Allen

Sue Berresford

Kirsten Francis

Shaun Stuart

APOLOGIES:

None.

Minutes DATE: 26^th October 2007

1. Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes were agreed as a true and accurate record.

2. Matters arising

The meeting due to take place this morning had been cancelled. As it was proving difficult to arrange a meeting, it was decided that a letter, briefly outlining the Vision's proposals, should be sent to the Auction Mart Directors (SS to action).

`Year of Food & Farming' - it was suggested that this could be tied in with local schools and would also add to the Vision's agricultural diversification strand (AA to investigate any Teesdale initiatives).

East Durham & Houghall College - discussions took place regarding the possibilities of a partnership between Houghall College and the Vision in relation to agricultural skills training. DJ to contact the College's Chief Executive.

Thirsk Auction Mart - KF reported that a brand new facility had been built in Thirsk which incorporated agricultural business skills.

2.2 Farming crisis action plan

Butchery services - AA had met with a firm of butchers at Cockfield to discuss the possibilities of training in butchery skills for local people. The outcome was that they would not be able to carry out additional training due to time restraints.

Following discussions it was agreed that ideas needed to be pulled together with hard evidence; in the form of statistics, research and social science. KF suggested that Adrian Sherwood, Rural Development Programme England at O NE might be able to provide some assistance with this. (KF, AA and Adrian to meet). Following this meeting, AA to meet with Diane Spark, UTASS. (AA to prepare a briefing paper). This could then be made available to the consultants.

AA was to meet with Geoff Bosworth later today to discuss the Barnard Castle Town Plan.

BMX Cycle Track - A meeting was to be arranged with associated groups, for 23^rd November (SB/GB to facilitate).

Before submission of the Pathfinder Funding Proposal Case Study by SS and AA, SB was to brief Sue Dawson, WVDC, at a meeting on 8^th November.

Wi-Max - AA had arranged a meeting with Alan Hodgson, DCC (also DJ and AW) for 9^th November. KF to look into regional projects.

Website - It was agreed that a promotional piece should be included in the Teesdale Mercury (7^th November) to publicise the website and encourage people to participate in dialogue. (AA to action).

AA to set up a `crumble café'.

Vision Brochure - SS to email to LSP group, PG to send out with TDC Members' Bulletin.

Washington Post article - DJ suggested that on the back of Diane's article it would be an idea to arrange for her to be interviewed by the Teesdale Mercury (to include a reference to the Vision work). DJ offered to host a supper meeting on 8^th November at No. 28 The Bank to allow members (SB, AA, PG) and invited guests (Diane Spark, Ruth Robson, Charlotte Stowe) the opportunity to meet with Diane and discuss her ideas for the town.

A meeting was to be arranged with businesses from the artisan quarter (max. 20), for 22^nd November, 6.00-8.00pm at Blagraves. SS to organise.

Minutes DATE: 26th October 2007

3. Feedback on meetings/contacts

3.1 Woodleigh - SB reported that the TVHC had given a presentation which was attended by Cllr Ken Robinson, Lead Member, Finance. The proposal was to go before the Executive Committee (TDC) in the near future.

It was agreed that the concept of a Barnard Castle Development Trust be included as an agenda item at the next Board meeting.

3.3 Richardson Hospital site

DJ reported that she was awaiting feedback on her formal expression of interest in the site, to the PCT, on behalf of the Vision. AW to contact John Topliss for feedback on the outcome of his communications with Ian Rooney of the County Durham PCT.

4. Business Case

AW reported that the Business Case had now been signed off by David Robson and would go before

the Hot Panel on 13^th/14^th November. AW and AA were congratulated on their efforts.

5. Tenders

The Tenders had been sent out on Monday 22^nd November.

AA to prepare a draft Traffic Study brief and forward to AW.

6. Any other business

6.1 AA reported that the Briefing Paper - Phase1 Implementation 2007/08 had been circulated today.

6.2 Beacon Project - DJ had met with Tom Wakeford, Director of Community Engagement at Durham and Newcastle Universities to discuss rural community engagement. It was agreed that he should be invited to attend the Leadership Forum event on 30^th November.

6.3 `Towns that welcome walkers' initiative - DJ reported on this new initiative which had, so far, only been adopted by the town of Hebdon Bridge. SB informed members that Teesdale Marketing were involved with taking this initiative forward for Barnard Castle.

6.4 Future of the Vision - following discussions on the future of the Vision and the way forward, it was suggested that a `development day' be arranged in December (possibly 17^th - Board meeting). AA suggested that the Business Case for next year would need to be considered soon.

The Options Appraisal and model for delivery would be discussed at the next Sub Group meeting in preparation for further discussion at the next Board meeting.

6.5 The Bridge proposal - DJ had met on site with Bill Oldfield. It was agreed that this proposal could be a possible Vision project if marketed correctly and subject to the approval of the Area Tourism Partnership. Some background research had already been carried out with any further research to be done through Site Appraisals. It was agreed that this site could be included in the Sites Appraisal Report as one of the three unidentified sites to be disclosed.

6.6 Business Cards - AA presented the draft business cards for agreement. It was recommended that the colours used should conform to branding guidelines to present consistency with other groups.

AA to investigate options and produce a final version, subject to amendments.

Minutes DATE: 26th October 2007

Actions:

investigate regional projects - (KF)

set up `crumble café' (AA)

arrange Diane's interview for the Teesdale Mercury

The next meeting will be held on Friday 9^th November 2007, 9.30am at `Woodleigh'.

Meeting ended: 12.25pm GMB - 26.10.07

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MINUTES