Any statements and/or petitions from the public under Standing Order 32 will be made or presented at the meeting.
Minutes:
The Chair reported that notice had been received from six members of the public that they each wished to make a statement at the meeting. Statements were made as follows: -
(1) Rosemary Joseph – Abingdon Festival Music Association
Rosemary Joseph made a statement in support of the application for a grant to the Abingdon Festival Music Association. She informed the Committee that the Festival had been launched 10 years ago and was an annual opportunity for young people to make music. There was a warm and friendly atmosphere which attracted people from various backgrounds. She pointed out that there were few opportunities for young people to play as soloists with orchestras and this scheme provided an opportunity to allow up to three performers to play. She explained that the winner would be able to perform in a full concert, which she stated was a wonderful opportunity. The first Concerto class had been in 2005 and had been held again in 2006. She stated that she hoped it would be held again in 2008. She commented that next year, local funding would be required. However the Association was looking for permanent funding given that ajudicators from outside the area were costly.
The Chair thanked Rosemary Joseph for her statement.
(2) Roger Wilkinson – Abingdon Concert Band
MrRoger Wilkinson made a statement in support of the application from the Abingdon Concert Band. He advised the Committee that the Band had played at various local performances in the area and was well supported by local people. He advised that the Band met weekly and would give performances in the local area, such as at fetes, shows, charity events and concerts. He explained that the attendance at these events was indicative of the enjoyment and appreciation that the Band brought to the local community. Mr Wilkinson spoke of the recent joint Proms type event with Abingdon’s Town Band in the Guildhall earlier in October commenting that it had been extremely popular, with a near capacity audience enjoying the well known pieces performed.
Mr Wilkinson explained the composition of the Band advising that players of all ages gave up their time to meet on a weekly basis to rehearse a wide variety of music for the concert venues. He reported that the Band was a registered charity and was therefore self funding, relying heavily on donations from charity events and other fund raising activities. He explained that the Band actively sought new players.
Mr Wilkinson reported that the current grant application was to assist in the funding of a set of new banners for the Band. He explained that the existing banners were over 25 years old and inevitably suffering from wear and tear and in need of replacement. It was planned that the Band’s logo would be incorporated onto the new set of banners, thereby presenting a professional contemporary image. He explained that whilst giving the Band a more vibrant image, the banners would also help promote Abingdon as a centre synonymous with cultural events and assist in recruiting new members from the local community.
Mr Wilkinson reported that grant applications had been submitted to other organisations and he was awaiting feedback on these.
The Chair thanked Roger Wilkinson for his statement.
(3) Mr Ross – Abingdon Performance Arts Group Enterprise
Mr Ross made a statement in support of the application from the Abingdon Performing Arts Group Enterprise (APAGE). He explained that the Group required a grant of £4,000 in order to produce a brochure. It was reported that the Group wished to promote the experience of new art forms. He explained that the brochure would go out to households throughout the Vale. He reported that the Group would hold a festival which over a fortnight period which would include various events. He highlighted that APAGE had not asked for an increase on the grant that it had previously received and that the Group still had funds available from last year due to skillful housekeeping.
The Chair thanked Mr Ross for his statement.
(4) Mr Booker – Dorchester Sailing Club
Mr Booker made a statement in support of the application from the Dorchester Sailing Club. He advised that the Club drew a substantial number of members from the Vale of White Horse. He explained that the Club was seeking the financial support of the Committee in order to enable the building of its clubhouse. He explained that the new clubhouse would allow the Club to provide sailing and other water sports for the disabled; provide more outreach programmes to primary and secondary schools to develop curriculum and after school water sports clubs; encourage more women into the sports and target deprived and under privileged locations and people within the community. He advised the Committee that water sports offered an enjoyable route to personal fitness and fun.
The Chair thanked Mr Booker for his statement.
(5) Steven Godfrey – Compass Café
Mr Godfrey made a statement in support of the application by the Compass Café. He advised that at a recent neighbourhood watch forum chaired by the Police, it had been apparent that local residents overwhelming concern was anti-social behaviour of teenagers. He commented that the Peachcroft Christian Centre had a well motivated team of volunteers keeping the Compass Café running for younger teenagers. He advised that the Café wished to use the grant to employ a part time youth worker to engage with the teenagers in Peachcroft, which he believed would have a significant effect on what was seen locally as an ongoing social problem.
The Chair thanked Mr Godfrey for his statement.
(6) Dr Roger Davidson – North East Abingdon Community Association (NEACA)
Dr Davidson made a statement regarding the application of NEACA. He explained that the Association wished to refurbish its existing facilities and to provide additional space through the construction of a log cabin at a cost of £115,000 for each project. He explained that a grant had been secured subject to a grant being received from the Council.
The Chair thanked Dr Davidson for his statement.