Guildhall Minutes 22nd September 2010
MINUTES OF A MEETING of the GUILDHALL COMMITTEE
held on 22nd SEPTEMBER 2010 at 6.35pm
at the 1912 CENTRE, HARWICH, ESSEX
Present: Councillor S Henderson in the Chair
The Mayor, Councillor S Tyrer
Councillors: P Burke, R Callender and G Calver
Clerk to the Council, Mrs S Anderson
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G01/10 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors L Double and M Gardner.
G02/10 APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIRMAN
RESOLVED: that Councillor G Calver is appointed Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year.
G03/10 DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
None
G04/10 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting held on 15th July 2009 (previously circulated) be approved by the Chairman and signed as a true record.
G05/10 ANNUAL REVIEW OF GUIDHALL HIRE CHARGES
RESOLVED: to maintain charges at existing levels.
G06/10 GUILDHALL FEASIBILITY STUDY
The Committee received a progress report and proposed alterations to the Guildhall. The Committee RESOLVED: that the Clerk contact David Creswell to ascertain the current position and Councillor Callender to request an update from Essex County Council Highways Department.
G07/10 PORTRAIT OF HIGH STEWARD
Members discussed the policy regarding the portrait of the High Steward.
The Committee RESOLVED: to write to Mr Chris Strachan to ask if he would like his portrait, as High Steward, to be placed at the top of the Guildhall stairwell. The Committee agreed for the Clerk to contact Mrs Molly Bleakley regarding the return of her late husband’s portrait.
G08/10 REGALIA
The Committee was advised of the importance of taking “before and after” photographs of the regalia and agreed for the Clerk to arrange it. The Committee discussed the condition of the regalia and agreed to seek an appropriate quotation to have the chain cleaned and restored which will be funded from the Guildhall Budget or, if necessary, request extra
funding from the Finance Committee.
G09/10 VISIT TO WASHINGTON DC
Members were advised by Mr Chris Strachan, High Steward, that he was visiting Washington DC in October and requested permission to take the High Steward badge. The Clerk informed members that the insurance company had confirmed that the regalia was insured on an “all risks basis” therefore loss or damage is covered. The Committee RESOLVED: that
they were happy for badge to accompany him on his visit.
G10/10 USE OF THE GUILDHALL
The Mayor requested use of the Guildhall for forthcoming events; a) St Joseph’s school on 29th September 2010, b) mince pies and mulled wine at Christmas time, c) to invite other Mayors to the Guildhall for tea d) to invite some pupils from Harwich Community Primary School for a tour before Christmas. The Committee was in full agreement with all the
events.
G11/10 BADGE FOR PAST MAYORS
The Mayor had received a request from Councillor Double asking the Committee to consider a badge or ribbon for past Mayors. RESOLVED: that the Clerk to seek costs.
G12/10 CRIME PREVENTION PANEL
Councillor Calver informed members that, prior to the last exhibition held at the Guildhall, the Crime Prevention Panel were reluctant to move the date of their meeting. The Committee RESOLVED: that if this was to happen in the future, the Crime Prevention Panel would be asked to change the date of their meeting.
G13/10 GUILDHALL LEAFLETS
Councillor Henderson informed members that there was no address printed on the back of the Guildhall leaflet only the telephone number. The Committee agreed for an address sticker to be placed onto the leaflet.
G14/10 PORTRAIT OF MR F GOOD (DECEASED)
The Clerk informed members that the portrait of the late Mr Fred Good had been collected by his family.
G15/10 SWEDISH STUDENT VISIT
The Mayor informed members of forthcoming visit of Swedish students to the Guildhall in November 2010, details to be confirmed.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 7.15pm