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V26-1221 : CELEBRATING THE NEW MILLENNIUM

The Chief Executive prefixed this item by defining the role of the Millennium Sub- Committee. The Policy and Resources Committee had ultimate responsibility for the millennium celebrations and would make any major decisions. However, he considered there to be great value in working with a small group of members in considering matters of detail.

The Sub-Committee considered the report of the Director of Community Services which examined the Council's involvement in celebrations for the new millennium. In concluding the Director sought guidance from members on the extent of the Council's involvement, what its objectives might be, and which activities to pursue.

The Sub-Committee discussed the general principles of celebrations in Waveney. Members considered that it was vital that the local community were involved in this process. The celebrations offered an opportunity to benefit and engaged the local people and generate a community spirit. It was suggested that local views should be solicited and used in determining the Council actions. It was also considered important that Waveney participated as a whole, and that the market towns and rural areas were not ignored.

The Director advised that following despatch of this agenda the Lowestoft Journal had been in contact offering to prepare a special 'Pride in Lowestoft' supplement. This would raise the issue of celebrations for the millennium and give people an opportunity to express their wishes.

The Sub-Committee welcomed this and asked that any feature made clear that ideas were being sought for activates and events which the Council would be able to fund. Members did not wish to give the impression that large capital projects would be possible.

It was also suggested that an approach be made to the business community, in particular hoteliers, to ask their opinions on what could be done to celebrate the millennium. The Director had suggested the establishment of focus groups within his report and the business community would be one of various sectors targeted.

Councillor Stewart was keen to see any available funding opportunities pursued as it was not inconceivable, for example, that a £25,000 contribution from Waveney could be matched ten fold. The Director was attending a meeting tomorrow where it would be determined whether the Millennium Commission would be offering funding to help with events. It had already been announced that there would be no further funding for capital projects. Several members were convinced that Waveney would receive national media coverage as Lowestoft would be the first place in the UK to receive the new millennium sunrise. The Director had already received initial enquiries from the local media, who were likely to send a television unit. However, with the world competition of events on that day national media coverage would only be attracted if there was some unique event of considerable interest. With the anticipated budget this would be extremely difficult.

Councillor Devereux asked whether celebrations should centre around a single event in December, or could there be various events during the summer. The Director advised that the general trend appeared to be for spreading activities throughout year which presented more and better opportunities. Councillor Stewart felt efforts should be focused on the ten day period over Christmas when celebrations would be most effective.

The Chief Executive reminded members of the celebratory arrangements for the recent 'European Year'. The Council had indicated a sum of money available to the market towns for celebrations and asked the Town Council what celebrations they wanted. These were then assessed by the Council and grants were given. He could see how a similar scheme could work for the millennium celebrations.

The Chief Executive suggested that a project, such as the Flotilla of Sails, needed to be highlighted as a flagship to give focus and drive to the celebrations, in addition to the other activities and events. This required address at an early stage.

The Sub-Committee felt the current commitment of the Denes area and the Flotilla of Sails could be matched with community events and used to link everything together. The Director reminded members that the Flotilla project was still seeking external funding and there was no guarantee of its success.

From the discussion three clear principles emerged:

(a) The millennium celebrations were for the people and through their involvement a feeling of enthusiasm and community spirit could be generated;

(b) There was the potential for significant commercial value and if the right strategy for the celebrations was devised the business community would get right behind it;

(c) Waveney would be an important part of the UK's celebrations and there was the opportunity to promote the district and increase the awareness and profile of the area.

It was decided that at the next meeting the Sub-Committee would consider the responses of the public and the various focus groups, and then begin to look at and decide on the types of celebrations. It was hoped that clear projects and a strategy would be settled on by the end of this year, allowing 1998 to organise the projects and then running into 1999.

RECOMMENDED

1. That public opinion be sought through the local media, and in particular a supplement within the Lowestoft Journal, on their views of celebrating the new millennium.

2. That focus groups be established including members from local organisations and interested parties to find out their views on celebrations for the new millennium.

The meeting was concluded at 5.15pm.

Chairman

MILLENNIUM SUB-COMMITTEE - 23/9/97

MILLENNIUM SUB-COMMITTEE - 23/9/97

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Volume 26 Minute 1220

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