Agenda and minutes

Members are reminded that at the start of the meeting they should declare any known interests in any matter to be considered, and also during the meeting if it becomes apparent that they have an interest in the matters being discussed.

The Chair reminded Members of the need to declare any known interests in any matters to be considered at the meeting.  No declarations were made.

See explanatory note below.  Please phone the Committee Officer whose name and number appears at the top of this agenda if you need further guidance.

No public questions were received during the meeting.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd December 2009.

            Resolved – That, subject to the inclusion of Nazma Ramruttun’s name in the apologies list, the minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2009 be confirmed as a correct record.

            The Network received a report outlining the level of funds currently available for Town Twinning grants and information as to how these funds were established, as requested at the last meeting of the Network.

            The fund was established in 2001 as a result of the surplus from the Civic Twinning budget being put into a separate reserve account to be used for small grants to support Town Twinning activities, as agreed by the Cabinet.  However, due to budget pressures, the Civic Twinning budget had been reduced in 2006/07 and there was therefore little or no surplus being added to the reserve fund, which currently stands at £4250.  The Council does not allocate any monies to this fund, therefore the reserve would decline with every Town Twinning grant awarded or any overspend on the cost of official Civic Twinning activities.

            Some discussion took place regarding the way forward for promoting Town Twinning activities and future possible sources of funding, external to the Council.  It was agreed that Bruce Clarke, David Martin and Andy Lane would meet to discuss these issues and would bring a report to the next meeting of the Network outlining options available, including the possibility of the Network becoming a voluntary sector organisation, therefore in a better position to apply for external funding.

            Resolved – (1) That members of the Network note the contents of the report.

(2) That Bruce Clarke, David Martin and Andy Lane bring a report to the next meeting outlining the options available to the Network on the way forward for the Town Twinning Network in order to promote Twinning activities effectively and to be able to access external sources of funding.

The Network considered (a) a report of the Director of Law and Democratic Services listing the Town Twinning Associations and Links in and around Swindon and (b) the following verbal reports from the Town Twinning Associations and Links:

Torun and Swindon Twinning Enterprise

Councillor Stan Pajak reported that a trip had been organised from 5^th – 9^th June.  The cost was £110 plus the cost of the flight from Bristol.  The trip coincided with the Torun marathan and with Children’s Day and the press would also be participating in the trip.

Swindon Salzgitter Twinning Association

John Hamilton reported that the bi-annual visit to Salzgitter would take place from 2 – 9^th June to celebrate the 35^th anniversary.  There would also be a social and business meeting held on 11^th March.

SwindonOcotal Link

Bruce Clarke reported that their fundraising target this year was to raise an additional £2500 so it would be a busy year in terms of fundraising.  A quiz night would be held on 26^th March at a cost of £8 per person at Even Community Centre.  Work was ongoing with the Rotary Club in Swindon on a project yet to be identified in Ocotal.  Three visitors from Ocotal, including 2 dancers and the President of the Rotary Club would be visiting Swindon from 17^th July until 1^st August.  30 young people in Ocotal were being supported through bursaries.

Wroughton – St Germain les Corbeil Twinning Association

Mike Ide explained that there would not be an exchange this year but that the social programme continued with events being held in January and February.  The March event involves linking up with some of the villages in West Swindon (this was due in January but was delayed due to the weather).  Mike added that he was pursuing quotes for public liability and would report back to the next meeting on this.

Highworth – Pontorson Twinning Association

Derrick Gustafson reported that the last visit from Pontorson had been very successful.  He added that the Committee had decided to carry on without splitting into two groups and that the AGM would be held on 26^th March.  Derrick would not stand for re-election at the AGM but would continue as a representative on the Network.  A trip had been organised to Wassenberg from 13^th – 16^th May and visitors from Pontorson would be coming to Highworth from 21^st – 24^th May to celebrate the 21^st anniversary.

Chattanooga Friendship Agreement

Andy Lane reported that progress was now being made with a Swindon school keen to exchange with a school in Chattanooga and that there was a development on the business side with two companies being established.

Potential link with Beau Bassin/Rose Hill in Mauritius

Nazma Ramruttun reported that she had visited in November and had met the new Mayor who was still very keen to develop a friendship agreement with Swindon.  Churchfields School had already  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

            The Clerk to the Network reported that the Information Centre in Swindon had requested some information about the Twinning Associations and Links in Swindon.  Members of the Network agreed to pass on any relevant information or leaflets to the Information Centre.