Agenda and minutes

             Resolved – That Councillor Doreen Dart be Chair of the Town Twinning Network until December 2009.

(Councillor Dart took the Chair.)

Resolved – That Andy Lane be Vice-Chair of the Town Twinning Network until December 2009.

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 24^th September 2008.

Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2008, be confirmed as a correct record.

Matters Arising

Minute 22 – Nazma Ramruttun and Councillor Doreen Dart, Chair of the Town Twinning Network, had arranged to meet with the Mayor of Mauritius to discuss a potential friendship link with Swindon but, unfortunately, the Mayor of Mauritius had to cancel this meeting at the last minute.  The Secretary of State for Education from Mauritius had visited Churchfields School and there may be a potential for an educational link and any further communication regarding this possible link would be brought to a future meeting of the Town Twinning Network.

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

Swindon Salzgitter Twinning Association

John Hamilton reported that they had had a very successful visit to Salzgitter this year and that about 20 visitors from Salzgitter would be coming to Swindon for a cultural visit from 3^rd – 10^th June 2009.  John requested an application form to apply for a grant of £500 towards this visit.

Highworth – Pontorson Twinning Association

Eric Craigie reported that about 70 people from Highworth would be visiting Pontorson at the end of May and that visitors from Wassenberg would be visiting at the same time.

Swindon Ocotal Link

Mary Creffield circulated a list of recent activities for the Ocotal Link that included:-

Ø      Dr Norori has been elected as Mayor of Ocotal.

Ø      Successful quiz was held in October that raised £580.

Ø      Five visitors, including the Chair and Vice-Chair were currently visiting Central America and had just left Ocotal for Guatemala.  They had noted a number of improvements within the town.

Ø      A formal link has been made between The Old People’s Home in Ocotal and Penhill Lunch Club.  A DVD was available and a request was made that this should be shown at the next Town Twinning Network meeting

Ø      Parents of children who receive SOL bursaries were very grateful.  About 28 children receive these bursaries and the money goes to the parents for books, uniforms, etc.  Letters of thanks were often received from children who would not be able to attend school without these bursaries.

Ø      Princess Diana centre has grown into a thriving school complex with two new buildings and teachers.

Wroughton – St Germain les Corbeil Twinning Association

Gordon Barclay reported that they had had their first meeting last week following the AGM and that arrangements were being made for a forthcoming visit in May 2009 although the dates had yet to be confirmed.  Fundraising events were held every month and a request was made for a grant application form to be sent to the Treasurer.

Chattanooga Friendship Link

Due to the current economic climate, Andy Lane reported that there had been little activity to develop this link.  The Mayor of Chattanooga had opened a Vintage MG Club on behalf of twinning with Swindon and work was still ongoing with developing links between school.

Haydon Wick Parish Council

Phil Eagle attended the meeting to request a possible a possible link between the Salzgitter Twinning Association and Haydon Wick Parish Council.  The Chair suggested that Phil speak with John Hamilton and Councillor Peter Mallinson outside of this meeting to discuss further.

Lechlade Twinning Association

Jane Sullivan reported that 16 people had visited La Chappelle during August and that she had returned in September for the jam festival.  Five people came over from France for the Swindon half marathon and were keen to participate again next year.  On 14^th March, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

• Preparation for the 2012 Olympics – Andy Lane.

Andy Lane distributed some information regarding the possibility of the groups working together to bring visitors to Swindon for the 2012 Olympics.  Andy asked that representatives take this information back to their groups and bring any feedback to the next Town Twinning Network meeting.

The next meeting of the Town Twinning Network will be held on 4^th March 2009.

The next meeting of the Town Twinning Network will be held on 4^th March 2009 at 6pm.