Cowbridge Community Working Group Meeting 18.1.24
Present:
Heather Weddell, Councillor and local Minister, Chair
Sarah Jones VOG Events Officer
Diane Bluck – WI
Tracey James-Lieberman – Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival
Suzanne Jenkins – Resident, minutes
Malcolm Wilson – Mayor
Alan Thomas – resident
Biga John – Councillor, Old Hall Gardens
Charles Champion – Councillor and Vale Councillor
Julian Hitchcock– Bear Hotel
Nia Hollins, Vof G
Gwen Baty, Councillor
Tim Bird, Resident
Rev. Duncan Ballard, Local Minister
Gus Baty, Councillor
Lianne Evans- Councillor
Sally Stephenson– Pencil case business
Tom Hope – newly appointed community engagement officer
Peter Carter, Councillor
This community working group was formed so that the Christmas Parade could restart as a more community led event rather than being driven solely by the Council or the Chamber of Trade. It was a starting point upon which we can build in the next few years.
In addition to reviewing the Christmas Parade pros and cons, this meeting is about involving members of the community to help engagement for future events.
Christmas Parade outcomes:
Comments have previously been circulated by email however the following bullet points are a summary:
Concerns:
Vehicles – Police had told us that we were not allowed vehicles in the parade however have now been told that we can do in future.
Tractor Boys involvement – there seem to be some conflicting reports regarding this. Previously the meetings had been told that they wanted to do their own event however HW had been informed that they had not received their invitation to join the parade. It was confirmed by TB at this meeting that the tractor boys do want to keep their event separate.
Was the gap between Santa’s grotto closing and the start of the parade too great? (N.B. in real time this was only about 30 minutes.)
Was there confusion around exactly what was happening? Communication and timetable essential.
Cowbridge Community Working Group Meeting 18.1.24
There appeared to be some confusion regarding the parade going up to Druids Green then coming back. This emphasises need for increased communication and awareness for the public in future. The reason was that a. the parade could turn and b. Eastgate was included in the event.
Lights – installed by a specialist and all checks were done.
2 separate Failures caused by 1) problem of old render on a building structure,
2) failure of a winding mechanism
Positives:
Good turnout for the whole day despite the bad weather. Good to see the community coming together.
The music in the Horse and Groom was well received by all
Cowbridge Trotters were a success.
Reindeer was a big success and very impressive.
Cowbridge Christmas diary flyer was a great success
Santa’s Grotto was magical
Suggestions for future improvements:
Suggestions for lasers lighting up behind the Town Hall. Funding implication
Could we have lights on a time switch? Llantwit had timed lights coming on as parade processed through. (Toni Marley) Also had remote speakers for sound around the town. We will investigate these.
? investigate lighting up Westgate by lighting up the trees
General consensus that more is needed in the parade: Mountain Rescue, Marching band. Needs to be more colour and all involvement.
? more content in the Parade next year. Need to advertise it all earlier.
More communication to the schools for lanterns/fairy lights etc. Need more publication of all of it plus more outreach to all other community groups. Marketing needs pulling together and pushed sooner.
Suggestion of a mini Food Festival on the same day as the Christmas Parade next year? Artisan food, locally produced drink, local crafts producers.
Possibly behind the Town Hall along with the Fair, or in the car park next to the Old Market Place restaurant.
Traders will get behind it if there is more publicity and if all the traders agree to be open.
Cowbridge Community Working Group Meeting 18.1.24
Ideas for other future Christmas events – to further formulate ideas when we next meet.
Other Events
Suggestion for a May Fayre – building on the basis of what happened for the Coronation Party in the Park. Picnic on the Bear Field with food stalls and a stage with entertainment.
Would need to happen on the May Day Bank Holiday (6th May)
Family event with a 40s theme for a nod to D – Day 80th celebrations.
Similar for picnic on the Bear field.
? Barry at War vehicles (Sarah Jones has a contact)
D – Day celebrations (Thursday 6th June) – will be Beacon Lighting (across the country as well as Cowbridge)
Pride Week – 10th June for 1 week. There will again be a parade for this and celebrations happening all week.
Food and Drink Festival – 26thSun/27th Monday late Bank Holiday in May.
HW asked how often are planning meetings required?
It was decided that fortnightly meetings are needed up until May to plan the May Day Fayre.
Next meeting: Thursday 1st February. 6.30pm Town Hall Chamber.