Councillors: Mrs J. Hood (Chairman), A. Mottershead (Vice Chairman), A. Best, A. Burgess, J. Davies, L. Davies, K. Dawson, B. Kenney and J. Powell

Co-opted Member: Mr J. Cook

To consider representations from members of the public on items to be considered at this meeting, in accordance with the Council’s scheme of public participation.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Tourism & Town Promotion Sub-Committee held on 15 July 2025, Minute No’s TTP26/001 – TTP26/009 (attached)

To consider the Town Council’s Calendar of Events (and give updates on events that have taken place) including:

2025 – Taken Place

• • Children’s Whale at Westbridge Event (12 August 2025)
• • VJ Day 80 Flag Raising Ceremony (15 August 2025)
• • Summer Street Party (Saturday 16 August 2025)
• • Florence Brass Band Concert & Burma Star Commemoration (17 August 2025)

2025/2026 – Upcoming/To be agreed

• • Vegan Market (20 September 2025)
• • Classic Car Event (27 September 2025)
• • Christmas Lights Switch-On (Thursday 20 November 2025)
• • Texas Flag Raising, marking the anniversary of Texas joining the Union on 29 December 1845 (Monday 29 December 2025)
• • Texas Flag Raising, marking Texas State’s independence from Mexico (Saturday 7 March 2026)
• • Any suggested new future events

• • Remembrance Plaques Working Group (Co-ordinator: L. Davies)
• • Market Strategy Working Group (Co-ordinator: J. Hood)
• • Friendship Agreement Working Group (Co-ordinator: J. Davies)

Will any Councillors who wish to speak at this meeting, but are not members of the Sub-Committee, please inform the Chairman before the start of the meeting.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the Tourism & Town Promotion Sub-Committee Meeting as observers and/or to make representations to the committee in accordance with the Council’s scheme of public participation. Details of this scheme are displayed on the Town Council’s noticeboards and website.

Please access the Council Chamber from the rear of the building.

PRESENT: Councillor J. Hood in the Chair and Councillors: A. Best, J. Davies, L. Davies, B. Kenney and R. Kenney

Co-opted Member: J. Cook

Officers: R. Edwards, L. Fleetwood and T. Williams

By Chairman’s invitation: R. Townsend

ABSENT: Councillors: A. Burgess, K. Dawson, A. Mottershead and J. Powell

Councillors: K. Dawson, A. Mottershead and J. Powell

None made.

None received.

None received.

The Minutes of the Tourism & Town Promotion Sub-Committee meeting held on 18 March 2025 (Minute Numbers TTP25/035 – TTP25/041), were approved as a correct record.

The Sub-Committee considered the Town Council’s Calendar of Events for 2025-26 and gave updates on events that had taken place:

2025 – Taken Place

• • St George’s Day Re-enactment (Saturday 26 April 2025)
  This event went ahead as planned and was a great success. The re-enactment team have confirmed that they are pleased to return to Stone again next year.
• • VE Day Commemoration (Thursday 8 May 2025)
  Councillor Davies thanked Town Council staff and the Grounds Maintenance Contractor for their work on this event and gave thanks for the support of the town.
• • Mr BuzzKing’s Puppet Things (30 May to 2 June 2025)
  This event was held at the Heritage Centre over a three-day period and was well attended and successful.
• • Floating Market/Waterside Events (31 May to 1 June 2025)
  The Chairman reported that the floating market was a wonderful two-day event with a variety of narrowboats and all sorts of crafts. She said the boaters commented that they loved coming to Stone. The Scout & Guide Band were practising on one of the market days which prompted the idea that the Band should be asked to play at the floating market next year.

2025/2026 – Upcoming/Agreed

• • Classic Car Event
  Unfortunately, it did not appear that it would be possible to hold a Classic Car Event in 2025.
• • Children’s Summer Inflatable Whale Event (12 August 2025)
  The Chairman advised the Sub-Committee that this new event involved a life size whale where children are invited inside.
• • Summer Street Party (16 August 2025)
  The Marketing and Events Organiser confirmed music entertainment including the Funk Breakers, Herbaceous Borders, and headline act Fleetwood Mad.
• • Florence Brass Band Concert & Burma Star Commemoration (17 August 2025)
  The Florence Brass Band will perform in Stonefield Park. Age Concern volunteers will serve cream teas.
• • Vegan Market (20 September 2025)
  Arrangements include Town Council staff presence during set up to ensure shop frontages are not concealed.
• • Christmas Lights Switch-On (Thursday 20 November 2025)
  Kath Stanway will act as compere. Local schools have been approached for sketches and music. The Christmas Card Competition will run again, and significant lighting display changes were noted.
• • Texas Flag Raising (29 December 2025 & 7 March 2026)
  Usual arrangements apply. The March event is higher profile with the Florence Brass Band. The history of the American soldiers’ presence in Stone will be highlighted.

The Sub-Committee considered and supported the purchase of two bleed kits for use in the town as a life-saving measure for accidents and injuries.

RESOLVED: To make the following appointments for the municipal year 2025-26:

Remembrance Plaques Working Group: Councillors: L. Davies (Co-ordinator), J. Davies and P. Leason

Market Strategy Working group: Councillors: J. Hood (Co-ordinator), J. Davies, R. Kenney, A. Mottershead and C. Thornicroft. Co-opted Member: J. Cook

Friendship Agreement Working Group: Councillors: J. Davies (Co-ordinator), L. Davies, J. Hood, J. Metters and R. Townsend

VE/VJ Day Working Group: Councillors: J. Davies (Co-ordinator), L. Davies and J. Hood

Remembrance Plaques: Development is continuing as a work in progress.

Market Strategy: Free tables for traders have seen an increase in use (from 2 to 10 tables) and have influenced new trader enquiries.

Friendship Agreement: The group will meet when more information on local government reorganisation is available.

VE/VJ Day: The Chairman expressed the need for a meeting; the group will dissolve once VJ Day preparations are complete.