Stone Town Council
Tourism & Town Promotion Sub-Committee
Minutes of the meeting held in the Council Chamber
at 15 Station Road, Stone, on Tuesday 7 July 2026
PRESENT:
Councillor J. Hood in the Chair and
Councillors: A. Best, J. Davies, K. Dawson, R. Kenney J. Metters and P. Leason
Co-opted Member: J. Cook
Officers: L. Trigg, R. Edwards, L. Fleetwood, H. Pickford and T. Williams
ABSENT:
Councillors: A. Mottershead (Vice Chairman), J. Battrick, L. Davies, B. Kenney, J. Powell
TTP27/001
Apologies
Councillors: J. Battrick, L. Davies, B. Kenney, J. Powell
TTP27/002
Declarations of Interest
None made.
TTP27/003
Requests for Dispensations
None received.
TTP27/004
Representations from Members of the Public
None received.
TTP27/005
Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minutes of the Tourism & Town Promotion Sub-Committee meeting held on 17 March 2026 (Minute Numbers TTP26/034 – TTP26/041), were approved as a correct record.
TTP27/006
Calendar of Events
The Sub-Committee considered the Town Council’s Calendar of Events and gave updates on events that had taken place:
2026 – Taken Place
• St George’s Day (25 April) – It was noted that comments had been previously discussed at an earlier meeting.
• Floating Market (9-10 May 2026)
The Chairman said that the market was well received and a welcomed addition to the annual events calendar.
2026/27 – Upcoming/Agreed
The following events, agreed at previous meeting were discussed:
• Classic Car Event (11 July 2026)
The Chairman informed the Sub-Committee that the event was oversubscribed and that some interested parties had been turned away.
• Viking Re-Enactment (25 July 2026)
The Chairman commented on the forthcoming event as authentic and that it would prove to be educational for school children. This event was previously hosted at Stafford Castle and had been successful.
• Motorbike Event (8 August 2026)
The Chairman reported that this event was still at an early stage.
• Summer Street Party (15 August 2026)
The Chairman advised the Sub-Committee that arrangements were in progress. The Marketing & Events Organiser gave an update on the event.
The Chairman advised the Council that stewards were required for the event and asked for support.
• Florence Brass Band Concert & Burma Star Commemoration (16 August 2026)
The Chairman reported that Morrison’s would be supplying the afternoon tea provisions for the event.
• Alternative Car Event (26 September 2026)
The Chairman reported that the numbers for the event were still in progress.
The Marketing & Events Organiser is awaiting on an update on numbers.
• Christmas Lights Switch-On (19 November 2026)
The Chairman informed the Sub-Committee that the date clashed with Trentham Gardens lights switch-on but hoped that local residents would stay in the town.
• Texas Flag Raising, marking Texas State’ joining the Union on 29 December 1845
Marking the anniversary
The Chairman hoped that Councillor J. Davies would be able to support in the organisation of this.
• Suggestions
The Chairman requested the Council’s suggestions for any future events. The Chairman and Councillor K. Dawson hoped that the Scout & Guide Band could attend the Armed Forces Day to provide support.
J. Cook commented on the floating market being too far down the canal this year and that visitors struggled to find it. The Chairman was already aware of this.
TTP27/007
Members’ Motions under Standing Order 4
Councillor P. Leason proposed that a blue ‘Hovis’ plaque be placed on the Mill in Mill Street to acknowledge it as the birthplace of Richard Stone-Smith.
The Mill owner supported the proposal subject to planning permission due to it being a listed building.
The Council agreed that the matter should be referred for planning consideration and that advice should be sought from the Conservation Officer. It was also agreed that further investigations should be undertaken, to include the consideration of support for funding the plaque.
TTP27/008
To Confirm Membership of Working Groups
The Chairman invited co-ordinators from each Working Group to address the Sub-Committee:
Remembrance Plaques Working Group
All group members were happy to continue in the working group – Councillors: L. Davies, J. Davies and P. Leason.
Councillor J. Davies confirmed (on behalf of Councillor L. Davies who was not present at the meeting) stated that he would perform Councillor L Davies’ duties in her absence as the Co-Ordinator.
Market Strategy Working Group
All members of the Market Strategy Working Group were in agreement to remain in the group – Councillors: J. Hood (Co-Ordinator), J. Davies, J. Hood, R. Kenney, A. Mottershead and C. Thornicroft.
Co-Opted Member: J. Cook.
Friendship Agreement Working Group
Councillors were happy to remain in the group – Councillors: J. Davies (Co-Ordinator). L. Davies, J. Hood, J. Metters and R. Townsend.
TTP27/009
Reports from Working Groups
Remembrance Plaques Working Group
Councillor J. Davies advised the Sub-Committee that no meetings of the Working Group had taken place and that a meeting should be scheduled.
Market Strategy Working Group
Councillor J. Hood advised the Sub-Committee that no meetings of the Working Group had taken place and that a meeting should be scheduled.
Friendship Agreement Working Group
Councillor J. Davies advised the Sub-Committee that no meetings of the Working Group had taken place and that a meeting should be scheduled.
After the meeting concluded the Chairman expressed her thanks to T. Williams, Assistant Town Clerk, the outgoing Assistant Town Clerk for her service to Stone Town Council.
Chairman