Minutes - Monday 7th January 2008
Cittaslow Linlithgow
5th Meeting of Augmented Steering Group
7.15pm,7 January 2008,Marynka
Present: Phil Murray(PM), Alan Young(AY), Ken Richardson(KR), David Tait(DT), Catriona Staddon(CS), Jim Hay(JH), Douglas Ritchie(DR)
1.Apologies: Michael Bennett(MB)
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting: December 2007 – agreed as an accurate record
3.Matters Arising:
PM advised that in relation to Para 8(1) he had been in correspondence with the Chief Executive’s Office at WLC regarding WLC policies on procurement, in the light of the concerns expressed by Jamie Smart. WLC had advised that they were constrained by EU Regulations on procurement procedures, but offered to meet with Jamie Smart to discuss ways in which local producers could be assured of receiving fair treatment.
PM to copy correspondence to David Tait for reference at a separate meeting of the LBA with WLC on related issues; Jim Hay to forward Jamie Smart’s contact details to PM to facilitate contact between Jamie Smart and WLC procurement Officer Douglas Ritchie indicated that Perth and Kinross Council had hosted a seminar on this very topic which had attracted considerable interest amongst local producers and suppliers; David Tait will raise the possibility of a similar event being hosted by WLC. ACTION: PM/DT /JH
4.Funding Update
PM advised that Cittaslow account at RBoS Linlithgow was now operational with himself/DT as authorised signatories. LBA and LCT contributions (£500 in total) had been lodged, and PM was currently liaising with Anna Lightbody to access the £2000 contribution from WLC. Provision of such funding will allow us to incur expenditure on various aspects of the Cittaslow initiative, in the run up to the bid submission, assessment, Slowfood Convivium launch etc. Action: Noted
5.Cittaslow Criteria Asessment-Update
DR spoke to the latest Draft of the Criteria Assessment document, and confirmed his view that, adjustments having been made, and subject to any additional inputs/amendments being suggested by Steering Group members over the period to 21 January, we are already scoring above the 50% minimum required. PM queried whether there was a significant imbalance between local authority led and community led initiatives, but DR felt that the composition of the assessment document was consistent with others he had previously scrutinised.
Action: All to advise DR of any further amendments necessary no later than 21 Jan. It was agreed that, post January 21, DR will forward the current Draft document to Grahame Kidd at Cittaslow UK with a request that he provides an initial, informal reaction to it, together with a suggestion that if GK’s schedule allows, on his forthcoming visit to a conference in Perth, he might include a further visit to Linlithgow to discuss, informally, progress on the bid development with available Steering Group members(29/30 January).
6. Slowfood Linlithgow Convivium – Update
CS reported on different elements of progress including
o Preparation of a Newsletter to her customer database advising of the imminent launch of Slowfood Linlithgow
o Preparation of an advance article for the Gazette
o Provision of a further Slowfood informations stall (but not necessarily cookery demo) at the Farmers’ Market on 26.1.08
o A Slowfood Information evening to be held at Marynka on Monday 28th January
o An initial meeting of the Linlithgow Convivium scheduled for February 18th again at Marynka, at which a light meal will be available at an approximate cost of £10 per head, prior to the business of the meeting being conducted.
o This business will include appointment of relevant office bearers and presentation of an initial programme of events (tastings/visits/demonstrations lectures etc. While it is hoped to meet on a monthly basis this will be dependent on the support received and the evolution of an appropriate programme. CS would appreciate all relevant suggestions from Steering Group members.
Action: CS to continue preparations for Slowfood launch; Steering Group to spread the word, and encourage participation.
7. Publicity Strategy Update
PM reported on the following aspects:
o Continuing receipt of written endorsements of Cittaslow Linlithgow from the target list identified previously
o Mention of bid in Scottish Parliament in December by Margo MacDonald gave useful additional profile.
o Fiona Hyslop MSP has requested a briefing on the bid process-PM to follow up
o Oatridge College Principal has also offered support and has also requested a briefing- PM to follow up
o Visitor Awareness Centre offers facility to highlight particular initiatives over the period when it is operational. It is hoped to have a focus on Cittaslow at an appropriate time. KR also suggested VAC might form a useful community focus for the start of Cittaslow UK’s official inspection visit
o Publicity pamphlet is almost ready to go to printing, subject to any final adjustments from Steering Group members( to PM by Friday 11 Jan), and clearance from Historic Scotland to utilise image of Palace-JH to follow up on this and advise PM/MB asap
o www.linlithgow.com will include a section on Cittaslow Linlithgow
o On MB’s return from Australia, further investigations re Cittaslow Linlithgow blog facility with MB. CS to liaise with Donald Reid Edinburgh Slowfood, regarding access to relevant articles for inclusion on blog
Action: PM/JH/MB
8.Any Other Business
No items raised
9.Date of Next Meeting
Monday February 4th 2008, 7.15pm @Marynka