Minutes - Monday 4th February 2008
Cittaslow Linlithgow
6th Meeting of Steering Group
Monday 4th February 2008
7.15pm @Marynka
Present: Phil Murray(PM),Catriona Staddon(CS), David Tait(DT) Michael Bennett(MB), Ken Richardson(KR) Cameron Easton(CE), Douglas Ritchie(DR), Jean Long(JL), Jim Hay(JH)
1.Apologies: Alan Young, Lauren Falconer, Grant Abbott
2. Welcome to new Steering Group members
On behalf ogf the Group PM extended a warm welcome to Jean Long and Cameron Easton to their first Cittaslow Linlithgow Steering Group and looked forward to their constructive contribution.
3.Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minute of the 7.1.08 meeting was agreed as an accurate record of the discussion.
4.Matters Arising
There were no Matters Arising, which were not covered by subsequent Agenda items.
5.Funding Update
PM advised that, having settled JMK’s account for payment for printing of the publicity flyer, the Cittaslow account currently had a balance of £250; paperwork for receipt of the West Lothian Council contribution of £2000 had all been processed, and its receipt was imminent(Subsequent to the meeting WLC advised that it should be transferred to Cittaslow account ‘by the end of February’).
6.Linlithgow Slowfood Convivium Update
CS reported significant progress including
• Provision of Slowfood Information stall at the Farmers’ Market on 26.1.08, which prompted considerable interest
• A successful Slowfood Information evening on 28.1.08 which attracted approximately 20 people
• Identification of 5 volunteers willing to stand for election to the Linlithgow Slowfood Convivium Committee at the first general meeting of the Convivium scheduled for 18 February at Marynka
• Preparation of an article for the Gazette to make people aware of the establishment of the Convivium, and the details of the first meeting for interested participants
• The format of the first meeting on 18 February to be availability of a Slowfood Supper comprising a main course and a glass of wine at a price of £10 per head (by ticket only available from Marynka), followed by the Business meeting, including election of office bearers and outlining an initial programme for Slowfood events in the coming months. Such a programme potentially to include monthly Slowfood suppers at a variety of local venues, visits to local producers, talks and demonstrations, a possible Linlithgow Food Fair, and active promotion of healthy eating options amongst local schools
The Steering Group expressed their appreciation of all the preliminary work done by CS. KR suggested that the Gazette photographer be made aware of the 18.2.08 meeting, and MB undertook to bring along his own camera to record proceedings also.CS expressed the hope that the Steering Group would be well represented at the Convivium launch event.
Action: CS/KR/MB/All
7. Criteria Assessment Update
DR reported that the finalised Criteria Self Assessment Document had now been submitted to Cittaslow UK organisation and its receipt acknowledged. DR will continue to liaise with Cittaslow UK re appropriate dates for the official Assessment Visit, bearing in mind the expressed preference amongst the Steering Group as a whole, for a date in the week beginning 17.3.08, (pre-Easter week) in order to provide sufficient preparation time to develop and confirm the Assessment Programme
Action:DR
8.Publicity Update
• PM circulated copies of the official pamphlet, and expressed thanks to MB for all his preparatory work
• PM will circulate a Distribution Strategy to reflect the suggestions made by members regarding the most effective impact and the need to target particular outlets; MB will investigate sourcing of appropriate pamphlet stands to maximise visibility. Action:PM/MB
• MB undertook, with KR, to investigate the technical possibilities of adapting the pamphlet artwork for the preparation of A2 sized publicity posters, to be utilised for display purposes within the Visitor Awareness Centre and potentially within Linlithgow schools/library also.action:MB/KR
• A link is now established for Cittaslow material on the www.linlithgow.com website; MB confirmed that he is prepared to manage a ‘blog’ feature, provided other Steering Group members are prepared to contribute appropriate Cittaslow related material/articles/comments Action:ALL
• DT/KR/JH emphasised the potential of the Visitor Awareness Centre as an information point/display facility for all aspects of the Cittaslow/Slowfood bid/launch, particularly as one of the requirements of Cittaslow membership is to publicise the movement and its objectives across the community as a whole.
• DR also emphasised the publicity opportunities provided by such events as the recent Food Tourism Seminar in Perth, sponsored by Scottish Enterprise
9. Cittaslow Linlithgow-Sequential Stages to be planned
PM stressed the need for preparations in advance of official accreditation, to avoid the risk of a vacuum being created on receipt of Cittaslow status, while people wonder what to do as the next stage.
Chronologically, key stages are as follows:
• 18 Feb – Linlithgow Slowfood Convivium launch(see details above)
• Feb/March DR to collate bid support file material photographs/evidence etc Action: DR
• Feb/March/April Sub Group comprising PM/DT/KR/JH to consider preparation of Business Plan, which once approved by Steering Group, to be put in in place for initial implementation on receipt of accreditation. Action: PM/DT/KR/JH
• Early March-Contact to be made with key personnel for assessment visits/demonstrations/presentations/hospitality etc once programme confirmed Press also to be alerted to visit programme Action:PM/KR
• Week Beginning March 17-Cittaslow UK assessment visit-DR circulated a draft programme-all to consider and to make suggestions to DR re amendments additions etc Action:ALL
• CE suggested that WLC to be alerted to successful outcome of bid and asked to host an event to mark the occasion- press to be alerted. Action:PM
10. Any Other Competent Business
None raised
11. Date of Next Meeting
Monday 3rd March 2008 at 7.15pm in Visitor Awareness Centre. PM expressed appreciation to CS for making Marynka available for past meetings.