www.wrington.net
Wrington Twinning Association Committee
Minutes
29th November 2013
11 am The Plough
Present: John Adams (chair), David Buckley, Frank Finn, Echo Irving, Annabel Scott, John Urquhart, Nick Walters
1
Apologies
Richard Thorn, John Rawlins, Janet Walters
2
Minutes of the Meeting of 25th October
The minutes were approved as a correct record Approved
Matters arising
.1
It was agreed that the minutes summarised currently priorities centred on building awareness and encouraging participation. These
would be reviewed by sub-groups with a view to future developments, with reference to fund raising and priorities for support.
[Action: all groups]
.2
Income sources were discussed briefly: membership, events, advertising, grants, sponsorship. FF suggested 100 club principle as
an excellent ways of raising funds. He would provide further details. [FF]
.3
DB suggested exploring possibility of free rolling membership, with focus on building mailing list and active participation. [P&E
group]
3
Events
.1
10 Dec. Seasonal drinks. Focused on French-speakers and members and non-members who might be interested in greater
involvement and ideas for French-language and cultural activities centred, especially encouraging support for conversation classes and
other activities e.g. films. Especially important to involve other members with work of groups to spread load etc. [Committee to share
hosting duties]
.2
23rd Jan. Wine Tasting. JU felt that the risk of confirming arrangements with Simon Taylor would be unacceptable. It was agreed to
continue with Aldwick Court as a venue; organise Wrington mini-bus (Sarah C to check with Simon Webb and book if available). JU would
also contact Matt, the wine manager Budgens, to discuss a complementary display of wines from the Languedoc, with a publicity display
for ‘Wrington: the French Connection’ (JA to supply materials)
[JU/SC/JA]
.3
The conversation group will start later in January, aiming to recruit more French-speakers to support Annabel (see above) [AS]
.
4
Village groups to be encouraged to provide relevant events e.g. Drama Club might provide programme of short plays by French
writers. JA would provide up-dated list of village groups and individual contacts [Events Group, JA; EI to raise with Drama Club]
4
Villeneuve-l-B liaison
Development
.1
It was agreed to organise a visit by committee representatives in April 2014 (following the French local elections March 23rd and 30th).
This would meet with local organisation leaders and political representatives (concerned with twinning, tourism, cultural affairs, business
etc), teachers, business leaders (particularly local wine producers), youth group leaders and others. Agenda and dates to be discussed
with Villeneuve following sub-group meeting. Action: JA
Schools and youth groups
.2
AS reported on longer terms relations with Churchill and choice of languages. Primary school links should be considered in terms of
internet contact and projects. However, the French school had less access to computer technology
.3
SC said that Explorers visits would be feasible. There is plenty of opportunity for outdoor ‘adventure’ activities around Villeneuve.
.4
Explore further possibility of Explorers / scouts to help organise activities for youth groups from Villeneuve.
[Committee members (JA, NW, SC? and/or AS?) to meet with scouts to discuss future relations and projects. Action: JA, NW,
(SC/AS? please confirm if willing]
Visits
.4
Committee visit essential (see 3.1.)
.5
Group exchange visits very important from each village. Possible dates for Wrington visit to Villeneuve already published in Events
programme.
Publication
.6
encourage authored articles on life in Wrington for Villeneuve magazine
Other
.6
DB reported on launch of new EU citizens programme. [Group]
.7
Bristol Airport also had a sponsorship programme [Group]
.8
Check latest information on Ryanair schedule. [JA]
5
Publicity and engagement
Booklet 2013-14
.1
Scouts had largely completed deliveries in central Wrington although some areas remained to be completed. Redhill largely covered.
Both areas would be completed by Friday 6th Dec. Cheque would be paid once completion of deliveries had been confirmed [JA]
.2
Booklet a very powerful tool. Ensure full exploitation, including maximum visibility for both current and potential advertisers. To this
end:
-
maximise number of distribution outlets
-
provide plastic branded holder to outlets
-
ensure outlets kept supplied with booklets on regular basis (see contact list)
-
other?
.3
NW had now collected all advertising revenue due. The Committee again congratulated Nick on the significant achievement of
producing the excellent brochure in difficult circumstances and within tight financial constraints.
.4
important to start planning for 2014-15 edition: editorial content, advertising strategy, distribution, etc. The booklet had the potential
to generate funds.
Contact with village organisations
.5 key individuals in selected village groups to be contacted and meeting(s) arranged. JA would provide up-dated list of village groups and
individual contacts [Group, JA]
.6
EI will explore possibilities with Drama Club e.g. putting on short French plays (in English).
.7 Review events publicity mechanism (journal articles, website, posters etc)
6
Finance
Briefed by the Treasurer, NW reported that the current balance was £1032.84p, with a further £170 approx held as cash. The scouts
had yet to be paid (£275).
7
AOB
None
8
Date of next meetings
- Friday 21st January, 2014 11am at The Plough
- Events, Liaison and P&E groups to decide own interim meetings
