Agenda item

To receive the report of the Venue & Events Officer.

The Committee received the report of the Venue & Events Officer with an update on the activity of the Public Halls.

Members were pleased to see that the decorating had commenced in the Café and looked forward to the Gallery Room and stairway being completed. An update was also provided on  new blinds and other improvements at Burwell Hall which Officers would communicate via social media.

Members were also appreciative for the efforts around promoting Childrens film events and the Women’s World Cup, these events were gratefully received by many children and their families and were a great example of how the Corn Exchange was a community Venue. Members considered other events, including sporting ones, that could be shown and delegated to officers to consider each on its merits against the need for security and availability around other existing bookings.

The Committee was surprised that only one cafe voucher had been issued to vulnerable families over the summer as part of a Witney Community Church initiative. Members discussed the potential for a “pay it forward” scheme to be run from the 1863 café, Councillor Aitman would look into how these schemes run for other establishments and report back.

Resolved:

1. That, the report be noted and,
2. That, Officers review potential sporting events that could be shown in the Corn Exchange.
3. That, the comparable booking activity figures for the public halls be noted.