1 Community Forum (Alton & Surrounding Villages) (17.1.17)

EAST DISTRICT COUNCIL

At a meeting of the Community Forum (Alton & Surrounding Villages) held on 17 January 2017

Present

Councillor: G Watts (Chairman)

Councillors: E Brandt, D Brooks Jackson, T Costigan, G Hill, C Louisson, D Phillips and I Thomas

16 Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D Ashcroft, K Carter, A Joy, D Orme and R Saunders.

17 Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2016 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

18 Chairman's Announcements

There were no Chairman’s announcements.

19 Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

20 Jane Austen 200 - A Life in Hampshire

The Chairman introduced Julie McLatch, Business Development Manager for Alton, Pat Lerew, from the Alton Chamber of Commerce and Jane Austen Week, Sue and Martyn Dell, Trustee’s for Jane Austen’s House Museum, Jane Hurst, from the Curtis Museum and Debbie Vodden, Senior Economic Development Officer EHDC who gave a presentation on Jane Austen 200 and the plans to celebrate her life and works in 2017 in and Alton. (A copy of the presentation is attached as Appendix 1 to the minutes)

Following the presentation members of the public and Councillors asked a number of questions.

It was confirmed that hotels and restaurants in the area were being visited and discussions held about the large influx of visitors expected. It was understood that the Swan Hotel was filling up fast with reservations and they were planning to extend the number of rooms.

Painting the underpass between Alton and Chawton had been discussed with the Alton Society, there were issues about insurance and who would undertake the painting. 2 Community Forum (Alton & Surrounding Villages) (17.1.17)

In response to a question about the advertising of the event worldwide and not including the Alton Town Crier who could meet and greet visitors. It was suggested that there might be merit in having a section on the Alton Town Council website with a section to be able to book him on line.

There was a suggestion for having volunteers at key places to guide people around Chawton and Alton. This was felt to be an excellent idea and a member of Alton Hockey club suggested members might be available. This would be looked into.

In respect of a suggestion to have phrases painted on pavements which could be read when it rained, this had also been considered and was a fantastic idea but in certain conditions it did not work and the phrases can be smudged out when walked over.

21 District Council Boundary Review

Tom Horwood, Executive Director introduced this item. He explained that the Local Government Boundary Commission for would be conducting a boundary review of East Hampshire District in 2017.

The review would try to ensure a consistent electorate for each district councillor, based upon predictions for the population in 2023. The agreement of the revised boundaries would be confirmed by an Act of Parliament in early 2018, in advance of the next district council elections in May 2019.

In response to a question about information being passed to Town and Parish Councils, Me Horwood confirmed that they would be notified and could subscribe to an email bulletin.

He confirmed that responses to the consultation would go to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England and would not be dealt with by the District Council.

22 Public Question Time

Fly Tipping

Mr S Coatsworth raised concerns about an increase in fly tipping in the area, what was being done about this and could the cost of cleaning it up be confirmed.

It was agreed that the Democratic Services Officer would investigate and inform the Forum and Mr Coatsworth of the costs and actions being undertaken.

New Community Facility on Molson Coors Site

At the last forum a question had been raised about the new community facility and the possibility of using the forum as part of a consultation process. Nothing appeared to have been done to bring this forward. 3 Community Forum (Alton & Surrounding Villages) (17.1.17)

It was explained that until a developer for the site had been appointed then no consultation would take place. It was felt that the forum could be part of the consultation process.

The meeting commenced at 6.30 pm and concluded at 7.50 pm

…………………………. Chairman

18/01/2017

Jane Austen in Alton & Chawton Jane Austen in Alton & Chawton

What will visitors come to see? Julie McLatch Business Development Manager • Jane Austen Regency Week Alton Town Council and East Hampshire District Council • Sitting with Jane • Jane Austen films • “Potted Jane” and the Chawton suite • Hampshire Cultural Trust exhibition • Guided walk along the Jane Austen trail

Jane Austen in Hampshire Jane Austen in Alton & Chawton

How will anyone know about it? • Media coverage: Year of the Staycation and Literary Heroes covered by the national newspapers Television coverage Radio coverage • Events promotion: Excursions • Physical changes: Bus stops, train station, car & coach parking

Jane Austen in Alton & Chawton Jane Austen in Alton & Chawton

Where people will visit How can you join in and benefit from this programme? Jane Austen places of interest: Public art trail of 25 benches across North Hampshire • The Jane Austen Trail 4 design entries from local artists • Jane Austen House Museum Website app and trail guide – school engagement • Chawton House Library Increased footfall and visitor spend • The bank of Austen, Gray & Vincent Encourage guests to the area • The home of William Curtis / Curtis Museum Sponsor the bench

1 18/01/2017

Jane Austen in Alton & Chawton Jane Austen in Alton & Chawton

“Potted Jane” and “the Chawton suite” Jane Hurst School and college projects in the park How could you get involved? Local Historian You could: Provide refreshments for guests Provide gifts for performers Volunteer – Hampshire Cultural Trust Sponsor the programmes Take a stall Curtis Museum and The Allen Gallery

‘I walked to Alton, & dirt excepted, found it delightful’ Jane Austen in Alton & Chawton 4th Feb.1813 Curtis Museum - named after the son of Jane’s ‘Alton Apothecary’ “Cinema Jane” at the Assembly Rooms Already in place: Still to come: Book of ‘Jane Austen’s Alton’ for sale. Display of Jane Austen associated books in Local Studies Area.

For residents Bookable walks around Jane Austen’s Alton. Possible change of Regency costume.

Bookable speaker on Jane Austen and Alton and/or the Related display on board in Local Study Area. Sponsor the cinema surrounding area. Help with any queries on Jane Austen - especially on her Trail for Jane Austen era items on display in the Museum - connection with Alton and this area - for locals and visitors. Sponsor the refreshments hard copy and online. Jane Austen Walk from the Museum as part of Regency Week. Regency costume display - beautiful man’s embroidered coat Others can be booked. and a smock. Activities and trails still to be organised. Alton in Bloom Collection of books on Jane Austen, her family and era in the Local Studies Area.

Article on Jane’s ‘Alton Apothecary’, William Curtis, in latest ‘Alton Papers (No.20) - now on sale in Museum shop.

Sponsor a category Information on William Curtis, his family and home in the Local Studies Area. Sponsor the planters across the town

Jane Austen in Alton & Chawton Allen Gallery - her apothecary’s stable and coach house

First event: Thursday 26th January Talk on the 5 William Curtis’s - including Jane’s medical man Pat Lerew Thursday 22nd June Talk on William Curtis in Regency Week

Future events:

‘Big Theme’ Jane Austen Exhibition focusing on Jane’s ‘Alton Apothecary’.

Alton’s Regency Week We have just heard that the Exhibition will come here in June and run into August - exact dates are not yet known.

Associated sale items are being investigated Jane Austen Trail Allen Gallery Garden - mainly the garden of 4 High Street, William Curtis’s home. Probably used for growing some of his herbs, etc.

More relevant events and activities for children and adults will be arranged - details are not yet available

Our quarterly ‘What’s On’ will contain details and be widely circulated

2 18/01/2017

Jane Austen’s House Museum: 2017 – Plan Highlights

Sue Dell, Collections Volunteer Martyn Dell, Trustee

17 January 2017

3 18/01/2017

To conclude...

• JAHM mounting significant programme of activities • Media interest already gathering pace • Opportunities for Alton

Jane Austen in East Hampshire

Debbie Vodden

East Hampshire District Council Senior Economic Development Officer Tourism Lead

Jane Austen in Alton & Chawton

Any Questions?

4 18/01/2017

CF Whitehill

Bramshott & (3 Cllrs) +11% -6% Headley (2 Cllrs) +10% EHDC Community Forums Lindford +3% Whitehill Chase -17% Whitehill Deadwater -12% East Hampshire Boundary Review Whitehill Hogmoor -17% Whitehill Pinewood -11% Whitehill Walldown -16%

CF Alton CF and Surrounding Villages Alton Amery -10% Alton Ashdell -4% -11% Alton Eastbrooke -1% Froxfield & Steep -4% Alton Westbrooke +11% Liss (2 Cllrs) -7% Alton Whitedown +17% Petersfield Bell Hill -11% Alton Wooteys -15% Petersfield Causeway -3% & Bentley +15% Downland +2% Petersfield Heath -21% & (2 Cllrs) +28% Petersfield Rother -4% & +24% Petersfield St Mary’s +1% & Tisted -11% Petersfield St Peter’s -8% -9% The Hangers & Forest -7%

CF Clanfield, and Rowlands Castle

Clanfield & (2 Cllrs) +8%

Horndean & -7%

Horndean Downs -4%

Horndean Hazleton & Blendworth +4%

Horndean Kings +19%

Horndean Murray -5%

Rowlands Castle +7%

1