Sherwood and the Dukeries Tourism Group

Notes from meeting held 18^th January 2005

The meeting was held at the Harley Gallery, Welbeck. There were 25 attendees who generated some lively discussion.

Mr. Alan Birt of Notts. County Council Highways Department gave a talk outlining the policy and procedures for Tourism Signing in the County.

Summarised below are some of the key points relating to signage. I would strongly recommend that anybody seriously considering applying for signage should obtain a copy of the document entitled :-

Tourism Signing in Nottinghamshire

Policy and Procedures

There are very strict criteria to be met and the application fee of £200 is non-refundable in the event of a failed application.

Key Points.

Tourist establishments are classified as either a Facility or an Attraction.

A Facility is primarily for people resident within the area, an Attraction is primarily to attract tourists into the area.

Successful applicants enter into a five-year agreement with N.C.C. renewable at term.

The Bona Fides of an establishment will be checked, probably by inspection.

Provision of signage will be dependent upon density of existing signage in the location.

Criteria to be met by applying establishments: -

Toilets where applicable

Car parking on site or within reasonable walking distance

Evidence of advertising or publicity over previous twelve months

Costs.

Determining the application. £200 +VAT non refundable

Investigating and designing sign. £100 +VAT per sign face

Cost of provision, erection and future maintenance

Damage, vandalism or theft

Renewal of consent after five year period or removal of sign

On approval for signage the establishment must sign the Tourist Board Charter and Code of Conduct

Minimal signage will be allowed and only on the latter stages of journey

Establishment’s own signs must be removed from the highway

A very lively debate followed and the chairman undertook to contact the relevant personnel to represent the views of the Association and instigate a review and update of the current policy.

Matters arising.

It was reported that the Newark and Sherwood Tourism Guide for 2005 was now available. Michelle le Calvez stated that there were still copies of the Visitors Guide to Bassetlaw  available and establishments were being contacted, to update information, with the objective of reprinting.

Michelle also reported that she was contacting establishments for information to add to a calendar of events.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett raised the issue of the association’s name as they felt that it defined a very specific area and felt that, being outside the area they would obtain no benefit from membership.

They were assured that the Association exists to involve and represent tourism-related businesses across the whole of North Nottinghamshire and that many other businesses were also on the periphery of the area defined by the name Sherwood and the Dukeries.

Cllr. Barry Bowles informed the meeting that he had attended a conference on London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics. He stated that success would have a huge impact on tourism related businesses in our area as large numbers of visitors to the Olympics would take the opportunity to tour the country. Visitors may also base themselves in the area and travel to London, as often they are selective in the events they wish to view.

Cllr. Bowles asked that all members log on to the bid web site at www.london2012.com as every visit to the site will be logged as a yes vote.

Further information will be circulated, as it becomes available.

Peter Morton (Vice Chairman) is developing a web site for the Assosiation. He asked members whether they wanted the web site to be an information sharing source, closed to members or an open site that could be used as an advertising medium for member’s services.

The consensus at the meeting was that we should start with the former and progress to the latter over time. Please let us know if you have any comments on this subject.

 Date of next meeting.

The date will be Tuesday 15^th March. Michelle le Calvez will give a presentation on the Robin Hood Airport, which by that time should be operational.

The venue has yet to be confirmed. We would like to hold the meeting in the evening. If anybody has a suitable venue that would accommodate up to thirty people and would be prepared to host a meeting could they please contact me.

Geoff. Ruffell

Chairman