Notes from YV meeting_16 December 2013
· The Chair welcomed Youth Councillors and District Councillors to the meeting.
· Apologies were made by Matthew James, Ella White, Sam McCormick (Vice Chair) and Isabel Budleigh (Leader). Cllr Chris Townsend, Leader MVDC, and Cllr Margaret Cooksey also gave their apologies.
· Previous minutes were agreed, following a minor correction, and signed by the Chair.
· Executive Announcements:
The Youth Councillors were thanked for their efforts in getting nominations for the Youth Showcase Awards.
· Matters Arising:
No matters arising.
· MVDC update
The public consultation for the Greenbelt Review, this will be covered in the February Youth Voice meeting.
· Dorking Halls discussion
Last meeting Cllr Phil Harris (chair of the Dorking Halls Working Group) said he was keen for youth feedback regarding Dorking Halls and its services. The discussion began with their Saturday Morning Cinema, which shows films for children and families, and it was suggested that they do something similar for young people later I the day, as the films shown at this event are not so popular with teenage audiences. Youth Voice commended Dorking Halls on its FLIX Youth Cinema Card which gives young people a discount. It was suggested that it is more widely advertised, especially at schools. Many Youth Councillors agreed that Dorking Halls has improved its cinema facilities. There was a complaint that the 3D glasses were sometimes dirty and users couldn’t see through, but in general the 3D experience was very good. The refreshments, although expensive, are cheaper than other larger cinemas. The exterior of the building is welcoming, especially when lit up, however, the entrance foyer is less inviting as is very corporate. More could be done to promote Dorking Halls as a venue (for conferences etc.). There was a request for more live drama. Some of the Youth Councillors have been to live shows, recently the Darkness performed a live music concert, which proved popular, and are calls for more live music like this.
If going to other cinemas, many go to Epsom, Guildford or Crawley as they have a wider choice of films, but it was acknowledged that Dorking Halls with its additional screen was getting better. There was a suggestion for weekly offers and promotions.
There was the suggestion of a small games arcade which would appeal to some young people, but it was recognised that this would probably not be popular with other customers. The food from the restaurant was said to be of good quality, but was expensive. It was not well known that there was this facility was also for non-cinema customers, and primarily due to the price, doesn’t appeal to young people who are looking for food and not using Dorking Halls’ facilities. Hiring a screen for private screening and parties, perhaps with a sleepover feel, appeared popular, as did themed nights and showing films in sequence (movie marathon), although it was mentioned that sitting in a cinema seat for six hours was uncomfortable so the suggestion of bringing sleeping bags was made. There was also a suggestion of throwing a beach ball into the audience before the film starts, as this would add to the excitement.
It was also brought up the idea of a community radio, based at Dorking Halls, which would provide young people with the opportunity to learn the skills of broadcasting. There were questions raised as to how many young people would listen to it, but it was also mentioned the benefits for young people by advertising school and group events and providing volunteering opportunities for those participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It was also recommended that they work with Mole Valley Arts Forum.
· Dorking Gala Night discussion
It was brought up at the Democracy Week Councillor Question Time that Dorking Gala Night has disappointed young people in recent years, so Youth Voice discussed it to provide the organisers with some constructive feedback.
Summary of discussion:
There were complaints there was little to do for young people, and that the activities were spread thinly around the town. Poor information meant people didn’t know what was happening where, so missed out. There was no central focus point, which Youth Councillor felt was important. There was no prior information of the event, not even the date, on the website or prominently in the town, therefore many did not know the event was happening. Many felt the event lacked atmosphere. The main suggestion Youth Voice had was to close the High Street to create a central focus form which all the other activities could spread from, have a Christmas market/bazaar on the High Street.
Further details of this discussion, and further consultation with young people will be put into a report which will be presented to the organisers.
· Showcase Awards – Lizzie Horton & Emily Ayres MVDC
Nominations for Showcase have closed, with the total of 90 nominations. 22 of these from Junior Youth Voice, with the remaining 68 for the main categories. The presenters of these awards are still to be finalised, but David Sharland, Chair MVDC, is confirmed to present one of them. The confirmed performers include the Jazz Band, Vinyl Staircase and Ashcombe Glee Choir. There has been interest in the art exhibition. The comperes for the evening are to be Baxter and Ella. Trophies are to be decided in the Working Group in this meeting. Jobs for the night and winners will be arranged next meeting (January).
Showcase Awards: Friday 31st January 2014 – 7:30pm – Dorking Halls
· Working groups feedback –
Showcase – the group has chosen a trophy design and have discussed celebrity options.
Environment – the group started to plan the product of the project: video, poster and a sign/sticker. The aim focusses on litter, waste disposal and recycling and the impact on n the local environment.
· Local Issues
Youth Councillors were urged to get in contact with their school councils.
Following topics were brought up by Youth Councillors:
The Skate Park in Meadowbank could be improved with floodlights for safety when dark.
Street lighting, especially on residential roads.
Busy bus stops, especially at the end of school.
Update on street parking.
The public toilets in St Martin’s Walk were reported to be not up to standard and could be updated. This will be looked into.
Christmas decorations removed from cockerel sculpture on Dorking roundabout by MVDC: Cllr James Friend said this was because on this occasion the decorations were causing damage to the sculpture so they had to be removed. It is seriously not encouraged to attempt to get to the roundabout as it is highly dangerous due to traffic.
· AOB
No any other business.