Agenda item

To provide a summary of the application received to the Heritage Fund in this funding period in order that members can determine if they wish to award grant funding for the proposal as set out in this report.

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Corporate Policy and Community Safety providing a summary of the two applications received to the Heritage Fund in this funding period in order that Members can determine if they wish to award grant funding for the proposal asset out in this report.

I)             The D-Day Fellowship

Members were advised that is was hoped that the heritage grant from this sub board would kick start the fundraising and help to land match funding from other organisations.

The applicant recognised that the scheme still had to receive planning permission but was hoping it could still be delivered by June 6^th 2024.

Members were in favour of memorials as a concept but felt they had more meaning for and buy in from the community linked to the subject if they had been part of the fundraising and project.

It was agreed that the Canadian Stone  was owned by GBC, but the applicant had written to Canada House to advise them of the plan.

Members agreed to use GBC social media in order to promote the fundraising campaign.

Members agreed to pledge £5,000 and a letter of support, conditional on planning permission being granted and the rest of the project costs being raised.

ii)     Nest & Anchor Events Limited- Anchored in Gosport project.

Members all agreed that Nest & Anchor’s social media presence was excellent and that the Christmas market had been a success.

Members were advised that the purpose of the project was to connect independent businesses, provide a showcase in which their story could be told, and hopefully increase footfall to the shops. There would be three parts to the project. A physical magazine including pieces on each of the businesses, an online digital platform where blog posts would provide an updated story of what was going on in the High Street and an exhibition to be staged somewhere on the High Street, possibly the Imagination Refinery.

In answer to a Member’s question, the applicant confirmed that the exhibition would be focused on the heritage of the market and as well as including photos would also be dependent on audio of people’s memories.

Members were concerned that 500 copies of the magazine would not be enough and suggested checking with the Councils repro department for comparison quotes. It was felt that the “then and now” aspect of the project would be very popular. The applicant advised that they did not want the magazine to be advert heavy, more editorial and promotional.

Members felt that this was a potentially good project, which would raise awareness of the High Street businesses and market, but needed more thought, and possibly linked in with the Councils events programme.

Members agreed to defer any decision to the next meeting.

RESOLVED: That the Sub Board:

Considered the applications in the report and:

1.    A letter of pledge for a £5,000 grant conditional on it being the last £5,000 of the total scheme cost, and subject to planning permission being granted.

2.    Defer to the next meeting