There were no Declarations of Interest. 

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Williamson (GYBC) and Steve Miller (Head of Service NMS). 

The minutes of the meeting held on the 7 March 2014 were confirmed. 

The Committee considered the Eastern Area Manager’s Report on Great Yarmouth Museums for the period March – May 2014.  

The Eastern Area Manager reported in detail on the following issues in his report:-

• Visitor Figures

• Youth Engagement Programme

- Maritime Effect
- Wide Angle
- Young Volunteers – The Eastern Area Manager reported that the young volunteers       was aimed at the age group 16 – 24 year olds.
- Jack Cardiff Centenary Celebration – Heritage Lottery Award
- Follow the Herring!

• Schools

The Eastern Area Manager tabled for Members consideration the Museum Services Five Year Strategy document.  In response to a question from the Chairman as to whether any schools outside the borough visited the museums in Great Yarmouth, the Eastern Area Manager confirmed that schools from North Suffolk and Hertfordshire had attended museums in Great Yarmouth.  He also reported that a decision following the visit from the Sandford Awards judge to Great Yarmouth Museums was awaited but expected in July.  

• Stories from the Sea

• Exhibitions

• Event Programme
- Mud, Music and Old Bill and Pirate Adventures

• Site Improvements

• Museums and Heritage Awards.

In discussing the report, Members raised the issue as to whether the museums in Great Yarmouth were issuing the Heritage Discount Pass to all visitors to the museums.  The Eastern Area Manager confirmed that it was the Norfolk Museums Services policy to issue the discount passes and that he would investigate as to the reason why passes had not been issued in some of the museums in the borough.

In the absence of the Conservation Officer, the Cabinet Secretary presented an update on activities by the Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust relating to the following:-

• 133 King Street

• 135 King Street

• The Cemeteries 

• Hopton Ruin Church

• Town Wall Towers

• Vauxhall Bridge

• First World War Memorial

• International Partnership

RESOLVED:
(i) That the Conservation Officer’s update report on the Preservation Trust be noted.
(ii) That the Conservation Officer be requested to attend the Area Museums Committee’s next meeting to be held on the 7 November 2014.

In the absence of the Conservation Officer, the Cabinet Secretary reported that the consultant Laura Crossley had completed the strategy which was circulated to officers and stakeholders and an open meeting was held to discuss the completed document and to consider how the strategy may be taken forward.  A report will be considered by the Borough Council’s Cabinet with recommendations at its meeting in July.  The Chairman expressed her concern that she had not yet seen a copy of the Heritage Strategy document.

RESOLVED:
That the Conservation Officer’s report be noted. 

Appointment of Vice-Chairman

RESOLVED:
That Councillor Rex Parkinson-Hare be appointed Vice Chairman for the Municipal Year 2014/15. 

Number 16 Blackfriars Road Great Yarmouth

The Eastern Area Manager reported that the County Council had reached provisional agreement with the Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust to secure a lease of number 16 Blackfriars Road, which was the property at the entrance to the Time and Tide Museum, to be used by the County Council as office accommodation serving the adjoining museum.  Members were reminded that this property had currently been leased as a separate residential dwelling.  

RESOLVED:
That the position be noted.

10th Anniversary of the Time and Tide Museum

The Eastern Area Manager reported that the 10th Anniversary of the opening of the Time and Tide Museum would take place on the 14 July and that a reception would be held to which all Members of the Area Museums Committee would be invited to attend. 

Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Friday, 7 November 2014 at 10.00am.