Apologies for absence were received from, Alan Carr, Miriam Kikis and Kate Argyle.

It was noted that there were no Declarations of Interest at this meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 19 October 2015 were confirmed.

Members were advised that John Knells report on the Borough Cultural Strategy that was due to be presented at the end of last year, had been deferred. It was hoped that the report would be presented this month. 

It was noted that the report could not be discussed until it had been presented to Council.

The Chairman advised Members of the newly appointed Cultural Heritage Co-ordinator, Charlotte Paddock. He said that Charlotte had a degree in the History of Art and Mastership in Heritage and had spent 6 months in India studying its heritage.

• Production of map of town with heritage and cultural sites shown

The Chairman advised that the Tourism website had recently been updated although was still lacking a decent heritage map, Councillor Williamson had approached Paul Patterson and they are working together to update and digitalise Paul's map. It was noted that the map needed to be in printed form as well and that the finance was yet to be arranged for this. Paul Davies made reference to the map of Kings Lynn and advised that the group who were overseeing Great Yarmouth maps had received a copy.

Brian asked if the map would cover just Great Yarmouth Town, as he felt that the map should cover all areas within the Borough. It was agreed that Brian would collate information of Heritage sites from within the Borough and send these to the Chairman.

• Large maps, indicating heritage area and routes to be displayed at Bus Station and on display street furniture.

The Chairman reported that he had spoken with Kim Balls to discuss maps for the area but as yet no further action had been taken. Peter Jay stated that he had 4 locations where he could display the map once published.

• Local Press

The Chairman advised that he had spoken with Anne Edwards from the Great Yarmouth Mercury and confirmed that a monthly article in relation to heritage would be published within the paper with the first article to be written by the Chairman then subsequent articles to be produced by delegated others.

• Tourism Website

It was reported that the website had been improved and that Councillors Coleman and Williamson were both in discussions about the Great Yarmouth map.

• Tourist Kiosk and Booking Office 

Reference was made to the suggestion that had been made by Peter Jay at a previous meeting for the Amazonia building site to be used as a booking office although it was reported that the future of this building was unknown. Andrew Turner suggested that a train should be available to deliver tourists/visitors to the heritage sites within the Borough. Robin Hanley advised that Andrew Smith attended an awareness group that focusses on key issues around signage and accessibility to heritage sites, it was agreed that the Chairman would speak to Robin for further details.

Brian Howard asked about to English Heritage funding. It was advised that this money was to be assigned to the Great Yarmouth Master Plan. The Chairman advised that he would speak to Kim Balls to discuss possible additions to the plan to include more heritage.

It was reported that the Chairman had spoken with Kate Watts to ask about the potential for a booking/tourist information centre in the Town Centre Market Place. Andrew Turner suggested that the tourist information box should be used to sell tickets for events to include the Greyhound Stadium and Horse Racing. Some concern was raised in relation the difficulty of debit/credit card payment. Andrew Turner recommended a company called Izettle.

• Encourage schools to include heritage in their curricula

Vicki Mileham advised that she and Kate Argyle had a number of projects in progress.

• Heritage Open Days

It was reported that these would be held on the same day as the Maritime Festival weekend 8-11 September.

• Branding

It was reported that Councillor B Williamson had taken control of Branding with a small number of volunteers. A meeting date is yet to be confirmed.

• Measuring Attendances

Brian Howard advised that he could collate figures from the Ruins and would send these to Charlotte Paddock.

• Vintage Tea Event

It was reported that teachers from local schools would be learning how to jive for this event, and that students would be inviting their parents/grandparents to learn the dance and reminisce over past times.

• St Georges day 

Reference was made to the previous meeting held where there had been a suggestion of medieval activities to take place at Burgh Castle. It was agreed to see how this went and if ideas from it could be used in next years St Georges Day in the Town.

• Ghost Walks

It was advised that a walk was due to take place during the Arts Festival.

• Mary Ley Lines 

Brian Howard gave a brief background history on the Mary Ley Lines. He advised that a Pilgrim who had walked the Lines was due to give a talk this Friday at Lound Village Hall and that tickets were £8.

• Gorleston's Standing Stones

Brian Howard reported that the Archaeological Group had been contacted but that to date no response had been received. It was agreed an update would be given at the next meeting.

• Food Festival

It was reported that the BID had put monies forward to support with the event.

• Maritime Festival and Hanseatic Cog

Andrew Fakes had provided a contact for the Hanseatic Cog although to date no response had been received, it was agreed that Andrew be asked to make contact again.

It was reported that the BID had put monies forward to support with the event.

• Ale Trail

The Chairman advised that he had a meeting with Jonathan Newman arranged to discuss the Ale Trail further.

Robin Hanley advised that due to lack of funding the capability of  extending the activities to be provided for a heritage week would not be possible unless other funding was available.

The Chairman advised that leaflets had been printed and were available to all.

Members were advised that the Conference was to be held in October at St Georges It has been called 'wish you were here' and tickets would be £20. It was reported that the conference is due to have a pre conference activity the evening prior to the event.

It was reported that work was going ahead to see if a Comedy week and Air show could be held in 2017.

It was reported that the Arts Festival is due to be held from Friday 3 to Sunday 12 June. Booklets about the event were circulated to Members.

The Neighbourhood Carnival 'Halfway to Paradise' will be held on Saturday 4 June and will tie in with the Time and Tide Museum exhibition.

Paul Davies advised that a Rock and Roll event is to be held within the Minster on the 21 May and that tickets are £6. 

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 5 July at 10:00am.