MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE YOUTH COUNCIL HELD ON 6 APRIL 2006

Bishop's Stortford High School
* Youth Cllr T Bennett
Youth Cllr J Stapleton

Bishop's Stortford College
* Youth Cllr Miss H Trantum
Youth Cllr Miss C Walters

Herts & Essex High School
* Youth Cllr Miss A Jellis
* Youth Cllr Miss V Greenwood

Hockerill Anglo European College
* Youth Cllr W Smith
* Youth Cllr Miss H Rowbottom

St Mary's Catholic School
* Youth Cllr W Breese
* Youth Cllr Miss L Ciccarelli

Birchwood High School
* Youth Cllr Miss E Isaacs
* Youth Cllr Miss E Newland

* denotes present
In attendance: Cllr Keith Barnes (Town Mayor)
Jamie Southwell, HCC Youth Worker

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Youth Cllr Stapleton and Youth Cllr Miss Walters

2. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED: that this matter be deferred until the end of the meeting and that Cllr Barnes chair the meeting on this occasion.

3. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED: that this matter be deferred until the end of the meeting.

4. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 2 MARCH 2006

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2006 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

5. FUNDING REQUEST FROM NORTHGATE YOUTH CENTRE. PRESENTATION BY JAMIE SOUTHWELL, YOUTH WORKER, HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

The Chairman introduced Jamie Southwell, who had been invited to attend the meeting in order to answer members questions regarding arrangements for the proposed monthly music event to be staged at the Rhodes Arts Complex.

Mr Southwell explained that the idea for such an event had originated in the summer of 2005 when young people were attempting to raise money for better skate facilities at Sworders Field and a fund raising music event had been staged at the site. Unfortunately, bad weather had resulted in the event having to close early and a smaller event was later held at the Northgate Centre. The event proved to be popular and as a result a request was made for the event to be staged at a bigger venue on a regular basis.

Several dates had already been booked at Rhodes with the first date being 28 April 2006 between 7.30pm and 11.30pm. It was proposed that there would be 8 security staff in attendance supplied by the security company regularly used by Hertfordshire County Council's Youth Service, along with 5-7 Youth Workers and 2-3 Rhodes staff. Tickets would only be available in advance and sold via word of mouth to young people from Bishop's Stortford. The event would be alcohol and drugs free, with searches being carried out on the door. It was hoped that different bands would be available to play each month in order to keep the event interesting and appealing to all and that the fundamental aim was for the event to be staged by young people for young people. To this end, it was hoped that after the first two or three months it would be possible for a committee to be formed in order to take over the planning of the events.

The Youth Workers also intended to run activities during the evening designed at providing good information relating to a range of issues, including drugs, sexual health etc or any issues occurring in the Town generally, although these activities would not be something that would be forced on the young people attending.

A question was asked as to how the Youth Workers proposed to deal with any bad behaviour that could occur. Mr Southwell explained that it was believed that as trained Youth Workers they would be in a position to deal with any bad behaviour in a positive manner and to calm any potential situation before it became a problem, although the security staff would also be on hand if necessary. Mr Southwell confirmed that he had already discussed the matter with Inspector Lawrence and Sgt Tim Kelly of Bishop's Stortford Police, who had been happy with the plans. The main issue raised by the police had been the dispersal of the young people at the end of the evening and this again would be a matter that he would be discussing with the Police.

Members also questioned whether the age range of 13-19 was considered too wide an age gap to make for a successful evening. Mr Southwell explained that 13-19 had to be the specified age range because these were the target ages that, as youth workers, they were employed to work with, however he anticipated that in reality the age range of those attending would be the 15-17 age group.

Following the discussion with Mr Southwell, members considered that their concerns and questions had been answered convincingly and unanimously approved a grant of £840 towards the cost of staging the monthly music event at the Rhodes Arts Complex.

RECOMMENDED: that £840 be granted to assist in the funding of the monthly music event payable from the budget carried over from 2005/2006 and that the sum be paid in twelve staged payments.

6. MATTERS RAISED BY YOUTH COUNCILLORS

i. Lakeside Bowling

A letter had been received from the Manager of Lakeside Superbowl confirming that young people under the age of 18 were allowed admittance to the premises after 7pm provided they had booked to bowl in advance.

7. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

i Feedback on first music night at Rhodes Arts Complex.
ii Survey to involve young people in future Town events

8. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED: that Youth Cllr William Smith be duly elected to serve.

9. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED: that Youth Cllr William Breese be duly elected to serve.

10 . DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Thursday 4 May 2006 at 6.30pm.  

To view the Minutes for a particular month, select a link from the list below:
Minutes of the meeting of the youth council held on 6 July 2006
Minutes of the meeting of the youth council held on 1 June 2006
Minutes of the meeting of the youth council held on 5 May 2006
Minutes of the meeting of the youth council held on 6 April 2006
Minutes of the meeting of the youth council held on 2 March 2006