MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF THURSDAY, 16th FEBRUARY, 2012 AT THE HARBOUR LIGHTS HOTEL.

Present: Andrew Eggleston, President
Ilona Soane Sands
Pam Pearson
Sara Fisher, Secretary

Apologies: Jenny Bradley
Tony Le Blanc
Tom Chapman
Steve Syer

1) The minutes of 10th January, 2012 were approved. It was noted that the meeting was not quorate but by confirming these minutes at the next meeting, any decisions would be ratified.

2) Matters Arising:

a) Islands Analysis
The results had been circulated to the membership, requesting comments. The pressing problem had again been transport. The reintroduction of the island hopper ticket was suggested. SF would speak to Malcolm Hart (MH).

b) Aurigny Air Services Passenger
The next meeting with AAS would take place on 6th March, with Tom Robertshaw, representative of AAS’s marketing and advertising agency and Malcolm Coupar. One question to be asked was why Alderney’s Airport was classed as category A airspace and MH was investigating this. Another query would be the amount of overtime paid when planes were delayed and it was though that the States of Guernsey should negotiate with the unions. The fire station doors were always closed when planes were late. MH was investigating wait lists for flights on line and would be asked what progress had been made.

c) Christmas 2012
A sub committee should be established and Helen Ashton and Steve Billington asked to join, as they had shown interest. AE would send a round robin to members asking for help and suggestions, also for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. New Christmas lights were needed.
d) Seasonal Business Meeting
SF would chase JP. It was noted that there was a public meeting to be held on 22nd February at 7pm to cover the Town Partnership, Corporation Quarry and Event Tourism.

d) LVCR
There was a meeting to be held on the mainland on 13th March, with Jersey and Guernsey still tackling the problem separately.

e) Census
AE would write to John Beaman with a copy to the CE to ask what if anything is going on with the Census. Apparently, according to the HHSD, there were 917 workers on the island, and 49 (or 5%) of these were unemployed. SF would ask how these 917 were made up as it was thought that many people had more than one job and they had been counted twice. Job vacancies were advertised in the States Office and vacancies existed.

3) Alderney Electricity
The round robin to members had not been done yet.

4) First Inter-Island Chamber of Commerce Meeting
A date had to be fixed for this meeting, sometime in March in Guernsey. Two Alderney representatives should go, and it the cost of the flights covered by the chamber.

5) Visit to the French Chamber
This meeting was scheduled for 29th February with four Alderney representatives attending, ISS, AE, Stuart Trought and Darren Braby. The owners of the Vedettes du Cotentin would be present, and it was understood that they were buying a bigger boat, still with a maximum of 12 passengers, but able to carry more cargo. It was noted that French goods could be taken from Cherbourg on the Huelin Renouf ship on its weekly visit, via the UK, back to Alderney. Noel Hayes of Le Cocq’s would be keen to import. It might be possible to use French waste disposal facilities. ISS was liaising with Bill Walden and Tim Birmingham. A PDF should be prepared with members details from the website for circulation to the French members. Beth Eggleston would be asked to prepare this on a paid basis.

6) Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
The celebrations were scheduled for the weekend of 1st to 4th June, with Bank Holidays on 4th and 5th June. On the 31st May Ormer House were holding a royal party, on Friday, St Anne’s School were holding a street party, on Saturday the Rotary Club was holding an Elizabethan Ball and on Sunday, Church services were being held and a lunch in the Island Hall, where people would bring food. A flotilla was planned on the Thames and perhaps a similar thing could be held at the Harbour, with something on Braye Beach on the Monday. A street party was planned in the gardens and Connaught Square, with music. In the evening the beacon would be lit on the Butes. There was cricket and the men’s Open Golf championship that weekend also. Much more bunting was required and it was agreed the Chamber would pay, once a quotation had been provided. A competition would be arranged for the best decorated shop and the Alderney Week Chamber cup could be awarded. One of the empty shops could be used to display photographs etc of previous royal visits.

A meeting had been held on 15th February with to discuss celebrations and the WI, Churches, Rotary, Harbour Office and ISS representing the Chamber in attendance. Sue Price was co-ordinating the celebrations and another meeting would be held. It was also the World Wild Life Trust’s 100th anniversary that weekend. The planting of a Royal Oak was suggested.

7) Town Partnership
The first public meeting would be held on 22nd February at 7pm in the Anne French Room. Posters and advertisements had been placed, asking for suggestions. ISS and Ronnie Cairnduff suggested that the development of Corporation Quarry should take place now, with portaloos and containers for storage. Generators would be required as it was too expensive to cable electricity. SF would send a memo to the CE supporting development now. It was thought a change of name would be a good idea, with perhaps a competition. A query should be raised about previous dumping of building materials on the site.

8) Any Other Business
Big elections would be held at the end of the year. The CE had agreed to produce guidance leaflets for candidates but it was not known if any progress had been made. SF would ask.

Only 4 cruise ship landings were planned for the summer, early in the mornings and on Wednesdays or Sundays. It was thought that the availability of the new Commercial Quay should be promoted and investigations as to companies running such cruises should be undertaken.

The meeting closed at 6pm.