Agenda item

The Board will be updated on the events and activities following the success of 2012 and how the county is delivering a legacy as a result of this extraordinary year.  Throughout 2014 there will be a series of major events which will impact on communities across the county. These include The Big Pledge, Cycle Wiltshire, Wiltshire EXPO and plans for the commemorations of WW1.

The Chairman welcomed Laurie Bell, Associate Director Communities and Communications to the meeting.  Laurie Bell would be providing a presentation on events and activities following the success of 2012 and information on a series of major events taking place across the County.

The presentation included the following:

Economy

Since 2012 several events had taken place to support the economy, this included hosting Salisbury EXPO, ‘Wealth of Wiltshire’ fayres and business breakfasts across the county.

There would be more Wealth of Wiltshire fayres taking place in 2014 and the authority were planning a business and sporting dinner, to be held at County Hall Trowbridge, to help support future Olympians and Paralympians.  This would take place in March and all businesses were encouraged to take part.  A further EXPO event in Chippenham was planned for June.

Keeping Healthy and Active

Several successful health fairs had been held across the county.  To build on the success of the younger generation becoming more active, Going for Goals (a children’s football competition) had also taken place as well as schools participating in local Olympic Games in Chippenham.

The authority wished to build on this further and would be providing more health fairs across the county with the next taking place in February at County Hall.  Further support would also be provided to schools to encourage a wider roll out of the Olympic Games.  All were encouraged to participate in Cycle Wiltshire, a major national British cycling event that would be taking place in Salisbury on the weekend of 3 and 4 May.

Bringing Communities Closer Together

One of the positive results of 2012 was the impact on local communities who, as a result of the Olympics and Jubilee celebrations were proven to be strong and happier as a result of community activities.  The authority was keen to build on this further and highlighted the ‘Big Pledge’ which encouraged communities to think about ways in which pledges could be made to benefit the community as a whole.

WW1 commemorations

2014 was the centenary of the start of the first world war which was being recognised nationally.

Due in part to its connection with the military, Wiltshire Council was planning an event to mark the event which was likely to be held on Salisbury Plain.  Discussions were underway with the military to develop this further.  Communities were encouraged to think of ways in which they could commemorate the event with Wiltshire Council happy to help where possible in taking this forward.

Legacy for Pewsey

The legacy already demonstrated within the Pewsey community area included funding towards the ‘Have a Go’ carnival, the war memorial at East Grafton and for EPIC (Employment Prospects Improvements Club), which helped young people into work.

In concluding the presentation, Laurie Bell highlighted the positive impact that could be achieved, including stronger communities, improved wellbeing and a future generation that would be healthy, active and resilient.  All were encouraged to consider how they might participate in the legacy.

The Chairman thanked Laurie Bell for the presentation and confirmed that a copy of the presentation would be attached to the minutes.