Present

Nick Furr (Chairman), Sandra Smith, Annie Griffiths, Ian Thompson, Karen Smith, Jackie Penny, Chris Ruhl, Roger Austin, James Turner (Hidden Britain), Chris Scorey (Hungerford 2010+ Chair), Chris Dodd, Polly Dickens, Lucy Finch (West Berkshire Marketing & Tourism Manager), Tony Peel, Catherine Davis, Gywenth Bullock, Chris Ticehurst, Tyrell Bossom, Cathy Bossom, Catherine Bossom, Mark Martin, Ken Findlay.

Item

Description

Hidden Britain

1

Hidden Britain is a charity that was set up to help rural communities recover from the devastating effects of the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2002. Their principal aim is to work with local communities by giving them support and advice on finding ways to increase the numbers of visitors. The focus is on rural locations that are not typical tourist destinations, but that do have lots to offer visitors. They want to provide a different and more meaningful experience for the visitor. There are examples of Hidden Britain Centres in Cumbria where that scheme has been piloted. The projects are now spreading further south and aim to cover most of the country.

We are lucky to have the help of James Turner, the South East representative. James is currently working on eight other towns or villages, and can offer us guidance, advice and help with important issues such as funding applications.

There are four main steps to consider in the process of deciding how best to promote Hungerford:

• What has Hungerford got to offer?
• How can we encourage people to stay longer?
• What is special about Hungerford? (Heritage/Location etc)

• Promotion.
• How do we want Hungerford to be portrayed?
• How do we want people to perceive Hungerford?
• What is Hungerford going to be known for? (Heritage/shopping etc)

• Information.
• Maps, guides, leaflets, Tourist Information
• Access to information

• Interpretation.
• Make it easy to take part in local activities
• Innovative ideas
• Use modern technology

You can find out more about Hidden Britain by visiting their website

www.hidden-britain.co.uk

2

Chamber of Commerce Website Update.

It was decided that the Chamber of Commerce website will be updated and that local businesses will be encouraged to put details of their business on.

Action 1.0 ALL Business Owners.

Please send Nick Furr a few sentences about your business, its opening hours/phone number and email, photos etc… and it will be added to the Chamber of Commerce’s website in due course.

Nick@njbf.demon.co.uk

The possibility of creating a website for Hungerford that can show people what there is to do and where they can eat, for example, was discussed. It is important that there are easy links and that it is not too cluttered.

A regularly updated news page was also suggested.

Links on the website could offer to post brochures on places.

Link up with our neighbours to show what other local attractions lie in Wiltshire for example.

3

Leaflets

The possibility of creating a combined leaflet that gives information on where to shop and what to eat is being looked into. This could essentially be a shopping and eating guide to Hungerford. Action 1.1 Adrian Gilmour

4

Signs and Maps.

A brown heritage sign on the M4 motorway was suggested and so this should be looked into.

A new and updated map in the Library car park would be an improvement, with perhaps another under the Railway Bridge on the High Street.

Improved signage to the Town Centre from the rail station was also suggested.

5

Sub-Action Group

A sub-action group of the Chamber of Commerce was formed who will then deal principally with this tourism project.

The members are:

James Turner Hidden Britain

Nick Furr Chamber Of Commerce (Chairman)

Anne Brown African Trackwoods

Ian Thompson The Creative Toy Den

Roger Austin Tourism Group 2010+

Chris Ruhl Tourism Group 2010+

Annie Griffiths Divine Right Ladies Boutique

6

Next Meeting for Action Group

Date: Monday 23 rd May

Time: 5:30 PM

Venue: The Granary (the side nearest the road), Canal Walk