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Agenda item

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.

Decision:

The Chair confirmed that all registered speakers were in attendance.

 

Mrs Samantha Hough and Ms Kimberly Woodcock – Imajica Theatre Company CIC gave a presentation in support of their grant application, consisting of a song with backing music and signing, and a speech.

 

The Chair thanked them for their presentation.

 

Agata Anna Kisacka and Ethel Merrel – Nova Wellness CIC gave a presentation in support of their grant application.

 

The Chair thanked them for their presentation.

 

Ian Bentley – Hitchin and Letchworth Sea Cadets gave a presentation in support of their grant application.

 

The Chair thanked him for his presentation.

Minutes:

Audio recording – 4:50

 

Mrs Samantha Hough and Ms Kimberly Woodcock – Imajica Theatre Company CIC gave a presentation in support of their grant application, consisting of a song with backing music and signing, and a speech.

 

Points raised included:

 

·                Imajica were requesting support for their Christmas pantomime;

·                The pantomime would be in-person this year and supported by a digital companion;

·                60% of the seats were given to children with additional needs and families on low incomes which would be especially important this year as they were anticipating Christmas would be difficult for a lot of families.

 

The following Members asked questions:

 

·                Councillor David Levett

·                Councillor Simon Bloxham

·                Councillor Terry Hone

 

In response to questions Mrs Samantha Hough and Ms Kimberly Woodcock advised:

 

·                The digital pantomime released last year was released without charge, but used as an opportunity for people to donate as the company did not feel comfortable asking for money; it was also sent out for free to community groups and schools

·                The company had received some funding from the district-wide COVID response programme last year;

·                The company aimed to be self-sufficient eventually and was exploring other fundraising avenues including crowdfunding and support from local businesses, as well as ticket sales;

·                They were still in touch with schools across the District and were hoping to go in to schools and present shows in smaller groups and classes in future.

 

The Chair thanked Mrs Samantha Hough and Ms Kimberly Woodcock for their presentation.

 

Agata Anna Kisacka and Ethel Merrel – Nova Wellness CIC gave a presentation in support of their grant application including:

 

·                Nova Wellness CIC was a young organisation set up to provide holistic therapies to people who would benefit from support but could not afford them;

·                They were seeking funding to help them expand their provision to support residents living in Letchworth;

·                They provided support through local events with small groups of around 8 people that provided therapies as well as creating a forum for social interaction;

·                Events have included therapists advising on lifestyle, diet and wellbeing, acupuncture, reiki, stress management etc;

·                There was a real need for these kinds of therapies in the community in view of the stress and pressures of the last few months;

·                The support of the Committee would enable Nova Wellness to expand its network and provide events for Letchworth residents.

 

The following Members asked questions:

 

·                Councillor Daniel Allen

·                Councillor David Levett

·                Councillor Gary Grindal

 

In response to questions Agata Anna Kisacka and Ethel Merrel advised:

 

·                Residents were already travelling from Letchworth and other North Herts areas to Stevenage for their events;

·                They would reach out to community organisations in Letchworth to build a network for referrals;

·                They were based right next to the Lister Hospital and were renting premises above the gym connected to the rugby club;

·                They had identified 3 groups in Letchworth and had made initial contact with them earlier in the year.

 

The Chair thanked Agata Anna Kisacka and Ethel Merell for their presentation.

 

Ian Bentley – Hitchin and Letchworth Sea Cadets gave a presentation in support of their grant application including:

 

·                They were requesting funding for IT equipment to help cadets through their learning process a lot which was now hosted online;

·                The cadet branch had moved in to the centre of Letchworth and there were now 12 cadets signed up from Letchworth, and there was a waiting list for future members;

·                The funding would go towards 10 laptops and a printer which was desperately needed.

 

The Chair thanked Ian Bentley for his presentation.