Present: Sheila Friend-Smith (chairman), Daniel Block, Caroline Cawley, Ted Coney, Kevin Evans, Peter Hillman, James Mackay, Janice Mackay, Shirley Overall, Terry Overall, Simon Pittock, Veronica Poultney, Frank Readhead, Ray Tinker, Liz Wainwright

1. Apologies

John Baker, Suzanne Lindsay, Liz Sayers.

2. Minutes of the 15th January meeting

These were agreed.

3. Matters Arising

Sheila confirmed that she had written to the Kings School about the possible opening of the Old Palace during the two month summer recess for guided tours to help boost tourism and confirmed that discussions were continuing.

4. Ely Ace

Simon and Daniel reported that they had delivered leaflets to all the shops and businesses in Ely now and had had a very favourable response. They had 104 businesses signed up and others were reporting back after discussions with their head office. Simon and Daniel asked members of the Perspective group to help deliver leaflets to all the households in Ely.

5. Commemorative plaques

Shirley and Terry reported that planning application forms had now been written for six of the plaques, ready to go to the Planning Department at ECDC. Sheila has been given the forms to check before passing them on. It was noted with deep disappointment that the Cathedral had chosen not to allow any of the Commemorative Plaques on their buildings, with no explanation, and had kept us waiting for many months for a decision, thus holding up the whole process.

6. Ely Court House

The City Council are to be congratulated on agreeing to take this on as their main office. The group awaits with interest, to see what other uses are to be made of it.

7. The Maltings

Veronica confirmed that the new owners of the Maltings Restaurant had not yet been identified. However, she told us that the plan was to have a separate kitchen for each provider. When questioned, Veronica said that the Maltings would not be open on Eel Day.

8. Any other business

•   Caroline told us the good news about ADEC’s Going Digital campaign of both a loan and grant to help boost the funds.

•   Ted also let everyone know that his pop-up gallery had reopened on most Sundays and he hoped everyone would support it by booking a visit and telling others about it.

•   He also mentioned a new initiative 'A Riverside Experience' aimed at coach operators. A leaflet was been created by ADEC and funded by the attractions – Waterside Antiques, Peacocks Tearooms, The Babylon Gallery, Ted Coney’s Family Portraits, The Liberty Belle and Jubilee Gardens. This would be for midweek visits organised by the Tourist Office at Cromwell House.

•   Steeple Row project – Sheila is in the process of forming a fundraising committee now planning permission has been approved. Ted has agreed to try and find out how many bins are actually needed by the shop keepers in that area.

Date of the next meeting

6.30pm Tuesday 21st May 2013 at St Peter's House, Broad Street, Ely. To be chaired by Frank Readhead.