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Disclosures of Personal & Prejudicial Interests from Members. Minutes: None. |
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To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record. Minutes: RESOLVED
that the Minutes of the Panel held on 20 March 2017 be agreed
as a correct record. |
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New Community Projects, Potential Covenant Funding Applicants.
Minutes: Ospreys in the Community Paul Whapham, Ospreys Rugby outlined the background and rationale behind the bid they had already submitted to the Covenant Funding. He outlined that they had already submitted the bid due to timescales. He outlined that the project is centred around “sport reminiscence” and is based on the “sporting memories” programme that is already well established in England. It aims include tackling social exclusion and isolation and aims to integrate former service personnel and older people back into the community, through regular meetings, events and activities. He indicated the current players could be involved and if the meetings/sessions prove successful, physical activities and groups, such as walking/bowling could be arranged. He answered the questions from Members of the Panel around issues such as transport, venues, targeting of attendees etc. Capt Chris Evans reminded the Panel of the current process that the application for funding now follows via the MOD and local board in Brecon, and indicated if there is an opportunity, the need to promote the potential links with the already local covenant funded schemes at Gowerton RFC, Cruse Bereavement and the Bulldogs project may assist with its success. Access to a database of potential clientele could, as with all groups in this sector prove an issue going forward The Chair and Members of the Panel welcomed the project and fully supported the application. SA1ute Reeco Rees outlined the background and reasons behind the developing of the project which aims to provide a range outdoor activities for both serving and former service personnel and their families. He indicated that the necessary land had been promised to the group and fundraising had started. He outlined his links with a current serviceman Lee West and the Trampface group. He indicated he was seeking advice, assistance and support to develop the idea into a actual facility. He outlined that he has started the process to register the group with the Charity Commission. The Panel was generally supportive of the project but the need for Mr Rees to get the body registered with the Charity Commission was essential, as only registered charities can appeal for Covenant funding. The scheme would need to come back for formal approval once Charity status has been achieved. Panel Members outlined potential issues around insurance costs, transport, and again establishing a database of eligible persons. |
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Updates from Panel Members. Minutes: Panel Members provided verbal updates relating to the current and proposed activities, events, and workloads of their respective groups & organisations, including the following areas: Swansea Council for Voluntary Service Alyx Baharie referred to the possible links with the Cynydd programme, NEETs, military experience and possible funding form the LIBOR funding. Spenser Martin outlined he would research the matter further. Army Chris Evans reported that Armed Forces Day on 24 June had been a great success, and the Air Show had also been a fantastic event for all those involved. He indicated that a Veterans Employment Fair has been arranged in the Grange, West Cross on 7 September between 10am-2pm and is open to both current and former service personnel. He is also investigating with the Local Authority the placing of the Recruitment caravan on a more regular basis in the City Centre. He indicated once the expanded Covenant has been resigned it will be displayed at the Civic centre and an event held at the Grange to promote the event. Navy Ruth Fleming reiterated the success of Armed Forces Day. She referred to the Wrens Walking Wales Event and the excellent response in Swansea, particularly from The British Legion in Mumbles, the visit from the Lord Lieutenant and the event held with the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House. She referred to a Naval Families Federation event which is aiming to collate information on local Navy personnel and families to be held shortly, the details of which will be shared with Members of the Panel. Special Events Nigel Jones commented on the success of the Air Show and indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding next year’s event. He outlined that it may, due to RAF commitments need to be held on Armed Forces Day, with appropriate alterations needed to accommodate both events on the foreshore. He detailed that Silence in the Square is again planned for 11 November. Age Cymru Swansea Bay Nicola Russel-Brooks indicated that this was her last meeting of the Panel before retirement. She would pass the details of her replacement in due course. British Training Board Adrian Rabey reported on the recent “soft launch” of the new Armed Forces Community Academy (AFCA) project, which aims to further assist service personnel in their transition from military to civilian life. He indicated that over 600 people have joined the scheme so far, and detailed the links with companies already established which guarantees interviews for their clients. Ospreys Rugby Paul Whapham reported that the Ospreys had been awarded the Armed Forces Bronze Award, and reminded panel members of the availability of tickets for both serving personnel and veterans for Ospreys home games. Royal British Legion Tony Colburn reported on the involvement of the Mumbles & Gower branch with the Wrens Walking Wales event. He referred to lack of public awareness in Mumbles of the Armed Forces Day, and indicated the local branch had purchased a flag to promote the event. Cruse Bereavement Sue Richards-Hoskin indicated that her organisation continues to try and raise awareness of their services for families, service personnel and veterans. Chair Councillor June Burtonshaw indicated that she had spoken with the Deputy Leader regarding the purchase of an additional flagpole, and indicated that the matter should now be resolved. She congratulated all involved on the success of both the Armed Forces Day & the Air Show. |