Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Corporate Director, Regeneration and Local Services that provided an update on the implementation of future arrangements for the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) collection (for copy of report and slides, see file of minutes).

A detailed presentation was given by the Strategic Manager, Culture and Sport that highlighted the following areas:-     

• Delivery of MTFP Savings;
• Update on New Offer;
• Working Together;
• Collection Move;
• DLI Medal Collection;
• DLI Gallery, Research and Study Centre;
• Education and Learning Programme;
• WW1 Programme;
• Next Steps.

Councillor Foster, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration thanked members who had raised funds for the replica memorial bench located along the riverside in Durham. He advised that partnership working during this challenging time was key to the programme and would continue to work together.  He emphasised the importance of gaining recognition for accomplishments already achieved by the Arts Council and Ogilby Trust.

Councillor Crute suggested the Council could still do more to address public concerns and publicise the positive stories through local and social media. The Chairman felt that the media had been very supportive and assured that members and officers would continue to work closely with the Communications Team regarding promotions.

In response to a question from Councillor R Bell regarding signposting for collection items located on other sites, the Strategic Manager, Culture and Sport advised that the matter would be taken into consideration.

Councillor Graham had visited the exhibitions at Palace Green and the Sevenhills site and was extremely impressed in what had been achieved.  Members and their families would be invited to two open day sessions at Sevenhills in January and February 2017.

Councillor Nearney felt that the exhibitions so far had been outstanding and suggested that the DLI could be further strengthened through partnership working with Town and Parish Councils to develop a route into communities. The Strategic Manager, Culture and Sport confirmed that touring exhibitions had been well received and they would be doing more in communities.

Councillor Turnbull commented that youth community projects grants were available and congratulated the individual groups that helped design memorial benches in various communities.

Councillor Foster thanked members for their contributions and believed that partnership working would continue to be successful. He informed the Board that a letter had been received from Colonel The Hon. James D.A. Ramsbotham, Chairman of the Trustees for the Former DLI in recognition of the work that had been achieved recently and the support they had received from Durham County Council over the last fifty years. The ongoing work with the media would continue to get the message out regarding the facilities and he encouraged all to visit. The Chairman also thanked officers for their hard work and dedication to the programme.

Resolved:

That the information contained in the report and presentation be noted.