TINTAGEL - KING ARTHUR
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TINTAGEL PARISH COUNCIL
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TINTAGEL PARISH COUNCIL
TINTAGEL’S GREAT SEAL
Clerk: Carolyn Y.May |
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Telephone: 01726 210139
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Website: www.tintagelparishcouncil.gov.uk |
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EXTRAORDINARY MEETING TINTAGEL VISITOR CENTRE |
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Archive: 2012: Jan.#Feb..Mr..MayJun..Jul..Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.
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Archive: 2010: Feb:Apr.Jun.July.Aug.Oct.Dec . 2011 Feb.Apr.Jun.Aug.Oct.Dec. 2012 Feb.Apr.Jun.Aug.Oct.Dec
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Support Tintagel Visitor Centre 4th July |
Hi David
I read the June council minutes with great dismay last Wednesday and was appalled and confused with Councillor B statement that the Visitor Centre had made a loss of £47,648 in the last three years.
I don’t know how it is even possible to make that much of a loss, I volunteered at the visitor centre for six years up until 2018 and from April to October we were always busy helping visitors and making sales. All of the volunteers knew that the profits were not large and that we had to keep expenditure to a minimum whilst maximising on sales and the brochure advertising.
Our main sales were books and maps which we purchased at a 35% and 40% discount and all of the small Cornish/Tintagel goods had a mark up of between 50 and 100%.
The brochure advertising paid for printing costs and brought in extra revenue.
In the 2015/16 tax year the centre made a profit of nearly £2000
Over the weekend I viewed the Visitor Centre’s Draft Accounts for 2019/20 and read that it had made a loss of £18933.33 - a big loss for one year, the village was quiet due to the late opening of the new bridge and also coronavirus would have contributed but it still seems a massive loss.
Having analysed the 2019/20 accounts in a bid to see how such a big loss could be made I could see that large amounts of money had been spent. I wrote to the council in support of the Visitor Centre and asked for clarification on the following expenditure.
Fixtures and Fittings - £8191.18
The centre has display units and slatwall shelving so why were new units and cabinets required and purchased?
Paper bags/card stock - £1369.17
When new laws on single use carrier bags are in place why were expensive printed paper handled carrier bags purchased?
Stationery - £853.02
The spend in 2015/16 was £136.74 for printing and stationery, an expected amount for stationery. What was purchased over and above pens and paper items?
Staff Clothing - £542.85
Who decided that the visitor centre income could support the cost of staff clothing for the volunteers?
There has been other major purchases at the Visitor Centre such as CCTV installed,
existing stock reduced and sold off and a ‘relaunch’ last December at the quietest time of year.
It appears to me that the management of the centre may be a major contributor to the sustained losses of the centre as well as the delayed opening of the bridge.
It would be a shame to lose such a first class facility.
Being in the centre of the village it would be ideal as a ‘One Stop Shop’ for the village and could have the duel purpose of being council offices and a visitor centre.
Regards Jill Frewer
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Statement by Roger Wickett read out at the June Tintagel Parish Council Meeting
Tintagel Visitor Centre
When the Visitors Centre was acquired by Tintagel Parish Council at least 2 or 3 Public Meetings took place and the consensus was in favour of the purchase take place.
I consoder it only right and proper that if a disposal of the Visitors Centre is being contemplaed by the Parish Council, a similar Public Meeting
should be held to allow parishoners to have their say. Paticualarly in the light of restricted access to the Council during the lockdown period!
Roger Wickett
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Comment By The Webmaster
I completely agree with this correspondent and the Tintagel Parish Council MUST ACT DEMOCRATICALY
Have a Special Meeting on the future of the Visitor Centre and ask Questions to see why the financial position of the Centre turned to a
DISASTER
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Hi David,
This is what I posted on Facebook Wednesday July 1st 2020
This evening I listened in to the Tintagel Parish Council meeting, I have withdrawn my support of that council because of the abuse and
threats that were made against me. They made reports to Cornwall Council which were a pack of lies,
I was not in attendance at one of the meetings where I was accused of berating the clerk.
The Clerk even contacted a Cornwall Councillor and threatened to ‘get me’.
She made public this evening a confidential document that I have appealed against because I only received the paperwork yesterday and have not had
the chance get the appeal done That leaves to door open for me to go public tomorrow, Radio Cornwall and Laurence Reed will be the start
It would appear that although it says confidential on the notice it is not. I tried to record it last night but she must have refused it.
Kind regards,
Barry Jordan
On Facebook Friday Juy 3rd 2020
Following last nights post, unfortunately Laurence Reed cut me of before I could say what I wanted to put in the public domain.
The Tintagel Parish Clerk, says I accused her of stealing, totally untrue, that is her version
because I sent an Freedom. Of Information for the accounts plus other things and it was refused, which is unlawful.
From their website for 2019/20
Balance carried over from 2018/19. £173,914
Income 2019/20. £147,996
Balance. £321,910
Expenses 2019/20. £160,562
Leaving a balance of. £161,348
Balance in all accounts 31/03/2020. £66,950
So there is a deficit of £93,612 unaccounted for
At last night meeting she stated she had found another account with £56,000 in, she has been the clerk for over 3 years
How come she has just uncovered this account.
Now in conversations with members of the public we don’t know if this is bad accounting,
total incompetence or the result of someone who doesn’t know what they are doing,
I will leave you to think what you want, but losing £93,612 is not something to brush over
so now I have to contact the Police Fraud Squad or else that makes me an accomplice, and the HMRC VAT office
will need to be informed. If it is just incompetence that would mean the the people of Tintagel have no need to worry.
Barry Jordan
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Dear Sir,
It was with some interest that we read the statement on your website – appertaining to Tintagel Visitor Centre. It is perhaps a pity that the author of the commentary was unwilling to add his, or her, name to the piece.
It is clear from the quotation from the Parish Council Minutes for May 2020, that the author of this statement has been rather selective in his, or her, offering to the public. He, or she, has clearly omitted the fact that the Visitor Centre has made substantial losses for a lengthy period of time, and that those losses are being met by the Parishioners of Tintagel. Nor is the fact that one suggestion under consideration is the creation of a community space for Parishioners alluded to. The author was evidently aware of the comments raised (clearly articulated in published minutes) a month ago – yet pens his, or her, statement a few days prior to the next Parish Council Meeting. How could this individual have been so negligent? - failing to provide adequate notice to Parishioners of his, or her, opposition and disgust and offering an early opportunity to object to any changes relating to the TVC?
Yet, in his, or her, statement, there is no cohesive argument put forward to justify why such a facility should be retained, or highlighting the perceived benefits that the facility brings to the village. Does he, or she, ask how many Parishioners use the Visitor Centre? Do they object to financing the centre? – not a bit of it!
Tintagel is an area of severe deprivation, as attested to by the Index of Multiple Deprivation. Is it fair that those who are struggling to meet their financial and social commitments should unnecessarily bear the costs of a loss making enterprise? Perhaps the author of the letter does not share the hardships of those who are struggling. The principle, that the poor should finance the wealthy, was clearly disabused at the time of the French Revolution.
Despite inferences to the contrary, the public has had a month to register any views which they hold in respect of the suggestions made about the TVC at the last Parish Council meeting. Only ONE has been received (on 29th June 2020).
The author of the statement has also provided erroneous and misleading advice to readers. Whilst the Parish Council Meetings are ‘virtual’, our published agenda clearly advises Parishioners that they can access the Meetings by requesting a link to the same.
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Dear Sirs
I would like to offer my view on the Tintagel Visitor Centre if I may.
First of all, can I emphasise that it is my just my thoughts and views. I have no political or personal agenda other than I live here. We moved to Tintagel about 18 months ago although we have lived in the area for some ten years.
I was interested in looking at current affairs of the parish council as, shortly after moving in, a planning application was made that directly affects us. So that is the circumstance of my viewing the minutes.
To me the TVC is a conundrum about which I have questions and views. I do not profess to know the way forward but just feel the need to say something.
It is said that the TVC is needed for the visitors, paid for by the Parishioners and owned by the Parish Council.
The financial losses would indicate that the visitors don’t need (use) it enough! Or would it be fair to say that it could be that the TVC don’t offer more of what the visitors need. Do we know what that is? There must be some idea as it was decided that whatever it is can be done on a smaller scale in Trevena Square.
I read that the losses have been substantial and two years ago, the TVC was given a year to turn itself around. Although it wasn’t required to make a profit, it did need to break even. (I am from a business background so I apologise for using the terminology I am familiar with in this context) but who was put in to ‘ manage’ this or given the ‘project’ to achieve the goals required? I am not familiar with the ways of Parish Councils so I may have missed this.
Another option was community use but would that not need to be managed also? Is there a way that the ‘use’ could raise funds towards the cost? Would this use impact on the Social Hall?
It could be sold. It would be great to see our payments to the council go down but I doubt they will! Lease / rent to a third party? What is the criteria here? Any restrictions?
In fairness I think I have been in the TVC less than a handful of times since moving here. Mainly because it was usually closed but also because there is no draw or attraction.
I understand that minutes are there to be read so in theory everyone had a voice to agree or object. (Although it is noted that March, May and June have only just been uploaded to Tintagel Web ) In practise not everyone has the technology, the ability or indeed, the inclination to go through ‘council speak’. Please don’t take offence, it is just an archaic form of writing that is not found in many businesses now. My view is that given the diversity of the village a public meeting should be held to get the views of the locals or that the area is canvassed to gain opinion……
…… then came along Covid-19.
It seems that a decision is going to be made without the village contributing and I did feel a little miffed at this because the Coronavirus has taken over our lives quite dramatically often to the exclusion of anything else. I am torn between ‘well somebody has to make a decision’ and ‘everyone has to be part of the decision’.
In summary, it would be sad to see the TVC go but if it is not serving it’s purpose can it be repurposed to suit the village?
On another note, also mentioned in the minutes, (March) is aggression and bullying. Absolute zero tolerance should be applied here. Whoever is involved for whatever reason. Totally unacceptable behaviour.
Although I would like to observe / attend the virtual meeting we are victims of the Cornish wifi. It dips in and out constantly. So, I look forward to the minutes.
Kind regards
Sue Squires
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Hi David Flower,
Having only just read the latest parish council minutes I am aghast at the proposal of the thinking, behind almost closed doors,
of the selling of one the most beautiful designed Visitor Centres in North Cornwall.
I have been a volunteer since 2010 there and until I had to retire due to poor health at the end of last year, this was a enjoyable time.
In all the years I was there meeting and helping the visitors to enjoy our beautiful surroundings and being very much a local lass born in the local area and knew where to send folk if they were tracing their family tree. I knew who they could contact the family themselves and these people were amazed and grateful that that some one so local, knew all about their family and most often those who were asking came from outside of England. In one instance a family from New Zealand were even part of even my own husbands family tree and we met up with them that evening. One of the many aspects of a visitor centre that Is what we have here and IT SHOUD NOT BE SOLD. The Parishioners gave its blessing to purchase and
Build it in the first place AND they should BE CONSULTED AGAIN if it should BE SOLD and it Should not even be up for Discussion at ALL.
COVID-19 is not our fault and should be not be blamed because there is no income coming in at the moment at this present moment of time. In the past The Centre made a small profit and we paid our way with the very happy band of VOLUNTEERS that we had and we could back them. Open from 10am - 4-30pm and no problems at all.
All of us gave our time so there was no charge to our Council at all. All or / most people coming through our door WOULD ALL SAY WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BUILDING IT WAS
and how LUCKY TINTAGEL WAS IN HAVING THIS GREAT ASSET HERE for them to enjoy and they would sign our VISITOR BOOK with that in mind.
PARISH COUNCIL JUST THINK BEFORE YOU GET RID OF IT. This Pandemic will go sometime AND WE WILL BE LEFT with nothing. The FUTURE is there and we will be great AGAIN.
from a loyal dedicated Volunteer who Just Wishes She could come back again and greet the return of people again.
PLEASE GIVE THE TINTAGEL VISITOR CENTRE ANOTHER CHANCE
June Jory
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COMMENT
TINTAGEL VISITOR CENTRE
The villagers of Tintagel BACKED the Council when they decided to buy the Visitor Centre from the
Cornwall County Council.
To think they are going to decide whether to sell the building I'm afraid is out of order!.
The CORONA VIRUS is still in Cornwall and now the Council want to sel/closel the building without first asking the villagers?!
This should be delayed to seek some questions from the local people on why this situation has arrived
and what can be done to rectify this valuable asset to OUR Council and Village
I personally am very unhappy with this sudden decision without seeking the people of Tintagel's views!
If the people want to sell it thats fine but we MUST have our views before such a decision is made by the Council
What are your views.
Please let you own local website have your thoughts and they will be printed on the website.
Email flowcrick@aol.com or 01840 770775
David Flower (Webmaster)
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TINTAGEL PARISH COUNCIL
CLOSURE OF TINTAGEL VISITOR CENTRE18th March 2020
Comments/in Parish News /by Clerk
Having discussed the current situation, regarding the spread of Coronavirus, with the Chairman of the Parish Council,
it has been decided that the Tintagel Tourist Information Centre will close with immediate effect.
This is a temporary measure. In the event of an EMERGENCY ONLY please contact the Parish Clerk using the details below.
We will monitor the situation and advise you all of any changes.Keep safe!
Regards,
CarolynCarolyn May
Parish Clerk to Tintagel Parish Council
A2 Victoria Advent House
Station Approach, Victoria
Roche PL26 8LG
T: 01726 210139
E: clerk@tintagelparishcouncil.gov.uk....................................................................................
TINTAGEL PARISH COUNCIL
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TINTAGEL VISITOR CENTRE
18th March 2020
Comments/in Parish News /by Clerk
Having discussed the current situation, regarding the spread of Coronavirus, with the Chairman of the Parish Council,
it has been decided that the Tintagel Tourist Information Centre will close with immediate effect.
This is a temporary measure. In the event of an EMERGENCY ONLY please contact the Parish Clerk using the details below.
We will monitor the situation and advise you all of any changes.Keep safe!
Regards,
CarolynCarolyn May
Parish Clerk to Tintagel Parish Council
A2 Victoria Advent House
Station Approach, Victoria
Roche PL26 8LG
T: 01726 210139
E: clerk@tintagelparishcouncil.gov.uk..........................................................................................
PARISH COUNCILLORS AND MEETINGS
As elected and co-opted members from the community it is the duty
of all Councillors to represent the views of every parishioner. They welcome
heang from you so that they can raise any concerns or questions you have
at the regular Council meetings. The routine agenda for each meeting covers
such things as Planning, Highways, issues raised on the Parish Plan,
Cornwall Council issues and correspondence, Footpaths, Street Lighting and
many other varied issues. If you wish to comment on any of these items or
have any others you wish to raise you should contact a Parish Councillor or
the Clerk.
HOW TO CONTACT THE COUNCIL
You can express your views in any of the following ways:
Attending any of the council
meetings, which are normally held on the first Wednesday of every month
(except August) when you can speak in the public session on any item on the
Agenda. Meetings are held at the Social Hall, Bossiney Road, Tintagel
commencing at 7.00 p.m. Agendas for ALL Parish Council meetings are
displayed on the Parish Notice Boards situated at Trevena Square, the
Medical Centre, Tintagel Social Hall, Bossiney, Trethevy, Treknow and
Trewarmett. Agendas for the monthly Parish Council meetings are displayed
from the Thursday of the week prior to the meeting. Passing your comments to any
Parish Councillor, the names of whom are listed in the "Useful Contacts"
box.
Writing to the Parish Council
via the Parish Clerk
LIST OF PARISH COUNCILLORS 2020
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The Great Seal Hunt |
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Flower 2000-2020
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