PH Meet - St Neots - Sunday 10th September
Discussion
The usual monthly meet at St Neots Riverside. Ambiance cafe can do lovely breakfasts and coffee as usual.
For those that haven't been, here's the location:
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Car+Park,+Sain...
I've been in touch with Hunts DC as they have been asking about formalising the event in some way. I've not heard anything back from them yet, but will keep you all posted. I suspect it won't be much more than a calendar item in the council's "what's on", but I'm aware that it could bring more attention to the event than we are used to. I've also included the St Neots Town Council in my comm's. I'm on good terms with their events team and they are keen to see the event continue.
For those that haven't been, here's the location:
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Car+Park,+Sain...
I've been in touch with Hunts DC as they have been asking about formalising the event in some way. I've not heard anything back from them yet, but will keep you all posted. I suspect it won't be much more than a calendar item in the council's "what's on", but I'm aware that it could bring more attention to the event than we are used to. I've also included the St Neots Town Council in my comm's. I'm on good terms with their events team and they are keen to see the event continue.
I've been in discussion with the Events & Promotions Officer at HDC.
It seems they were unaware of the existing Public Spaces Protection Order issued by HDC.
This 'may' throw a spanner in the works in the longer term as the council would not be able to officially promote or support an event which goes against their own order.
To quote the communication directly:
"It is a tricky one as it is not really an event but as it is organised by a specific group we have to ensure it is held in a responsible and safe manner. We realise it is a very positive and popular meeting with no problems being reported. Making it official also gives us back up in case there are other groups who try to meet up but do cause problems"
My hope is that we can get a specific exemption from the Protection Order, and the Events Officer will be speaking to the department that deals with this to discuss where we stand. However, the relevant individual is away until the 5th of September so I'm not expecting anything back soon.
There is also the potential argument over whether the 'event' is organised by 'a specific group'. Yes, we all chat on PH, but it's not an official PH event, nor is it 'organised' in any way more than just an agreement among 'friends' on where and when.
The niggle I have is the wording of the last sentence in the last email:
"We’ll aim to get back to you sometime in the week. If not then just carry on as normal on the 10th."
Which, reading between the lines, may mean that there could be a circumstance under which we are not permitted to 'carry on as normal'.
I'll continue to pursue this and keep you all updated.
It seems they were unaware of the existing Public Spaces Protection Order issued by HDC.
This 'may' throw a spanner in the works in the longer term as the council would not be able to officially promote or support an event which goes against their own order.
To quote the communication directly:
"It is a tricky one as it is not really an event but as it is organised by a specific group we have to ensure it is held in a responsible and safe manner. We realise it is a very positive and popular meeting with no problems being reported. Making it official also gives us back up in case there are other groups who try to meet up but do cause problems"
My hope is that we can get a specific exemption from the Protection Order, and the Events Officer will be speaking to the department that deals with this to discuss where we stand. However, the relevant individual is away until the 5th of September so I'm not expecting anything back soon.
There is also the potential argument over whether the 'event' is organised by 'a specific group'. Yes, we all chat on PH, but it's not an official PH event, nor is it 'organised' in any way more than just an agreement among 'friends' on where and when.
The niggle I have is the wording of the last sentence in the last email:
"We’ll aim to get back to you sometime in the week. If not then just carry on as normal on the 10th."
Which, reading between the lines, may mean that there could be a circumstance under which we are not permitted to 'carry on as normal'.
I'll continue to pursue this and keep you all updated.
After some back and forth via email today, it's all pretty encouraging.
In a nutshell, they are happy with us proceeding as we have done.
They have identified that if there are any repeated and unresolvable issues with regards to behaviour, then we may not be able to continue but, to quote "looking at your track record this is not something we expect".
They also state that this more formal status also enables us to "prevent some people from attending if they are the ones causing problems". While I doubt it would ever come to that, I'm aware that as an event becomes more established and grows, it's more likely that this may happen from time to time.
I have a form to fill out with regards to contact details and basic procedures (i.e. who's going to call the fire brigade and help marshal cars if there's a fire).
There is a field for a secondary organiser. Anyone willing to step up and offer their name to that role?
In a nutshell, they are happy with us proceeding as we have done.
They have identified that if there are any repeated and unresolvable issues with regards to behaviour, then we may not be able to continue but, to quote "looking at your track record this is not something we expect".
They also state that this more formal status also enables us to "prevent some people from attending if they are the ones causing problems". While I doubt it would ever come to that, I'm aware that as an event becomes more established and grows, it's more likely that this may happen from time to time.
I have a form to fill out with regards to contact details and basic procedures (i.e. who's going to call the fire brigade and help marshal cars if there's a fire).
There is a field for a secondary organiser. Anyone willing to step up and offer their name to that role?
I would have liked to come to this one but I have to work quite a few weekends lately due to work commitments inc. Sundays. Are there ever any midweek events to meet up on here. It does looks like you give plenty of notice so I will have to book time off in advance and may look for the next one. 
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