Agenda item

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1.Relevant Background Information

      In 1964 Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park was chosen as the venue for the City Of Belfast International Rose Garden.  The first roses were planted and the Rose Society of Northern Ireland (RSNI) was formed.

      2014 will be the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the City of Belfast Rose Trials and the formation of the RSNI.  Since its formation back in 1964 the RSNI has worked in close partnership with Belfast City Council to create one of the outstanding rose gardens in the world.  This was recognised by the World Federation of Rose Societies in 2000 when Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park was awarded the Plaque of Merit.

2.   Key Issues

      The RSNI is planning a number of events in 2014 to celebrate its 50th anniversary and is asking for support from Belfast City Council.  A letter from the RSNI listing their proposals for functions and events is attached.

      The key issue for the Committee is whether it wishes to provide support for the RSNI in 2014. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the RSNI and the inauguration of the City of Belfast Rose Trials the Society is asking for support from Belfast City Council with the following:

·        A luncheon in the City Hall for approximately 120 people on Tuesday 4 March 2014

·        Accommodation in the City Hall for 120 delegates to attend a proposed seminar being organised by the RSNI on Wednesday 23 July 2014. To assist with the cost of providing the seminar it is intended to charge delegates a fee of approximately £25 and to seek assistance from the Royal Horticultural Society.

·         A finger buffet for 120 people at the seminar on Wednesday 23 July 2014, plus tea, coffee and biscuits for same at the end of the seminar.

·         A plaque to be laid in the Dickson Patio in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, engraved with information on the founding of the rose garden, to commemorate the 50th anniversary.

·        Production of a 20 page brochure on the rose garden, past and present. 

3.   Resource Implications

      Financial

      The estimated costs for providing support for the RSNI are as follows:

·        a luncheon on Tuesday 4 March 2014 would be in the order of £3,800

·        a finger buffet and tea, coffee and biscuits on Wednesday 23 July 2014 would be in the order of £2,060. 

·        an engraved plaque would be in the order of £250

·         a colour brochure, 2,000 copies, would be in the order of £700

      Total cost:  £6,810

      Human Resources

      There are no additional human resource implications

      Asset and other implications

      Providing support to the RSNI will help to continue the long standing partnership between Belfast City Council and the Rose Society of Northern Ireland.

4.   Equality and good relations implications

      None.

5.   Recommendations

      The Committee is asked to agree to the provision of support to the RSNI as outlined in the report.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendation, subject to the approval of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for the use of the City Hall.