Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

The Committee received a report detailing the success and learning from the 2016 events programme and the proposals for the 2017 programme.

The 2016 season had been highly successful and had focused on community, health and wellbeing. Two highlights of the season were felt to be the Night of the 10,000 meters (a letter had been received from Sebastian Coe in support), and the ‘Give it a Go’ event which had seen high attendance and delivered a range of good outcomes that promoted sport and physical activity. There had also been challenges during the season, such as the protest against Zippo’s Circus which led to a petition being received.

The Committee discussed the programme of Fairs held annually on the Heath, and whether their current format was viable in the long term. It was felt the Fairs could be adaptable and the Showman’s Guild could be innovative if a change of format was desirable. It would be beneficial for a representative from the Guild to attend a future meeting of the Committee.

In response to a query from a Member in regards to publicity for the walks programme, it was confirmed that different methods of publicity were being explored, and the Heath Diary was being well utilised.

A Member noted that the Heath calendar had not been produced for 2017. The Leisure and Events Manager explained that the future production of a Heath calendar was being considered.

The Committee wished for their thanks to the team for their hard work over the season to be noted.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted, and that the views of the Committee are conveyed to the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee.