page 3
The Findings and Recommendations of the Working Group
The Heraldry Working Group was made up of eight Town Councillors and 15 representatives from different sections of the community, attempting to reflect a wide diversity of opinion and belief, including Anglican, Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist, Druid, Goddess Temple, and Shamanic paths, as well as local historians and people with relevant knowledge and expertise related to heraldry and symbolism.
The group met on four occasions, between October 2013 and March 2014, to discuss the motion.
The debate was open and frank; at times heartfelt, passionate, and lively – whilst moving forward and maintaining a positive and productive spirit.
It was unanimously agreed that:
• The creation of a legal, viable, and marketable asset for the Town was a wonderful opportunity for Glastonbury, which could be embraced in a positive manner.
• Whatever the outcome of the process – the current heraldry and motto has an honourable place in the town’s history; it is important to acknowledge this fully; having it on displayed in the Town Hall, etc., to pay respect to everyone who served under it: “taking history with us – the pride we should have in the existing Coat-of-Arms – to honour the past; not eclipse it”.
• The whole community should be involved in the process, having the opportunity to contribute ideas and suggestions through active consultation.
• The process should not be rushed, “it will take time”.
• The final decision would remain with the Town Council.
Recommendations:
1) Recommendation to obtain Arms:
Underpinned by concern about the legalities, the Working Group voted unanimously to recommend that Glastonbury Town Council formally ‘obtain arms’ – to be lawful; representative of the whole community; something that “everyone would know”.
The significant factors for this recommendation being the Town Council’s statutory Equality Duty, and the responsibility of Councillors to uphold the law.
The Working Group suggests that the Town Council consider that a legal emblem; a legitimately obtained Coat-of-Arms is property.
It has value. Therefore, its use could be permitted to businesses and organisations in the town who might wish to financially support the creation and design of a civic emblem or petition to the College of Arms.
Any businesses contributing could receive authorization to use Glastonbury’s ‘official’ Coat-of-Arms as a badge of honour
.2) Recommendation for community consultation:
The Working Group recommends that Glastonbury Town Council enter into a process of consultation, involving the churches, the schools, local businesses, artists, etc., with rolling exhibitions in the High Street, public meetings, and displays to enable the whole community the opportunity to contribute their ideas and suggestions on what they would like to see on the Coat-of-Arms or civic emblem; and to voice their ideas for a motto for Glastonbury.
3) Recommendation to form a Committee, to take the process forward
The Working Group recommends the formation of a Town Council committee to implement and manage the process, as outlined in the ‘Milestones’ section. Overseeing the three aspects of the process:
Process – Milestones:
12th March 2013:
Motion to consider the appropriateness of Glastonbury Town Council’s Civic Heraldry.
Creation of a Working Group to discuss the matter.
23rd October 2013:
First meeting of the Heraldry Working Group.
30th January 2014:
Second meeting of the Heraldry Working Group.
Unanimous agreement by the Group for accepting change.
13th February 2014:
Third meeting of the Heraldry Working Group. Creation of a ‘process’ and a ‘project plan’.
February 2014
Review the legalities of the Crest
Development of a written ‘project plan’ as part of the Working Group’s Report
Budgeting of the project – including development of a Fundraising Strategy
6th March 2014
Task and Finish meeting of the Working Group to review the Report and approve the ‘project plan’.
March 2014
‘Local’ Press Package prepared – with consideration of a future national; international version. Consultation with the local clergy.
8th April 2014
Present the Heraldry Working Group’s Report to the Council as the basis of a motion to accept their findings and recommendations and the potential outcomes – either a petition to the College of Arms for Civic Heraldry; the Right to Arms for Glastonbury Town Council or for the Glastonbury Town Council to adopt a new civic ‘emblem’ that is not a Coat-of-Arms.
N.B. The remaining milestones assume a successful vote in favour of the motion.
Formation of a Town Council Committee to implement and manage the ‘project plan’ – replacing the Working Group.
a) The ‘popular’ thread, which would include consultation, promotion, and publicity.
b) The ‘formal’ structural aspect – term of reference, the College of Arms, thelegalities, statutory requirements, etc.
c) The ‘financial’ aspect of the project – budgeting and fundraising.
13 May 2014:
First meeting of the Committee – election of Chair, etc., and consideration of items including:
Project Management;
Promotion and Awareness Raising Strategy;
Funding Strategy;
Implementation of Community Consultation, etc.
Discussion with Head-teacher of St. Dunstan’s School on the involvement of the pupils in the project.
Discussion with the Central Somerset Gazette on their involvement in the Community Consultation – including a formal method of people to submit their suggestions for what emblems and imagery should be included.
Promotion of the project through local media + electronic media, websites, facebook, social networking.
Press releases to national and international papers.
Development and implementation of a Fundraising Strategy – marketing the potential of a new civic ‘emblem’; Coat-of-Arms – raising money from local businesses and organisations, etc.
September to December 2014:
Conduct the Community Consultation.
September 2014:
Public Meeting at the Town Hall to outline and ‘launch’ the consultation process.
A presentation/exhibition in the Library – where local people can find out about the project and how to take part in the consultation.
December 2014:
Public display of the St. Dunstan’s pupils’ project in the High Street – in shops, Town Hall, Library, etc., - possible tie-in with the Frost Fair?
January 2015:
A new Working Group is formed by the Committee to analyse and evaluate the results of the Community Consultation; the suggestions and ideas submitted – and produce a report for the consideration of the Committee.
March 2015:
Referencing current legislation – the Committee makes a final decision around the appropriate elements for a new emblem and/or heraldic device, and proposes this as a motion to the Town Council.
Commission the creation of designs for: Council stationery, website, etc.
Pendants for the Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral Chains-of-Office.
A Seal to authorise official documents, etc.
Continued link to page 4