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WILLOUGHBY HOUSE GROUP
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
Held at Wood Street Bar & Restaurant, Tuesday 17 April 2012 at 7.30
Attended by:
Committee: S Ebbins, J Prentice, T Macer, P Reid, V Mills, N Sayigh, C Swash
Ordinary members:
C Porter, C Purchase, A & J Mulcahy, Tuffs, M, G Castle Stewart, J Soames, I Montgomery, P & A Davenport, J Smart
1. Apologies for Absence
A Jackson, Barbara & Roy Dalton, I Bradford, A Sweeny, H Baruch-Joffee, JS and RD Lund, D & V Richards, J Pointing, R Mann, L Hemming, C Parkin.
The chair recorded that he had received ten proxy votes from absent members, all of which indicated the votes were to be applied at the discretion of the chair.
2. Minutes of the last AGM held on May 18th, 2011
The minutes were read, and with minor amendments noted, were accepted as a true record.
3. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising not covered by the agenda.
4. Chairman’s Report
Tim Macer summarized a very busy year. He spoke of a planning application that had been rejected concerning late opening hours for conferences at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The Heron Sales Pavilion had applied for an extension, which if granted would again delay the street improvement scheme for Moor Lane.
Redevelopment of the former telephone exchange building is going ahead, and demolition is well advanced. So far, disruption has been minimal. The chairman reported he had learned that day that a planning application from the developer to move the delivery entrance to much closer to Willoughby House had been withdrawn. They were aware that they had received a great many objections from residents. The chair expressed thanks to all who had taken the time to lodge objections, as he believed these had been influential
Concern was expressed over the Moor Lane crossing opposite the Podium lift. Residents felt that the needs of pedestrians – especially less able pedestrians – had not been sufficiently addressed. The Corporation’s officers were proposing traffic calming and a mini-roundabout with granite setts. WHG was concerned that they were not recommending a zebra crossing.
The problem of access to the Barbican complex from Moorgate Underground was described as due to essential work by Crossrail compounded by the life-expired state of the escalators. Furthermore, while work continued, an acoustic barrier would have to be kept in place in this part of the estate to mask the noise of the deep workings needed for the scheme. This area, however, was felt to remain unnecesarily unwelcoming.
Tim Macer also touched briefly on recent changes. No work has started on the St Alphage site and nor does there seem any immediate prospect of a site. In a separate development, Hammerson, developers of the site had declared it is withdrawing from office developments in favour of retail. The effect on this site is unknown. J P Morgan is in the process of leaving the City, vacating Alban Gate, in is move to Canary Wharf. Planning permission for the development on 21 Moorfields has lapsed although this space will be a prime site once Cross Rail has been completed.
The chair thanked the members of the committee for their work and support for the House Group throughout the year, and also to Helen Davinson for her work in looking after Willoughby House, as House Officer.
5. Treasurer’s Report
Petre Reid revealed that the Group’s financial position was healthy, although the Summer Party (so successfully run by Susan Hoskins) had made a small loss of £36.00. He pointed out that all office expenses were automatically reimbursed by the Corporation.
However, Petre added that he needed another signatory for cheques since Steve Grimwood had moved away. Tim Macer was suggested, proposed by Petre Reid and seconded by Michael Swash.
The financial statements appear on pages 3-4
6. Election of the Committee for 2012/13
The chair had received seven nominations to the committee:
- Simon Ebbins
- Tim Macer
- Valerie Mills
- James Prentice
- Petre Reid
- Nazar Sayigh
- Caroline Swash
As the constitution permitted the AGM to elect up to seven members to the committee, no competitive election would take place. The chair therefore proposed that the meeting elected all proposed candidates, and this was seconded by Simon Ebbins.
Decision: Accepted unanimously
7. Resolutions
Two resolutions had been circulated to members in advance of the meeting, and these were presented for the meeting for decision.
7.1 Resolution on membership
“That each flat within Willoughby House will be granted membership of Willoughby House Group until the next AGM, unless the owner or tenant notifies the Hon Secretary in writing that he or she does not wish to be a member during this period.” Proposed by T Macer and seconded by C Swash.
Decision: accepted unanimously
7.2 Setting the membership subscription for 2011
“That the annual membership subscription which was £0.00 (no charge) previously, shall be retained at the same rate for a further year.” Proposed by P Reid and seconded by C Swash.
Decision: accepted unanimously.
The meeting closed at 8.35 pm with thanks to the chairman and treasurer.