Minutes

Held at the Lilac Room, Seddon House. Wednesday May 11 2016, 7.30 pm

Members present: Tim Macer (603) Chair; Renu Gupta (534) Jean Soames (702) Tessa Mongomery (706) Maureen Tuffs (535) Len Matthews (717) Jill Black and Richard McCombe (116) Dafne Ter-Sakarian and Graham Fowles (713) James Prentice (312) John Barker (319) Nick Astbury (522) Petre Reid (524) Cameron Barlow (330) Paul Horsnell (326) James Watson (513) Amanda Renshaw and Peter Davenport (710) Guillaume Tellet (302) Steve Nicholson (540) Cliff Purchase (526) Caroline and Michael Swash (106) Valerie Mills (120) Helen Kay (403).

1 Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from Hilary Sunman (124) Mahesh Patil (534) Nicholas Redman (113) Anthony Sweeney (313) Liz Hirst (724) Caroline Bennett (527) Chris Parkin (604) Simon Stoye (722) McGettingan and Friel (341) Stuart and Mazine Adams (103) Anne Mann (333) Ian Williams (111) P McGettigan (341) M Temple (202). 

2. Minutes of the last AGM held on Wednesday April 27 2015 

The minutes were read, and accepted as a true record.

3. Matters Arising 

There were no matters arising not covered by the agenda.

5 Chair’s Report

The Chair gave a brief summary of the activities of the committee. Four meetings were held this year. Committee members had represented Willoughby House on The Barbican Association (Helen and Tim), Residents Consultative Committee (Michael) and the Barbican Liaison Committee (Valerie). The Chair paid tribute to those who had also attended meetings with local developers.

When problems had arisen during the previous year, members of the Willoughby House Group had assisted in supporting several initiatives designed to safeguard or enhance life on the Estate. This year, committee members had successfully assisted in preventing the implementation of a troublesome street exit (Wagamama) and in encouraging wiser alcohol use (WeWork). Indeed it was felt that preventing the Wagmama street exit had established an important Moor Lane precedent. Light levels at night and intrusive noise from nearby building sites continued, however, to be a matter of concern.

6. Treasurer’s Report 

Petre Reid revealed that the Group’s financial position was still healthy with a savings balance of roughly £2000. He noted that the only major expense was the Summer Party to be held this year on July 9. He observed that our House Group was one of the most active and reminded members that all reasonable office expenses were reimbursed by the Corporation.

The financial statements appear on pages 4-5 

7 Election of the Committee for 2015/16 

The following residents offered to serve as committee members:

Renu Gupta, Helen Kay^R, Valerie Mills^R, Petre Reid^R, Hilary Sunman, Caroline Swash^R and Paul Horsnell

^R Previously serving committee members seeking re-election 

As the constitution permits the AGM to elect up to seven members to the committee, the election was therefore uncontested. The Chair proposed that the meeting elect all proposed candidates, which was seconded by Petre Reid and agreed unanimously.

Tim Macer, Michael Swash, Nazar Sayigh and Mahesh Patel had all informed the secretary that they were willing to be co-opted to the committee. The Chair said this would be taken as business to the first committee meeting, which has the power to co-opt further committee members.

7. Membership resolutions

The following two resolutions had been circulated to members in advance of the meeting

1. “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 M Swash.

2. “That the annual membership subscription which was £0.00 (no charge) previously, shall be retained at the same rate for a further year.”

       Resolution proposed by P Reid and seconded by H Kay. 

Both resolutions were carried nem. con. by the meeting present. However John Barker made a personal objection on principal to ‘opting in’ automatically. He did agree however that in the case of Willoughby House this system worked well.

Luke Barton then spoke warmly and informatively about his work as House Officer for Willoughby House, and answered questions from the floor.

Further discussion included difficulties experienced by residents in obtaining help for damage (probably) caused by tunneling during the construction of Crossrail. Other concerns included the right to compensation for loss of light caused by the height of the new developments. The Chair suggested further discussion at subsequent meeting.

The date of the Summer Party was discussed with preference expressed for an early July date

The meeting closed at 9.00 pm.

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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.

WILLOUGHBY HOUSE GROUP

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
Held at the Wood Street Bar & Restaurant
Wednesday 18 May 2011 at 7.30

Present

Tim Macer  (Chair), Caroline Swash  (Hon Sec), James Prentice, Simon Ebbins, Steve Grimwood, Nazar Sayigh, Nik Mehta, Peter Smart, Caroline Porter.

1. Apologies for Absence

Ronnie Mann, Ian and Tessa Montgomery, Petre Reid, Valerie Mills, Susan Hoskins

2. Minutes of the last AGM held on March 17^th, 2009

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 looked back over a busy year which had included five Willoughby House committee meetings as well as attendance at several  planning sessions linked to proposed developments at Milton Court, St Alphage House, street scene improvement in Moor Lane, Crossrail, Barbican Cinema moves and alternations to the car park 03.

The successful Summer Party and Christmas time gathering at Searcy’s were also noted with appreciation.

The chair thanked the members of the committee for their support, and in particular Caroline Swash for her work as secretary, Petre Reid for his work as treasurer, and Simon Ebbins for his work as deputy chair.

The chair also noted that Steve Grimwood, a co-opted member of the committee and previous House Group chair was standing down, as he would soon be moving out of the Barbican, and expressed thanks for all that Steve had done in his years on the committee and as Chair. Valerie Mills, another current member of the committee had also indicated she wished to stand down, and the Chair thanked Valerie for contributions to the committee too.

The chair then invited questions or comments on the issues he had raised in his report.

Moor Lane/Silk Street crossing

Caroline Swash revealed that at a recent presentation of the Moor Lane streetscape imporovements she had been dismayed to discover that proposed road improvements included the removal of the present pedestrian crossing at the junction of Milton Street and Silk Street as well as the traffic island opposite the lift from podium to street level on Moor Lane. Previously, Barbican residents had been able to cross Moor Lane safely by footbridge, demolished to facilitate the development of Milton Court. It would appear that there had been a lack of understanding concerning the realities of the use of the area, shortly to become a busy educational  ‘Campus’.

Other members at the meeting supported the concerns raised and asked the Chair to make representations to the City Corporation’s Transport planners over residents’ concerns over safety in this area.

St Alphage redevelopment

Simon Ebbins observed that the ‘loading bay’ proposed in Fore Street would probably create the greatest inconvenience for residents of Willoughby House. The chair said that he would continue to press the developers would on these issues.

5. Treasurer’s Report

In the absence of Petre Reid, the Chair presented the annual accounts for the period to 2 April 2011 for approval of the meeting. He observed that the Summer Party made a very small profit and that overall the group had show a slight deficit on the year, with expenditure exceeding income by  £31.07.

The chair proposed that the meeting adopt the accounts, and this was agreed unanimously.

6. Election of the Committee for 2011/12

The chair had received seven nominations to the committee:

Simon Ebbins
Susan Hosking
Tim Macer
James Prentice
Petre Reid
Nazar Sayigh
Caroline Swash

As the constitution permitted the AGM to elect up to seven members to the committee, the election was therefore uncontested. The chair therefore proposed that the meeting elected all proposed candidates, and this was seconded by Simon Ebbins. This was agreed unanimously.

7. Determination of the membership subscription for 2011/12

The chair stated that there was no significant expenditure anticipated that was not covered either by income generated from events such as the summer party, or which was not reclaimed from the City of London Corporation. He therefore proposed that the existing zero subscription fee should be retained.

This was agreed unanimously by the meeting.

The meeting closed at 9.00 pm with thanks to the chairman and treasurer.

WILLOUGHBY HOUSE GROUP

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
Held at the Redgrave Room on April 20, 2010 at 7.30pm

Present

Committee Members

Tim Macer – (Chair), Caroline Swash, James Prentice, Simon Ebbins , Steve Grimwood,

Ordinary members

Nick Boulton, Turner Temple, Roy Fleming, Jean Soames , Chris Parkin, Maureen Tuffs, Ian  Mongomery, Sally Day, Michael Swash

1. Apologies for Absence

Valerie Mills, Petre Reid, Tracey Wiltshire, Nazir Sayigh, Tessa Montgomery

2. Minutes of the last AGM held on March 17^th, 2009

The minutes were read and agreed

3. Matters Arising

Tim Macer looked back over the year, mentioning with appreciation the newly instituted Christmas Party held in the garden under the cascade with mulled wine and nibbles.

Consultation regarding new carpeting had been concluded with the decision to continue to live with the existing carpet until external refurbishment (due in 2011) had been finished and paid for.

4. Chairman’s Report

Milton Court

Contractors were currently ‘deconstructing the lower levels’ of the site. It was observed that noise monitoring had been strictly adhered to. Work on this stage of the building would be completed in May with the next phase due to start in July. The absence of the tree next to the Heron marketing pavilion was noted. Simon Ebbins who had spoken at the planning meeting stressed the importance of speaking rather than writing. He revealed that the Heron Pavilion had only 3 years tenure and commented on the high charge of maintenance to be levied to those buying flats there. He also warned of possible disturbance from the much advertised open space above the concert halls. Discussion regarding car parking for Milton Court tenants followed.

CrossRail

Tim Macer noted that nearby retail outlets had already been closed in preparation for work in the area. As a member of the Cross Rail Liaison Group, he had stressed the importance of escalators to provide access from the network to the high walk – at present only lifts were planned.

St Alphage House

Tim Macer commented on the importance of contacting the client direct. When J P Morgan discovered that their new offices would be situated within a residential area, they withdrew their application, finding instead suitable accommodation in Canary Wharf.

New architects MAKE who have been engaged by Hammersons to develop the site, appear to be enthusiastic about the Barbican, planning additions that will be ‘strong and also respectful’. Highwalk access to the Guildhall will be retained although the upper garden will be closed and new open space provided – possibly at street level beside the ruins of St Alphage Priory. So far the firm have produced ‘massing models’ of their proposal and are in constant touch with representatives of all the affected buildings including Tim for Willoughby House.

Telephone Exchange

Two Hotels are planned on this site – an ‘Apartment’ Hotel and a four star Hotel run by a reputable chain. The buildings would fit the current ‘envelope’ and be no higher than the present roof line.

Roman House

Some surprise was expressed that Premier Inn had been awarded the contract to build a new Hotel there. Both construction and noise levels seemed unlikely to affect Willoughby House residents.

Digress

This wine bar nearby had applied for an extension of its hours from midnight to 2.00am. Since their management of exiting revellers had always been both firm and discreet, it had been decided that this extension would not be opposed.

Fire Hazard

Following the recent fire in a block of flats in Southwark in which blocked fire escape exits had contributed to the deaths of several people, the Fire Department have become concerned about the state of the balconies which are our own fire escape exits. Members of the meeting were reminded that these areas must be kept clear.

5. Treasurer’s Report

In the absence of Petre Reid, Tim Macer observed that although the Summer Party made a small loss, the finances were in satisfactory order with a reserve of £2,347.56 As a recognised Tenants Association, basic office expenses were reimbursed through the City of London as managers of the Barbican Estate. A vote of thanks was offered to the absent Petre trapped in New York due to the continuing eruptions of the Icelandic Volcano.

6. Election of the Committee for 2010/11

With 10 members available to attend committee meetings, extending the quorum was considered. However it was eventually decided to keep the quorum at 4 persons, with the committee standing at 7 members with 3 coopted:- Steve Grimwood, Susan Hosking, Tim Macer, Valerie Mills, James Prentice, Petre Reid, Caroline Swash, Nik Mehta, Nazar Sayigh.

The meeting closed with a heartfelt vote of thanks to the chairman, proposed by James Prentice.

Committee minutes for the meeting held on the 3rd June have now been added to minutes library on this site. You can read these minutes by following this link.