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 17th, 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.