St George's Fields Notice Board
AGM 2022 Documents
The Annual General Meeting of St George’s Fields Ltd (the “Company”) will be held in the Trafalgar Room, Victory Services Club, Seymour Street, London W2, on Wednesday 15th June 2022, at 7pm for the following purposes:
- To approve the minutes of the 2021 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”).
- To approve the Directors’ Report and Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2021, together with the report of the Auditors.
- To re-appoint Simpson Wreford and Partners as auditors of the Company to hold office until the conclusion of the next AGM.
- To authorise the directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors.
- To increase the combined directors’ fees and expenses for the year ending 31 December 2022 in line with the annual CPI (5.4%) to £20,438.11pa which is to be shared between the directors.
- To elect TWO directors to the board from those listed below:
(a) Matt Austin*
(b) Justin Gilroy
(c) James Stillit
*Current director seeking re-election
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
Richard Harding - Chairman
NOTES
Any shareholder may stand for election as a director of the company provided he or she is so nominated in writing by another shareholder. The proposed director must also indicate his or her willingness to stand for election and signed documents to this effect must be lodged at The Estate Office no later than 28 days before the meeting. The Board can confirm that the nominations of Directors seeking election included within this notice have been received within these timescales.
Each member who is entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his or her place; such proxy need not be a member of the Company. A proxy form is enclosed.
This form of proxy should be returned to The Estate Office, if in writing by no later than 5:00pm on 15th June 2022 or two hours before any adjourned meeting, or if contained in an email to reception@sgfestateoffice.co.uk by no later than 7:00pm on 13th June 2022 or 48 hours before any adjourned meeting.
Please take care if you are returning your form of proxy by email to ensure that the email address has been entered correctly.
AGM 2022 Documents
- Chairman's letter
- Form of Proxy
- Information about those seeking election
- Candidate Information - Matt Austin
- Candidate Information - Justin Gilroy
- Candidate Information - James Stillit
- AGM Minutes 2021
- Audited accounts of St George’s Fields Limited for 2021
- Audited accounts of St George’s Fields (No2) Limited for 2021
- Service Charge Statements for 2021
- Service Charges - Summary of tenant's rights and obligations
Alternatively, if you would prefer a hard copy of the documents, you can request them by telephoning the office on 020 7723 7728 or emailing reception@sgfestateoffice.co.uk.
AGM 2021 Documents
The Annual General Meeting of St George’s Fields Ltd (the “Company”) will be held at The Estate Office, St George’s Fields, London W2 2YE, on Wednesday 9th June 2021, at 7pm.
Due to social-distancing restrictions, shareholders are unable to attend a physical meeting. At least two shareholders will be in physical attendance to ensure that the Annual General Meeting is quorate. All other shareholders are invited to attend the meeting virtually via Zoom. Details of how to download the Zoom software and join the meeting are included in this Notice.
We draw your attention to the Notes page and specifically point 2 for information on how to register your votes.
This year we intend to host a live Q&A at the end of formal business. All attendees will be muted for the duration of the meeting and questions can be asked verbally by using the ‘raise hand’ function or typed using the chat function. We ask that you familiarise yourself with these functions to allow the Chairman to unmute you to ask your question.
Questions can also be raised in advance and should be submitted in writing by no later than 5pm on Monday 7th June 2021.
Downloading and using Zoom:
The Zoom software can be downloaded onto any laptop/computer or smart device either directly from www.zoom.us or via your smart device app store.
Attendees can create an account with Zoom or are able to join the meeting as a guest without having to create an account.
To join the meeting, attendees can either follow the direct Meeting Link, or join using the Meeting ID, after which you will be prompted to enter a Password. These unique meeting details are contained on the following page.
When joining a meeting, attendees’ audio and video connections may automatically be set to ‘Off’ depending on their personal settings. Audio participation from attendees will not be enabled during the meeting and only the Chair’s audio will be connected and shared with attendees. In order to be able to hear the meeting, attendees should still ensure that they click on the ‘Join Audio’ button and connect. Attendees also have the ability to toggle their video connection by clicking ‘Start video’ or ‘Stop video’ as preferred.
Meeting Link: St George's Fields AGM 2021
Meeting ID: 882 0742 8331
Password: 740031
Purposes of this Annual General Meeting:
- To approve the minutes of the 2020 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”).
- To approve the Directors’ Report and Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2020, together with the report of the Auditors.
- To re-appoint Simpson Wreford and Partners as auditors of the Company to hold office until the conclusion of the next AGM.
- To authorise the directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors.
- To increase the combined directors’ fees and expenses for the year ending 31 December 2021 in line with the annual CPI (0.8%) to £21,100 pa which is to be shared between the directors
- To elect TWO directors to the board from those listed below:
(a) Richard Harding *
(b) Orla Jackson
*Current director seeking re-election
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
Richard Harding - Chairman
NOTES
- Any shareholder may stand for election as a director of the company provided he or she is so nominated in writing by another shareholder. The proposed director must also indicate his or her willingness to stand for election and signed documents to this effect must be lodged at The Estate Office no later than 28 days before the meeting. The Board can confirm that the nominations of Directors seeking election included within this notice have been received within these timescales.
- Each member who is entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his or her place; such proxy need not be a member of the Company. A proxy form is enclosed. As no wider poll vote for the election of directors is able to take place, shareholders are encouraged to complete a proxy form ahead of the meeting in order to indicate their voting wishes, or appoint the Chair as proxy to vote in his or her place.
This form of proxy should be returned to The Estate Office, if in writing by no later than 5:00pm on 9th June 2021 or two hours before any adjourned meeting, or if contained in an email to reception@sgfestateoffice.co.uk by no later than 7:00pm on 7th June 2021 or 48 hours before any adjourned meeting.
Alternatively, if you prefer the privacy, you may send your completed proxy form to the Independent Scrutineer either by email to alasdair.weaks@simpsonwreford.com or by post to C/O Alasdair Weaks, Simpson Wreford & Partners, Suffolk House, George Street, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 0YN. Proxy forms should be returned in writing, by no later than 5:00pm on 9th June 2021or two hours before any adjourned meeting or if contained in an email, by no later than 7:00pm on 7th June 2021 or 48 hours before any adjourned meeting.
Please take care if you are returning your form of proxy by email to ensure that the email address has been entered correctly.
- AGM 2021 Documents :-
Information about those seeking election
Candidate Information - Richard Harding *current director seeking re-election
Candidate Information - Orla Jackson
Service Charge Statements 2020
Service Charges - Summary of tenant's rights and obligations
Alternatively, if you would prefer a hard copy of the documents, you can request them by telephoning the office on 020 7723 7728 or emailing reception@sgfestateoffice.co.uk.
Park Steps Tunnel and Rejuvenation Project - Consultation Responses and Outcome
Link to the combined proforma responses and comments: Rejuvenation Project Consultation Responses
Dear Shareholders,
The Board is pleased to share the outcome of the consultation about the refurbishment of the tunnel under Park Steps. It is intended for Park Steps to be the first project and then to progressively refurbish all the tunnels.
The Board is very conscious that this will be a substantial project and is keen to ensure that the overall objectives of enhancing the look of St George’s Fields and improving the lighting and safety of the tunnels are met.
The Board is also conscious that the expense needs to be carefully managed within our resources and without major changes to the service charge.
The consultation resulted in circa 75 replies, about 25% of the shareholders. The Board has assumed that the responses, are representative of all the shareholders.
The initial consultation with shareholders gave overwhelming support for the tunnel areas to be improved. The Board then consulted with shareholders about this potential project by sharing plans, explaining the detail of the proposals, and providing computer generated images of the designers’ proposal.
As there were many elements to the project the Board wanted to seek the views of shareholders for these different elements.
The Board committed to sharing the comments and observations and the link at the top of the page shows the detailed results of the consultation. If you would like a hard copy of the detailed responses, please ask the Estate Office who will provide one. However, here is a summary of the results of the survey and the comments and observations received.
There were no nominations of suitable contractors to assist with the project.
Q1 - Lighting.
There is support for improving the lighting as proposed. 53% in favour and 38% not in favour.
Q2 Roadway colour or covering.
The questionnaire shows equal support for this, 44% in favour, 45% not supportive, but the comments section is generally not supportive. The designers view this element of the project as a way to shift the balance between vehicles and pedestrians in favour of pedestrians, so it will be kept under review.
Q3 – Hiding/Cloaking the Pipework
The questionnaire shows support for this. 50% in favour 41% not supportive.
Q4 – Entrance Doors
The questionnaire shows support for improving the appearance of the doors. 60% in favour 40% not supportive. However, the method of improving them has a variety of views.
Q5. Door furniture- Uniformity
The questionnaire shows support for this 52% in favour 41% not supportive.
Q6. Entrance Mats
The questionnaire shows significant support for a pre-approved free-standing entrance mat 75% in favour 25% not supportive.
Q7. Entrance Canopy
The questionnaire shows support for this. 49% in favour 46% not supportive.
Q8. Block name and number
The questionnaire shows significant support for this to be displayed at every door. 68% in favour 22% not supportive.
Overall Analysis
The Board together with the designers have analysed and discussed the ‘free hand’ comments and general observations as well as the voting outcomes.
From the comments there is concern about the potential overall expense of this project, a concern shared by the Board. However, the Board is also mindful of the many supportive comments for rejuvenating the estate and providing better signage and wayfinding.
The Board has decided:
- To improve signage and wayfinding. Companies with expertise in this area have been asked to provide options to improve these items to assist visitors and delivery persons in finding their way around the estate. Once the options are completed, they will be shared with shareholders. This work will also be used as part of the Park Steps project, door numbering and block labelling etc, to achieve a consistent look and ambience throughout the estate.
- The lighting and the baffle down stands are an integral part of the Park Steps project and have the support of those shareholders who responded. The Board is concerned that the work on the pipes in the tunnel may not have been fully understood. The pipework will not be fully encased but rather have a fitting put in place as a down stand. This will disguise the pipes while leaving them accessible for maintenance.
- The doors are an expensive item, improving their appearance is difficult to implement, particularly without a clear agreed direction on how to modernise them. Difficult to implement also is the uniform door furniture. Over time shareholders may have improved/upgraded or simply changed their locks. The Board has decided to keep this under review but not to do this now.
- Free standing doormats are easier to purchase and maintain, as opposed to taking up the glazed brickwork. A standard design will be considered, and options provided in due course.
- During the consultation process a resident suggested a proposal for improving the sense of homecoming, door numbering and block naming without having the canopy over the front door. It was felt by the designers and the Board that this was an excellent solution and would be a cheaper solution without detracting from what the designers are trying to achieve. The Board is in the process of obtaining quotes for this work as part of the Park Steps project.
Summary
Overall, the Board has decided, taking the comments and observations of shareholders into account, that the project will go ahead in a smaller way, with some elements of the project removed and some altered. The roadway will not be changed at this stage.
Next Stages
The Board is now seeking competitive quotations on the scaled down/amended project from contractors and seeking the input of graphic designers for the wayfinding project and intend to run these two parts of an overall project hand-in-hand.
Once the quotations are received by contractors, they will be shared with shareholders as part of the statutory consultation process. The proposals for improving wayfinding will also be shared with shareholders for feedback on some of the options provided.
Yours sincerely
Gareth Targett
AGM 2020 Documents
The Annual General Meeting of St George’s Fields Ltd (the “Company”) will be held at The Estate Office, St George’s Fields, London W2 2YE, on Tuesday 13th October 2020, at 7pm.
Due to social-distancing restrictions, shareholders are unable to attend a physical meeting. Two shareholders will be in physical attendance to ensure that the Annual General Meeting is quorate. All other shareholders are invited to attend the meeting virtually via Zoom. Details of how to download the Zoom software and join the meeting are included in this Notice.
We draw your attention to the Notes page and specifically point 2 for information on how to register your votes.
Due to the hybrid nature of this meeting, no live Q&A discussion will take place during the meeting. Shareholders are encouraged to submit any questions that they may have by no later than 5pm on Friday 2nd October 2020. Answers to these questions will be shared ahead of the meeting and also appended to the minutes of the meeting.
Downloading and using Zoom:
The Zoom software can be downloaded onto any laptop/computer or smart device either directly from www.zoom.us or via your smart device app store.
Attendees can create an account with Zoom or are able to join the meeting as a guest without having to create an account.
To join the meeting, attendees can either follow the direct Meeting Link, or join using the Meeting ID, after which you will be prompted to enter a Password. These unique meeting details are contained below.
When joining a meeting, attendees’ audio and video connections may automatically be set to ‘Off’ depending on their personal settings. Audio participation from attendees will not be enabled during the meeting and only the Chair’s audio will be connected and shared with attendees. In order to be able to hear the meeting, attendees should still ensure that they click on the ‘Join Audio’ button and connect. Attendees also have the ability to toggle their video connection by clicking ‘Start video’ or ‘Stop video’ as preferred.
Meeting Link: St George's Fields Ltd AGM 2020
Meeting ID: 836 6694 7466
Password: 436695
Purposes of this Annual General Meeting:
- To approve the minutes of the 2019 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”).
- To approve the Directors’ Report and Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2019, together with the report of the Auditors.
- To re-appoint Simpson Wreford and Partners as auditors of the Company to hold office until the conclusion of the next AGM.
- To authorise the directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors.
- To increase the combined directors’ fees and expenses for the year ending 31 December 2020 in line with CPI (1.1%) to £20,930.80 pa which is to be shared between the directors.
- To elect TWO directors to the board from those listed below:
(a) Orla Jackson
(b) Kate Roskell*
(c) Natasha Tsangarides
*Current director seeking re-election
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
Alan Seymour – Chair
NOTES
1. Any shareholder may stand for election as a director of the company provided he or she is so nominated in writing by another shareholder. The proposed director must also indicate his or her willingness to stand for election and signed documents to this effect must be lodged at The Estate Office no later than 28 days before the meeting. The Board can confirm that the nominations of Directors seeking election included within this notice have been received within these timescales.
2. Each member who is entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his or her place; such proxy need not be a member of the Company. A proxy form is enclosed. As no wider poll vote for the election of directors is able to take place, shareholders are encouraged to complete a proxy form ahead of the meeting in order to indicate their voting wishes, or appoint the Chair as proxy to vote in his or her place.
This form of proxy should be returned to The Estate Office, if in writing by no later than 5:00pm on 13th October 2020 or two hours before any adjourned meeting, or if contained in an email to reception@sgfestateoffice.co.uk by no later than 7:00pm on 11th October 2020 or 48 hours before any adjourned meeting.
Alternatively, if you prefer the privacy, you may send your completed proxy form to the Independent Scrutineer either by email to alasdair.weaks@simpsonwreford.com or by post to C/O Alasdair Weaks, Simpson Wreford & Partners, Suffolk House, George Street, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 0YN. Proxy forms should be returned in writing, by no later than 5:00pm on 13th October 2020 or two hours before any adjourned meeting or if contained in an email, by no later than 7:00pm on 11th October 2020 or 48 hours before any adjourned meeting.
Please take care if you are returning your form of proxy by email to ensure that the email address has been entered correctly.
3. AGM 2020 Documents :-
- Chair's letter
- Form of Proxy
- Information about those seeking election
- Candidate Information - Orla Jackson
https://youtu.be/nHfFPyE0bPY
https://youtu.be/SciTRV6DLk8
https://youtu.be/sVb4KF68wzs
- AGM Minutes 2019
- SGF Ltd Accounts 2019
- SGF2 Ltd Accounts 2019
- Service Charge Statements 2019
- Service Charges - Summary of tenant's rights and obligations
- Finance Presentation
- AGM 2020 - Q & A
Alternatively, if you would prefer a hard copy of the documents, you can request them by telephoning the office on 020 7723 7728 or emailing reception@sgfestateoffice.co.uk.
Please click here for the Rejuvenation Project Consultation: 2020 Rejuvenation Project Consultation - merged
Rejuvenation Project Consultation
Background to Consultation
Since 2017 the Board has been considering a project to rejuvenate and modernise the estate. This would also meet the concern that aesthetic improvements were being undertaken without any cohesive plan, that often individual tastes were imposed on projects and that many of the completed projects did not hang together leaving St George’s Fields a mish mash of changes.
It was agreed by Board members to instruct design consultants to produce a renovation report which was circulated to shareholders later in 2017, and it was decided that various projects would be considered with a view to rejuvenating the overall appearance of the estate to a cohesive standard.
Following the feedback from the shareholder consultation, the Board asked Cayford Designs, the architectural designers chosen, to consider several initial improvements. However, the replacement of the Low Voltage Electrical Infrastructure to the estate was a priority and was expensive, and so the Board decided at this stage that the rejuvenation project was not to be forgotten but had to be put on hold.
This electrical work was completed within timescales set and within budget. The Board has since considered in detail the adequacy of shareholders’ reserves and believes there are adequate funds available to proceed with an initial project whilst ensuring that reserves are maintained at a sufficient level.
In March of this year the Board was ready to start a consultation process with shareholders but very quickly the effects of the global pandemic meant that a further short delay was required. The Board now feels that the time is right to restart the process.
When shareholders were consulted originally in 2017 about potential improvements there was overwhelming support for an upgrade to the tunnel areas. It was thought that enhancing the lighting and overall appearance of the tunnels would be of benefit to the greatest number of residents. Accordingly, the initial scheme that the Board has asked designers to work on is the Park Steps tunnel.
The Board is also aware that there has been an increase in online shopping meaning there are more deliveries being made. The Board appreciates that on occasion items are misdelivered. While not the sole issue, clearer signage around the estate could assist with directing delivery drivers and visitors to their intended destination, and the Board would like to include a review on how this can be improved as part of this first phase.
The Board has been working with designers to develop a scheme that considers much of what was said by shareholders yet is faithful to the original design of the buildings and resonates with the desire for a cohesive approach to any rejuvenation project.
It is important to point out that no decisions have been made and the Board is seeking input from shareholders on the scheme as proposed.
What is the purpose of this consultation?
The Board is supportive of a rejuvenation project to the Park Steps tunnel but not wedded to any of the individual ideas contained in this document and wishes to hear constructive observations and opinions on the proposals.
Who is being consulted?
We are only seeking the comments and observations of shareholders of the Company.
With this consultation are the Computer-Generated Images (CGIs) of how the tunnels might look both in the daytime and at night time, close up CGIs of the doors, architectural drawings for those who might appreciate the detail and also a document itemising the colours intended to be used.
What is the proposal for the pipework in the tunnels?
The pipework needs to be accessible for maintenance reasons – the proposal sees the pipework ‘cloaked’ to distract the eye from the pipes whilst keeping them permanently accessible. Any scheme will ensure that the pipework is cleaned and painted at the same time.
What is the proposal for the lighting?
The tunnel can be dark and when coming from outside the tunnel areas it can take a while for eyes to adjust to the changing light levels. There are 3 areas for improvements to lighting in the tunnel areas.
- better coverage and direction for the column lighting of the pedestrian walkway;
- better and improved lighting onto the roadway; and;
- new lighting over the front doors to create a sense of home to the maisonettes at ground floor level.
All lighting will be LED lamps to ensure energy efficiency.
All lighting will have measures in place for lighting to be controlled during the day and night with a view to ensuring that appropriate light levels are in place at the right times.
What is the approach used for the roadway?
It is possible to paint the roadway in a lighter colour which will help bounce light off the roadway rather than absorb any light as is currently the case with a dark resin paint. It is important that any lighter colour can be easily cleaned. At the same time the scheme allows for the kerbs to be repainted
What is the approach to the doorways and apartment entrances in the tunnel area?
The broad concept is to provide a sense of home and homecoming to each of the apartments.
The wooden panel that separates the door, the rubbish cupboard and door surrounds will be redecorated.
It is proposed that new numbering and signage will be provided to show at each door the apartment number and name of the step block. This is to help visitors find their way and hopefully to assist delivery drivers deliver to the correct door more often. In addition, better signage generally around the estate is being proposed to direct people to the various blocks.
Each ground floor apartment has 3 doors – the entrance door, the utility cupboard door and the under-stair crawl space door. At this stage the preferred plan is to completely redecorate the doors by stripping them down, staining them and varnishing them. However, there are some logistical problems with decorating an entrance door for those flats whose owners are not resident permanently or for those residents who are out during the day.
To meet these issues -
One option is to provide a secure enclosure behind which decorators will work while the door is open during the day.
Another option is to purchase new entrance doors for all the flats decorate them on a workbench and then install the new entrance doors.
No firm view has been taken on either of these options, and your opinions are sought. One option is to tender for both options and consider the costs of each option also.
Our designers are proposing new door furniture to each door so that the scheme will be uniform throughout. If this approach were to be adopted, it would require the future strict control of any replacement or additional door furniture because otherwise the intended design impact of the scheme (uniformity and rhythm) will become obsolete over time.
You will see that in the proposed design the doorways also have a small canopy over the door lintel with some lighting within it – this will also help with overall lighting and the sense of homecoming.
The feedback from designers is that both the variety of design and size of residents’ entrance mats do not help with the overall look of these areas and upsets the design rhythm here.
The designers propose, and the CGIs show, a cut out section of the glazed pathway slip tiles to allow the installation of a recessed foot mat.
Another option is to purchase similar sized mats to be provided to these apartments as an ‘approved’ entrance mat. These mats would be free standing and so could be picked up to clean the pathway. The apartments were originally built with mats inside the front door to avoid having mats outside the properties, in the common parts.
It should be noted that the cutting out of the glazed pathway slip tiles is a more expensive option.
When undertaking the project, it will be specified that the pathway slip tiles are to be commercially cleaned and, if possible, polished too.
What about ongoing maintenance and cleaning to the new scheme?
It will be important to specify that all new materials are safe, compliant and as maintenance free as possible.
The tunnel areas are in part high and difficult to access.
Are all the tunnels being rejuvenated?
It is planned to undertake the works to Park Steps first as a pilot and then another tunnel each year thereafter. The lighting under Park Steps is worse. As it is a shorter tunnel it does not have a central LED panel light that is on permanently. Phasing the works will also help with cashflow. This phased approach accords with previous improvement projects such as the lifts and pathways.
How will it be paid for?
The service charges have been set at a level to allow for the reserve funds to pay for the renovations, and the phased approach should ensure that contingency levels within the reserve funds are preserved.
Will these works require planning permission?
No - Westminster City Council has been consulted. However, the scheme is works as defined by the Building Control Act, and it will be necessary to have appropriate building control inspections and approval signed off at various stages.
If the works to the tunnels proceed, how will you preserve access to homes and areas during the works.
It is very early days for this project, but should the works go ahead this will be a consideration to provide for the needs of residents and other users of this area.
What is the cost of these works?
This very much depends on the tenders received from contractors at the tender stage – should this initial consultation proceed to further stages. However, a quantity surveyor has been appointed and a schedule of works produced for a pricing document to be completed. If shareholders are supportive of the proposals, then the cost for the Park Steps tunnel is estimated to be in a range of £150,000 to £200,000 including VAT and fees.
Why has it taken a while to share these designs with shareholders?
As mentioned previously, the electrical works took priority. However, these are very complex issues and the Board wished to be entirely clear about the financial implication before consulting on potential projects. The Government’s instructions for lockdown in consequence of Covid-19 has caused this consultation to be put on hold for several weeks.
Can I see the materials being proposed?
Yes. Should shareholders be broadly supportive then it is intended that we will make specimen samples available for inspection on certain days and mock-up certain aspects of the scheme.
What about proposals for clearer signage?
The Board will share these proposals too to invite comments as soon as the proposals from the designers are received.
Can I recommend a contractor?
Yes – this notice, although a little more detailed than usual, is fully intended to comply with Section 20 of the Landlord & Tenant Act (LTA). Nominations of suitable contractors should be made in writing to G Targett c/o The Estate Office, St George’s Fields London W2 2YE no later than 5pm on the 10th September 2020. The nominations will only be used though if the consultation demonstrates a broad consensus of positive opinions for this project.
How will my comments and observations be used?
Only comments made in relation to the scheme will be considered, and comments/observations need to be specific. No greater weight will be given to comments made by those who live in the ground floor apartments than to comments made by other shareholders.
With the notice is pro-forma that asks whether you are supportive/unsupportive/neutral on each of the proposals and also a free form box for an overall comment at the end.
Observations and comments will be grouped by category, tabulated and at the end of the consultation period shared with all shareholders as required by the statutory consultation process under the Landlord & Tenant Act.
Accompanying documents:
- Overall Proposed Design
- Existing Doors
- Proposed Doors with Light Box – Detail
- Proposed Doors Electrical Supply – Detail
- Proposed Floor – Detail
- Proposed Pipework Baffle – Detail
- Proposed Lighting – Detail – with handwritten mark ups
- Door Decoration Enclosure – Detail – hand drawing
- Colour Palette
- CGI – Day Tunnel
- CGI – Day Doors
- CGI – Night Tunnel
- CGI – Night Doors
Coffee morning
The next coffee morning will take place on Saturday 5th October at 10:30am and will be held in the back room of Abasto just around the corner in Connaught Street. We have chosen a Saturday thinking that will be convenient for the members of our community who work!
This is a great opportunity to chat to your neighbours, so do join us. SGF will buy your first cup of coffee or tea.
Pub evening
Following the success of our get together in April your Social & Community Committee proposes another pub evening. Please join us at the Duke of Kendal on Thursday 21st November from 7:00pm to 9:00pm (or later if you wish!). There is also good pub food available if you are hungry.
In case you need any extra encouragement, and for added cheer, the first round of beer, house wine or soft drink will be on SGF. No need to book, just come along!
WhatsApp group
If you are not already one of the 61 members of the very social SGF residents WhatsApp group, do join it to help keep in touch with your neighbours and hear what's happening. Recent threads have included discussion of electricity tariffs, help in finding a plumber, and milk and paper deliveries. Zoe Dundas is the Administrator, and she will add you if you send her a text on 07976 388364.
Social & Community Committee
St George’s Fields Ltd
Sunday 30th June at 3pm for 3.15pm start
St George’s Burial Ground Talk
FREE here in our SGF gardens,
sponsored by our SGF Social & Community Committee
Colin Fenn, cemetery historian, will entertain us with tales of old St George’s Fields’ graveyard, of thousands buried, Superstars & from Tyburn Gallows, of body snatchers hauling skeletons over our double walls, a flashy chapel, mysterious crypts, tennis & archery combats, plans for a high round-tower, why & how our flats were built, and much more!
A one hour presentation, plus questions & contributions.
SGF garden bench seating on lawn behind Park Steps, near Albion Mews – perhaps come with your own cushion or personal chair.
Herbal & fruit beverages; and if possible Bring Your Own Mug.
Earlybirds get to view maps & drawings showing our fields over several centuries; and compete to identify a dozen SGF garden flowers.
Please RSVP to SGF Reception reception@sgfestateoffice.co.uk, for seating numbers.
Looking forward to seeing you all.
Queries/offers of help please to yolandeyates2@gmail.com.
2019 AGM - Voting Results
1 - The resolution to approve the minutes of the 2018 AGM.
Resolution Approved with 1 abstention
2 - The resolution to approve the Report of financial statements for 2018.
Resolution Approved
3 - The resolution to reappoint Simpson Wreford & Partners as auditors.
Resolution Approved
4 - The resolution to authorise the Directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors
Resolution Approved
5 - The resolution to combine the Directors' fees and expenses for the year ending 31st December 2019 for an overall total of £19,028 pa which is to be shared between the directors.
Resolution Approved on a poll vote with 56 votes For and 1 vote Against
6 a and b - Matthew Austin and Liz Hewitt were duly (re)/appointed Directors on a poll with the votes as follows:
Matthew Austin - 57 Votes
Liz Hewitt - 52 Votes
Total Votes cast: 57
Window Cleaning
On Thursday 11th July 2019 the window cleaners will be attending to carry out window cleaning to individual flats. This will include the inside and outside of the windows. Payment must be made in advance and there are many ways you can pay.
If you wish to pay by cash, cheque or bank transfer the individual window cleaning prices (including VAT) are:
Steps Blocks
1 Bed Flat - £24.00
2 Bed Maisonette - £30.00
2 Bed Penthouse - £36.00
Rise Blocks
Studio - £18.00
1 Bed Flat - £24.00
Cheques should be made payable to: St George’s Fields (No2) Limited.
Direct bank transfers should be made to: Account Name: St George’s Fields (No2) Limited, Sort Code: 20 65 89, Account Number: 60845833. Please include your property as a reference (eg. KS02).
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, then please let the Estate Office know by telephone on 020 7723 7728 or by email to reception@sgfestateoffice.co.uk letting the office know how your apartment can be accessed internally.
On Thursday 11th July 2019 the window cleaners will be attending to carry out window cleaning to individual flats. This will include the inside and outside of the windows. Payment must be made in advance and there are many ways you can pay.
If you wish to pay by cash, cheque or bank transfer the individual window cleaning prices (including VAT) are:
Steps Blocks
1 Bed Flat - £24.00
2 Bed Maisonette - £30.00
2 Bed Penthouse - £36.00
Rise Blocks
Studio - £18.00
1 Bed Flat - £24.00
Cheques should be made payable to: St George’s Fields (No2) Limited.
Direct bank transfers should be made to: Account Name: St George’s Fields (No2) Limited, Sort Code: 20 65 89, Account Number: 60845833. Please include your property as a reference (eg. KS02).
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, then please let the Estate Office know by telephone on 020 7723 7728 or by email to reception@sgfestateoffice.co.uk letting the office know how your apartment can be accessed internally.
On Thursday 11th July 2019 the window cleaners will be attending to carry out window cleaning to individual flats. This will include the inside and outside of the windows. Payment must be made in advance and there are many ways you can pay.
If you wish to pay by cash, cheque or bank transfer the individual window cleaning prices (including VAT) are:
Steps Blocks
1 Bed Flat - £24.00
2 Bed Maisonette - £30.00
2 Bed Penthouse - £36.00
Rise Blocks
Studio - £18.00
1 Bed Flat - £24.00
Cheques should be made payable to: St George’s Fields (No2) Limited.
Direct bank transfers should be made to: Account Name: St George’s Fields (No2) Limited, Sort Code: 20 65 89, Account Number: 60845833. Please include your property as a reference (eg. KS02).
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, then please let the Estate Office know by telephone on 020 7723 7728 or by email to reception@sgfestateoffice.co.uk letting the office know how your apartment can be accessed internally.
2019 AGM Documents
The Annual General Meeting of St George’s Fields Ltd (the “Company”) will be held in the El-Alamein Room, Victory Services Club, Seymour Street, London W2, on Wednesday 18th June 2019, at 7pm for the following purposes:
- To approve the minutes of the 2018 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”)
- To approve the Directors’ Report and Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2018, together with the report of the Auditors.
- To re-appoint Simpson Wreford and Partners as auditors of the Company to hold office until the conclusion of the next AGM.
- To authorise the directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors.
- To combine the directors’ fees and expenses for the year ending 31 December 2019 for an overall total of £19,028 pa which is to be shared between the directors.
- To elect TWO directors to the board from those listed below:
(a) Matthew Austin
(b) Elizabeth Hewitt*
*Current director seeking re-election
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
Alan Seymour - Chair
NOTES
- Any shareholder may stand for election as a director of the company provided he or she is so nominated in writing by another shareholder. The proposed director must also indicate his or her willingness to stand for election and signed documents to this effect must be lodged at the Estate Office no later than 28 days before the meeting. The Board can confirm that the nominations of Directors seeking election included within this notice have been received within these timescales.
- Each member who is entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his or her place; such proxy need not be a member of the Company. A proxy form is enclosed
- This form of proxy should be returned to the Estate Office, if in writing by no later than 5.00pm on 18th June 2019 or two hours before any adjourned meeting, or if contained in an email to reception@sgfestateoffice.co.uk by no later than 7.00pm on 16th June 2019 or 48 hours before any adjourned meeting.
- Please bring with you to the meeting an adequate form of identification (e.g. driving license, passport, credit card etc).
- 2019 AGM Documents for download:
The electrical works are now moving on to the apartments that are accessed at 5th floor level.
The wiring and trunking for these apartments is hidden above the suspended ceiling at 3rd floor level.
Therefore, please do expect disruption, mess and noise while some ceiling panels are removed to allow access to the trunking. It is quite probable that ceiling panels will be kept down overnight as works progress through each of the Steps blocks.
Please accept our apologies for the appearance but we hope to put the ceilings back as soon as possible.
If you are a landlord, or have another agent manage your property, please forward this email to your tenant. If you allow SGF2 to manage your tenancy, then we will ensure your tenant receives this and future newsletters and notices accordingly.
Gareth Targett
St George’s Fields Ltd
One of the outcomes of the AGM in 2018 was a request for the Board and Management of St George’s Fields to review the parking arrangements at ground floor level. It was observed that parking was haphazard, inconsiderate and, on occasion, without a permit.
Since the AGM, Management have been more rigorous in reminding offenders of the parking rules with the use of stickers. Many residents have fed back that there has been an improvement. However, there are still repeat offenders. Some of the offenders are residents, not just visitors or contractors. As a response, Management have developed a new parking administration tool and revised the process for parking at ground floor level.
From Monday 4th March, Residents and Visitors will no longer need to obtain a paper parking permit and can instead book parking sessions online by visiting the St George’s Fields Website and completing the online form. This new system is accessible 24 hours a day and at weekends. Management have an oversight of who has and has not booked parking and will place stickers on those parked vehicles that have not followed the process. Details on accessing the parking booking form will be shared next week.
If you do not have access to the internet, or have unexpected visitors arrive and cannot book parking online, then please get in touch with the Estate Office and we will organise this for you. Alternatively, your visitor can still pop into the office to organise parking or call in advance during the Estate Office’s opening times.
Parking is only available on the West side of the tunnel areas to the Step blocks - this is on the even door number side to all Steps blocks.
If there is no parking available, then please park outside the estate. Parking in a haphazard fashion may impede an emergency service vehicle’s access.
If you have a car parking space, please do use it as often as possible. I appreciate that, on occasion, it is more convenient to park at ground floor, but, as space is limited, you are asked to use the space allocated to the apartment.
If you are a tenant of a landlord who has not rented the car parking space with the flat, then you should not be using the ground floor to park your car for extended periods of time.
Parking for up to 1 hour is permitted without booking parking.
Contractors will still be required to visit the Estate Office to obtain a contractor parking permit. As a rule, contractors should only be onsite when the office is open.
Parking at ground floor level is subject to a fair and reasonable use policy. One should not abuse the facility by continually parking on consecutive days out of fairness to all. If Management observe the same individual abusing the process, then they will be asked not to, using a sticker reminding them of the rules.
When reviewing the policy and processes for parking at ground floor level, one of the options that the Board and Management considered was to contract with an external parking enforcement company who would issue incorrectly parked vehicles with a Parking Charge Notice to fine offenders. The Board preferred not to take this action but want to put all Shareholders and Residents on notice that, if there are further and continuous abuses of the parking rules or there is a constant refusal by some not to adhere to these rules, then the Board will be left with no alternative but to employ the services of an enforcement company.
The Board and Management would like to remind everyone that the rules are in place for perfectly sound and reasonable estate management reasons. Therefore, you are asked to respect the rules that are in place to allow bona fide visitors and contractors access to the estate while preserving access for attending emergency services if needed.
If you are a landlord, or have another agent manage your property, please forward this email to your tenant. If you allow SGF2 to manage your tenancy, then we will ensure your tenant receives this and future newsletters and notices accordingly.
Gareth Targett
St George’s Fields Ltd
Background
As has recently been written, there have been a number of break-ins/attempted break-ins within St George’s Fields. Management asked the Safer Neighbourhood police officers to attend to provide some help and advice on SGF’s security measures. They attended a meeting with the Board of directors and provided some insight to what had happened, their progress and helpful tips and advice for SGF and residents. This security notice has been encouraged and approved by the Police
What has happened?
The police have received reports of 7 break-ins/attempted break-ins between 15th December and 3rd January. As many of the break-ins were to apartments where the occupants were away over Christmas, they are unable to be more specific about dates.
All break-ins were to ground floor Step block apartments and at each break in the point of entry was through the balcony. The stolen property has been recorded by the Police as x2 laptops and x2 coats.
Following the breaks-ins, forensic officers attended and have gathered evidence to assist with crime detection and aid future prevention. They are also reviewing CCTV footage that they have requested. Although they cannot be certain, the Police feel that on the balance of probability it is the same individual and that from their experience burglars act alone. The police are content with both the number of CCTV cameras and quality of images at St George's Fields, but will visit again to check that the coverage is adequate.
The police produced statistics for the local area that confirmed, apart from this unusual spike, St George’s Fields has a very low crime rate. However, there are increasing numbers of online deliveries and food deliveries which means more people are gaining access to St George’s Fields and are aware of the estate. As has been pointed out to me, professional burglars are not necessarily put off by gates or CCTV and residents should not be complacent.
What can SGF do?
The Board of directors listened to the advice of the Police and Management and are taking the following steps:
- Introducing signage regarding the filming and recording of CCTV.
- Removing the automated closing mechanism from the main pedestrian gate so that it closes quickly behind individuals. It will still work with the intercom but requires a pull or a push and will close on the mag-locks on a self-closing mechanism.
- Trimming the hedges to ground floor balconies to discourage any potential break-ins.
- Installing some sensor lights on motion detection to darker areas of the estate.
- Asking residents not to walk through the main vehicle gate as it keeps it open for longer than it should. I have asked the School to remind their parents of the same requirement.
What can you do?
Do what you can to protect yourselves and your neighbours. Whilst SGF will be working on measures and advice to help, it is ultimately a resident’s own responsibility to address their own security.
The Police recommended notifying every one of the following:
Make sure you lock all windows and doors when you go out, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
Make your home look and sound occupied. Leave a radio on – preferably a talk radio channel. Purchase timers for lights and lamps.
Do not advertise your possessions. Always keep valuables out of sight.
On your balconies, arrange garden furniture and pots so that it is more awkward for potential burglars to gain access and they would need to move items. In so doing they could potentially leave good forensic evidence for the Police to gather.
If you are going away for lengthy periods, let your neighbours know. If you have let them know and there is an unexpected noise, your neighbours will be more aware and may call the Police if necessary. You can also let the office know that you are away if you like.
Tailgating - When you drive through the main gates wait. Once past the opening ground sensor stop outside the school gate until the main gate closes behind you. I realise that visitors, contractors and delivery drivers will not do this but the more people that do will assist with preventing those that should not be in the Estate getting in. This same broad principle applies to all the pedestrian gates to make sure they are closed behind you.
Challenge anyone waiting at a gate – Ask them whether they live here, which flat. If they are visiting, who are they visiting? If you feel uncomfortable doing so, use an alternative gate yourself.
If you see a crime taking place call 999 immediately. Do not call or email the Estate Office first. Do so once you have called the Police.
Similarly, if you see or hear anything suspicious call 999 immediately. Do not call or email the Estate Office first. Do so once you have called the Police.
If you return home and disturb a burglar in the middle of the act do not engage with them or attempt to stop them to protect yourself from coming to any harm.
With thanks to a shareholder who researched some of these security measures, the Police were very supportive of the following:
This lock wraps around the handles of a sliding patio door. These are easy to secure yourself.
Here is a link to Amazon where you can purchase.
These types of locks are installed at the top and bottom of the sliding door into the frame so that the doors are secured but also cannot be lifted out. Simon Tarpey can help fitting these.
Here is a link to Amazon where you can purchase.
This is a door jamb preventing the patio door from being slid open unless you remove it first.
These are easy to secure yourself. Here is a link to Amazon where you can purchase.
Motion detector LED lights on your balcony. It does not have to be the make or model in the image.
You might need an electrician to fit these and help with the sensitivity settings. It should be set up in such a way that it does not shine onto/into neighbouring windows
Should you need an electrician, HMS Electrics know the estate well and Mark can be contacted on 07801 745 146.
An Indoor Security Camera that works over your WiFi can also be a step in the right direction to help with crime detection.
If you decided that you wanted an external camera to cover your balcony, please remember that it should be set up in a way that does not film neighbouring properties/balconies.
When you purchase these cameras, they usually come with a sticker that you can place on your balcony window to state that you are recording CCTV images. This will also act as a deterrent.
A set of retractable security grills as some ground floor flat owners have installed will be an excellent deterrent.
You can source these quite easily, but Barry Brothers on Praed Street can assist with this. Their telephone number is 020 7262 9009.
Finally, if you do happen to be the victim of a burglary, call the Police immediately, not the Estate Office.
Do not touch anything and resist the urge to tidy up as the Police may be able to get good forensic evidence. Let the Estate Office know once you have called the Police.
Gareth Targett
St George's Fields Ltd
Electrical Infrastructure Renewal Work at St George’s Fields
What is the background to the need for renewal of the electrical infrastructure?
The Board commissions an asset management review (carried out by Arup) approximately once every three years. The review is a fundamental tool in planning long-term major capital expenditure at SGF. Arup recommends strongly that the electrical infrastructure is at an age where renewal is needed and indicated that such work might cost about £750,000.
The Board decided to commission a more detailed report from MHBC, who have an electrical engineering background, to establish a more accurate estimate of the cost of renewing the electrical infrastructure, and crucially to find out where the boundaries of responsibility lay between SGF and UK Power Networks (UKPN). UKPN came to the Estate and it was established in the report that the cost of renewal is entirely the responsibility of SGF. It also says that although there is no indication that there will be a failure of the current system in the immediate future it is prudent to plan to avoid the increasing likelihood of such a failure.
What will be the cost of the renewal work and how will it be paid for?
MHBC estimates that the total cost of the work including VAT and contingencies will be approaching £1,000,000. The Board recommends that the cost of this work be paid for out of reserves. We have built up high levels of reserves to pay for just this kind of eventuality.
When will the work be carried out?
The work will take approximately 35 weeks and it is proposed to carry out the work between the beginning of March 2019 and the end of October 2019. The coldest winter months are being avoided because there will be short periods when apartments will lose all power.
What will the effects of the work be on shareholders?
Cables running from switch rooms located in the garage will need to be replaced. Within blocks most of these cables run through under floor containment trays or in voids at ceiling height. Replacing the cables will of course lead to a level of disruption. Crucially, there will be three separate periods each of up to 4 to 5 hours when an individual apartment will have no electricity supply when power is disconnected, then connected to a temporary supply board, and then finally connected to the new supply system. Therefore, it is proposed to carry out the work to avoid the coldest months. It may be possible to have the scheduled power outages contained to the mornings when the underfloor heating would not be on in any event.
Could the work be phased over some years to spread the costs?
The Board did consider in depth the possibility of carrying the work out over several years. There is a saving in doing the work as one exercise. It is also very difficult to justify upgrading one part of the estate before another with shareholders rightly demanding to know why their block is at the back of the queue.
What would be the effect of carrying out the electrical infrastructure renewal work on the Cayford project (to upgrade the appearance of the estate)?
It was reported at the AGM that any decision on Cayford was dependent on the cost of the electrical work. Sadly, there will need to be a postponement of the Cayford project until there is some recovery in the reserves. In addition, management could not be expected to oversee two major projects at the same time and with yet further disruption. The Board is committed to the Cayford proposals in the long-term given the strong shareholder support for such improvements once it is practical and financially viable to do so.
What are the next steps?
The Board will now commission the preparation of a schedule and programme of works to obtain competitive tenders. Then there will need to be the usual robust consultation with leaseholders as required under statutory legislation.
How may I comment on this document or ask questions about it?
This can be done in writing or by email through the estate office and we would ask that you make any comments by 1st August 2018. There is further information below for interested shareholders which goes into technical depth about the nature of the proposed works.
What are the Works proposed?
At underground level there are several sub stations. These sub stations are locked and are UKPN property.
Immediately adjacent are the switch rooms and these switch rooms convert the high voltage supply into a lower voltage then distribute the power from the feeder panels up to the individual apartments. The switch rooms, in the main, distribute power to 1 or 2 blocks.
Depending on whether it is a Rise block, or a Step block then things become a little more complicated. The cable runs that feed the blocks are either hidden under floor in containment trays or in voids at ceiling height. It is these cables that need to be replaced along with the various distribution boards peppered around the Estate. The ground floor maisonettes and some ground floor Rise apartments are served from distribution boards in the garage.
To undertake these works to the whole of the Estate will likely take approximately 35 weeks at a preliminary total cost, including VAT and contingencies, of £1,000,000.
The works would be undertaken in such a fashion that leaseholders’ apartments should not be without power for overly lengthy periods. There will be specific planned and notified times when power will be lost but this will be minimised to 4 to 5 hour periods and if works are undertaken then they will commence early spring to early autumn when the dependency on heating will be not be so great.
It is expected to achieve this by providing a temporary supply run at high level or in locked cupboards.
The old supply will be disconnected and the apartment connected to a temporary supply board.
The old cables are then removed, and the new cabling is run through the same cable runs as present.
Once this is tested and confirmed correct then the apartments will be disconnected from the temporary supply and connected to the new supply.
All the temporary supplies and their temporary containment areas will then be removed and any decorative making good undertaken.
The supply for the fifth and sixth floor apartments in the Step blocks is in the ceiling voids in the third floor corridors and these areas will be ‘bird caged’ so people can pass underneath, and contractors can work overhead.
Gareth Targett
St George’s Fields
2018 Annual General Meeting
Results of voting
- The resolution to approve the minutes of the 2017 AGM - Resolution Approved
- The resolution to approve the Report of financial statements for 2017 - Resolution Approved
- The resolution to reappoint Simpson Wreford & Partners as auditors - Resolution Approved
- The resolution to authorise the Director’s to determine the remuneration of the auditors - Resolution Approved
- The resolution to maintain Director’s fees at the 2017 level of £17,228 p.a. for the year to 31st December 2018
- Resolution Approved on a Poll Vote with 64 votes For and 0 Against
6a and b. Richard Harding and Stephen Mayer were duly (re)/appointed Directors on a poll with the votes as follows:
Richard Harding 61 Votes For and 0 Against
Stephen Mayer 62 Votes For and 0 Against
Total votes cast: 64
2018 AGM Documents
The Annual General Meeting of St George’s Fields Ltd (the “Company”) will be held in the El-Alamein Room, Victory Services Club, Seymour Street, London W2, on Wednesday 13th June 2018, at 7pm for the following purposes:
1. To approve the minutes of the 2017 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”).
2. To approve the Directors’ Report and Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2017, together with the report of the Auditors.
3. To re-appoint Simpson Wreford and Partners as auditors of the Company to hold office until the conclusion of the next AGM.
4. To authorise the directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors.
5. To maintain the directors’ fees for the year ending 31 December 2018 at the 2017 level of £17,228 pa which is to be shared between the directors.
6. To elect TWO directors to the board from those listed below:
(a) Richard Harding
(b) Stephen Mayer *
*Current director seeking re-election
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
Alan Seymour - Chair
NOTES
1. Any shareholder may stand for election as a director of the company provided he or she is so nominated in writing by another shareholder. The proposed director must also indicate his or her willingness to stand for election and signed documents to this effect must be lodged at the Estate Office no later than 28 days before the meeting. The board can confirm that the nominations of Directors seeking election included within this notice have been received within these timescales.
2. Each member who is entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his or her place; such proxy need not be a member of the Company. A proxy form is enclosed.
3. Registration of proxy holders may be undertaken at the Estate Office up to 5pm on 13th June 2018.
4. Please bring with you to the meeting an adequate form of identification (e.g. driving license, passport, credit card etc.)
5. 2018 AGM Documents for download:
Chair's letter AGM June 2018 FINAL
Candidate Information - Richard Harding
Leaks from one apartment’s plumbing arrangements into another apartment or to the common parts can on occasion be quite damaging.
There is a regulation contained in the fifth schedule that intends to ensure leaseholders have their water systems inspected by a competent person annually and any defects found made good, but it may be that even by undertaking this annual check it will not always prevent leaks occurring.
The information handbook at pages 11-12 tells leaseholders the procedure and what to do in such an emergency.
When a leak occurs into your flat or you spot one occurring into the common parts, and the Estate Office is open, please let us know. If we hold the keys to the flat and have the permission of the owner, we can enter to turn off the stop cock which will stop the leak pending the leaseholder repairing the fault.
If a leak occurs in an out-of-hours situation, then the steps you must undertake are also contained in the handbook at pages 11-12. Please also email the office to let us know if a leak occurs in an out-of-hours situation.
Leaseholders can help protect each other by ensuring that the office has a complete and up to date, working set of keys to your apartment and instructions to any additional security measures you may have installed. If you have not given the office a set of keys, then please reconsider this decision.
If you are relying on the Estate Office to provide any contractors with keys to your flat for works you wish to undertake, please impress upon your contractor the importance of returning the keys at the end of each day.
A recent incident of a contractor holding onto keys overnight meant that the office did not have access to turn off a stop cock that could have prevented a leak spreading and getting worse.
Please click this link to view the St George's Fields Renovation Study Report:
St George's Fields - Renovation Study Report
Dear Shareholders,
In my letter of 14th September, I informed you that the Board had created a brief for design architects to rejuvenate and modernise the estate and I said that Cayford Design, the architects we had appointed, were keen to solicit the opinions of shareholders by way of a questionnaire.
The Board and Management are very grateful to those shareholders - over 70 in number - who completed the questionnaire that I attached to my letter. Both Cayford and the Board took careful account of the responses in moving to the next stage which has been the preparation by Cayford of a Renovation Study Report designed to set out the possibilities for a coherent plan for future work on the estate.
Having considered the Report, the Board are excited by it and wish to share it with you all in the hope that you will share their enthusiasm. As the document runs to some 16 pages clicking the link will take you to an online version. If you would prefer a printed copy then please come to the estate office to collect one or ask us to post one to you.
As I explained in my letter of 14th September the reason for the appointment of design consultants is with a view to ensuring that there is a cohesive long-term plan for the overall "look and feel" of the estate. The attached report touches on all aspects of the estate and the possibilities for improvement. It does not go into any detail but provides a "roadmap" of how to proceed.
The next task for the Board will be to work out an order of priority with a view, initially, to identifying two or three projects on which more detailed design work should be undertaken. In the meantime, I would like to reassure you that:
- the Board remains determined to manage our budgets sensibly and avoid any significant impact on the service charge with the prudent management of your money.
- we will consult you before committing to any project(s).
I should make it clear that the attached report is sent to you to keep you informed and not by way of formal consultation. However, if you have any immediate thoughts or ideas you are of course welcome to send me an email or note of your observations.
Gareth Targett
St George's Fields
25 February 2016
FIBRE OPTIC BROADBAND – INSTALLATION UPDATE
Dear Shareholders and Residents
The proposed installation of the necessary cabling has been delayed due to BT Openreach. BT Openreach are the company who carry out the enabling of fibre optic at street level cabinets.
In any event though, I have agreed with Hyperoptic the supplier of broad band fibre optic here to have their installation of cabling to our buildings and flats here at St George’s Fields carried out at the beginning of April. It is expected that by then BT Openreach will have done their part of the works.
Now for some detail regarding the installation itself.
The redundant Westminster Cable TV wires and also the redundant NTL/Virgin cabling and boxes that are in the garage and run through painted conduits on and in the buildings will all be removed and in their place will be the distribution boxes and cabling run through these conduits for the fibre optic. Then, the cabling will be run through and left neatly coiled outside each apartment ready for connection now or in the future labelled with the apartment number on a collet. If you have asked for the work to be carried out so that you have a face plate in your apartment ready to receive their service now or in the future then this work will be carried after the communal parts have received their works. Hyperoptic will contact you directly regarding this part of the works as you will have expressed an interest on line.
As part of the internal works, apartments will have at no cost up to 10m (nearly 33’ in old money) of white cabling neatly tacked along a skirting board to the face plate in an area that you can decide upon. The installers will consider more detailed and/or intrusive cabling but this will be priced separately and over and above the free install. As a default we recommend putting it close to the current BT box. Once the face plate has been installed you are then able to subscribe to Hyperoptic now or in the future and also able, should you wish, to keep your current broadband provider.
The images below show you what the routers and face plate looks like. The faceplate is no bigger nor smaller than a standard BT faceplate. The router is similar in size to others and measures height 140mm x width 170mm x depth 56mm.
The packages they offer are detailed on their website but I have been told that early adopters will no doubt receive introductory offers. They also offer a ‘no minimum contract periods’ deal too.
Gareth Targett
St George’s Fields Ltd
SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
The Board of St George’s Fields would like to establish a new Social and Community committee under the chairmanship of Stephen Mayer.
Its purpose is to arrange social events from time to time and generally to assist and encourage those who wish to make St George's Fields a closer community. The committee meetings are intended to formulate plans, ideas and communications for the committee.
If you would like to serve on this committee please inform the Estate Office by Wednesday 23rd September. The most effective committees are 6 to 8 in number.
This photo was chosen as the winning photo because it was felt that it shows what can be created quickly and efficiently with the flower boxes, an important architectural feature of the buildings here at St George’s Fields.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUB COMMITTEE
In a recent set of board minutes you will have seen the decision made to set up a subcommittee in order to consider the impact St George's Fields has on the environment and to further consider what measures we can put in place to reduce our negative impact on the environment.
With this in mind we would like to recruit members for this committee of say no more than 6 shareholders. The subcommittee will be chaired by Alan Seymour with myself in attendance from management. Priority will be given to those who would like to put themselves forward who were not on either the garden or security sub committees. You do not need any experience in this field necessarily although it might prove useful if you have.
The first meeting is scheduled for 11th March 2015 at 18:00.
Ahead of the meeting members will be provided with a brief/discussion paper for the committee which will go into as much detail as possible with regards to its purpose and topics of discussion.
Please would you let the Estate Office know, no later than Wednesday 4th March of your interest and availability for the meeting.
FOBS AND GATES - ACCESS INFORMATION
There are temporary signs informing you where to aim your fob at all gates to ensure that it works first time for you all and in an effort to get people prepared and used to the changeover.
By way of information:
- At the main vehicular gate there is on the first bollard on the right as you enter a fob reader. You need to line up to that bollard and aim your zapper within half a metre of it. A blue LED light will turn on if your ‘zap’ has been read and the vehicle gates open.
- At the main pedestrian gate there is a black box underneath where you used to insert the key. You need to be within 30cm or so of this black box, zap and the pedestrian gate will open for you.
- For drivers trying to access the garage either side of the rising step on exit and entry there are two readers exactly where you used to place your magicard. Aim your fob and zap within 30cm of the reader and the rising step will lower, the traffic light turn green and you can drive on.
- At Bayswater Road Gate, Frederick Close Gate and Albion Mews Gate when exiting you will see a black box. Aim your fob within 30cm of this, zap and push or pull the gate open. Upon entering these gates there is a stainless steel plaque which says ‘Please ensure the gate is closed behind you’. Again, aim your fob within 30cm of this, zap and push or pull the gate open. These gates will then close behind you and be secured on the magnetic locks.
- The only exception is the internal Gate by the Kendal Steps pond. Here you will see a knob that you should aim your fob at within 30cm and you will hear an audible ‘beep’. Turning the knob after hearing the beep will allow you to push or pull the gate open. This gate will close behind you and you will hear the beep again which tells you that the knob and lock is secure.
I do hope this is useful but if there are any problems please ask the office and we will endeavour to help.
REFUSE COLLECTION - UNWANTED ITEMS
We need your help with problems that we are experiencing regarding the disposal of rubbish.
Certain residents and/or their builders are abusing the refuse facilities rather than making proper arrangements for unwanted large or heavy items.
Westminster’s refuse collectors have told us that they are no longer prepared to empty out the large bins, (which should contain nothing but household refuse) when they see that someone has buried builders wastes – plaster, timber, wood or carpeting, beneath a few black plastic bags of household waste. What is emptied into their collection lorry we are told is captured on CCTV and should damage be caused to the refuse vehicle, St George's Fields will be billed.
If you see large items or builders waste being dumped a quiet word with the Estate Office would be helpful.
The other problem we have experienced in the past is a few residents, or their builders, dumping larger unwanted items – televisions, beds, mattresses, chairs in the recycling area leaving it to us to clear up their mess rather than paying to properly dispose of such items. Those doing the dumping may save themselves a few pounds but it makes life difficult for the estate workers who need to get in the recycling area and again it costs St George's Fields – your service charge fund - some three hundred pounds every time we get a lorry in to clear away these dumped items.
It should not be necessary to dump anything in such a manner since both St George's Fields (020 7723 7728) and Westminster (020 7641 2000 –option 1) offer a service to residents for the disposal of such items.
If you are or will be having renovation works I would ask you to speak to your contractors to ensure they are aware of what to do with waste material.
If you or your builder need to get rid of waste material it is your responsibility to ensure it is done correctly, not fly-tipped but left at a proper Waste Transfer or Disposal site and your waste contractor has to keep their copy of the Waste Transfer Note for two years.
Working together we can continue to keep St George's Fields looking in good order and maintain your services charges as reasonable as they are.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.