- Viv Robins
- Jul 4, 2024
Updated: Jul 17, 2024
Four members of the Board & 18 residents were in attendance when the AGM convened at St Saviour's School on July 2nd. The draft accounts (which can be accessed the Formosa Website) were presented by Peter Neilsen who has responsibility for financial & budgetary affairs. The meeting also heard from Jan of Gravitas who said the Board were taking a more hands-off approach to the Garden from now on & he had various ideas for its improvement, including more effective means of waste disposal. The new herb bed was now up & running & there was general agreement that the Garden was looking lovely. Jan commented poetically that for Gravitas it was not just a job: "We are in charge of people's happiness." Residents weighed in with ideas for other features they would like to see, among them a pond & additional bird-feeders, but the only one that commanded universal support was the suggestion of a bee hive.
There was some debate about parties in the Garden, the rules for these having been slightly relaxed as outlined in the Spring Newsletter, & there was a general recognition that a balance needed to be struck between party-goers' enjoyment & the rights of neighbours to reasonable peace & quiet.
The most lively discussion concerned the Garden Master-Plan & the recent tree-felling episode, which has been extensively covered both here & the Newsletter. Peter Neilsen said we had yet to pay the bill for our contractors the Tree Agency, who had cut down the three trees ahead of planning permission being granted, & we were entirely free to choose a different company next year. In response to questioning Board member Marc Scrimshire disclosed that it was the now-ex-Chairman Sandy David who had ear-marked these particular trees for felling & this had been a unilateral decision which as the Minutes showed had not been discussed at the appropriate Board meeting. Marc said new rules were now being drawn up that members would need to sign up to, spelling out Directors' responsibilities & the need to work together harmoniously.
Co-Chairman of the meeting Peter Cross said the Board felt the time had come to re-assess the Masterplan setting out a 50-year timetable for the gradual removal of trees to see whether it now needed modification. Assistance would be sought from expert advisers & the results would be shared with residents.
A vote of thanks was given to the Board & the meeting ended after two hours -- twice its scheduled length!
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- Viv Robins
- Jul 4, 2024
Updated: Jul 17, 2024
Unlike last Summer, when the weather was by and large miserable & cold, the sun came out for this year's Family Fun Day on June 29th & a strong turn-out saw younger residents in particular enjoying face-painting, bouncy castles, a surfboard simulator and pony rides. Competition was fierce in the Great Formosa Bake Off with worthy winners in both categories. A performance by the Lucas Jet Circus kept their audience spellbound, followed by a kids' disco party with musical statues and other fun games. The traditional sports day races included the ever-popular Tug of War challenge and the day concluded with live music by Havana Good Times with salsa dancing, a DJ between sets and special guest star "Dolly Parton" (who bore a suspicious resemblance to actress & singer Nicki Starkey). Thanks are due to our generous sponsors, The Hampstead Orthodontic Practice, Winkworth estate agents and our agents Westbourne Management.
There was only one slight hitch -- the pizza-supplier had a minor car accident on his way to the event & was unable to turn up. However long-established local Italian restaurant Red Pepper came to the rescue with a steady supply of pizzas, to the point in fact where their dough ran out! According to the event organiser Irina Miklavchich "They got through a week's supply in one afternoon"!
- Susan Wright
- Jul 1, 2024
The Formosa General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 2nd July from 18.30 to 19.30
The meeting will be held at St Saviour's School, Shirland Road, W9 2JD
As well as financial & budgetary matters there will be the chance to put any queries relating to Garden maintenance to Jan, head of Gravitas. The Board are also proposing a review of the Masterplan governing the felling & re-planting of trees in the Garden & they will be talking through a plan for a new charter of Director responsibilities.
Questions for the Board can be submitted in advance to salvatore@wb19.co.uk.
Below you can access a copy of the agenda and draft accounts for the Financial Year 2022-23.
