WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF MEETING JUNE 2016

 

 

 

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE UNITED SERVICES CLUB ON MONDAY 13^th JUNE 2016 AT 7.15PM.

 

 

PRESENT

Mick Tomlinson (chair), twenty four members, Thanet District Cllrs Ash Ashbee  Bertie Braidwood, and Mick Tomlinson, Westgate Town Cllr Ash Ashbee and KCC Warden Laura Bungard.

 

The chairman welcomed all to the meeting.

 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Dee Hooper, Mike Linder, and Pam O'Toole.

 

CHAIRMAN

1)      Committee.  Mick thanked members of the committee for making him welcome and for the updating of information.

2)      Items Owned by the W&WRA.  Following discussions at the committee Mick has produced agreement forms both for hiring out the Bake House, and for lending equipment. Such items will be required to be kept safe and in good order.

3)      Issues with Keys.  A number of keys are out, and members views were requested.  Pat Sawyer-Jones pointed out these were required by members staffing the morning refreshments, and by regular hirers such as the AA.  A list of names of key holders is required.

4)      Funds for Westgate Flowers.  Mick confirmed that the TDC cheque for £1,500 is about to be sent out, this in line with most council expenditure has had to be cut, and is not sufficient to pay in full for the usual displays.  Cllr Ash Ashbee suggested an application for funding should be made to the Westgate-on-Sea Town Council to make up the difference, and this was agreed.

5)      First Honorary Freeman to be Conferred by the Westgate-on-Sea Town Council.  On behalf of the meeting Mick congratulated Dr Dawn Crouch who is due to receive this honour.

 

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (16^th May 2016), which had been circulated, were  adopted on a prop. by Pat Sawyer-Jones seconded by Jane Welch.

 

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Westgate Bay Avenue House Perimeter Fence.  Following inspection by a council officer this matter will not be pursued.

2)      Royal Seabathing Hospital Roof.  Chris Wyer also reported that the new storey on the roof will cover the unsightly lift shaft.

3)      A vehicle had been encountered travelling in the wrong direction on the dual carriageway when coming from Hengist Road, and Chris Wyer wondered if the signs were sufficiently clear.  Cllr Ash Ashbee said she would take the matter to the next Joint Transport meeting.

4)      House Conversion to Flats in Westbrook Road.  This house had been closed as an HMO, and the new application, though called in had gone through.  Developments would be carefully watched. 

 

COUNCILLORS' / WARDEN'S / PCSOS'  REPORTS

TDC Cllr Ash Ashbee:

1)      Street Cleaning.  Cllr Ashbee had met with those in charge of street cleaning, the early shift that starts at 6.30am had been put back to 9.30am due to covering beach cleaning, but it was now agreed that Station Road and St Mildred's road were priority for the early clean.  

2)      Barns car Park.  The new larger bin requested has finally arrived.

3)      Graffiti.  This is appearing again and was discussed at the recent NEM.  There is a TDC app for recording and posting this and rubbish tipping.

4)      Bridge Road.  Ash has met with KCC, and the community pay back group may be able to refurbish the rails on the bridge.

 

James Brazier commentated that as yet the W&WRA meetings had not had a report from the Westgate-on-Sea Town Council in the fifteen months it had been in existence.  Cllr Ash Ashbee agreed to find out where the minutes may be accessed.

 

KCC Warden Laura Bungard:

1)      Volunteer Charity Shop.  Elain Mount has visited this and it is now registered with the charity commission.  The stone slabs near to the building belong to them and goods may be displayed there.

2)      Wardens have been working with social services to help during the cuts.

3)      Miscellaneous.  101 calls are taking longer due to the cuts, prevention of terrorism training has been carried out.  Cards have been placed in the Bake House concerning smoke alarms.  Graffiti being monitored (TDC do not remove this from private property).  DVLA tax checks carried out.  Stolen cycles, the police do not take these now, they are placed at the library hopefully awaiting return to their owners.

 

TDC Cllr Bertie Braidwood:

1)      Bin Collections.  Some have been missed due to lack of access, but TDC will be using a smaller vehicle.

2)      Parking Issues.  In St Jeans and other roads the double yellow lines are not being observed.

3)      Westgate Community Centre.  Abigail had reported vandalism, and the new security cente in Westgate has very kindly supplied and installed a new security system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TDC Cllr Mick Tomlinson:

1)      Old Nayland Rock Cafe Site.  This has been purchased by Mr Connington of the Sands Hotel, and now has a cafe, ice creams, bar, and tidy fencing.  It is hoped to further improve this site.

2)      Westbrook Cafe.  The toilets have been refurbished to a good standard.

3)      Round-a-bout just into Westbrook.  With forthcoming road changes this has not been looked after.

4)       Old Toilets by “Strokes”.  This was sold off by TDC but subsequently found to require support to hold up the road.

 

 

PLANNING 

1)      51, George V Avenue.  Application for erection of a single  storey side extension.

2)      37, Sea Road, (Royal School for Deaf Children).  Application for erection of four storey building comprising seven 2 bed flats, plus erection of first and second floor rear extension, and vehicular access to Sea Road.

3)      9, Orchard Road, Margate.  Retrospective application for erection of single storey rear extension. 

 

 

TREASURER'S REPORT  

Sam Secomb gave out copies of the audited accounts, and thanked Dennis Jarvis for auditing  them.

The subscriptions have been collected by the road stewards so the bank balance stands at a healthy £5,809.  The insurance premium has been renewed (£594).

Sam has located a computer firm which helps communities and charities, and we are on their waiting list for help for the data base.  This should then  enable better reconciliation of the subscriptions.

 

Questions arising:

1)      Flowers.  £3,000 shown received but £2,228 spent.  These funds are also to cover the Christmas tree, and any over to carry forward.

2)      Rates.  Are any rates still paid?  Answer No. 

 

EDITOR'S REPORT

Members suggested that the new editor be asked to contact Derek concerning magazine advertisement fees.

 

SUNSHINE REPORT

Mavis reported six cards were sent out this month.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Christina warmly thanked all the road stewards for their work in delivering the magazines and collecting the year's subscriptions.

 

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Next meeting is Saturday 2^nd July 10.30am in St Saviour's Church, when Dr Dawn crouch will give a talk on “The Mitfords in Westgate”.

Mick Tomlinson informed the meeting the top prize in the Civic Society awards went to the  scenic railway.  Also entry to Dreamland becomes free from Saturday, payment being made for rides individually.                     

 

SOCIAL

Muriel reported:

1)      Sunday Lunch at the Swan had been much enjoyed by all.

2)      Trips being arranged to Southend/Romford.

3)      Visit Planned to the Cherry Festival at Brogdale.

4)      New Year Lunch.  This will take place at St Augustines on 15^th January 2017.

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Cutting of Grass Verges.  These had been  allowed to grow tall and members were concerned that the grass seeds presented a danger to dogs.  Mick explained that there was a severe lack of money and it was difficult to get these jobs done as the council was in debt.  Cllr Ashbee did not think the contractors did a very good job, and Chris Wyer noticed that the dual carriageway had flooded due to long grass blocking the drains.  However the weed killing had improved this year.

2)      Council Officers.  In answer to a question Cllr Ashbee said that the councillors do not appoint the officers.  A select panel does, (this may contain one or two councillors).

3)      General Meeting Venue.  It was suggested that the Westgate Community Centre would make an alternative venue if needed.

4)      Monthly General Meetings.  It was agreed to hold these through the  summer as in previous years.

5)      Committee.  To complete this year's committee a vice-chairman and a press officer are required.  Present members of the committee were warmly thanked for their continued work.

 

 

NEXT MEETING

 Monday 11^th July, at the Westbrook Bowls Club, 7.00pm for 7.15pm.

 

 

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 9.01pm.

 

Change of venue for Westagate and Westbrook Residents meeting

Due to the room at the Town Hall Buildings not being available on Monday 13 June the W&WRA General Meeting will be held in the function room at the United Services Club at the usual time of 7pm.

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION May 2016 AGM and General meeting

                                                                   AGM

 

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK

RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

 

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE TOWN HALL BUILDINGS ON MONDAY 16^TH MAY 2016 AT 7.15P.M.

 

PRESENT

Abigail Carden, (acting vice-chair), and thirty two members.

Abigail welcomed all to the meeting.

 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from TDC Cllr Mick Tomlinson, WTC Cllrs Ash Ashby and Dave Morrish, KCC Warden Laura Bungard, James Brazier, Samantha Secomb and Jane Welch.

 

MINUTES OF THE LAST AGM (11^th May 2015)

These as circulated were adopted on a prop. by Don Eacott, sec. by Sandra Heald, and signed.

 

MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising.

 

CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS

Acting vice chairman Abigail Carden thanked all those who had assisted her during the few months she had chaired the meetings since the resignation of Richard Charlton.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Samantha Secomb had sent her apologies (due to severe toothache), but stated that she was willing to continue in the office of treasurer if elected.  The accounts had been completed and balanced and should be audited and available by the next general meeting in June.

 

PROPOSED ALTERATIONS TO CONSTITUTION

Two alterations had been proposed by the committee, and previously circulated.  The first confirmed the practice of providing the Record magazine three times a year (paragraph 6), and the second was to change the Association financial year to 1^st February to 31^st January (paragraph 7a), in order to allow time for the annual accounts to be completed and audited for the AGM.

On a proposal by Don Eacott seconded by Julian Smith each proposed alteration was voted on separately and unanimously agreed.

 

EDITOR’S REPORT

Derek Smith is stepping down as editor and was warmly thanked for his work in the production of excellent magazines.  Mike Linder is willing to take up the office of editor, if elected.

 

SUNSHINE REPORT

Mavis Vaughan reported cards had been sent to members during the year as appropriate, and in the last month two more get well cards, and a card to Jane Welch and Ash Ashbee had been sent.

 

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY’S REPORT 

Christina Taylor thanked the road stewards for all their hard work and assistance.

 

SOCIAL SECRETARY'S REPORT

Muriel Atkins paid tribute to the  work of Jane Welch who had made a great impact and brought new ideas to the social events.  Jane was warmly thanked for all her work in this office

 

COUNCILLORS’ ADDRESS

There were no councillors' addresses due to the clash of dates with the Mayor Making event.

 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE

The following nominees had been proposed and seconded, and were duly elected:--

 

Chairman                                         Mick Tomlinson

Vice-Chairman                                 NO NOMINATION

Secretary                                          Pat Sawyer-Jones

Treasurer                                          Samantha Secomb

Minute Secretary                              Chris Whittingham

Editor                                               Mike Linder

Social Organiser                               Muriel Atkins

Membership Secretary                     Christina Taylor 

Sunshine (Visitor) Friend                Mavis Vaughan

Press Officer                                    NO NOMINATION

Committee Members                       Pat Castle

                                                         Margaret Owen                                                               

 

ANY OTHER (AGM) BUSINESS

1)      Christina was warmly thanked for her time and considerable work in co-ordinating the membership records.

2)      Abigail Carden was warmly thanked for ably covering as Vice-Chairman for the last few months of the W&WRA year.    

 

There being no other business, the chairman closed the AGM at 7.45p.m.

 

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK

RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

 

MINUTES OF A SHORT GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE TOWN HALL BUIILDINGS FOLLOWING THE AGM ON 16^th MAY 2016 AT 7.50 P.M.

 

In the absence of Mick Tomlinson, Don Eacott agreed to take the chair.

 

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING (11^th  April 2016)

These were circulated, and adopted on a prop. by Sandra Heald sec. Tony Sykes.

 

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Westgate Bay Avenue House Perimeter Fence.  Chris Wyer had queried replacement for this fence as “like for like”, as another property has been refused a similar application in Westgate.

2)      Old Seabathing Hospital Roof.  Chris Wyer reported that a lift shaft had been built on the roof, visible from his side which was hideous in appearance.

3)      Westgate Community Centre Easter Event.  Abigail warmly thanked Ruth and Bronwen for all their help at this event.

 

 

COUNCILLORS/PCSO/WARDEN REPORTS

KCC Warden Laura Bungard: (Report for April sent in and read by the chairman).

1)      Operations in Westbrook included dealing with parking, rubbish, HMOs, dog mess, fly tipping etc.

2)      Highways issues, potholes, faulty lamps etc   19 issues.

3)      Rubbish/sweeper/fido/fly tips   13 issues.

4)      Vulnerable mental health.  3  issues.  Elderly  4 issues.

5)      Parking with TDC parking officer, in Westgate and at school hot spots.

6)      Training with Kent fire and rescue, and police.

7)      Graffiti.

8)      Social service referrals.

 

PLANNING

1)      190, Canterbury Road, Westbrook.  Application for erection of summer house to rear.

2)      125, Canterbury Road, Westgate.  Application for change of use from residential institution (class C2) to to residential (class 3) consisting of twelve flats and one detached cottage with part demolition of existing classroom block.  Also for listed building consent for internal alterations to facilitate change of use.

3)      Application for erection of rear dormer window with alterations to roof from hipped to barn hipped.

4)      7, Carlton Rise Westgate.  Application for erection of first floor extension and two dormer windows to side elevations and balcony to front elevation.

5)      17, Norman Road, Westgate.  Application for erection of single storey rear extension.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT

The accounts which have been balanced should be audited and ready for next months general meeting.

 

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre.  Wednesday 18^th May at 7.30pm.  An evening of dramatised readings based on original archives around the controversy that arose over the proposal to build a church school. Tickets £5 include drinks and refreshments.  The monthly meeting is on Saturday 4^th June at 10.30am “St Saviour's School 1945 to 1995”,  a talk by Dr Dawn Crouch, both meetings in St Saviour's Church.

 

SOCIAL REPORT

Muriel reported that thirty seven members had enjoyed lunch at the Golf Club, next month on 5^th June lunch at the Swan is arranged.  Some members are joining a Carol Peters trip for a blossom drive, and the new year lunch possible date is 15^th January 2017.

 

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      EU Referendum Poster.  A poster found in a window at the Bake House suggesting a voting option has been removed as the W&WRA is a non political organisation.  

2)      Canterbury Road / Hengist Road.  A member had met a car travelling on the wrong carriageway after it turned onto the main road, and queried if the road signs were not sufficiently clear to prevent this from happening.   Abigail also informed the meeting of a petition for a lower speed limit near schools.

3)      Planning Application.  A large house in Westbrook Road which is proposed to be converted to flats shows no provision for parking.  Parking in this road already causes problems and  frequently the refuse/recycling lorries are unable to gain access, the planning committee has been approached by local residents.  It is thought that this application has been called in.

4)      Westgate against Rubbish.  The next litter pick will take place in Lymington Road on Saturday 21^st May at 10.00am.

 

 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 13^th June 2016  7.00pm for 7.15pm, again in Westgate as the Westbrook venue is unavailable.

 

There being no further business, Don Eacott thanked all for attending and the meeting concluded at 8.18pm.