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Annual General Meeting

Monday 18th November 2024 7.30 pm

Venue: Hinguar School, New Garrison Road, Shoebury SS3 9FE


You are invited to attend. The meeting will be as follows:

  • Previous Minutes and the agenda will be posted on the GRA website prior to the meeting

  • Reports from the Chair and Treasurer

  • Questions from neighbours

  • Nominations to the committee

Further enquiries of if you wish to add to the agenda, please contact Peter Melville at peterjmelville@hotmail.co.uk

DRAFT AGENDA

The agenda will be confirmed on 01/11/24. A reminder that all proxy vote forms must be sent to Peter by no later than 7.30pm on 17/11/24.

  1. Apologies

  2. To approve the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Monday 27th November 2023

  3. To receive the Chair’s report

  4. To receive the Treasurer’s report

  5. To receive reports from SGMCL and Managing Agents

  6. Neighbour requested items for AGM inclusion:

    1. Parking

    2. Community Safety

    3. New Garrison Road/Magazine Road - state of road

    4. Artillery Mews and service charge

  7. Election of the Committee

  8. Changes to the constitution

  9. AOB 

The new committee will meet at a later time to elect Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.

AGM Monday 27th November 2023

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Annual General Meeting 

Monday 27th November 2023 7.30 pm

Venue:  Hinguar School, New Garrison Road; Shoebury SS3 9FE

The Garrison Residents’ Association Constitution states that its’ objectives are to promote and protect the common rights and interests of its members relating to the use and enjoyment of The Garrison estate. They do this by liaising with Shoebury Garrison Management Company Limited (“SGMCL”) and their managing agents to manage and maintain the site.

Control of SGMCL has been handed over to resident directors.  GRA will become an important channel for all Garrison residents, both owners and tenants, to give their views on what they would like to happen on the managed estate.

We urgently need more members of GRA.  All officer positions must be filled and a more diversified representation of all areas and ages is needed.

You are invited to attend and make your views known.

The meeting arrangements will be as follows:

  • Previous Minutes and Agenda will be posted on the GRA website prior to the meeting

  • Reports from the Chairman and Treasurer

  • Questions from Residents:  local Councillors and other relevant representatives have been invited to attend

  • Nominations to the Committee: of yourself or others are requested by email, using the forms posted on the GRA website; with links from the Facebook page. Nominations to be received not later than 24th November.

    Further enquiries please contact Pamela Deakin at pameladeakin45@btinternet.com or 07801933355

AGENDA

  1.   Apologies 

  2. To approve the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Monday 28th  November 2022

  3. To consider any matters arising 

  4. To receive the Chairman's report  

  5. To approve the Honourable Treasurer's report

  6. To receive update on the S106 Handover and the arrangements of the new Shoebury Garrison Management Company Limited

  7. Election of the Chairperson, Officers and Committee

  8. To receive the Report from Fowler and Spenceley (Managing Agents)

  9. To receive  various other reports

  10. Carol Service 10th December 2023 at 4pm

  11. AOB

Documents

Carol Service 2023

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Join Captains Rob & Clare for the Unforgettable Carol Service

This year, the much-anticipated Carol Service is set to be a memorable and heartwarming experience, and it's all thanks to our wonderful hosts, Captains Rob and Clare from the Leigh-on-Sea corps. Mark your calendars because this delightful event is confirmed for December 10th at 4 PM, and we'll be gathering at the iconic Clocktower on Shoebury Garrison. Here's what you need to know:

Event Details:

  • Date and Time: December 10th at 4 PM

  • Location: The Clocktower, Shoebury Garrison

One of the highlights of this year's Carol Service is that there will be a collection box available at the venue. So, if you'd like to make a contribution, please bring some cash with you. Your support will help make this event even more special and impactful.

The Carol Service is a beloved tradition in our community, drawing people together in a heartwarming celebration of the season. It's an opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors, sing carols, and share in the holiday spirit.

To ensure that as many members of our community as possible can attend, we encourage early notice. Marking this date in your diaries is a great way to ensure you don't miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable gathering.

The Carol Service is a popular and cherished event that brings our community together, and with Captains Rob and Clare leading the way, this year's service is sure to be exceptional. Join us on December 10th at 4 PM at the Clocktower on Shoebury Garrison and be a part of this wonderful celebration. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you!

Christmas Appeal 2023

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Guidelines for Christmas Appeal 2023

Please read the following information carefully before completing the referral form. This form must be filled out with one of the adults of the family being referred present. 

The Christmas Family Appeal aims to provide supplementary gifts and assistance (food parcel) to families and individuals who need extra support this Christmas.   

The Referral

Your Details

Please give the full name and address of School/Organisation as well as a named contact in the designated spaces. 

Where a delivery is needed it is essential that a current postcode and contact telephone number is included for the person receiving the donation. Deliveries can be made to you as an organization or to the family directly but please make sure the address and telephone number reflect this. 

Family details

In the boxes, please give the age and gender of children along with as much information about their likes/hobbies/interests as well as any SEN that may help us in choosing gifts for the children.  This is really important, if possible, as you know the children you are referring really well and we want to make sure we give them something they will enjoy.

Please also include each adult in the household (we only need to know gender) as we would like to include a small gift for the adults too.

Food Provision

Please let us know if the family you are referring is in need of a food hamper and if there are any dietary needs and allergies we should be aware of.

Delivery/collection

Parcels can be collected from Shoeburyness Salvation Army, Frobisher Way, Shoeburyness, SS3 9UR or delivered to your school/organization or to the family directly please indicate on the referral form which you prefer.  For both delivery and collection a mutual date and time will be agreed. 

If you are collecting from Shoeburyness Salvation Army, please let the person on the door know you are here for your parcel and it will be brought to you. Please allow no more than two people to collect your parcels.

If we are dropping off parcels at your building, it is important that we have current and up to date details on your form. We would ask for clear instructions as to where you would like us to leave your parcels if you are not there. We cannot be responsible for what happens to your parcels if you ask us to leave them somewhere safe. No more than two people will arrive with your parcels, and they will be wearing a red Salvation Army shield.

Where to send referrals

Please email the form back to: shoeburyness@salvationarmy.org.uk

Any questions please call us on 01702 291500 

All forms must be received by Friday 8th December 2023. In the case of an emergency referrals after this date please contact us via email or phone as soon as possible but know that the appeal will have finished and all gifts will have been delivered by Friday 15th December.

Other Information

Duplication

We are mindful that there are many families in need and as a consequence of the current cost of living crisis there will be more families than ever before who need support this Christmas.  In light of this we would ask that if you are referring your families to other agencies that are providing the same service as The Salvation Army you would refrain from referring to us, this is to avoid duplication and attempt to make sure every family in need in Shoeburyness is supported.  

Limitations

We can only take referrals from within our district this year, due to our reduced capacity locally. If the family that you are referring lives closer to Southend Citadel Salvation Army, Southchurch Salvation Army, or Leigh-on-Sea Salvation Army, we encourage you to get in touch with them directly to make your referral. We cannot accept referrals beyond Wakering and past Lifstan Way.

Data Protection

The Salvation Army will hold your personal information in order to process your application for practical assistance because of our legitimate interest to ensure that our criteria for accessing practical aid are met. We may share this information with other agencies who distribute assistance as part of the same scheme. We will keep this information for up to two years. You have a right to a copy of information we hold about you, and in some circumstances to have it amended or deleted and to withdraw consent. 

For this and to raise any queries on how your information is handled please contact Head of Privacy and Data Protection at data.protection@salvationarmy.org.uk or the address below. If you are still not happy you may raise concerns with the Information Commissioner’s Office. 

Address: The Salvation Army, 101 Newington Causeway, London. SE1 6BN

We look forward to working with you to make Christmas brighter for our community,

The Salvation Army.

Download the referral form here

Christmas Present Appeal

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Could you help us make Christmas special for those who may have little or nothing under the tree on Christmas morning?

This Christmas we will be supporting families and individuals in our local area with food and gift hampers.

Be a Star and help our campaign by donating new unwrapped toys/gifts or non-perishable food to The Salvation Army, Frobisher Way, Shoeburyness SS3 8UT.

Please can all donations be made by Friday 8th December 2023.

AGM Agenda 2022

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THE GARRISON RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION 

Annual General Meeting 

Monday 28th November 20222
Venue

Hinguar School, New Garrison Road. SS3 9 FE

AGENDA

  1. Apologies 

  2. To approve the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Monday 29th November 2021

  3. To consider any matters arising 

  4. To receive the Chairman's report 

  5. To approve the Honourable Treasurer's report 

  6. To receive update on the S106 Handover and the arrangements of the new Shoebury Garrison Management Company Limited 

  7. Election of the Chairperson, Officers and Committee

  8. To receive the Report from Fowler and Spenceley (Managing Agents)

  9. To receive various other reports

  10. Carol Service 4th December 2022

  11. AOB

Annual General Meeting 28th November 2022 at 7.30pm

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Garrison Residents’ Association

Notice of Annual General Meeting

28th November 2022 at 7.30pm

Venue:  Hinguar School, New Garrison Road; Shoebury SS3 9FE

The Garrison Residents’ Association Constitution states that its’ objectives are to promote and protect the common rights and interests of its members relating to the use and enjoyment of The Garrison estate. They do this by ensuring that Shoebury Garrison Management Company Limited (“SGMCL”) and their agents fulfil their obligations in managing the site.

We are informed that, by our AGM date, control of SGMCL will have been handed over to resident directors.  GRA will become an important channel for all Garrison residents, both owners and tenants, to give their views on what they would like to happen on the managed estate.

We urgently need more members of GRA.  All officer positions must be filled and a more diversified representation of all areas and ages is needed.

The meeting arrangements will be as follows:

  • Previous Minutes and Agenda will be posted on the GRA website prior to the meeting

  • Reports from the Chairman and Treasurer, 

  • Questions from Residents:  local Councillors, and other relevant representatives have been invited to attend.

  • Nominations to the Committee, of yourself or others, are requested by email, using the forms posted on the GRA website and Facebook page, to be received not later than 25th November.

[Further enquiries contact Pamela Deakin at pameladeakin45@btinternet.com or 07801 933355]

This will be the first live meeting since the pandemic lockdowns. You are invited to attend and make your views known.

Download:

www.shoeburygarrison.com/agm

 Date for your diaries: Sunday 12th December 4pm The Salvation Army Carol Service will return to the Garrison Clocktower.

Chairman’s Report GRA AGM 29th November 2021

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Chairman’s Report

GRA AGM 29th November 2021

 

Opening:

Councillors, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen Good Evening and welcome to this the 2021 Annual General Meeting of the Garrison Residents’ Association (GRA).

1: Apologies

2. To approve the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Monday 30th November 2020

3. Consider any matters arising

4. To receive Chairman’s report:

We are now in the 2nd year of the pandemic and despite the limitations it has brought your committee have continued to be actively involved with the appointed managing agents, Fowler & Spenceley, seeking to ensure that the Garrison site and infrastructure continue, within the budgetary constraints, to be maintained and where it has been possible, improved. 

This activity has included physical inspection of the common areas and courtyards seeking to identify problem issues at the earliest opportunity. Through our managing agents we have maintained a dialogue with Southend Borough Council regarding those areas within the Garrison which remain the responsibility of the council for example the Cricket ground and its buildings the Tennis Courts, Coastal path, and many of the trees which line Garrison roads.

Throughout the year members of your committee have engaged with our local councillors on several issues of concern some of which are still ongoing including the work commenced on the Cricket buildings the New Barge Pier Road car park and Coastal path between Rampart Terrace and Mess Road.

Development Matters

Further development of the Gunners Park area adjacent to New Barge Pier Road remains a concern. As you may be aware although planning permission was granted building work has not commenced and the site has now been offered for sale. Both the GRA and Shoebury Residents Association remain alert to any planning changes that may be attempted by the current owners or any future developer. Concerns regarding the movement of traffic in the vicinity of Campfield Road and at the junction of Ness Road remain. Both the GRA and Shoebury Residents Association raised concerns during the planning application for Lidl and will continue to monitor and where necessary highlight issues to ensure that our roads remain safe. 

Handover of Shoebury Garrison Management Company Ltd.

At last, some good news however I will defer to our managing agent for the latest update regarding the final handover of SGMCL suffice to say that a board of resident director’s has been empanelled in preparation for the takeover and they will be the guardians of the Garrison giving direction to the activities of the appointed managing agents within the confines of the Memorandum and Articles of Association (Mem & Arts) of Shoebury Garrison Management Company Limited.  

That said the work of the GRA is not complete. Whilst the board of Directors for SGMCL can only be drawn from owner shareholders the population of the Garrison is diverse with many people renting their homes. They too need a voice in how the Garrison develops, to lobby on their behalf ward councillors, Southend Borough Council, and other organisations. That voice is the GRA. If you are a Garrison resident, you are automatically a member and although donations are gratefully accepted there is no membership fee. Further information can be found within the pages of our website at: https://www.shoeburygarrison.com

Carriage & Wagon Shed – aka Heritage Centre

The Shoeburyness Coastal Community Team whose membership includes members of your committee set up a Community Interest Company as part of an ongoing plan to improve Shoeburyness. The CIC then began what have unfortunately proved to be protracted negotiations to lease the Carriage & Wagon Shed. Happily, I can report that those negotiations are almost complete, and preparations continue with all the heritage items ready to move into the building. The café element of the development will require additional time before being ready to open however the hope is that the centre will open no later than Easter 2022 a little earlier if all things go well.

Other Matters

Earlier this year the postponed Estuary Festival mounted by the artistic company Metal took place with exhibits in Gunners Park and East Beach. The exhibits certainly provoked conversation and interest however the launch was somewhat muted with many residents not realising that the festival was underway. The pandemic did not help the cause and it is to be hoped that any future festival will be better publicised.

Finally, I would again like to thank my committee colleagues for their time and energy throughout the year with my particular thanks to our secretary Pam Deakin without whom there would be no record of our enterprise. A reminder of the Salvation Army Carol concert at the Clock Tower on 12th December and that completes my report for the year. 

Question

Q: Tim Locke, Gunners Rise 

Please can I ask for an update on the Gunners Park car park barrier security? 

Recently the concrete blocks were removed and two posts installed by the gate - which were then taken out a couple of days later leaving no additional security other than the new padlocks. 

A: After the last traveller incursion, the New Barge Pier Road carpark barrier security was upgraded - the cost of which was met by Councillor Wakefield. This made the barrier security the strongest in the Borough and meant that the only way through was to cause Evidential Criminal Damage. Before the works were undertaken as a temporary measure, blocks were put in place to prevent access to wide vehicles this width restriction caused concern to a lot of visitors with large SUV cars and local residents fearful that emergency vehicles could not pass through. 

Following the security upgrade local councillors requested that the blocks be removed but this was not immediately actioned however following the appointment of a new officer the blocks were removed. Carpark security measures are not yet complete and there is a request for CCTV to be put into place overlooking the entrance and additional CCTV to view New Barge Pier Road to help prevent the ASB of bad driving. The Barrier has already prevented somebody trying to cut their way out of the car park, they failed due to the ceramic rod that has been inserted inside the bottom barrier. Note: The barrier was repaired the same day.

Draft resolution to be proposed for approval at the 2021 AGM of the Shoebury Garrison Residents’ Association

Community Assets

This Residents’ Association:

(i) notes that the tennis courts in Mess Road continued to be intensively used during the year both by residents of the Garrison and by the wider community of Southend-on-Sea;

(ii) records its appreciation of the hard work and generosity of residents of the Garrison during the year in maintaining the Courts to an exceptionally high standard;

(iii) observes that the works regularly undertaken by residents of the Garrison have included removal of vegetation growing through the playing surfaces; mechanical and chemical cleaning of playing surfaces; regular sweeping and removal of leaf debris, litter and graffiti and maintenance/replacement of court "hardware";

and

(iv) observes that without the aforementioned care and attention by residents of the Garrison the tennis courts would not be safe for playing tennis and would not be fit for purpose.

Proposed by Cliff Crisp.

Seconded by Cliff Marshall.

Given the number of people online it was not considered appropriate to put this to a vote but agreed that it will be placed on record withing the meeting minutes.

FSPM Report to the GRA AGM 29th Nov 2021

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To download the report as a PDF please click here.

The text below has been converted from a PDF so there may be formatting issues

Intro

It’s been another busy year, the start made somewhat more challenging by the restrictions imposed on us all by Covid and, over recent months, getting used to what seems to have become the new norm. We continue to work closely with the GRA, consulting with them on all major projects and attending their regular Committee meetings, albeit now via Zoom as opposed to the face-to-face meetings we were all used to attending.

Looking now at some of the key projects and areas with which we have been involved over the last 12 months:

Inspections –we have continued to maintain a program of regular inspections on the Garrison, the aim to identify repairs and housekeeping issues in the early stages and ensure they are dealt with as quickly as possible. That’s not to say that residents shouldn’t contact us directly if they see issues affecting the communal spaces. We have also used these visits as an opportunity to meet with residents who have raised particular issues or concerns, and also to meet with and monitor the performance of contractors engaged on your behalf to ensure instructed works are being carried out to the required standard and that we are delivering value for money for those contributing towards the estate charges. We fully intend to continue this practice in 2022 and as such if you do have any issue or concerns then please contact us.

Landscaping– we are continuing to work closely with the landscapers and have undertaken regular inspections of the landscaped areas  accompanied by their

proprietor and, on occasion, with a representative of the GRA Committee. These visits are followed up with appropriate action plans and agreement of the annual re-planting programme which will include replacement of several section of box hedging.

The annual arboricultural survey has taken place and much of the recommended work to the trees for which the management company are responsible will be taking place before the undertaking of the mechanical sweeping of the unadopted roads and associated gulley clearance, which are programmed for the 6th and 7th of December. As you are perhaps aware many of the Garrison trees are the subject of Preservation Orders requiring Local Authority approval before any work may be undertaken, this may well include those within certain of the private gardens on the Garrison and certainly something worth checking before undertaking work on any of your own trees.

Estate Works – Overall costs have been well controlled this year and indications are that the Estate charges will be brought in more or less in line with budget. We are looking at costs for the next 12 months and anticipate modest, inflationary increases in the main, however once again we will be revieing reserve contributions to ensure as far as we are able that these are adequate to meet much of the future planned maintenance. One or two of the blocks have seen additional works required which has resulted in expenditure exceeding budget, however the leaseholders of those blocks have been made aware of the additional works and receive a full explanation along with any requests for additional payments.

Major works projects - Major ongoing maintenance works have involved the external redecoarations and associated repairs to the conversion apartment blocks in Chapel Road and Horseshoe Crescent which has reached the stage of awaiting payment of the individual levies issued to fund the project. This will now only involve 4 of the original 6 blocks as the competitive tenders returned were disproportionate for two of the blocks and we will be contacting those lessees regarding a general review of the specification and the possibility of initialing a separate re-tendering exercise. Other projects undertaken in 2021 have included the treatment of low-level damp penetration in three of these same blocks.

Shoebury Garrison Management Company Limited – It was reported at last year’s

AGM that progress was being made in connection with the long-awaited transfer of control of Shoebury Garrison Management Company Limited to the residents. The

main delay being the transfer of a number of small parcels of land to various parties and the registration of the same at Land Registry – to be fair to the developer the delay has been at the Land Registry itself, where we have seen significant delays in registration of titles during Covid.

We have quite literally, earlier today received confirmation that the transfers have finally been completed and we have been provided with various plans showing the full extent of the SGMCL’s responsibility as a consequence of those transfers. Which will be reviewed during the course of the next few days. There are, I understand, a few housekeeping matters to be addressed around title restrictions, but am told having these removed is a formality.

We have, as advised last year, recruited a new board from Garrison property owners to take over from the outgoing board and held an initial discussion earlier in the year. We will now progress matters with the new board to effect the passing of the company to the residents, which I believe will also the issuing of replacement shares giving all owners equal voting rights within the Company. We will be contacting the new board members with an update and to arrange an early meeting. Further details will follow over the coming weeks and few months, I am sure.

General - Throughout the year we have received a good number of queries from individual residents which we have worked to deal with in a timely and, hopefully helpful fashion; such issues have included advice on neighbor disputes, noise complaints, planning issues, property sales, insurance matters as well as building repairs. Our responses have, when and where necessary, involved us communicating with external agencies including the DVLA, Land Registry, various departments of Southend Borough Council and Avant Homes, the successors to the original Garrison developers.

Parking issues once again seem to be a particular issue of concern for some residents and we would remind you all that estate covenants prohibit vehicles from obstructing

the Garrison Roadways and restrict parking in all cases to private motor vehicles. The parking of commercial vehicles, caravans, trailers and the like is not permitted, even on

private driveways.

We have in the past undertaken surveys of residents regarding the implementation of parking control schemes but these have received very mixed responses. We anticipate this becoming a key issue for the new board once appointed!

IT Update – One area I would wish to apologies for has been the late issuing of payment requests over the last 12 months and give a brief explanation as to the reasons for this.

At the tail end of 2019 we embarked on a major upgrade of our Property Management accounting and management software and were in the early stages of implementation when COVID struck. This effectively stalled the planned upgrade as, working remotely and with restrictions on face to face meetings, we were unable to have the necessary onsite training and technical support required. This led to significant delays in the roll out of the system. I am pleased to report that the upgrade is now back on track, with the Garrison fully integrated within the new system. This makes the issuing of payment request, payment management and client reporting a far simpler process, the benefits of which we are now starting to see.

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Closing - That is really just a snapshot of some of the matters with which we have involved ourselves over the last 12 months. We will continue to look at other issues as and when they arise and are always happy to discuss with residents’ particular areas of concern. Our brief as agents of the SGMCL is to some extent limited by virtue of the obligations set out in the various property titles and leases, however if an issue is raised concerning an area outside of our remit we will always try and direct you to the most

appropriate person or organisation who can best assist.

Countryside Ranger report 2021

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Greetings from Gunners Park. My name is Andrew and I am the Countryside Ranger here at Gunners. Here is an overview of the year and what the volunteers and I have been up to.

The year started with ‘Swangate’ which saw our resident pair of Mute Swans struggle to evict last years cygnets. This attracted several more prospecting juveniles and at one stage we had 12 swans on the lake. The adults tried to chase these new arrivals off but only succeeded in pushing them off the lake and onto the bankside. There was unfortunately a few incidents with dogs chasing after them. I am hopeful to be able to build a swan enclosure on the bankside next year to give the swans and other waterfowl a place to rest up, free for interference from dogs. This will be a useful area for families to come down and feed the ducks, safe in the knowledge that they won’t be chased about. I will keep everyone informed as to the progress of this project.

Gunners Park welcomed the Estuary Festival to the site and this event was well attended by local park users. This event was run by METAL with several art installations sited around the park and also on Chalkwell and East Beach.

Volunteers

The Gunners Park Tuesday Volunteer Group (TVG) have been busy with the management of the site throughout the year. We have undertaken a wide range of habitat management sessions including cutting and clearing of the wildflower meadows, painting over graffiti in the Spotlight Encasements, litter picking, keeping pathways clear of vegetation, habitat management in the SSSI amongst other important tasks. The TVG is currently undertaking the winter water management programme which entails opening up any overgrown ditches to allow water to move freely across the site into the necessary outflow ditches. We have also started to cut and clear the wildflower meadows as well as clearing some bramble growth in the SSSI. I truly could not do my job without the kind help from the volunteers. Thanks everyone!!

I would like to also thank the local community and community groups that have taken up litter pickers and gone out to help pick up litter not only in Gunners Park, but in the wider area. This has really made a difference and the amount of litter has decreased in the park. Thank you!!

Wildlife

Gunners Park has had breeding Sedge Warbler for the second year running along with more than 20 breeding Common Whitethroat territories. Cuckoo was also recorded here in the summer along with good numbers of House Martin and Swallow.

Autumn passage migration here at Gunners Park has seen a wide selection of common and uncommon birds visiting the park during their long journey south. Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts (4), Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtails and a steady stream of Hirundines have all passed through Gunners Park as well as a Barred Warbler, my first here in almost seven years. We have had very few Wheatear and Spotted Flycatchers through this year. Wheatear numbers are particularly low. I recorded 18 last year and this year I’ve only recorded 5. Out over the Thames estuary Arctic Skua, Guillemot, Shag and Black terns have all been recorded. Our winter Kingfisher has made a late appearance and she can be occasionally be seen whizzing about near the balancing pond or over by Gogs Berth.

This year I have recorded three new bird species in the form of a Hooded Crow, Barred Warbler and just recently a Jack Snipe. Amazing records for the park!

With all the rain we had this year in the Southeast the habitat and amenity management has been persistent with few breaks in between. Keeping pathways vegetation free, removing invasive and native dominant plants, brushcutting around park furniture, keeping entrance ways and car parks free of encroaching vegetation has been a constant battle! Having said that, the park had never looked as lush with the wildflower meadows thriving. The invertebrate activity was a bit late but we eventually saw a real emergence of butterflies and other species towards the middle of summer.

We have had several notable invertebrate species recorded including Orange Conch moth, Ornate Shieldbug, Roesel’s Bush-cricket and Firebug. The Firebugs have now been recorded elsewhere in the park for the first time. They have now established near the car park. Excellent news!

Important SSSI notable plants such as Yellow Horned Poppy, Sea Bindweed and Suffocated Clover have also been recorded. The remedial works undertaken in Serin pond looked to have been successful with multiple records of dragonfly and damselfly species from this pond. Most notable was the amount of Southern Migrant Hawkers seen here. This is the 4th year we’ve had this species on site, and they were showing in good numbers in serin pond. Also seen around Serin Pond were Emperors, Four Spotted Chasers, Migrant Hawkers, Southern Hawkers, Darters, Black Tailed Skimmers and a plethora of damselflies including Willow Emerald (4). This habitat is quickly becoming a brilliant Odonata pond, now that it has been opened up.

Our summer resident Kestrel pair returned to raise their young in Ness Road pond. Both the male and the female were seen hunting the park during the summer months. They both have become skilled at catching Common Lizards, which they quickly took to the nest for their hungry chicks. We did not have breeding Sparrowhawk in the park but the bird ringers have ringed 2 juveniles recently so they were successful in the wider area.

The Brent geese have just arrived back from Russia and can be seen flying up and down the Thames estuary. We have also seen the arrival of our wader flocks from their respective breeding grounds. Sanderling, Dunlin, Turnstone and Ringed Plover can be seen from the seawall at high tide.

We welcomed back Thames Estuary Ringing Group to the park to continue with their ringing programme. TERG have been in the SSSI ringing and have managed to get lots of useful data to submit to Essex Wildlife Trust and the BTO. TERG were also able to ring our cygnets and the resident adult pair earlier this year and will look to ring our current cygnet soon. These swans have now been included into the East Anglia study group. Hopefully one of our ringed cygnets will be recorded elsewhere in the Southeast and I will let everyone know where they have ended up. Very exciting!

With all the good news there has, unfortunately, been a few bits of unwelcome news. The park has had its fair share of anti-social behaviour which I have been trying to deal with.

·       Motorbikes – there has been an increase in unauthorised motorbikes on site. Thanks to everyone who has reported these to Essex police and me. Please continue to report these on if and when they are seen.

·       E-scooters – these devices, along with other types including motorised scooters, have been recorded almost daily in the park. It is unlawful to ride these devices on anywhere other than private land and trying to engage and educate individuals in the park has been difficult. I have made Essex police aware that these devices are in the park, so hopefully they will action a response. I am naturally concerned about collisions in the park between an e-scooter operator and another park user or their dog.

·       Vandalism – unfortunately there has been an increase in vandalism on site. Please do report any acts of vandalism to the police.

·       Shrimpers – we have had a few individuals in ‘shrimping’ the ditch and lake. This involves individual/s dredging the ditch/lake with a large fishing new and removing all the important invertebrates. No individual has permission to undertake this activity so if anyone is seen doing this, please report on to me and the police.

·       Illegal shellfish harvesters – this practise is still ongoing off the foreshore at low tide. Please keep reporting this onto Southend BC’s Environmental Enforcement team, myself and Essex police.

·       Fly-tipping of garden waste – there has been a steady amount of garden waste being fly-tipped into the verges by the main car park. If any resident sees evidence of this being undertaken, please feel free to report this on to me or Essex police

Please continue to report on anything that is suspicious. I cannot manage this wonderful open space without the help from the Garrison residents.

Finally, a big thanks to everyone in the Garrison for the support that you give me. Gunners Park is such a vibrant open space and a real treasure to the area.

Kindest regards

Andrew Armstrong

Countryside Ranger at Gunners Park & Shoebury Old Ranges

AGM Agenda 2021 Monday 29th November

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THE GARRISON RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION

Annual General Meeting

Monday 29th November 2021 at  7.30 pm,

ZOOM Meeting in consideration of the ongoing COVID 19 Situation

 

URL Details for joining will be posted on the GRA website

And Facebook Page at 5.00 pm on 29th November 2021

 

AGENDA 

1.           Apologies

 

2.       To approve the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on                    Monday 30th November 2020

 

3        To consider any matters arising

 

4.      To receive the Chairman's report previously posted online

          

5.      To approve the Honourable Treasurer's report previously posted

           online

 

6.        To receive update on the S106 Handover and the approach of the new

            Shoebury Garrison Management Company Limited

 

7         Election of the Chairperson, Officers and Committee

 

8.        To receive the Report from Fowler and Spenceley (Managing Agents)   

            previously posted online

 

9.         To receive the report from Gunners Park Ranger  Andrew Armstrong,

             previously posted.

 

10.       Submitted questions and responses.

 

11.        A.O.B

Annual General Meeting 29th November 2021, 7:30pm

/

Due to the continuing Covid-19 situation, this will be a Zoom Meeting 

URL details for joining will be posted on the GRA website and Facebook Page at 5.00pm on 29th November 2021 

If you live on The Garrison you are invited to hear what your committee has achieved in its efforts to keep the Garrison a pleasant place to live.

There are still many issues to be addressed that affect you, including;

  • Appointment of Resident Directors for SGMCL

  • Final hand-over of Garrison management to the residents’ control

  • Future role of Shoebury Garrison Residents’ Association

The meeting arrangements will be as follows:

➢   A Panel will host the meeting and respond to pre-submitted questions.

➢   Previous Minutes and Agenda will be posted on the GRA website prior to the meeting

➢   Reports, including those from the Chairman and Treasurer, will be posted on the GRA website prior to the meeting

➢   Questions from Residents for our local Councillors or Committee members are requested by email to Pamela Deakin pameladeakin45@btinternet.com: to be received not later than 15th November, so that replies can be prepared

➢   Nominations to the Committee, of yourself or others, are requested by email, using the forms posted on the GRA website, to be received not later than 20th November

Residents with legal and planning experience would be especially useful to join us in dealing with the above and on future issues on your behalf.

Download:

www.shoeburygarrison.com/agm

 Date for your diaries: Sunday 12th December 4pm The Salvation Army Carol Service will return to the Garrison Clocktower.

Chairman's Report 2020

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GRA AGM 30th November 2020

Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to this the twelfth Annual General Meeting of the Garrison Residents’ Association (GRA).

Before moving on it might be helpful to mention a little more about the role of the association. In 2008 the GRA was formed to advance the interests of all Garrison residents both owners and tenants who were dissatisfied with the lack of engagement of the developer and the apathy of their appointed managing agents at the time.  Over the years the association has played an active role in dealing with the developers, their management company SGMCL and the current managing agents Fowler & Spenceley Property Management who were appointed following a competitive process in which the GRA participated. 

In the intervening years the association has been involved in a wide range of issues including leasehold property maintenance, service and estate charges, parking, adoption of roads by Southend Borough Council (SBC), garden and general site maintenance and last but not least for ensuring that the developer deposited sufficient funds for the upkeep and maintenance of the Garrison infrastructure. We maintain contact with SBC planning and parks departments both directly and through ward councillors and with other agencies such as Essex Police and English Heritage.

In what has been an extraordinary year your committee have been actively involved with the appointed managing agents Fowler & Spenceley in ensuring that the Garrison site and infrastructure continue, within the budgetary constraints, to be maintained and where possible, improved. 

This activity has included monthly inspections of the Garrison area to identify any problem issues such as landscaping where there is a continuing challenge given the extensive common areas and courtyards. Despite restrictions you may have noticed that there has been a significant improvement of the grassed areas where the managing agents have worked closely with landscape contractors seeking to improve these and other areas about which I am sure you will hear more later.

Development

As you will have seen, the last year has been one of continued development. Lidl’s is almost complete, and work is well under way on the site adjoining Sainsburys. Concerns regarding the movement of traffic in the vicinity of these remain. Both the GRA and Shoebury Residents Association raised these concerns during the planning application and will be actively monitoring and where necessary reporting to ensure that our roads remain safe. 

With planning applications having been submitted for a new trade park and residential complex the open spaces which many of us prized when purchasing our homes is diminishing at an alarming rate and the prospect, however remote, of a Marina swallowing up a third of the remaining green space is, I believe, a step too far.

There remains of course ‘the elephant in the room’. As most of the current and proposed development is within an area which has traditionally been regarded as a ‘flood plain’, and there is ‘local’ memory of storm water flooding having taken place in this area for 25 years that has never been recorded by the lead flood engineers (Southend Council) or passed onto the Environment Agency. Where does responsibility sit if flooding of properties occurs due to these permitted developments?

Handover of Shoebury Garrison Management Company Ltd.

After so many false alarms I am glad to report that the final handover of Shoebury Garrison Management Company Ltd (SGMCL) to the control of resident’s is imminent. In preparation for this property owner’s will have received a letter seeking expressions of interest to become a director. The role of Director is a voluntary but important position. In essence they are the guardians of the Garrison and will meet periodically to discuss, decide, and direct the activities of SGMCL within the confines of the company Memorandum and Articles of Association (Mem & Arts). Importantly they will direct the activities of the managing agents and I am therefore glad to report that there have been substantial expressions of interest which will be progressed in due course. 

Progress towards this handover has been a long and tedious process requiring repetitive correspondence and I again would like to record my thanks to committee member Richard Spence and Robert Fowler (FSPM) for their perseverance in bringing about a positive outcome.

That said the work of the GRA is not complete. The board of Directors for SGMCL can only be drawn from owner shareholders however the population of Garrison properties is diverse with many people renting their homes. They too need a voice in how the Garrison develops and to lobby on their behalf ward councillors, Southend Borough Council, and other organisations. That voice is the GRA. All residents are automatically members and although donations are gratefully accepted there is no membership fee. Further information can be found within the pages of our website at: https://www.shoeburygarrison.com

Cart & Wagon Shed – aka Heritage Centre

Previously the Shoeburyness Coastal Community Team whose membership includes members of your committee set up a Community Interest Company as part of an ongoing plan to improve Shoeburyness. The CIC then began negotiations to lease the Cart & Wagon Shed. After much effort and having secured significant funding, earlier this year builders AW Hardy & Co Ltd; were appointed and began the refurbishment of the building. Unfortunately, this was interrupted by ‘lockdown’ and consequently refurbishment has taken longer than anticipated. I am glad to report that it is now completed and internally the building is much improved, we look forward to it being opened to the public. 

The current target date for the CIC take over the building is 1st February and provided this is achieved the café, community rooms and some of the archives will open for the general public on or about the 1st March. 

As part of the Cart & Wagon project, work has been ongoing to facilitate the installation of a Royal Artillery Archive within the building. Originally founded by the late Major Tony Hill, the archive will for the first time be accessible to the public as a fitting tribute to the history of the regiment in its ancestral setting.

Other Matters

At our last AGM I mentioned the Estuary Festival which should have been running in the second and third quarter of 2020. I am glad to say that having been postponed the festival mounted by the artistic company Metal – who work from buildings of historic significance supporting artists from the UK and overseas, working in all disciplines - has now received funding and should be able to go ahead in Gunners Park and in other venues in Essex and Kent commencing in May/June 2021. 

In addition to the Cart and Wagon Shed, the festival will make use of four other buildings within Gunners Park for which surveys and plans have been drawn up seeking to develop the spaces to display pieces of artwork.

It is to be hoped that the festival will increase funding opportunities to further develop the Cart and Wagon Shed as a community venue.

Finally, I would like to thank my committee colleagues for their time and energy throughout the year with a particular thank you to our secretary Pam Deakin without whom there would be no record of our enterprise. That completes my report for the year.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 25th NOVEMBER 2019

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GARRISON RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD ON 25th NOVEMBER 2019

AT HINGUAR SCHOOL AT 7.30 P.M. 

Present

  • Chris Coomber  Hon. Chairman

  • Pamela Deakin  Hon. Secretary

  • Phil Coombe      Hon. Treasurer

  • Peter Farrington

  • Simon Wright

  • Cliff Marshall

  • Larry Irwin

  • Pam Dewey

  • Richard Spence

  • Michael Stiers

  • Robert Fowler

  • Andrew Armstrong

  • Matthew Halls

  • Councillor Anne Chalk

 

32   Resident Members

1.   Apologies

  • Councillor Nick Ward

  • Councillor Steve Wakefield

  • Daniel Puddick

  • Doug Poskitt

  • Denise Oanes

  • Brenda & Peter Reid

Chris Coomber opened the meeting by welcoming guests; Councillor Anne Chalk; Matthew Hall from Southend Police Force; Andrew Armstrong, Gunners Park Ranger; Robert Fowler and Michael Stiers of Fowler & Spenceley.

2. Minutes of the 2018 AGM.

The minutes of the 2018 AGM were adopted as correct by Chris Coomber and seconded by Phil Coombe.

3. No matters arising.

4. Chairman's Report.

Chris Coomber reported that the Committee has been actively involved with the Managing Agents, Fowler & Spenceley, to ensure that the Garrison site and infrastructure continue, within the budgetary constraints, to be maintained and where possible, improved.

In the past 12 months major development has been a common theme.  In February the GRA and Councillors met with Garrison Developments regarding their proposed planning application for a trade park / industrial area on the Garrison site. Following this meeting, the application was withdrawn. In the coming months we will see the opening of a Lidl supermarket; this development was approved after local opposition

During the year, Garrison Lofts has been completed – a residential development in a vacant commercial building.

Committee members are participating in the Coastal Community Team initiative. Significant funding has been set aside and SBC are going to tender for internal works at the Cart and Wagon Shed.  It is hoped that these works can be completed for temporary housing of the artistic company Metal – who are organizing the Autumn 2020 Estuary Festival. It is hoped that this festival will further develop the Cart and Wagon shed as a community venue.

(brought forward item)

9. Report by Gunners Park Ranger*

Andrew Armstrong reported that 2019 had been a very buoyant year for Gunners Park. Many migratory birds were stopping over to feed and rest on the way to the Arctic, and an increased number of unusual birds were sighted. New and rare invertebrates were identified.

Residents were asked to assist in maintaining this Improvement by encouraging control of dogs and liaising with the ranger teams to identify and discourage any harmful activities.

5. Treasurer's Report.

Phil Coombe presented the Treasurers report. The Association has a balance in hand of £807.

GRA pays for printing and Web Hosting fees.

6. Update on S106 Handover.

Chris Coomber thanked Richard Spence for his tenacious contribution in pressing Avant Homes for information.

Considerable progress has been made. Items remaining for completion are drainage adoption; seawall transfer and adoption of the coastal path. Drainage adoption is an ongoing issue between Anglian Water and SBC regarding the protected nature of the site, which is being progressed by legal advisers; currently, open items relate to corporate approvals. No specific problems are identified regarding seawall transfer and adoption of coastal path.

7. Election of the Chairperson, Officers and Committee Members.

    There have been no nominations, and no one came forward at this point.

8. Report from Managing Agents, Fowler & Spenceley.

Robert Fowler presented the report from the managing agents.

Fowler & Spenceley continue to work closely with the GRA and attend regular committee meetings, although they act on behalf of Shoebury Garrison Management Company (“SGMCL”) and maintain contact with their board. Most recently Fowler & Spenceley were appointed as Company Secretary to SGMCL which enables them to sign Certificates of Compliance and Transfer Deeds to circumvent a bottleneck for owners when properties are sold.

Key projects over the last 12 months

·       Internal redecoration of Gunners House

·       Specify and tender work to replace manually operated roof light in Magazine Mews block

·       Specify and tender work to remedy damp within one of the Horseshoe Crescent blocks

Inspections

·       Carry out weekly visits to The Garrison: to identify housekeeping needs

·       Respond to reports and concerns of residents

Contractors

·       Monitor performance of contractors: particularly on landscaping works

·       Annual arboreal survey completed, and recommended work carried out

·       Mechanical sweeping of roads and gully emptying: to be completed in December

Estate Work

·       Repair and painting of all lamp columns on all adopted roads and communal parts

It is expected that works will be completed within the agreed annual financial budget

General

Post-handover, it will be necessary to revise the prospective SGMCL board, as some former prospective members have moved away. These are unpaid posts, open to all shareholders in SGMCL. The aim is to create a board that is representative of all parts of the Garrison. We invite expressions of interest from people who are willing to take on responsibility for the company: anyone requiring further information or discussion should contact Michael Stiers or Robert Fowler at Fowler & Spenceley.

10. Ward Councillor and Police

Councillor Anne Chalk and Matthew Hall (Police) responded: to questions from residents.

·       Damage to Private Roads from Future Development: it was noted that Chapel Road may be damaged from traffic to the Wet Suit Outlet. SBC has refused to implement Planning Control orders on size of permitted vehicles

·       Parking in Chapel Road, parking by Wet Suit Outlet, commuters and commercial vehicles on site: in the absence of parking restrictions and following two parking surveys, there is not sufficient interest to implement enforcement processes

·       Plans for the Chapel to become a retail outlet has been shelved as the business interest has moved to USA

·       Gym building, which was intended to be free for first 200 residents, was declared to be non-viable commercially and has been purchased by Ian Holms. It is understood that permission for residential use is to be applied for.

·       Traffic situation on Campfield Road was questioned in light of the Lidl development: Councillor Chalk said that traffic lights had been included in previous plans for end of Campfield Road and Councillor Jarvis had requested that contribution should be sought from Lidl.  Councillor Chalk will investigate further.

·       Problems on New Barge Pier Road from “boy racers” in cars and motor bikes, plus parking in the unused bays at night:  use of restrictive barriers (speed bumps and blocks) was to be investigated.

11.  A.O.B.

       The following specific issues were raised by the attendees;

·       Area by West Gate: ownership and responsibility for maintenance was questioned. Title has not yet been traced.

·       Broken fence on sea front (Outlook block):  Avant Homes has agreed to pay for repair

  The Chairman thanked all participants and attendees. 

  The meeting closed at 9. 30 p.m.

Footnote Item 10: Area by West Gate: title deeds indicate that the area was included in the estate transferred from MoD to Gladedale Ltd. The area will fall under the control of SGMCL, and will be managed accordingly

Annual General Meeting. 7.30 pm 30th November 2020

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GARRISON RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION  

Annual General Meeting.  7.30 pm 30th November 2020 

Due to Covid-19 Rules this has to be a Zoom Meeting

URL details for joining will be posted on the GRA website and Facebook Page at 5.00pm on 30th November

  If you live on The Garrison you are invited to hear what your committee has achieved in its efforts to keep the Garrison a pleasant place to live.

There are still many issues to be addressed that affect you, including; 

  • Appointment of Resident Directors for SGMCL

  • Final hand-over of Garrison management to the residents’ control

  • Future policy of the Shoebury Garrison Management Company Ltd

  • Future role of Shoebury Garrison Residents’ Association

To comply with Covid -19 rules, arrangements will be as follows:

  • A Panel will host the meeting and respond to pre-submitted questions.

  • Previous Minutes and Agenda will be posted on the GRA website prior to the meeting

  • Reports, including those from the Chairman and Treasurer, will be posted on the GRA website prior to the meeting

  • Questions from Residents for our local Councillors or Committee members are requested by email  to Pamela Deakin pameladeakin45@btinternet.com: to be received not later than 10th November, so that replies can be prepared

  • Nominations to the Committee, of yourself or others, are requested by email, using the forms posted on the GRA website, to be received not later than 16th November

Residents with legal and planning experience would be especially useful to join us in dealing with the above and on future issues on your behalf.

Want to join the GRA?

Download the GRA Nomination Form as a Word Doc | PDF

Download the Proxy as a Word Doc | PDF

Download this post as a Word Doc and share with other residents.