NEWSLETTER 10
APRIL 2008
Dear Resident
This is, of course, the first Newsletter of 2008, so a very belated Happy New Year to everyone!
On Monday 3rd March we held our AGM. The turnout was the best yet – thank you very much to those who were able to attend. A copy of the report from the Treasurer is being circulated with this Newsletter. A summary of the AGM follows:
AGM
1. Review of previous AGM
2. In her role as Committee Chairperson, Phyllis Hamilton circulated her report and gave an update on the maintenance works and progress during the year.
3. Keith Ingham, Treasurer, circulated his report. In summary, we have just over £3,200 in the bank (at end February 2008). However, £400 for annual insurance is due to be paid shortly and ongoing maintenance throughout the remainder of the year will account for the remainder. Accordingly, it’s very important that we continue working to obtain all residents’ contributions still outstanding (currently £1,192). For the record, following up on the non-payers is a time-consuming task.
4. Despite a request for ‘enthusiastic volunteers’ there were no offers, so the existing Committee members were duly re-elected with office bearers remaining in post.
5. Basic maintenance works are ongoing and will become more frequent again during the late spring, summer and early autumn. However, the gardens seem to have remained much tidier, with fewer instances of littering etc. We believe this is due in part to the basic security measures (locked gates, repairs to fences) as well as to the fact that the gardens are obviously being looked after. Following installation of 2 new seats in the gardens last year the Committee received a donation from our fellow residents at 9 Crown Terrace, for which we would like to formally record our thanks. This donation contributed to the purchase of two additional seats.
6. Major works are required in the gardens. Tree and shrub roots have been the main problem, seriously damaging the retaining walls and railings over the years. An initial rough quote indicated costs in the region of £35,000+ (though additional quotes will have to be obtained for comparison). The work may have to be undertaken in stages, possibly over 5 – 10 years. The first step will be significant hard pruning of existing trees and shrubs. It was agreed that the annual contribution will have to be increased from £200 to £400 per house (or agreed equivalent) with effect from this year if we are to have any chance of accruing sufficient funding to have these works carried out. The current contribution level covers little more than the basic maintenance, safety, security and insurance costs. The Committee will continue to explore options re grants and funding and would welcome ideas/input from residents.
7. The foxes are still in residence, and would appear also to have taken over the grounds at the church. We have no ready solution, but would like to take this opportunity to warn those using/planning to use the Gardens that the cubs have caused some serious damage to the lawns. There are several small, very deep holes dug by the cubs and these might prove a bit of a hazard – they’re not always easily seen. We’ll try to address this as part of the ongoing maintenance, but please take care in the meantime.
8. General discussion under AOCB included: seeking legal advice regarding non-payment of annual contributions and ‘naming & shaming’ of non-payers; establishment of a CPGA website; option of standing orders/direct debits for payment of annual contributions.
Since the AGM, the Committee met to further discuss some of the issues raised. As you’ll see from the AGM notes, non-payment of contributions is a real concern, not least because it places an unfair burden on those who pay promptly and without complaint (for which, our thanks). Every year we should be bringing in almost £6,000. On average, we (all of those who pay, that is) are losing out to the tune of £1,000, courtesy of those not paying up.
This year, we’re still awaiting payment from some residents of the following properties:
68 Highburgh Road
70 Highburgh Road
76 Highburgh Road
84 Highburgh Road
1 Crown Terrace
2 Crown Terrace
5 Crown Terrace
17 Crown Terrace
The Orchid Pub Company
We’re aware that there may be a number of reasons, including administrative error (it’s not always easy finding out who owns a property, nor how to contact them) …….. and plain forgetfulness! Please, if you haven’t already done so, pay up now! Cheques should be made payable to CPGA and should be sent to:
Keith Ingham
CPGA Treasurer
6 Crown Terrace
Glasgow
G12 9HA
As per the AGM, from August 2008, the annual subscription will be increased to £400 per property (or agreed equivalent). Quite apart from what we’re losing on non-payment, there’s a real need to establish a fund for the works needing done. The new rate should enable us to bank approximately £6,000+ per year. Unless we increase the rate we will never be able to accrue enough to make a start, because current levels are only sufficient to enable basic standards to be maintained.
Please note that as soon as we have some quotes we will be looking to develop a forward plan (timescale obviously dependant upon cost, income, etc) – and we will seek opinions from residents before proceeding. In the meantime, we would welcome feedback, advice and information from you.
Please keep in touch with us, by whatever means suit you best. Just as a reminder, for the high-tech amongst you, you can obtain/share information via: crownpga@yahoo.co.uk …… and we now have a CPGA website (that doesn’t mean that we’ve mastered the art of updating it yet, but we’re working on it!). Please feel free to visit the site at:
http://crownpleasuregardens.blogspot.com
Does anyone have any photos of the gardens from yesteryear? It would be good to show the differences. Many thanks to fellow resident Ian Cochrane for his help (and patience) with the site.
The more traditional can write to us via:
Eleanor Atterson
68 Highburgh Road
Glasgow
G12 9EN
………….. or stop us in the street and talk to us!
We’ll continue to keep all residents informed of progress regularly, by newsletter and e-mail.
Regards,
CPGA Committee
Phyllis Hamilton
Eleanor Atterson
Barbara Atterson
Ray Stokes
Keith Ingham
Isabel/Bill Murray
