November 2024 Newsletter
New Committee Members Ratified
The Committee would like to officially welcome Peter Hand, Patrick Mitchell, and Gill Chapple to the committee. They join Maureen Poole (Chair), Monica Meighan (Secretary), Janet Raffety, (Treasurer), Farrokh Hessamian, Jane Wilkinson, Lydia Thompson, Nick Harvey, Sue Daley, Andrej Baran, and Karen Hooper.
Interview with new committee member: Gill Chapple
After serving on the committee for two decades, Gill Chapple has recently rejoined the Management Committee. Previously, Gill was Chair for over twenty years! Committee members are pleased to welcome Gill and all her experience back. Gill told us she has witnessed many changes over the years, as she oversaw significant kitchen and bathroom renewal programs, the development of green spaces, and was involved in the organisation of many social gatherings. After retiring from a busy career as a Registered Care Manager in which Gill focused on a range of health issues as well as managing staff and budgets, Gill now looks forward to helping the committee achieve its goals. She is particularly interested in putting the views of the shareholders at the heart of Co-op’s mission-statement and activities.
It came to our attention that some residents have avoided joining the Co-operative as shareholders. We were confused as the same residents were active members of the community. We discovered they believed being a shareholder was the same as being a committee member. We have therefore decided to devote this newsletter to celebrating the concept of co-operative housing and the history of co-ops in general while outlining our structure.
Being a Shareholder is not the same as being a Committee Member
Being a shareholder means your vote counts at meetings. If you are not a shareholder, you cannot vote at general meetings, nor may we include you in the quorum requirements.* Being a committee member requires more commitment (explained below).
Fire Legislation
Following the results of the Grenfell Inquiry, the Co-op, like all council landlords, is subject to stricter legislation. Landlords and residents are expected to adhere to existing and new law. For the moment, we have no choice but to insist you only keep one pot plant and one door mat outside your property. All bikes must be attached to a bike rack. Buggies should not be left on the landings. Compliance will be monitored by Co-op and Wandsworth staff. Non-compliance will result in items being removed without notice. Legislation may change.
A brief history of Co-ops and what it means to be a Shareholder or a Committee Member
Housing co-operatives have been a part of the UK’s social landscape for over a century, offering an alternative to traditional housing models. The concept took root in the late 19th century. The first recorded housing co-op in the UK was established in 1861 in Rochdale, reflecting the town’s pioneering role in the co-operative movement. Today, the level of involvement expected from shareholders varies between different co-op models. In some, like ours, shareholding simply grants voting rights at general meetings and contributes to meeting quorum requirements. While further contributions of ideas, skills, and knowledge are welcomed, they are not mandatory.
Our co-op operates with a committee system, which does require a small-time commitment from those involved as committee members. Occasional training is also expected.
We follow a structure known as common governance which is typical in many UK housing co-operatives. This system involves a small group of elected members who take on specific responsibilities for the day-to-day management of the Co-op. Typically, a committee might include roles such as Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, along with other positions tailored to the co-op’s needs. Committee members usually meet regularly to discuss and make decisions on operational matters, financial planning, maintenance issues, and community initiatives.
Being on the committee offers shareholders an opportunity to actively shape the direction of the co-op. Convent Co-op committee members attend six management meetings a year, where they review documents, or coordinate with external partners. This allows for efficient decision-making while still maintaining the democratic principles of the co-operative model, as committee members are accountable to all the shareholders through regular reporting and elections.
We currently have thirteen committee members and 106 shareholders. There are only fifteen spaces on the management committee, as stipulated in the Management Agreement we have with Wandsworth Council.
If you are not a shareholder yet, please consider signing up.
You can read more about the history of Housing Co-ops in the UK here
*All leaseholders, freeholders and council tenants have been sent a ballot paper, and have been asked to vote on whether they want to continue as a Co-op or if they would prefer to hand management of the Co-op back to Wandsworth Council. Please note: Shareholder membership has nothing to do with the ballot vote.
Ballot Vote
Every five years, we are required to vote on whether we wish to continue running our estate by and for the residents, or hand it back to Wandsworth Council control. All council tenants, leaseholders and freeholders who are eligible have been sent a voting form. Away-owners (owners who rent their properties privately to tenants) have been sent their ballot papers via email. Everyone else has been sent one in the post.
Some residents have reported that the envelope looked rather like junk mail. If you have thrown your ballot away by accident, don’t worry. The ballot will be sent out again to all those who have not yet voted very soon. Please contact the office if you have not received your copy.
You do not have to be a shareholder to vote in the ballot, managed by Civica and is currently in process.
The deadline for voting is 11/11/24
Wandsworth Cost of Living Hub
Wandsworth Council offers online resources to help residents cope with rising living costs. Their dedicated webpage provides direct advice and connects people with specialist organisations that can offer additional support. Again, for anyone without online access, this help can be accessed by calling the council on 020 8871 6000.
!!Pension Credit!!
Are you concerned about losing your Winter Fuel Allowance? You may be eligible for Pension Credit which will ensure you don’t lose the cold weather payment. You can find out more by visiting the Government’s website.
You can also visit Citizen’s Advice or call on 0808 278 7833 and press option 4. Lines are open 10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
Alternatively, you can make an appointment to see an adviser at Francis Snary who can help you fill out forms and identify benefits and other help you can claim. They provide this service once a month. Please contact the Co-op office for further information
Warm Home Packs
From Brightside Magazine: The Warm Home Packs scheme has been expanded to reach more households and help people save more money this year. People living in energy-inefficient homes with a household income of less than £40,000 a year can get a pack containing LED light bulbs, radiator foil, and draught-excluding tape.
Please visit Wandsworth Town Hall on 30th October to collect your pack or visit a local library to find out more.
Community Spaces
From Wandsworth Council’s website: We want to do as much as possible to help our residents. We are working with our local partners to provide access to a network of Community Spaces. These can be a great option for residents looking for a friendly space to engage with others and in some cases share a drink or even a meal. Some of these services may charge a minimal fee for some of their activities and meals, while others are free.
Please visit the council’s website to access a database of spaces that offer this service.
Sparkle East Putney (For the elderly)
Address: Inter-generational Community Centre,
St Stephens Church Of England Church, Manfred Road, London, SW15 2RS
Opening hours:
Tuesday – 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
Thursday – 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
Wandsworth Town Library (All welcome)
9 Courthouse Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 4QG
Tel: 020 8877 1742
Opening hours:
Mon – Closed
Tue – Thurs 09:00 am – 07:00 pm
Fri – Sat 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sun – Closed