Christmas Tree Collection

Christmas tree recycling collections will start from Monday 6 January 2025 and will run throughout the month. Trees will be collected on the same day as your rubbish and recycling, but by a different vehicle so this may not be at the same time as other collections. Trees should be left out after 6.30pm on the day before the collection is due, or by 6.30am on the collection day. Please leave your trees in the same place as your rubbish. Please visit the Council’s website for more details.

The Secret Garden

We are disappointed that we have been unable to open the Secret Garden. The ground is very uneven and we must find the resources to address this before we can make the area safe and pleasant to visit. Therefore, we will be applying for funds in the new year to cover the bulk of the costs. We will receive a reply shortly thereafter.

THIS NEWSLETTER INCLUDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE HOLIDAY PERIOD AND EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE ISSUES.

It feels as if we were only beginning 2024, and here we are at the very end. The Management Committee would like to wish all residents and away leaseholders a very restful break and a Happy New Year.

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Ballot Results

We are pleased to announce that 98% of residents and away leaseholders voted ‘Yes’ in the 5-yearly ballot, confirming their wish to continue as a Co-op rather than return management to Wandsworth Borough Council (WBC) . Out of 145 eligible voters, 90 turned out which amounts to 62% (one vote was invalid). If anyone has any feedback about the voting process, please let the office know. Away leaseholders were sent their votes via email, whereas residents were posted their ballots. We understand that some residents initially mistook the envelope in which the ballot arrived for junk mail. We will not need to send the next tender out to election service companies for another four years, but it would be helpful to receive any feedback you may have sooner rather than later. This year’s ballot was managed by Civica.

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General Meeting and Chair’s Report

In our recent General Meeting, we were delighted to report the overwhelmingly positive ballot result, which is a great testament to our staff and committee members. Please refer to the service charge comparison below which illustrates one of the benefits of remaining a cooperative.
We’ve seen some changes in our committee structure. After serving as Treasurer for 25 years, Janet Raffety has stepped down, while fortunately remaining an active committee member. We warmly welcome Sue Daley, who has taken over the Treasury responsibilities.
A significant ongoing challenge has been the fire safety and door compliance issue with WBC. Lorraine has been working diligently to resolve conflicting assessments between private contractors and WBC regarding door compliance standards. The situation has been further complicated by instances of cable installations through door frames. While progress is being made, we anticipate a full resolution in 2025.
On a positive note, after an extended period without general maintenance support, we’re pleased to have secured the services of a contractor who is dealing with the estate’s minor maintenance issues.
Finally, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank Lorraine and Sarah-Jane for all their hard work this year.

Please click here for Christmas Opening Hours
and Emergency Numbers