Kings Crescent

Residents Meeting 14 June
2023-06-14 19:00 - 20:30 (Europe/London) | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
TRA Community Meeting
Minutes
Kings Crescent Community Meeting

Hackney Showroom
Wednesday 14 June 2023

Attendess:
Emma Harrison (Hackney Council Resident Participation Team)
Shah Rahman (Hackney Council)
Nina Lyndon (Hackney Showroom),
12 residents (names removed for privacy)

Approval of minutes from previous meeting
JWM and KM proposed and seconded

Gardening group update

Have held two events – launch of growing season & bed clearing
Also been refreshing allotment plot allocation – there are now spare plots available
Trying to create community around gardening, sense of ownership of whole space
Will be holding social Thu 29 June
Council have handed over issues including all maintenance to us!!
Water tap not working (seems has been turned off from mains)

ACTION – Emma will raise the tap issue with colleagues

General update

Estate manager Anthony has left. Interviewing now for replacement.
In meantime, use neighborhoods email: neighbourhood@hackney.gov.uk
Alice can pass on any issues including mains water being turned off

Updating on community activities (Hackney Showroom)

Next event 29 July. Looking for helpers! 2 – 6pm so setting up any time from midday. 20% of stallholder takings going to Domestic Abuse charity
Have new outdoor stage
Regular programme of weekly/monthly events
No funding for childrens activities over summer hols so no events so far but Emma and Jill discussing one through Access to Sport

ACTION – Emma to pass details for Access to Sport on to Jill

Discussing possible ongoing working group for estate issues but Alice (discussing with Emma at council) not in firm position to give update
Emma needs buy-in from different teams but proposal is to have a representative from each team who’d give regular updates e.g. texts with link rather than meetings. Need housing officer in place to manage this and confirm.

Discussion of AGM & future of the Residents’ Association

TRA all volunteers so need to make sustainable
Alice explained TRA is voted in by estate residents at AGM.
Struggling to get enough people at meeting and on committee
Looking at our vision as TRA and how to make sustainable
Emma shared options for if we don’t have enough people to meet requirements of being a TRA.
Without registered TRA it’s much more difficult to spend fund money and won’t have voice or staff from council coming to meetings
Looking at 4 main meetings a year. Focus next year will be what we want future to look like
Even if people can’t be on committee, please come to the AGM (20 Sep)

Next phase of regeneration project

Update from presentation – details of presentation can be seen here: https:/calendar/resident-steering-group-meeting-17-april-2023/

AOB

Youth Group – only Remi and Jill doing youth group. Remi might be leaving. Up to 15 children attend regularly plus some on waiting list. Anyone interested in helping to run, likely this will resume end Sep (Thursdays 4pm – 6pm).
Question about best platform to raise concerns about repairs in existing building. Emma thinks it’s contacting repairs

ACTION – Emma will check process and let us know.
Agenda
Wednesday 14 June 2023
7–8.30pm
Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, N4 2BN

Time
Item
Lead

19:00
Welcome
Time for Refreshments
Chair of meeting (Alice)

19:15
Approval of minutes from 15 March
Alice

19:20
Gardening update
Sarah/Kathy/Ellie

19:30
Hackney Showroom update
Nina

19:40
ETRA Update
Emma Harrison (Resident Participation) & Alice

19:50
AGM/Future events update
Emma (RP) & Alice

20:00
Next Phase of Regeneration project
Jill/Kathy/Emley

20:10
AOB
Alice

20:15
Close
Alice

Additional information:

See https:/ for details of upcoming events and minutes of previous meetings.
To get in touch with the committee: Email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com call/text/WhatsApp 07925668497, Social Media: @KingsCrescentN4
Join (e)mailing list: http://eepurl.com/g-NGbD

Wellbeing Meditation 13 May
2023-05-13 11:00 - 14:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Meditation at Hackney Showroom
New to meditation? Come along for the first hour and try it out, the first hour is offered by donation – pay what you can afford
Experienced with meditation? Come along for the full 3 hours for £30
Click HERE to pay and book your place

Dear friends,
Join me this Saturday, the 13th May, for my next community healing meditation in London.
The full session runs from 11am to 2pm and is a £30 contribution.
We will meet at the Hackney Showroom, 4 Murrain Rd, Finsbury Park, London, N4 2BN.
If you are new to meditation and want to try this style of meditation then join me for the 1st hour which is offered by donation.
Booking is still essential, via the link below.
I look forward to seeing you all there!
Lots of love, Aimee Sri Laxmi
Click HERE to pay and book your place

Gardening Event
2023-05-13 11:00 - 12:30 | Allotment Courtyard, Between Therfield, Barley, Chipping & Redbourn Courts, Access via Sim Street or Casbeard Street, N4 2GD, United Kingdom
We will be hosting an open gardening event in the allotment courtyard, all welcome
Details coming soon

Kings Coronation Community Party
2023-05-07 12:00 - 14:30 | Vince Murrrain Community Centre, N4 2GD
This event is being organised by the Residents Association with ‘Big Lunch’ funding from Hackney
We will be providing burgers & sausages (meat & veggie), pizza, salad, cake, soft drinks. Please bring a dish to contribute!
If you are able to volunteer to help at the event we will be setting up from 10am and clearing up until 3.45pm, many hands make light work as they say!
Any questions please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com Thanks!

Resident Steering Group meeting 17 April 2023
2023-04-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the ‘residents steering group’ (RSG).
It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership.
The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com
Key Summary Points:
* Mulalley have been appointed as Hackney’s building contractor
* Plan: 1 year of design review for cost optimisation then 1 year for design approval process and ‘Building Safety Act’ compliance (new regulation). So work due to commence in 2 years
* Part of the Play Street will be out of action for approx 2 years once the work starts at the Green Lanes end of the site
* There will be opportunities for residents to be consulted and meet the contractors during this coming year of design review
* Hackney Regeneration Team will be sending out a newsletter to all residents in June to provide an overview of the process and programme with Mulalley
* Source Partnership will be resuming a drop-in service from June onwards to answer resident questions

Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting held on 17th April 2023

Those Present:
Cllr Clare Potter (CP) (Chair)
Cllr Soreya Adejare (SA)
8 Residents:
EP, JWM, EV, PS, PA, PD, KM, AF

In Attendance:
Ron Greenwood (RG)
Chey Brown
Carol Squires (CS)
Menekse Saitoglu
John Morris (minutes)
Lee Walsh (LW)

LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Mulalley

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1

Apologies were received from resident KH

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 13th October 2022 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1

The minutes were agreed as a true record

3.0
Introduction to Mulalley and the Kings Crescent project – Lee Walsh , Contracts Manager

3.1

Lee gave a presentation, (slides below) followed by questions.

CP asked for the slides to be circulated.

PA – can data from previous site surveys be used by Mulalley to reduce the work involved?
LW – these will be used to provide a basic understanding but Mullalley will need to explore in much greater detail, e.g. soil surveys will be taken at 5m intervals.

CP – will the extended period for redesign etc. mean that investigations will be more thorough, so chance of issues arising later is minimised?
LW – no, the delays at this stage won’t mean the surveys will be any more thorough; they will be thorough anyway but it means that due diligence can be completed earlier, making good use of the extended period of redesign, sign off etc.

SA – can we be assured that the length of time at this stage will not have a detrimental impact on leaseholders?
RG – leaseholders will benefit from cost optimisation but it is important that the principle of design parity between new build and refurb is maintained. Cost optimisation is a way to balance quality and cost.
LW – no one can predict market forces but there are signs that costs are starting to plateau. The pressures on the building industry have been unprecedented following Brexit, the pandemic and the Ukraine war (an example of the latter was a 500% increase in the cost of concrete and steel in 3 months). RG added that estimates of build cost inflation had been factored into the approval of the scheme.

SA – what does ‘added value’ mean to Mulalley?
LW – it differs between projects and depends on what communities’ priorities are. It could be funding existing projects, business development mentoring, local school equipment donations, work in schools on career options and job-readiness.

KM – the plan to use the section of Murrain Road at the Green Lanes end is a real concern as Hackney Showroom and the street immediately outside have become a valuable focus for community activity. It is a ‘people street.’ How can you help limit the impact? JWM added that taking away the play area and the other site logistics mean that there will be little space for young people to play, gather etc.
LW – unfortunately, the only way to get construction vehicles on and off site is from Green Lanes; there are height and width restrictions that prevent other means of access.
JWM – can’t the currently vacant area adjacent to Green Lanes not be used as it was for phase 1&2?
LW – we will be building on that. The plan is that the new build blocks will be constructed all at the same time; a phased programme for this part of the development will prolong the build period by years.

EV – will the refurbishment take place in parallel with the new build?
LW – there is some flexibility in when and how long the refurbishment takes. If it is done at pace, it will obviously be completed sooner but there will be more disruption. If the community want to see less disruption, then the programme for the refurb. could be lengthened.

CP asked how long the half of the play street nearest Green Lanes will be out of action.
LW – maybe 2 years?
RG added that there will be photographic and video evidence stored of the play street in its current form so it can be reinstated exactly as before. Items on the play street that need to be moved will be stored or re-located. This includes the trees. It was noted that pedestrian access along Murrain Road to Green Lanes will still exist.
EV – it will be important to maintain easy pedestrian access across the estate, so the north and south sides are not completely separated. Does this mean the ball court will go?
LW – yes.
RG – we aim to try to find solutions to some of these issues with residents through workshops etc.
CP – it will be important that the estate continues to be brought together through the social value part of Mulalley’s contract.
LW also noted that a lot of space on the estate will be taken up by storage of materials (illustrated by black cross-hatched areas on the site plan).

CS – could meanwhile uses be considered for e.g. storage facilities when not in use? Also what are residents’ views on the proposed respite facilities?
There was discussion about the respite provision, noted that it wasn’t well used in phase 1&2. Can it be used for more social/community/play activities? LW – this is all up for further discussion and community will have the opportunity to reshape provision in dialogue with Mulalley.

CS noted that there is only one lift serving Weston Court – at the Datchworth Court junction. If the access to Green Lanes at the north end of the block is closed off, it will be a long walk for residents to access the lift.
LW – would be open to keeping the access available at the other end of Weston Court.

CP – phase 1&2 had major problems with lifts and the energy centre working efficiently. If better aftercare can be assured for installations in this phase, perhaps by sourcing from UK, more expensive manufacturers, this might be worth it to save costs after completion.
LW – the cost optimisation process is being done in collaboration with the client; ultimately, these sort of costs are not Mulalley’s decision. Note that the cost optimisation exercise isn’t a way for Mulalley to make savings and maximise profit; it’s about getting best value.
RG – there is a new, borough-wide spec for lifts that will be used and there will be an enhanced M&E clerk of works inspection process.
LW – Mulalley will employ its own lift consultants who will have an input into design, will lead on market testing of suppliers and will carry out an inspection function pre-handover, at snagging before the lifts are put into operation.
CP -what about the energy centre?
LW – Mechanical & Electrical contractors will be managed separate M&E managing agents, who are consultants, not Mulalley, therefore there is independent scrutiny of this aspect of the contract.

PA asked when the Weston Court podium will be coming down.
LW – we will look to progress this as early as possible. However, it will be a process of deconstruction rather than demolition in order to minimise noise, dust etc.

AF asked about access to Weston Court for deliveries.
LW confirmed that access will be maintained.

EP sought confirmation of the timeline; 90 to 100 weeks before start on site?
LW – yes, it will be that long. An early start to the refurb. was considered but compliance with the new Building Safety Act is needed for all aspects of the contract before any work can start. Planning consultation and the impact of the BS Act are 2 key factors that will affect the timeline that are out of Mulalley’s control.
CP noted that another 2 year’s wait is hard to hear for residents but commended Ron on providing consistency throughout the process leading up to this point.

4.0
Future resident engagement – Source

4.1

CS noted that Source have now vacated the VM Community Centre but we want to agree a programme of activities to maintain momentum with resident engagement. We propose monthly drop ins at Hackney Showroom to provide information and seek views on e.g. meanwhile uses and other issues that residents can help to influence. Noted that information needs to be disseminated widely across homes; the 8 households represented at this meeting cannot be expected to be the conduit for spreading all info.
RG – there is a newsletter due to go out.
CS – if there are design and other significant changes, these should be communicated as we go along. This could include introduction of meanwhile uses to soften the blow of losing part of the playstreet.
RG agreed and highlighted the importance of resident input into design of the public realm.
CS – we could use the logistics plan to generate residents’ views at drop ins. We could start drop ins this month.
JWM suggested speaking and visiting the Elders Lunch Club.

RG also noted ongoing discussions about site visits. Mulalley sites in Bethnal Green, Parkview (Highbury New Park) and the now completed Bridge House still possibilities.

CP – are there any other communities we are not reaching?
EP – non-resident leaseholders?
SA – are translated written materials needed?

5.0
TRA update

5.1

EP reported back:
· A newsletter was produced in Nov 2022.
· The winter market, where the TRA had a stall was a success.
· The recent Community Meeting which was less formal engaged more people.
· Youth Club going well.
· Gardening also going well.
· Upcoming events:
o 7/5 – a coronation event, with LBH funding will be held at the VMCC
o 13/5 – a gardening event
o 14/6 – next Community Meeting
o 20/9 – TRA AGM at which Emley will stand down as Chair
ETRA meetings have stopped in their previous format. LBH/resident liaison will be organised differently.

6.0
Any other business

6.1

SA wished to record thanks to Emley for her participation in the Council’s scrutiny review of regeneration.

7.0
Date of next meeting

7.1

CP proposed quarterly meetings would be appropriate, so the next RSG would be early July. However, it was agreed to wait until the new year’s municipal calendar has been published to confirm a date when CP and SA can attend.

CS – there needs to be something to say to make the meetings worthwhile.
RG – next meeting could include discussions about preparing for the cost optimisation exercise.
CS – once people have had a look at the slides from tonight’s presentation, there should be more questions.
LW – Mulalley can commit to attending all future RSGs, even if LW himself does not attend; it may be more relevant for specialists within the company to attend to deal with specific issues with RSG meetings focusing on one or two themes at future meetings.

The meeting ended at 8.45 pm

Slides from Mulalley presentation:

Meditation 15 April
2023-04-15 11:00 - 14:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Meditation at Hackney Showroom
New to meditation? Come along for the first hour and try it out, the first hour is offered by donation – pay what you can afford
Experienced with meditation? Come along for the full 3 hours for £30
Click HERE to pay and book your place

Dear friends,
Join me this Saturday, the 15th of April, for my next community healing meditation in London.
The full session runs from 11am to 2pm and is a £30 contribution.
We will meet at the Hackney Showroom, 4 Murrain Rd, Finsbury Park, London, N4 2BN.
If you are new to meditation and want to try this style of meditation then join me for the 1st hour which is offered by donation.
Booking is still essential, via the link below.
I look forward to seeing you all there!
Lots of love, Aimee Sri Laxmi
Click HERE to pay and book your place

Spring Party (CANCELLED)
2023-04-02 15:00 - 18:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Sorry, the Residents Association was hoping to host a kids party to celebrate Spring, Easter etc but we don’t currently have capacity within out team of resident volunteers.
If anyone would like to help with future events please contact KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com
Thanks!

Gardening Event
2023-03-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This meeting led by the Residents Gardening Group will be an opportunity for residents to make plans for what to grow in the communal allotments, support residents with allotments, and to decide on gardening events for the year.
Seeds will be available for anyone to take to grow at home.
The initial meeting will be in the Hackney Showroom space but if the weather is okay we can also have a wander around the allotment space in the central courtyard.
This event is particularly aimed at those with existing allotments or have an interest in gardening, but anyone is welcome to join us!
If you have gardening knowledge we would love for you to share your experience!!

Meditation 18 March
2023-03-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
ENERGY-LIFT GUIDED MEDITATION

with Aimee Sri Laxmi

In-person every month!
11am to 12pm

Guided meditation practice, insight and breathwork to support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Re-charge your energetic batteries and feel uplifted!

Offered by donation (suggest £5-£15 but pay whatever you can afford)
Click HERE to pay and confirm booking

Longer option also available for those more experienced in meditation:

Do you fancy treating yourself to a half-day meditation and energy-lift session to let go of the impact of our crazy modern lives and connect with the natural state of rest and relaxation?
These Monthly Healing Meditation sessions are the perfect pick-me-up!
This is an opportunity to go deep into the energy of peace, and relaxation. To connect with yourself so you can better connect with others.
The theme for this month’s group meditation is,
‘THE POWER TO INITIATE’
We are tuning into the energy of nature as the first new signs of spring are here; longer days, new shoots, and winter sun.
We will take time out to tune into the energy of fresh starts!
New Growth
New Frontiers
New Paths to Open Up
The Celtic goddess Brigid is the goddess of spring. Britain is named after Brigid and there are many wells, springs, and holy places dedicated to this deity all over Britain.
During this session, as we welcome Spring into our lives, and celebrate the goddess Brigid, we will focus on our ‘Power to Initiate’ change, in whatever form that takes for each of us.
The session runs from 11am to 2pm and is a £30 contribution.
We will meet at the Hackney Showroom, 4 Murrain Rd, Finsbury Park, London, N4 2BN.
If you are new to meditation and want to try this style of meditation then join me for the 1st hour which is offered by donation. Booking is still essential, via the link below.
I look forward to seeing you all there!
Lots of love Aimee Sri Laxmi

BOOK HERE

Dates for 2023
Saturday, 18th February
Saturday, 18th March
Saturday, 15th April
Saturday, 13th May

Community Meeting
2023-03-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Resident meetings happen once every 3 months and are a chance to meet your neighbours and have a say in what is happening on Kings Crescent.
The focus of this Spring meeting is to create a plan for the events and activities that we want to see happening this coming year

Agenda
Timing
Lead

1
7pm Welcome, Introductions and apologies
· Pizza & Refreshments
10 mins

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates
· Summary of current activities
· Approve minutes from last community meeting (Sept 2022)
5 mins
TRA committee

3
Hackney Showroom Update
· Update on existing community programme
5 mins
Hackney Showroom

4
Ideas workshop
· New funding in April, need an events plan for the year
· See what we’ve done before & share your thoughts
· Bring new ideas to discuss
30 mins
Residents
& TRA commitee members

5
Round up & conclusions of event planning

10mins
TRA committee

6
8pm Estate/Hackney update
· Update on Estate issues and relationship with Hackney
20 mins
Alice (TRA)
Anthony (Hackney) TBC

7
Any other business
Dates of next meetings & close 8.30pm
10 mins
TRA committee

The space will be open for 30 minutes after the meeting to chat to neighbours and continue conversations started during the event
The next community metings will be on:

14 June 2023 7pm
20 September 2023 7pm (including AGM and election of new resident committee)

Charity Games Night
2023-03-11 15:00 - 22:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Book Tickets Here:
https://my-my-dreams.sumupstore.com/product/papyrus-charity-event

Exhibition of Our Place in the Game 2
2023-03-10 14:00 - 19:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Exhibition of Our Place in the Game

Come along and see what a group of Kings Crescent Residents created at the end of last year.
After a series of workshops thinking on the question – what is our place in the game? – the group created a live performance on the estate.

For this exhibition we are displaying the film as well as the costumes, masks and props from the day.
You can also read the book we’ve made at the end of it all!

Hackney Showroom, Kings Crescent Estate
Thursday 9th March, 1 – 4pm
Friday 10th March, 2 – 7pm

Exhibition of Our Place in the Game 1
2023-03-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

Beautiful Breath 28 February
2023-02-28 19:45 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
THE BEAUTIFUL BREATH
With AJ
In person on the last Tuesday of every month 7.30-9pm
This is a soothing session that combines Wim Hof inspired breathing techniques with ancient Qi Gong practices that will leave you feeling deeply relaxed and at peace.
Cost £10 per session (all profits going to charity*)
Click here to book: The Beautiful Breath
More details:

The breath is a beautiful and powerful tool that if given awareness too, can sooth our nervous systems and leave us with a sense of calm and fluidity even in the most stressful of situations.
In this session you will be guided through a Wim Hof inspired breathing technique breath by breath, in a tribal- inspired gathering, in time with calming music, which will leave your body and mind in a state of complete calm and relaxation. We will then take this peaceful energy you have created and using a very simple Qi Gong form, send it to every cell in your body removing any blockages, creating a sense of fluidity and flow in and around you.
The session runs for approx 50 minutes and a little longer sometimes if people are keen to ask questions at the end. Please wear loose comfortable clothing to the class and I look forward to meeting you.
AJ x
BREATH, FEEL, FLOW.
*The £10 charge for the class is to cover the cost of hiring the venue, book here, after that any profit will go to the Ukraine crisis appeal.

Meditation 18 February
2023-02-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
ENERGY-LIFT GUIDED MEDITATION

with Aimee Sri Laxmi

In-person every month!
11am to 12pm

Guided meditation practice, insight and breathwork to support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Re-charge your energetic batteries and feel uplifted!

Offered by donation (suggest £5-£15 but pay whatever you can afford)
Click HERE to pay and confirm booking

Sound Bath Meditation 16 Feb
2023-02-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Sound Bath Meditation
An immersive sound meditation with Gongs, Himalayan Bowls, Crystal Bowls & therapeutic percussion instruments.
Sound Therapy Practitioner Marco Florio will guide an initial meditation followed by an hour of gentle immersive sound.
Cost: £15 per session
Book via email: soundsalvej@gmail.com or text 07956 119 710

Beautiful Breath 31 January
2023-01-31 19:30 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

Meditation 14 January
2023-01-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

Beautiful Breath December
2022-12-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

Meditation Workshop December
2022-12-10 11:30 - 14:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
ENERGY-LIFT GUIDED MEDITATION WORKSHOP

& Community Connection

with Aimee Sri Laxmi & Laura Vasu Devi

In-person every month!
The class from 11.30am to 1.30pm offers guided meditation practice, insight and breathwork to support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Re-charge your energetic batteries and feel uplifted!
1.30-2pm will be a time to relax with a cuppa, chat to the facillitators and connect as a community.

BOOK HERE
Come join Aimee Sri Laxmi and Laura Vasu Devi for a pre Christmas treat,
we will offering a relaxing meditation (please bring a blanket), a mini massage followed by cake and card readings.
All welcome, no experience necessary, we look forward to meeting you!

Our Place in the Game
2022-12-04 14:00 - 16:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Come along to a live performace game to experience Kings Crescent in a new way
then celebrate with a communal meal.
All welcome!

Winter Market
2022-12-03 15:00 - 20:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Kings Crescent Winter Market
Following the success of last year’s Winter Market, Hackney Showroom and the Kings Crescent Residents Association are joining forces to host a fun event where you can do some shopping, consume delicious food and drinks, and there will be crafts and activities for the kids, and even a visit from Santa!!
The Residents Association (TRA) will not be holding a meeting in December but an update newsletter has been sent out to all Kings Crescent residents and committee members will be available at the market to chat to residents and hear ideas that you may have for events and activities etc 🙂

Huge array of local talent & ingenuity on display at our WINTER MARKET this Sat 3 Dec 3-8pm

Browse the handmade jewellery, kitchenware & fashion Feast on unbelievable cupcakes Score a hand woven wall hanging Delve through the pre-loved Sylvanian families Get yourself an African print accessory Pick up some hand illustrated stationary Bag a personalised gift Snap up cards featuring paintings of famous artists & their pets Get a glitter tattoo Snaffle a handmade scented candle Sit on Santa’s knee Sip mulled wine DANCE!

…. Plus vintage clothes & jumble, crock charms, tray bakes, books by local authors, fair trade cotton shoppers, handmade kids bracelets, festive ornaments & much more!

If you would like to host a stall at the Winter Market book your table HERE (£5 for small or shared table £10 for a large table)

Hackney Update Meeting (postponed ETRA)
2022-12-01 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
This meeting is an opportunity for residents to meet with Hackney to discuss estate matters.
This is a replacement for the postponed October ETRA meeting (agenda and background information shown further down page).
Notes from the meeting:
Kings Crescent ETRA Meeting 1.12.2022

Hackney officers and Kings Crescent Residents
Chaired by Alice Hutchinson

Minutes

Update on progress – Steve Waddington (SW).

Drains – work on 4 buildings to resolve with 1 remaining. SW been emailed that still a problem at Bramfield, as well as Datchworth. SW will investigate

Contact Centre – The ICT system still does not have full information, so when they get a call agents have to look in other documents. But they do have the information if they look. Agents been advised of the importance of getting the right information.

Fire Safety – letters have gone out to all relevant buildings about consultants findings and EWS1

Complaints Process
Timely responses have been a problem, SW looking at that as not hitting timeframe. Just under 20 days at the moment.

Service Charges Judith Morrison

Team took more time send out Statement of Actual Service Charges as wanted to make rigorous additional checks. On the whole charges lower. One block has increased because of additional repairs. JM happy to assist if there are any questions – there are more generous payment options in light of the Cost of Living challenges. .
Question raised about increases at Wallington Court. Resident advised to email JM. There have been increases in energy costs. Hackney will look at any other issues if they arise.

Questions raised about solar panels – are there any and how are they used. There are solar panels and Hackney will respond. The response can be included in the meeting notes. JM to respond

Fire Safety – Claire Williams

All flats have been rated B1 using the new fire safety assessment (replacement for EWS1). Hackney took a different approach with the assessment using 9980 not the RICS EWS1. The 9980 is a more extensive & holisitic assessment – the decision is based not just on the external walls & materials used but other factors to take a holisitic view of fire safety. The people who have requested certificates or already paid to receive a previous EWS1 assessment certificate (B2) would receive them by 5.12.22. They will be hand delivered. One resident asked for a postal delivery. Agreed to.

One lender didn’t like the electronic date stamp so the letter of resilience certificate is being retyped with physical date.

If someone needs one they can apply to the Property Sales Team. Information on the website https://hackney.gov.uk/request-ews-form There is a charge for an EWS1, but not if the result is B2.

Question asked if there is a renewal plan for EWS1. SW said no plans to do that – hope to move away from EWS1. They did just do the assessment and they are very expensive. Lenders still want EWS1 at the moment so will have to make a decision in the future. SW not aware of any need to EWS1 every 5 years, as there will be no change to the structure, therefore no need to risk assess. We don’t know if lenders will continue to only accept EWS1. Work going on nationally about EWs1 or 9980. SW could not give assurance that Hackney would do further assessments. It’s not a requirement on the Council but Hackney did do one at this point. Hackney will do all they can but not automatically do EWS1. AH thanked Hackney for all the work they have done to get the assessments done.

Lifts – SW

The problem with the lifts has been caused by high temperatures and combination of issues. The lift engineer has proposed works to lift due to takes place in December/January with confirmed dates for the corrective action for all blocks. (Kimpton is 5.01.23) The costs will not be passed to leaseholders.

Question about time it has taken since problem first identified in 2018. SW acknowledged that the response was not good enough, but there are no records due to staff changes and cyber attack. SW hopes the lift problem will be fixed by the proposed works.

Hot water and reporting problems SW

Issue raised the call centre agents don’t realise it’s a centralised system as they need to cross reference to find information. This has meant residents have been given incorrect information (eg. Told to contact Thames Water or that it is the resident’s responsibility to find a solution) and on other occasions, been told that it will take several days for a resolution to the issue.
Advise to residents is to tell the agent it’s a communal hot water system. Get put through as an emergency, not routine. There is a 24hr call out time for emergencies. At any time. Call centre response for emergencies is 4 minutes. Times have been reduced recently.
When reporting the issues, residents should also use the postcode, which is better for operatives to identify the right block compared to the individual address.

A resident (SH) commented that if the hot water is off a few times a year it needs looking at – as not expected in a new building. SW to look into it. There will be a record of breakdowns, and SW will share what they find.

Hackney has aspiration to have communications system that would text everyone in a block if there is a problem. Hackney is reviewing at the moment whether to build their own platform or buy integrated system. That will determine timelines. The lack of a system like this is holding Hackney back.

Complaints: Jahedur Rahamn

J showed a presentation about Housing Transformation Complaints
The Housing Ombudsman Service has a new Complaint Handling Code from September 2020.
Hackney recognises the importance of consistency and looks at how to improve.
Housing management looks at complaints and identifies targeted action.
Complaints are best raised through the website – not email. Email system didn’t work as they didn’t always get picked up.
Difference between service requests and service failure – If a service failure then Stage 1 of process.
The process is that

try to resolve – 5 days
Response – 10 days
Second Stage 15 days – to Ombudsmen Service

SW reported that Hackney in the process of implementing online repairs service reporting system.
Meanwhile Anthony anthony.ramsay@hackney.gov.uk can be contacted if having difficulties reporting repairs/raising issues and he can pass on issues, or at weekly surgery on the estate on Wednesdays.

AOB

Broken lights on South side. There has been no response on Theobalds Court. North side issues seen on 1.12 but different issues on south side. Cllr Potter has photo and will send to SW. SW and AR to pick up.

Cllr Potter raised the issue of the proposed boundary change to Brownswood and encouraged residents to consider if they wanted to provide feedback – deadline for responses was in first half of December. .
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Previous information:
Please see the message below from Alice, the Residents Association Treasurer, for details of the meeting. See further down for the agenda too.

Dear Residents & Leaseholders,
The TRA have worked with Hackney Council to arrange a meeting on Thursday 1st December for Hackney Council to provide an update to residents on the following topics. This will include time for discussion and questions to be raised.
Topics to be discussed:

Drain issues on south side of the estate
North estate blocks – Hot water system repairs & incorrect information being provided to residents
Progress on fire safety review (PAS9980)
Lift issues
Service charges update
Hackney services – process to report repairs and complaint process
AOB

We are likely to have a brief written update from Hackney on the key topics to share later this week.
Hackney Council Attendees:
Claire Williams- Building Safety Manager • Resident Safety
Michal Janowski- Health Safety and Compliance Manager • Resident Safety
Judith Morrison- Head of Leasehold & Right To Buy Service
Kain Roach- Interim Head of Building Maintenance • Building Maintenance
Lindsey Matthews- Repairs Customer Service Manager • Building Maintenance
Lorraine Wright- Head of Housing Management
Rob Jack- Project Manager • Mechanical and Electrical
Steve Waddington- Strategic Director of Housing Services
The meeting will be online and the dial in details are below.

Thursday 01st December from 18:00- 19:30 hrs
Meeting will take place virtually via Google Meets (non Gmail users can enter using this link)- meeting link- meet.google.com/cyu-tjuh-efn

Please do try to attend if these topics are of interest as it helps highlight how widespread issues are. Also, please bear in mind that the TRA Committee members are residents on the estate who volunteer their own time to support ongoing conversations & hopefully work towards resolution of key issues – we need your input, support & patience in this. If you’d be interested to get more involved, please contact Emley Pine (TRA Chair) or Alice Hutchinson (TRA Treasurer) – you can email us: kingscrescentn4@gmail.com
Alice

AGENDA

Presenter

Subject
Allocation of time
Time

KCTRA: Alice Hutchinson, KCTRA Treasurer
1
Welcome, Introductions and Opening

5 mins

6:00pm

Steve Waddington- Strategic Director of Housing Services
2
Overall update on progress since last meeting
10 mins

Update- 5 mins

Q&A- 5 mins

6:05pm

Claire Williams- Building Safety Manager
3
Fire Safety & PAS 9980 update
10 mins

Update- 5 mins

Q&A- 5 mins

6:15pm

Rob Jack- Project Manager (Mechanical and Electrical)/ Sinead Burke- Head Planned Asset Management
4
Lift Issues
15 mins

Update- 10 mins

Q&A- 5 mins
6:30pm

Kain Roach,
Head of Building Maintenance
5
Hot Water Outage & reporting
10 mins

Update- 5 mins

Q&A- 5 mins

6:45pm

Kain Roach, Head of Building Maintenance
7
Drain issues in the south side of the estate
10 mins

Update- 5 mins

Q&A- 5 mins
7:05pm

Judith Morrison, Head of Leasehold and Right to Buy
8
Service Charges timeline for updates
10 mins

Update- 5 mins

Q&A- 5 mins
7:15pm

6.
AOB
Broken lights in South side blocks

10 mins
7:20pm

Beautiful Breath November
2022-11-29 19:30 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
THE BEAUTIFUL BREATH
With AJ
In person on the last Tuesday of every month 7.30-9pm
This is a soothing session that combines Wim Hof inspired breathing techniques with ancient Qi Gong practices that will leave you feeling deeply relaxed and at peace.
Cost £5 per session (all profits going to charity*)
Click here to book: The Beautiful Breath
More details:

The breath is a beautiful and powerful tool that if given awareness too, can sooth our nervous systems and leave us with a sense of calm and fluidity even in the most stressful of situations.
In this session you will be guided through a Wim Hof inspired breathing technique breath by breath, in a tribal- inspired gathering, in time with calming music, which will leave your body and mind in a state of complete calm and relaxation. We will then take this peaceful energy you have created and using a very simple Qi Gong form, send it to every cell in your body removing any blockages, creating a sense of fluidity and flow in and around you.
The session runs for approx 50 minutes and a little longer sometimes if people are keen to ask questions at the end. Please wear loose comfortable clothing to the class and I look forward to meeting you.
AJ x
BREATH, FEEL, FLOW.
*The £5 charge for the class is to cover the cost of hiring the venue, book here, after that any profit will go to the Ukraine crisis appeal.

Kings Feast Party 19 Nov
2022-11-19 16:30 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Join Hackney Showroom, the Kings Crescent Residents Association and your neighbours for an evening of food, music, games and of course, tons of fun.

4.30 – 6.30pm – Family Fun!
The first part of the evening kicks off with a disco for kids and their families. Hosted by Disco Loco’s MC Chu-i & DJ Emilia Harmony, get your glad rags on, get those party feet moving and join us for an evening of magic, music, pizza, dancing, craft and dance floor shenanigans.
7 – 9pm – Adults only!
Whether on your own or with your household, we’ll team you up for a night of ridiculous retro games, lots of prizes, affordable bar and a communal meal with delicious mezze dishes from local Turkish restaurant Otantic.
Book your FREE tickets HERE

Wellbeing Meditation November
2022-11-12 00:45 - 13:45 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
ENERGY-LIFT GUIDED MEDITATION

with Aimee

In-person every month!
This class offers an hour of guided meditation practice and breathwork to support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Re-charge your energetic batteries and feel uplifted! Time at the end for a cuppa and community connection.

Cost: £7-12 – pay what you can afford. 2 free spots for any Kings Crescent residents in financial difficulty

BOOK HERE

Local police meeting
2022-11-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Azalea Court, 40 Queen's Drive, London, N4 2BF
There is a police ward panel meeting for Brownswood ward residents on Thursday 10th November at 6 30 pm at Azalea Court on Queens Drive for residents to discuss any problems within our ward with the police

Kidz Lit Festival
2022-11-06 12:00 - 20:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
The Fantastic team at Hackney Showroom are putting on a literary festival for kids!
See below for details of the different events happening throughout the day and links to book

KIDZ LIT FEST: LUNA LOVES DANCE
6 NOV | 2-4pm | AGES 3-7
Performance artist Azara Meghie reads Luna Loves Dance by Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho. Enjoy the story then get up & dance – with music courtesy of DJ Sherrine.
BOOK TICKETS

(Tickets are free but grateful for donations if you can)

KIDZ LIT FEST: OPEN MIC WORKSHOPS
6 NOV | 4-6pm | AGES 8-13
Create performance poetry with spoken word artist and get ready to perform live!

BOOK TICKETS
(Tickets are free but grateful for donations if you can)

KIDZ LIT FEST: FRIENDS & FAMILY POETRY NITE
6 NOV | 6-8pm AGES 8-13
An evening of live poetry hosted by poet & spoken word artist Russenï with special guests Lisa London & Jerome S.

BOOK TICKETS
(Tickets are free but grateful for donations if you can)

Beautiful Breath October
2022-10-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

***POSTPONED*** ETRA Meeting 19 October
2022-10-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
***POSTPONED***

Message from Hackney Council:

We have decided to postpone the Kings Crescent ETRA meeting tomorrow.

Unfortunately, Steve Waddington is unwell and we are not aware when he will return to work. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. I will be in touch with you as soon as Steve returns to work to reschedule the meeting.

A NEW DATE WILL BE COMMUNICATED ONCE IT IS DECIDED.

This ‘Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association’ (ETRA) ‘meeting is a chance for residents to speak to Hackney representatives about issues on the estate e.g. cleaning, repairs, antisocial behaviour.
ETRA meetings happen on a quarterly basis in January, April, July & October
This meeting will ideally be held in-person but we are awaiting confirmation from Hackney staff that will be attending. If senior staff not present the meeting will be postponed. Details below will be updated as they become available.
The minutes from the previous ETRA meeting in July can be found here.
ETRA Agenda (version 5)

19 October 7:00-8:30pm
Meeting is ideally in person at Hackney Showroom N4 2BN
But also accessible via Zoom (email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com for link)

Kings Crescent ETRA Meeting (‘Enhanced’ Tenants & Residents Meeting)

Agenda Item
Suggested Timing
Lead

1.
Welcome, Introductions, Apologies
5 mins
Emley (TRA Chair)

· Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (13 July 2022)
· Background to new format for meeting and request for ideas on a new way forward

2.
Wider Estate Issues
10 mins

· Update on new systems – digital noticeboard and repairs reporting system
· Weston Court intercom
· Theobalds Court bin drawer and lights
· Theobalds corridor lights malfunctioning
· Cleaning of bin areas and regular chute checks
· General cleaning not happening to good standard, cobwebs increasing etc
· Drains backing up in Weston, Datchworth, Bramfield
· Recent hot water outage across New Build highlighted 2 key issues:
o time taken to resolve – what is the SLA for water outage?
o Incorrect information being given to residents (eg. Hackney telling residents it was their own responsibility or that they should call Thames Water – these are factually incorrect)

Anthony Ramsay (Housing Officer)

? invite cleaning team, repairs rep

3.
ASB
10 mins

· Ongoing damage to allotments in courtyard – how can Hackney support a resolution?
· Sainsburys staff smoking by Kimpton entrance
· Clarification regarding CCTV usage (has been refused or useless when ASB has occurred)

ASB team
Anthony

4.
Landscape Questions
10 mins

· Fruit maze (allotment courtyard)
· Willow structure (Play Street)
· New play structure to replace white circle that was removed (images below)
· No entry signs for Play sections of Murrain Road
· Replacement of small bollards on Play Street that are difficult for van drivers to see

Emley/Ron
Anthony

5.
Update on next phases of regeneration
5 mins

· Source Partnership will no longer be attending ETRA but minutes of recent RSG meeting outlining updates can be found here: https:/calendar/rsg-meeting-13-oct/

Emley/Ron

6.
Any other business
5 mins

· Dates of next meetings and events

New Block issues update meeting
Steve Waddington to lead on updates and Ron Greenwood to provide historical context

Agenda Item
(Ongoing issues awaiting long-term resolution or progress report)
Suggested Timing
Lead

1.
Fire Safety Update
7:50pm

Update on what has been done from last ETRA. (July)

○ PAS 9980 results & when these will be shared with residents
○ What are next steps?
15 min
?fire safety team

2.
Energy issues and heating charges

· Are all meters now fixed and on new tariff?
· Some residents have reported that the new account does not reflect the money shown on meter, when will this be resolved?
· Will the energy rates be going up given the national energy issues? How much notice will be given?
5 min
?energy team

3.
Lifts

· Recent issue again in Wallington court with delivery driver stuck and bell not working
· Update on investigation into cause of lift issues.
· Next steps to provide a long-term fix to the lift issues.
10 min
?lift team or those responsible for supervising contractors

4.
Complaints Procedure
5 mins

· Still no resolution to the complaints raised by Wael as discussed in last meeting.

5.
AOB & close
5 min

Ideally the meeting will be in person in Hackney Showroom N4 2BN. If Zoom link needed please email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com
Suggested new ‘stepping stones’ installation for Play Street:

Previous information:
Agenda will be posted here 1 week before the meeting. If you have any items to add to the agenda please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com by 10 October
