This meeting had a great turnout with over 20 residents in attendance along with Cllr Clare Potter – Brownswood Ward Councillor and Hackney Speaker, John Morris – Source Partnership, and Oliur Rahman – Hackney housing Resident Participation Manager.
Oliur explained the purpose of the group is to raise issues/concerns/problems, with a member of the housing team here to support us. The meeting is for us as a community with support in how to solve issues. It has been running for a year.
The plan was to hold an ‘Annual General Meeting’ today to elect a new chair and leadership committee. The aim of the committee is to hold smaller meetings between the main residents’ meetings to work on issues, run campaigns, lobby council etc. Roy is stepping down as chair to allow others to fill role. Oliur and residents agreed that Roy has done a great job and built momentum in getting the group to where it is now. There was a concern that since this meeting was many resident’s first time, it may be a bit to soon to expect to elect a new committee. Oliur proposed that he would be willing to chair the meetings in the interim until the group is ready to form a committee and elect a chair. This was agreed to by the residents in attendance.
(Correction: 30/11/18 – After writing these minutes I spoke to Roy and he said that he was not intending to step down from the committee. He was happy to remain as chair if needed, but was open to another resident taking the helm if there was someone willing to take it on. Either way he would like to remain on the committee. EP)
Oliur introduced the idea of projects for the estate on behalf of the council.
All estates have a community development fund they can use. This summer residents used some of this to fund trip to Broadstairs. This was advertised at the community event. Was some miscommunication about how it was paid for. Council paid for it, not from service charge. Patricia commented that they had a wonderful time! A few of the older residents who have been living on the estate for 50 years mentioned they used to go to seaside a lot!
There is still some money left in the pot (£800-£1000 available) Suggestion to do something in winter. Oliur is compiling email list to inform residents. Ideas…Christmas party, trip to see a pantomime, party to combat winter blues at end Jan when it’s miserable, winter BBQ with, gazebos, mulled wine etc. Bring something to contribute to a party makes it nicer.
Next coffee afternoon 2-4pm 27 Sept
Hope to have more regular events again, the older residents commented that it would be good to do more like they used to have in the previous hall.
Ideally need 4-5 people to get things moving in between the main meetings (can use hall for free for meetings if needed). Lots of new faces today so all decided it is best not to rush into forming an official committee now. Oliur is happy to keep chairing for now. He can have separate conversations with anyone interested in getting involved.
John asked if anyone would be interested in forming an interim group to get things going. Only Emley and David put up their hands to offer to be involved, but others later said they could help too.
David S and Emley P have built a new website to help keep residents informed and encourage community, see: kingscrescent.org
Oliur mentioned there is also another website potential on the Hackney site.
Younger residents would like a youth group. David from Wheely Tots mentioned there is lots of finding available for this if it is something to do with bikes! He is happy to help with this. Ideas- can separate the age groups, education based, 12+ study prep or hangout with other young residents. Oliur suggested contacting him about ideas and what kids want.
Round of applause at the end for Roy in expression of everyone’s gratitude for his work for the resident’s group so far
If you want something on the agenda for the next meeting, want to get involved, or have ideas fr anything contact Oliur: oliur.rahman2@hackney.gov.uk