Wednesday 19th March 2025
The following participants were present in the meeting:
- Ollie Parsons (Chair, SGRA)
- Isabel Palmer (Chair, AHRA)
- Mark Easton
- Rhiannon Guy
- Kirsty Blythe
- Philip Brassington
- Dan Cowdrill
- Sam Booth
- Aldo Pennini
- Ruth Polling
- Francesco Vasques
- Mimi
- Viv
- Jess
- George
- Joe
Apologies from: Rhys Fowler, Rhys Jones and Cassie Bradley
The meeting started at 6.50pm.
AHRA Committee Election:
Isabel Palmer, proposed that the AHRA committee continues with the same for the upcoming year, including:
- Chair – Isabel Palmer
- Vice Chair – Rhiannon Guy
- Secretary – Rhys Fowler
- Treasurer – Tom Salisbury
- Communications Officer – Alexandros Papakostas
- Officer – Dan Cowdrill
- Officer – Lizzie Creek
There were no objections, and the committee was approved.
L&Q Updates:
Isabel provided updates on L&Q’s new managing agent management group led by Adrian Shaw and Leah. The group aims to improve proactive management and collaboration between L&Q and managing agents. Isabel expressed hope for better support and management from L&Q.
SGRA Committee Election:
Ollie introduced the new SGRA committee for 2025-26 and asked for any objections. He thanked Mark for his service as secretary.
- Chair – Oliver Parsons
- Vice Chair – Kirsty Blythe
- Secretary – Rhys Jones
- Treasurer – Philip Brassington
- Social Secretary – Cassie Bradley
- Officer – Mark Easton
There were no objections, and the committee was approved.
SGRA and AHRA Collaboration:
Ollie and Isabel emphasised the importance of collaboration between SGRA and AHRA to provide a strong, united voice for residents. They also celebrated nearly 8 years of the AHRA and 7 years last month of the SGRA being formed. They highlighted the benefits of working together on common issues and maintaining a single website and mailing list for better communication. They also discussed some of the RA ‘wins’ over the last 7 years, including on window cleaning, the improved pathways around Elephant Park and regular 6-weekly meetings with the managing agent Savills to discuss operational matters in SG and the wider estate.
Website and Communication:
Ollie and Isabel discussed the launch of the new website and mailing list, which aims to improve communication and provide resources for residents. They thanked RA officers Rhys Jones and Alexandros Papakostas for their time and effort on putting the new website and mailing list together. They also encouraged residents to join the mailing list and participate in the South Gardens WhatsApp group for updates and information. They also thanked Rhys Jones for leading work on designing and handing out a new leaflet to promote joining the RAs and accessing the new website and mailing list.
Service Charge and Budget:
Philip provided an update on the service charge and budget, highlighting challenges such as the handover from Mainstay to Savills, insurance cost increases, and fire safety regulations. He emphasised the importance of resident feedback on Section 20 notices and the need to manage costs effectively.
Residents Q&As:
Service Charge and Budget:
- Provide feedback on the Section 20 notices regarding cleaning retendering to put forward your views, including a focus on costs effectiveness. (Residents)
Air filtration unit servicing:
- Email the company to express interest in unit servicing and coordinate with neighbours for a group discount. (Residents)
Cleaning:
- Email the RA with details about the ongoing issue with the ground floor cleaning for further action if the building manager does not respond with appropriate actions.
Car Park Access:
- Email the RA with details about the car park access issue for further action if the building manager does not respond with appropriate actions. (Aldo)
The meeting finished at 8pm
South Gardens Residents' Association 