The AGM was called to order by the Chairman at 1830. The President, Brian Leathard was unable to attend and was represented by his deputy
SSDRA members and the Committee welcomed our guest speaker, David Le Lay, Hon. Vice-President and past Chairman of The Chelsea Society. He will speak on the history of Sydney Street and St. Luke’s Church.
Our local councillors and Inspector Paul Knight attended the meeting.
Minutes of 2011 AGM: The Chairman asked for the minutes of the 2011 AGM to be agreed. The motion was approved.
To confirm the Accounts for 2011/2012 and receive the Treasurer’s Report: Daisy Alexander, Treasurer, presented her last Treasurer’s Report and Accounts for the fiscal year ending 30 June 2012 and thanked Heather Gumbrell for auditing them. The Treasurer confirmed that the balances in the accounts were growing and that income exceeded expenditure.
To receive the Chairman’s report: Susan Spiller, Chairman, delivered her annual report to the meeting. Her main points were regarding Planning issues outlined in the annual newsletter distributed to members in September 2012. The drinking fountain in St Luke’s Gardens, donated by the SSDRA for all users of St Luke’s Gardens, was inaugurated in September.
Update From Inspector Paul Knight : Inspector Knight outlined the local policing model of policing wards with teams. Also, all the teams within the borough can be concentrated and utilised in one “hit” if required. He described crime figures as generally low and considered the borough to be safe.
Special Tribute from the Chairman: Daisy and Richard Alexander and Katherine Lumsden have retired from the committee and Susan paid tribute to their many years of diligent work.
David Le Lay, Hon. Vice-President and past Chairman of The Chelsea Society: David Le Lay described the history of Chelsea, its expansion in population in the 18th century around the riverside area and the consequent need for extra burial ground. This led to a need for a new church with a new burial ground that was built in Sydney St in neo-Gothic style. Sydney St was further developed and the north end was built with facing palace facades. The name Sydney St derives from Sydney Place which was part of the Henry Smith’s Charities. David Le Lay then took questions from members.
The AGM was formally brought to a close by the Chairman and she thanked the guest speaker and the committee.