THE KINGSCLIFFE SOCIETY
ANNUAL REPORT 1 March 2007 – end February 2008
(View previous Annual Report here)
Throughout
the past year your Society continued its familiar round of activities
– not least in respect of its essential role relating to planning
and licensing matters. These are touched on below, but first it is
appropriate to comment on the major ‘personnel’ changes affecting
the future of the Society.
In
January of this year our Chairman had cause to write to each member
informing you that three key positions would be vacant at the AGM –
Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Secretary. At the time of writing
we had no idea as to how those posts would be filled and the future
was unpredictable, and potentially gloomy, as clearly we could not
continue without active fulfilment of those positions. It is a
measure of how the Society is valued that we go to the AGM with
nominations for all those positions as well as for the committee.
So, we have a future! Warmest thanks go to those who stepped forward
to keep the Society going – their names are given on the enclosed
Agenda - and to others who offered help of various kinds or wrote in
support and appreciation of the work undertaken by Kingscliffe. You
are a great body of people and are much thanked!
In
welcoming new office holders we say ‘good-bye’ to others. Special
mention must be made of Jean Penney
who steps down as Treasurer at the AGM. Jean joined the Society
shortly after its inception in 1973 and has played an active part in
it throughout some 35 years of membership, holding the posts of
Secretary and Treasurer on more than one occasion. As the saying
goes, she is a legend in her own lifetime as her knowledge of our
area, and of Brighton generally, is vast. Her know-how and wise
counsel has been of huge benefit to Kingscliffe throughout – as has
her untiring and good-humoured willingness to help in all sorts of
ways. Her contribution to Kingsclifffe is immeasurable and she will
be hugely missed as an officer and committee member. We know that all
members will wish to join in thanking Jean for what she has
contributed. Although Jean has decided that this is the time for a
well-deserved withdrawal from formal positions she remains a member
of the Society and we look forward to seeing her at various
activities throughout the years to come.
Our
Secretary, Janie Thomas,
is also standing down at the AGM, after some 14 years in that post.
Again, we are sure that you will wish warm thanks to be extended to
her for all her work in that position. Happily, Janie is willing to
remain on the committee and to give help as needed.
The
names of the retiring committee members
are given at the bottom of this report, with thanks for their various
contributions. This opportunity is taken to ask if YOU
would be willing to join the committee. New ‘blood’ is always
welcomed!
The
looming knowledge that we would be facing major changes in officers
was, inevitably, a factor that took up some time at committee
meetings as we planned for the future. Full details of how it is
proposed that various ‘tasks’ will be carried out will be given
in the Newsletter that will be distributed in April, shortly after
our AGM. The Newsletter
will continue to be the major way of conveying information to our
members.
Work
related to planning
matters has continued throughout the year, with comments made on
applications affecting our area, or the city as a whole, submitted
where appropriate and reported in Newsletters.. (One ‘outside area’
matter that impinges on us is proposed development at Brighton
Marina, both specific applications and the Council’s Planning
Advisory Note that sets out a ‘vision’ for the Marina. We were
ably represented at a consultation meeting by Robert Edwards,
detailed in a Newsletter, but we remain concerned about the future).
Eike Herold has continued to represent us on the Council’s
Conservation Advisory
Group
with Robert Edwards deputising. Robert has also represented us on
the committee of the Brighton Society. Thanks to them both.
A
watchful eye has been kept on Licensing
matters, with Roger Rolfe continuing to serve on the Council’s
Licensing Strategy Group and on the national Open All Hours? Group
set up by the Civic Trust. He and the Secretary submitted comments
when the Council was reviewing the local licensing policy and
although we are pleased with some outcomes it is a matter of regret
that other suggestions were not taken on board. (This will be
elaborated in the next Newsletter). We have supported residents in
objections to individual applications for extended hours where these
would impinge adversely. Thanks go to Janie Thomas, Trevor Scoble and
Roger Rolfe who helped with these as well, of course, to other
members directly affected who were involved actively.
Our
social programme
throughout the year was enjoyed by many – outings, a lunch, a
dinner and talks. As in the past these were ably arranged by
Vivienne Carter and Jean Penney, with Ann Johnson undertaking
provision of refreshments at talks and other meetings (both donating
the drink and food as well as staffing the kitchen!). Ann also joined
Nicholas Worth in successful raffles, with both of them providing
items as well as selling tickets. We are indebted to them.
Among
the meetings was our annual ‘sharing’ with Ward
Councillors
from Queens Park and East Brighton. The contact we have with them,
collectively and individually, is appreciated..
Appreciation
goes, too, to the Society’s President,
Derek Granger, who continues to ‘be there’ for us as needed. His
support is much valued. Our Web Officer
David Botibol has continued to maintain a very informative and ‘easy
to access’ Kingscliffe web site. (www.kingscliffe-society.org.uk).
We are lucky to have his expertise and sincerely thank him.
Our
membership of other organisations
- the South Downs Campaign, the National Organisation of Residents’
Associations, the Brighton Society, the Civic Trust and Volk’s
Electric Railway Association - continues. These are all extremely
worthy bodies. We are pleased to be associated with them and wish
them well.
As ever, but
abundantly as ever, a final note of appreciation goes to each and
every member of the Society. You may not be on the committee or
undertake a ‘job’ but your membership is essential, for without
such support we could not continue our raison d’etre to enhance and
preserve our East Cliff Conservation Area. Thanks to every one of
you.
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Kingscliffe
Society Committee at end February 2008 (alphabetical
order):
Vivienne Carter, Roy
Davis (Chairman), Robert Edwards, June Evans, Sue Finch, Ed Furey,
Derek Granger (President), Eike Herold, Ann Johnson, Jean Penney,
Jane Pritchard, Roger Rolfe, Henry Steinhardt, Janie Thomas.
Auditor (not on committee): Alex Bruce