Sunday 27th April 2008 2pm
Horniman Museum, Garden and Pools improvement plans
The Association’s AGM was held in the Dutch Barn, Horniman Gardens, on Sunday 27th April. About 40 members came along to the pre-AGM presentation to hear about the proposals for the redevelopment of the Gardens from Janet Vitmayer, Director, and Kirsten Walker. It was explained that the Horniman Gardens had developed on a rather ad-hoc basis since they were first opened to the public over a century ago. A Master Plan was now needed to guide the development of the Gardens over the coming years. This would be even more important if the funding necessary to implement all the changes required could not be secured: a phased approach could then be adopted, with key areas being addressed as and when funds became available. After outlining the proposed changes, it was emphasised that the Master Plan was not the final stage of the redevelopment process: a series of meetings would be held over the next few months to further consult on key proposals. Owners of homes affected by the boundary changes would be contacted individually.
Copies of the outline plan with a form attached for comments were circulated to those present, and are available from the Museum. Those responding will be invited to take part in the next round of consultations.
Barry Milton, Sydenham Society representative, then updated us with some very welcome news about the proposed levels of rail services from Forest Hill over the next few years. These are reported separately in this newsletter.
The AGM then followed after a short break for refreshments. After welcoming members, Valerie Ward gave a brief resume of the activities of the Association over the preceding year, and thanked the members of the Committee who continued to take up issues such as traffic, planning, crime and other matters affecting the built and natural environment on behalf of members, as well as updating our website and contributing to the production of newsletters. The work of the Association would not be possible without the time and effort they were prepared to give. An update on current membership was given, and the audited accounts for 2007/08 were presented.
There being no other nominations, the Association's Executive for 2008/9 is:
Valerie Ward – Chairman
David Otway - Vice-chair
Paul Hanley – Treasurer
Andrew Reid – Membership
Linda McKenna – Secretary
David Wright was re-appointed Auditor.
