SGH Spring Newsletter 2020 – Click here to download the full Newsletter
Chairman’s Note
Spring 2020
It’s Easter and the sun is shining but, my, what a different Spring on the Estate from those in previous years. How fortunate the majority of residents are to be living their lockdown primarily in large houses on one-acre-plus plots. For many with younger children they are now at home all day bringing with them, I’m sure, the full spectrum from sheer boredom to wildly enthusiastic participation! There’s an opportunity for family meals round the kitchen table, conversation even, given there’s plenty of other free time for ‘screens.’ There are also people living on the Estate who are less fortunate and, for whatever reason, come into the ‘vulnerable’ category. Gary has a list of these people and where possible they have been paired with volunteers who have offered their help. I am delighted to say that we had more offers of help than we did vulnerable residents but on behalf of us all may I say a very big ‘thank you’ to everyone for their support of our community in such difficult times.
After a possibly slightly over enthusiastic start, the Estate has settled efficiently into the lockdown regulations. We have allowed cleaners, handymen, pool maintenance, builders, etc to enter the Estate in the normal manner and trusted residents to make mature and informed decisions on essential works and compliance with the government regulations. The flow of delivery traffic remains constant with an increase in footfall as residents take to the streets and pathways for their daily exercise. We have maintained our security levels and staffing at the gates to manage this and have had to add an extra patrol so that we have cover for staff that may be ill or have to self-isolate. The senior management are working from home where possible but with a rota system that provides us with full cover. The office staff are also working from home with their own roster for time in the office to collect mail, etc.
Our last board meeting was held electronically and it was good to be able to approve two submissions for new developments. Our staff continue to be employed and paid on a full time basis as their work is essential. At the end of March we had over £500k in reserve in the bank. We do not anticipate needing loans from either the bank or the government but we are micro managing our expenditure and will continue to do so over the coming months to preserve our cash as best we can.
As per the sentiments and comments in my statement in the accounts, we do need to collect this year’s Estate rate in order to maintain and run the estate at its normal level over the coming year. By way of additional note, the Estate Act is very clear and actually very inflexible in the timing and the process for setting, billing and collecting the Estate rate from residents. The final step in this year’s process is your payment that is due at the end of April. I would encourage all residents to help the Estate finances by being timely with their payment especially as noted there is very limited scope within the Act to accommodate inability to pay on time.
In closing it remains for me to reinforce our leaders’ advice to stay at home, safeguard the NHS, stay safe and save lives. I hope that you can relax enough to enjoy the additional time at home and on the Estate.
Tony Morgan
Chairman SGHRA
Estate Matters
Speeding – During this unprecedented time, there has been a significant increase in families walking around the estate. Unfortunately, we have also seen an increase in speeding vehicles due to less traffic on our roads. We ask you to please watch your speed when moving around the Estate as we are still getting complaints from individuals having a close encounter with vehicles going beyond the 25mph speed limit.
Use of Golf Club land – A reminder to all that the golf course and its pathways are privately owned and as such Residents do not have the right to use it for their own activities, including dog walking. The Golf Club have asked if you could also please attempt to keep your children and pets from playing in the course sand bunkers
Gardeners / Cleaners / Handyman – We would like to remind Residents that the normal working hours for gardeners, cleaners and handymen is Monday to Friday between 08:00– 18.00. We are aware that often there are requirements for them to work beyond or outside of these hours, including weekends and bank holidays. If this is the case then please contact the Secretariat at mail@stgeorgesra.com to discuss your requirements, so that arrangements can be made to facilitate their entry. This is for the benefit of all Residents so you can enjoy your homes without fear of nuisance.
Resident Deliveries – To assist with the management of vehicle movements it would be helpful if any resident expecting a delivery that is likely to require a large delivery vehicle contacts the traffic control officer on 07799413285 or email trafficcontroller@stgeorgesra.com at least 24hrs in advance. Giving prior notice will avoid the possibility of the vehicle being held up or turned away. Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV 7.5t and over) are restricted to the hours of 10:00am to 17:30pm Mon – Fri but special arrangements can be made via the traffic control officer as above.
Residents’ Emergency Works – There are often occasions when emergency works are required at a property and we recognise the need to resolve as soon as possible without undue hindrance. To facilitate as swift a response as possible we ask that you contact the Brooklands Gate 01932 830402 where the details will be taken along with the appropriate action to assist.
Verges – We have recently seen an increase in planting and objects being placed on the verges by residents. The Residents’ Association own the majority of verges around the estate and permission is required for anything to be planted or placed on the verge. Anything placed on the verge without the relevant permission may be removed. We would also like to remind residents that it is your duty to maintain those verges that are immediately outside of your boundary in a manner that is in keeping with the estate’s vision of country lanes. If you require clarification on the area concerned or the extent of the works required, please make an enquiry through the website www.stgeorgesra.com or call the secretariat on 01932 859575
Dogs on the Estate
- Fouling – If you own a dog, it is your responsibility to clean up after it if it fouls on any Estate land or any land not in your ownership. Please act responsibly and carry a bag with you at all times.
- Control – There have been several occasions where dogs have been found in the middle of the road or in other residents’ property, which not only puts the dog at risk but becomes a real hazard to legitimate road users and other residents. Please ensure you know where your dog is at all times as you have a legal responsibility to keep your dog safe from harm. This also includes keeping your dog on a lead during this very busy time.
Knight Security Group Mobile Patrol and Gate Staff – The professional team of security response officers assigned to the Estate are dedicated to patrol St George’s Hill 24hrs a day all year round. The security response officers also contribute to the smooth running of St George’s Hill by acting on or reporting to the Residents’ Association any occurrences that may affect Residents.
Knight Security Group provide gate officers based at each of the two main entrances to the estate located at Brooklands Road and Old Avenue. These officers are at these locations 24hrs per day to control general access to the Estate and monitor the remote gates via Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). In addition, they provide a mobile patrol officer and Dog patrol, 7 days per week to identify, monitor and report any suspicious activity inside the Estate boundary.
The officers are not employed to provide security for individual houses or respond to noise nuisance events but will always try to assist Residents where possible. If you find yourself in a situation where you may need assistance, please call the Brooklands Gate 01932 830402 so your details can be taken, and the appropriate response provided.
The officers are not trained in paramedic services but will always assist residents in the event of a medical emergency by providing support and where necessary call on the emergency services. Where appropriate, they will remain on site to assist within their limitations until emergency services arrive.
Estate Management
Estate Rate Collection – Finally, to underpin the sentiment expressed in the Chairman’s note, please find below details for payment due April 2020.
- A statement was sent out by the end of March
- The payment is due at the end of April
- A reminder with interest added will be sent out at the beginning of May
- A final reminder will be sent at the end of May, giving 7 calendar days to pay
Thank you to those that have paid promptly.
Contact details – There are often occasions when the Secretariat have a need to contact a Resident at short notice. To avoid any delay, it is in the interest of all parties to ensure up to date contact information is provided. Quite often relevant information is sent out via email so please ensure you have provided an up to date email address if you wish to receive these information emails. Details should be sent to mail@stgeorgesra.com or call 01932 859575.
Useful Contacts
Secretariat 01932 859575 (Baker Street, Weybridge) mail@stgeorgesra.com
Security Gates 01932 830402 (Brooklands Entrance) 01932 830401 (Old Ave Entrance)
Gary Whalley (General Manager) 07766540435 garywhalley@stgeorgesra.com
Paul Scott (Operations Manager) 07880 707989 paulscott@stgeorgesra.com
Gas Emergency 0800 111 999
Electricity Emergency 0800 783 8866
Thames Water (foul drainage) 0845 920 0800
Water leaks (water supply) 0800 376 5325
Surrey Police 101
Elmbridge Borough Council 01372 474474
Elmbridge website for local information on waste collection days etc. http://emaps.elmbridge.gov.uk/ (enter your postcode and click on FIND)
