In
this month's issue:
(Click on a headline to go directly to the article)
- Members' surgeries
- 'Reliable Tradesmen'
- Remember the hosepipe ban
- Eastbourne Epilepsy Group
- Art exhibition and sale
- Sovereign Strollers
- Fly the London Eye
- Dog fouling, at last some progress
- This Month's Sponsors
To
contact waterlines, write to:
Waterlines
PO Box 124
Eastbourne
BN24 9AW
Or, e-mail
Waterlines
Members
only - Annual General Meeting,
on Tuesday 9th May,
at the Haven School, Atlantic Drive.
Starting at 7:30pm, doors open at 7:00pm.
The Annual General Meeting of the SHRA will be held on 9th May, only paid-up members are eligible to attend. Although it will be possible for new members to join, and for existing members to renew, on the night, the proceedings will run much more smoothly if this could be kept to a minimum, and memberships were already in effect. All current members should have received a renewal form, new members may use the application form included with this newsletter.
It is not a coincidence that this meeting will take place on the day after the deadline for B&Q to submit their appeal against the refusal of the Planning Committee to grant them permission to build a warehouse on the land adjacent to Pevensey Bay Road (commercial site 1).
At this meeting, the current committee will stand down and submit themselves for re-election. Any other member who wishes to stand for election, or who wishes to nominate another member for election to the committee should notify the secretary, in writing, before the meeting.
This notice satisfies the constitutional requirement to
provide at least four weeks notice of the AGM. More details will be published
in the May issue of Waterlines.
There
has been a further 'Five Sites' application, this time for Site 5, the
site of the Carillion offices in Harbour Quay. This is an outline application
for a much needed, and long awaited, medical centre. We have been told
that the reason that no detailed application has been submitted, is that
the final configuration of the medical centre has not yet been determined.
Although we welcome this development, it is amazing that, with twenty
years notice, the PCT are still unable to finalise their plans.
Because of the delay in bringing this plan forward, it has been necessary for Dr Adoki's 'Harbour Medical Practice' to apply for an extension of the permission to operate from a private dwelling house in Barrier Reef Way. Let us hope that he will not have to continue working under these circumstances for too much longer.
After
a week in which the deputy chairman of the planning committee put a limit
on the number of objectors who would be allowed to speak at the meeting
to hear the applications for sites two and three, and then reversed the
decision after huge protest from residents, we have now heard the very
good news that the applications have been withdrawn. We have to thank
our elected representatives on the EBC for putting pressure on the developers
to take another look at the future of the 'Five Sites'.
The latest position, as we know it, is that Carillion have agreed to further
dialogue with residents before submitting simultaneous applications for
sites 1, 2, 3 and 4. The application to build a medical centre on site
5 will be pursued, but Carillion have indicated that they will re-examine
the proposal to see how community facilities may be incorporated into
the proposal.
The Development Control Manager has also indicated that these four applications
will probably be heard at a special meeting of the planning committee,
similar to the meeting to hear the B&Q application.
The use of the 'Five Sites' is crucial to the future of the harbour and we will continue to fight, with your support, for the social infrastructure that is necessary to turn the harbour into a community of which we can all be proud. There must be no further residential development on the harbour.
On
the face of it, this seems to be a victory for common sense. However,
we will continue to monitor the situation very carefully and will keep
you informed of developments
If a company charges for a service not supplied, it's embezzlement and
you're entitled to a refund. If you're paying Southern Water (SW) for
surface water drainage - a service not provided within Sovereign Harbour
- you are entitled only to a refund for the overcharges made since the
previous 1st April.
After being alerted to these fraudulent charges, I called SW and subsequently returned their claim form. SW agreed to rebate from April 2003 but having been overcharged since May 2000, I again claimed a rebate for the earlier years.
SW said "...the Director General of Water Services (OFWAT) has specifically confirmed that rebates are not to be retrospective... In accordance with the regulator's requirements, rebates are effective from the beginning of the charging year (1st APRIL) in which the customer first indicates their wish to claim." (which OFWAT later confirmed).
In the topsy-turvy world of public utilities, it's the customer's responsibility to know the services received. And since April 2000, when OFWAT introduced rebates, it's been perfectly legal for SW to charge Sovereign Harbour residents for a service they knowingly haven't provided. And they only need to offer a rebate for the current charging year - and only on customer request.
Under these crazy OFWAT rules, there's no incentive for SW to make change; they happily continue to invoice hundreds of unsuspecting Sovereign Harbour residents for a non-existent service and rely on the Caveat Emptor shield (let the buyer beware). The longer this situation continues, the more profits SW accrue. Make your Point: Make your Claim
Request
a Rebate Request Form on; 0845 273 0845, or write to :
The Team Manager - Customer Services
Southern Water
P.O. Box 41, Worthing
West Sussex BN13 3NZ
Return the completed form to SW. I stated on my form:
"Sovereign Harbour has been built as a soakaway area. The surface
water drains naturally and does not drain into the sewerage system.
You should not be charging me for its removal.
Claim a rebate for the charges you have made (and that I have paid) since _________"
You should receive a letter confirming your rebate entitlement.
You
can also contact OFWAT and The Daily Mail, who watch the Water Companies'
excessive profits:
Information Services Officer
Office of Water Services (OFWAT)
Centre City Tower
7 Hill Street
Birmingham B5 4UA
Tel: 0121 625 3642
e-mail
OFWAT
Sean Poulter - Consumer Affairs Correspondent
The
Daily Mail
Northcliffe House
2 Derry Street
London W8 5TT
Tel: 020 7938 6000
e-mail
Sean Poulter
Ask OFWAT why it doesn't…
- Insist that water companies invoice customers only for the services provided?
- Require the water companies to rebate all overcharges?
- Require comprehensive customer records?
Questions for SW:
- Do SW ever exceed their OFWAT obligations?
- How many customers are SW charging for a service they don't receive?
- Why doesn't SW keep accurate customer records including the services provided?
- How
much has SW profited over the years due to this loophole
'Marina Mums' is a group, set-up by harbour resident, Sam Skull, to provide
a social network for mums and 'mums to be' and their babies, toddlers
and children. Initially, meetings will be held on a monthly basis, to
create a social network, and provide an opportunity to get together, to
chat, provide mutual support and to discuss local issues and concerns.
The next meeting will be held on Monday 24th April, from 11:00 until
12:00, in Simply Italian on the Waterfront. The only cost will be
for refreshments, if desired.
If you would like to go along, or would be interested in future events,
please contact Sam directly.
Phone or text: 07949-687996
or, e-mail
Sam
Back
to index
About 40 people attended the March meeting of Harbour Friends at Simply
Italian on the Waterfront. Those who went along thought it was the best
meeting so far.
The next meeting of Harbour Friends will take place in Simply Italian on Monday 24th April, starting at 7:30pm.
For information on future meetings, or if you are interested in becoming a part of this group, or are willing to help in the administration, please contact Bev Adams on 01323-479797, or e-mail Bev
An initiative to attract more wild birds to the harbour has been launched - with the backing of the RSPB.
Residents of Dominica Court in South Harbour set the ball rolling - by devoting a March Sunday morning to putting out birdfeeders, and planting flowers and shrubs attractive to wildlife. They were helped by residents from other parts of the harbour, both North and South, including representatives of SHRA.
Also there for the occasion was Adrian Thomas of the RSPB's Regional Office, who welcomed what he called this "bold move" to improve the harbour environment.
"The more communities that can be encouraged to do this the better," he said. "Wouldn't it be great if people across the harbour and beyond took up the challenge? Nature improves the quality of people's lives, so it is a win-win situation."
The hope is to attract birds such as greenfinches, goldfinches, blue tits, great tits and house sparrows. But there were already indications on the day of the launch that the area has real potential for birds. Among the more exotic Dominica Court residents present was a rare black redstart - which has been in evidence almost daily throughout the winter. There are perhaps only twenty-five in the whole of the UK each winter. Two chiff-chaffs then appeared in the bushes - probably freshly arrived from southern Europe or Africa.
As Adrian Thomas explained: "Millions of summer migrants arrive in the UK over the next couple of months, after long and tiring flights from Africa. Sovereign Harbour will be the first land that many of them see after crossing the Channel, and some will drop straight down in search of a place to rest and feed. The wildlife-friendly gardening in Dominica Court may provide them with exactly what they are looking for".
The end of March also saw the conclusion of a short series of talks at the Under Ground Theatre (under the library in the town centre) on Birdwatching for Beginners. The talks, by Alan Everard, were hugely successful - and well attended by harbour residents, who are keen to further this interest as a group. Geoff Morley, who organised the talks, would be delighted to hear from anyone with ideas! (Phone: 470026, or e-mail Geoff Morley
The RSPB's Adrian Thomas would be happy to return to the harbour - to talk to residents about attracting birds to the area. But would we need a school hall, someone's spare room - or a stadium? SHRA is willing to help organise such an occasion - but we would need to have some idea of numbers first. So: please get in touch with Geoff Morley (details above) if you would be interested in coming along.
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In his 'Chairman's Footnote', Rick Runalls mentioned the need for better youth facilities on the harbour, which we think is self evident. However, the Rev. Martin Keenan, the minister at the Haven Church, wrote to Waterlines to protest that there is indeed a youth club on the harbour, and it is actually featured on the SHRA website.
We apologise to Martin, who does a splendid job at the Haven Youth Group, which meets every Friday evening throughout the year. However, the group shares the facilities of the Haven School, and Church. We would like to see a dedicated community centre that could be used for a whole host of community activities, including a youth club.
Until that day arrives, you can find further details of the Haven youth group on this website or from Martin on 01323-416539 or 07921- 540170.
Martin also asked us to mention that there is a church on the harbour, at which he would be pleased to welcome harbour residents. Details from Martin, or the Haven church website
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The Eastbourne Sea Cadets are, contrary to popular belief, a charitable organisation that receives no funding from the armed forces. Their headquarters in Royal Parade was built in 1966 and is now in need of major refurbishment.
Also, having been generously given an outboard motor by the Eastbourne Outboard Centre, they now need a new inflatable rib on which to mount it; essential to their learning of boat handling skills.
The unit, which caters for local boys and girls holds two 'parades' each week, and engages in a whole host of activities, from boat handling skills to competitions with other units all over the UK.
There are a number of fund raising activities in progress, notable amongst which is an entry in the London Marathon, on 23rd April, by harbour resident Barry Elliston.
Please be generous in supporting this worthwhile cause by sponsoring Barry's run. You can pledge your support by contacting Barry's colleague, Toby Snow at home on 01323-767858, or at his office on 01323-413762, or e-mail Toby
The Sea Cadets will also be holding a 'Coffee and Tea morning' at: The Old Parsonage, St. Mary's Church. Ocklynge Road, Old Town, on Saturday 20th May from 10:00 to 12:00. Admission is free.
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During March, a letter from our chairman, explaining why it was essential that memberships should be renewed was delivered to every member. At the same time, the March issue of Waterlines carried an article explaining the benefits of SHRA membership. Your response was magnificent. At the time of going to print, over half of you had already renewed your membership and over 100 new members had joined the Association.
By the time you receive this newsletter, the 2006/7 membership year will have started and, if you have not renewed, your membership will have expired.
If you intend to renew your membership, please do so soon, if not, please let us know how we have failed to meet your expectations. If you have never been a member, now is your chance to join using the enclosed membership application form.
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Members' surgeries.
Don't forget the monthly members' surgeries at Simply Italian on the
Waterfront.
Future Surgeries from 10:30 to 11:30 on Saturday:
-
6th May, 2006
-
3rd June , 2006
'Reliable Tradesmen'
The tradesmen on the list below have been recommended by
our members. Although we are happy to publish the names, the SHRA is
unable to endorse the recommendations and would urge members to make
their own checks.
We would appreciate your comments, good or bad, on the service you receive
or, if you feel you would like to add a service to the list, please
write to us at:
Waterlines
PO Box 124
Eastbourne
BN24 9AW
Or, e-mail
Waterlines
Bathroom installation & general plumbing
Carl McGreevy
01323-470773
07816-847658
Dress
making and alterations
Svetlana
01323-472506
Garage doors supplt and repair. Remote controls
Dimensions
01323-743263
Garden Maintenance
Dave Rhodes
01323-479141
07792-321983
e-mail
Dave Rhodes
Gas fitting and plumbing
JayDee
01323-507266
Household
Maintenance, painting and decorating
Dave Rhodes
01323-479141
07792-321983
e-mail
Dave Rhodes
Interior design and creation, electrical installation, solar photovoltaic
installation
Living Spaces by Julian R Caddy
01323-471112
07799-411712
e-mail
Julian Caddy
Home
improvements, conservatories, extensions, porches, etc.
FENSA Registered Company
Instyle
Carl Crowhurst
01323-843267
e-mail
Instyle
Light upholstery, chair seats, stools, etc
The Tapestry Company
Paul Dunkley
01323-508042
07980-988527
Milk
and general groceries delivery
Dairy Crest Ltd
01323-727343
Mobile
Car Valeting
Sovereign Mobile Car Valeting Specialists
Any location, use own water and electricity.
Craig Hughes
07712-045952
Mobile
Motor Mechanic. Any make, full services, MOT work
Graham Haynes
07768-203264 (leave message if busy)
01323-762461
Quality
traditional French polishing and furniture restoration
Christof Caffyn
01323-849998
Window Cleaning
C-Thru Window Cleaning
01424-441564
07730-537227
www.c-thruwindowcleaning.co.uk
Easyclean
Windows
01323-471318
07915-289753
Alan
Watford
01323-472545
Back
to index
Remember the hosepipe ban
We
know it's inconvenient, and we know that the water companies have neglected
the infrastructure leading to enormous wastage, but the hosepipe and
sprinkler ban that was imposed last summer is still in effect. Additionally,
Southern Water might apply for emergency powers, that would also restrict
commercial use of water. This would mean that boat owners who are currently
able to hose down their boats using copious amounts of Sovereign Harbour
Ltd's commercial supply would no longer be able to do so.
We are not on the side of the water companies, but please try to be
responsible with your use of water for the good of the whole community.
Also, be aware that SW are likely to be looking for a few transgressors
to make an example of, and remember, the maximum fine for ignoring
the ban is £1,000.
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to index
If
you, or a member of you family, or a friend suffer from epilepsy, or
if you would like to help epilepsy sufferers, the Eastbourne Epilepsy
Awareness Group would like to hear from you.
They will be holding three 'awareness days' over the coming months at
the following venues:
-
21st April at St. Saviour's, St. Peter's Church, South Street, Eastbourne.
-
10th May at Prospects House, 7-9 George Street, Hailsham.
-
21st July at St. Leonard's Church, Seaford.
-
12th September at ESDA, 1 Faraday Close, Hampden Park.
More
information can be found on the SHRA website, or call Andy on 01323-504893
or 07757-240331, or John on 01323-643130. Or, e-mail
the Epilepsy Group
The East Dean and Friston Art Group will be holding an exhibition and sale of their members' work at the East Dean Village Hall over the May Bank Holiday weekend. The exhibition will be open on:
-
Saturday 29th April, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm
-
Sunday 30th April, from 10:00am to 6:00pm
-
Monday 1st May, from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Free
admission. Refreshments and Grand Raffle.
Harbour resident, Mari-Anne Elder, who is fully qualified, is offering a class for anti and post natal mums. This consists of a circuit of the harbour and, in addition, toning exercises
Classes, which are one hour long, cost £2.50 per session and start at 2:30pm on Mondays, and 9:15am on Thursdays.
If
you are interested, call Mari-Anne on 479280.
SHRA member Bert Leggett has negotiated a special price with Lynns Travel, of just £21.00 for a coach excursion to London, on 20th June, which is inclusive of a flight on the London Eye.
Bert is on holiday at the moment, but put the date in your diary, and look out for more details in the May issue of Waterlines, and on the 'Calendar' page on this website.
If you remember, almost a year ago, we sent a survey to every household on the Harbour asking for opinions on various matters. One of the biggest concerns for residents was dog mess, and the lack of dog bins.
Well,
after much negotiation with the Council, we have been advised by the
EBC Deputy Leader, David Elkin that we can now have more bins. These
should be installed shortly. Watch this space!!
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to index
Our thanks to our sponsors, who's generosity has again allowed us to produced this newsletter at almost no cost to our members.
To our regular sponsors,
Temple
Bird,
Waterfront Solicitors
and to our repeat sponsors.
Property
Rentals,
Specialists in Residential Letting of Flats and Houses
and our new sponsors for April,
Fast
Fixings, suppliers of stainless steel fixings
for all your boating and outdoor needs
Waterside
Properties
Specialist in sales of harbour properties
Waterlines, the newsletter of the Sovereign Harbour Residents Association, is delivered free to every residential property on Sovereign Harbour. We are only able to do this because we have a dedicated group of people who give up their time to distribute the newsletters and a number of sponsors who contribute cash to help us with the cost of production.
Over the past year, we have been very fortunate to have had the help of several local businesses, and we are very grateful for this. However, we produce Waterlines on a monthly basis, and we need four sponsors every month in order to avoid serious depletion of our funds, so we are always looking for new sponsors.
Apart from our sincere gratitude, our sponsors get an advertisement, similar to those above, in the current issue, and a permanent listing on the home page of our website, with a link to their website.
To become an SHRA sponsor,
e-mail Waterlines
or call us on: 07770-621368