AGM - NEW CHAIRMANS MESSAGE

Hello Everyone , my name is Ian Henderson and i am the new Chairman of The Chelsea Association of Tenants.  May  I first of all say a big thank to the committee members who for various reasons are stepping down from the commmittee next year. They are Maria Krause, Leslie Goodchild and Barbara Lipinska. I'm sure all the committee members and residents would like to wish them all well in what they decide to do. A special mention must go to Maria Krause , last years Chairperson, who over saw our 100 Year anniversary party. Her input certainly lifted the professionalism and organizational abilities of the running of the residents association. I have informed Maria that being an ex-Chairperson is a bit like being an ex president, it never really stops.
She has offered me her ongoing assistance and advice to ensure a smooth changeover.
I would also like to Congratulate Michael OHara who has been voted in as our new Secretary, I look forward to working with him over the coming year.
I would like to say Welcome to Dorinda Montgomery and Welcome back to Michael Cartwright who has decided to return to the Committee.
It was a particulary energetic meeting, with some previous committee members turning up.
It was particulary good to see Linda Mullins and Anne McLean, we would welcome more of their insight and experience as the year goes on.
 As a committee , we want to encourage ' sub committees'  this year, that is to say if any resident has a particular area of interest, then perhaps they could be involved with us in that area, be it , music, theatre, living history, parking , estate redevelopment and so forth.
There was a general consensus on the floor that we should have a CATS survey on the estate redevelopment. This was put to a vote and was unanimously agreed. The committee will do this in the New Year.
We also put to the floor that we are in ongoing discussions with Affinity Sutton re estate parking. It was pointed out to the floor that while we try and find a solution with Affinity, we in no way are prepared to accept the Controller of the Parking to be 'Nighthawk' . The Committee took a vote and 'Blacklisted'  them earlier in the year , and we have made 'Affinity Sutton ' aware of this position, and the reasons for this.
We will shortly be sending our formal response to Jamie Romph.
In my year of Chairmanship I would like to see us looking outwards, connecting with other groups in our Community. To this end 'CATS' will be hosting an invite only event for committee members of others groups in the area, as well as council members, to share ideas and show them what the CATS are planning. We have been recommended for a 'Gold Standard Award' by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, we will be attending the Mayor Chambers on the 29th of the Month to see if we have won.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Keith Exford and his team at Affinity Sutton for their £4,000 in supporting our 100 years Celebrations.
I think we have a very exciting year ahead for The CATS and all our members