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To mark the publication of his new book, ‘Dulwich, Mid-Century Oasis’, Ian McInnes, Chair of our Local History group and Chair of the Twentieth Century Society, gave an illustrated talk on the collaboration between the Dulwich Estate, house builder Wates and the Estate’s architects, Austin Vernon & Partners, which saw over 2,000 new houses built in the area from the late 1950s through to the early 1970s. The recording is now on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3CfuhCzoE4 The book is available from Village Books in Calton Avenue, Dulwich or please email Chris Vernon at
The Dulwich Society unveiled its new solar-powered listening post in Dulwich Village. The audio post was funded by a legacy from Mary Boast, a local historian who was librarian at Dulwich Library, and is located next to a bench on the Old College green, near the statue of Edward Alleyn. You press a button on the post and an actor playing Edward Alleyn talks about his life and explains how he came to buy the manor of Dulwich and set up his charitable foundation. Mary Green wrote the script and it was recorded by Will Owen. The Society’s new President, Dr Kenneth Wolfe, did the honours, following which local historian Brian Green gave a talk on the Chapel. Norman Harper then played 18th Century Baroque music on the Chapel organ while Society members toured the Chapel. The celebrations concluded with Bucks Fizz in the Cloisters. Society members commented on the clarity of the audio post’s sound and its ease of use. Attendees included relatives of Mary Boast, Dulwich Estate Chief Executive Simone Crofton, Chairman of the Trustees of the Dulwich Estate Andreas Kottering, and local councillors.
You are invited to a small ceremony to unveil our new solar-powered audio post followed by a guided tour of the Chapel by Brian Green and a short organ recital of 18thC Baroque French music by Norman Harper. The post, installed near Edward Alleyn’s statue, gives historical information about Dulwich, read by actor Will Owen. The event is free, booking is not required.
The Society held its AGM on 14th September. We said farewell to President Colin Niven and welcomed new President Kenneth Wolfe. Ian McInnes stepped down as Chairman after 13 years but continues on the Executive Committee as Chair of the Local History Sub-Committee. James Thompson takes over as Chair. The Society’s officers and committee members confirmed at the AGM are as follows:
Chair - James Thompson
Vice-Chair - Sue Badman
Secretary - Heather Stubbs
Treasurer - Russell Lloyd
Membership Secretary - Diana McInnes
Communications & Media - Sharon O’Connor
Journal Editor - Brian Green
Sub-Committee Chairs
Planning & Architecture - Penny Stern
Travel & Environment - Harry Winter
Licensing - Patsy Bramble
Trees - David Beamish
Local History - Ian McInnes
Gardens - Jeremy Prescott
Wildlife Sub-Committee. Peter Roseveare took over as Chair on 7th September 2021. He will join the Society Executive Committee as a co-opted member until the elections at the AGM 2022.
Contact details can be found at www.dulwichsociety.com/contacts
Announcement from Southwark Council Highways: “Thank you to everyone who responded to our consultation on the Dulwich Streetscape Review, conducted between May and August 2021. We have now analysed the responses, alongside monitoring data and an equality impact assessment and have published a report setting out our proposals. The full set of documents can be viewed at www.southwark.gov.uk/...
All supporting documents and the detailed consultation results can be viewed under Southwark Decisions at moderngov.southwark.gov.uk/..
If you have any comments on the proposals, you can respond to the report by emailing
Your comments will inform the formal decision by the Cabinet Member to proceed to consultation on the Traffic Management Orders that permit the changes set out in the report.
We will then launch a three-week consultation linked to the 21-day statutory objection period for the Traffic Management Orders. This will be a further opportunity for residents to have their say on the proposals before any changes come into effect.
Southwark Highways”
THE DULWICH SOCIETY
MINUTES of the 57th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Society held on 24th September 2020 via Zoom
Present: 46 members, four Southwark Dulwich ward councillors, Dr Andreas Köttering, Chair of Trustees of the Dulwich Estate, Adrian Brace and Karen Wood of the Dulwich Estate, Sally-Anne Jeffries.
Apologies: Cllr Catherine Rose joining meeting late.
1. Introduction by Chairman (Ian McInnes)
The Chairman introduced the agenda and informed members that five questions notified in advance would be aired under Any Other Business. The Chairman welcomed Dr Andreas Köttering, Chair of Trustees of the Dulwich Estate who will talk about the Estate and take questions after the AGM business is completed.
The Chairman made the following statement about the meeting.
“The Society had to postpone our planned AGM in April due to government Covid-19 guidelines. Exceptionally the Executive Committee decided to hold the AGM digitally in September via ZOOM as we were unable to hold a normal meeting due to government guidelines. This is in line with the Charity Commission guidelines for Covid-19. The Society will record this decision in the minutes of its AGM and that we have done this to demonstrate good governance of our charity. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-the-charity-sector
The meeting will be recorded for minuting purposes.”
2. Welcome by Dr Colin Niven, President
Colin welcomed members and guests to the meeting and thanked the Chair and the Executive Committee for their remarkable work over the past year. He drew attention to the retirement of Alastair Hanton as the Chair of the Traffic & Transport (T&T) SubCommittee, thanking him for his input to the work of the Society for more than 40 years. Colin also welcomed the prospective new Chair of the T&T Sub-Committee, Harry Winter.
3. Minutes of the 56th AGM held on 7th May 2019 were approved and will be formally signed at the next in-person Executive Committee meeting.
4. Matters Arising - None
5. Chairman’s Report and Review of the Year (Ian McInnes)
Written reports from the Chairman, Sub-Committee Chairs and Officers were made available on the Society’s website (www.dulwichsociety.com). The Chairman presented his review of 2019 and highlighted the following successes during the year.
The Society:
- Has 1150 members and seven sub-committees
- Issues three publications – quarterly journal, eNewsletter (received by more than 700 members over email) and the Open Gardens booklet.
- Has an extensive digitised archive including old Dulwich maps.
- Made donations and grants for:
- Old Dairy GP practice front garden planting.
- Repaving of the front entrance area of the St Barnabas Parish Hall.
- Dulwich Village Infants School Green Screen.
- Defibrillator at Bell House.
- Repairs to the Croxted Road bus shelter.
- Contribution to the rivulet survey in Dulwich Park with further work planned
- Burbage Road information sign.
- Design costs of Burbage Road railway bridge Sports Mural.
- New bench and repairs to other benches.
- Ongoing repairs to posts and chains.
- Runs social media feeds on Twitter and Instagram including local history feed. Main feeds have more than 2000 followers.
- Produced tree map for the Dulwich Picture Gallery.
- Organised planting of new trees in key locations like the Library Garden.
- Organised litter picking and vegetation pruning on Gallery Road.
The Chairman highlighted local areas for improvement including the Gilkes development site where the Society has asked the Council to serve a section 201 notice on the developers to improve the condition of the site. He also noted the poorly maintained Grove Tavern site situated in a prominent position at the entrance to Dulwich which has lain unoccupied for several years. A skateboarding park has been permitted to open in the Grove car park as an interim measure.
6. Presentation of Accounts and Financial Report for year to 31st December 2019 by the Society’s Hon. Treasurer, Russell Lloyd.
Overall, the independently examined accounts of The Society show a loss of £3,460 in 2019 compared to a surplus of £3,761 in 2018 i.e. an overall decrease in funds between the two years of £7,221.
Income was £24,702 in 2019 against a figure of £26,854 in 2018.
Expenditure in 2019 was £20,327 against £16,332 in 2018. The Society made donations and grants in 2019 totalling £10,035 against £1,852 in 2018.
The Society’s consolidated net bank account balances totalled £52,368 in 2019 compared to £54,761 in 2018.
The Treasurer thanked all those members who pay by standing order since this saves the Society money and reduces the heavy burden placed on our Membership Secretary. The Treasurer also thanked Sally-Anne Jeffries for her support of the Society and for her auditing and accounts preparation services.
Approval of the accounts was proposed by Adrian Hill and seconded by Kenneth Wolfe. The Accounts were duly approved by Zoom Poll (Approved by 95%, Abstentions 5%)
7. Appointment of Hon. Independent Examiner.
Sally-Anne Jeffries was proposed for re-election by Caroline Lloyd and Sue Badman and was duly approved by Zoom Poll (97% Approved; 3% Abstentions)
8. ELECTIONS for 2020/2021
(a) Officers:
The following, having been proposed and seconded, and whose roles were uncontested were duly elected until the following AGM: (No Zoom Poll)
Chairman: Ian McInnes
Vice-Chairman: Kenneth Wolfe
Hon. Secretary: Susan Badman
Hon. Treasurer: Russell Lloyd
Membership Secretary: Diana McInnes
(b) Members of Executive Committee (and Chairs of Sub-Committees where indicated)
The following, having been proposed and seconded, and whose roles were uncontested were duly elected until the following AGM: (No Zoom Poll)
Brian Green Editor of the Journal
Harry Winter Traffic & Transport
David Roberts Planning & Architecture
Angela Wilkes Wildlife
Jeremy Prescott Gardens
Bernard Nurse Local History
David Beamish Trees
Patsy Bramble Licensing
Adrian Hill Committee Member
Officers and Executive Committee members are Trustees of the Dulwich Society Charity.
(c) Honorary Officers:
President: Dr Colin Niven OBE
(Zoom Poll, 86% approved and confirmed, 11% Abstentions, 3% No)
9. Any Other Business
The Chairman read out the questions from members notified beforehand and the Executive Committee’s response to the questions.
See Appendix 1 for the record of the questions and the Executive Committee’s responses.
There was a discussion after the questions comprising questions from one member and comments/questions from several members on Zoom Chat. The Chairman responded to the points made.
As agreed at the meeting, the Chat transcript is included verbatim at Appendix 2.
In summary, a view was expressed that the Society should not have responded as it did to the Phase 1 emergency traffic measures and should have consulted its members beforehand. This action was against the Society’s constitution. A member asked for the response to Phase 1 to be retracted. A resolution was called for that in future there should be a consultation and survey of members about major contentious issues. The Chairman made the point that the management of the Society is vested in the Executive Committee and there is nothing in the rules requiring the Committee to conduct surveys of the membership. Committee members are volunteers and if surveys are required on a range of issues then members are welcome to volunteer and assist with the matter. The Chairman said he had received several letters covering a wide range of opinions and not all members were against the traffic measures. The Chairman also said that Executive Committee support for Phase 1 had been given with reservations and had listed several caveats including the risk of unintended consequences and the need to do a full public consultation. It was a national emergency under Government mandate and Southwark Council would have proceeded with the measures in any case. The Executive Committee had discussed the matter before the meeting and was not in favour of conducting a poll of members.
It was agreed that the Executive Committee would consider the views and suggestions of members expressed at the meeting, would decide on further actions and report back to members as soon as possible.
10. Next Annual General Meeting
The date for the 2021 AGM will be confirmed in due course. It is likely to be 26th April 2021 (subject to government Covid-19 guidelines).
11. End of AGM Business
Guest Speaker
After the AGM there was a talk by Dr Andreas Köttering on the Dulwich Estate.
Minutes by Sue Badman, Secretary, 31st October 2020
Appendix 1
Minutes of the Dulwich Society Annual General Meeting 24 September 2020
Item 9: Any Other Business
This Appendix lists the questions notified to the Society’s Executive before the AGM on 24th September 2021 and the Executive Committee’s response to the questions. It also contains the Executive Committee’s response to Southwark Council’s emergency Covid-19 measures.
DULWICH SOCIETY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RESPONSE TO PHASES 1, 2 & 3 OF SOUTHWARK COUNCIL’S PROPOSED COVID-19 MEASURES
PHASE 1 – COVID-19 TEMPORARY HIGHWAY SCHEMES BATCH 1 INCLUDING
Permeable filter at the Dulwich Village junction and Melbourne/Tell Grove
The Dulwich Society Executive Committee has reviewed the Council's recently published report on its plans for the implementation of temporary emergency measures in Dulwich Village and Melbourne Grove and is supportive of them as a means to improve social distancing to directly mitigate Covid-19. These are part of a Southwark-wide programme financed by public funding, and part of a national response to the Covid-19 pandemic http://moderngov.southwark.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=50023147&Opt=0 We also note that the proposals reflect much of what has recently been consulted on in the Council’s ‘Healthy Streets Initiative’ and that the measures proposed could have a beneficial impact on promoting active travel and reducing air pollution. There may be unintended consequences and some areas will be positively or adversely affected more than others. It is essential that the measures are seen as being flexible and easily reversible and/or extendable if need be, and that the Council responds positively to residents' experiences of the schemes in operation. The Dulwich Society expects the full impact on the surrounding area will be properly evaluated and that the changes should not, at the end of the period, de facto stay unaltered or unimproved as a permanent change without a full public consultation.
PHASE 2 – COVID-19 – POST LOCKDOWN HIGHWAY SCHEMES BATCH 2 INCLUDING
Permeable filters at Melbourne Grove, Derwent Grove and Elsie Road.
Given the apparent diversity of views among its membership, it would be inappropriate for the Dulwich Society to take a position either for or against the proposed Phase 2 traffic amendments. http://moderngov.southwark.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=50023482&Opt=0
PHASE 3 – COVID-19 – POST LOCKDOWN HIGHWAY SCHEMES BATCH 3 INCLUDING
Timed cameras and bus gates at Dulwich Village, Burbage Road & Turney Road, Townley Road, plus double yellow lines in Dulwich Village
Given the apparent diversity of views among its membership, it would be inappropriate for the Dulwich Society to take a position either for or against the proposed Phase 3 traffic amendments.
http://moderngov.southwark.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=7153
QUESTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE 2020 AGM
Question 1:
Does the Dulwich Society agree that, whatever the views of its sub-committees, the Executive Committee should, before presenting an official Society position in public and to Southwark Council, canvass the views of its membership on important local issues that affect the daily lives of its members, particularly Emergency Traffic Orders that close roads?
Answer:
Historically the Society has not surveyed its members. It is a volunteer run organisation managed via a group of subcommittees made up of members who have a particular interest or specialist knowledge. In 2012 and 2014, at the behest of two of the subcommittees, we did ask members for their views on solar panels and CPZs but the response was extremely small. The Society Executive uses its Journal, eNewsletter, website and social media to let its members know what is happening and what is planned for the Dulwich area. In the case of the emergency traffic changes, these were first mentioned in the eNewsletter at the end of May under the heading of ‘Potential Southwark Covid-19 traffic measures.’ We reported that Southwark Council had asked local residents for suggestions as to how they could help with ensuring that our streets are safe for walking and cycling and enable social distancing as long as is required – and gave this link which appeared in all subsequent eNewsletters: https://southwarkstreetspace.commonplace.is/about. The Society has not given unconditional support for the current junction trial – it has said very clearly that there has to be a full consultation and evaluation of the impacts before the measures become permanent, that the measures need to be flexible and easily reversible and that the council responds positively to residents’ experiences of the schemes in operation. The Society has pressed the council continuously to publish the OHS Phase 3 results, an FAQ (which arrived after several weeks) and modify the Commonplace survey site to reflect a balance of views. We have also requested traffic and air quality monitoring.
Question 2:
If members have concerns over sub-committee aims and policies, and perceived conflicts of interest of sub-committee members, what procedures are in place to provide a full, open and entirely independent response to members’ concerns in a timely manner?
Question 3:
If members have concerns over sub-committee aims and policies, and possible conflicts of interest of sub-committee members, what procedures are in place to provide a full, open and entirely independent response to members’ concerns?
Answer:
The Society publishes a list of declarations of interest for its Executive Committee which is published on every Executive agenda and every set of minutes available at https://www.dulwichsociety.com/about-the-dulwich-society The Society has a conflict of interest policy at https://www.dulwichsociety.com/about-the-dulwichsociety which starts “ All executive committee members, volunteers and organisation members of
The Dulwich Society will strive to avoid any conflict of interest between the interests of the Dulwich Society on the one hand, and personal, professional, and business interests on the other. This includes avoiding actual conflicts of interest as well as the perception of conflicts of Interest.” SubCommittee Chairs are responsible for checking conflicts of interest and noting them in their minutes. Should a member wish to complain about a sub-committee, the member should write to the Chairman in line with the complaints policy for the matter to be investigated. The Complaints Policy is available at https://www.dulwichsociety.com/about-the-dulwich-society
Question 4:
If there is a contentious matter to be discussed, on any committee, which affects the amenity and day-to-day life of members of the Dulwich Society and the general population of the area, how can a committee make a decision to support or object to something coming before it without asking the membership? For example, the Dulwich Society's Executive Committee supporting the Covid-19 road closures at Calton Avenue/Court Lane. The Council’s decision, and supported by the Society, has brought splits in the community and an unpleasant atmosphere of 'us and them'?
Answer:
The Covid-19 Road closures (Phase 1) were presented to the Society as a fait accompli as part of a national emergency programme, and that they were to be introduced exceptionally and without the usual consultation with a view to being implemented via an experimental traffic order in a very short timescale. The Society Executive Committee supported them with reservations, noting that there could be unintended consequences and some areas could be positively or adversely affected more than others. It also said that it was essential that the measures were seen as being flexible and easily reversible and/or extendable if need be, and that the Council responds positively to residents' experiences of the schemes in operation. The Dulwich Society still expects the full impact on the surrounding area to be properly evaluated and that the changes should not, at the end of the period, de facto stay unaltered or unimproved as a permanent change without a full public consultation.
Question 5:
Does the Society support a temporary trial of timed restrictions at the Calton Avenue /Court Lane/Dulwich Village junction, so there can be a properly informed comparison with the current temporary 24/7 closure of this junction before any final decision is made by Southwark Council?
Answer:
The Society cannot at this point say whether it supports the use of temporary timed restrictions at the Dulwich Village junction as this is not an option on the table and there has been no discussion of this option by our committees. It is clear that many of our members who are both in favour of and against the current Covid-19 temporary measures. In response to the clear diversity of opinion amongst the membership, the Society has decided to take a neutral response to the Council’s proposed plans for Phase 2 and Phase 3, neither for nor against.
Appendix 2
Minutes of the Dulwich Society Annual General Meeting 24 September 2020
PUBLIC CHAT from Dulwich Society AGM September 2020 (excludes private 1-1 discussion and admin, and questions on the Estate). Anonymised.
19:43:00 I had an Anderson shelter in my garden when I was a child ...
19:43:10 (not in Dulwich)
20:02:21 Hi, If you want to raise a question after Ian's presentation, pls raise in the chat.
20:10:39 The point under discussion is about the Society's responsibility to consult with its members. The Civic Trust Starter Pack for civic societies states that “Civic Societies are… required … to be transparent, professional, inclusive and democratic”. The cost of an online survey is likely to be small
20:11:03 can you put a resolution to the members that DS will not take a public position without consultation then please
20:11:10 Surveymonkey is free and quick to set up
20:11:23 Seconded.
20:11:42 Yes you should have done more
20:11:43 I believe that the OHSD Phase 2 summary from Council does say it has DS support
20:12:55 Could we propose and second a resolution about consulting members in future?
20:13:20 If speakers are making points about the constitution, can they provide specific references to the relevant section of the constitution. If not, should we assume that these claims are incorrect?
20:13:23 It is too late to do a poll now
20:13:32 I am happy for the committees to speak for me.
20:13:40 If you are volunteers then DS needs a clear policy that it does not take a view surely?
20:14:08 Will you poll your members on their views on this then please
20:14:41 It does feel that you have overstepped the mark
20:14:44 The point is about the governance of the Society, not the merits or otherwise of the road closures
20:15:06 Yes agree.
20:15:16 Most issues are NOT contentious
20:15:31 Then if you cannot survey how can you justify taking a view.
20:16:01 Perhaps submissions from the Society to the Council and others should carry a rider: "This submission represents the views of the Dulwich Society Committee [or a sub-committee] and may not necessarily represent the views of the membership of the Society.".
20:16:06 Why would DS be entitled to the results more than members of the public?
20:16:21 From Cllr: Full results of OHSD consultation are promised this month. We have been chasing officers however they have been very busy.
20:16:51 We are speaking to D and the Councillors at the AGM please
20:17:03 sorry - not the Councillors here please
20:18:00 I would prefer the society did not use its funds to run surveys that replicate the democratic processes that are in place within the council and residents associations. It is very clear that those calling for surveys have a particular position that they wish to labour through the Dulwich Society.
20:18:04 Southwark cite DS in a number of their consultations and the subcommittees - this cannot continue
20:18:44 I agree with [point at 20:18:00]
20:18:55 I do not agree - nor do many members
20:19:15 Can we put forward a resolution to this meeting, please. How can we do this?
20:19:30 Yes I agree - we want a resolution
20:20:39 How can a society be bound by a resolution that prevents any position on a matter? Can I please ask for this to be confirmed by reference to the constitution?
20:21:11 That’s the right call Ian.
20:21:12 Because it is an amenity society - not one representing its members. No-one signed up on that basis
20:21:39 very unsatisfactory
20:21:52 Agreed.
20:24:26 Could timings of next exec and report back to members be confirmed in outline please? Thanks
20:26:15 If the Burbage Road Residents’ Association can canvas all its members on their views on the DV closure so can the Dulwich Society. This is a highly divisive issue and it is essential the DS knows and represents the views of its members. All the people who have stood tonight for a committee position should be committed to this.
20:28:39 The surveys done by some of the residents associations were so biased and misleading they would make Sir Humphrey Appleby proud. They were highly divisive and not representative.
20:31:27 Trustees have very clear obligations under the Charities Committee - regardless of being unpaid
20:33:08 It is disrespectful to Andreas to continue the conversation about governance of the DS or the closure of DV, people
20:38:20 Hi all, just to confirm we will discuss the matters raised at the meeting at our Executive. Our next meeting is in November but we will discuss it before then. We will report back in the eNewsletter initially and keep members informed as things proceed.
20:38:59 How does [] know “The surveys done by some of the residents associations were so biased and misleading they would make Sir Humphrey Appleby proud. They were highly divisive and not representative.”
21:03:57 can we please publish the chat with the minutes
21:04:09 as a true record
21:04:13 Thank you, very well organised
THE DULWICH SOCIETY DRAFT MINUTES of the 58th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Society held on 14th September 2021 via Zoom
Present: 75 members, two non-members and three Southwark Dulwich Ward Councillors.
Apologies: Nichola McAuliffe; Councillor Andy Simmonds to attend part of the meeting.
1. Introduction by Chairman (Ian McInnes)
The Chairman opened with the following statement: “Good evening and welcome to this Dulwich Society AGM. The Society’s intention had been to hold the AGM in the function room at the Crown and Greyhound in Dulwich Village on 14 September. The current rise in the rate of Covid-19 infections, and the knowledge that several residents who had been double vaccinated have still caught the virus, has led the Executive Committee to decide that a meeting in an enclosed room at this point would be inappropriate. The Charity Commission has advised that virtual AGMs or SGMs are acceptable in the current circumstances, and the reasons for holding a virtual meeting should be recorded in the minutes. Please make sure your full name appears on your screen as without it your vote will not be counted. The Society’s membership is based on individual households and each household has one vote.”
The Chairman said that the Minutes of the last AGM meeting, based on the Zoom recording, had been on the Society website for some time, along with the record of the online Chat and the full text of Questions submitted before the meeting and the Executive Committee’s response. The Financial Report and Accounts for 2020 were also on the website and it was hoped members had taken the opportunity to look at these documents. The Chairman said that all participation by members on the Executive Committee, SubCommittees and other activities is most welcome. At present, there is a need for volunteer journal distributors, particularly in the East Dulwich area. This would help reduce postage costs.
The Chairman announced that he would be standing down after 13 years. He thanked Colin Niven, Society President, who was also standing down after 10 years in the role. Colin had been a personal friend and great support to him in his role as Chairman. The Society is also losing 4 members of the Executive Committee: Bernard Nurse, Angela Wilkes, David Roberts and Adrian Hill. All four have given excellent service to the Society as Executive Committee Members for over 10 years and in two cases for over 20 years.
Bernard Nurse has made a great success of the Local History Group as Chair, with increasing amounts of research being reflected in Journal articles.
Angela Wilkes has stepped down as Chair of the Wildlife Committee after 20 years, due to ill health. The Chairman wished her a speedy recovery.
David Roberts took over as Chair of the Planning and Architecture Group 13 years ago and stood down earlier this year. He was thanked for maintaining high standards.
Adrian Hill, the previous Chair of the Society from 2000-2008, has remained on the Committee as the member with legal expertise. He has decided the time is right to step down.
2. Minutes of the 57th AGM held on 14th September 2020
Approval of the Minutes was proposed by Jeremy Prescott and Seconded by George Hornby. The Minutes were approved on a show of hands. They will be formally signed at the next in-person Executive Committee.
3. Matters Arising – None
4. Chairman’s Report and Review of the Year The Chairman presented a slideshow illustrating some of the activities and achievements of the Society during the year, including:
- Transformation of the telephone box in the Village to house a defibrillator or as a library
- Working with builders to relocate the Dulwich Village stocks
- Levelling the pavement outside shops in the Village and trimming overgrown vegetation in Dulwich Wood Park Clearing hoardings of graffiti
- Working with others to achieve improvements to the McCulloch site prior to the commencement of work there.
- New, replaced and repaired benches and repaired posts and chains.
- Wheelchair access through the gate at Lovers’ Walk
- Refurbishment of the postcart overseen by Kenneth Wolfe. It has now been moved to storage in Calton Avenue.
- Creation of a listening post with a recording about Edward Alleyn, which has been professionally scripted and read by an actor. This will be located next to Edward Alleyn’s statue in the Old College Garden.
5. Approval of Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2020
The Treasurer spoke to a slide summarising the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2020. The full Annual Report and Accounts have been available on the website for some time. The deficit for 2020 was £978 compared to £3,460 in 2019. Both income (£16,468) and expenditure (£16,256) were down on 2019 because of the curtailment of activities due to Covid. Donations and grants are detailed in the Notes to the accounts. With some write-back of provision, this has resulted in a deficit of just under £1000 for the year. The bank balance at year end was £45,510 compared to £52,368 the previous year. Gift Aid, collected by the membership Secretary, was £2,374 for the year. The motion to approve the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2020 was proposed by Jeremy Prescott and seconded by James Thompson and was approved by 100% in online Poll 1, with 58 voting in favour and 2 abstentions.
6. Re-appointment of the Independent Examiner: Sally-Anne Jeffries, Chartered Accountant
The motion to re-appoint Sally-Anne Jeffries as Independent Examiner for 2021 was proposed by James Thompson and seconded by Joe Millis. The motion was approved by 100% in online Poll 2 with 60 voting in favour and 1 abstention. Sally-Anne Jeffries was duly appointed as Independent Examiner for 2021.
7. Retirement of the President – Dr Colin Niven OBE Colin Niven is retiring as President after 10 years service. The Chair thanked him for his outstanding contribution to the Society.
8. Appointment of new President – Dr Kenneth Wolfe Kenneth Wolfe, the current Vice Chairman, is standing as President. Kenneth is wellknown locally and is the only candidate. The appointment of Kenneth Wolfe as President was approved in online Poll 3 by 100% with 57 voting in favour and 4 abstentions. He was welcomed as new President.
9. Elections for 2021-2022 – Society Officers
Ian McInnes is stepping down after 13 years as Chairman and James Thompson is standing as Chairman, proposed by Jeremy Prescott and seconded by David Way. James is Chair of the Stradella and Springfield Residents Association and a Residents Association representative on the Dulwich Estate Advisory Group. Sue Badman has been Secretary of the Society for many years and is now standing as Vice Chairman, proposed by Ian McInnes and seconded by Sharon O’Connor. Heather Stubbs, a former Secretary of the Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Committee and East Dulwich Resident, is standing as Secretary, proposed by Paul Butler and seconded by Judith Nurse. Russell Lloyd is standing again as Treasurer, proposed by Gardner Thompson and seconded by Andrew Gould. He has been dealing with the accounts for 30 years and has been responsible for moving the financial records online. The appointment of the Society Officers was approved by 95% in online Poll 4, with 58 voting in favour, 3 against and 3 abstentions. The Officers were welcomed to their new or continuing roles.
10. Elections for 2021-2022 – Members of the Executive Committee
The proposed Executive Committee Members are:
Role – Name (Proposer name, Seconder name)
Membership Secretary - Diane McInnes (Paul Butler, Jean Howell)
Communications & Media – Sharon O’Connor (Jean Howell, Ian McInnes)
Journal Editor – Brian Green (Rita Green, Judith Ward)
Planning & Architecture – Penny Stern (Peter Hogarth, Margaret Bremer)
Travel & Environment – Harry Winter (Sue Badman, Ian McInnes)
Licensing – Patsy Bramble (Catrin Waugh, Diana McInnes)
Trees – David Beamish (Patricia Hole, Glynis Williams)
Local History - Ian McInnes (Bernard Nurse, Sharon O’Connor)
Gardens – Jeremy Prescott (Bill Streatfield, Ann Rutherford)
Peter Roseveare has recently been elected as Chair of the Wildlife Committee, replacing Angela Wilkes, but the election did not take place in time for him to be formally elected to the Executive Committee at this AGM. A motion will be put to the next meeting of the Executive Committee to co-opt Peter Roseveare with a view to him being formally elected at the next AGM.
The appointment of the Committee Members was approved by 93% in online Poll 5, with 56 voting in favour, 4 against and 4 abstentions. The Officers were welcomed to their new or continuing roles.
11. Any Other Business
a) The Chairman said that, as agreed at the SGM on 28th June, Sub-Committee Minutes will be posted on the Society website as soon as they have been approved by the relevant Sub-Committee
b) The Minutes of the SGM on 28th June will also be published on the website shortly. The results of the meeting and all motions and statements were published on the website immediately after the meeting.
c) David Cianfarani had given notice that he wished to speak to the meeting about the Society’s upcoming review of Rules to be undertaken by Patsy Bramble’s Subcommittee convened for this purpose. David thanked Ian for his time as Chair and for the opportunity to speak. He said that during the summer it had been announced that a Sub-committee would be formed to review the Society’s Rules and report in January 2022, when there would be a consultation with members and the proposed new Rules would be put forward for adoption at the AGM in April 2022 as per Note 2 of the AGM Notice. David said this was unsatisfactory as the new Rules would not take effect until the 2023 AGM. He had a set of oven-ready rule amendments for this AGM which would have had the necessary number of supporters. In his experience, rule changes at AGMs can dominate the meeting , confuse some and deter members from attending. David proposed holding a Rule Amendment special meeting in January so that all the amendments can be in place prior to the April 2022 AGM. The Rules are not long and are mainly standard fare so a January date for this meeting is achievable. David further added that 6 out of 10 of the newly elected Executive Committee Members were appointed as Chairs of their Sub-committee prior to the AGM as published on the website on 31st August 2021. All members are grateful for the work Committee Members carry out on a voluntary basis, but in future ordinary members should have a say in such appointments. Naming the Chairs so early can also deny Sub-committee Members the right to appoint their own Chair as per Rule 8. A new Rule is needed to ensure Committee Chairs are elected after rather than before the AGM. He concluded by saying it would strike a welcome chord with ordinary members and bring unity to the Society if the meeting to ratify the proposals of the Rules Sub-Committee could be brought forward to January and take account of input from ordinary members. Ian McInnes said David Cianfarani’s comments had been recorded and would be considered by Patsy Bramble and the Rules Sub-committee to decide whether his proposal would be adopted. He added that he, rather than the new Chair was responding to David’s points as it was felt easiest in a Zoom meeting if the whole meeting is controlled by one person. In future, however, the new Chair would be responding to the proposals
d) Brian Green noted that a large number of long-serving members who have given excellent service are leaving. This may seem like an orchestrated reshuffle, but in fact, to quote Harold MacMillan, it was “Events, dear boy, events” that had caused the exodus. Whilst ill health, accidents and age haven taken their toll for some , in Ian’s case it was the birth of a first grandchild and the re-introduction of international cruising which had triggered his departure. For 13 years, Ian has been Dulwich’s 4th emergency service, (pushing the AA into 5th place as cars no longer break down). It is to Ian that Dulwich residents have reported blocked street drains, fallen trees and anti-social behaviour and if he couldn’t resolve the problem himself, he knew a man or woman who could. It is great news that his services will not be lost altogether. As Chairman of the Local History Committee, he will be able to answer questions on such matters as ancient lights and garden rooms. Brian thanked Ian for 13 years of excellent service and coupled this with thanks to his dear friend, Colin Niven, for his 10 years of splendid service as President. Colin and Ian thanked Brian Green.
e) The outgoing Chairman said the next AGM will take place on 25th April 2021, hopefully at an in-person meeting and thanked everyone for attending. An attendance of nearly 80 was most encouraging. He offered his best wishes for the future to the new Chairman and President and newly promoted Committee Members, and told the new Chairman he would be happy to answer any questions.
f) The newly elected Chairman, James Thompson, added his thanks to Ian for his service and continuing involvement on the Committee. Ian’s shoes are very big, but he would do his best to fill them. He looked forward to the challenge and working with members of the Committee to further the aims of the Society.
g) John Hedley praised the excellent quality of the electronic e-Newsletter and the Journal. The outgoing Chairman said that a new editor, Sharon O’Connor, is taking over the production of the eNewsletter and Brian Green remains as editor of the Journal. Further improvements could also be expected to the website soon.
The meeting ended at 20.37pm
Please join the meeting between 7.30pm and 8pm for registration.
1) Why is the AGM being held on Zoom?
The AGM will be held online. The Society’s intention had been to hold the AGM in the function room at the Crown and Greyhound in Dulwich Village on 14 September. The current rise in the rate of Covid-19 infections, and the knowledge that several residents who had been double vaccinated have still caught the virus, has led the Executive Committee to decide that a meeting in an enclosed room at this point would be inappropriate, consequently the AGM will be held on Zoom.
The Charity Commission has advised that virtual AGMs or SGMs are acceptable in the current circumstances, and the reasons for holding a virtual meeting should be recorded in the minutes.
2) Do I need a Zoom account to join the meeting?
No, a Zoom account is not required to join the AGM Meeting as a participant.
3) How do I join the Zoom meeting?
You can join the meeting by clicking on the meeting link:
https://zoom.us/j/97735121186 and adding the Passcode: 592469 when requested
or going to join.zoom.us and entering the meeting ID and Passcode when requested.
Meeting ID: 977 3512 1186
Passcode: 592469
You will enter a waiting room and be admitted to the meeting after a short pause.
When your screen appears, please go to the small blue box in the upper right-hand corner, click on “Rename” and input your first name and surname (if it is not already displayed). This will then appear on your screen and will be checked by an administrator to confirm your eligibility to attend and vote. Note: Some iPads and tablets display the button for “Rename” in a different location on the screen. You can also go to the Participants List, find your name, then click on “More” which will take you to “Rename”.
4) What devices can I access Zoom on?
You can use your computer, laptop, phone or mobile phone to access the AGM on Zoom. If accessing by phone we can provide numbers, you can call (voice only and you would not be able to vote at the meeting) or you could participate fully via a browser or the Zoom app on a ‘smart’ mobile phone.
5) Household participation in the AGM?
Two or more participants in the same household can attend the Zoom AGM either using the same device or separate devices. You may get some interference if using a computer/laptop and a mobile phone in the same room. Each household only has one vote in line with the Society Rules (Rule 3)
6) Who will manage the meeting?
The meeting will be managed by the Chair who will progress the business of the meeting and Zoom Hosts, who will admit participants, mute and unmute them, control screen sharing of documents (if required) and oversee the votes.
7) What time should I join the meeting?
The meeting starts promptly at 8pm. We would like you to join the meeting from 7.30pm onwards. You will be held in a virtual Waiting Room until your name has been checked and the Host is ready to admit you to the meeting.
8) How do I make sure I can hear others and be heard?
On most devices, you can join computer/device audio by clicking “Join Audio”, “Join with Computer Audio” or “Audio” to access the audio settings. There is a facility on Zoom to Test Audio so you can check how loud your microphone and speaker(s) are.
Most participants will be muted by the Host, unless speaking or asking a question, to minimise background distractions. You can unmute yourself if you have been called on to speak, by clicking the blue square on your screen that says “Unmute” or by toggling the Audio on/off icon button.
9) Do I need a webcam to join the Zoom meeting?
You are not required to have a webcam to join the Zoom meeting, but if you don’t have a camera or if you choose to switch video off, you will not be seen by other participants. Your name/photo will appear on your screen. You will be able to listen and speak during the meeting and view the webcam video of other participants.
10) Will I be able to see all the other participants?
Yes, unless they are not using video. For some of the meeting, the main part of your screen will be taken up with Powerpoint slides. If you click on “Gallery View” in the top right-hand corner of the screen, you will see a small picture of everyone, as well as the slide. As all the participants will not fit on one screen, you will need to click on the up or down arrow to see all the participants. If you click on “Speaker View” you will have a large picture of the person speaking as well as the slide.
11) How will you check who has attended?
A list of attendees will be saved by the Host to assist the Minuting Secretary.
12) Will the meeting be recorded?
Yes, the AGM will be recorded (audio and video) to assist with minute-taking and record-keeping. If you prefer not to be visually recorded, you should turn your video off. The recording will be stored securely and will only be available to Officers of the Society for the purposes of administering the AGM. The recording will be deleted when the Minutes have been transcribed. The recording will not be made available for viewing after the meeting.
13) Chat
Meeting Chat will be limited to enable participants to contact the meeting hosts. The content of the Chat will only be seen by the hosts and the participant sending comments.
The Zoom Chat transcript will be saved and used to identify any questions which cannot be answered in the meeting.
14) Meeting Procedure and process for questions or comments during the AGM
The Society Chairman will introduce the meeting and make announcements about the meeting procedures. The business of the AGM is set out in the Agenda and the Chair will progress the meeting in line with the agenda. Full details at www.dulwichsociety.com
There will be Zoom online polls at various points in the meeting for approval of items and the elections. Only Society Members can vote. Under the Society Rules Rule 3 Membership “Membership will normally be for a household i.e., all adults living at the same address. In the event of a vote being needed at an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting only one vote is permitted per household.” The results will be announced after the polls have been completed, the results will be verified after the meeting and will also be included in the meeting minutes in due course.
As is customary, after the completion of the elections, the new Chairman will take over the chairmanship of the meeting.
Questions will be taken under item 10 AOB. Members were asked to notify the Chairman and Secretary of questions seven days in advance of the AGM.
Comments and questions in the Chat will be monitored by the meeting hosts who will endeavour to answer questions or ask the Chair to respond.
After the agenda is completed, the meeting will be closed. There is no talk after the meeting.
14) What if I need additional assistance before the meeting?
If you have any queries before the meeting, please email the Secretary at
6th September 2021
The 58th Annual General Meeting of the Dulwich Society will be held at 8pm on Tuesday 14 September 2021 via Zoom.
https://zoom.us/j/97735121186
Meeting ID: 977 3512 1186
Passcode: 592469
Members will be admitted to the AGM meeting from 7.30pm onwards and the meeting will start promptly at 8pm.
Agenda
1. Introduction and apologies for absence.
2. Approve Minutes of the 57th Annual General Meeting held on 24th September 2020.
3. Matters Arising.
4. Chairman’s Report and Review of the Year.
5. Approve accounts for the year ended 31st December 2020.
6. Appoint Independent Examiner. Nominee: Sally-Anne Jeffries, Chartered Accountant
7. Retirement of the President - Dr Colin Niven OBE
8. Appointment of new President - Dr Kenneth Wolfe
9. Elections for 2021-2022 - Officers and Members of the Executive Committee.
Officers (four): Role - Name (Proposer name, Seconder name)
Chair - James Thompson (Jeremy Prescott, David Way)
Vice-Chair - Sue Badman (Ian McInnes, Sharon O’Connor)
Secretary - Heather Stubbs (Paul Butler, Judith Nurse)
Treasurer - Russell Lloyd (Gardner Thompson, Andrew Gould)
Executive Committee Members (ten max):
Role - Name (Proposer name, Seconder name)
Membership - Diana McInnes (Paul Butler, Jean Howell)
Communications & Media - Sharon O’Connor (Jean Howell, Ian McInnes)
Journal Editor - Brian Green (Rita Green, Judith Ward)
Planning & Architecture - Penny Stern (Peter Hogarth, Margaret Bremer)
Travel & Environment - Harry Winter (Sue Badman, Ian McInnes)
Licensing - Patsy Bramble (Catrin Waugh, Diana McInnes)
Trees - David Beamish (Patricia Hole, Glynis Williams)
Local History - Ian McInnes (Bernard Nurse, Sharon O’Connor)
Gardens - Jeremy Prescott (Bill Streatfeild, Ann Rutherford)
Wildlife Sub-Committee. Chair Angela Wilkes has stood down from the sub-committee. Peter Roseveare took over as Chair on 7th September 2021. He will join the Society Executive Committee as a co-opted member until the elections at the AGM 2022.
10. Any Other Business/Questions - please raise with the Chairman (
Meeting papers are available on www.dulwichsociety.com
Elections and approvals will be conducted by Zoom poll during the meeting.
Susan Badman, Hon. Secretary, Dulwich Society,
1st September 2021 (Revised - with nominations)
As announced previously, Ian McInnes will be standing down as Chair after 13 years and Colin Niven, the Society’s President is also standing down after ten years. Kenneth Wolfe (vice chairman), Sue Badman (secretary) will also be standing down from their current roles.
David Roberts (chair of the Planning and Architecture Group), Bernard Nurse (chair of the Local History Group), Angela Wilkes (chair of the Wildlife Sub-committee) and Adrian Hill will also not be seeking re-election.
At the AGM Dr Kenneth Wolfe will be proposed as the Society’s President.
At the AGM the following people will be proposed as members of the Executive Committee. All have been put forward unopposed:
- James Thompson - Chair (new)
- Sue Badman - Vice Chair (new)
- Heather Stubbs - Secretary (new)
- Sharon O’Connor - Media Co-ordinator (new)
- Penny Stern - Planning & Architecture Group Chair (new)
- Ian McInnes - Local History Group Chair (new)
- Russell Lloyd - Treasurer (reappointment)
- Diana McInnes - Membership Secretary (reappointment)
- Brian Green - Journal Editor (reappointment)
- Harry Winter - Travel and Environment Group Chair (reappointment)
- Patsy Bramble - Licensing Sub-Committee Chair (reappointment)
- Jeremy Prescott - Garden Group Chair (reappointment)
- David Beamish - Trees Sub-Committee Chair (reappointment)
Wildlife Sub-Committee. Chair Angela Wilkes has stood down from the sub-committee. Peter Roseveare took over as Chair on 7th September 2021. He will join the Society Executive Committee as a co-opted member until the elections at the AGM 2022.
James Thompson, the proposed new chairman is well-known locally and his supporting statement is below.
I have been a resident of Dulwich since 2001 and a member of the Society since 2013 and I am keen to further the aims and objects of the Society.
I play an active role in local affairs. My current activities in the voluntary sector comprise being chair of the Stradella and Springfield Residents' Association (Stradella Road, Winterbrook Road and parts of Burbage Road and Half Moon Lane) where I have been in post since 2018. I am also an amenity society member of the Advisory Committee of The Dulwich Estate Scheme of Management, having been appointed earlier this year, and the honorary examiner of the accounts of the Dulwich Festival since last year.
My professional background is as a Chartered Accountant, initially working in professional practice and then as a merchant banker. More recently towards the end of my career, I was a company director serving mainly as a Chief Financial Officer for growth phase companies which were privately owned, venture capital backed or quoted.
My wife works locally in a primary school as bursar and we have three children all of whom attended local foundation schools.
Heather Stubbs - Nominee for the role of Secretary of The Dulwich Society
I have lived in Dulwich since 1988. Having only recently joined The Dulwich Society, I am greatly impressed by the valuable work it does in improving amenities for local residents and would like to become much more involved.
I have been a Friend of Dulwich Picture Gallery for 15 years and was elected Secretary of the Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery in 2019, also acting as a member of the sub-committee which oversaw the merger of the Friends' Charity with the Picture Gallery. I am a member of the new Friends Advisory Panel at the Gallery and continue to organise events for Friends.
My professional background is in Further Education, as a Psychology Lecturer and Vice Principal. In the later part of my career, I worked as Human Resources Director in the Probation, Further Education and Cultural Exchange Sectors. During this time I chaired and acted as Secretary for many committees and was a Pension Scheme Trustee.
After a career in BT, my husband worked for 10 years as a Senior Lecturer at Greenwich University. We have two grown-up daughters who attended local schools and one of whom works as a Senior Psychotherapist for the South London and Maudsley Trust.
The Society’s intention had been to hold the AGM in the function room at the Crown and Greyhound in Dulwich Village on 14th September. The current rise in the rate of Covid-19 infections, and the knowledge that several local residents who had been double vaccinated have still caught the virus, has led the Executive Committee to decide that a meeting in an enclosed room at this point would be inappropriate and, consequently the AGM on the 14th September will be held online, on Zoom. The AGM Agenda is available on our web site.