This was our first face-to-face AGM for two and a half years. Would anyone turn up? Would our members be cautious about meeting indoors in person? Would the foul weather deter others? In the event, the full committee was present, and we were gratified to welcome more than 50 of you, as well as our MP and two local councillors. Thank you for your support.
Our guest speaker was David Simmonds MP who covered three main topics:
Planning. He said builders should be building homes they already have permission for rather than developing Green Belt land. Central government is now having a rethink of their previously suggested plans; Green Belt building development should be unnecessary.
The effects of the pandemic. In this area banks have reported that businesses and individuals are typically holding 40% more cash than they did before the pandemic, so it is to be hoped that more benefit will flow to local businesses.
Social Care. As Social Care is generally recognised to need improvement, new models must be looked at, possibly including other European countries’ models.
Mr Simmonds fielded a number of questions from the floor. The main point he took away from the meeting was the concern about the lack of police presence in Northwood, even though Hillingdon funds 20 extra police officers.
Election. The NRA officers, committee members and president were elected, the only changes from last year being Rashmi Chauhan and Sunil Shah who had been co-opted as Treasurer and IT Specialist respectively earlier in the year. David Blowers stepped down in February after 10 years as NRA Treasurer, he was thanked for all his efforts on our behalf.
Accounts. The examined accounts for 2020 were presented by the Treasurer and accepted. The Treasurer noted that we have healthy reserves and asked for ideas for using some funds for the benefit of local residents. One suggestion was to have a permanent feature to mark the 2022 Jubilee, possibly some new trees could be planted.
Subscriptions. The proposal to continue for the rest of 2021 with a minimum rate of £2 per household and the Business member rate of £10 was approved.
Constitution. The proposal to allow Associate Members was approved. Residents from the part of Hertfordshire that lies within the HA6 post code area can now enrol as NRA Associate members; they do not have voting rights but receive newsletters, have the right to speak at AGMs and EGMs and to register for email bulletins.
Councillors’ Forum. Cllrs Melvin and Lewis took a variety of questions from the floor.
Cllr Richard Lewis announced that Cllr Carol Melvin would not be standing for election next May and thanked her for her dedication to Northwood residents over the last 14 years.
To view the full minutes of the AGM please click here.