Newsletters

Resignation from the Board

Posted 8th Sep 2025

Dear All

Due to the latest events, It is with sadness that I shall be resigning as a Director at the AGM on the 24th September 2025.

I have enjoyed and given 100% to the position that I was honoured to hold for the last 14 months, and feel that I have acheived a lot for Macquarie Quay.

We now have our excellent gardeners and our happy handyman Dale, but my biggest achievement was getting the NHBC to finalise a full settlement of costs and commencement for the works of the Communal Balconies for Spring 2026, which has been ongoing since 2009.

Working alongside my fellow Directors and our fantastic Management Company Wishtower was a pleasure, as we all had our roles to play and we worked well as a team. However since the loss of my 2 Directors Yvette and Mike and then the latest being Antony, I have no choice but to step down from the role of Director, as Melanie the only Director left alongside me, also wishes to step down, but kindly kept with me to get us to the AGM.

Other reasons for my resignation are laid out below.

1. Two weeks into our position, Yvette and I received emails from a previous director Mr Stanborough who was so vile, I had to block him from my personal email address.
2. Then the onslaught of emails started coming from Mrs Lintott who also got very spiteful and again whom I had to block from my personal email address. However she still kept the emails coming on the VQMC email address.
3. The 3rd Person who then joined in was Mr Austin sending an email into Wishtower telling them not to expect a easy ride as the current board of Directors are, for the most part, incompetent.
4. So because of the above, Ms Lintott tried to get an EGM set up and when this failed, because all the names mentioned on her list did not back her by completing the correct paperwork, the onslaught continued again.
5. Within the last 2 weeks firstly Yvette Hubbard resigned because of personal family matters and then Mike Foy resigned. They played a big role as Directors, and I miss them as part of my team, but we all have our breaking points.

The only Ex Director who has not attacked us in any shape or form, is Mr John Saunders, and I thank him for that. I would also like to thank Wendy Saunders for her help in several situations of late.

The last straw has been the Suze McCulloch Marquarie Quay Friendly Facebook page and then the Whatsapp Macquarie Quay set up by our Director Antony. I didn’t want the latter set up and stated that it would just go the same as Suze’s Page where Ms Lintott and company would start their attacks against the board. Antony could not see this, thinking that he could control it, but again I was proved right. This caused Antony to resign, and consequently this led to him renaming the page.

I have been informed that the insults are still coming thick and fast on his WhatsApp page, but after 14 months of this disgraceful behaviour it does not surprise me, but it does worry me that it is those who have continued the onslaught who are applying to be the next Directors.

I will continue to do my best for the next 2 weeks until my resignation at the AGM.

You have 5 people so far who have put their name forward to become a Director.

1. Robert Stanborough (previous director)
2. Philip Austin (previous director)
3. John Saunders (previous director)
4. Suzanne McCulloch
5. Sheenah Lintott

Obviously what has been going on with the above, there would be no possible way that I could or would want to work with these people in a Director position. If I could have got more Directors on board so that we had the majority vote over the above, I would have gladly continued my position.

I hope you feel that I have done enough for you all. I may not have always got it right, but I tried my very best. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the AGM. Remember you need to have your say and your vote is very very important, even more so now.

Please give your biggest support to Wishtower your Managing Agent, as they are a superb company who have always kept you up to date with any problems or changes, especially Melanie who I spoke to, 2-3 times every day. Please do not let the new Directors take you back to Sensible Properties as they will try.

I have made a lot of new friends through my role, on various occasions around the Estate. Thank you.

Kind regards to you all

Tricia Dalal
VQMC Director
CC Galloways & Wishtower

Your Quay Matters - August Update

Posted 3rd Sep 2025

RESIGNATION

It is with extreme regret that we have lost 2 of our key members of the Directorship for Macquarie Quay.

Our Chairperson Yvette Hubbard has resigned from her post because of commitments elsewhere. Our Director Mike Foy has also decided to vacate his position. They will both be missed as they were both a strong part of the team. Tricia, Melanie & Antony would like to wish them all the best, and thank them for all their hard work and achievements over the last 18 months.

THE DIRECTORS ’SURGERY’

Following a wonderfully rewarding evening on August 11th, We would like to thank everyone who participated in helping us nurture a genuine community of mutual understanding, friendship and respect. We look forward to seeing you again and to welcoming new leaseholders.

ENFORCED DATE CHANGE FOR AGM

The Directors offer their sincere apologies for having to change the date of the forthcoming AGM. Due to unforeseen medical circumstances, the meeting will now be held at 7pm on Wednesday, September 24th in The Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club.

We would also like to amend the AGM notice make to show that it is a 48hr (Prior to AGM) Notice period regarding Proxy Votes to be returned to Wishtower.

We sincerely hope that this will not cause inconvenience and that as many of you as possible are still able to attend. Thank you for your understanding.

FIRE DOOR UPDATE

Every Macquarie Quay leaseholder recently received a Fire Door Inspection Report for their property from RTJ Sussex Fire Safety. The process was not without hiccups!

As of January 2023 the new fire door regulations require that all fire doors, including that of flat entrance doors, in buildings with 2 or more residential units must be inspected on an annual basis. As responsible organisations, both VQMC Limited and Wishtower ensured, on a ’best endeavours basis’, that all doors were inspected accordingly.

Following a flurry of inquiries over the bank holiday weekend, RTJ was asked to attend an urgent meeting on Tuesday morning with VQMC Directors and Wishtower - to clarify the inspection, reporting and remediation process.

The takeaways from the meeting were:

1. that it is not mandatory to replace a door, nor, indeed, to make modifications
2. that the government guidelines are confusing
3. any door that failed the inspection may need to be removed, the door and frame remediated and then rehung
4. that each leaseholder is responsible for ensuring that their front door meets fire code for their own safety and that of their neighbours.

There has been a lot of talk here and on social media about gaps and doors! However, your door can fail on other things too, so check your report carefully. Make sure that you engage a qualified contractor and specify that you want your door and trim to pass fire code at the next inspection. It is your responsibility, not that of the VQMC Ltd.

VQMC and Wishtower, on behalf of RTJ, apologize profusely for any inconvenience and confusion this process has caused.

INTRODUCING ’THE MACQUARIE QUAYBOARD’ WHATSAPP GROUP

VQMC directors have identified the need for a faster, more accurate means of communication with all residents of Macquarie Quay. Recent emergencies such as the water in Procyon, where the water to all flats needed to be turned off for urgent repair work, highlighted the shortcomings of Facebook groups, emails and newsletters in real-time.

The Macquarie QuayBoard WhatsApp Group welcomes all residents of our estate and is available to join now. Simply email your request to join with your name, mobile number and your flat number to vqmc@macquariequay.com. We will send you an invite in WhatsApp.

Welcome. Let’s get talking...

Your Quay Matters - July Update

Posted 31st Jul 2025

AGM NON-ATTENDANCE: USE YOUR PROXY VOTE

The Board looks forward to welcoming all leaseholders to the forthcoming AGM - to be held at Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club starting at 7pm, on Tuesday, September 23rd. Notices concerning the meeting format and agenda will shortly be sent to you by post and email.

If, however, you are unable to attend, it’s still important for your voting rights to be exercised. So, in the case of non attendance, please return the proxy form contained in the Notice to Wishtower as soon as possible. Your Chair, Yvette Hubbard can be trusted to utilise your proxy vote fairly and judiciously. Thank you.

RESISTING DISRUPTIVE SUBJECT ACCESS REQUESTS

In our last Newsletter we told you that the Board would resist any further Subject Access Requests (SAR) directed at the VQMC company or Wishtower. Such requests would result in costs to you the leaseholders, with some £1,500 of unbudgeted costs already burdened upon the 2025 service charge accounts. And still another SAR is directed at Wishtower by the same persistent leaseholder determined to inflict unnecessary time costs against seemingly futile purpose. This latest request has not been fulfilled by Wishtower, but we do not doubt the resultant time impact will have upon future servicing assessments at the end of the existing Wishtower contract!

EVENING SURGERY: THE DIRECTORS WILL SEE YOU NOW!

The Directors have relished the opportunities of meeting leaseholders at ’Meet & Greet’ evenings, such as the last Wishtower introductory presentation in March. We’d like to meet more of you informally, at an initial leaseholders ’Surgery’ on Monday, August 11th at the Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club from 7pm to 8pm. We’ll be supporting the Club’s continuing Monday evening opening trial. Why don’t you drop in for a quick drink too. The Directors: Yvette, Tricia, Mike, Antony and Melanie would like to hear your thoughts, observations and ideas ahead of the forthcoming AGM. Cheers!

WISHTOWER: MARKING SIX MONTHS WORKING WITH MACQUARIE QUAY

On behalf of my co-Director, Paul Henry and the whole team at Wishtower, we are proud to mark our first six months as appointed managing agent for the Macquarie Quay estate. It has been a pleasure working alongside the dedicated board of Directors of Victoria Quay Management Company Ltd, whose collaborative spirit and commitment makes our role as managing agent far easier and more productive for all concerned. Over this time, we have very much enjoyed getting to know the leaseholders and residents. We’re excited about the journey ahead.

Residents are very likely to come across our special site inspector, Steve Skidmore, on his routine monthly inspections of the site. Steve is easily identifiable in his Wishtower vehicle and uniform, and very happy to stop and speak to anyone on site, if you have questions or concerns. Steve is a former military man so his attention to detail is second to none and continues to help us ensure and maintain high standards across the estate. Never shy to get his hands dirty, Steve can often be found tidying bin stores, or putting up helpful notices as and when required.

Please remember that the team at Wishtower are at the end of the phone or email to help with site management issues you may have. Many of you will have already been in communication with my assistant, Melanie Terry who, alongside myself, has devoted a significant amount of time getting to know the estate, leaseholders, residents and contractors - to maintain the day to day running of the estate and its services. In case of property emergencies, our out-of-hours emergency line, which is manned by a member of the Wishtower team at all times, means you can be reassured that we are only ever a call away when needed.

Here’s to a long, positive, and continuing partnership in the management of Macquarie Quay. Melissa Kirby MTPI, Property Manager

WATERING BALCONY PLANTS. DON’T BE A DRIP!

It’s wonderful to be making use of our balconies in the glorious summer weather we are enjoying - but not so wonderful if we are showered from ill considered plant watering above! Please could we ask all residents to be mindful of those below, when watering. Thank you for your consideration.

PARCEL PERIL

There was a time when parcel deliveries were all made on a ’signed for’ basis. Not any more, it would seem! Parcels are now seemingly routinely left in our lobbies or outside front doors; at the mercy of any chancer gaining access to the buildings. And to compound the problem, we are aware of front doors being regularly kept open by stones placed and left by residents or delivery drivers! Please refrain from subjecting the buildings to this high security risk - and discard stones if you see them being used.

Many of our residents have suffered theft or destruction of their ordered goods within the buildings. Indeed, the author had a pack of sensitive documents delivered here by Royal Mail from HMRC. Returning from holiday the opened pack was delivered to me by an observant neighbour, who found the exposed documents dumped in the rain on Pacific Drive! An investigation found Royal Mail postmen to be able to sign for their own ’delivered’ parcels. And that’s the Royal Mail ... The situation of theft here of unsigned parcels is so much more likely considering the plethora of other delivery drivers visiting; with many merely taking pictures of the packet or parcel left.

Just last week, this author took in two parcels sitting outside a neighbour’s door for two days; that neighbour, it transpired, was away on holiday! The moral of this tale is to try always to be on site if deliveries are expected.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

In recent months, this estate has seen a spate of incidents from irresponsible, inconsiderate renters. Buildings and other residents have been plagued by raucous noise and commotion in the middle of the night. The Police have been called to multiple instances and continue to track many of these with Wishtower and Board members. The Board perceives that landlords are not taking proper account of who they might be allowing into their flats; often by way of local authority placements which guarantee rental payments and full redress for damage.

This practice and risk is downgrading our living environment, downgrading the reputation of Macquarie Quay and will, ultimately, downgrade our property values. The Board will continue to work closely with The Police and will now look to the possible re-evaluation of Leases, to provide the power of tenant restriction. We will keep you posted and would welcome any experiences and evidence anyone has of any such unruly behaviour. A word of warning. Please do not think about intervening or any confrontation when faced with any such behaviour. Just report it to Sussex Police immediately on 101 for the attention of our key contact officer, PCSO Hylands.

As constantly busy Directors, we meet many leaseholders and residents in investigating and addressing problems such as leaks, noises, parking issues, unsocial behaviour, licences etc. It is always an enlightening experience meeting such a broad spectrum of interesting people who, we know, appreciate the communication platform ’Quayboard’ provides for the benefit of the whole estate.

’QuayBoard’ aims to introduce and bring residents together. We might have professionals offering services in accountancy, law, finance, health. We might have recommended tradespeople, taxi drivers, runners, cyclists, sports club enthusiasts, music teachers, book clubs, morris dancers ..... or those just appreciating some extra friendship and companionship. So, please just forward your contribution to vqmc@macquariequay.com

HANDYMAN DALE: PUTTING SOME MUSSELL INTO THE JOB

You’d be forgiven for thinking that comedy actor, Russ Abbot had changed his profession to property maintenance, after seeing his doppelganger Dale Mussell regular working on our estate. Handyman Dale, a former Health & Safety Officer, has now been providing a wide range of services to the VQMC company and individual residents for over a year. "I really enjoy working here and have made many friends" says Dale. "My skills are broad based and I work to standards that I would expect to see in my own home", continues Dale.

Assuming he has some spare time, what does Dale do when the tools are laid down? "I play golf at the Downs Club off a 23 handicap and I am a qualified drone pilot." Locally brought up and living in Langney, Dale lists painting and decorating, patio building, decking work, door hanging, brick laying and carpentry among his many skills. "No job is too small, so please don’t hesitate to contact me for an appraisal and costing for anything you have in mind." Dale’s contact details are as follows:
Email: handymandale@outlook.com
Mobile: 07715 110407

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

A couple of leaseholders have asked the Board how white goods are disposed of and what are the costs to the VQMC company. White goods (except for Fridges and Freezers) are assembled in the company’s private storeroom, then collected and taken away completely free of any charge to the Eastbourne Recycling Centre. Then, under strict Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, discarded white goods from all Sussex recycling centres are safely and responsibly disposed of by the regulated Light Bros Limited of Lewes via their Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities (AATF) in Sussex and throughout the UK. This free disposal service can be arranged through Wishtower. Email melanie.terry@wishtower.com.

LEASEHOLD REFORM ?

Several leaseholders have raised concerns about the remaining Lease period they have; that being 102 years, after the original term of 125 years from January 2003. This is, of course, assuming that all leaseholders have similar terms. The Board has undertaken to appraise extension possibilities and cost parameters with the Freeholder - something that, of course, can be done directly on an individual basis. The Board is, however, most mindful of the possible radical changes when/how the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill eventually goes before Parliament. Clearly, there is a state of great uncertainty as to how things affecting leases might be altered and how the Bill will be finally drafted. The Board will take appropriate soundings and establish advice for the benefit of all leaseholders.

CURIOSITY WILLED THE CAT: ADI’S TALE

"My name is Adi and this is the story of me being a very silly boy. I thought I was big, strong and beyond harm here in my lovely Macquarie Quay home. I’m half MaineCoon you know and fully domesticated - but one warm evening recently I decided to jump off my balcony and have an adventure. I didn’t tell anyone of my plans. Unfortunately, I hurt myself and I couldn’t find my way home. I had to hide from lots of dogs and a fox. I got very scared, thirsty and hungry. Then on a very stormy night I hid in a shed in someone’s garden. That’s where, eventually, the lovely lady, Alison Price spotted me and I was rescued.

I want to say a big thank you to our wonderful estate Directors, Tricia and Mike who went out every day looking for me. And to our observant gardeners who spotted me when I took in Caroline Way on my travels. Apparently, Melanie and momma Leann spoke to lots of neighbours, walkers and swimmers, who looked out for me too - as did Melissa and Steve from Wishtower. I’m very grateful to you all and sorry to have caused so much trouble to everyone.

Alison Price and Jason are the ones who finally nailed down my refuge and forwarded video evidence of my whereabouts. And a group of you brought momma Leann to cuddle me and bring me home. I’m really not silly enough to jump off the balcony again but, just in case, momma Leann has me and my brother Leo wearing fancy trackers now. The trackers also measure steps! Leo is winning with 7,131 steps in one day, whereas my max is 4,002. Still not bad for indoor cats!

With fondest thanks and lots of purrs, Adi."

Your Quay Matters - June Update

Posted 13th Jun 2025

WELCOME TO OUR NEW DIRECTOR, MELANIE RADFORD

In keeping with the Board’s intention to involve talented leaseholders sharing unselfish ideals and principles of voluntary service, we’re delighted to announce the appointment of Melanie Radford to the Board of VQMC. Melanie, 67, has lived in apartment 96 since March 2025, coming to the Harbour from the Meads. Melanie is now retired, having worked in education and medical science in England, Australia and the USA. Melanie brings considerable experience working with Boards including financial and project management.

What motivated Melanie to apply for Directorship? "Like so many residents, this is my beautiful retirement home. It is important to me that our buildings are well maintained cost effectively, while keeping a sensible reserve to cover emergencies. I will seek to establish a continuous roster of work that will spread the upkeep of the estate whilst meeting our legal obligations and community comfort. Above all, I want Macquarie Quay to be known as the happiest place to live, where people look out for their neighbours and care for their environment."

Melanie can be seen on her balcony reading, or around the neighbourhood with her walker. Melanie is a ’Whovian’; a Dr Who aficionado to those who are unfamiliar, a West Ham United supporter and loves a good Design show. Melanie is looking forward to getting to know members of our community and hearing your ideas.

So, welcome Melanie. We’re sure you will make a great contribution to all that is in the best interests of all leaseholders.

PROCESSIONAL CATERPILLARS

A big thank you to our intrepid gardeners, Banks for going far beyond contract duty, to deal with this Spring’s massive infestation of processional caterpillars. For many years, the prime location for these creatures has been the dense bushes on the adjacent Spit, which divides the Outer Harbour and the sea. Recently, the caterpillars have taken a liking for the leaves and dense bushes bordering our estate - and have moved across to us in alarming numbers of infestation proportion. Our gardeners have told the Directors of the obvious need for the Council to net all the bushes on the Spit early in the breeding season and then destroy the pupae by fire. Not surprisingly, Health & Safety considerations impinge on common sense!

So, the need to address the problem here has rested with our own gardeners. And a problem it most certainly is! The bodies of the caterpillars are covered in tiny, barbed hairs filled with highly toxic protein. When the caterpillars are disturbed, these hairs will be spat out onto humans or animals, to cause inflammatory reactions, such as hives, itching, blisters and conjunctivitis. Even with body protection, our gardeners spraying within the dense bushes had shirts penetrated, with resultant body weals. The caterpillars were also found to be climbing the black balcony columns, to infest balcony bases of many residents. Thankfully, we have an excellent team at Banks, to keep abreast of this danger, now and in the years ahead. The warning to all our leaseholders and residents is to keep themselves and animals well clear of the caterpillars and report any sightings immediately to Wishtower.

WEAPONISING SUBJECT ACCESS REQUESTS

In the last Newsletter, the Board reported the cost leaseholders were having to pay, to meet the Subject Access Request (SAR) demands made by one zealous ’campaigning’ leaseholder. The Directors assured leaseholders that the company would not be held to fianancial and functional ransom by such requests - and would resist future requests when seemingly based primarily upon disruptive intent. Many leaseholders have expressed great anger concerning such fees that have to be paid from their service charge funds. They have asked for assurance that the Board will resist future damaging and costly demands. You have our assurance.

SKY TV RECEPTION

In response to a subscriber complaint in Vega, our trusted aerial engineer, Mark Crompton of the Little Dish Company was asked to make a site inspection. Mark reported there to be only one dish on Polaris which feeds four blocks; Vega being at the end of the line. "Anyone in Vega is going to get a bad reception, as the signal has to travel through four buildings to get there. Plus, the cabling and equipment is old and there could be a problem with that," affirmed Mark, who went on, "Unfortunately, there is no easy fix for this, as the cable runs underground to each block. There are rooms in each block where there is SKY equipment and most are becoming more and more ’wire messy’ each time a Sky Engineer attends to connect a new customer."

Mark advised Wishtower that the only way around the issue would be to redo the whole system and have a SKY dish on each block. This would be a massively expensive recabling enterprise, when conventional SKY dishes are to be phased out in 2029, when everything will then go over to streaming/internet supply. The Directors will keep this under review and advise existing and new Vega SKY users not to consider the dish option of supply going forward.

For further information about this and any other TV reception/aerial issues, Mark will be happy to talk to you: The Little Dish Company 07920 409049.

CARERS PARKING FACILITY

We have an important message for any residents who have carers using a ’Visitors’ parking bay. Please send your carers car registration details together with relevant carer qualification paperwork to Wishtower. The car details may then be entered on the VQMC parking penalty exempt portal, so removing the need to use up visitors permits.

FIRE DOOR INSPECTIONS

In accordance with Fire Safety Regulations, Wishtower have already sent out notifications of the annual check of all leaseholders front doors. These will be inspected and assessed as to damage or defects that could compromise the door’s fire resistance, such as smoke seals being in good condition and that gaps at top, sides and bottom are within acceptable limits. The check is being conducted by the Board’s appointed contractor, RTJ and will result in possible recommendations for improvements or replacements to be made to individual doors by leaseholders.

Here is a reminder of the notified schedule of inspections:

• Monday 30th June
  • Vega & Sirus - 9am - 12noon
  • Rigel & Procyon - 1pm - 4pm
• Tuesday 1st July
  • Polaris & Merope - 9am -12noon
  • Deneb, Capella & Altair - 1pm - 4pm
• Wednesday 2nd July
  • Antares, Carina & Orion - 9am- 3pm

Please note that the contractor has expressed that we don’t allow residents to swap their days around, as the contractor has only costed to do the buildings as scheduled above. Otherwise, they will lose time going to different blocks. Wishtower can, however, let the engineers know if residents want to leave a key with anyone, but that is required in an email for insurances purposes. Also, if residents want Wishtower to schedule a particular time in their allotted slot, the contractor can be advised and will do their best to accommodate. Thank you all for your cooperation.

SURVEYOR AND TERRACE REBUILDS

The Directors have now received the Summary Report from the NHBC for the full rebuilding works of all the communal terraces. This has now been passed to the company’s appointed surveyor, who will be recommending appropriate contractors for tendering and who will be overseeing of the whole project. This claim process was started, we understand, in 2009, so please bear with us just a little longer, before we can publish a full schedule and description of works and timings. Thank you.

STOLEN VEHICLE IN UNDERCROFT

A suspicious vehicle was recently observed seemingly dumped in the Carina undercroft and Sussex Police were alerted. The Directors collaborated with the Police request for full access to the VQMC CCTV systems and data capture. Clear definition images were found of the car apparently being filmed for sale purposes, by easily identified culprits - well known to the Police. The audacious criminals were actually using the undercroft for their nefarious activities in the early hours, having gained access by tripping a gate exit button with a long stick from the outside - much as bike thieves had done earlier this year! We can report that the criminals have now been arrested and the Directors have installed wooden security box covers to all undercroft exit buttons, per specific Police advice received.

Morris bells and a pint of real ale at a lovely village pub. Ah, the joys of an English Summer! Robert and Sue Griggs at No. 64 are members of the ’Anderida Border Morris Dancing’ side. The Directors have greatly enjoyed their performances. You can enjoy them too during these forthcoming Summer events:

June

• 14 - Lewes Day of Dance. 10.30am.
• 20 - Ram Inn, Firle with Long Man Morris, 8pm.

July

• 5-6 - All Things Morris (weekend of dance), Ilfracombe, Devon.
• 13 - Gun Hill Brewery and Tap room and The Horam Fete. 1pm and 3.30pm.
• 19 - St Luke’s Fete, Stone Cross. 2pm.
• 20- East Sussex Foster Care Association Hailsham.
• 27- Michelham priory craft fair.
• 31 - John Harvey Tavern, Lewes with Black Powder, 7.30pm

Your Quay Matters - May Update

Posted 7th May 2025

COMMUNAL TERRACES REBUILDING: THE WAIT IS OVER

As reported in our last Newsletter and after many years, this current Board has now settled the rebuilding claim directly with the NHBC. With the original builder of this estate, Persimmon Homes declining to take on the works, the NHBC will provide the necessary funds directly to VQMC, for it to be able to carry out the full remedial works. To start this facilitation the funding will cover the appointment of a surveyor, to create the specification, appraise the contractor tendering and oversee/ sign off the works from start through to completion.

The complete works will entail a full strip back of paving slabs to the original concrete decks, installation of new waterproofing and associate works related to the parapet walls and cavity trays below the external doors. It is a major project, where the Directors will be working closely with Wishtower and the NHBC on the full tendering, eventual contractor commissioning and settlement process.

Wishtower will shortly be contacting those leaseholder premises concerned, to gain access to all terraces for the initial surveyor inspections. May I express the Board’s thanks for your patience in supporting this fight over the last nine months, to achieve the great result we have. Tricia Dalal, Director

2024 SERVICE CHARGE ACCOUNTS

The Accounts for the year ended 31.12.24 prepared by Plummer Parsons have now been approved by the Directors and are now published on the VQMC website: www.macquariequay.com. Navigate to ACCOUNTS and use the case sensitive password (available on request). They are accompanied with an explanatory Statement from the current Board of Directors.

SAVE THE DATE: THE 2025 AGM

With the completion of the last year’s Accounts, the Directors will be staging the next AGM on Tuesday, September 23rd, starting at 7pm at The Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club. It is a busy Summer for both volunteer Board members and advisors working for the company, but we have been able to secure an available date convenient to all parties. We wish you all a wonderful Summer and to seeing you all at this event. A formal calling Notice will be circulated in due course.

GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR)
INFORMATION COMMISSIONERS OFFICE (ICO) REGISTRATION

VQMC complies with all statutory regulation concerning the storage of information relating to our leaseholders; essentially just *names, *addresses, *telephone numbers and *email addresses. The company’s GDPR Policy and ICO Certification are to be published on the VQMC website referred above. This process of compliance has put a considerable workload upon volunteer Directors, but we have been happy to recognise and address these fundamental responsibilities of Directorship in a well run company.

Earlier this year, a leaseholder caused considerable wasted time and effort to the Directors and the previous Managing Agent, Sensible when trying to drive through an entirely unconstitutional EGM, with unsustainable motions and timings.

This same leaseholder has now embarked upon a Subject Access Request (SAR) campaign with Wishtower, asking for every piece of paper, email, letter, phone call, meeting notes etc, where their name is mentioned. An almost daily submission of emails are sent to Wishtower and the Board of Directors. We have referred previously to what would seem to be a concerted campaign designed to cause maximum disruption and demand upon the workings of both companies and the irresponsible racking up of costs the leaseholders will have to pay.

This all involved hours of work from Wishtower and its GDPR consultant, that is chargeable to the VQMC service charge fund. To date, £1,500 has been incurred which Wishtower cannot charge to the requesting individual but will charge to you, the VQMC leaseholders! Inevitably, this and any further SAR requests at £1,500 per time to fulfil will have an impact upon the 2025 budget performance and the 2026 service charge reserve/depletion, when the Board should be looking for savings for the budgeting of major works!

The latest adjunct to the above is another former Director putting VQMC under the similar enormous demands of his own SAR request being put to the Board and the VQMC company. These actions would seem to have the intention of embroiling the volunteer Directors in a mire of statutory information procedures and unbudgeted service charge costs. They have succeeded - to the significant detriment of our running the essential workings of the estate in the best interests of all leaseholders. The Board will, however, contest the validity and intent of this latest SAR request and will not countenance the further burden of thousands of pounds being used from leaseholder funds.

WE HAVE LIFT OFF

We are delighted to report the early completion of the Merope building lift refurbishment, coming just a few weeks after the similar exercise of Vega House. We have reported previously of the need for prudence and foresight in the condition management of the 12 lifts on our estate. We have a continual programme of performance assessment, to enable the planning of the next refurbs in a long term maintenance plan; albeit that this is always subject to the unexpected requirements inherent in an ageing estate.

The Board has been warned by a number of specialists that the remaining 10 lifts here will need to be refurbished sooner rather than later! Similarly, with our intercom systems now failing, it is feasible that all might need to be replaced at short notice. The point to be made here is that there are many unpredictable capital costs on the horizon, which have never impacted upon this ageing estate before. Up until now, all costs of repairs and renewals have been absorbed from the service charge reserves held. This may well not be possible in future. All the above will, of course, be presented for proper debate at the next AGM.