Newsletters
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 "Sovereign911". 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.
Second March Update
Posted 24th Mar 2025
MEETING WISHTOWER: PROGRESSING TOGETHER
Firstly, a big thank you to all those leaseholders braving a cold, wet night to come along to the Yacht Club on Thursday, March 13th. Our sincere thanks also to Paul Henry and Melissa Kirby of Wishtower for their excellent presentation. Some 34 of our leaseholders found out more about our new Managing Agents and asked questions concerning current issues addressed and observations about the future needs of the estate. A most convivial evening and drinks were enjoyed by all.
The flipside of the excellent reception given to Wishtower is the constant attempts by ex Directors to undermine the current Directors before Wishtower - and to undermine the very credibility and honesty of Wishtower themselves. Subverting this vital relationship quite clearly has the potential to impact upon contract performance and, ultimately, the effectiveness of the service charge you all pay. Evidence of all such attempts will be made available at the time of the next AGM.
This seemingly concerted campaign to destabilise Wishtower started upon their appointment in February 2025, after Sensible declined to retender and gave VQMC three months notice of termination. Another campaign of abuse and false accusations against the current Board had started when this Board was formed in July 2024, with vile and distressing email attacks upon Yvette Hubbard and Tricia Dalal. It has gone on unabated since then. Full evidence will be made available at the time of the next AGM.
Recent accusations sent to Wishtower reported one current Director to have a "mental issue", whose actions were based on "selfish motivation and empowerment." This ex Director reported to Wishtower that previous Directors had been accused of "malpractice, fraud, nepotism, taking back handers and extortion." The truthful accusations and evidence concerning malpractice, truly alarming squandering of company funds, nepotism, criminal damage to company property and fraud will be made available at the time of the next AGM. No ex Directors have been accused of taking back handers or extortion!
We have been called "complete liars", "incompetent" and "untrustworthy." There is a pattern of behaviour that seems driven by inert resentment, or the desire to cause harm, whether through words, actions or intent. The continuing abuse and vindictiveness that we face will not succeed in lessening our resolve to serve, nor will the excellent Wishtower be influenced or dislodged. The message to all leaseholders is to let the voluntary Directors get on with the job we are committed to and accountable for - with your support. We’ve made enormous strides over the last nine months. Working together, we will continue to make Macquarie Quay a better place to live.
The Board of Directors
TERRACES REBUILDING: A RESULT AT LAST
Now for some really good news! Leaking from the multiple terraces of our estate has been the subject of complaints to NHBC by many previous Boards and Managing Agents, without any claim resolution over some 16 years. The terraces have appeared to be in a state of continuing ’investigation’ by the NHBC over all that time. Following an intense campaign from the moment of this Board’s inception, led by Tricia Dalal, a complete claim settlement has now been driven through - where either the original builder of the estate, Persimmon Homes or an appointed contractor of the Board/ Wishtower will be funded for full replacement works. The works will include a full strip back to the original concrete deck, installation of new waterproofing, new slab surfacing and associated works to parapet walls and cavity trays below the external floors.
Full details of choice of contractor and the start of these works will be advised directly to all affected properties and all leaseholders generally.
"To the Chair of VQMC,
I often find residents not bothering to break down large cardboard boxes they deposit in our bins - which often leaves very little space for those who come afterwards. Would you be kind enough to use your Newsletter to ask people to remember to break down large boxes and also put up a prominent Notice in our Bin Stores." Anon.Thank you, Anon. Actioned as requested.
MAKING MACQUARIE QUAY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE
Your Quay Matters - March Update
Posted 12th Mar 2025
WISHTOWER "MEET & GREET"
Just a reminder of the invitation to all leaseholders to come along to the Royal Sovereign Suite at the Yacht Club tomorrow, Thursday, March 13th. The informal session will start promptly at 7pm and finish no later than 8.30pm. Coffee/tea, or a glass of Prosecco will be served.
The Directors have invited the principals of Wishtower, Paul Henry and Melissa Kirby to provide a background introduction to their company and its services, a resume of tasks undertaken to date at Macquarie Quay and their observations concerning future needs. This is an informal "Meet & Greet", not an EGM/AGM and should be respected as such. There will be ample time allowed for leaseholders to ask questions. We look forward to seeing you.
WELCOME "HARRY THE HAWK"
Pigeons live together in flocks and a flock has taken a great liking to the roof above Altair House for a number of years. Pigeons defecate on average every 30 minutes, or 30 times a day. It’s not surprising that long term acidic pigeon droppings have defaced and accelerated deterioration of our buildings in this corner of the estate. Additionally, fallen fresh droppings, or guano as it is known, often creates a slippery, wet surface giving the risk of injury and leaving very unsightly walkways.
Over the years, Macquarie Quay has spent thousands of pounds in cleaning costs and ineffective window sill protectors. Following extensive research of various motor franchises in Eastbourne, the Directors were greatly encouraged by the reports of cost effective deterrence that flyers such as our "Harry" can bring. So, welcome "Harry", let’s see what you can do!
LIFT REFURBISHMENTS
As this Board and those previously have often warned, the 12 lifts we have will always be the subject of breakdowns, servicing and eventual refurbishment need. Clearly, the lifts have been in operation for over 20 years, so careful monitoring and assessment of service need and budgeting across the whole site is a considerable and constant undertaking; when do we repair or rebuild? With a complete refurb costing just under £30,000 plus VAT, clearly a blanket refurb would drain the Reserves the company has and place a demand upon additional leaseholder funding.
The Directors, therefore, asked its appointed contractor, Emerald Elevators to establish a long term plan of remedial works and selective refurbishment, precisely determined by need necessity. This resulted in the Board deciding upon two refurbishments in 2025, with those being Vega and Merope Houses. Such refurbishments are major works, which will give another 20 years of working life to these lifts. But, they are major works and they will entail 4 to 5 weeks of down time in each instance, including testing and commissioning of new equipment. The Board will be giving substantive prior warning of start dates to all residents of Vega and Merope and the contractor will make provision for specific booked movements for shopping or heavier materials.
BIN STORE AWARENESS
Last weekend, the recycling bins opposite Merope House were drastically overflowing, with rubbish bags piled on top of closed bin lids. By Sunday night, bags were spilling all over the floor of the room. When this has happened before, rubbish collectors have declined to address such a heap on a Monday morning! On late Sunday evening, Director Tricia spent her time decanting the overflow into empty bins opposite Polaris House - to ensure all Merope rubbish would be cleared the next day. So, would all residents respect their environment and refrain from over-filling bin stores - by just using the nearest alternate store with empty spaces. Thank you.
Calling All Landlords
The Macquarie Quay apartment of long term renter, Moyna is being sold at the end of 2025. Moyna is most keen to find another rental apartment at Macquarie Quay and reaches out to any landlords who might be looking for a new tenant next year. Looking beyond our estate, Moyna cites the need for two bedrooms, a lift and to be south facing.
Please email the Directors in the first instance, if you feel you might be able to offer assistance. Thank you.Parking Mad
"Just a word of warning, so you don’t befall my fate! I am fairly new here and my hospital job means I often return here late at night, or in the small hours. Stupidly, I assumed parking wardens would not be attending in these times, so did not always display a valid red voucher! I also assumed that if I was issued with a penalty notice, it would be put on my windscreen. I was very wrong on both counts. I now know that wardens can come here every day, or every night at any time. I also found that penalty notices are only sent to the registered address of the vehicle owner. I had, in fact, left my registered address over a year ago. When I eventually was notified of a post backlog to collect, I had a very rude awakening, with a number of penalties awaiting..."
Anon
MAKING MACQUARIE QUAY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE
Your Quay Matters - February Update
Posted 6th Feb 2025
WELCOME TO A NEW DIRECTOR
We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Antony Phillips to the Board of Directors of VQMC. Antony, 59 has lived in apartment 164 since March 2024, coming to the Harbour from Bromley, Kent. Working in motor dealerships, Antony cites special negotiating skills and budgetary control amongst the qualities he will bring to the Board. What motivated Antony to apply for Directorship? "I am here for the long term and have always taken a great interest in how our leaseholder funds are spent. I really want to contribute to the first class governance of the Estate."
Antony is a member of the Yacht Club, greatly enjoying entertainment and live music. He is himself a bass guitarist, modelling his playing on his hero, the late, great John Entwhistle of The Who. VQMC Chair, Yvette Hubbard comments: "It’s great to have some new blood on the Board, with a sole agenda of serving the best interests of all leaseholders. We are sure Antony will do a great job for you all."
VEGA INTERCOM
We have previously pointed to the considerations of estate planning going forward and the long term maintenance issues we are always appraising. One such feature we are now facing is the possible replacements of intercom systems that have been in operation since the estate’s outset. Just as we were addressing a Vega House lift breakdown over Christmas, that building’s intercom also failed! An existing repair contractor came to assess and found that parts needed were now obsolete.
Working closely with Wishtower, the Board had no choice but to sanction the capital expenditure for a complete new system, that will be installed on February 14th. It is a portent for future problems on our estate and is another illustration of the need for prudent budgeting and reserve fund management.
POLARIS LIFT BREAKDOWN
Please could we ask everyone to be mindful when using our lifts. A recent jammed door stuck open at Polaris was, we were told by an engineer coming out to meet a Director at 11.30pm, that the door had been forced back - causing it to come off its back runner. Obviously this was a cost and time requirement that could and should have been avoided.
SECOND VQMC ’MEET AND GREET’
In a previous Newsletter we stated the Board’s intention to set up an informal introduction meeting with the principals of Wishtower - our newly appointed Managing Agent following the resignation of Sensible. Wishtower will be advising what they can do for you; you can tell them what standards for the estate you expect now and going forward. It’s also a great opportunity to get to meet some fellow leaseholders and the Directors. Please note that this is an informal ’Meet and Greet’ gathering and not an EGM or AGM. Topics will be confined to the role Wishtower can play in the continuing enhancement of our estate.
All leaseholders are invited to attend the Sovereign Suite of the Yacht Club at 7pm on Thursday, March 13th.
THE QUAYBOARD
During our term as Directors, we have already been to meet many leaseholders and residents in the pursuance of leaks, noises, parking issues, licences etc. It has been an enlightening experience, meeting such a broad spectrum of interesting people. It occurred to us that amongst our numbers must be many talents or needs that might require a communication platform, for the benefit of the whole estate.
We might have professionals covering accountancy, law, finance, health. We might have tradespeople, taxi drivers, runners, cyclists, sports club enthusiasts, music teachers, book clubs, morris dancers ..... or those just appreciating some extra friendship and companionship. So, we will set up a regular notice section on our Newsletter, where you might like to place some information. Please set the ball rolling by sending us any ’QuayBoard’ message you would like to post.
HOLIDAY DISCOUNT FOR LEASEHOLDERS
Are you looking to book a holiday? Charlotte Duffy from Travel Counsellors Eastbourne would love to help. Whether you’re thinking about a beach holiday, cruise, flydrive, retreat or adventure, book with Charlotte and enjoy an exclusive discount for Macquarie Quay leaseholders. Simply quote reference, HARBOUR1 to secure your discount when making a booking.
Search now for Travel Counsellors on Google and Facebook and see the choices available and the great reviews for yourself.
TRAVEL COUNSELLORS EASTBOURNE.
Fully ATOL and Financial Protection included.
SUBSCRIPTION CHOICE
If you would like to update an email address or unsubscribe from the regular circulation of ’Your Quay Matters’ please just email the Directors with your request and property number. Thank you. vqmc@macquariequay.com
MAKING MACQUARIE QUAY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE
Update on recent issues affecting residents
Posted 17th Jan 2025
1. UNDERCROFT BIKE THEFT UPDATE
We’re disappointed to report further developments and a most worrying escalation of theft tactics. On December 21st, two thieves got into the Undercroft below Sirius House, by probably using a cloned key fob, or fireman’s gate key, to steal a bike under Sirus House. This time it did not appear that the thieves followed a car through the gate.
The worrying development is how fully prepared they came, with a cordless electric angle grinder. In spite of our repeated Newsletter warnings, this bike was only secured with a metal cable lock. The CCTV given to the Police showed the angle grinder cutting through this in moments. Sparks were flying everywhere, but no witnesses have come forward. Whilst even heavy duty ’D’ locks will not defeat an angle grinder given more time, they do act as a deterrent when other targets are so much easier and quicker to remove. The CCTV shows these thieves entering the undercroft two hours before, blatantly talking on their mobiles, then taking pictures of the locks of two bikes - before returning later that evening to their identified target!
Fortunately, the owner of the above bike had full insurance, to cover such a loss. He was prudent, but many other bike owning residents here will surely not have such cover. Most certainly, bikes stored in the undercroft are not covered by the VQMC Buildings insurance. Short of hiring our own security patrols, the Board can only offer common sense approaches, when the estate is faced with determined thieves, knowing our undercroft is extremely vulnerable:
- Invest in one or two heavy duty D locks secured to the frame
- Remove your front wheel for storage elsewhere
- If you have a valuable bike, add it to your home insurance, or take specialist cover
- Store your bike in your apartment
The only positive aspect to report is the outstanding CCTV images above of the two culprits that we were able to give to the Police, to assist them in their enquiries.
2. DRAINS CLEARANCES
At the end of last year, the Board commissioned a specialist drains clearance company, Flow Drainage to provide an overview of the whole estate’s sewage and waste drainage system; a complete survey and health care condition scan. Within the first day of works, the specialists estimated to the Board that the solid grease and fat build up detected indicated that no cleaning had been untaken for many years.
A full schedule of works was provided and the Board had budgeted for works to commence early in 2025. The works actually started on Monday, January 6th at Antares House and the contractors are now near to completion of a gruelling two week schedule. The descaling and flushing works necessary sees water pumped through the system at a pressure of 3000 psi. Even at this early stage, the contractors have found major blockages caused by baby wipes, congealed fat, dishwasher tablets and toilet flushers - and advise all leaseholders and tenants to be circumspect in future.
Incredibly, a complete t-shirt was also found in the system. Whilst there are the unexpected items to be found, the major problems concern the build up of limescale which, as the pictures show, forms itself into layered lumps, much resembling pieces of slate. These solid masses can resist high water pressure and needed the expert resourcefulness of our brilliant contractors, using specialist plunger parts and, often, the brute force of their own muscle power when going down into the drain itself. Not a sight for the squeamish! The most astonishing ’find’ was a large chunk of tarmac found to be blocking a Rigel House main down pipe. The best guess of its origin was from works at the time of the original building, where its soft form was just thrown down the pipe. Surely not put down a toilet but, who knows!
The contractors have also pointed to the dangers of build up in the red sewage undercroft pipes, where excessive blockages has caused swelling and leakage of joints, which will need repair. Irresponsible car damage to these red down pipes has also been detected and will also need to be rectified. If any leaseholder would like to understand more about the process and benefits we now enjoy, the Directors would be happy to accommodate such requests.
The Board of VQMC
MAKING MACQUARIE QUAY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE