Last March the KLPA just managed to hold the 2020 AGM ten days before the country entered its first national lockdown. It was important that we met then to consider the news of the City of London’s 2020 decision to enforce its new inflated charging regime which is set to become more punitive in 2021 when the ponds can re-open.
We had hoped to be able to hold a meeting this spring, but further national lockdowns happened and some Coronavirus restrictions are likely to be in place at least until the summer. We are also mindful that many members will remain cautious about crowded gatherings for some time to come.
It is important however that KLPA members have an opportunity to hold the association to account, to hear from officers, scrutinise the accounts, ask questions and provide feedback. It is also at the AGM that committee members are elected for the forthcoming year and this provides an opportunity for new talent to come forward.
With this in mind the committee is currently working on alternative arrangements for holding a virtual AGM, taking into account we now have over 700 members. It will need to be a manageable format whilst also ensuring accountability. We anticipate that this might be a month later than usual and may only be able to focus on core business. Later in the year we very much hope to be able to hold a meeting or event to make up for the lack of fun, food and debate which the KLPA has been renowned for in the past.
As soon as we have firmer arrangements for our AGM we will let you know.
There has again been extensive coverage of the City of London’s finances, future charging plans and overall management of Hampstead Heath in Camden New Journal (4 February 2021). The fringe benefits available to City of London “elected” members are exposed here and the letters page contains multiple items here and here.