Beech Street - zero emissions scheme

From the BEO:
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Regarding the Beech Street - Zero Emissions Scheme Press Announcement
Dear Barbican Resident,

On 16 December, City of London Corporation committees backed plans to launch the UK's first 24/7 zero emission street in a bid to improve air quality in the Square Mile. Following the subsequent press release this headline and story has widely been reported in the media. This announcement may have caused confusion and worry with residents and we want to take this opportunity to apologise and provide details regarding the scheme below.

Beech Street is expected to become restricted to zero emission vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians by Spring 2020, pending final approval by Transport for London. Exceptions will be provided, as detailed below for those accessing premises off Beech Street. Bus route 153, which is fully electric and runs down Beech Street, is unaffected by the changes.

The experimental traffic order will run for a maximum of 18 months, during which time the impact on air quality and traffic will be monitored.

Beech Street experiences high levels of air pollution as it is a busy, enclosed thoroughfare. A significant improvement in air quality is expected, resulting in health benefits for the many pedestrians and cyclists that use the street. The scheme aims to bring nitrogen dioxide levels within air quality guidelines set out by the European Union and World Health Organisation. We also hope to improve air quality in the vicinity of the street, particularly around the entrances to Richard Cloudesley School and Prior Weston Primary School.

If deemed successful, the trial may be made permanent. The scheme has been funded by the City of London Corporation and the Greater London Authority Mayor's Air Quality Fund.

Who can continue to use Beech Street during the scheme?

• drivers of zero-emission vehicles
• bus route 153 and its passengers
• cyclists
• pedestrians
• vehicles accessing premises off Beech Street for loading and servicing purposes
• emergency service vehicles

Those accessing the following located off Beech Street

• Barbican Centre car park, Beech Street entrance
• Barbican Estate
• Shakespeare Tower and Defoe House
• Cromwell Tower ground floor carpark
• Lauderdale Place
• Barbican Trade Centre West Vehicle Entrance

Access for the following activities will be able to continue, as it does now, to the off street car parks:

• Taxi / Private Hire pick up and drop off
• Deliveries including Royal Mail
• Takeaway food deliveries
• Refuse collections
• Visitors
• Care workers
• Tradesman and other servicing requirements.
• Removal vans

What is a zero-emission vehicle?

As per Transport for London's guidance and standards for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount for the Congestion Charge, zero emission vehicles will need to comply with all of the following criteria:

• Maximum 75 g CO2/km
• Minimum 20 mile zero emission range
• Euro 6 equivalent NOx emission standard

Awareness, consultation and monitoring of the scheme

In June of this year, Members of the Barbican Residential Committee and ward representatives were 

briefed on the objectives of the project, and the feedback from Members has been used to design a plan that minimises impacts on residents' activities.

Early in the new year, the City of London Corporation will be meeting with the Chair of the Barbican Association and our information campaign will begin from January onwards. The information campaign will take place before the traffic restrictions come in to force and will include social media, leafleting, and direct discussions with City firms and residents. Drop-in sessions for City and Islington residents will also take place in February.

The City of London Corporation will be meeting with the Chair of the Barbican Association early in the new year and our information campaign will begin from January onwards. Our information campaign will take place before the restrictions come in and will include social media, leafleting, direct discussions with City firms and residents. Drop-in sessions for residents of the Barbican and Islington will also take place in February.

As the scheme is being implemented under an experimental traffic order, the formal public consultation period will coincide with the first six months of the restriction. There will be additional public drop-in sessions and meetings with local businesses during this time period. A comprehensive monitoring strategy will be in place during the experiment measuring traffic flows and air quality both on Beech Street and the surrounding road network. Results of the public consultation, and the monitoring outputs will be reported back to Committees.

Enforcement

To deliver these changes, vehicles will be rerouted via advance warnings and signage on the approach to the street. Vehicle restrictions will be enforced via automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras with a penalty charge notice issued to drivers who contravene the experimental traffic order.

Next steps and further details

Following approval by the relevant City Corporation committees, the implementation of the scheme is subject to final approval from Transport for London.

• Read our full press release.
• Read the December 2019 Committee report.
• Visit the project webpage – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/beechstreet

Contact us
If you have any questions related to the scheme, email the project team at beech.street@cityoflondon.gov.uk.

Kind regards,
City of London Corporation

Our mailing address is:
Barbican Estate Office
3 Lauderdale Place
London, Lnd EC2Y 8EN
United Kingdom

Golden Lane - Denizen heating works

The Denizen block of flats will be provided with a combined heat and power (CHP) feed.  The feed will travel through the Ben Jonson House car park from the western end and connect up with a trench running up Golden Lane to the Denizen block. The trench is currently being (noisily) cut and the pipes laid.   When the trenching works reached Brackley St. access was largely maintained using metal plates over the trench which allowed Taylor Wimpey to keep moving vehicles to their Denizen site; nice for them.  Now the trench has reached the exit ramp from the Ben Jonson House car park access is completely blocked.  No metal plates which would allow us to keep using the exit ramp over weekend and evenings, oh no, instead we get several layers of fencing just to make sure the exit ramp can't be used.

No attempt to minimise the impact for residents

It is true that residents can use the entrance ramp for both getting in and getting out of the car park, but this diminishes safety in and around the car park and is of course inconvenient for residents and the CPAs.  But note that Taylor Wimpey could have accessed their Denizen site via Fann St. ... but it was altogether more convenient for them to use the metal plates to retain access when possible.  Clearly inconvenience counts less for residents.  Thanks City (who licensed the work).  Thanks Taylor Wimpey (a considerate contractor?).

Here is a notice from the BEO which appeared in the 2019-11-22 Estatewide News Bulletin.  Note the email address at the end which is for a bloke who had nothing to do with the licensing or decision making and is probably just there to take/deflect the heat from those who are inconvenienced.

From the BEO:
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Citigen Works in Ben Jonson Car Park

Citigen’s works on Golden Lane are progressing well, and should be cleared by the second week of December. The next phase of works are due to start week commencing 25/11/19 and will take place within the Ben Jonson House basement car park. They will be installing a short length of new heating pipework to serve the Denizen development in Golden Lane, these works are expected to last around nine weeks. To facilitate the works it will be necessary to relocate one of the lockers to a new position and form two new holes in a wall.

Every effort will be made to avoid inconvenience and disturbance to residents. The works are being carried out under the terms of a licence issued by the City of London which includes strict conditions for working hours, noise, deliveries, etc. In the event of a complaint about these works or for further information please contact Graham Humphreys at graham.humphreys@eonenergy.com.

A Meeting with Prior Western School

Here are some notes from a meeting between house group members and representatives of the Prior Western School which occupies a large part of the Golden Lane Campus.
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We met with Helen from the Governors board, and the new head teacher Fiona McCorquerdale.

Key points:

The new lighting on the playground

This was installed over half term, and 8 lights have been installed, rather than the approved 4 in the planning application. Fiona is querying this with the planning and installation teams and will come back to us on the outcome.

There have been no complaints from residents so far regarding the new lighting.

The lighting is on a timer, currently set to 6.15 to 8pm. There is an over-ride switch and the school intend that they pitch should only be lit when it is in use. So a sensor may be installed for this purpose.

Resurfacing of the pitch and noise reduction
The pitch and parts of the wall facing the lower Cloudsley School have been covered with AstroTurf, and this has meant a 25% reduction in the noise levels. This is complemented by the sound reducing walls and the installation of larger goals so that the rattling sounds from the goal posts is much reduced. The school are looking to raise the height of the ivy walls in places and any new walls that are to be installed will probably be higher than these ones we currently see.

Improvement Plans for the school
Fiona and the school board are looking to replace the existing play equipment with something more in tune with the children's needs. Previous plans have been rejected by parents committees as they were too plastic based, and the plans overall were disjointed. New submissions have been requested from several companies - with the requirement of being Eco friendly, and having an overall theme for the whole school area. These will be shown to the residents committee when they are received and reviewed by the school board. The new plans are to include a whole new planting scheme for the school with increased levels of greenery to be put in place.

Use of the School building
The school are looking at increasing the community use of their building - they are aware of the lack of local amenities for groups wishing to have a space to meet, often with a need for space for movement - dance, exercise etc. They are keen to open the school to the local community here in the Barbican area.

They are currently putting together a 'lettings policy statement' to ensure that the use of the building is sensitive to the school and the local residents. Part of the letting policy will cover the use of the floodlit pitch - the times to be used, and by whom. They will be sharing the draft of this policy with the residents groups as soon as they have it written, and are willing to attend house committee meetings to discuss in detail.

Termly meetings with the school are to be put in the diary - to be attended by Ben Jonson, Breton and any other house that may develop an interest in the school's activities. Next meeting to be in January 2020.

Golden Lane Campus Floodlighting: How many lights?

In February the Golden Lane Campus was given planning approval for the installation of flood lighting.  Given permission for 4 powerful light fittings, it seems the school has actually had 8 installed.

What the plans said

What the plans said to make it clear

What was actually installed ... Not 4 but 8

Barbican at Fifty: your comments for the next fifty please

The chair of the Ben Jonson House Group, Helen Hulson, writes ...

Barbican at Fifty, Blueprint for the next Fifty 

Adam Hogg and Sandy Wilson have prepared a document with suggestions about matters Barbican residents may wish to consider for the Estate in changing times, with reference to the next fifty years:

Click here to read the paper

Although the City of London says it is committed to the enhancement and protection of the Barbican Estate, under current arrangements there is provision only for maintenance, through the service charge, and not improvement. The Barbican was designed to environmental standards of the fifties and sixties and needs a thorough review to ensure its continued appeal to residents in the 21st century and its proper maintenance as a heritage site.

Sandy Wilson joined our House Group meeting last month to talk about the vision behind the paper and is keen to gather together ideas from residents about improvements they would like to see, so that an estate wide list of priorities can be drawn up. These can be as general or particular as you wish.

If you have any suggestions please comment on this post (the comment form is at the bottom of this page) or email the house group at ben.jonson.hg@gmail.com.
The closing date for submitting ideas is 30th October 2019. Many thanks, Helen Hulson Chair BJHG

Arts Centre / Barbican Association meeting

House group representatives attended the regular  Arts Centre meeting between the centre and residents (c.f minutes of the previous meeting and the agenda for this meeting). Here are the notes from our representatives:
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Matter arising from last minutes

The death of Robert Barker: all sorry to see him gone as he was very active on many committees. (note: there was no representative of Lauderdale House in attendance to take Rob's place).

The Four B's - new application has been made based on a new proposal for the repositioning of these signs to Lakeside and Level G near Cafe. This was opposed by many of the attendees, and the new application should be opposed by all residents to ensure that these are not removed to the new positions. (I will send around the new application for residents to read and submit any comments to the City of London planning team).

Kitchen fans - a baseline measurement of the noise emitted by these fans is still awaited by the Gilbert House residents.

Lake revamp - due to the flooding of the engine room this has been delayed. However, the Barbican Centre hope to be back on track by the growing season next year (Spring). Then the fountains will come back on. All the pipes and units rebuilt and holes filled around the lake. Part 3 of the Lakeside refurbishment plan can then be started up - to remove all the mud and ensure plants and wildlife are secure. (This should take up to 2 years to complete).

2. Outdoor Programming for 2020

• Open Fest 30/31 may 2020
• Dance Event 25/26 July 2020
• Outdoor cinema - Frobisher court - 30/31 August 2010

All events will have residents consultation meetings to ensure that they have residents interest in mind

3. Barbican at 50

There will be another screening of the Mixtape Resident Film on 24th November at 11 am in Cinema 1. Details will be in the next Podium newsletter. No charge but booking is essential.

4. Management Plans.

The Guildhall management plan is complete. The Barbican Centre plan is still pending as Residents Committee has not signed off. Jane Smith expects this to be done by the end of the month.

5. Beech Street and Silk Street Deliveries

These are still being made prior to 8am. The centre have mead efforts to stop this, but there are still some occurrences. They will look to stop this happening.

6. Bicycling on Lakeside Terrace

Students are cycling around the estate - particularly on the Terrace. Barbican Centre will contact the student union and ask for this to stop.

7. Redirecting public away from Cromwell Tower Lobby

The security staff there are constantly asked about barbican Centre - the signage needs to be improved. This is being addressed by the legible London signage committee. The Barbican Centre will look to see if another sign can be added to direct the pubic to the correct entrance.

There were no matters on AOB.

Water flooding into Ben Jonson House - Again

The very heavy rain today caused flooding into Ben Jonson House reminiscent of the great flood of July 2013, and the cause was the same too - the drains.  Staircase 62 was reported to be particularly badly hit this time.

Some good work has been done in the past to clear the drains, and estate staff leapt in to deal with the floods today, but what we really need is a proactive and ongoing maintenance programme.

I've recently taken to tweeting (heaven help me) photos with the tags #FixTheDrains #BarbicanEstate #Barbican.  If you have tweeting powers and a phone, feel free to use these tags too so we build up a record.  You can see flooding posts here in this blog by searching for 'flood' or clicking on the 'water' label (which includes water supply posts too).

See the #FixTheDrains #BarbicanEstate #Barbican tweets

Tales of Cripplegate

Tales of Cripplegate is a community history project around the Barbican and Golden Lane.  To get involved go to the web site at www.talesof cripplegate.com.

Here is A Journey in Time with Tales of Cripplegate:

Click to read the whole document

2018/19 Actual Service Charges

The BEO have sent our the annual statement of the actual service charges for the year 2018/19.  Here is an letter sent regarding an M2B type flat.  This contains details of the block costs as well as the apportionment for an M2B flat:

Click to read the full letter

Constitution and Rules

Here are the constitution and rules for the Ben Jonson House Group.  Since I last posted these in full we discovered a lost clause, which is now included here:

Constitution and Rules

1. Name

1. The name of the association is "The Ben Jonson House Group". It is affiliated to the Barbican Association which is recognised by the Corporation of London under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1988 (as amended).

2. Objectives

1. To co-operate and liaise with the Barbican Association on services charge matters generally affecting short and long term leaseholders in the Barbican Estate.
2. To represent directly to the Estate Management the views and interests of residents on matters particular to Ben Jonson House, seeking advice from appropriate sources as necessary.
3. To do such other things as may be deemed appropriate

3. Membership

1. Membership of the House Group is open to any individual who is a resident of Ben Jonson House or a Ben Jonson House leaseholder
2. The committee shall admit to membership any eligible tenant who applies in writing to the chairman to become a member and who pays such subscription as the Committee shall from time to time decide
3. It shall be an absolute condition for membership that all and any subscriptions called for by the Committee shall have been duly paid

4. Management

1. The Group shall be managed by a Committee consisting of at least five members elected at the Annual General Meeting
2. The Committee shall elect the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer at its first meeting
3. Vacancies on the Committee may be filled by Co-option by the remaining Committee members
4. Committee members shall hold office until the following Annual General Meeting at which they shall be eligible for re-election
5. The quorum of the Committee shall be three members of which one shall be either the Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer
6. The Committee shall appoint one member to be its representative on the Barbican Association Grand Committee
7. The Committee shall administer the funds of the group, making collections and disbursements at its absolute discretion, and for which the Treasurer shall present accounts to the Annual General Meeting

​5. Subscriptions

1. The amount and time for payment of any initial or annual or occasional subscription to the Group shall be as the Committee shall from time to time decide

6. Meetings

1. An Annual General Meeting shall be held close to the end of March each year, on such a date as the Committee shall decide
2. Extra-ordinary General Meetings (i) may be convened by the Committee or (ii) shall be convened by the Committee within 21 days from receipt by the Secretary of a written request from at least fifteen percent of the membership and stating the purpose of the meeting
3. The quorum at any General Meeting shall be fifteen percent of members
4. Voting at all meetings shall be on the basis of one vote per flat

7. Alterations

1. These rules may be amended or the group dissolved by a resolution carried at a general meeting at which at least 21 days notice specifying the proposed resolution had been given

BA Barbican@50 Festival - 14th September

The Barbican Association are holding a festival marking Barbican@50 on Saturday 14th September from 12:00 to 18:00 at St. Giles' Church:

Click to read the whole flyer

Thank You For The Disruption - 2nd - 8th Sept

The Thank You For Having Us performance on Saturday 7th September will involve a significant amount of setting up and tearing down, much of which will centre around Exhibition Hall 2 directly beneath Ben Jonson House.

There will be lots of coming and going, including vehicles which will return to the hall at 23:00 after the performance on Saturday and start to unload.  No indication is given about when it will end.  The timings are, no doubt, for the convenience of the presenters, i.e. the City.

There will also be lots of activity in and around the hall in the week leading up to the performance, so from 2nd September but ramping up later in the week.

Loading and unloading

... and rehearsals, of course

Thank You For Having Us - 7th September

The City are presenting an outdoor performance called Thank You For Having Us on Saturday 7th September.

Click to read the whole notice

Here are some photos of the previous runs of the performance:

Residents vs. damaging development within the estate

The residents running https://www.clsgexpansion.com/ would very much like to get their petition over the 2,000 mark.  The petition seeks to protect the Barbican Estate.  Details are on the web site and summarised on this post card which just came through my door:

Click to read both sides of the postcard

The 2019 BEO satisfaction survey

Every year the BEO asks for feedback in a survey.  This year we have:

Click to visit the survey web site

My general sense is much the same as last year; the front line staff do a really great job.  Management of maintenance and communication could be better.  

Regarding communication, on the front line, Nabeela has done a terrific job given what she has to work with.

Water off on Monday 2019-07-22 from 09:00 to 14:00

Essential pipe work apparently.

Click to read the whole notice

Flush now, or forever hold your ...

Barbican Tea Dance - Sun 22nd September

Click to enlarge

Car Parking & Storage - Price Rises

The City have announced the latest price rises for parking and using storage within the estate.

Click to read the whole letter

Prudential Ride London 2019 - 3rd & 4th Aug

See the flyer and the map of the City for how to join in (or avoid!):

Click to read the flyer

Click to see the City map

Tube Work - Jul 12th - 15th

Next week TfL are working on the tube lines which run beneath the Barbican.  Residents who live directly above the lines will no doubt be hoping that the new track will be laid upon something which absorbs sound.

click to read the whole notice

Girls School plans - update

The BA working group responding to the application to expand the girls school within the estate have made a video presenting their views.  The chair of the working group writes:

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Last Thursday we had a very successful residents meeting in St Giles Cripplegate church - with over 200 residents in attendance from across the Estate. Firstly a very big thank you to everyone who attended.

Below I refer to a few important things

The first is a reminder of the website.

https://www.clsgexpansion.com

Please check this out regularly as its always being updated. This is where you will find 2 key things - a link to the simple 2-minute resident survey which we would really like you to complete in response to the school's own survey…. and also a link to the online petition we are running. The petition we are aiming to make global - to attract support from lovers of Brutalist architecture across the world

The second item is document called SOS Barbican - A Call to Action - which clearly outlines exactly what we would like you as residents to do, to help the campaign. Our lobbying focus right now should be upon Catherine McGuiness. We are asking you to write to our common councillors not because they are supporting this scheme and we need to convince them….but because they need evidence of our opposition to support their lobbying work 

Click to read the document

The third is a document that outlines the points we would make, as the Barbican Association Working Group, in letters to City officials and councillors. We were very reluctant to produce such a document (hence it was not distributed at the public meeting) as we wanted to avoid the group being too prescriptive in guiding fellow residents.  However, so many residents asked for this after the meeting that we felt we had to produce something. We would encourage residents to use this as a reminder only - and to please write what feels important to them in their own words. 

Click to read the document

Andy Hawkins on behalf of the co-Chairs of the BA Working Group

Heathrow expansion consultations

Click to read the flyer

And see https://aec.heathrowconsultation.com/

Cripplegate Ward Newsletter - June 2019

Here is the latest Cripplegate Ward Newsletter:

Click to read the newsletter

Jugged Hare Plant Noise

There has been a long-running problem with noise caused by plant (air conditioning etc) on the roof above the Jugged Hare pub.  You can read the whole story on Barbican Talk here:

https://www.barbicantalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=16678&sid=48a53ecedcca6c10b0aaab02aa9a4f86

Residents have been pushing for a resolution for some time, Mark Field (our MP) was asked to help, and now it seems there is some progress; there are plans to erect a noise screen ... however some doubt that that proposals will be effective.

The planning application has been submitted, reference: 18/01305/FULL.  Here is the application: https://www.planning2.cityoflondon.gov. ... 4WIFHMCN00

Where is the detail, and will it help?

See the Barbican Talk discussion for the latest news on this.

Save the Barbican Estate from harmful redevelopment

A petition has been set up in response to the plans to extend the City of London School For Girls.  If the Girls School plans are approved it would set a precedent ... hence the title of this post.  The petition reads:

"For the City to urgently re-consider its proposals for the latest expansion of the City of London School for Girls and instead develop a long-term plan to allow the school to grow in a way that does not cause significant harm to the architectural heritage of the Grade II listed Barbican and its unique Grade II* listed grounds."

This is the space the school would like to fill

To read more and to sign:

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-the-barbican-estate-from-harmful-redevelopment

Barbican @ 50 - on the BBC

Look ma, we're on the telly

Barbican Estate-wide News Bulletin - 17 May 2019

From Nabeela at the BEO:

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Barbican Estate-wide News Bulletin 17 May

Barbican Repairs and Ongoing Work


Emergency Services Points and Procedures – 2019

We have been working with the Emergency Services to discuss the best locations for them to use when dealing with an incident on the Barbican Estate. All aspects of the Estate were taken into consideration and the main decision of 'where is best' was ultimately the decision of the Emergency Services.

The updated 2019 emergency services points and procedures can be found both on the Fire Safety page as well as in the Resident Information Pack in the Emergencies, Safety & Security tab.


Barbican Fire Safety Leaflet 2019
The Barbican Fire Safety leaflet has been updated and is available to view on the website.
Please click here to view and check the Housing fire safety website page here.

A printed version will soon be distributed to each flat.


Updates: Speed House Moor Lane/Silk Street Stair Closure for Repairs

Works Update - by the Building Engineer

1. The screeding works are now complete.
2. The waterproof surface to the stair podium is now complete and has been cured.
3. Repairs are required to the Highwalk slabs: These have been completed and are waiting for the repair screed to cure, prior to relaying tiles and re­opening the stairs.
4. The stairs are currently due to re-open on 24 May.
5. The lift is currently due to go back into service on 25 June.
6. The next phase of works, prior to the stairs being ready to re -open, are weather dependent, but we are still confident the above dates will be achieved or bettered.

We appreciate your cooperation while this work is being carried out.


Click here for updates from 21 Moorfields - Generator Noise

Last Day to Submit your Thoughts Review of VFM TV Service
In a bid to improve the services provided to residents, we would appreciate your assistance in reviewing the TV Service, currently provided by Vision Fibre Media (VFM).

Presently, VFM maintain the TV services across the estate with the following maintenance cover as part of the overall license agreement for TV and Broadband Services:
Monday – Friday 0800 – 1700
Next day response
No additional labour charges
Includes replacement parts
Shipping of equipment

If a whole system block is down, this would be attended within 4 Hours, if a single dwelling is down then the above would apply.

Please let us know if you have had any issues with the VFM TV service in the last 6 months, including the exact issue, how quickly it was resolved and how it was resolved.
Please email propertyservices@cityoflondon.gov.uk with your comments no later than 20 May.

Thank you for your cooperation and we will keep you informed with the outcome.



St Giles Terrace - Revised Protocol for the use of the Terrace and the Barrier

The Byelaws

The City of London began parking enforcement on City walkways within St Giles Terrace from March 2019.

The City walkways are reserved for pedestrian use - the walkway at St Giles Terrace forms part of a historic area around London Wall, Wood Street which is used by thousands of pedestrians every year. In some areas, they also serve as essential access points for emergency service vehicles (fire brigade, police and ambulance) to reach adjoining premises. It is therefore crucial that they are always kept clear and remain accessible.

The map here shows the City walkway area where enforcement will apply (demarcated in yellow), with private land which falls outside of the enforcement area (marked in brown).  Vehicles that park in contravention on the St Giles Terrace City walkway (marked in yellow) may be liable to receive a £130 parking ticket (penalty charge notice).


Cold Water Storage Tank Project

The cold, water storage tank project, will start on Lauderdale Tower on 30 May and not on 20 May as previously scheduled.

Click here for further information and an updated programme of works, which is available on the website. The programme is subject to change due to external forces, such as extreme weather. Should you have any queries or concerns please contact the allocated Project Manager, Neil Clutterbuck by email neil.clutterbuck@cityoflondon.gov.uk


Click here for updates on The Denizen / Bernard Morgan House and Neighbourhood Construction Meeting - 4 June


Works to Barrel Roofs – commencing Monday 20 May on Mountjoy House
Please be aware that our contractors MH Goldsmith will commence works on the barrel roofs on Mountjoy House on Monday 20 May.

The works are to re-coat the Barrel Roofs and will consist of thoroughly cleaning the barrel, before making good any damage to the water proofing; and then applying 2 coats of the waterproof liquid plastic "triflex".

Working hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm with noisy work taking place between 10.00am and 4.00 pm. No contractors will be on the balconies or roof before 9.00am. Please note that the contractors will cover over the bathroom windows in the areas they are working in.

If you have any questions, please do contact Helen Davinson.


Reminder: Public Exhibition next week - Information from The City of London School for Girls
The City of London School for Girls invites you to a public exhibition to view its proposals for alterations to the school.

We want to know what you think before an application is submitted to the City of London Corporation. Members of the project team, including the architects, will be on hand to answer your questions and discuss the proposals with you. We hope you will be able to come along and view the plans.

• Tuesday 21 May from 3pm to 7pm - St Giles' Cripplegate Church, Fore Street.
• Thursday 23 May from 4pm to 8pm - City of London School for Girls, St Giles' Terrace, Barbican

If you are unable to attend the exhibition, you will be able to view the proposals and complete an online feedback form by visiting www.clsg.org.uk/schoolconsultation from Friday 24 May.
Click here to view a flyer that will be delivered to households next week.

For further information please contact Cascade Communications, who are coordinating our community engagement: consultation@clsg.online. 08081 686 677



Real World Reminders
Tailgating & Security Reminder
We are taking this opportunity to remind residents to be vigilant about tailgating.
This is one of the biggest security threats to the Estate and possibly the easiest to solve.

It seems prudent to remind residents not to hold the door open for anyone without a residents estate key, but also to be mindful that the doors close properly behind you.

If you are not comfortable closing the door on someone and there is someone behaving in a suspicious manner, then please wait until you are in a safe place and call either the Police or your nearest Concierge or Lobby Porter.

Please do try to report it as soon as you can.  In the same way if you feel that someone is acting suspiciously, then please contact your Car Park Concierge, Lobby Porter or the Police.

Please also remember not to 'buzz in' strangers to the block


Watch out for "Microsoft" scam calls to fix your computer
How does the scam work?

Victims are called, usually by phone and told that there is a problem with their computer and for a nominal fee the suspect can fix it. The suspects often claim to be working with Microsoft who have identified that the computer has been infected with a virus and offer an update or fix.

The victims are talked through the logon steps in order for the fraudster to gain remote access to the computer. The victims will then often witness the mouse moving and changes being made to the display. They then pay a fee (anything between £100 and £300 has been reported to Action Fraud) and are told the problem has been resolved. Once the initial payment has been processed it is not uncommon for additional larger payments to be debited from the victim's account without their permission.

In addition to charging a fee to fix the computer, in some instances, programs are also installed that allow the fraudsters unlimited access to the computer without the victim's knowledge. This permits them to have access to information such as personal data as well as view online transactions so that further illegal activity may to be carried out.

For further information please click here for the action fraud website.


Noisy Work Times
This is to remind residents that noisy Home Improvement works are to be carried out on weekdays between 10am - 4pm and no work is to be carried out on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays
If there is a problem during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 5pm) please call your House Officer, and if out of office hours please call your concierge or car park attendant.

More information on noise can be found on the Barbican Estate Website in the Residents Information Pack in Communal Living.


Window Cleaning
The window cleaning for the flats is completed every 6 weeks, with the abseil clean carried out every three months. The window cleaners will clean the following areas:

• External glazing for flats for windows and doors
• Both faces of glazing for privacy screens
• Balcony screens and both faces of glazing in communal areas

The window cleaning schedule for 2019 is on the website, and on the notice boards.

If you spot any shortcomings in standards regarding window cleaning, or you believe the contractors have missed your windows, please ensure you report this to your House Officer within 5 working days of your scheduled clean.

Please don't wait until AGMs and House Group Meetings to raise issues.  This will give the contractor the opportunity to return and rectify the issue.  Reporting issues promptly enables us to address deficiencies in line with our Service Level Agreement.

Please ensure that you leave your balcony glass and privacy screens accessible for the window cleaners. This will enable them to clean your windows without moving your personal property. If this is not done, we cannot guarantee that your windows will be cleaned.

Thank you for your cooperation.


News from the Barbican Wildlife Garden
Barbican Wildlife Garden News – Extraordinary Happenings in the Undergrowth!

Shots from the garden

Today the regular BWG volunteers were joined by an enthusiastic group from Skanska, who encourage all their staff to volunteer at least twice a year to "Lend A Hand" with local community projects. Having gratefully received a very large pile of bark chippings (organised by The Manager of our fab City Gardening Team, Jake – Thanks Jake!), we were very glad of the extra pairs of hands to help clear the paths and lay the new bark. Even the Team Manager joined in, despite being in his suit! Please click here for more news.

Barbican Centre Updates

Reminder: Sound Unbound 2019 - Lakeside Terrace performances Saturday 18–Sunday 19 May

Sound Unbound, the Barbican's free weekend-long celebration of classical music, returns this spring on Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 May.

Some of the performances will be taking place on the Lakeside Terrace so nearby blocks (Gilbert House and Defoe House) have received a notice explaining what to expect. We now have more details about the activity timings, including set-up and sound-checks, so you can view an updated version of the notice on our residents page at www.barbican.org.uk/residents (under 'Notices').

We hope you are able to enjoy the many activities taking place across the Barbican Centre, and you can find full programme details at www.barbican.org.uk/soundunbound

If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to email residents@barbican.org.uk, or out of hours / on the weekend itself please call 020 7382 7308.


Reminder: Recruiting Interactive Stewards
Culture Mile are currently looking to recruit up to 10 volunteers to help steward an interactive theatre performance happening in the City of London on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May.

Volunteers will help to assist with audience flow for the promenade performance, as well as helping actors and stage manager with props and costumes

Please click here for further details and requirements



Events

National Walking Month 2019

• Tuesday 21 May: Lunchtime - 'Discover St Pauls Garden'
• Thursday 23 May: Lunchtime A leisurely stroll round Smithfield & surrounding area.

The Road Danger Reduction Team will be supporting the Business Healthy Challenge and National Walking Month this May by hosting a number of walks in partnership with the Ramblers and Living Streets.

"Join us for a series of exciting short lunchtime and after work led walks exploring the hidden walkways of the City of London to celebrate National Walking Month.

No bookings required - come and get your step count up, discover new places and meet new people!"

Click here for details of the walks


Guildhall Lunch Market 23 May
Guildhall Yard hosts a regular lunch market with more than 20 stalls serving up mouth-watering dishes from around the world. Come and feast on some proper Greek wraps, Jamaican jerk chicken, cracking Korean dumplings and more.

Time for dessert? There are also plenty of sweet treats, including gourmet brownies and decadent doughnuts.

Ditch the packed lunch, leave the office and get out into the fresh air.

Thursday 12 noon - 2.30pm

Click here for details.



Activities and Workshops

Moor Lane Bridge – Fruit and Veg Garden – Join the Gardening Group
Behind the green hoarding on Willoughby Highwalk the Bridge to Nowhere hosts a thriving fruit and veg garden tended by a group of residents.

Anyone interested in joining the gardening group and sharing in the sowing, planting and harvesting please contact Sarah Hudson at info@friendsofcitygardens.org.uk

Please click here for further information.


May Half-term Youth Activities
Please see the youth provision publicity posters for Golden Lane and Aldgate for May half term.
For further information please contact: Commissioning@cityoflondon.gov.uk


Barbican Library Celebrates Barbican@50
The 50th anniversary of the Barbican Estate provides us with the chance to celebrate this special place where you live. As part of the anniversary celebrations the Barbican Library would like to share your memories of living here in a special display later this summer.

Please see the flyer for details.

Barbican & Community Libraries Games Club
Meet new friends, learn new strategies and have fun in our new weekly games club. Bring your own game or choose from Scrabble, Chess, Rummikub, and Cribbage.

Every Thursday 3 - 5pm Barbican Library Free - No need to book!

Please see the flyer for details.


Dragon Café in the City Wednesday, 22 May
On Wednesday 22 May, 'Wellness Wednesdays' will take place at Dragon Café in the City at Shoe Lane Library (1 Little New Street, EC4A 3JR), between 12pm and 7:30pm.

Dragon Café in the City is free and open to anyone living or working in the Square Mile and provides a free and open space for visitors to release the pressure and engage in a range of creative activities to foster mental wellbeing. A free and healthy lunch, refreshments and snacks are available to visitors.

Please see the flyer for details.


Reminder: Aldgate Winter Events

The City is keen to make sure that Aldgate's Winter Events, including the lantern parade and fete, which last year involved 500 people from across the area, are increasingly collaborative and community driven. As such, we have set up an initial open session to discuss what people in the area might want this year's events to look like.

Meeting: Monday 20 May 2019, 4:30 – 6pm at Toynbee Hall Wellbeing Centre, 52 Old Castle Street, E1 7AJ

Click here for the poster.



Culture Mile
See the website here:  https://www.culturemile.london/



Transport Updates
For City road works details please click here.

For TfL travel information in and around London please click here

Culture Mile meeting - 19:00, 26th June

From our common councilors:

____

At the recent  Ward Mote meeting it was agreed that there should be a further Ward meeting specifically to discuss the Culture Mile. 

We have been fortunate in that Peter Lisley (Culture Mile Director) and Tim Jones (Culture Mile Manager) have both agreed to speak to us on 26 June at 7pm in the Frobisher Rooms.

Click to read the whole flyer

Culture Mile - Arts Centre Summer Events

The City in the form of the arts centre is kicking of a series of events across the City under the brand "Culture Mile".   The events start from the 16th of this month.

The launch even will be Sound Unbound: "Music will burst from the concert hall and out across Culture Mile’s architectural gems".  This is a sub-series of events over the weekend of 16th and 17th May.

Details of all events are on the Culture Mile web site https://www.culturemile.london/.

Visit the website for details