Introduction

The Well Street Common User Group (WSCUG) was formed at the end of 2001. The Group provides a forum for residents from all the various streets and estates around the Common, and all those who use the Common, to come together and discuss and give their views on all matters concerning the Common.

The Common is managed by Hackney Borough Council.  Local Area Park Manager, John Zeraschi attends meetings regularly and is very helpful and responsive.

Local Councillors and local Community Police from both Wick and Victoria Wards, are also regular attenders at WSCUG meetings. They offer good advice and are very supportive.

Meetings

Full meetings of WSCUG are bimonthly approx, are usually on Tuesday evenings, and take place at Gascoyne Community Hall – thanks to the Gascoyne Tenants and Residents Association.
Committee meetings, when necessary, usually take place in a private home.

WSCUG maintains several noticeboards around the Common (3 open boards and 2 closed ones). They are used to advertise meetings and local events, and provide useful contact details. Other local groups are welcome to use the boards when there is space.

Newsletter

A newsletter –COMMON NEWS- is produced and circulated in spring and autumn.

The 2008 Committee

• Chair: Niul Dillon Hatcher
• Vice Chair: Derek Smith
• Secretary: Caroline Gregory
• Treasurer: Peter Leaver
• Committee Members:
  • Ron Newman
  • Genevieve Larkin
  • Mike Atkinson
  • Susie Aston
  • John Lyons
  • Mary Julian

New teenage members are needed for the Committee. Contact us if you would like to be involved.

Hackney Parks Forum

Almost all the parks and green spaces in Hackney have a User Group. These groups provide a useful link between the community and the Council Officers responsible for Parks; the links are beneficial in both ways: members of the community are able to discuss and report on maintenance and management, and the Area Park Managers are able to contact local people directly to discuss any plans or problems.
All the User Groups are members of Hackney Parks Forum, which meets bimonthly to share information and discuss current issues.

 

WELL STREET COMMON USER GROUP CONSTITUTION

1. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

   The aims and objectives of the Well Street Common User Group (the User Group) shall be:
   1. to protect Well Street Common (the Common) as an open access area, for the safe use of and enjoyment by the local community;
   2. to encourage and promote the use of the Common for both active and passive recreation and for social and play activities for all local residents;
   3. to promote the maintenance and upkeep of the Common;
      to advise and liaise with the appropriate bodies and officers of the London Borough of Hackney in respect of the management, direction, control and development of the Common;
   4. to promote local awareness of the Common and any proposals for its use;
   5. to liaise, as appropriate, with local community groups, tenants and residents associations, schools and other organisations over any proposals for developments and activities on the Common;
   6. to promote, support and encourage the London Borough of Hackney's equal opportunities policies in the management of the Common.

2. MEMBERSHIP

   1. Membership of the User Group shall be open to all local residents and users of the Common, irrespective of race, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual or political orientation
   2. The Secretary of the User Group shall keep a register of members.

3. COMMITTEE AND OFFICERS

1. The officers of the User Group shall be a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.  These officers, together with up to 6 other members, shall form the Committee of the Group, and shall be elected each year at the Annual General Meeting.A quorum shall be the Chair and 4 Committee members.
   

4. MEETINGS

   1. General meetings of the User Group shall be held at least quarterly.
      One of the general meetings each year shall be the Annual General Meeting. 
   2. All votes shall be on a show of hands by Members, and decided by a simple majority of those present and voting.  The Chair or person chairing the meeting shall have a second casting vote if the voting is equal.
   3. No elected Councilor of the London Borough of Hackney shall be permitted to chair any meeting or to vote.
   4. It shall be the responsibility of the Secretary to ensure that records of all general and committee meetings are kept.
   5. The Constitution can be amended at a General Meeting

5. FUNDS

   1. The Treasurer shall keep an account of all income and expenditure and present a financial report to the Annual General Meeting.
   2. All banking shall be done in the name of the User Group.