FARA review of the year 2010
by Flash Bristow (for the 2011 Annual Meeting)
I was proud to be elected chair of FARA in January 2010 and with Wendy Reilly as my Vice-chair we were able to get a lot of work done.
We began by introducing benefits for members: a discount scheme in local shops when you show your membership card. With the support of Liz, the communications officer, the newsletter was revamped to a jam-packed 4 pages. I’m delighted to say that by the end of the year we had over 100 members.
The events team did a great job in organising a variety of community events for all ages. There was a spring history walk, summer scavenger hunt and picnic, early Christmas party, and then carol singing. Also, the annual Photo competition was organised by a dedicated group and this was another success.
FARA had a Wishlist team who tackled issues raised at the last AGM, which included a dog fouling awareness event, and organising two new litter bins for the ends of Davies Lane and Ferndale Road, as well as smaller tasks such as making sure members had crime prevention leaflets (and trying to persuade people to display their Neighbourhood Watch stickers) – it’s important that we all do it, if we are to deter burglars.
Yet another group reviewed the constitution.
FARA continued its regular work liaising with local groups such as the staff at Pastures Youth Centre, and Edward House hostel.
We also work closely with the police, passing on our concerns about local anti-social behaviour (mainly relating to drugs and dogs) and also relaying their news and crime statistics. Because we are able to publicise the nature of crime in our area there was even one incident where a woman chose to contact me instead of letting distraction burglars into her home. I’m pleased to report that the Neighbourhood Watch officer for Waltham Forest says that compared to the surrounding areas, crime in the FARA streets is generally low.
Through the year we have enjoyed various visitors to our committee meetings including planning enforcement officers, who explained their role to us, and Lawrence Wong from the council’s transport team, who advised us of the High Road regeneration consultation.
The proposed Olympic briefing centre for police was a hot topic this year and FARA responded both to the police’s consultation and that of the Home Office.
As we look to the future, we have begun liaising with CBHA, a housing association who are in the process of buying the old Lincolns pub, and I am on the Residents Design Panel for the new building.
As you can see it’s been a busy year for FARA. I have been honoured to have been Chair during 2010 and hope that 2011 will be even better.
