THE BLACKHEATH SOCIETY

NEWS FROM THE SOCIETY
 

Equestrian Olympics in Greenwich Park

The Society held a Special General Meeting in Blackheath Halls on Wednesday 23 July. This was called in accordance with the Society’s Rules by Michael Goldman and others to request that the Society express opposition to the holding of the 2012 Olympics cross country event in Greenwich Park. 

David Quarmby, President of the Society, chaired the Meeting.  You can access the papers sent to members ahead of the Meeting from this link. The Meeting debated two Resolutions, as below: 

Resolution 1 

“That this Society will oppose the construction or use of a course in Greenwich Park for the purposes of the cross country event to be held as part of the 2012 London Olympic Games”

Resolution 2 

“That this Society takes note of the significant opposition among its members to the construction or use of a course in Greenwich Park for the purposes of the cross country event to be held as part of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

That the Society accordingly: 

·        expresses the serious and widely shared concerns about the potential impact of the holding of the cross-country event in Greenwich Park;

·        seeks to obtain sufficient detailed information to enable that impact to be properly assessed, with a view to mitigating damage and disruption, and maximising access, to the Park;

·        seeks to ensure that at the end of the Games the Park is fully restored and returned to its pre-existing state; 

That the Society notes the letter dated 20 June 2008 from LOCOG, in response to representations made by the Chairman and the chairmen of the three other local amenity societies, which letter contains a number of assurances addressing the concerns of the Society and undertakings about future communication and consultation with the Society.

That the Society reserves its position and its right to oppose proposals relating to the cross-country event in the Park if, as a result of these consultations, the proposals are considered unacceptable.  

That the Society authorises its Management Committee to engage in constructive dialogue with LOCOG and all the authorities responsible for organising and permitting the 2012 London Olympic Games Equestrian Events, in line with this Resolution.”  

After a lengthy, spirited and good-natured debate, and at the point of declaring the result of the show of hands, a poll was called for by Frank Smith and others on both Resolutions, as provided for in the Society’s Rules. In accordance with those Rules, the Chair of the Meeting is responsible for directing the holding of the poll. David Quarmby undertook to ensure the poll will be organised in the coming weeks, and members will be advised by post. This poll will determine the final outcome of the Resolutions. 

This notwithstanding - and though it had no constitutional effect - it was agreed that the show of hands on the Resolutions should be counted, and tellers were duly appointed.

This led to the informal outcome:

- Resolution 1: carried by 84 votes to 42 with one abstention.

- Resolution 2: rejected by 64 to 54. 

Although the Rules do not require a reason to be given for the demand of a poll, Frank Smith, Chairman of the Blackheath Society, later explained that it had been done because the Committee felt that there is an important principle at stake and that the whole membership should have the opportunity to express their opinion. In addition, as we are in the holiday season, a significant number of members had been unable to attend and had sent apologies; and also the Rules have no provision for proxy voting. 

In the Meeting discussion, reference was made to two letters addressed to the Chairman of the Society by LOCOG (the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games).

These letters are relevant, and you can access them here - Letter 1 and Letter 2.

Pending the outcome of the poll, the Society will continue with its process – in collaboration with the Friends of Greenwich Park, the Greenwich Society and the Westcombe Society - of urgent consultation and communication with LOCOG, aiming in particular to organise meetings after August, including a joint meeting specifically for members of the four societies. 

We will keep you informed.
 

The Society's limited edition prints of the village are still available. To view the images and download an order form please visit our Publications page >>

The new train timetable is now in force. To check the latest service go to the TRANSPORT page more>>

The Graffiti Removal Team Meetings
6 September
4 October
1 November
Meet outside the minicab office at Blackheath Station at 2.30 p.m. Further details from Meg Dinkeldein on 020 8856 3545

The Annual General Meeting
Thursday 16 October 2008 at 7.30pm at The Blackheath Halls

site updated on
Monday 11 August 2008

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