Hello from the new Estate Manager

Sarah-Jane Field

Firstly, I’d like to apologise for the radio silence since starting work here at the end of July. My name is Sarah-Jane, and I am the new Odhams Walk Estate Manager. I’ve also certainly been kept busy and, although Board member Steve had worked incredibly hard to get this website built, there were a few things that still needed to be added before we could start using it properly, such as online forms and updates to ensure compliance with current legislation. You will also notice across this site some super new colours and designs for letterheads and banners, also kindly provided by Steve.

Since arriving, I have been working hard, with the support of the Secretary Maggie Crowe and Chair Andrew Williams, to address several operational and technical challenges. To make matters even more tricky, the incredibly hard-working caretaker and handyperson, Charlie, went on a much-deserved holiday! I’m certainly looking forward to his return next week.

While these issues have sometimes been frustrating, significant progress has already been made, and we are steadily moving in the right direction. Some of these challenges are now resolved, while others are well underway.

Quick Progress Update

Some of the improvements already completed include:

  • A new and fully working Microsoft 365 system in place
  • Office files backed up securely to the cloud
  • New website operational and compliant
  • Resident contact database under review and being updated
  • Improved communications systems now in place

We’ll continue developing the website as we go. Please look out for an online Service Request Form coming soon.

Modernising Our Systems and Expanding Our Contractors List

One of my priorities is helping Odhams Walk modernise its systems and improve the way we manage information.

Housing co-operatives are often unique organisations. We are community-led, rely heavily on the dedication of volunteers, and typically operate with far fewer resources than larger housing providers. As a result, administrative and IT systems can sometimes lag behind modern standards.

This is not unusual. In my previous role with a housing co-operative in Wandsworth, I was involved in modernising and digitising systems to improve efficiency, communication and record-keeping. Following recent audit recommendations and discussions with our Westminster support team, it is clear that there is an expectation for all Westminster housing co-operatives to become increasingly digital wherever practical and appropriate. This is a direction I strongly support and intend to help Odhams Walk achieve.

Alongside the digital improvements, I am also reviewing and expanding our list of contractors and service providers. Having reliable contractors available for different types of work helps us respond more quickly to repairs, obtain competitive quotations and ensure residents receive the best possible service.

About Me

For those I have not yet had the opportunity to meet, I spent several years at Convent Co-operative Estate in Wandsworth, where I helped to modernise systems and supported the day-to-day management of the estate. During that time, I helped introduce new digital systems, supported the day-to-day management of the estate, and maintained the organisation’s website and online services.

Outside of housing management, I have a longstanding interest in technology, digital culture and the arts. I write about technology and art, create digital projects, and help artists and creative organisations develop websites and online platforms. I really enjoy finding solutions to digital problems, no matter how maddening at times, and I am looking forward to bringing those skills to Odhams Walk.

Staying Connected

As we move towards more efficient ways of working, it is important that we have accurate and up-to-date contact information for all residents and members.

If you have not already done so, please ensure the office has your current email address and telephone number here.

Providing an email address also helps ensure you receive newsletters, notices, consultation documents and important updates promptly.

If you did not receive this newsletter via email, we may not have your details. Please could you complete the form, as it will help me keep you up to date with news, notices and important information affecting the co-operative. If you discover a neighbour has not seen this newsletter, please share it with them.

Protecting Your Data

Odhams Walk takes its responsibilities for protecting personal information seriously. We are required to comply with UK data protection legislation and the requirements of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

As we continue to modernise our systems and move towards more digital ways of working, we are reviewing how information is stored, accessed and shared to ensure personal data remains secure, accurate and handled appropriately. Keeping your contact details up to date helps us communicate with you effectively while ensuring our records remain accurate.

Looking Ahead

There is still a considerable amount of work to do, and some improvements will take time. However, the foundations are now being put in place to ensure Odhams Walk has modern, secure and reliable systems that support both residents and the Board.

If you have been in touch with me about something that needs dealing with, please be assured that I have your request or query logged and I have not forgotten about it. That said, please be sure to use the new email address from now on and update your address book accordingly: office@odhamswalk.org.uk

I am looking forward to getting to know residents, working with Board members and other volunteers, along with our partners, as we continue improving the services we provide.

Thank you for your support, patience, and cooperation as we move forward together.

Have a lovely weekend!

Office Contact Details

Email: office@odhamswalk.org.uk

Office Hours:

  • Tuesday: 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Thursday: 9:30am to 4:30pm

Please note that outside these hours I may not be able to respond immediately, but I will reply as soon as possible during working hours.

UK Power Electricity Outage 

Webmaster

On Monday 10th August at 9.30pm an underground electricity cable had been snapped that affected 23 homes in Odhams Walk.

There are still a few problems that are affecting the residents but the management company Dexters are dealing with this now.  The main problem is the supply from the street into Odhams Walk – the secondary cable. 

We will keep you updated on what they are doing to restore full power again.  

Garden Planter Soil & Aspergillus

Webmaster

Dear Residents,

We are writing to update you of a possible soil issue that has been identified in some of the main planters on the estate, and to explain the steps we are taking to address it.

What has happened

We have been advised that there could be Aspergillus, a common soil fungus, in some of our main planters. This is a naturally occurring organism found in soil everywhere, and its presence does not pose a risk to most people going about their daily lives on the estate. 

However, we have been advised by the Environmental Health Office that anyone with respiratory conditions (such as asthma or COPD) or a weakened immune system should avoid direct contact with the soil in these planters, including gardening or handling the soil.

If this applies to you or someone in your household, we would ask that you avoid working in or disturbing the soil in the main planters for the time being. If you have any concerns about your own health in relation to this, please speak to your GP.

What we are doing about it

We are taking this seriously and are acting on expert advice at each step:

  • We have reported the issue to the Environmental Health Office, who have confirmed the appropriate precautions outlined above.
  • We are arranging for a local horticultural school to visit the estate and carry out soil testing, so that we have a clear picture of the condition of the soil across all the planters and can plan the right long-term remedy.
  • On the advice of the Royal Horticultural Society, we will work to remedy the soil in any affected planters as soon as possible and get planting! This will reduce the amount of fungal spore that can become airborne, particularly on windy days.

A note of thanks

We would like to thank our volunteer gardener, Daniel, who has looked after the estate’s planters for many years and whose dedication has brought a great deal of benefit to the whole community. We know it will be disappointing for him to step back from this work for now. 

We will keep you updated as these progresses. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please do get in touch with the Management Committee.

Kind regards,

Odhams Management Committee

STAY COOL 😎 (July 2026)

Webmaster

Like many residents, we are acutely aware of how uncomfortable our homes can become during periods of extreme heat. With summers becoming demonstrably hotter, and given the particular characteristics of our estate — flat roofs, full sun exposure on upper levels, and insulation that works against us in both directions — this is something we take seriously and are actively working to address.

What we are doing right now

We have been speaking with Westminster City Council to find out whether cooling kits can be made available to vulnerable residents, including the elderly, those with young children, and neurodivergent residents who can find temperature regulation particularly challenging. We are also reviewing our vulnerable residents list to make sure nobody is overlooked during heat events.

What we are planning

We are committed to looking at this more broadly and are currently exploring a range of short, medium and long term measures, including:

Restoring trees, climbing plants and green infrastructure across the estate including roof top non-destructive alpine-style flora — the loss of planter and climbing plants in recent years has had a noticeable impact on natural, cost-free cooling.

Challenging existing planning regulation on air-conditioning in recognition that circumstances have changed significantly since previous applications were considered.

Investigating achievable improvements to insulation across the building fabric.

Exploring the feasibility of solar panels on our flat roofs subject to conservation area planning considerations

Identifying grants and funding available through Westminster City Council, the GLA and the Mayor of London’s office.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

If you have ideas, concerns or experience of overheating in your home, please get in touch with the office. This is a community issue and we want to address it as a community.

HELP US RESTORE THE GARDENS AT ODHAMS WALK 🌿

Webmaster

The gardens at Odhams Walk have always been central to the character and architecture of the estate. Following essential maintenance work to reline the planters, much of the planting that made Odhams Walk such a distinctive and beautiful place was lost. We are now working hard to restore the gardens to their former glory — and WE NEED YOUR HELP.

With some care and community support, our gardens could once again become a beautiful green space for residents and a welcoming habitat for local wildlife. A place where neighbours can meet, children can explore nature, and wildlife can thrive.

Every contribution — big or small — will help bring this space back to life. If you can, please consider donating or sharing the link below to help spread the word.


CLICK HERE TO DONATE! — Or scan the QR code below:

Thank you for supporting our community and helping the Odhams Walk gardens flourish again.