News for Residents

Parking (posted 30 November 2021)

We have just re-confirmed with the Racecourse that on race days, residents have permission to park their cars all day in car park ‘A’ off the Knavesmire Road. Simply show your parking permit to the parking steward and display it in your windscreen to gain access.

Great British Spring Clean (Posted 13 May 2021)

If you would like to get involved with The Great British Spring Clean please come and join us on 5th June at 10am. We can pick litter on the development, weed the boundary laurel hedge, or go further afield to show pride in our community.

Additional Information – This is a National Annual initiative involving KeepBritainTidy keepbritaintidy.org Local Authorities, and a range of partners to encourage individuals and groups to clear litter from our streets, parks and beaches. The aim is to help our environment as well as the physical and mental well being of those who volunteer.

It is NOT designed to replace the activities of Developers, Property Management companies or Councils, and nor should it be seen as such. Consequently, people can choose to volunteer or otherwise.

Get involved in The Great British Spring Clean at The Chocolate Works

Happy New Year (31 December 2020)

We would like to wish all residents a Happy and Healthy New Year

DWH Christmas Working (17 December 2020)

David Wilson Homes have informed us that the site team will be working between Christmas and the New Year. Specifically, 27th, 28th and 29th December.

Little Yorkshire Coffee Company Operating from the Clock Tower Enclosure (24 November 2020)

Those people who walk, jog, cycle, dog walk on the Knavesmire might be interested to know that the Little Yorkshire Coffee Company have announced that they will be operating from The Clock Tower Enclosure during daylight hours, 7 days a week.

Successful complaint about Campleshon Road Electricity sub-station noise (03 November 2020)

As anyone who walks down the footpath to Campleshon Road will know, the noise from the Electricity sub-station can be very annoying, and even intolerable for those living in Neapolitan House, Hallmark House, Bayldon Court, and nearby.

CWRA have been engaged in a complaint process with City of York Council Environmental Protection team since June 2020 to take action about the noise. We have co-ordinated eight letters of complaint from affected residents to City of York Council Environmental Protection Team, and enlisted the support of Cllr P. Kilbane when needed.

At the same time, and separately, two residents of Carousel House, Cheryl & Rob Huddlestone, have engaged in a complaint process directly to to Northern PowerGrid.

Today we have formally been told the following –

“Northern PowerGrid will fully enclose the two 33/11kV transformers in bespoke built, high specification acoustic enclosures to mitigate noise. . . .

. . . the expected costs for the whole mitigation may easily be in the region of £200k, if not more”

This is not expected to take place immediately, but is, nonetheless, good news!

Winter Gritting (27 October 2020)

Watson are in the process of contracting with a firm to provide gritting throughout the development during this winter. This will take place, based upon weather forecasts, when the weather hits a particular minimum value.

This should be particularly welcome news to residents who have previously asked for this, particularly on the path down to the Zebra crossing on Campleshon Road, but also on the steps towards Bishopthorpe Road

Council Throws Out Application for 3 Apartment Blocks of 85 Apartments and 7 Town Houses at The Residence (11 October 2020)

Congratulations to Terry’s of York Planning Action group, and our local Ward Councilors Jonny Crawshaw and Pete Kilbane for their successful efforts to block this unsightly overdevelopment.

Also, many thanks to all the residents from the Chocolate Works who contributed to the 300+ letters of objection

Residents Association Committee AGM (10 September 2020)

Our joint AGM, with Watson, was due to take place in October. Current restrictions on meetings mean that this is currently not possible.

We have considered, and ruled out, an AGM via Zoom (or similar) because we felt, on balance, that this format limits the opportunity for healthy discussion and debate. Therefore, the decision has been taken to defer the AGM until Spring 2021.

Obviously, we will make a further decision if group meetings are still prohibited at that time.

Temporary Parking spaces ( 21st August 2020)

David Wilson Homes today unexpectedly labelled temporary parking spaces on Joseph Terry Grove and others within the Harlequin House courtyard, for specific properties in Harlequin House. Apparently this is due to unavailability of the permanent spaces which are within the works compound.
Clearly, it is important that residents have access to permanent parking spaces.
However, it is deeply disappointing that this change of use was not communicated in advance to residents.
At the same time, we have been promised additional temporary parking spaces outside Cocoa House, which will actually improve the situation.
Unfortunately, internal discussions within David Wilson Homes, have failed to resolve who will label the spaces and when they will become available.
We will continue to exert pressure to improve the situation and get better communication.

July 2020

July 2020, Issue No. 12    Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

This is our first Newsletter since March 2020 and as such, we need to reflect some of the changes caused by the ongoing pandemic as well as update residents on activity around the development.

If you are not already a member please go to cwra.co.uk and follow the instructions for joining. It is free at present (to be reviewed later this year) and guarantees you get our Newsletters. We are also looking for people from the apartments who may be interested in working with the committee to ensure we remain representative of all groups.

Previously Advertised Meetings

Due to ongoing restrictions upon social gatherings we are unable to organise residents open meetings, as advertised in the March Newsletter. Equally, the impact on our future AGM has yet to be determined. Nonetheless, it is our aspiration to have more face to face meetings when it is safe and practical to do so.

David Wilson Homes (DWH)

We understand that there are now no limits on numbers of workers allowed, within social distancing guidelines, so we can expect work to be near full capacity from now on.

Pre-lockdown there were 130-140 workers on site at any one time. When work first recommenced this figure was nearer 40 workers.

DWH have also applied to start working on Saturday and Sunday in the future. This will not involve a change in start or finish times and is likely to be approved by the Council. DWH’s aim is to be finished by November 2021.

DWH have also indicated that they will do the following:

  • Remove dead trees and debris from the perimeter of the development.
  • Clean a two metre section of the whole perimeter of the development (to stop debris falling onto Campleshon Road and Bishopthorpe Road) and plant laurel hedging as a barrier.
  • Plant further trees in the area behind Devon House in September.
  • Undertake a tree survey and provide Watson with a maintenance plan going forward.

Bayldon Square

We continue to ask for replacement trees in Bayldon Square, and completion of the planting. This was due for completion in April, but it is possible that it will now have to wait until September.

Block G (Thistle House)

Piling will commence on this block in late July/early August. This will inevitably be noisy, but is the last piling for the whole development, as Orange House (Block K) has already been piled.

Carousel House – Medallion House

We are informed that –

  • replanting will take place in this area
  • concrete seats will be placed here
  • pillars will be erected at the base of the steps, similar to those at the Clock Tower Way entrance. Lights will also be placed in the grass along the slope (similar to those in Bayldon Square)

Clock Tower Way

From 1st August until completion Clock Tower Way will be the road designated to take deliveries, although some will still come in through the site compound.

Cocoa House

Is close to completion. The first residents are expected to move in by the end of July.

Joseph Terry Grove

The road surface between Robert Street and round to the compound will be completed in the next month.

Robert Street

DWH hope to have the properties at the top of Robert Street complete for occupation by Christmas.

The Estate in general

We have now had a walk round the estate with both DWH and Watson. Among the issues discussed are –

  • DWH will clean the paint spill outside Devon House
  • They will also paint a V (for visitor parking) sign in the space behind Devon House which was missed first time round
  • We have asked Watson to treat public areas affected by vine weevil. This will be discussed with the contractors in the first instance
  • DWH will strim and clean up the verge adjacent to the Care Home
  • Watson continue to be concerned about washing on balconies, which is contrary to the covenants. They are also concerned about bins and recycling boxes being left outside properties for prolonged periods.
  • DWH will provide additional temporary parking spaces. Initially these will be in the unoccupied Cocoa House spaces and will be available once marked up
  • A large parking space outside Medallion House which is currently used by up to two vehicles will eventually be designated for disable vehicle users.
  • We tried to gain clarity about which areas are now managed by Watson and which are still managed by DWH. This is complex, vague and changeable. But one example is that the grass at the Carousel House side of the steps down to Bishopthorpe Road is managed by Watson whereas the grass on the Medallion House side is still managed by DWH.

Wet rooms

Cura Home Care are currently stripping out and replacing wet rooms which had failed, as agreed with DWH last autumn

Parking

Watson has appointed Autosec to manage and enforce parking on the development.

We do not have a date for commencement, but understand that a letter will be sent out explaining the system to all residents shortly.

Shop

Planning permission has been sought for a plant room for a convenience store which will open in the current sales Office area. This is expected to open in late 2021. At the moment there is no confirmation of who will run the store.


Wider Issues

Electricity Substation

Letters of complaint have now been sent to York Council about the noise from the electricity sub-station on Campleshon Road. This has been a continuing serious nuisance for residents, particularly in Neapolitan House.

Land South of the Residence

We have continued to support our neighbours at The Residence in their objection to further building to the South of the Residence. Planning Reference -18/02582/FULM – Erection of 85 apartments and seven town houses.

This is due to be discussed in August by the Planning Committee.

Clementhorpe Flood Protection Scheme

This has been agreed by the Council, with a need to revise cycle path provision before commencement.

This will last twelve months and have some effect on all those people who use Millennium Bridge or the riverside footpaths and cycle paths into town.

 

If you’re not yet a member of the CWRA but would like to join us please see our Membership page. New members always welcome!


March 2020

March 2020, Issue No. 11    Email: chocworksra@gmail.com

Residents Association Committee open meetings

The Residents Association Committee would like to improve its communication. To facilitate this we would like to offer an open forum/drop-in at the end of Committee Meetings, where members can attend and ask questions, make suggestions, and meet the committee. Please feel free to pop over and see us. These meetings will be held at St Clements Working Mens Club, Count de Burgh Terrace (about 5mins walk away) at 8.30 pm on

  • 06 April 2020
  • 06 July 2020
  • 02 November 2020

Planning and Construction Report

This report has been kindly provided by John Stevens and was correct as at 21 January 2020. We thank John for keeping his eye on this for us.

  • Block J, Cocoa House (17/02874/FULM) – approved and under construction – Section 106 Agreement still missing. The Construction Environmental Management Plan is in place. 18 apartments with 15 off-street and 3 on-street parking places.
  • Block F, Medallion House, almost complete. 37 units.
  • Block G, Harlequin House, almost complete. 21
    units.
  • Block H, east of Joseph Terry Grove – yet to
    start. Units not known. For sale.
  • Block K (18/1934/FULM – revised scheme), to the
    rear of the Care Home, previously known as Block H. An amended plan made a
    marginal reduction in height by removing the penthouse floor with its 3
    apartments. Approved, subject to a new Section 106 agreement. 34 apartments
    plus 35 parking spaces, including electric charging points. A Construction
    Environmental Management Plan to be agreed setting out working hours, controls
    on noise and dust. All units to be affordable social housing.
  • Blocks L and M (18/02329/FULM – revised scheme) –
    an amended plan has been approved and the old one withdrawn. Block L has now been
    revised back to 12 family houses with off-street parking. Block M now comprises
    22 houses with off-street visitor parking spaces. Construction now under way.
  • New traffic restrictions in the surrounding
    area. Bishopthorpe Road – double yellow lines to be implemented by CYC this
    financial year. Also, a number of petitions for Residents-Only Parking
    Restrictions to the north and east of our site.
  • An application has been submitted for a zebra crossing, or similar, on Bishopthorpe Road where the new pedestrian access from Joseph Terry Grove will shortly open. Pedestrian traffic does not currently warrant a crossing, and the Council does not consider that there is any speeding, but CYC will monitor the situation. We could volunteer to research traffic amounts and speeds with the support of the police.
  • Felling of 18 poplar trees to the immediate west of Cocoa House (19/01103/TPO). Part approved. Six trees to be felled; condition of the others to be monitored; replacements to be planted. The Racecourse has now taken this to an appeal – currently in progress.
  • York Local Plan. The first public hearing took place in mid December. If the plan is considered ‘robust’ and ‘sound’, there will be a further, more detailed, inspection this Spring.
  • Chocolate Works Advertising Hoarding Fronting Bishopthorpe Road (19/01156/ADV0) extended to March 2024. Following submission of revised plans, the application was approved. NB. The remaining length of hoarding, along Campleshon Road, is scheduled to be removed in January.
  • Terry Avenue Flood Defence Works (19/00570/FUL) – could be of interest to residents who walk or cycle into town. There are full details on the Environment Agency’s site https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/yorkshire/yorkfasclementhorpe/. At present CYC is considering an alternative construction method, known as ‘ground grouting’. If this proves viable, there will be far less disruption to walkers and cyclists.
  • Construction work has recommenced on the Clock Tower and Boiler House. Conversion to 22 apartments.
  • The Liquor Store has been made ready for use and is being marketed for restaurant/café and deli/retail use.
  • CWRA has been in discussion with Angela Blackwood, CYC officer responsible for sustainable transport. See separate report.
  • The Residents’ Assocation has submitted an objection to plans for further properties on Land South of the Residence for 90 apartments and seven town houses. If you are (among other things) concerned about the heritage of the factory, or traffic in the area go to https://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications / (Planning No. 18/02582/FULM)  to register your concerns before 18th May. There have also been objections from the National Trust, the Racecourse, CYC Highways, CYC Conservation and York Civic Trust.

Estate Management

Reminder: Watson, the Property Management Company is holding a meeting for ALL residents on 26th March at 6pm in St Chad’s Church Hall.
This is an opportunity to catch up with what’s happening on the development and to ask questions.

  • Watson’s have confirmed they wish to complete the planting on Bayldon Square with plants ordered, with a £500 contribution from DWH. It just awaits better weather.
  • The trees on Bayldon Square are to be replaced by DWH landscapers in the spring.
  • A light above the defibrillator has been agreed by DWH and awaits installation.
  • We are liaising with Watson’s on the poor condition of landscaping being handed over to them by DWH.
  • We have brought Watson’s attention to breaches in leases around the development to include washing being dried on balconies, BBQs on balconies, cycles being left out in gardens and For Sale notices being displayed.
  • We are keeping on top of DWH and Watson’s on estate snagging including the replacement of dead planting, paint spillages, loose block work in parking areas and collection of rubbish.
  • We have been requested by Watson’s to review the need for a concierge.
  • Watson’s are consulting with us on the specification and scope of works for maintenance for the period 2020/21. This will directly affect our Management fee.
  • We are arranging meetings with all parties to agree the best way to take forward the adotion of the roads by the City Council and to ensure all residents have their input.

We are currently looking for volunteers to help Steve with Estate Management from the apartment blocks, Joseph Terry Grove and Clock Tower Way. If you are interested in getting involved please email: chocworksra@gmail.com We’d love to hear from you!

Forthcoming Events

Great news. The racecourse has invited 50 residents from each of the Chocolate Works and also the Residence to an evening tour on Thursday 23 April 2020 from 6.30pm-9pm in the Parade Ring Restaurant, to include light refreshments. This event should prove popular and is at no cost to the residents. More details will follow shortly on how to apply for a place.

The Sales Office is in the early stages of planning in conjunction with residents a VE Day (8th May) event for the development. More details to follow.

Social Groups/Events

Yorkuleles at the Knavesmire

What an enjoyable evening this was. The Yorkuleles provided excellent entertainment with an original mix of songs performed with skill and gusto. I would not have expected some of the selections to work well with a ukulele band but what do I know? Thanks to imaginative arrangements, they all absolutely did. At times, some members of the audience were dancing in the aisles. Unfortunately the evening was brought to a slightly premature end because a member of the band became unwell, but thankfully he apparently made a swift recovery. Thanks are due to the organisers, the band, the Knavesmire pub for providing a free venue, raffle prize donors and to all who supported the event by purchasing tickets and turning up. The result was that a very worthwhile sum was raised for The Samaritans.
Helen Shoesmith

Wider Community

Living North Live – York Racecourse
Yorkshire’s biggest homes, gardens, shopping, food & lifestyle exhibition. York Racecourse 20-22 March 2020. More details at www.livingnorth.com

 

Flying Scotsman at the Railway Museum
For the only time this year, Flying Scotsman is back on display in York at the National Railway Museum. Get up close to the well-travelled loco and marvel at the engineering details of this magnificent engine, designed by the renowned Sir Nigel Gresley. A special platform allows access to the cab for everyone, including wheelchair users and little ones in pushchairs. Open 1 April – 21 April 2020 from 10am to 6pm

Local Book – Shadows in the Bricks
If you are interested in local history you may be interested in the latest publication by Clements Hall Local History Group. At 114 pages it is a history of the old shops of South Bank (an area defined here as running from Southlands Avenue to The Residence and across to Albemarle Road.) The book is advertised on the Clements Hall Website – shadows in the bricks And is for sale at Fred’s Bakery, The Winning Post, Tranquil Hair and Beauty, The Corner Barbershop, Tower Vets, Pextons, Frankie and Johnny’s Cookshop and Cameron Beaumont Opticians.

The CWRA – Contact UsSubscribe to our Newsletter

If you’re not yet a member of the CWRA but would like to join us please see our Membership page. New members always welcome!


December 2019

December 2019, Issue No. 10    Email: chocworksra@gmail.com

The Residents Association Committee would like to take this opportunity to wish ALL residents Happy Holidays and all the best for 2020. Here is hoping we can build upon our successes of this year!

Christmas Carols on Bayldon Square

Thanks to everyone who participated in our second Carols on the green event on 15th December.

Special thanks to St.Chad’s choir for leading the singing, Vanilla Hair and Beauty for their generous donation to the Carecent charity collection and in no particular order, the people who made this happen: Mafalda, Bridget, Julie, Filiz, Andrea, Helen & David, Lucy and Paul, Clare and Peter and Hilary.

If anyone would like further information about the role of Carecent in York – a charity helping the homeless – please visit www.carecent.org or contact Clare Skardon, who organised the Carecent collection (WhatsApp 07931 179181‬).

Defibrillator Training

On Saturday, 7th December our first Defibrillator Training took place in St Chads Church Hall.
Enthusiastic participants had the opportunity to learn, or refresh, their CPR skills on a Resusci Anne manikin doll and also work through the sequence of commands using the Defibrillator. This was enormously helpful, and reassuring, and ensures that there is an increased pool of people available with a degree of confidence in what to do in the case of an emergency which might require the use of the defibrillator. It was also nice to see residents from further afield in Cameron Grove attending the training.

If you have not already done so, please take the opportunity to acquaint yourself with its position for future reference (on the wall at the side of the Sales office between Hallmark House and Neapolitan House).
PS David Wilson Homes have  agreed to install an additional light above the machine to make it more visible if needed at night.

Website Coordinator Role

Andrea, our current website coordinator, is stepping down from the committee in the near future, so we are looking for a volunteer to replace her to keep the website up to date and to produce our monthly newsletter. If you have a bit of spare time and like fiddling on the computer (reasonable IT skills required) then this role would be perfect for you! WordPress knowledge would be an advantage but not essential as Andrea is happy to provide training and support. Please get in touch if you are interested or would like further details. Email chocworksra@gmail.com

Estate Management

  • Watson’s have informed us that planting of bare patches around the development and the replacement of trees in Bayldon Square will take place in Feb/March 2020.
  • DWH have agreed to contribute £500 towards planting on Bayldon Square.
  • The boundary fence from the electricity sub-station through to the new steps on Bishopthorpe Road is planned to be removed in January 2020.
  • New robust parking signs are to be supplied and installed.

We are currently looking for volunteers to help Steve with Estate Management from the apartment blocks, Joseph Terry Grove and Clock Tower Way. If you are interested in getting involved please email: chocworksra@gmail.com We’d love to hear from you!

Social Groups/Events

Chocolate Works Coffee Club at St Chad’s Church Hall – Wednesday 8th January, 10 – 11 am. Join us for a catch up over coffee and cake. Nicole and Andrea will be there to greet you. Everyone is welcome and kids can come along too. Small donation to the kitty for refreshments.

Upcoming Event: Saturday 29th February 2020

The Yorkuleles at the Knavesmire Pub. We are running this event in support of The Samaritans and will be selling tickets in advance as numbers will be limited. Full details will be published in next month’s newsletter (end of January).

Wider Community

New Year’s Day Antique Home & Vintage Fair – York Racecourse

Wednesday 1st January 2020. Wide choice of antique and vintage items, home décor inspiration, collectables, curios, jewellery, art and fashion. Please see AntiqueFairYork.com for details.

York Talks – University of York

Wednesday 8th January 2020. A series of 15-minute talks open to all and free of charge. See YorkTalks for further information.


The CWRA – Contact UsSubscribe to our Newsletter

If you’re not yet a member of the CWRA but would like to join us please see our Membership page. New members always welcome!


November 2019

November 2019, Issue No. 9    Email: chocworksra@gmail.com

News on works around the Chocolate Works

A quick update of some of the works being undertaken by DWH and Watson (following a joint Estate Walkabout):

DWH sub-contractor is now working on the area behind Devon House and Carousel House. They are – 

  • clearing the undergrowth
  • removing ivy off choked trees 
  • and removing any dead trees
  • providing the results of a tree survey and the condition of the trees to Watson, which will then be available to us
  • planning to plant 59 further trees in the area

DWH will also provide street lighting in the car park area as soon as their sub-contractor can commence the work.

Likewise, their sub-contractor will soon add the extra ‘V’ for a permanent Visitor parking space opposite the other two existing permanent spaces.

Once this work is completed, they expect to remove the hoardings from Campleshon Road round to the steps leading to Bishopthorpe Road with a view to opening up pedestrian access.


The bin store at Devon House was discussed –

  • The council instruct operatives not to move rubbish from the floor or overflowing bins. Hence occasionally the bins have not been emptied. It is clearly in residents’ own interest to keep the area tidy.
  • The store is shared by Devon House and Carousel House. David Wilson Homes legal team are finding a set of words to satisfy Yorkshire Housing Association about this and to ensure continued permanent access for Carousel House residents.

  • DWH will clean the paint spill outside Devon House and Carousel House
  • They will plant an area on JTG next to an individual parking space which  has been missed
  • DWH have been asked to report back to sub-contractors to fix the flower beds outside Devon, Carousel, and elsewhere which are overflowing with bark spilling onto the road, because the planting was too high.
  • DWH have been asked to review the screening for the substation at the Devon House side. They will investigate but this could prove problematic due to covenants protecting the sub-station.
  • We have asked for fencing around the perimeter of Campleshon Road (when the hoardings are removed) as we highlighted this as a potential issue for security. There was a lack of enthusiasm for the idea, not least because of the potential cost.

DWH will go back to their gardener about the trees on Bayldon Square and get them replaced. Additional planting on Bayldon Square is booked to commence in  February 2020.


We expressed concerns about heavy Plant using Robert Street. DWH have a very clear traffic management plan which diverts traffic down Joseph Terry Grove whenever possible. However, occasionally it has proven necessary to use Robert Street and Clock Tower Way when they have been pulling services across Joseph Terry Grove to Blocks E & F.


DWH plan to commence piling works for the remaining houses near the Clock Tower before they break for Christmas on 20th December. This will use a drilled rather than a driven pile which should reduce noise. However, there will be increased traffic disruption.


Request for feedback – guttering

Some residents have experienced problems with leaks from the guttering to their houses. Specifically, the problem appears to be buckling and cracking of the fibreglass gulley. It would be helpful if we could begin to find out whether this is an issue which is only affecting one or two properties or whether it is an issue that is much more widespread, which may necessitate a site-wide solution. If you have experienced this, please email chocworksra@gmail.com so that we can begin to identify the extent of the issue, which will aid our discussions with DWH. NB Please note that we want feedback, at this stage, specifically referring to the firbreglass guttering rather than any and all leaks. Thank you.

Planning Update

A reminder – in case you missed it first time round . . .  David Wilson Homes have officially withdrawn their application for Block M (11/11/19). This will revert to 22 family homes, and the piling for these will start before Christmas. Congratulations once more to all involved in the objection to this Block!

The current final plan of works for the development can be viewed on our Planning Page

Defibrillator Training

Course run by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service – Help save a life!

Training for residents of The Chocolate Works and the wider South Bank area is on Saturday 7th December, 9am to 11am, at St Chads Church Hall. By attending this course you will be able to confidently use our onsite Automated External Defibrillator. Booking not required.

Social Groups/Events

Please join us on the square on Sunday 15th December at 5.30pm for mulled drinks, nibbles, hot blackcurrant for the kids and carol singing. Please bring your own glass/mug and some change for the small donation of £2 per adult (kids free) to cover costs. The choir from St Chads will kick off the carol singing at 6pm. We look forward to seeing you there! Family and friends welcome.

A charity collection on behalf of Carecent -helping the homeless of York -will take place on the evening. Please bring any of the listed items below. All donations are greatly appreciated! If you are unable to attend the Carol Singing but would still like to make a donation to Carecent please contact Clare on 07931 179181‬.

Tinned spam, corned beef, sugar, baked beans, tinned fruit, cereals, biscuits, squash/cordial, shower gel, shampoo, baby wipes, razors, role-on deodorant, jeans, tracksuit bottoms and new men’s underwear

Please see website for full details of all social groups at The Chocolate Works:  Social Groups

Upcoming Event: Saturday 29th February 2020

The Yorkuleles at the Knavesmire Pub. More details to follow.

Wider Community

Book: Shadows in the Bricks – The old shops of South Bank in York

If you are interested in local history you may be interested in the latest publication by Clements Hall Local History Group. At 114 pages it is a history of the old shops of South Bank (an area defined here as running from Southlands Avenue to The Residence and across to Albemarle Road.) The book is advertised on the Clements Hall Website – shadows in the bricks And is for sale at Fred’s Bakery, The Winning Post, Tranquil Hair and Beauty, The Corner Barbershop, Tower Vets, Pextons, Frankie and Johnny’s Cookshop and Cameron Beaumont Opticians.

If you’re not yet a member of the CWRA but would like to join us please see our Membership page. New members always welcome!

The CWRA – Contact Us


October 2019

October 2019, Issue No. 8    Email: chocworksra@gmail.com

Report From AGM

Monday 14th October 2019
The first Annual AGM of the Residents Association was held on 14th October 2019, in combination with the first annual meeting with Watson, The Property Agent.
A report of the activities of the residents Association was given  and Watson were asked questions about parking enforcement, the gardens, and access to Watson accounts (details of both are available in the recently circulated minutes).
There were 47 attendees which was gratifying and indicated interest in the activities of both groups.
The next AGM will be booked for October 2020. However, the acoustics were such in the church, that we shall probably be looking for a venue where it is more possible that all attendees can hear the whole proceedings.
Many thanks to all who attended, and for the post meeting feedback, which has been very positive.

Minutes for the AGM are available to view on our website: AGM Minutes

Defibrillator Update

Great news! The Defibrillator has been installed next to our Noticeboard and Mafalda is currently organising a training course on how to use it. Details to be confirmed in the near future.

Parking at Sales Office

We would like to remind residents about the arrangements for parking outside the Sales Office. These spaces are for sales staff and prospective purchasers only.
We have been granted access to these spaces outside working hours (6pm – 8am) with the proviso that the space is then vacated. Please adhere to these times as we do not want to lose this additional resource and have it come under the parking enforcement scheme.

Social Groups/Events

Please see website for full details:  Social Groups

Christmas Carols on Bayldon Square – Sunday 15th December, 5.30pm

Please join us on the square on Sunday 15th December at 5.30pm for mulled wine, mulled cider, mince pies and carol singing. The choir from St Chad’s are coming at 6pm to lead the singing again this year. We kindly ask you to bring some money with you – there will be a small donation to cover drinks/mince pies. A lovely festive event for all the family!

This Christmas we wish to support Carecent – a local homeless charity – by collecting donations of food, clothing (good quality), and toiletries. We will provide more details in the November newsletter about how we plan to collect any donations you may want to give.

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday 29th February 2020

We are busy planning a fundraising event for the evening of Saturday 29th February. We are lucky to have booked the wonderful local ukulele group, The Yorkuleles, to provide entertainment for us. It promises to be a fun filled evening so please put the date in your diary. Venue and details TBC.

What’s Going On – Wider Community

Members of the Clements Hall Local History Group have been researching the area’s extensive industrial past – chemical manure works, confectionery works, thread mills, glassworks, shipyard and more. Please see the History Group’s website if you’re interested in reading about the area’s fascinating history: Clementhorpe, York: Over 200 years of work and industry


The Chocolate Works Residents Association