The Board is very pleased that so many people got in touch to vote or make comments. 227 investors took part, which is a 42.8% member participation rate. Just under half the voters preferred a pitched roof:  113 investors  49.3% of the voters 94 investors (41.4 % of the voters) preferred the gabled pitched roof, with another 18  (7.9% of the voters) preferring the plain pitched roof. This compares with 80 votes for the curved roof (35.2% of the voters) The method of voting was: by email, text message, Facebook message, phone, face to face at pier events, and by post. Some asked why the Board didn’t simply move forward with the design shown at the AGM.  The concept at that stage was for consideration as part of our review. Chairman John Davitt, in his remarks to the meeting, said it was not the final design, it was at the concept stage. 78 people attended the AGM,  only 14% of the membership. We committed to taking a vote from all members and we are very pleased that so many members took that opportunity. There remain other aspects to finalise, such as windows, roof material, and the length and width of the revised buildings. These will all be drawn up now the roof style has been settled. The Board is considering various options to reduce the length, height  and width of the Visitor Centre. A very big thank you to all who took part – whether you voted or sent a message of support.  It really encourages the Board and volunteers to know that so many of you support the way we are proceeding, and see that we are trying our best to listen to all points of view at the same time as making decisions that not everyone agrees with, it’s like walking a tightrope ! Comments and ideas are welcome to shotleypier@gmail.com Emails received from members: “Thank you for the opportunity to take part in decisions, it should be a vote for ALL people who donated, not just those who can get to meetings” ” I am severely disabled and can’t get to meetings, I’m pleased to get a chance to vote” “My first choice would be option 3, then option 4, then option 2.   I know you only asked for the favourite but I’m too undecided!!” “Very democratic and equitable to take this vote! Have a great Christmas and…

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Consultation has been taking place at Shotley  amongst investors, local people and stakeholders in respect of revised plans for the pier buildings. Following the refusal of the original planning application, the Board has been considering how to proceed. Consultation has now begun regarding the style of roof, with four options for investors to vote on. Comments from non-investors are welcome too, the Board will review all input in January for discussion with planners. Two similarly sized buildings at the shore end of the pier would be built on a platform on either side of the pier, one to house the visitor centre and the other a workshop.  The original planned buildings  and footprint of the new design are shown on this website, with four options regarding the roof design being available to investors to vote on.  Chairman John Davitt said: “ since September, we have been looking at how we can compromise, and asking our investors and neighbours for their input. We look forward to seeing which roof design appeals most to our investors” The Board of Directors agreed three important principles at the outset: Keep the Pier Clear  for walking on. Group activities such as drawing and painting, photography or other leisure activity such as angling, need to take place on a platform because the pier is not wide enough for groups of people to take up room with stationary activities. We will not build on the pier, only alongside it. Step-free access  to welcome people with mobility problems and parents with pushchairs.  Selecting a design with a very gentle slope ensures access for all. Free entry to the pier so that anyone can stroll along it without paying an entry fee. The main areas of compromise have been to reduce the height and width of the buildings, reduce the length of the Visitor Centre by reducing the number of tables and chairs and removing office space. Comments on the four roof style options are welcomed, as well as the possible layout on the new draft plan. Email shotleypier@gmail.com if you wish to share your opinion

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Comments to shotleypier@gmail.com are welcomed

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Coffee Morning at the Red Lion, Main Road Chelmondiston, IP9 1DX Our regular coffee mornings at the Red Lion are always popular, and August’s event will have the added attraction of fine weather  – so the courtyard is available too – with sunny and shady spots its perfect for mingling and chatting.  £5 gives you tea or coffee, and a slice of cake to enjoy in the lovely environment of this Michelin-listed restaurant. There is no need to  spend more, but our coveted Shotley Seals in ceramic form are available to buy for £10 as is the Art on offer. The artist of the month is invited to show their work, which is displayed on the wall for 1 month. Each artist brings a different style, always interesting and enjoyable to meet the artist. The cakes are home made by volunteers and are considered a real treat – from fresh fruit cream cakes, to gin and tonic cake, there is something to appeal to all, including a savoury sausage roll if you don’t like cake ! We thank Mandy and Dougie of the Red Lion for their very generous donation of time and refreshments each month as this allows us to donate 100% of the £5 ticket price to the Pier fund.

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Our regular coffee mornings at the Red Lion are always popular, and July’s event will have the added attraction of fine weather  – so the courtyard is available too – with sunny and shady spots its perfect for mingling and chatting. £5 gives you tea or coffee, and a slice of cake to enjoy in the lovely environment of this Michelin-listed restaurant. The artist of the month is invited to show their work, which is displayed on the wall for 1 month. Each artist brings a different style, always interesting and enjoyable to meet the artist. The cakes are home made by volunteers and are considered a real treat – from fresh fruit cream cakes, to gin and tonic cake, there is something to appeal to all, including a savoury sausage roll if you don’t like cake ! We thank Mandy and Dougie of the Red Lion for their very generous donation of time and refreshments each month as this allows us to donate 100% of the £5 ticket price to the Pier fund.

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