June 2003
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Dear Neighbours
Summer is now upon us. The trees have exploded with a great extravagance of green plumage, the tulips have coyly pushed their heads above the soil and those lovely lazy late warm evenings are here. Thank heavens.
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We were saddened to hear of the passing of one of our neighbours after a short illness.
Sid will be missed as a member of our community and we send Stella, his widow,
all our love and thoughts.
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The Kids:
Firstly, a big THANK YOU to the children for playing with soft balls. By observing the rules of the Estate you've made the neighbourhood a much happier place. People have noticed your exemplary behaviour and have asked the Ashdown Committee to say thank you. So Thanks Very Much, Kids, we're proud of you.
Satellite Dishes:
Thank you to the three households who have
removed their satellite dishes. We very much
appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
The AGM:
The AGM will probably be held later on in July. The date will be announced, in due time, as soon as the Accounts have been completed. A few people will be leaving the Committee and if you feel you have the time and energy to join the Committee, please let us know. The vacancies will be in the garden, buildings and window cleaning departments. Like last year, a confidential written ballot will be held on the night to appoint the new committee. Proxy votes may be made if you really can't attend - details will be sent out with the AGM notices.
Drains:
A reminder to everyone in a ground floor flat - please remember to clean out your drains whilst the weather is good, in preparation for the winter and in order to avoid flooding by blockages or frost.
Building Maintenance:
This year, Bill and his son Mark are working on the
estate from 1 to 30 Ashdown Drive. If you are new to
the Estate here are pics of them - Bill has worked here
for many years and is well trusted. If you know of any
work that needs doing around the estate - such as a
lightbulb in the garage area that needs replacing, a
broken step, or a gutter that is blocked, etc. then please
drop a written note into Ros. Please don't bother
Bill with it as he only receives his instructions direct from
the Committee who are responsible for employing him.
Bill
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Mark
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Flat roof repairs - Several garages have recently had their flat roofs repaired without checking the rear of the garage and replacing the rotten wood fascia! The same is true of fascias around the porch areas and any beams. Did you know that these fascias can not be easily repaired without damaging the new roof? We are each responsible for replacing/repairing our own woodwork, or sharing the costs with the appropriate immediate neighbour. Over the last few weeks, the Company has been issuing notices to various leaseholders to make the repairs necessary. We thank everyone for their co-operation and understanding, and hope that we do not have to continue to remind everyone of their obligations as leaseholders.
Freehold Working Party:
Following the recent letter from our landlords to leaseholders who had not yet extended their leases, the Freehold Working Party (FWP) has really taken up speed with the excellent driving force of Jo at 66 Ashdown Dr. Everyone is reminded that the recent letter was simply an offer to extend the lease at the prices stated. It should be remembered that the cost for each leaseholder extending their leasehold is likely to be more per property than obtaining the Freehold! The FWP will be in touch.
Window Cleaning:
The windows are cleaned on the last Tuesday (or the next non-rainy day) of each month. Please put that in your diaries and make sure your windows are closed on those days, especially as the window cleaners will be using a spray machine and if your windows are open they'll have to miss your windows in case the water and cleaning chemicals go in your property.
Neighbourhood Watch:
You are reminded that the local police have invited everyone to the launch of a Neighbourhood Watch for our area on 7.30pm on Monday 16 June at the Allum Lane Community Centre (Room 4) Don't forget, that by having a neighbourhood Watch it can reduce each of our insurance costs!
Summer Fun - Parties, Camping, Playtime:
These our homes and gardens and are here for us all to enjoy. Please enjoy your parties, barbeques and community activities but please make sure that you are considerate to your neighbours. To remind everyone of the obvious courtesies:
- no noise after 11pm - as per the lease, so make sure your party is finished before 11pm, and if you are outdoors - allow time to clean up as well
- don't leave your outdoor furniture strewn about the gardens as it causes problems for the gardeners - take care of your property
- remember health and safety if you are having a barbeque and not to barbeque next to the building
- rats are already easily enticed to the dirty bin areas on our estate so please don't encourage them even more with food dropped in the gardens
- as we do not have private gardens the Company feels it is not safe for any children (or otherwise!) to camp outside - it is also noisy and disruptive to neighbours
- with the longer Summer days, children will be playing out longer, but we ask that you call your children in by a reasonable time so that neighbours can have a rest from the sound of children playing under or near their windows - which may or may not be your own windows!
Thank you again to everyone for your marvellous co-operation over the last few month. Enjoy the summer and see you at the AGM!
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