NEWS

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This message goes out to residents/owners at Sandown Lodge by email and by hand and is posted here in the News section on our website www.sandownlodge.org.uk.

A warm welcome this month to one new arrival in block G. We hope our Residents’ Handbook (available to download from the Resources page of our website) can answer any questions you may have.

With sadness we also note the loss in September of Ron Thorley, who arrived in June after several years of attempting to buy on the estate. Our thoughts are with his wife Carol and family.   

DOOR SURVEY

As flagged at the AGM, we need to carry out a door-by-door fire safety survey of the front doors to each flat. Ex-caretaker (and ex-fireman) James has been asked to carry this out. The survey is scheduled for 6-14 January.

Each individual door is expected to take between 15-30 minutes to survey, and we will be asking our block reps to assist in arranging half-hour appointments for each flat via an online booking system, details to follow. Thank you for your support. 

NEW DIRECTOR, NEW BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES

Consequent to Joan Gabbett stepping down in July, Andrew Humphreys of flat 26 has accepted an invitation to join the board. Andrew runs his own property business. We thank him for his willingness to help and look forward to having him on the team.

The addition prompts a realignment of board responsibilities: Paul Stokes has agreed to oversee our buildings maintenance; Tony Green is taking on responsibility for grounds and gardens; Terry Davey will focus on our planned common parts refurbishment programme. We hope Andrew may gradually take over some of our financial planning.  

Unaffected by the changes is property manager Juan Antelo of Bartholomews, who remains our go-to guru on all estate-related matters. Thanks Juan!

NEW FENCING ALONG OUR BOUNDARY WITH SQUIRREL'S WAY

The fencing along the boundary from the caretaker’s garage belongs to our neighbours. Philip from 15 Squirrel’s Way has lived there since 1967 and remembers Sandown Lodge first appearing. His recently installed new fence has a small hole at the bottom to accommodate the tree his son planted from a seed when small, and which he wants to preserve for sentimental reasons. 

Being as sentimental as Philip about trees and families, we have given full support. 

FULL FIBRE BROADBAND

We now have 19 flats successfully connected. If you don’t yet have full fibre but are contemplating joining them, please remember you need to talk to a director first to secure consent for cabling plans.
 

MINOR REPAIRS

In the last few weeks, wobbly fence posts along Worple Road have been repaired and a sagging gas pipe behind block D re-attached, among other small repairs. If you ever notice anything on the estate in need of attention, please mention it to your block rep. Speedy repair saves bigger bills later and keeps the estate looking cared for. 

GARAGE ROOF SEALS

Our new surveyor Paul Martin arranged a trial pit this month. This has helped to clarify the planned work to two further garage roof seals. Given the amount of recent wet weather, Paul thinks things can be safely deferred. Work is now scheduled for next spring/early summer. We will keep you posted.

RESIDENTS' HANDBOOK

The new edition is being prepared for release in January and brings realisation of how much has changed this year. We have a new caretaker and board changes to include. We also need to add new sections for ANPR and full fibre.

For those who still like to keep hard copies, there will be more new sheets to add to the loose-leaf system than has been the case for several years. In anticipation, if you do maintain a hard copy of the handbook, please let your block rep know, so we can plan for the printing that will be involved.

Last, not least...

RUBBISH AND RECYCLING

A small reminder that, as per the Residents’ Handbook, bin cupboards are for normal household waste only while large items need to be taken to the paladin area. 

Not included are items like furniture, mattresses, electrical goods, window blinds, old radiators etc. These need to be taken to the Council recycling site. Alternatively, caretaker Nicky may be able to arrange Council collection at residents’ expense.

Your support with this is appreciated.

Thank you for reading this update.  

Your directors 

Terry Davey (flat 53), Tony Green (flat 47), Richard Grace (flat 10), Andrew Humphreys (flat 26) and Paul Stokes (flat 41)