Autumn Update 2013

This has been email to some, posted to many and posted, not quite in full here.

Following on from last winter when we experienced issues with the outside keypad, engineers attempted to correct this in May and for a time seemed successful. It appears, now that the weather is starting to turn  that the keypad is starting to stick again. The simplest resolution to this is to change the keypad code, moving away from the use of the 0 (zero) button. This would also address any issue of the widespread knowledge of the code, as it's been in use for 5 years. We therefore propose that during the weekend of 2^nd/3^rd November we will change the code to the keypad. Please note that this will not affect the key-fob. Please indicate to any of the directors  if this will cause you problems.

We have discussed whether changing the codes should be an annual task but have not decided yet. Please feel free to contribute your thoughts to this.

I've briefly touched on communication and another idea to help everyone share important or even just useful information might be to have a suitably placed notice board (or two). These would be a cost item so would have to be paid for out of the funds held by the management company. Please give your consideration to this and comment back to us.

Formal Handover from Lodge Park

I have just returned from a meeting with Lodge Park, which was arranged to discuss formal handover of communal items from them to Waterside Management Company.

Lodge Park have agreed to list all items that they believe should be included and will forward this to me as soon as it is available. In the meantime it is important that we create a list of anything that we are not happy with or are unsure about in relation to the shared area “the courtyard”. Personal items that are within the boundary of your own property are of course not applicable and should be addressed personally on your own snag lists.

I would like to formulate a list of all items and return this to Lodge Park by Monday 30^th January, which is just under a week away, so please consider this without delay. Any items for the list can be emailed to me at my email address or posted through the door at No. 27. Please ensure that the items are clear and indicate who it is that has identified then, so that I can get further clarification if needed.

The items I have listed so far are:

1. Surface water overflow drains – one appears to have an internal cover that needs removing. 
2. External security light (under arch), not working.

1st Residents Meeting

Finally arranged for Sunday September 11th, 4:00pm at Swan Inn, Middleton.


This was the only weekend option that wasn't going to clash with other establishments activities.

Watch out for the plumbing!

As always, just before a weekend or a bank holiday, something goes wrong that is going to cost an arm and a leg in emergency costs.


This was no exception, 36 hours before bank holiday Friday (Royal Wedding) I found a large wet patch in the ceiling of the family bathroom. Immediate investigation uncovered a leak in the airing cupboard on the floor above.

8:00pm at night isn't conducive to finding a plumber who will deal with Megaflo systems.

Found the fault and with a few photos in the digital camera, had a quick chat with Phil, who had previously had a big flood in his house and he immediately identified the culprit part as the same.

I got the details of the plumber who fixed his system and managed to get through at 9:00am the following morning. On the downside he was fully booked for Thursday but was quite happy to come on bank holiday friday.

30 minutes of pipes, sealing tape and spanners and the fault was rectified.

Watch out for a black unit in the piping in your airing cupboard which starts to drip. If it does let me know. 

Remote Fobs for Gates

FAAC TM 868DS is the sort of gate remotes that we use. 868 is the frequency the remote and the control unit uses and the DS refers to 'Dip Switch'.

After spending a few hours trying to find a reasonably priced source for these, to replace the one the little blighters took, I found a source that seems reliable.

If anyone needs a replacement currently (March 2011), they are approx £26 + P/P and can be ordered from:

Marshfield Enterprises
(John Smith)
1 - 4 Marshfied Cottages
Shore Road
Garthorpe
Scunthorpe
DN17 4AF

Marshfieldenquiry@hotmail.co.uk
marshfield-enterprises.com

01724 798014

Annual Return

I've had notification from Companies House for our first Annual Return.

I'm waiting for a security code (in the post) to allow us to submit the paperwork on-line.

Lodge Park handover

Although we have officially had handover from the solicitors and the Management Company is now under our control, the solicitors did not think it necessary to inform Lodge Park.

They were rather surprised when I spoke to them last week and told them of the current position. They are now working to arrange a meeting where by all the necessary information about contractors, maintenance, maintenance contracts, etc can be handed over to us.

As soon as this is done we can look to securing the courtyard more actively, changing remote dip-switches and gate codes.