Albatros News

APARTMENT WATER TANK The tank has now been tested, cleaned and disinfected.  We are back to normal. FOLLOWING THE FLOODS Has your property been checked since the heavy rains in December and January?  Some Owners have problems with water entering through their solariums especially in the.Penthouses and Townhouses. FIBRE OPTIC We have accepted an offer to install the fibre optic option into the complex.  We don't have an installation date as yet but I will let you know as soon as we are advised. It is part of the Government sponsored scheme so there is no charge for this.  Speeds should be in the region of 15 to 30 mb.  Charges for fibre optic packages seem to start from about 30€ per month which gives internet, TV and currently a mobile phone with data allowance included. CAR ENTRANCE GATE The car entrance gate has now been repaired.  There was a delay in doing this because a new motor had to be ordered.  I am advised that it i...

24TH JANUARY  2017 -  HAPPY NEW YEAR  TO ALL TOWNHOUSES, PENTHOUSES AND BUNGALOWS PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE TOWN HALL HAS ADVISED IT IS NOW SAFE TO USE TAP WATER FOR DRINKING, CLEANING YOUR TEETH AND COOKING. APARTMENT BLOCK THE TANK IN THE APARTMENTS IS DUE TO BE CLEANED  DURING THE WEEK COMMENCING 23RD JANUARY.  UNTIL THEN YOU SHOULD USE BOTTLED WATER FOR COOKING, DRINKING AND CLEANING YOUR TEETH ETC. I WILL ADVISE YOU WHEN IT HAS BEEN DONE AND THE CERTIFICATE ISSUED SAYING THAT IT IS CLEAN. 29th JANUARY  THE CHECK HAS BEEN DONE AND THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS BUT.........THERE IS DIRT IN THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK AND IT NEEDS TO BE CLEANED.  THIS IS SCHEDULED FOR  WEEK COMMENCING 29TH JANUARY. If you are in doubt about anything. please contact our Admisistrators.,,,,,,details by clicking on the "Administrator" label on the right. THE COMPLEX AND THE STORM I h ave been at Albatros for a week now and can only repeat how...

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE TOWN HALL HAS ADVISED IT IS NOT SAFE TO USE TAP WATER FOR DRINKING, CLEANING YOUR TEETH OR COOKING .....EVEN IF YOU HAVE BOILED IT FIRST.  THE WATER TANK IN THE APARTMENTS WILL HAVE TO BE CLEANED AFTER WE ARE ADVISED THAT IT IS SAFE TO USE AGAIN. The water tank is due to be tested during the week Commencing 2nd January.  In the meantime, please do not drink the tap water or use for cooking in the Apartments. The testing has now been moved to the week commencing 23rd January 2017 If you are in doubt about anything. please contact our Admisistrators.,,,,,,details by clicking on the "Administrator" label on the right. 19th December 14.30 Region de Murcia 112 photo I have  received a very brief  text message from an Owner who is currently at Albatros and I am reassured that he says we have escaped the worst of the terrible flooding.  The garage remains dry. When I receive further news, I will let you know. 19th Dec...

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY I haven't written a post for a while which is always a sign that things are going well or that I am very busy .......or as in this instance, both Summer 2016 On the whole we had a good summer.  The minor issues that arose were dealt with by owners on the spot and the Committee were not involved.  A couple of Owners mentioned points to me when I was over in September and these will be discussed before next year.  These are matters that are difficult to resolve such as people leaving sunbeds out around the pool when they are not there.  Ideas have been put forward to address this .......but we need to think whether we are over re-acting and what the cost implications are. TV and Internet Installations, aircon and other works Please remember that when you have work done, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure that all reinstatement work is completed before contractors leave. I mention this because of damage recently to tiles in the cor...

FEES FOR 2016/17 Details of your fees were sent out in the AGM Package.  The Direct Debits will be collected during the    FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST. TOWNHOUSES ....MAINTENANC E The quotes for the maintenance work on all the Townhouses have now been received and the successful company is Decoman.  This is the same company that did all the work on the Penthouses and bungalows. I am in the process of writing to all owners about the work.  As usual, if you have any queries, please get in touch with me or a Committee Member. COMMITTEE 2016/17 Photos of all the Committee Members can be found by selecting the appropriate heading on the far right hand side of the page.

APOLOGIES It is taking me longer than normal to write up the Minutes following the AGM this year.  I travelled back to the UK shortly after the Meeting and have been involved with the selection of Contractor for Phase 2 Maintenance work on the Townhouses, writing letter of welcome and thanks to new and leaving Committee Members and sorting out a new sign for the poolside ,,,,,,, to name but three things on a list of about 20, I will make it a priority to get the minutes written as soon as the Maintenance contract is sorted. (I have started the Minutes.) 13TH JULY 2016 MINUTES of AGM I have completed these and they are at the office to be distributed. PLEASE NO CIGARETTE ENDS .................................... Summer's here and time for evenings on the balcony ....... and breakfast too.  To those of you who smoke, may I please ask you  NOT to throw your cigarette ends over the balcony.  Believe it or not, but they land on the balcony below which ...

JUNE MEETING  24th JUNE 2016 Just a reminder of the date of this year's AGM.  If there is anything that you would like to be considered for inclusion, please let me know asap as I will be preparing the package at the beginning of May. COMMITTEE Would you like to join us on the Committee?  If so, please email me at albatroscommittee@btinternet.com before 9th May 2016.   I would like to think that it is not a hard task.....it is an opportunity to have your views on all topics taken into consideration when decisions are made.  The majority of our discussions now take place via email so everyone has the opportunity to have their say, and vote, on all topics.   Your contribution will be much appreciated.  If you are interested, but not ready to actually be put forward for voting, you can also 'shadow' the work of the Committee and be included on some emails to get a taste of what is involved. COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE I do hope tha...

Not a pleasant subject to be writing about but I wanted to make you aware that there have been several break-ins on nearby complexes recently, particularly on El Divino.  I have not received reports of any on Albatros.  The police have arrested 4 people, I hear, so hopefully these incidents will be at an end. In order to decrease the risks on Albatros,  we must ensure that our gates are not left open and it is in each individual Owner's interest not to leave entrance doors to their properties open and unattended. PLEASE MAKE SURE THE PEDESTRIAN GATES CLOSE BEHIND YOU Can I also ask that if you see at someone has failed to do this would YOU please close the gate. PLEASE TAKE CARE There have also been incidents of mugging in the streets near Albatros.  I am sorry to say that it has happened to an Owner who had a necklace pulled off.  Incidents have occurred in Isla Tabarca as well as in the back roads near the field. Hopefully the people d...

Season's Greetings and Best Wishes for 2016 No Owners' Meeting in January 2016 as there is insufficient urgent business.  Notification has been sent out by the office. Post Boxes   Notices have been placed in the Post Boxes asking advertisers not to stuff the individual boxes with advertising literature.  If the individual boxes become full, the post people take the post back to the Post Office.  The boxes are there to receive post and so I have firmly, but politely, asked those who deliver the advertising matter to show respect for the postal workers and use the 'Publicidad' container at the side of the post boxes.  Fingers crossed on this one. Bench  We have had a request for a bench to be placed near the car exit gate primarily for use by people waiting for lifts who in the past have used the apartment steps.  Pisciblue who look after our gardens have sourced several stone benches which could be suitable.  Providing the price ...

WEEK COMMENCING 21ST SEPTEMBER SUMMER 2015 After a disappointing start things settled down.  Temperatures were even higher than usual as was the humidity so the pool and surrounding areas were very popular.   The original pool guards were changed and we had the services of guards who were at Albatros last year and had experience of some of the issues which we have every year.  In the main the poolguards were respected by the pool users but as usual there were a few who were unruly and bad mannered. The night guard made a tremendous difference to the complex, his presence being sufficient to deter most inconsiderate behaviour. The Committee will be undertaking a review of the summer arrangements shortly so that lessons can be learned and changes made for next year if necessary. COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE The contract with Decoman was finally signed at the end of August ready for work to start mid September.  A test area on a balcony with cracks has ...

NIGHT GUARD As  an emergency measure and in response to some anti-social behaviour during the night time hours, a night guard has started working on Albatros.  It is with some regret that this unanimous decision was taken ..... we had always hoped that it would not be necessary.  Other complexes nearby have night guards and I think Albatros became the easy option for night time swimming in a lovely pool, regardless of the pool rules or the Code of Conduct relating to anti-social behaviour.  It's a big enough nuisance when one person thinks this way but when he brings 10 or more of his friends back at 05:30 to join in, disturbing occupants of nearby properties, and involving the police, it is getting out of hand.  I was then advised that occupants of other properties were joining in and the Committee felt that it was time to do more than send letters. There are sufficient funds in the budget to cover the cost and we are looking at asking the Owners of ...

A DISAPPOINTING START Graffiti ........ has appeared on a house wall by the satellite dish...... I don't have the full details yet about which house, but when I have those details, I will write to the Owner.  T he area affected is about 14" long and the letters 4" high.  David Newman has tried to remove it but without success so I have asked for it to be painted as a matter of urgency as it is unsightly and could attract other mindless attempts.  The name on the wall is PATRIC.   Not sure if the vandal was interrupted; can't spell; or is it a name in another language? The Pool Steps  ......... have been broken and it is unlikely that this has happened because of normal use.  One set, and maybe both, will need repair or replacing.  They were inspected and repaired before the summer and to have to do it again is disappointing and costly . The Pool Guard  ........ is there for everyone's safety and to help ensure that the pool is kept to th...

AGM 2015 The AGM was held on 26th June with Owners from 14 properties attending and 40 voting by proxy.  My concern over such small numbers is that we all have a high stake in the Community and should be vigilant on how the affairs of the Community are being handled.   Other communities in Spain have been caught out when 'less than honest' officials have taken advantage of the communal funds.  We have safeguards in that the Committee oversees the President and the Administrator oversees us all but I would urge all Owners to play a part in the process and be fully aware of how the fees are used........ and demonstrate this by using your vote. I have prepared the Minutes of the Meeting which are currently being checked before distribution. POOL The pool guard started on 24th June and I ask everyone to give him full support in ensuring that the Pool Rules are followed.  Tomas is Norwegian and has an excellent command of English as well as German and Spa...

GENERAL I have been rather quiet since the start of May but I think it best to be that way if I have nothing to say!! I am currently at Albatros returning on 1st July.... lucky me. The weather is beautiful and there are more people around the complex and in the town . MEETING The AGM is on FRIDAY 26th JUNE at 10:00am.   The package is with Benito, our administrator, who is adding further information to it before it is translated. After I have rechecked it, it will be emailed to all owners. We had a good response this year to requests for Committee Members and there are 4 nominations for NEW members, including a Spanish Owner for the first time. If you are unable to attend the Meeting and wish to make a comment, please let me know and I will do my best to include it for you. After the meeting we normally go for a coffee at Tomas near the fereteria and all are welcome to join us. Please introduce yourself and chat away. Please vote to show your support for the work ...

In addition to this notice I have asked the office to send an email advising Owners of these dates. PAINTING RED AREA AROUND POOL Due to start week commencing 4th May _______________________________________ __ COCKROACH TREATMENT 13TH MAY 2015 PLANNED TIME 09:30 Please arrange access to your patio if necessary and let me know if you have had problems with cockroaches recently. albatroscommittee@btinternet.com _____________________________________________________________________ GARAGE CLEAN                                               12TH MAY 2015 Please arrange for your space to be clear to ensure that the whole area is cleaned.  Obviously, if your car is parked in the space the cleaners cannot to do their job. _______________________________________________________________________ ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ...

COMMITTEE Now is the time to start planning for the coming year.  This starts with the preparation of the Budget, which is now complete, and the package for  the Annual General Meeting on  26th June 2015 We are looking for new Committee Members.  This year Lawrence Wolstenholme resigned: Richard Cooper sold his property: and Bev Stockley has decided not to stand again.  If you are interested in joining the Committee and would like to know more, please contact me and I will be happy to run through the kind of things which we do.  Everyone is welcome .... and I really believe that each and every Owner could make their own valuable contribution to the work in their own way. POOL Shortly the work on pool will be completed when the red surround is repainted.  If I am advised of the date I will put it on here. GARAGE The garage will have a clean in May.  This will include the drains.  I will let you know the date so tha...

I am currently at Albatros enjoying the lovely weather which has returned after some time of strong winds. ...... lucky me to have missed all that.  Commiserations to those who had this for the whole of their stay. GARDENS Once again the large pots with small trees in have been blown over.  These have been replaced at a cost of around 90€ each for the last 2, if not 3, years.  The Committee have decided to look at other options for the containers, probably something lower and broader based that will not catch the wind. Other than that, all I have to say is that the gardens are looking lovely with splashes of colour from the flowers,  The 2 beds opposite the fountain which had large conifers removed last year are looking very smart and the remaining plants can be appreciated to the full now that they are not fighting for light. More photos in the gallery. APARTMENT GROUND FLOOR CORRIDOR Jose Luis has started work on the groun...

NEW GARAGE GRILLES The new aluminium grilles have been fitted and I hope you agree that they look very smart......... and they should remain so for many years to come and do away with a lot of maintenance costs.  No more rust. POOLS Both pools are now refilled with fresh water and undergoing treatment........ 21 02 15 A price is being negotiated for painting the red zone before the summer.

EGM 30th JANUARY Thank you to all who attended the Meeting and to those who used their Proxy Vote ..... much appreciated.  The Minutes will be with you as soon as possible .  Once again the CISSMU Centre proved the ideal venue and at a hire cost of 30€, I don't think you can better it. It is evident from comments made at the Meeting that the top floor corridor painting and repair of cracks has been a success. The apartment corridor cleaners have completed one of their 'big cleans' this week.  I have never seen so many containers of cleaning fluid, cloths, brushes, mops, dusters, step ladders etc.  It was a very thorough job.  The windows have been cleaned and also the walls in the lift.  They do these additional cleans several times a year. POOL Work has started on the pools and both have been emptied ready for repair work and cleaning.  When completed both pools will be refilled with fresh water. Tiles missing in the main pool ...

Happy New Year everyone and best wishes for 2015. I have been quiet over the last few weeks which is not to say that I haven't been busy !! I am at Albatros between 13th January and 10th February.  We have been here for a week and have had some beautiful, sunny days.  The evenings are chilly though.  Have you adjusted the draught excluder on your door?  The picture below shows the activator which should be sticking out when the door is open.  There is a slot on it to enable it to be adjusted.  When the door shuts the activator is pushed in and the draught excluder fills the space between the door and the floor. EGM PACKAGE You should all have received your package relating to the Meeting on Friday 30th January .  There is only one voting item.  If you have any problems with the form, please contact me and I will help. APARTMENT ROOF                            ...