2004 News archives

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LAS GOLONDRINAS JANUARY 2004 NEWS UPDATE - return to index

It was reported in the paper only last week that the Costa del Sol has enjoyed the best Winter in 30 Years and I am please to report that the Sun is still shining – long may it continue.

LAS GOLONDRINAS – PHASE 2
It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the death of David Thomas, the elected President of Phase 2, after a short illness. David was a good friend to our Community and I am sure you will join me in offering his Wife, Gill and her family, our deepest condolences.

PAINTING
The painting of the Community buildings have now commenced and will take approximately 8 – 10 weeks to complete.

As previously stated the Painting Company will offer individual Owners a quotation for the painting of individual Apartments and anyone who is interested should contact me direct.

SWIMMING POOL
The swimming pool has been emptied for cleaning and annual maintenance.

The fitting of the 4 pool lights have now been completed.

Sliding louvre doors have been fitted at the front of the structure leading to the pool heaters for safety reasons and to reduce the noise levels along with 2 louvre grills on the air vents on the wall facing Phase 2.

The pool will be re-opened during the week commencing the 9 th of February.

MARBLE FLOOR POLISHER
After many requests from Owners the Community has purchased a Marble floor polisher, which will be available for use by everyone.

I would like to thank Linda and Hugh Barber of Apartment 37 for their time and effort investigating this project.

Anyone interested in using the floor polisher should contact me regarding its availability.

POST BOXES
For identification purposes each Owner's post box has had their name and Apartment number attached to them, which will lead to greater security of mail delivery.

FARMACIA's (CHEMISTS)
Our Web site has been updated to include, under “Useful Numbers”, a list of the names of Farmacia's in the Fuengirola area and a map detailing their location.

There is also a 2004 calendar highlighting which chemists are open on 24 hours basis.

RENTALS
Can I gently remind each Owner or their agents who rent their Apartment to ensure that their Rentals, Relatives or friends are made fully aware of Community Rules especially those concerning Pool Rules, use of sun loungers, noise, and the hanging of washing from balcony railings.

Kindest regards,

Eddie Robertson
Community President

LAS GOLONDRINAS FEBRUARY 2004 NEWS UPDATE - return to index

Despite the earthquake that measured 6.5 on the Richter scale that emanated from Morocco and was felt in Benalmadena Las Golondrinas is still alive and kicking

PAINTING
The painting of the Community buildings is now well underway and once the painting is completed we will be given a Notarised guarantee covering the work for a period of 5 years.

Several Owners have had the inside of their Apartments painted and the approx. cost, subject to viewing and requirement, ranges from € 575 to € 1,010 for a 2 bedroom Apartment. The painting normally takes 1 day (4 painters).

If anyone is interested please contact me.

SWIMMING POOL
The cleaning and re-grouting of the swimming pool is now complete.

NOTICE BOARDS
Notice boards have now been fitted in the entrance of each block and will contain a summary of our Community Rules, Telephone numbers and any other relevant and useful information.

Hopefully this will further encourage Rentals to observe and adhere to our Community Rules.

COMMUNITY FEES
In the event of any Owner paying all or part of their Community fees in cash, at the offices of the Administrators, it is essential that you retain your receipt in case of any possible dispute.

WEB SITE – “OWNER'S SECTION”
Should any Owner wish to use the “Owner Section” of the Web Site regarding renting their Apartments please use the following instructions:-

Kindest regards,

Eddie Robertson
Community President

LAS GOLONDRINAS MARCH 2004 NEWS UPDATE - return to index

Last week the rains came and to say the least we had torrential rain over 4 consecutive days but the weather forecast for over the Easter Week is supposedly good – don't blame me if it is wrong.

PAINTING
The painters have asked me to point out to the Owners that there are old paint marks on some the Balcony's and having walked around the ones on the garden level I can confirm this.

SWIMMING POOL
As luck would have it the pool circulation pump gave up the “Ghost” on Friday the 2 nd of April and until the new pump is fitted on Monday the 5th or Tuesday the 6 th of April the pool will be closed. The old pump will be repaired and this will then give us a spare to reduce the needed to close the pool.

JOHN BROADY
After consultation with Joan Broady a brass plaque, in memory of John, has now been placed on one of the pool garden benches.

COMMUNITY FEES
Community fees for the April to June period are due for payment by the end of April 2004 to qualify for the discount. Those on direct debit have to do nothing further.

LAS GOLONDRINAS – PHASE 2
I am delighted to inform you that Martin Ross has now been elected as President of Phase 2 with effect from the 1 st of April 2004 – no pun intended.

I have had several very positive meetings with Martin in the past and he is definitely the right man for the job.

MIRAMAR COMMERCIAL PARQUE
The new shopping centre opened last week and boasts over 130 shops, 12 cinemas, numerous restaurants and a huge Hypermarket (Eroski). Entrance to the centre is the first exit past Dunnes store on the N340 (South Bound) signposted “Parque Comercial”.

 

Kindest regards,

Eddie Robertson
Community President

LAS GOLONDRINAS APRIL 2004 NEWS UPDATE - return to index

Las Golondrinas had its busiest week of the year over Easter and thankfully the weather was extremely good for the whole of the period. We are currently suffering at the moment with rain and high winds but the forecast for the next week or so is supposedly very good – we will wait and see.

NEW ARRIVAL
I am delighted to announce the birth of a son, Harry Robert, on April the 14 th to Robbie and Nicola Quirke of Apartment 22. Mother and son are both doing extremely well but the father is suffering, quite rightly, from “Post Natal Hangovers”.

Congratulations are also due to the first time Grandparents of Harry, Michael and Mary Browne of Apartment 7 – welcome to the “Club”.

EASTER
On Easter Sunday an “Easter Egg” hunt was organised by Kate Rands for the children and was followed by a BBQ at the pool. Many thanks to Kate and her helpers for the organisation of these events.

PAINTING - PROBLEM
It has been brought to my attention that the outside of some of the Apartments that have been painted are suffering from “blistering” on the ceilings and supporting pillars due to water soaking through from the balcony's above. This is caused by rain and water escaping through the extremely poor grouting and the porous surface of the balcony floors. The other main cause of the problem is water escaping from the fixed flower containers on the balconies and seeping through to the floor below.

The Painters are going to treat each of the offending balconies with a waterproof chemical solution, which should eradicate the problem of water seepage.

For those Owners who have fixed flower containers I would ask them not to over water their flowers and plants.

In the event the problem of water seepage persists I would suggest that the fixed flower container is re-planted with cactus or other plants that requires the minimum of watering or turn the container into a seat or some other feature.

OCCUPATION LICENCE
As you are all aware we still have not been issued with the Occupancy Licence and despite numerous assurances from Valdeazores we are no further forward.

After a fruitless meeting at Mijas Town Hall, 2 weeks ago, trying to ascertain the nature of the problem of granting us the Occupancy Licence a decision has been made to instruct our Solicitors to visit the Town Hall to review our “Building File” and find out what is the true situation between Valdeazores and Mijas Town Hall and what has still to be done in order for the Town Hall to grant the Licence.

As the 2 nd Phase is in a similar position to us regarding the Occupancy Licence I have adopted a joint approach to the problem with their President, Martin Ross.

JOAN BROADY
Joan has very kindly donated John's golf clubs to the Community and it is her wish that they are used for the benefit of all of the Owner's. I would suggest that if any Owner requires to borrow them a charge of €10 is made and once a year the money is donated to Joan's designated Charity.

FOOTBALL
If anyone is interested in tickets for Malaga F.C. and want information on matches and transport you should ring Ken on 0034 646 609 320 or 0034 952 77 28 14

Kindest regards,

Eddie Robertson
Community President

LAS GOLONDRINAS MAY 2004 NEWS UPDATE - return to index

I hope I am not being foolhardy but I think I can say Summer has at last arrived, as the weather has been extremely hot and consistent for the last 2 weeks.

SWIMMING POOL
Due to the good weather the heating has been turned off and we are maintaining pool temperatures in excess of 30 degrees and the pool covers no longer need to be used at nights.

Six new sun loungers and one new umbrella (to replace the broken one) have been purchased making a total number of 26 sun loungers, 8 umbrellas and 10 small tables.

In the picture section of our Web Site is 2 new photographs of our pool at night showing the new lights.

PAINTING
The painting of the back line building is well under way and hopefully they will be finished by the end of July but there again am I being too optimistic. !!!

JUNE – SEPTEMBER
As all Owners know the above period is the busiest of the Las Golondrinas holiday calendar and I would remind each and every Owner who rents their Apartments to ENSURE their “Rentals” are fully aware of the Community Rules especially with regards to the following:

•  Only 2 pool sun loungers per Apartment (adults only) during June to September

•  The hanging or drying of clothes or towels on balcony railings is forbidden

•  Noise of any kind is kept to a minimum at all times especially in the pool area

•  Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied at all times in the pool area

•  No ball games, skateboarding or cycling in any of the Community Areas.

Please also ensure that if you have Agents that manage your property that they are immediately made aware of the situation.

In the event of any damage to Community Property by their “Rentals” a charge for repair or replacement will be debited to the responsible Owners Community Account.

COMMUNITY LIGHTING
The timers to turn on and off the Community lighting have now been replaced with automatic sensors, ensuring that the lights are only on at the correct time.

QUEEN MARY 2
On Wednesday last week Queen Mary 2 sailed into Malaga dock for the Day. If you look in the picture section of our Web Site you will see a picture of her approx. 4 miles off the coast at El Faro and also a picture I copied from the “SUR”.

 

Kindest regards,

Eddie Robertson
Community President

LAS GOLONDRINAS JUNE 2004 NEWS UPDATE - return to index

I can’t believe that we are only a few days away from the school holidays and are rapidly approaching the busiest time in the “Las Golondrinas Holiday Calendar”.

The weather, since I last wrote to you, has gone from hot to consistently scorching.

SUN – LOUNGERS
As per last year, and in the interest of fairness to all concerned, sun-loungers will be limited to two per apartment until the end of September 2004. A notice to this effect has been posted on each block’s notice board and I would be grateful to all those Owners who rent their Apartments to ensure their Rentals are made fully aware of this rule.

SECURITY
Two break-ins have been reported to me over the course of the last 3 weeks. Both of them occurred in the front line building, one at garden level and the other on the first floor.

On both occasions basic security had been ignored as follows:-

The rental’s in the garden apartment failed to close the security shutters and also failed to activate the patio door lock when going out shopping during the morning of the break-in. The bedroom patio door was forced open with a screwdriver and money was stolen from the Apartment. The day of this break-in it was observed that the 3 Gypsy ladies were seen in the area and you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to deduce who the culprits were.

The second break-in allegedly occurred during the early hours of last Saturday morning and the Rentals on this occasion had left the lounge patio window open. They reported that one of their bags had been emptied but nothing had been taken despite there being money, credit cards and passports in the bag. It was subsequently reported that two watches were missing.

It is everybody’s responsibility for their own Apartment’s security and it goes without saying doors, patio windows should remain closed and locked at all times when you or your Rentals are away from the apartment, even for a few minutes.

If you see anything suspicious it should be reported to the local mobile security guard (0034 616079760) immediately. In the case of spotting the Gypsy ladies they should be asked very firmly to leave the area – that is my polite way of saying give them a bloody good kick up the “A**E” as they are definitely up to no good!!!.

I am currently taking (inexpensive) steps to improve the security at Las Golondrinas and I will keep you informed.

Finally, on this matter, I would say that there is no need to panic or get alarmed as we have had, over the last 3 years, very little trouble regarding break-ins and if simple security procedures are followed these incidents can be kept to an absolute minimum.

If anyone has individual concerns regarding the above please contact me immediately.

SWIMMING POOL
The pool is currently maintaining a daily temperature of approx 31c without the benefit of heating.

LIFT MAINTENANCE
I have now changed the maintenance of the 10 lifts from ThyssenKrupp to Miconic, a Company of some 15 years trading in the lift and maintenance business. By changing to this Company the Community is saving in excess of €500 per month.

 

Kindest regards,

Eddie Robertson
Community President

LAS GOLONDRINAS JULY 2004 NEWS UPDATE - return to index

July has gone with hardly a cloud in the sky and temperatures reaching 100 degrees plus most days.

SECURITY
Unfortunately over the course of the last 2 weeks we have had 2 burglaries and have both been located in the front line building in apartments on the ground floor, car park level. One of the robberies took place at approx. 2am when the burglar climbed down into the basement level and then climbed up to the balcony and entered the Apartment by the open bedroom patio door. The most concerning issue was that 3 children were sleeping in the bedroom at the time. The burglar then proceeded to go into the lounge and stole numerous items including credit cards and passports.

The second burglary took place one week later at approx 17:30pm using the identical method of entry. Again the bedroom patio doors were open when the Owners were having their afternoon Siesta.

I cannot stress too heavily that it is imperative to keep windows closed when the Apartment is empty or during the night. I would strongly advise that locks are fitted to all of your Patio Windows. If you need information about these locks please contact me.

It is imperative that if you have any concerns about strangers acting suspiciously in any of the Community areas you report it immediately to our local Security Company – Antares de Seguridad by telephoning (New No. from 30.07.2004) 618744975 or to the Police on 112. Any incident should be reported to me within 24 hours.

Can you please ensure that in the event of you renting your Apartment you make your Managing Agent or tenant fully aware of the situation regarding security.

Lastly I have been called out several times this month where Rentals / Friends of Owners have been locked out due to them closing the patio windows when they are on the balcony or leaving their keys in the front door lock when they leave, making it virtually impossible to re-gain access. These issues have been covered on numerous occasions and it is your responsibility to make your Rentals / Friends aware of the situation.

PAINTING
I am pleased to inform you that the Painting of the Community has now been completed and if any Owner has any problems with the painting of the exterior of their Apartments or have seen defects on any of the Community Buildings please inform me immediately.

COMMUNITY SIGN
Due to numerous Owner’s requests a Community sign has been erected over the archway entrance to Las Golondrinas. Please refer to the picture section of our Web Site. This sign has been erected to (a) inform people where we are (b) improve the situation regarding lost post and parcels and (c) reduce the number of strangers entering our Community on the pretext of not knowing whether they are in phase 1 or 2. The sign is illuminated at night.

SWIMMING POOL
The pool is currently maintaining a daily temperature of approx 34c.

 

Kindest regards,

Eddie Robertson
Community President

LAS GOLONDRINAS AUGUST 2004 NEWS UPDATE - return to index

We have almost reached the end of the Summer Holiday period and I am delighted to report that it has been almost incident free and certainly, as far as numbers are concerned, one of the quietest we have had at Las Golondrinas.

SECURITY
Unfortunately we have had another burglary, this time in the back line building. What was disconcerting about this one was the Apartment concerned was on the second level and entry was gained through the front bedroom patio window. The evidence points to the patio door having been left open again.

Two further attempted break-ins took place on the garden level of the front line building but luckily the window locks prevented entry.

Representation has again been made to both the Police and the Mijas Community’s security company but simple precautions such as the fitting of window locks and using them at all times is the best deterrent of all.

Again I would remind you that if you see anyone or anything suspicious report it immediately to “Antares de Seguridad”, the local security company by telephoning 618744975 or the Police on 112

NEW YEAR PARTY
On a brighter note I have been asked by numerous Owners to organize another “New Year Bash” and I would be grateful if you could email me by return if you are interested in attending. I have approached the Tamisa Hotel to supply me details of their costs etc. and I will also be exploring other venues for their suitability. If anyone has any alternative suggestions for the party please let me know as soon as possible.

LIFTS
Please ensure that when lifts have broken down the matter is reported immediately to Juan or myself to place the necessary call with Miconic the lift maintenance company.

AGM
A note for your Diary – The AGM is currently planned for Monday the 3 rd of January 2005 at the Tamisa Hotel. If anyone feels they would rather have the AGM a few days prior to New Year please let me know.

 

Kindest regards,

Eddie Robertson
Community President

LAS GOLONDRINAS SEPTEMBER 2004 NEWS UPDATE - return to index

The weather has been absolutely spectacular during September and those who have visited us during this time have seen Las Golondrinas at its best.

SECURITY
We have had an attempted burglary during September at approx. 4pm in the afternoon, this time on the back line building. The disconcerting thing about this attempt was it was a second floor Apartment and again entry was gained through the second bedroom’s open patio door. The occupier of the Apartment caught the burglar but unfortunately after a struggle he escaped.

I cannot stress heavily enough about leaving windows open as these people will enter your Apartment even if you are there.

NEW YEAR PARTY
I have booked the Tamisa Hotel for our New Years Party and at present I have had confirmation of 24 adults and 4 children attending. The cost I have negotiated with Salvador of the Tamisa Hotel including IVA is €140 per adult and € 70 per child. The Tamisa’s normal cost this year is € 198 per adult and € 107 per child.

The minimum number required is 30 so I would be grateful for additional names as soon as possible.

*Click here to view the New Year’s Eve Menu.

If last year is anything to go by it will be another superb Las Golondrinas “Hell of a Party”.

POOL
The heating has now been switched on and runs from 08:00 until 20:00. As yet we have not needed to use the pool covers at night.

AGM
The AGM will be on Monday the 3 rd of January 2005 at 10:30am at the Tamisa Hotel. Anyone who has unpaid Community fees as at the 31 st of December 2004 will have no right to vote at the AGM. According to the Spanish Laws of Horizontal Property if there is not sufficient Owners in attendance at the first calling at 10:30am on Monday the 3rd of January 2005 the meeting will then take place at 11:00am.

GATES
We are in the process of changing the current noisy automatic gate closers with closers that are much, much quieter. This change over should be completed by the end of October.

PETS
May I remind each Owner that rents out their Apartment that Community Rules state quite clearly that only Owners and their families are permitted to keep pets in their Apartment. No exceptions will be made to this rule

STAIRWAYS
I am concerned at the poor state of repair of some of the stairways despite just having them painted. This is mainly down to Rentals dragging their suitcases and golf bags though the stairways and taking chunks out of the wall and marking the paintwork. Should any Owner require paint or filler to touch up any of these marks please see Juan or myself.

 

Kindest regards,

Eddie Robertson
Community President

LAS GOLONDRINAS OCTOBER 2004 NEWS UPDATE - return to index

It only seems like yesterday that I was writing to you regarding the glorious weather we were having this Summer yet here we are with the clocks having now gone back and we are only a few short weeks away from Christmas. The weather has not been bad for this time of year but there is definitely a “Nip” in the air these mornings.

AGM
Due to circumstances beyond our control the AGM has had to be changed to Tuesday the 28th of December 2004 at 10:30 at the Tamisa Hotel.

You will shortly be receiving your invitation to attend the AGM and in the event you are unable to attend can you please ensure that you nominate someone to represent you at the meeting and email your proxy vote to either the Administrator or myself as soon as possible.

As in previous years should you wish to discuss any specific Community business it would be beneficial if you could email me, prior to the meeting, in order for me to research the question and give an accurate and meaningful reply.

Due to the limited time at the AGM it will only be possible to discuss Community related matters.

SECURITY
I am pleased to report that there have been no reported break-ins during October. I have been asked on numerous occasions regarding the benefits of installing window security blinds and alarm systems. In my opinion installing good window locks on all of the patio doors is of a sufficient deterrent and we have never had a successful break-in on property that have had these locks fitted. Should anyone require further information about these locks please email me.

NEW YEAR PARTY
It is imperative that if anyone else wants to attend the New Year’s Party they contact me as soon as possible. A non-returnable deposit for the function has now been paid to the Tamisa.

POOL
The pool will be closed for approximately 10 days during January for cleaning. I will advise you of the exact date of closure with the next few weeks.

GATES
50% of the new automatic door closers have been installed but the job is taking longer that anticipated due to poor quality of installation of the original gates by our good friend Valdeazores. The noise of the gate closing has been reduced dramatically.

GARDENS
During the next 10 days Juan will be cutting back all of the shrubs, bushes etc.

GOLF
I am delighted to announce that on Sunday the 31st of October one of our Owners, Mike Browne, had a hole in one at the 3 rd hole at Alhaurin. I was lucky enough to be with him at the time but unlucky enough to find out that in Ireland, or so he tells me, it is not common practice to buy a round of drinks in the Clubhouse and even unluckier for me that I landed up paying for all the drinks that day !!!.

 

Kindest regards,

Eddie Robertson
Community President

LAS GOLONDRINAS NOVEMBER 2004 NEWS UPDATE - return to index

Here we are again only days away from Christmas and I am pleased to report that the weather has been, on the whole, very reasonable for this time of year and hopefully the Owners who will be here for the Christmas / New Year holidays will enjoy some days of sunshine around the pool.

AGM
The AGM will be held on Tuesday the 28 th of December 2004 at 10:30 at the Tamisa Hotel.

So far the Administrator or myself have received only a few returned proxy votes and I would be grateful if anyone who cannot attend and has not responded already e-mail me at nominating who they wish to act on their behalf at the AGM.

Your vote is important and should be used.

SECURITY
The cost of fitting “Window Locks” as quoted by one of our suppliers, frequently used by Owners at Las Golondrinas, would be € 120.00 in total - € 60.00 for the 2 locks for the lounge and bedroom (€ 30.00 each) and € 60.00 for 2 locks to guests bedroom door (top and bottom of door). This cost illustration is based on a 2 bedroom Apartment. Anyone who is interested in having these locks fitted should contact Trish or Barry Henderson on 0034 652853807.

It has been brought to my attention that certain Insurance Companies have turned down claims with regard to “Fire Damage” on the basis that no smoke alarm/detector was fitted and I would suggest that everyone has one installed as soon as possible. Alarms are extremely cheap, readily available at any good Ferreteria and can be easily installed – even I can do it !!!.

NOISE
Can I remind each Owner / Rental to ensure that noise is kept to a sensible and acceptable level at all times but especially during the holiday period as everyone knows the sound proofing in the Apartments leaves a lot to be desired.

If you are having a party over the holiday period please advise your immediate neighbours of the situation and be especially considerate if they have babies or young children.

NEW YEAR’S PARTY
I am hoping that I will, like last year, be able to arrange transport from Las Golondrinas to the Tamisa hotel. This facility was kindly provided by the Tamisa Hotel.

Each Owner will have to make their own arrangements for returning home but it didn’t seem to be too much of a problem last year. If you are returning via the Golf Course try and avoid the Lakes, as they are bloody cold at this time of year.

Payment must be made direct to the Hotel on or prior to New Year’s Eve and I will provide them with a list of people attending.

POOL
I am please to report that the pool is maintaining a temperature, under current weather conditions, of between 28 to 30 degrees.

Can I ask Owners to replace the pool covers at the end of each afternoon, as it is unfair to expect either Roy Futcher or myself to do it all the time.

GATES
All of automatic door closers have been installed and have reduced the noise considerably but should there be any problems with them please contact Juan or myself immediately.

GARDENS
Juan has completed the new brickwork around all of the trees in the car park area and has also finished giving the gardens their “Winter Haircut”.

 

Kindest regards,

Eddie Robertson
Community President

LAS GOLONDRINAS DECEMBER 2004 NEWS UPDATE - return to index

I hope each and every one of you had a very merry Christmas and I wish you all a prosperous and happy 2005. As in previous years the December News Update is extremely brief as most of the news is reported in the AGM Minutes.

AGM
The 2004 AGM took place on Tuesday the 28th at the Tamisa Hotel and I would like to thank all of the Owners who took the trouble to attend and also to the Owners who completed their Proxy forms.

The minutes of the meeting both in English and Spanish will be posted to our web site within the next few days

NEW YEAR’S PARTY
I am pleased to report that the New Year’s Party, held at the Tamisa Hotel, turned out, in my opinion, to be the best we have ever held and I am sure that all who attended (29) will agree with me.

The food as usual was superb and we were entertained magnificently all evening by Andy Locke, formerly with “Eddison Lighthouse”. True to form our Owners did the “Open” bar proud and the last stragglers left the Tamisa at approx. 5am.

I have written to Salvador at the Tamisa Hotel, on behalf of all the Owners who attended, to thank him and his staff for a magical and memorable evening.

JUAN SANCHEZ
2005 has started on a very positive note with the birth of a second son to Juan our Gardener. He was born on the 1 st of January 2005 and weighed in at almost 7lbs. and is named Arturo.

Kindest regards,

Eddie Robertson
Community President