The Wynding,
68a western Way,
Darras Hall,
Ponteland,
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE20 9AP
Tel: Ponteland 3757
July 1973
Dear Member,
You may be interested to know that owners of 220 plots now subscribe to the Association. According to the Agents only 130 plots remain unsold, out of 600, It is understood that phase 1 is almost completed.
Only two progress reports have been received, one from Mrs. Heater and one from Mr. Topley. It is therefore difficult to evaluate the quality of completion and the anticipated Certificate of Completion from Senor Quesada's architect will not provide assurance of acceptability. The Committee is considering a suggestion by Messrs. Bondbridge that one member accompanies Mr. Topiey on an inspection visit, following receipt of the Architect's Certificate. This would have to be undertaken without liability. The only alternative entails commissioning a professional surveyor at considerable expense.
Enquiries, comments and complaints of all kinds flood in to the Committee from members. Time does not permit immediate replies in every case. Prompt action has been taken, however, where it is likely to have been fruitful. I have enjoyed full support from the Committee, all members of which have been most generous with their time. As an example of what this has entailed I have given virtually all my leisure time to the affairs of Mi Sol Owners association for the past five months. Often results do not appear to have justified the time and effort. Agreements reached during the Committee's visit to Mi Sol have, for example, needed frequent reiteration; some important aspects have yet to be implemented. I know I am not alone on the Committee in having seriously considered withdrawing from the task on several occasions.
My earlier letters have given clues to probable reasons for our perseverance these include the spirit of camaraderie within the Association. There is also the possibility that due allowance must be made for assumed differences between British customs and characteristics and those which we must understand and accept elsewhere. Many of our members, who have been to Torrevieja, speak highly of the pleasant relaxing
environment. There is much to be said for a slower pace to life ....., but some of the consequences can be frustrating.
Messrs. Bondbridge recognise that the Committee's work load greatly exceeds that which should have arisen. In view of this they are contributing £30 per week towards our clerical expenses with effect from July 1st,
Since 14th May 1 have had discussions with Mr. Cooray and Mr. Logsdon in London, Mr. Logsden has seen Mr. Bradshaw in Eastbourne and Mrs. Heater has been involved, I have paid four visits to Bondbridge without expense to the Association; all of considerable duration and usually resulting in overnight journeys home.
On Thursday, 5th July, both Mr. Bradshaw and I saw Mr. Toploy following a private discussion in a room which he placed at our disposal. As a result of this meeting Senor Quesada has offered several alternative propositions to members who believe they have valid grievances. By the 20th of this month you should have received from Messrs. Bondbridge Ltd. information and an enquiry form. The questionaire should be completed and returned at once. When the response is known, detailed offers can be compiled enabling Senor Quesada to finalise agreements within three weeks from that time.
Incidentally some plot owners have been offered permanent "bungalows" on phase 2 sites. I would be interested in such a building myself but, quite apart from any possible legal restrictions on use of the land, I wonder how members would react to what amounts to a change of character to the development.
If you have any strong objections to permanent structures on individual plots of phases 1 or 2 it would be prudent to inform me immediately. Please list any provisos, e.g. quality of buildings ('not shanty-town'); grouping or clusters of building; low density or other stipulations.
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we understand that Sylcups are persevering with devices to enable the importation of caravans into Spain. In their forthcoming communication Messrs. Bondbridge hope to include some heartening news on this topic.
They will also be sending you a copy of the letter of intent from Viviendas Mobiles De Espanol SA, (Mobile Homes of Spain) outlining the range of caravans to be manufactured shortly in Spain. No progress has yet been reported concerning legal proceedings against the Spanish Customs Authorities for wrongful impounding, in which connection Mrs. Heater's caravan is being used as a test case. We understand that, not unexpectedly, legal cases take even longer to resolve in Spain than in England. For those members who will ultimately receive letters from Spanish Customs concerning their caravans Mr. Bradshaw has obtained translations in English/Spanish with appropriate replies, and all members concerned have been notified.
None of the portable wooden chalets, described in the press advertisements as 'log cabins', has yet been erected at Mi Sol, although one is on the site. Six different versions are offered by Messrs. Norchal Construction Ltd., 2 Station Road, Flitwick, Beds, ('phone Flitwick 2112). One is on view at 'Woodplace', Church Road, Westoning. (On A5120, midway between Bedford and Luton. Turn off M1 at Exit 12). The cabin is located behind a bungalow which is situated along a footpath from the end of Church Road. Materials for another 'log cabin' have arrived at Mi Sol where, I am told, a construction gang is due to erect a number of these buildings in August.
Together with this list I enclose a copy of the notice for display within your property at Mi Sol. Also included are lists of members prepared to loan caravans and those who wish to borrow. No doubt those concerned will make their own arrangements with each other. The Association accepts no responsibility.
Amongst several problems frequently aired by the Committee are those of refuse and toilets. We are insisting that the developer makes improvements. Conditions on a communal site depend equally upon the suitability of amenities and modes of behaviour. You may care to contribute towords a list of suggestions for the guidance of those using the Park. Some considerations would be:;-
(a) wash out food containers, bottles and tins before disposal,
(b) secure all rubbish in bags, preferably plastic, before disposal,
(c) firmly replace lids on refuse containers,
(a) leave washbasins and w.c.'s as you would expect to find them,
(e) use net curtains, or other fine mesh, over all ventilators and windows, particularly during darkness,
(f) use a good insect repellent,
(g) avoid scratching bites (N.B. Some believe that if you can endure the initial irritation, perhaps with the aid of a suitable medicant, natural immunisation is achieved)
Many members will have now discovered the regular bus service between Alicante end Cartegena, via Torrevieja. Mr. A.O. Thompson (198) says the fare is only 30 pesetas and the journey takes about an hour.
The Supermarket, Restaurant and Laundromat at Mi Sol are now to be advertised. Details may be obtained from Bondbridge. The Supermarket will probably cost about £10,000. If living accommodation is required this will put up the price by another £2,000. Terms are 50% down with the balance paid over three years. Sources of coin operated laundry machines have been located in Spain, but costs have not yet been forthcoming.
Mr. Logsdon and Mr. Bradshaw are continuing their negotiation for acceptable insurance arrangements. Several members have lost deposits on flights upon cancellation due to problems at Mi Sol. I have attempted to obtain special consideration for such cases. This has necessitated transfers of deposits to alternative bookings when possible. In some cases reimbursement has been possible where suitable travel insurance cover was secured.
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A list of members who have offered to work for the Association has now been prepared. This will help the Committee to plan recommendations. Appointments are unlikely, however, until after the proposed General Meeting, which is to be held on the afternoon of Saturday, 24th November. This proved the most popular date. Some of our members have also joined the Overseas Property Association of 10 Park Street, London S.W.L., and Mr. Logsdon is to ask if we can have our meeting on their premises. Before this can be done we need to know approximate numbers. The enclosed form should bo returned, as soon as possible, if you wish to be fully involved in the affairs of your Association.
The next Committee Meetingi on 21st July, is to be held at Mrs.. Heater's home.
Thank you for any information you have forwarded. I hope queries which have not been answered separately will have been covered by this letter.
Mrs. White joins me in sending very best wishes.
Yours sincerely,
COLIN G. WHITE
Hon. Secretary
COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN S.D.F, Cooray Esq., 13 Colless Road,
South Tottenham, London, N.15.
SECRETARY C.G. White Esq.
TREASURER K.H. Bradshaw Esq. 2a Pashley Road,
Eastbourne, Susses, BM20 8DU
(Eastbourn 29548)
CONSTITUTION & RULES Mrs. M.S. Heater, 3 Coneyburrow Road,
Tonbridge Walls, Kent, TK2 3NA
(T. Wells 32719)
INSURANCE & TRAVEL D.S. London Esq., 25a Cranley Gardens,
Palmers Green, London, N13 4LT
(01.883.1760)
(Please write for insurance
questionaire 'Fom A1' if
not already completed)
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