Happy Christmas / Feliz Navidad To All Owners !!

Minutes from the Presidents EGM - November 2011

Minutes enclosed from the Extraordinary General Meeting held on site on 26th November

The minutes contain some interesting information - click on the link below to access in PDF format....

Minutes from the November 2011 EGM

A Joke for those of us that fly with Ryanair !

 Arriving in a hotel in Dublin, the chairman of Ryanair went to the bar and asked for a pint of draught Guinness. The barman nodded and said, "That will be one Euro please, Mr. O'Leary."
 
Somewhat taken aback, O'Leary replied, "That's very cheap," and handed over his money. 
"Well, we try to stay ahead of the competition", said the barman. "And we are serving free pints every Wednesday evening  from 6 until 8. We have the cheapest beer in Ireland"
 
"That is remarkable value" Michael comments
  "I see you don't seem to have a glass, so you'll probably need one of ours. That will be 3 euro please."
 
O'Leary scowled, but paid up. He took his drink and walked towards a seat. "Ah, you want to sit down?" said the barman. "That'll be an extra 2 euro. - You could have pre-booked the seat, and it would have only cost you a Euro."
 
"I think you may to be too big for the seat sir, can I ask you to sit in this frame please"  Michael attempts to sit down but the frame is too small and when he can't squeeze in  he complains "Nobody would fit in that little frame".   "I'm afraid if you can't fit in the frame you'll have to pay an extra surcharge of 4.00 euro for your seat sir"  O'Leary swore to himself, but paid up. "I see that you have brought your laptop with you" added the barman. "And since that wasn't pre-booked either, that will be another 3 euro."
 
O'Leary was so annoyed that he walked back to the bar, slammed his drink on the counter, and yelled, "This is ridiculous, I want to speak to the manager".  "Ah, I see you want to use the counter," says the barman, "that will  be 2 euro please." O'Leary's face was red with rage.  

"Do you know who I am?"   "Of course I do Mr. O'Leary,"
 
"I've had enough, What sort of Hotel is this? I come in for a quiet drink and you treat me like this. I insist on speaking to a manager!"  "Here is his E mail address, or if you wish, you can contact him between 9 and 9.10  every morning, Monday to Tuesday at this free phone number. Calls are free,  until they are answered, then there is a talking charge of only 10 cent per second" 
 
"I will never use this bar again"   

"OK sir, but remember, we are the only hotel in Ireland selling pints for one Euro".

Another Season Ends

As another year comes to an end on Condado, I found a few images taken this year which shows why I think we all love this place so much.......

Milenium Update

News today from Milenium of not one but two news worthy additions to Condado !

The 1st is the new website and the second is the arrival of a golf clubhouse.. (well, clubhouse is maybe somewhat of an exaggeration,  as the old Polaris customer service cabins currently located on the perimeter  road are scheduled to move up onto the golf course in the gap between the penthouses.

I wouldn't say that is the most scenic outlook for those that overlook the battleship grey buildings, but it's a start and a clubhouse of some kind for the pro shop and changing area to relocate from Al Kasar...

The New Condado Website

The New Golf "Clubhouse"


I also hear rumours that finally the Clover Bar is closed after Polaris finally pulled the plug, also stories that it will be re-opening phoenix like in the very near future under new ownership, details to follow on this story when available.....

Presidents Forum September 2011

The Condado presidents forum was held late September and the minutes from the meeting are enclosed...

Forum Minutes September 2011

New Bar opened on site !

Its been a looooong time coming, but finally the long abandoned old Supermarket and Bar complex in the Jardines is now re-opened and under new ownership. The opening night was Friday 14th October and by all accounts the new English owners, who are resident on Condado, have made a very good job of the complex and are offering a much needed service to the community.

There is a full bar and food and drinks will be available (including breakfast !) in addition to large TV' s showing the important sports fixture, this will save having to haul down to Camposol to watch the football. The tennis courts have also been re-opened for rental (no more scrambling under the fence )and lessons are also available for the budding Roger Federers...

The new site will offer facilities for golfers and also a private area for rental and a games area for the kids, be interesting to see how this new bar affects the trade of the Clover,  its not beyond the realms of possibility that the clover will now struggle for any trade and close  - then yet again we will only have 1 bar on site !!

Paramount is coming - Update from Madrid

I have a Google alert setup on my PC giving me any instances of   "Paramount Theme Park"  and over the past year or so I have had the occasional update and speculative links saying what a good investment Murcia  was (largely it must be said from "Mercers" - who are the estate agents down in Camposol !!)

This morning however I have been overwhelmed with new links !

It looks as though we are all sitting on a potential investment goldmine as Murcia attracts seemingly endless investors and media exposure,  Paramount, Chinese business and even apparently the Taiwanese

See below for updates on the Paramount announcement from Madrid today and pictures from the press conference and the outline master plan !!

Investment Information from marketwatch.com

Property Investment News

Press Conference

Paramount Master Plan Document

Condado goes online !!

Some good technical news in Condado (shame it has come at the end of the season for many) following the initial request for expressions of interest in the Internet offer, Milenium were not overwhelmed with people wanting to go online, in fact the take up was only around 200 owners.....

This was seemingly reinforcing the vote taken at the AGM rejecting internet facilities, however, and thanks to the hard work by Phil Tann and others onsite at Condado, the threshold for acceptance has been revised downwards to just 350 owners

I am pleased to confirm that this level of interest HAS now been reached and owners that signed up with A2Z and Milenium will be contacted directly to schedule installation of the cable modems

The cost per month will be EU 4.75 + IVA and this will be taken with the community fees.

If you have signed up for this offer you contact at A2Z is: 

info@a2ztelecomunicaciones.es

If you have any queries over bank details and / or payment please contact...

incidenciascondado@mileniun-levante.es


infocondado@mileniun-levante.es


condado@mileniun-levante.es

Internet Connection offer - Quick Action required !

You should all by now have received the email from Mileniun regarding the internet offer from around €5 a month for a 2Mb connection.

To get this offer we need a minimum of 500 owners signing up by the end of September. This is a really good deal so don't miss the opportunity, if you are interested please do contact Mileniun ASAP.

Keyholders ??

Does everyone in the block have a key holder, anyone you would recommend and or comment on ?

I say this as now that this season has ended and we are looking forward to 2012 - I wondered if we could consolidate our key holders into maybe one or two key suppliers (no pun intended !) and use the buying power of the block to achieve better rates and services for us all ??

All comments welcome !!

San Javier to close once Corvera opens

New Update from the region of Murcia concerning the future of San Javier (my favourite airport in the world!) once Corvera opens in 2012. I guess it's of no surprise that San Javier will revert to being a military airfield.

My main concern is what will happen to Subway ???

San Javier to Close

Presidents Forum Meeting 31st August 2011

As a large majority of the presidents only visit the resort infrequently, a decision was made to hold monthly informal meetings for the presidents to meet with each other and Milenium and receive updates and air comments about the management of Condado.

Unfortunately i was not able to attend this meeting (stuck at work in London !) but enclosed below for your information the notes from this meeting - not the comments ref the penthouse hedges !!

The forum commenced with a quick introduction from all the attendees, for some of the Presidents this was their first time they had met some of their fellow presidents so as these forums continue it is envisaged that all the presidents will get to meet each other face to face rather than simply communication via email.

Whilst there is no set agenda for these monthly forums it is suggested that each should start with a review of the events and issues that occurred over the previous month followed by an any other business section where any president can raise any issue or propose and suggestion for improvement that they may have. Of course no decisions can be made at these forums so any proposals will be raised in the official way.

Festivals

The Presidents applauded Mileniun for all the hard work and enthusiasm that they had put into the organization of this years summer festivals. Both festivals were privately sponsored by various companies and therefore no money came from community funds.

The festivals, spread over two weekends in July and August were a huge success and very much appreciated by all the owners of Condado de Alhama. The festivals were officially opened by a number of officials from Alhama de Murcia council which will help to build the bonds between the council and our community. Mileniun informed the Presidents that next year they will be looking into the possibility of running festival events at both the Christmas/New Year and Easter holiday periods, which are major events in the Spanish calendar. This will enable those owners that cannot come to Condado during the summer holiday periods to join in the festivities and help build a stronger community spirit.

Saturday Market

The Saturday markets that started on July 17th have been a great success and again the Presidents applauded Mileniun for all the hard work and enthusiasm that they had put into their organization. The first market day bought over 3000 people into Condado de Alhama and resulted in a large number of customers for both the supermarket and the Clover Bar, indeed the Clover recorded the highest sales figures that night surpassing the previous record sales over Christmas and New Year. It was always hoped that such events would improve the visibility of Condado de Alhama in the local community and result in interest not only from private property buyers and also from local business people looking to invest in a commercial unit in Al Kasar. Mileniun were entirely correct in this vision as we have been informed that on the following Monday eight inquiries were made to the agents from the banks from people interested in opening units in Al Kasar, the first of these new businesses is planned to open in October/November. We all hope that this will be the first of many and more units will be leased bringing more business and investment into the community.

Bus Service.

On August the 16th and 23rd two trial bus services were laid on by Alhama de Murcia council, these were aimed at showcasing the history and heritage of the town to the residents of Condado de Alhama and the council arranged a guide to take us on a tour through the town.  Whilst the events are excellent the community requires a regular bus service between Condado de Alhama and Alhama de Murcia. Mileniun will be holding further meetings with the town council over the following week to try to press for this service. One of the Presidents raised the point that there is currently a bus service from Murcia to Mazarron that passes Condado de Alhama four times each day and proposed that the bus company should be contacted and asked to divert via Condado as part of this service. The President will obtain contact details for this bus company and pass them onto Mileniun who will make the initial contact.

One of the problems of gaining any kind of service from Alhama de Murcia council is the low number of owners that are signed on the Padron. We currently have approximately 250 but to be in a position where we can put more pressure on the council to provide services we will need double that amount. All owners should be reminded that if they reside at Condado for 6 months or more each year they should be on the Padron, only by increasing the numbers will the resort be able to pressurise the council into providing the services we are entitled to.

Dead trees.

Mileniun are proposing that 330+ of the dead trees on the resort should be replaced, this will cost approximately €30,000 which will have to be taken from the reserve funds. This proposal will be sent to all presidents in the following week for a vote. Many of the Presidents of Naranjos raised the point that whilst they were named “The Gardens of the Oranges” and that the sale brochures stated that the road would be “fragrant with the smell of Oranges” but in reality Polaris World did not plant any orange trees. Mileniun explained that due to the irrigation water containing a small level of salt many types of orange tree would not survive. It was noted that one type of bitter Orange ( Seville Orange ) might be suitable. To test their suitability a few trail trees would be planted in the Naranjos gardens.

Penthouse hedges

One of the presidents from the penthouses raised the issue of hedge pruning. The hedges had been cut that week but only at the sides and so the hedges were now growing tall and obscuring the view of the golf course. Mileniun stated that they would raise this with the gardening company and indeed this issue has now been corrected as has been reported in this weeks summary.

Garden Lights

Last year the issue of garden lights was raised at a presidents meeting and it was proposed that the lights be replaced with a more stable type that were less prone to breakage. Mileniun informed the presidents that over the past year only 30 lights had needed replacement, all other damaged lights were repaired. This issue will be raised again at the next official presidents meeting in November.

The forum concluded at 7pm and the next meeting will be held on Wednesday September 28th.

Our thoughts are with you..

Following the tragic and mindless events over the weekend with the car bomb in Oslo and shootings in Utoeya island, and knowing that we have a large number of Norwegian owners in our block.

I just wanted to take the opportunity to offer you and your nation our sincere condolences for and utter revulsion against this barbaric act,  we hope that you and your loved ones remain safe.

Paramount arriving early ??

Interesting update here over Paramount and Corvera and also talk of the infrastructure improvements to the area in both road and now rail links.

All be taken with a liberal pinch of salt as these press releases are written by Estate Agents who could "sell salt to slugs", but maybe, just maybe our investments will prove a shrewd move in later years !

 Paramount Theme Park to Open Early ??

Boom in Murcia Property !

Condado Summer Festival 2011

Please see as below programme of events scheduled for July  / August 2011, this looks great and I am sad that we are not be back out until later in the year and will miss all these activities !!

Condado Summer Festival 2011

Paramount Theme Park

I haven't mentioned anything about Paramount "Disneyland" on the blog since we started as despite all the talk and bluster there has been little definitive signs of activity. Today though I read interesting comments attributed to the Murcia regional minister for Tourism and culture Pedro Alberto Cruz - as below......

Read the article here

Jardines Sports Bar To Open

There have been many rumours circulating online and on the Eye On Spain  forum about the possible re-opening of the old sports bar complex down in Jardines 7 - now it appears those rumours are true !

The Sports zone in the Jardines has been officially closed since it was taken over from Polaris World by IRM over a year ago. Whilst the tennis, paddle and squash counts have still remained unofficially in use, the bar, rest rooms and other facilities have all remained closed.

I am now very happy to confirm that the Sports zone has now been leased by the owners, IRM, to a private concern who are expecting to have the facilities fully reopened within the following few weeks. This is a great event for the owners and presidents on Condado who have been pushing to have these facilities re-opened for over a year. we all wish the new tenants ever success in this new venture and will support them in every way to ensure that the “Manzana” bar becomes a major part of the community social scene. Further opening details to follow when available but if you are onsite and have any news  - do let me know.

Congratulations to Bjorn Spieler

A big round of applause to Bjorn Spieler, one of our Norwegian residents in Block 16 who was victorious in the stableford golf match held on Condado on 8th July - I understand that Bjorn scored 41 points and was a worthy winner of the competition.

For anyone over on site this Friday 15th July, the Condado Golf association is having two separate competitions with players playing strokeplay for the only time this year. There is the Barry Barker Strokeplay Championship and the Paul Harrington Scratch Cup. All players are eligible for both trophies as in Paul's competition the only requirement is to mark your gross score at each hole (no points) – the winner will be the player with the lowest gross score. The other competition also requires players to record their gross scores – the only difference is you subtract your slope handicap from the gross score then the winner is the player with the lowest nett score.

There are two superb trophies at stake and lots of other divisional prizes, along with the longest drive (18th) and 2 nearest the pin competitions (11th and 17th). 

Following the days play, the presentation will take place at the superb Hacienda del Alamo clubhouse starting at 7.30pm. That will be followed by a free draw for various prizes and a 3 course meal.

 Further details available at the CDA Golf society  CDA Golf Society

For further information contact: kevin@cdagolf.com

Condado Restaurant has re-opened

I am hearing reports this morning that the restaurant re-opened over the weekend....

Currently it is bookings only and no "walk ins" and it also sounds as though not all of the entire space is open, however I assume that as the summer season gears up this will change. The opening hours are 8-11Pm Tuesday through Sunday , be warned apparently as the Polaris discount card only applies to drinks and not to the food.

If you eat there please do send me a review that we can publish !

Also further rumours that the old sports complex and bar down in the Jardines have been "purchased" and will soon be open for the summer season  ??

As ever, if you are onsite and have any news on any activities do please get in touch.....

Saturday market at El-Kasar !!!

Just received the enclosed from Mileniun, it appears that in an effort to appease the owners with our current  the lack of retail and dining facilities, we will have a weekly market outside Al-Kasar  - sounds interesting !

Is there anyone who will be onsite on the 16th who could report back with pictures ?

In this administration we are concerned and worried, as all the owners, about the limited available services in our resort, despite the many efforts and good wishes from everyone to get them.

This Administration, recently held meetings with both Polaris and with IRM, demonstrating this need and desirability of providing, albeit temporarily, until the definition and realization of the actions of companies are carried out in the Forum.

In the meantime and duly authorized by them and concretely by the current owner of that forum, Polaris, it has been accepted, the installation of a market on Saturday afternoon, from 18 hours to 23 hours. It will be inaugurated next Saturday, July 16, 2011.

The allocation of this market will be the parking area in front of the Al-Kasar, owned by Polaris, and will display and sale of:

·         Fruit and Vegetables

·         Clothes

·         Shoes

·         Textiles

·         Household linen

·         Handicrafts

·         Antiques

·         Gifts

·         Flowers and Plants

It also says that the following FREE activities will be held:

·         Tasting Churro's

·         Tasting of beer and soft drinks

·         Mechanical Bull

·         Inflatables for children

·         Gifts for your visit

·         Professional ballet performance

·         Hostess and continuous shows

·         Prize Draw a holiday weekend for 2 in Mojacar

This initiative and new experience to carry out,  will be evaluated and appreciated by all of us, as well as having been informed the city of Alhama, to all intents and purposes, will provide us, one day a week the opportunity to enjoy and use it as a controlled, planned and organized point of supply for all residents and visitors.

We are confident that this event will be to your liking and serve to enhance and attract consumers to make possible and profitable, the development, occupation and open businesses, permanently, in commercial installations Al-Kasar Center.

We are at your disposal for clarifying any aspect you deem appropriated.

Sincerely

Secretario-Administrador. Mileniun-Levante, S. L.

Mileniun Contact Details

Please find enclosed details for the e/mail contacts for Mileniun Levante..

Mileniun Contact Details

What a difference a few years make

I was just looking through some old pictures from our early days at Condado and thought the enclosed snap  taken in June 2008 (through the fence !) might be of interest, this is block 16 in an island of barren earth !


We remember how barren the site was when we first arrived and thought it would be interesting to share with you our memories and pictures of the early Condado days, see the link below to these images.


Condado - The Early Years !

Block 16 - No Town Center / No Golf Course / No Grass / No Roads