the Hamptons Blog

Electricity

2010-05-17T09:23:00.002+01:00

(It's a song by Talking Heads in case you're wondering - I doubt you are though.)

What is going on along Sherbroke Way? A week ago many of us had the joy of learning what it's like to live in rural England by being without power for the best part of a day (and water for some of it too - what a hoot). As if this weren't inconvenient enough, we now have the the pavements and verges dug up as part of the remedial work. In the best British way these holes appear to have been abandoned by EDF who don't appear to be acting with any particular urgency to return our development to the state in which they found it.

It's enough to make you want to produce your own energy.

Wind turbines on the hill anybody?

Big OIe Butt

2010-04-07T14:13:00.001+01:00

I notice that the water butts at the side of Maple Lodge have disappeared. No doubt this is all part of the tidying up that is currently underway but it seems a shame to me that this little nod to the environment and sustainability has been sacrificed. Hey ho.

Long Time Gone

2010-04-07T14:07:00.003+01:00

And I'm back!

Sorry about the break, not entirely sure where the time has gone but, my, how things have moved on!

Our friendly developers are back on site and busily selling houses and tidying the place up - which is nice. I wonder whether we will be able to keep some of their furniture when they leave? The front of the Lodge is looking very pleasant. I may be tempted to join them on the sofa for a coffee!

And isn't it amazing what a power washer can do for the pavements? All sparkly.

Neighbours

2010-02-22T10:39:00.000Z

But only in the sense that he is another Hamptons USA resident.

http://www.lloydcole.com/weblog/

Downbound Drain

2010-02-22T10:19:00.000Z

It seems that the drains were playing up again on Friday. Now, I know that we have had problems with the drain under the manhole cover behind Maple Lodge but what on earth were Thames Water (or is it Surrey and Cheam) doing until after midnight on Friday? Apart from keeping me and Mrs Hamptons Blogger awake at night? Hmm?

All these questions but no answers I'm afraid.

It can't be right that a main sewer (which is only a few years old) needs as much attention as this one seems to get. What is being flushed through I wonder.

Miami 2017 (Seen the lights go out...

2010-02-16T08:26:00.000Z

...on Broadway). But not in the Maple Lodge Gym!

For some reason the lights have been left on all night in the gym for the last four nights. This isn't very environmentally friendly is it? If you are last out can you please remember to switch off the lights?

The planet will thank you.

We're off on the Road to Rhode Island...

2010-02-15T08:47:00.002Z

Being an inquisitive soul, I was browsing the internet in search of new homes and what should I stumble across? You may well ask. It seems that St James homes (you may have heard of them) are marketing properties in "an innovative new community" in Worcester Park in a new part of town called Providence Place. So the next phase is being named after the capital of the USA's smallest state...Rhode Island.

More here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Providence,_Rhode_Island . Rhode Island is also, of course, home to the Griffin family who live closeby in Quahog http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Guy.

Of course, I could be wrong.

I Read the News Today...

2010-02-09T12:35:00.001Z

Well, well, it seems that the demise of the notice window in the Lodge has spawned the birth of a new notice board on the lawns outside Maple Lodge. I am guessing that this will now contain all of the news on the latest goings on at the Hamptons and the latest information from the residents' association. I believe that there is a similar board besides Priors Barn. If anyone ever reads this, perhaps they can let me know - it's a bit of a trek for my tired old legs.

Thanks to Bob and the chaps from our landscape people for their efforts in erecting the board in less than clement conditions.

Great stuff.

Don't forget to check it out as you pass.

Weather Report

2010-02-08T16:20:00.000Z

It's Monday afternoon and it has started snowing again here at the UK Hamptons...which I am guessing could be in sympathy for the battering that the east coast of the USofA is getting at the moment.

Anyhoo, I have a meeting in London tomorrow and I'm wondering if I should head in now before South West Trains cancel everything through Worcester Park.

Don't say you weren't warned.

Wrap up warm now.

Movin' Out

2010-02-04T11:58:00.000Z

Well, more clearing out I guess. It seems that the big clearout of the old marketing suite has begun to make way for... ... ... the new marketing suite!

This means that the notice window has disappeared for the time being but an inside source tells me that this will be replaced by shiny new notice boards.

Marvellous.

Catch the 'A' Train

2010-01-29T08:37:00.001Z

In the dim and distant past, do you remember being told that there would be a walking train for children going to Green Lane primary school? I wonder what happened to it.

A fellow Hamptons resident

2010-01-15T09:28:00.002Z

East Hampton, New York that is. In an effort to continue to expand horizons and begin the push for twinning with this rather upmarket part of the USA check out the lovely and rather wonderful Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa.

www.barefootcontessa.com/

Back Again with a Thank You

2010-01-13T15:12:00.003Z

Only 8 months since my last post...so I am getting better.

As someone who took an almighty tumble before Christmas during the first cold snap (and believe me, recovering from a bruised back and rib cage is extremely uncomfortable) I felt compelled to write and extend my thanks to our very own Ray and Rob for keeping so many parts of the Hamptons as possible clear of ice and snow over the last week...well done fellers.

Before you all shout, I have also thanked Rob personally - Ray wasn't about.

Who knows? At this rate I could be back in May.

Carry on.

Removal of the Slide

2009-05-12T16:43:00.002+01:00

Oh I know bloggers are meant to do things more frequently that once every 15 months. But, hey, if there's nothing to say then why say anything :). It's very windy today isn't it?

Anyway, you may have noticed that the big slide has gone. I know this has raised one or two eyebrows, but unfortunately the slide wasn't safe. A report from RoSPA had raised concerns over a number of areas in the Park including the slide and so it was decided that the best option was to remove it. We are currently considering the best way to replace it and, at the same time, to make the park a more inviting and usable space for the entire Worcester Park community.

Watch this space.

Membership...

2008-02-05T08:22:00.000Z

The cost of joining the residents' association remains a very competitve £5 per year. Membership entitles you to stand for the committee and to vote at the AGM. We are also working on a number of other potential member benefits and hope to be able to bring you news of these soon. Cheques should be made payable to "the Hamptons Residents Association" and if you pass them to your rep they will forward them to the treasurer. You can also pay by direct debit!

Don't Cr@p On Your Own Doorstep

2008-01-30T10:05:00.000Z

Or mine come to that.

Now as a discerning reader of this blog, I know that you're not responsible for letting your dog foul the Hamptons, but it seems that someone is. Since the start of the year there have been at least three incidences of dog fouling on the verge on Lewiston Close. Not cleaning up after your dog is an offence, extremely unhygienic and, of course, anti-social.

If you happen to spot anyone not cleaning up after their dog, please let Dennis (or the Council)know and we can tackle to problem at source.

The contact details for the dog warden service at Sutton can be found here:

http://www.sutton.gov.uk/environment/environmentalhealth/animalwardenservice.htm

If you are having similar problems outside your home please let the residents association know (hamptonsresidents@googlemail.com) so that we can take action.

If you are in any doubt about the health hazard posed by dog faeces...check this out:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A3116684

What's Going on in Worcester Park

2008-01-16T15:16:00.000Z

Ever wanted to broaden your horizons and see what's happening beyond the boundaries of the Hamptons? Of course you have. So why not check out these blogs...

http://www.worcesterparkblog.org.uk/

http://www.20six.co.uk/brinkster

Traffic Speeds

2008-01-15T08:29:00.000Z

Sitting here, as I do, looking out of my window onto the Hamptons I cant fail to notice the speeds of some of the cars coming onto the development.

The Hamptons has a maximum speed limit of just 10 miles per hour. This is in place to protect children and other residents as well as to minimise the risk of collision at junctions which are unmarked (and will remain so).

The problem seems to have worsened since the speed bumps were removed from the front of the development. This was done to reduce the noise issues for those people living on Sherbroke Way not to promote faster site speeds!

Please remember to check your speed as you come onto site and to keep to the 10 mph limit.

Dennis on Holiday

2008-01-15T08:27:00.000Z

Dennis is returning to Vancouver for a winter holiday...so if you need him, grab him quick (sorry Dennis!)

He leaves on Tuesday 22 January for fifteen days.

Happy New Year

2008-01-15T08:26:00.000Z

A belated Happy New Year to all our readers!

Security Issues

2007-12-19T10:36:00.000Z

Should you see any anti-social behaviour anywhere at the Hamptons please remember to let the police know as they will record all activity to inform their future patrols in the area. The Worcester Park Safer Neighbourhood Team can be contacted on 020 8649 3590. Even if there is no one to take your call immediately, please leave a message as all calls are used to build up the local picture of anti-social and criminal activity. The Safer Neighbourhood Team work closely with Dennis and the HRA in tackling issues on site.

Wassail, Wassail

2007-12-19T10:32:00.000Z

Don't forget that there are carols this evening (19 December) in front of Maple Lodge from 7.30 pm. These will be led by members of a number of the local churches and mince pies will be supplied by Waitrose. So come along and join in the festivities.

Christmas Trees

2007-12-12T08:42:00.000Z

The Hamptons Christmas tree will go onto the balcony at the front of Maple Lodge today (12 December 2007).

For those of you already wondering what to do with your real tree after the festive season, our landscape gardeners will be bringing a chipper on to site in the new year to chip and recycle all of the Hamptons Christmas trees. Watch this space for further information.

A Message From the Chairman

2007-12-05T09:33:00.000Z

Dear All,

I would just like to extend my thanks to a few people:

Lisa for heading up the planning application challenge and all those on the committee who helped prepare our case. A lot of time and effort was put in by all without whose help we would not have acheived such a successful outcome. Thanks also to those residents who not only came along to the DCC meeting but have also supported our cause as and where they could. Special mention for Tim and Michael who added valuable weight to our arguments with their very persuasive presentations.

As you may all be aware this is just the beginning of what could be a long battle to get the application amended to suit all the residents of Worcester Park. It was quite clear from the remarks of the DCC that if St James was to work with the residents of Worcester Park on the issues raised they may well get a new application approved. To this end we will be looking for your continued support with this on going battle to ensure our issues are resolved satisfactorily

Once again my sincerest thanks to all those who helped to make this a very sweet albeit a small victory.

Barrie McDowell

DCC Rejects Planning Proposal

2007-12-04T08:36:00.000Z

Members of the Residents Committee and other Hamptons Residents joined forces with the wider Worcester Park community last night in opposing the proposals for further development of the Hamptons. Members of Sutton’s DCC heard how the Phase 5 planning application severely underestimated the negative impact that the addition of 147 housing visits would have on a transport, health, environmental and schools infrastructure already put under severe strain by the existing development of the Hamptons. Presentations by the Chairman, Barrie McDowell and fellow residents Tim Green and Michael Freter painted a clear picture of the difficulties Hamptons residents faced with traffic on Green Lane, the lack of local health and other community facilities and the unwelcome addition of wind turbines on to Mayflower Park.

As a result of these presentations, your letters to the council and a concerted effort of local residents' groups by our ward councillors, the DCC last night unanimously rejected St James’s twin tracked planning application.

This is not the end of the battle as it is likely that this decision will be appealed but it is a great starting point and a clear indication of the strength that we have as a Residents Association able to present a single voice for all Hamptons Residents. The Committee would like to thank Tim Green and Michael Freter for making excellent supporting presentations to the DCC last night, all residents who turned up to endure a marathon 3½ hour meeting last night and all of you for writing to the council and supporting your Association in its campaign against this planning application.

It has involved a lot of hard work and time so far and there is little doubt that it will require more of the same, and probably money, in the coming months but with your continued support we will continue to be a force to be reckoned with.

Development Control Committee - Monday 3 December

2007-11-27T09:47:00.000Z

The Development Control Committee (DCC) meets to discuss the planning application for Phase 5 on 3 December 2007. The meeting will be held in the Europa Gallery at the Sutton Civic Centre from 7.30pm.

The Residents Association has met with councillors and other local groups and will make a statement to the DCC on 3 December. This will be part of a co-ordinated approach to show DCC members that the entire Worcester Park community is united in its concerns over the impact on local services and amenities is there is further development of the Hamptons. We will focus on the impact that further development will have on the lives of Hamptons' Residents (including wind turbines); other groups will pick up issues such as transport, air quality, pressure on local parking etc to ensure the most effective use of our limited time in front of the DCC (just 6 minutes)

A few people have asked us how they can help on the day and whether they should make a contribution. The simplest way is simply to turn up on the night and show your support for the RA's position and your concern at St James's plans. If you want to do more then please register your intention to speak with the DCC manager by the end of the week.

I guess we ought to consider car pooling if there's a few of us going.....email hamptonsresidents@googlemail.com and we can try and co-ordinate!

Gym Progress

2007-11-23T07:33:00.001Z

As you may have noticed, work has started on creating the new gym on the first floor of Maple Lodge. It's obvious that things are being ripped out of the first floor but we thought you'd like to see what's being added!

The first picture looks into the area that will contain the studio, changing rooms and treatment room. In the centre of the picture, you can see the area that was originally intended to be a space for a stairway from the ground floor which is now being filled in to create more floor space (this was done yesterday - 22 November). The studio will be on the left hand side of the picture as you look at it.

The second and third pictures are of the new gym area. The second looks into the gym space from the french doors at the Mayflower Park end of the Lodge. From left to right, the openings are for Dennis and Sean's new office space; a new storage cupboard, and the entrance to the gym from the stairs and lift.

The third photo looks into the gym space from a slightly different angle.

As you can see, there has been fairly rapid progress. We are now finalising arrangements for the new equipment which will be added to our existing stuff. At the moment we are anticipating a completion date around the last week of January. I will get Sean to add some more information here shortly, but I am sure you will agree, this is an exciting development!

Christmas Quiz at the Hamptons

2007-11-19T10:01:00.000Z

As part of the HRA's social activity programme, we will be holding a quiz night on Saturday 8 December. Given the lack of space in Maple Lodge at the moment, we will be holding the quiz in the gym area. Unfortunately this will mean shutting the gym a couple of hours early - sorry for the inconvenience, but I hope you keen gym bunnies understand. Entry to the quiz is just £1 per person in teams of up to four people. We will provide nibbles and quiz questions but I'm afraid it's BYOB!

Can you let Lucy (lucy@bureau.wanadoo.co.uk) know if you want to take part.

We look forward to seeing you.

On the issue of the gym, watch this space for some pictures of how the work on the first floor is progressing.

Works On Site

2007-11-08T11:48:00.000Z

The Chairman, Barrie McDowell, has been working closely with St James on some of the outstanding jobs on site. We are pleased to report that:

Crossover and steps between Sherbooke Way and Beaumont Drive have been completed. The tarmac’d areas will receive a resin-bonded finish in the spring (this type of surface needs to be installed in warmer weather).

The speed bumps on Beaumont Drive will be fitted next week (WB 12 November) – Dennis is going to have a look and decide where the best locations are to install these to minimise inconvenience to residents.

EDF (the company responsible for power on site) has now completed a survey of the amphitheatre and confirmed the installation process for the phased power supply and we are now awaiting confirmation of an installation date.

Finally, the bike store plans for Phase 1 have had to be amended as a site survey showed that the doors would not have fitted correctly. An amended detail is currently being produced and it is currently anticipated that the works will start during week commencing the 19th November.

Service Charge Surgery

2007-11-08T10:10:00.001Z

CEM have received a number of questions in relation to the latest service charge demands and we felt that it would be beneficial for a surgery session to be held at which people could resolve any queries that they might have quickly and efficiently. Kylea Martin from CEM will therefore be available in Maple Lodge between 4.30pm & 8.30pm on Monday 12th November 2007 to meet with people individually.

If you would like to see Kylea please respond to this e-mail with your availability and she will contact you to book a time slot. In addition she will also be happy to schedule telephone slots for those who are unable to make the proposed sessions at Maple Lodge.

We are obviously aware that 12th November is also the deadline for payment but CEM will accept that if people have valid queries and book a slot with Kylea to discuss these, then penalties will not be applied to their account assuming that balances are settled as soon as they have met/spoken with Kylea.

Kylea can be contacted by e-mail ( Kylea.Martin@countyestate.co.uk) or telephone ( 020 7462 8028) to book a slot/call.

Welcome to the Hamptons Blog

2007-11-08T09:04:00.000Z

Hello Fellow Residents,

In our continuing effort to improve communication and to let you know exactly what the Residents Committee is up to, we've decided to create this blog. We will aim to update it at least once a week but will probably do it more often than that so remember to keep checking back.

The Hamptons Blogger