Dear Grace,
I’m back from the UK, and you’re here with me, resting on the sideboard by the TV. We really need to find a proper urn for you. Ian (from DWP) has given me a good recommendation, so I’ll look into it soon.
I was absolutely shattered when I got home yesterday. Between the travel and meeting so many people, it all caught up with me.
El Presidente Has Resigned
The president has stepped down, but thankfully he’s still staying part of the community. His note to everyone summed things up well.
As for the moaning neighbour—the one who contributes nothing to the community—he’s now calling me childish because I was direct with him. Why? Because I pointed out that he does nothing but complain and only thinks of himself. He even accused me of forming a clique with other residents. I calmly listed all the neighbours I’ve spoken to, proving him wrong.
Honestly, his attitude—and the outgoing president’s—is precisely why change is needed. I don’t want to be president anymore, and it’s time to step back. I’ve already sent a thoughtful, detailed email to all the residents about what needs to be addressed moving forward.
I’ve decided not to attend the meeting hastily arranged by Adobe and the outgoing president. It’s set at a time that suits them, not everyone else. My letter outlines what’s needed, and stepping back is a big personal growth moment for me. Taking care of myself feels right, and I think you’d be proud of me.
Here is the message I sent…..
Dear All,
Having consulted widely—my late wife (via a psychic), my goldfish, two former Belgian Prime Ministers, Donald Trump, and the Head of NATO—I’ve decided it’s time to step back and let others address the matters at hand in the Playamar community.
I am pleased that there is now increased transparency and a forthcoming change of President. Unfortunately, I won’t be attending next week’s meeting due to a private medical appointment in Murcia. However, I want to share this message, along with others I’ve sent, to highlight key issues, drive much-needed change, and overcome the resistance that has held this community back.
Resistance to and Need for Change
The resistance to change has been evident for some time. Many owners, from various nationalities, have expressed shared frustrations. The Outgoing President, Adobe, and Annual Meetings have not effectively served our collective interests. As others have told me, consistent pressure is necessary to ensure positive change isn’t slowed—hence my persistence.
Here are just a few examples:
• Adobe initially supported creating a WhatsApp group but later informed me that the Outgoing President blocked it. This highlighted an unnecessary need for control. When I circumvented the situation by creating a group myself, Adobe coincidentally launched their own group soon after.
• A decision was apparently made to defer any works until June 2025 (the next annual meeting), without this being properly communicated. There was zero interest in advancing my proposals.
• There are rumours of taking an owner to court over changes to their façade.
• Collectively, we pay about €2,000 more annually than we should for various services.
Facade Adjustments at No. 34
Adjustments to the façade at Number 34 were completed years ago, yet complaints only arose recently. I support these adjustments, as do many others. Should the community take legal action against the owner, I would support the owner and seek to recover costs if the community lost the case. It’s time to move on.
Facade Painting and Funding Across All Properties and the Swimming Pool Area
It was claimed that Number 34 painted their walls a different colour without authorization, but the owners provided evidence showing the walls were originally white. Adobe confirmed the original finish was a stone colour, not paint. Upon checking, the original colour does appear closer to white. However, I understand the upstairs neighbour’s perspective that weathering makes the white stand out.
Thankfully, there is growing consensus to repaint all facades and the swimming pool area. Quotes range from €6,000 to €20,000, with contractors available as early as mid-January. While funding remains a hurdle, some owners may prefer the work to be completed between January and March during low-occupancy periods. However, the Outgoing President and Ludo suggest this timeframe is too soon.
To ensure fairness, I propose the community contributes to repainting Number 34 to match the agreed-upon colour, resolving disputes and creating uniformity.
Swimming Pool Rail and Maintenance
I’d like clarity on whether multiple quotes were obtained for the pool rail to ensure value for money. Pool maintenance costs are €1,000–€1,500 above average, based on quotes I’ve received. Reducing cleaning frequency in winter could save costs. Adobe should have addressed this under their contractual obligations.
Post Boxes
The post boxes are unfit for purpose, designed for internal installation, and poorly integrated into the community’s aesthetic. The rusting frame remains unreplaced. This oversight has cost the community approximately €800, with additional work likely needed sooner than anticipated. We need a post box solution that is fit for purpose.
Adobe’s Role
While Adobe manages administrative tasks adequately, they lack initiative in cost management and maintenance oversight. For instance, there’s no evidence of multiple quotes for recent projects. We pay €200–€300 more annually for Adobe’s services compared to market rates. The community must either push Adobe to improve or consider alternative providers.
Security Cameras
Some owners’ cameras record public areas, raising privacy concerns and potential legal issues. Compromise is essential to resolve this and other matters amicably. I have formally raised this issue for discussion at the emergency meeting.
Governance and Communication
Communication remains poor, with meetings infrequent and poorly timed to suit Adobe’s or the Outgoing President’s schedule. Meeting minutes lack transparency and omit key discussion points.
I propose sharing agendas and proposals at least one month in advance, collecting feedback via email, and formally recording all responses. This ensures fairness for owners who cannot attend meetings and prevents the old game of last-minute proposals.
Conflict and Mediation
Mediation should be mandatory for disputes before any legal action is taken, aligning with Spanish court practices. The current lack of mediation fosters unnecessary conflict. Mediation should be performed by someone with the community who is not feel conflicted or otherwise Adobe.
Meetings
All meetings and agreements should be accurately recorded and communicated in timely manner. It’s clear from the President’s feedback to me directly this is not the case currently.
Meetings should not just record an agreement, but points of view, objections, key discussion points, options considered. Then there is a clear and transparent audit trail.
If Adobe are doing these meetings, they need should be doing the above.
If meetings are held via Zoom or similar technology then they should be recorded, or at least the transcribe for playback.
Future President and Leadership
I advocate for a woman as the next President, as women often bring fresh perspectives and collaborative approaches. Presidents should serve no more than two years, with elections conducted via email to ensure inclusivity.
Elections should conducted via email for inclusivity. Elections at meetings never works. That’s why we are in the situation we are today.
What I Want
1. Repainting facades to address water damage and restore uniformity.
2. Fair and accessible use of the pool during peak periods.
Final Thoughts
As owners, we have the right to legally challenge the community or President if their actions harm us and to claim damages. While I hope this remains a last resort, it’s important to recognize this option.
It’s a shame things have reached this point, but the Outgoing President and a small minority appear to prioritize their own voices and actions over the community’s well-being. This is not how a thriving community operates.
Lastly, I’m writing a book, and this experience has provided plenty of material! Don’t worry—I won’t breach privacy laws 😊.
Good luck with the meeting next week!
Best regards,
David
Airport Security and the Urn
We flew out to Manchester together and I did a short Instagram post about it! Security at Schiphol got curious about your urn, and they asked me all sorts of questions. I explained everything and asked them to be careful with you. One of the older guards was especially respectful, which I appreciated.
I don’t miss the UK
Arriving at Manchester’s Terminal One, my first thought was, what a dump. The grey, windy, rainy weather didn’t help either. The city itself felt dirty and overcrowded.
Surprisingly, I’ve grown to appreciate the Netherlands. Things just work there—public transport, healthcare, and the ease of city living, especially as a single person. I’m glad I learned to speak the language. Visiting Café Stobbe, I was warmly greeted by the owner and staff, which was lovely.
Ian’s retirement party was nice. We went to a couple of bars, and I was happy to see Ian, Pam, Jody, and Pete. But I still find it challenging to be around lots of people. I arrived at 3 PM and left by 7 PM—three small beers and one large were more than enough. I needed my own space.
Back in Spain
Now, we’re back in Lo Pagan. You’re sitting by the TV for now, but I’ll find a more fitting place for you soon—and a better urn.
I hope you’re okay. I love you very much.
