£62K Carpet Revamp for Blocks

Following an exhaustive tendering exercise, the contract for the renewal of all carpets in communal areas of the flat blocks, has been awarded to Genesis Interiors Limited. This is the first time that the carpets have been replaced since London Yard was built in the late 1980s. 

The cost will be borne entirely by the Sinking Fund which has been accumulating funds for the purpose since the leases to the flats were first sold. Leaseholders will not be required to make any further contribution. 

The Sinking Fund will gradually be replenished by continuing to make the normal contributions from the service charge over the next ten to fifteen years.

The carpet laying will begin in mid-March. Residents will be informed when their block is to be carpeted.

Above and below. Boiler-makers and shipbuilders at work in Yarrow's shipyard (London Yard) before 1900. In 1899 the Japanese Government had placed a large order for ten torpedo-boats and eight (200ft) destroyers for the Imperial Japanese Navy. 

Yarrow’s did not remain long at London Yard, however. Alfred Yarrow’s business had suffered badly during the engineers’ strike of 1897-8. 

Gardens: Report from David Hunwick
    

Up until now we have been cutting back-trimming and tidying hedges, edges and paths, basically allowing safe access to gates, paths, cars and garages etc without people tripping over or getting branches or foliage in their faces.   

Pond and Gateways

Around the pond area we have found a few lights that have become overgrown. Hopefully, this should make the area a bit safer at night. Today we discovered a gateway that had been totally hidden by an overgrown border.  I doubt that the resident knew it was there. We will soon be trimming down the shrubs that block the view of the head of the pond  These shrubs are very tall and probably also hang over the fences into the residents gardens.

Wet Grass

The weather has been against us for the weed killing of the hard surfaces, there is only a couple of areas now we need to concentrate on. We have cut some of the grass areas over looking the river but of course weather has dictated this situation. In the next week or so I will be trying to cut all of the grass just to tidy them  up. Though the trees generally are in good condition and would seem to have been looked after I have carried out some light pruning, I like to keep branches about 8ft above ground level.

Between 1906 and 1908 the yard was gradually shut down and the firm moved to new premises at Scotstoun in Glasgow, accompanied by most of its machinery and 300 of the work-force.

Litter

Litter in the borders has been an absolute nightmare, not just the wind blown litter but the litter that has built up hidden under the overgrown hedges and shrubs. After cutting and shaping a hedge/shrub back to where it should be against a kerb/path or wall, we end up spending more time pulling out all the old uncovered litter. 'Both we and Barry have despaired.'

I am certain that people have seen a difference in their gardens, though we have not had time to carry out the finishing touches yet, generally now the gardens look cared for.

David Hunwick

New Security Guard

Sajid Memood is London Yard's new security guard and has been working on site since January. He lives locally. Since November we have seen three security personnel come and go. The hours are unsocial and girlfriends seem to object. It is hoped that the situation is now stable.

Website of the Month

If you are remotely curious about how anything works - this is the site for you.

www.howstuffworks.com

From an electric kettle to a nuclear reactor via mobile phones and data encryption. All are simply explained with animated graphics. There is even an explanation of what causes flatulence. 

You can even sign up for a regular emailed newsletter on latest items.

London Yard News by Email  

Announcements and urgent information instantly distributed. 

We have over 140 people on the distribution list at the moment - to be added, send your email address to the editor. You will also receive notification when a new News On-Line is published.

Visitor Parking Permits

When you have visitors - do not forget to lend them a Visitor's Parking Permit to display in their car. And, don't forget to get it back when they leave!!

London Yard News On-Line

Editor: Ron Coverson

Guest Writer: Angela Brown

Contributions and ideas for News On-Line are always welcome.

London Yard News On-Line

Previous Issues: