9 of us completed painting the exhibition space, communal area and The Standing Room. A real sense of achievement! The spaces look less "wet & dirty", more smart and White Cube. This will change.
The experience was marred by a phone call from the Harrington Factory Company to let me know about a fire safety inspection next Wednesday. I am all for fire safety, but worried about a tick box excercise with an expensive solution. However, we need to sort out fire extinguishers. Do we service the existing extinguishers or replace them with smaller, hand-held ones? We have a sprinkler system and fire alarms, both maintained by the management company.
I visited the Harrington Factory Company (HFCo) this week because we have a problem with signage. Perhaps I should explain about the company.
We purchased the 99yr lease for the ground and 1st floor of block 12 of Harrington Mills in March 07. This was for approx 9000 sq ft (1st floor – 5000 sq ft). We also became a minority shareholder in The Harrington Mills Factory Company. This means we have a stake in the Company. However, in practical terms we have little say. We pay an annual service charge to HFCo to cover things like servicing the fire alarms, heaters and sprinklers. They also maintain the grounds and signage.
Back to my conversation with HFCo. I havn't been receiving post. The factory complex is a community of different industries and organisations. Plumbers merchants, lace manufacturers and Bonzo Band amongst a few. However, the signage is confusing and in the case of HMS, non existant. HFCo will not allow any other signage apart from the 'racing green' lettering produced by themselves. I was asked the name of our organisation when we first moved, but still no signage. I know post has gone missing or returned to sender, so it needs sorting.
Apparently, signage for the whole complex is currently being redesigned to make it easier for the postman and visitors. BUT, we are waiting for the board to approve a design. How I hate design by committee. Meanwhile, I have permission to put up a temporary sign fo HMS. Result!
