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What a party, what a day! The event of the summer that everyone has been waiting for since last year, the CoastRider and Sunshine FM Beach Party in aid of the Cruz Roja Ambulance Appeal, was a massive success. With temperatures into the 30’s there was only one place to be and that was the beach. And looking back on the crowd, I think that half the Costa Blanca was on the beach. With the exception of a slight technical hitch with the generator during the Abba Elite performance, the day was perfect. Our sponsors, who were Specsavers, Lords Wood Houses, First Choice Double Glazed Curtains, Furniture Zone, Costa Cars, Shooby Doo, Sensee Home Agent Network and Banco Halifax Hispania had as good a day as the crowds. The day was kicked into action with dancing and singing from the young girls from the Starlight Academy of performing arts. The very young ones put on a dazzling and colourful display in their bright bikinis. The Starlight Academy were followed by another group of young girls from Totally Dance. Having only done their first public performance three weeks ago, the young girls are taking to public shows like naturals. I have no idea how they managed to perform for so long in the early afternoon heat. As soon as the girls had finished it was into their bikinis and into the cooling water with a large number of the crowd. Sunshine FM DJ’s kept the party pumping between acts and the crowd loved all the freebies that both the CoastRider and Sunshine FM were giving away. If you didn’t turn up to the beach then you missed out amazing performances from Abba Elite, Plan B, Playboys, The Fly Boyz featuring Andrea Marshall, the most amazing drum duette from Like Father Like Son that had the crowd mesmorised and Freeway. You also missed out on what I think is the Costa Blanca’s funniest person. Stevie Spit had everyone in stitches during his mad session with a great take off of Amy Winehouse amongst others. As the temperatures started to cool in the evening and the light started to fade, the party just became even more exciting as crowds gathered to party until midnight. The stage was lit in a blaze of colour from the exciting light show, and it seemed to prompt the performers to greater heights. But as with all good things it had to come to an end. But what an end it was. With the fantastic Blues Brothers getting the whole beach dancing and singing, before Rufus Stone took to the stage to bring an end to a fantastic day. The CoastRiders Managing Director, Claire Worland said “What a great time we all had. It is fantastic that the CoastRider can give something back to our readers. Looking around at their faces I am sure they enjoyed it as much as we did and yes I am sure we will be back doing it again next year with an even more amazing show.” “A special thank you to all the acts who gave up their time most generously to help support this event and to raise funds for the Cruz Roja Ambulance Appeal, Dave at Audio International for providing the sound and lighting throughout the day and Neil at MedPrint for supplying all the posters and banners. Also a big thank you to our food and drink outlets, The Lansdowne Irish Bar, Dona Anna´s Pasty Shack and the Singing Chef.” |
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More clothes recycle points The ‘Humana’ recycling bins that are available in many parts of Torrevieja are being augmented during the summer tourist season. These bins are used to recycle clothes and shoes and during last year 7,000kgs of clothes and shoes were collected from the various points around the town. Humana is an organisation that was started in Denmark in 1977 with the aim to provide help and relief to some of the poorer parts of Africa particularly apartheid-riven South Africa. Initially the organisation collected all kinds of clothes and goods and sent them to the refugee camps in parts of Africa. They have been active in Spain since 1987 with the collection and sorting of clothes and shoes. It has supported Humana People to People projects in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The projects ‘Humana’ are involved with have mushroomed since those early days and they are now actively involved in a wide range of projects such as teacher training, farming programmes and health projects such as the fight against AIDS. The containers will be situated in various parts of the town, La Mata and the outlying urbanisations and it is hoped that the extra population in the summer period will lead to more clothes being put into the bins for recycling. The clothes and shoes are sorted and the best are sent out to Africa or sold in charity shops. Anything left over is sent away for pure recycling. There are over 800 Town Halls in Spain participating in the programme with Humana’s headquarters being in Barcelona. Paul Mutter |
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Commemorative concerts The mayor of Torrevieja Pedro Mateo Hernandez recently announced there would be a series of concerts to be performed in the first two weeks of November later this year to commemorate the life and works of one of the town’s most prolific composers Ricardo Lafuete who died earlier this year. The concerts will be staged every year as an annual homage and the mayor said that Ricardo Lafuente, the Habaneras and Torrevieja were synonymous with each other. Paul Mutter |
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Jesus Christ Superstar Tickets are now on sale for this phenomenally popular musical which has been seen by more than 300 thousand people in the Lope de Vega theatre in Madrid where it has been running successfully for more than one year. The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice hit musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is taking to the road and will be touring more than 20 cities including provincial capitals. The show is being staged in Torrevieja from the 30th October until the 2nd November inclusive with seven performances. There is a total of 5,000 tickets available on sale priced at either 40€ or 35€ each depending on where in the theatre the seats are. All the performances will be in the Municipal Theatre and the tickets can be obtained from the Theatre ticket office or through Servicam. Paul Mutter |
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The Ten Tenors There is further top class musical entertainment in the offing as the Australian group called the Ten Tenors is expected to appear in Torrevieja and Alicante as part of their summer and autumn tour of Europe which is taking place between August and October. The group was formed in 1995 and from humble beginnings they now travel the globe annually performing around 250 shows on five continents. Their repertoire consists of all types of music from arias by Bizet, Puccini and Rossini to numbers penned by the Bee Gees and Queen. They have performed with the likes of Rod Stewart and Alanis Morisette. Paul Mutter |
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El Barrio this Friday Spanish group El Barrio are appearing at the Parque Antonio Soria this Friday August 1st starting at 11.00 pm. Tickets are priced at 20€ if bought in advance and 25€ if bought on the night. The leader and singer fronting the group is José Luis Figuereo who is a composer and poet as well as a vocalist. The group play a type of music that blends flamenco with pop and after several weeks in the chart his latest disc ‘La voz de mi silencío’ went platinum selling more than 100 thousand copies and is a just reward for many years of hard work by the artist and his band promoting his particular kind of music. Paul Mutter |
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Zarzuela There is an opportunity to see an example of this uniquely Spanish style of musical theatre this Saturday with the staging of ‘La del Monojo de Rosas’ in the Eras de Sal. The musical written by Pablo Sorozábal is being performed by the Compañia Lirica de Zarzuela de Madrid. Together with two of the composer’s other woks, ‘Los Claveles’ and ‘Me llaman la Presumida’ it makes a great trilogy of zarzuelas which together give a vivid picture of popular life in Madrid in the years immediately preceding the Spanish Civil War. Tickets are priced between 15€ and 28€ depending on which row of seats they are for. Paul Mutter |
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Packed house at the Venue for the AECC The very popular cabaret restaurant, the Venue, situated on the Lemon Road between Los Montesinos and Guardamar was the venue for the latest AECC fundraiser last week. Lyn Adams and her husband Ken had been hard at work organising the evening over many weeks and had lined up a star-studded cast to entertain the guests. With incomes affected by the current economic situation and the poor exchange rate between the pound and the euro, many events are finding that numbers are being affected as people have to be more selective about how many times they go out during the week and which events and charities they sponsor. Any fears the organisers may have had about getting people to buy tickets were quickly dispelled, as car after car drove into the car parks and a long line of very smartly dressed men and women formed a queue for a seat and table inside. The organisation at the door was impeccably managed by the Venue staff themselves and there were plenty of waitresses roaming around the tables to make sure guests did not run dry. There was a wonderful array of prizes for the raffle and sales of tickets were going like wildfire. The following businesses and individuals had donated prizes, MedAesthetics, Pedraza Academia, Strandz, Celebration Cake, Kays Kurls, Duncan and Mary, Jacqueline Munro, Maureen March, Flamingo Aqua Park, Vanessa La Siesta, FC Torrevieja, J/L Sharpe, Sands Bistro, Rosh Lyn Deb, Pat Perlish, Da Vinci’s Bistro, The Venue, Greenlands Leisure, Molly Cook, The Grand Order of Buffaloes Lodge no 2177 and Carredent. There was also a Reiki Treatment or a psychic reading by David Darnborough to be auctioned and someone from the audience offered up a day’s sailing for 6 on a yacht to be auctioned as well, quite an impressive list of donations. As mentioned earlier a star-studded list of artists had been lined up for the evening including Samantha Curtis, Paul Falcon, Curtis, The irrepressible Suzy G and Ricky Powell. The evening was compered by Justin Sane who got the audience warmed up although they did not need much prompting, and dealt with continuity between the acts with some quick-fire humour. Elvis entered the building as Ricky Powell recreated perhaps his most famous persona. The audience loved it as they did the rest of the evening. It just goes to show that whatever the financial situation might be, people still want to enjoy themselves and with the right ingredients at the right venue, you can still pack ‘em in! The result of the evening and a credit to all the hard work that was put in, as well as those that attended was a fantastic total of 3766€ towards the AECC funds and a terrific night’s entertainment as well. Paul Mutter |
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Another Neighbourhood
Watch Success Early in July the Guardia in Torrevieja received a request via Interpol from the British Police asking for help in tracing a vehicle believed to be in the area with false British number plates. The Guardia asked the Neighbourhood Watch Association for their help in locating the vehicle and a request was sent out to all NHW coordinators to keep an eye out for it. Approximately ten days after receiving the request from the Guardia, NHW were able to inform them where the vehicle was parked. The Guardia quickly confirmed that the vehicle located was the one they were looking for and details were sent back to the British Police via Interpol. Once again NHW has been able to respond rapidly to a request for help from the police and have co-ordinators in over thirty different locations from Javea in the north to Almeria in the south working together to achieve this result. If you want to find out more about NHW or would like information on starting a branch in your area telephone James on 659 883 516 or Ray on 966 763 258 or visit the NHW web site at www.nhwinspain.com. Ray Marsh |
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West End Choral Workshop Nigel Hopkins who is a vocal tutor in the UK and has many other musical claims to fame is running a West End Choral Workshop from August 4th for a week. Nigel has been responsible for bringing three choirs from the UK to Spain to give concerts along the Costas. Through his association with choirs in this country many singers have asked him if he would consider running some classes and the workshop in August is the result of those requests. The classes will be run in the Cabo Cervera Hotel at La Mata from 10.00 am until 1.00 pm every day except Wednesday when there will be a master class for soloists instead. At the end of the week on Saturday night there will be a concert for the public to attend and listen to the results of the week’s work. Nigel tells us that he is expecting about 70 singers to turn up for the workshop and that the quality is very good. Nigel will be aided in the workshop by his son Mathew who is the Director of Music at Nottingham Trent University and the youngest person to have been appointed to that position. Tickets for the concert on Saturday night August 9th cost 5€ and can be obtained on the door or from Bargain Books in Torrevieja. There will also be a bucket collection on the night for any loose change you might have in your pockets and purses! The concert will start at 8.00pm and all proceeds are to be given to the AECC. Paul Mutter |
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I’m Back Mummy Those were the words of local swimming phenomenon Adam Stewart after winning a gold and a bronze medal at the recent British Short Course Swimming Championships and Festival of Swimming held at Ponds Forge Sheffield. The Gold medal came in the 50 Butterfly and the bronze in the Freestyle 100. This represents a major step forward for Adam who hit a low when he was injured 2 years ago and had a tough time getting mentally tuned in back to his previous form. Adam had many problems trying to get registered to swim for Spain but now is in the British squad representing the country where he was born rather than the one in which he lives. His next major championship is in November in Albufeira in Portugal. This is an international championship for Downs Syndrome swimmers only which makes it more of an equal playing field for the competitors. Interestingly although Adam is now representing Great Britain Pauline, his mother, is still a delegate for the Spanish Federation and will be helping the Spanish team in their preparations! Adam of course still trains at the Pilar de Horadada club five or six days a week and now trains with the GB team every four months or so. The championships and training days away represent a good deal of travelling and expense for Adam and his family and they are very grateful for any sponsorship they can get to affray expenses. Adam’s Mum Pauline wanted to thank the CoastRider for the help the paper has given Adam in getting back to form and of course we are all delighted to be able to help someone who is so talented, dedicated to his sport and so determined to do well. Good luck in November Adam, and with those recent results in Sheffield as the boy himself says, “I’m back Mummy!” Paul Mutter |
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Presents for the Children The Mayor of Torrevieja Pedro Mateo Hernendez together with the Councillor for Social Affairs Lola Canales officially welcomed the seven Saharuin children who will be spending the summer in the town with local foster families. The Town Hall donated 4,300€ to help affray the costs of the stay. The exercise is part of ‘vacaciones en paz’, ‘holidays in peace’, which aims to provide children in the disputed region of the Western Sahara with some respite from their lives in the refugee camps. The holiday programme began in 1988 and each year Spain is host to several thousand children who go to stay with families all over the country. In total during the lifetime of the programme over 100,000 children have participated. Vacaciones en paz is organised between the Union of Sahrawi Youth (UJSARIO) and some 300 associations throughout Spain collectively referred to as “Friends of the Sahrawi People” (Amigos del Pueblo Saharaui). The Western Sahara has been disputed land ever since the Spanish withdrew in 1975. Morocco annexed the northern part of the land whilst Mauritania took charge of the southern part. The Mauritanians eventually withdrew leaving Morocco to take control of most of the country. A Saharuin government, the SASDR, is in exile and has control over the land to the west of a sand berm constructed by the Moroccans. Most of the population now live in refugee camps aided by the Algerians. Also present at the presentation was the President of the Association, Manuel Alonso and Fatma Sidi who is the Delegate for the Saharuin in this region. The Mayor also announced that they would shortly be budgeting for additional equipment for the school for the blind in the camps named after the town. That was not the only donation made as the Torry Army in conjunction with the Fundación Cajamurcia gave 4,000€ to the Saharuin project. Half of the money was destined for the villages and projects in Africa whilst the other half was for the children to spend whilst they are here in Torrevieja. The Vice President of the Torry Army, Fred Griggs presented the cheque to the mayor and Fatma. There were presents and goodie bags for the children and their foster families were present to witness the ceremony. Speaking to one English lady who is fostering a young girl and has visited the camps where they live, she told me of the terrible conditions the Saharui are forced to live in. She herself caught dysentery as a result of the visit but said she was amazed that the children, although they clearly thoroughly enjoyed their time in Spain in comparatively luxurious conditions always looked forward to returning to their villages and their families despite the conditions they found themselves in. Living in the desert in the camps can be hard on the health of the children particularly the eyes and they are given health checks whilst they are in Torrevieja. There was further good news for the children when Fred Griggs announced that they were all invited to be guests of FC Torrevieja and attend one of their pre-season matches at the Vicente Garcia stadium against Benidorm on Thursday 14th August. Paul Mutter |
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Equity release nightmare Equity release schemes have proved to be very attractive to many people looking to use the capital they have tied up in their property to generate an income and often give them a lump sum as well. A number of different types of schemes have been in existence with different advantages and risks depending on your circumstances. Some involve selling a proportion of your property in return for cash which can be invested to provide an income and others involve taking out a mortgage, the money from which is invested in a bond of some description, again to generate an income. Such schemes can be particularly attractive to older people who may want to increase their income to top up pensions, supposedly reduce their inheritance tax liability here in Spain or for special purchases. All of this sounds wonderful but with all financial plans they need to perform to the targeted figures to provide the returns and if they do not then what appears to be a good investment can quickly turn into a nightmare leaving investors worried they may lose their homes. John and Angela Yates are two such people. They invested in such a scheme through financial brokers. The scheme was simple in essence. A mortgage was taken out on their house and money from the mortgage invested in a bond to provide an income in addition a small amount of cash was released. Capital growth from the bond would pay off the mortgage at the end of a ten year period. However the performance of the bond over the two years they have been in the scheme has been nothing short of disastrous and there is now a very significant shortfall between the value of the bond and the outstanding mortgage. The terms of their agreement are that the funds have to be kept within certain limits by the customer topping up if necessary and this is what has happened in John and Angela’s case, they have had to make a substantial payment and are worried that it will be the first of many and that the fund will never generate enough to cover the mortgage. They of course expected the fund to be paying them not the other way round! The situation with their particular fund is more complicated in two ways, each part of the arrangement is covered by a separate company, that is the mortgage provider is different to the bond provider and secondly that the original company they dealt with has been taken over. Communicating with the company responsible for the poorly performing bond has proved impossible so far as they will not answer correspondence. John and Angela’s experience has made them wonder how many other people may be in a similar position with Equity release schemes not performing and perhaps worried about the security of their property or caught without an income they desperately need. To that end they are interested in hearing from other people who have problems with their equity release schemes to perhaps form a pressure group. The can be contacted by email at angieyatesinspain@gmail.com or by telephone on 966 774 820. Since preparing this article I have become aware of another group clearly dissatisfied with their schemes. They are the ‘Costa del Sol Action Group’. Their website at www.costa-action.co.uk contains details of many companies who are not registered in Spain selling such products, court cases outstanding against some of them and case histories of unsuspecting customers that make terrifying reading. Unregistered companies are of course unregulated here in Spain. They can be contacted through their website or by email; David Klein at david@thedogman.net, John Parsons at johnpar@telefonica.net, Suzy Rowe at suzy@anit.es. The Action group are actively involved in pursuing what they consider to be dubious products or illegal actions and the companies that are involved with them. The website contains lots of very useful information and advice which if you are considering such a scheme or other financial investments you should consult BEFORE you let go of your money or sign any contracts. Paul Mutter |
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Local Champion meets the Royal Family One of the ‘perks’ of working for the CoastRider is that you get to meet some very interesting people and it never ceases to amaze me how talented people are and what interesting lives they lead, here on the Costas. One such person is Nichole Escribano who runs the swimming pool and spa shop on Avenida Cortes Valenciana in Torrevieja which is situated close to the new Iceland supermarket. Nichole is the National Hare Coursing Champion of Spain and recently received an invitation to meet the Royal Family. “I got this envelope marked for urgent delivery and simply tore it open. When I read what was inside I was amazed.” She had been invited to receive an award as an outstanding sportsperson which would be presented by the King at the Palace in Madrid. The presentation ceremony for the National Sports Awards for 2007 was at the end of June and Nichole was in the company of such personalities as golfer Seve Ballesteros, and Barcelona footballer Messi. They were each presented with a signed book with photos of all the champions as a keepsake. As well as King Juan Carlos and the Queen Sofía, their daughters, the Infanta Elena and the Infanta Cristina were also present and Nichole spoke to Elena about their shared interest because the Infanta Elena is a keen horsewoman and Nichole as well as her coursing is a talented and successful show jumper. Nichole took the opportunity to ask the Infanta if she would consider presenting the prizes at on of the Club Championships and the Infanta Elena said she had never been coursing. So it may be if diaries and commitments allow, that the Infanta Elena will attend and experience a hare course at first hand. I asked Nichole to tell me a little about hare coursing in Spain and she explained that it was very different to hare coursing in England being run over a much longer course. The Spanish greyhounds or Galgos that are used have to have considerable stamina. She herself has 35 dogs at the moment of varying ages and breeds her own litters. She said they are wonderful animals with excellent temperaments. The ideal age for coursing varies with the individual animal and a dog cannot take part until it is at least 16 months old. There is also a new category for ‘veterans’ over 5 years old as Nichole says they still often have plenty of ability left in them. The Spanish form of coursing is open, that is in an unenclosed area and follows certain rules and regulations. Different scores are given to the dogs as they chase the hare depending on their ability to direct and turn the animal. Most times the hare escapes to live another day with only about 10% being killed by the animals. Bitches make the best coursers generally according to Nichole. It seems that the males can get too well developed physically, catch the hares up and start playing with them which is not the object of the exercise. Nichole is also a judge with the Spanish Federation and that coupled with her own competing means a lot of travelling during the season with very early starts and late finishes. It is a growing sport apparently with around 12,000 members and is now much more open and competitive than it used to be. Because of her ability, knowledge and skill in the sport she is known as the ‘Witch of the greyhounds’. In English that would be a pejorative term but in Spanish it is a compliment more like how a ‘wizard’ would be interpreted in English. I asked what the future holds for her and she said she wanted to continue at the top of the coursing world but also wanted to compete more in show jumping. She has been successful in the past but until recently has not had a horse she felt was quite good enough. Now she has an animal she thinks might make the grade this season. Paul Mutter |
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Couple caught in property crisis The impact of the slowdown in the housing market has been well documented in the press and on the television here in Spain, particularly as it impacts on rising levels of unemployment and regional economies. This is especially in the Valencian province where the economy has been so dependant on a continuing construction boom. The same is true in other European economies but none appear to have been so dependant on new housing sales as certain regions of Spain. Most companies seemed to assume that the boom could and would go on forever or were simply hoping to make as much as they could before being forced to downsize drastically or worse, seek the shelter of managed bankruptcy. The results are there for all to see, thousands of new properties for sale and thousands partly constructed. Those hoping for an early end to the crisis are being seen as optimists and as the weeks go by the estimates go further and further out of a return to normality. Already there is talk of recession in the major economies of the world and it looks a certainty before the year is out for many countries. Here in Spain the situation with failing construction companies has put many thousands of people’s hopes and dreams on hold as they face an uncertain future waiting to hear whether their properties will be finished or not. Many thousands more still rely on builders’ supplies of electricity and water despite having taken occupation of their properties months, and in some cases, years ago. The whole ghastly mess will take much sorting out and may well have damaged Spain’s reputation for many years to come. It is not just the new property market that is affected; thousands of resale properties remain waiting for buyers. Some of their owners may just be looking to release profits, perhaps not overly concerned as to whether they sell now or in three years time but for many that is not the case. Many really need to sell for health, family or work reasons and the current economic climate means unless they are lucky, they are caught. Even offering their properties for sale at well below market prices may not be enough to secure a sale. This is the exact situation that a couple in San Cayetano find themselves in. San Cayetano is in Murcia about 10 kms from the coast. Sean and Victoria moved into a new property there some two years ago having lived in Los Alcazares before that. Neither is of retirement age and moved to Spain to realise their dreams, but also having to work at the same time. All was going well until Victoria was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 36. She teaches English not just in the Spanish education system, but also to other clients and pupils. As a result she needs to be able to drive. Now she has epilepsy she is not allowed to drive and therefore relies on her husband Sean to transport her. Sean has his own work to carry out in property management and so they are having to consider moving somewhere like Los Alcazares where the transport requirement will not be so great. They are however caught in what was to be their dream home, unable to sell it despite it being on the market for less than the new price of a comparable property from the builder. Sean and Victoria are not alone in their need to move and innovative solutions will have to be sought to allow this to happen. Sean and Victoria are willing to consider part-exchange deals or house-swaps to get them into an area which will have to have a reasonably large Spanish population. Perhaps you find yourself in a similar position to Sean and Victoria. If you are, then you can contact him by email at sean96c@hotmail.com or by telephone on 638 704 744. Paul Mutter |
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Viva Las Velvetones Not content to take their advertised break for the summer, the ladies from The Velvetones Barbershop Harmony Chorus took over the new Viva TV studios in Benijófar last Tuesday. The ladies, or those that had chosen to brave the summer heat and stay in Spain had a fantastic time. I am sure the ones that took a break will be kicking themselves. The Velvetones will be appearing as one of the first guests on Amanda Villamayor’s Let’s Talk Chat Show on Viva TV. Viva TV will be launching on the 1st of September 2008, on Telmicro Levante digital broadcast platform, channel 2. Let’s Talk will form part of the Breakfast Show. Maggie Ellis-Press, one of the founder members of the Velvetones and Sandy Ibbetson, one of the newer members, were both interviewed by Viva’s attractive presenter Amanda. Maggie explained how Harry Hall started The Velvetones, nearly ten years ago, whereby a handful of ladies first sang in harmony. She also gave a brief history of how Barbershop was formed in the USA. Sandy reinforced the international friendship and camaraderie amongst Barbershoppers. She spoke of her recent trip back to her native New Zealand earlier this year, visiting choruses in Palmerston North and Wellington. They both explained how much fun a hobby can be and what a superb way of forming friendships when relocating countries. The Velvetones comprise of Swiss, Dutch, Belgian, Swedish, New Zealand, Scottish, Irish, Welsh and English ladies and welcome any nationality with a view to singing in harmony and having fun as well! The Velvetones are hosting an anniversary concert at Guardamar Teatro on October 24th. A varied evening of entertainment is planned! Following the interview, the ladies joined the rest of the chorus in the new arcade opposite the TV studio, to perform a few songs for the cameras, to demonstrate the close four-part harmonies. The Assistant Musical Director, Gail Grainger conducted the ladies, making sure they smiled for the cameras!! The Velvetones would like to wish VIVA TV much success for the future and their launch day on September 1st. Whilst rehearsals are not due to recommence until September, anyone wishing to find out more about The Velvetones, or if you would like to book them for a special birthday, anniversary, wedding or just to liven up a special event, have a look at their website, www.velvetones.org or call Kristoff on 966 714 973. You never know, this may just be the start of their TV appearances. |
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Choirs under the Stars The 54th edition of the International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition is over for another year, with the official closing ceremony taking place on Sunday. On the night before we were treated to a Gala Evening of wonderful singing prior to the announcement of the prizewinners in the various categories of the competition. The setting of the Eras de Sal is a truly wonderful place to listen to music in the cooling evening air with the starstudded sky above, a very romantic setting. There were stars of a different kind in attendance too because accompanying the Mayor Pedro Mateo Hernandez and the Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja Eduardo Dolon were a number of political dignitaries including the President of the Cortes Valencianas, Milagrosa Martínez and the ex- Minister of Defence in the last PP government Federico Trillo all honouring the occasion with their presence. Eight choirs took part in the Gala from Colombia, Kenya, Hungary, Guipuzcoa (Spain), Venezuela, Cuba, The Philippines and Puerto Rico. Each choir sang two numbers. Some chose a habanera as one of them including a wonderful rendering of ‘Torrevieja’ by Ricardo Lafuente, so fitting with this year’s competition being dedicated to his memory. The singing from all the choirs was an absolute joy to listen to and the range of types of song really impressive. The Cathedral Crooners from Nairobi in Kenya chose to perform two wonderful African inspired numbers with immaculate timing and rhythms. There was acting as well as singing with several of the groups performing numbers involving movement; a piece from the Oñatico Ganbara Abesbatza choir from Oñate in Guipuzcoa relating to harvesting in the fields; folklore from a colourfully dressed choir, the Coro Mixto Cantemus from Nyiregyhaza in Hungary and a resoundingly warlike number from tribally dressed Coro de la Universidad del Este in Manilla. The harmonies were magical and the standard so high. How the panel of judges came to be able to choose prize winners from amongst such excellent and different performances, I do not know. Choose they had to though and the audience were quietly expectant as those that were to give the prizes were called upon to the stage by the actress and presenter of the Habaneras Loreto Valverde. Many of the choirs were present in the audience or close by outside the auditorium waiting hopefully to hear their names called out. There were bound to be some disappointments. In time-honoured fashion the prizes were read out in reverse order of importance, with the top prize of course being left until last. The winner of the competition and a prize of 12,000€ was the Coro de la Universidad del Este in Manilla directed by Ana Tabita Abeleda Piquero; the second prize was won by the Oñatico Ganbara Abesbatza choir from Oñate in Guipuzcoa, who also won the Premio Nacional ‘Ciudad de Torrevieja’. Third prize went to the Coro Universitario de Mendoza (Argentina). The ‘Francisco Vallejos’ prize for the best interpretation of a habanera was won by the young Coro de Niños de San Juan de Puerto Rico for their interpretation of the Ricardo Lafuente habanera ‘Habanera Salada’ which they also sang on the night. They also won the Polyphony top prize and a cheque for 10,000€ with second place going to the Coro Mixto Cantemos de Hungría whose musical director, Soma Szavo, won the ‘José Hódar’ prize for best direction. The third prize went to the choir from Cuba, the Coro de Cámara de Matanzas de Cuba. The general opinion was that it had been an excellent competition with a very high quality of singing demonstrated and the prize winners were clearly delighted with their success. We are truly fortunate to be able to listen to singing of such a high standard locally. Paul Mutter |
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Get those bras out! The dark clouds of recession may be looming on the horizon but last weekend at the Marina bar in Torreta II it was sunshine all the way at a special fundraiser for the AECC. The Marina bar and swimming pool is a perfect area to hold such an event and they had organised Anglo Dutch band ‘Timeless’ to provide the music. Even with temperatures well off the scale on a sweltering afternoon the group seemed to press all the right buttons and get the audience up on their feet dancing with some great playing. The AECC ran a raffle with a selection of prizes and one very generous table gave a donation of €160. The Patience Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes were well represented and gave the charity €500. Speaking to Rita and David who run the Marina Bar they said they had been rushed off their feet with orders not just for drinks but food as well. They were doing special offers on food with an element of the price they were charging also going to swell the AECC coffers. One of the many people attending the event was Nicola with her six month old baby daughter Alicia looking very bonny and fetching in a pair of sunglasses. Baby Alicia and her mum Nicola featured in the January 8th edition of the CoastRider this year as one of the first babies to be born in Torrevieja hospital in this year arriving on the 5th of the month. The results of the afternoon’s hard work by the volunteers and generosity by those who attended was €1508, a very rewarding day’s work. Lyn Adams who organised the event with her husband Ken wanted to thank all who had taken part especially Jackie Smith. The cheque for €500 was presented the following morning last Sunday at the regular lodge meeting of the Patience Lodge who meet at the New York bar in La Siesta. The money was presented on behalf of Arthur Steven a past President of Grand Council who has donated some old regalia and jewels of the order which are very precious to the lodge. By the way the Patience Lodge is looking for new members and the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes is open to all adult males without distinction as to social position or religious and political beliefs. If you are interested in joining or perhaps an ‘old buff’ why not give them a ring on 965 991 216. Meanwhile the AECC’s next big event is coming up on Tuesday 22nd of July and is being presented at The Venue on the Lemon Tree Road between the El Raso urbanisation and the Sunday Market. On the bill for an evening of entertainment are Samantha Curtis, Paul Flacon, Curtis, Suzy G, Ricky Powell and the event is being compèred by Justin Sane. Doors open at 7.30 pm with the show starting at 8.30 pm. Tickets are €10 each and can be obtained from The Venue (96 672 7367), Ann (625 568 695), Ricardo’s, Chantelle (628 810 975), Lyn (96 678 5661), Bargain Books in Torrevieja and San Miguel, Cards ‘N’ Things in Quesada (96 671 6237), The Chop Shop in Quesada and Bea in La Marina (96 679 6004). Paul Mutter |
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Trail of vandalism. A number of bars at the bottom of Avendida Londres on the Urbanisation of La Maraina were subject to a mindless attack of vandalism in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The Bermuda bar and the Cavern were both targeted, with the Bermauda bar taking the brunt of the attack. A large amount of red paint was thrown all over the tables and patio area. The perpetrators wrote España 2008 all over the floor. Paint was also thrown over a rental car and several other cars had windows smashed. The attack took place sometime between 5:00am and 7:00am. Police say that whoever carried out the attack must have been covered in red paint as it was thrown everywhere. The owner of the Bermuda bar told The CoastRider that they did not think it was a personal attack. They believe that the vandals had probably been drinking all night in one of the other bars and tried to find more alcohol in one of the outside lockers. When no alcohol was found they may have become frustrated and used the paint that was found in the locker. If anyone has any information about the attack then please contact the local police. Sean McSeveney |
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Money off vouchers In an enterprising scheme to get more customers to shop in La Marina village, the La Marina village business association have come up with a money of voucher booklet. The booklet contains vouchers from the 24 businesses involved in the scheme. They offer everything from a free light and level check from the Car service centre to a free ice cream or coffee from Don Gelato. The voucher system is the brain child of Kent Mansson. Kent ran a similar scheme in his home country of Sweden. He says, “It proved very popular in my home village back in Sweden. It brought a number of visitors to the village. This is what we hope to achieve in La Marina.” The vouchers with a value of almost a €150 are being distributed at various points including La marina market. The La Marina village business association have plans to operate a Saturday market in the village in the near future. To kick start the plans a breakfast meeting is planned for the 5th of August in the bar La Vista at 8:00am. Sean McSeveney |
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La Marina on the web In order to further promote the village, La Marina has been chosen as the showcase for a new website Experience Spain in Motion, to promote businesses and locations through out the Costa Blanca. Representatives from Experience Spain in Motion will be on hand to offer advice on how this innovate new service can help businesses at all levels. Sean McSeveney |
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La Marina village Business association La Marina village Business association was started many years ago. They wanted to promote the village to the numerous visiting tourists, but at the time they realised that the village did not have the infrastructure in place to accommodate many visitors. Subsequently a large number of improvements were made to the village, the most notable being an new road allowing access to the N332. Unfortunately the association took a more back seat role as the years progressed and in recent years has been almost silent. However we now have some fresh blood that wants to get the association back on its feet again and get the Village back on the map. The village has remained relatively unspoilt by development, but a good number of business have sprung up over the past two years. Sean McSeveney |
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La Marina fiesta Don’t forget this Thursday is the start of the Virgen De La Paz summer Fiesta. It will be held in the Market place on the urbanisation of La Marina. See the La Marina summer fiesta article for the full time table. Sean McSeveney |
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Mobile telephone masts in Rojales Despite assurances from public health bodies and various experts there is still considerable concern over the siting of mobile telephone masts especially when they are being erected near to schools or other areas where younger people are present in large numbers. With the ever increasing use of mobiles and the drive to improve coverage and availability the telephone companies want to put more masts in place particularly in urban areas. Although not proven many countries are pulling back from installation plans worried about potential harmful effects not yet being detected because the mobile telephone is still a relatively young ‘gadget’. Only last month in the West Midlands in the UK a community was demanding that a local mast owned by the council and rented out to telephone companies be dismantled because they claim there are too many cases of cancer locally and that the mast with its associated radiation is the cause. Tests have shown that the levels although high are well within targeted levels as laid down in industry regulations. The concerns are Europe wide; worries that although the levels of radiation are believed to be harmless in the future we could have generations of adults with problems of one sort or another caused by the radiation from masts. This is why certain countries are being particularly careful about masts near schools with youngsters whose brains are still developing. They could be particularly susceptible to this kind of damage over time. There have been several cases here in Spain of communities concerned about the mushrooming of these masts in urban areas close to where people are living and near to schools and hospitals. Some local authorise have tried to have a greater say in where they can be put up and how close to education establishments they can be. Rojales is one of these and a case has been brought by a telephone company against the council for attempting to impose such regulations and in a recent judgement the courts have partly agreed with the telephone company. As reported the judgement states that local authorities do have some rights in establishing and deciding where such items can go from a planning point of view. However when it comes to public safety it is the Dirección General de Salud Pública y Consumo that decides what the rules, regulations and laws are. It is this body that can pass judgment as to whether a telephone mast is sited appropriately from a public health point of view and not a local town hall. The judgement goes on to say that in such cases of instruments involving non-ionising radiation (i.e. mobile phones and masts) the council is not competent to make decisions and rulings. It goes on to add that no local authority has the power to supplant the licenses, rules and regulations made by national regulatory bodies or the European Union. In respect of the local authority demanding insurance from the telephone company for third party liability the judgement states that they cannot demand that in respect of health risks. The debate is still open on the health issues surrounding these masts with some experts such as Dr Grahame Blackwell, saying that there are no studies on the health effects of living close to such masts that do not demonstrate an increased risk of cancers. With the jury still out many do not wish to see official bodies playing Russian roulette with people’s health particularly that of children. More pressure needs to be brought by local councils on those that are responsible for public health to ensure that they can give confidence to the public at large over such a serious issue. Paul Mutter |
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Mixed news for Catral homeowners Reports surfaced in the local Spanish press last week that the administration in Catral has come up with a new proposal to try to make some headway in sorting out the horrendous problems in the locality with over 1200 properties having been built illegally on rural land. The problem is too big and too politically sensitive to simply knock the properties down and so the new general plan proposes that the properties be legalised but that the owners will have to pay for the infrastructure on a fair and equitable basis whatever that means. The exact costs have yet to be calculated or at least released but according to newspaper reports the likely total cost will run into millions of euros. This proposal does not include some 20 properties that have been built within the limits of the natural park area El Hondo. It is expected that these will have to be demolished in line with the instructions already issued by the Conselleria. Understandably some at least of the property owners have already dismissed these proposals and are talking about possible legal action against the promoters involved and also the town hall for lack of diligence. The situation in the Catral area is possibly the worst single instance of illegal building in the Vega Baja and the charges of corrupt planning practices are still before the courts. Official bodes of all types stood by and watched as the properties sprang up over a period of a few years in land close to the AP7 motorway. Prospective owners believed in many cases they were buying fully legal houses with the documentation to prove it. The situation was so bad that the regional authorities had to step in and take over the planning responsibilities of the Town Hall something almost unheard of in Spain. The current situation arose in the previous PSOE administration and the present PP councillor for Urbanisation said that they were not going to impose a solution on anyone, and that he was looking to find a way of resolving the very grave position they found themselves in. There have been regular almost weekly meetings over the past few months held between the Town Council officials and representatives of the ‘Conselleria de Medio Ambiente, Agua, Urbanismo y Vivienda’ in order to arrive at some satisfactory proposals and to demonstrate that the new administration on Catral is capable of managing the urban planning issues in the area, especially finding some way out of the current mess. He is expecting in September to have the suggested plans available for public scrutiny and discussion. Antonio Bellido went on to say that he is convinced that all parties want to find a satisfactory solution to the current crisis and for the management of the town planning to revert to the Town Hall. He said the proposed general plan was in his view a sensible and rational approach to development in the area which recognised an increase in population concentrated around the town centre. He believed the plan would be beneficial to everyone living in the area. Paul Mutter |
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Police to return to prevent
loss of trophy South Yorkshire police are determined that the no side will be allowed to steal their prize from under their noses. Am I talking about the latest crime wave to hit the Costa? No! I am talking about the South Yorkshire police bringing a football team over to San Fulgencio to defend their title from last year. Last Autumn Police officer Steve Ford organised a charity football match against the Torrevieja Misfits in an attempt to raise money for AECC. The finished the day with an impressive €1700. The match was held at the football stadium in San Fulgencio and was watched by a large number of locals. The mayor who also attended was so impressed that he asked Steve and the manager of Torrevieja Misfits John Young, if they would do it again this year during the San Fulgencio fiesta week. Steve and John decided they would do it again this year, but on a larger scale. They have invited CF La Marina to join in, they also hope that San Fulgencio emergency services will put in a team. The police obviously need to bring over a decent sized to team from Yorkshire to ensure that they hold on to there title. But moving around such a large number of strapping lads was going to be a costly exercise. That was until car rental company Dickmanns rent a car, in La Siesta stepped forward with an offer of three nine seat mini buses for the week. This has enabled the police team to put all money raised directly towards the AECC charity. Steve and John hope to raise even more money this year, by charging a small gate fee of only €1 and having a raffle. Steve has produced a spot the ball competition that has already proved popular. He has been selling them in England and over here. The matches will take place on the 11th and 12th of October, during the San Fulgencio fiesta. So that is another excuse to come over and have some fun. If you want more details of the event then contact John Young on 617 998 278. Sean McSeveney |
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Robberies in restaurants In a recent edition of the CoastRider we described one lady’s experience of having her handbag stolen whilst she was in a restaurant in the area. This week I had a call from another lady who suffered a similar fate. I hasten to add that it is not the same restaurant but it appears that there are some individuals who are targeting eating places looking for easy pickings. Especially at risk it seems are those bags that are hung over the backs of chairs. This particular incident occurred in the El Galan area when the lady concerned went to a local restaurant at about 10.30pm with her daughter and grandchildren. At 11.40pm when it was time to leave she realised her bag had gone, so promptly got hold of the manager and explained the situation to him. The local police were called some ten minutes later. They were pleasant but not particularly helpful she recalls. Meanwhile her daughter had gone to the apartment to make sure it was secure as the keys had been in her mother’s stolen bag. The Guardia Civil arrived but had no English and told the lady she would need to report the matter at San Miguel with the aid of an interpreter. By now it was 1.30am in the early morning and without the apartment keys there was no way of getting in. Fortunately she went to Frankie’s Bar where a German in the bar was able to phone for a locksmith who came to help. They were able to get into their apartment at 3.00am and then began the awful task of cancelling credit cards. In the three hours since the crime had been committed the thieves had managed somehow to take some money from one of her accounts even though her PIN numbers were not with the cards. The next day she went to San Miguel to report the crime armed not with an interpreter but with a Spanish phrase book she had managed to borrow from an ex-pat in the high street. She managed to file the report but felt more than a little disappointed that the local police did not offer to take her back to her apartment to make sure everything was ok, nor had they telephone numbers of locksmiths or other information that could have helped her in her hour of need. “I am sure I wouldn’t have been left helpless by the side of the road at 1.30 in the morning by the police back in the UK,” she said. With restaurants and bars, we hope, being busy during this summer period and with many people sitting on outside terraces this type of crime may well increase over the next couple of months, so be extra wary of where you place your bag. If possible keep it about your person if it has a long strap. Try to sit away from walkways in cafes and on terraces if possible and don’t take a bag out if you can avoid it. It is not only outside eating areas that have been targeted, the theft referred to above occurred inside a restaurant. Remember these thieves are very professional and will watch very carefully what is going on around them before selecting their target. The message is clear, enjoy the summer but be extra vigilant. Paul Mutter |
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Mar Azul International School
Speaks Out The minute you step into Mar Azul International School you cannot fail to be impressed by the positive atmosphere created by the staff and pupils. Children attending the school exude confidence and are well rounded, happy, healthy but most of all, receiving a good education on a par with that which they would receive in the UK. The school can state this fact with confidence given that it has recently received its NABSS accreditation, (The National Association of British Schools in Spain). After a full day´s inspection visit by senior members of the NABSS team the school was delighted to receive its certification demonstrating that it is on a par with any in the UK. The teaching of the British National Curriculum is underpinned by a full programme of Spanish studies which is introduced to children as young as one and taught throughout the school for an hour a day thus on leaving Mar Azul International School, pupils can expect to have received a truly bilingual education. That is why the school´s owner and managing director, Rachel Pestell was so disappointed to read the recent articles in the local press last week. “I am particularly upset for our parents and pupils as it must be very disheartening for them to read negative comments about their school in the newspapers but despite all of this they are being extremely supportive and we have been inundated with positive comments this week which has kept us motivated and focused.” Mar Azul International School has worked tirelessly since its move to San Miguel de Salinas to make improvements to its infrastructure and is starting to reap the benefits of its efforts. In addition to the all important NABSS certificate, it is also proud to confirm that it has received accreditation with the Edexcel examining board in the UK and thus students attending the school can now sit their exams on the premises. This dual accreditation means that Mar Azul International School is in a position to offer GCSEs, A levels and BTEC courses and in fact has ambitiously chosen to offer all of these qualifications in September. This was only awarded following a detailed inspection of the premises and could not have been granted if the rooms and facilities were not up to scratch. Spurred on by this success, Mar Azul International School has also applied for AQA accreditation (another leading UK examination board) and if successful, will be able to offer a huge choice of study options to its students. The school is certainly no stranger to inspection visits and welcomed a contingency from the Alicante Health and Safety Executive attached to the Department of Education in May who confirmed that they were satisfied with the school´s health and safety standards. The school has been particularly disappointed to read that it has been classed as a “makeshift” school by certain members of the press. It turned out that the editorial team in question had not even visited the school before making its report. Rachel Pestell added, “Given that a large number of schools in the area are in temporary portacabins, I cannot see why our facilities come under attack. Our room sizes comply with the Ministry of Education rules and there is plenty of inside and outside space to meet the needs of our pupils.” As far as it is aware, Mar Azul is the only private school in the area offering education to Special Needs children. It works with a number of other private schools who actually refer pupils to them because they will not meet the tough entrance criteria at other schools. Rachel genuinely believes that some of these students simply would not receive an education if Mar Azul did not exist. She said, “We do not necessarily want all of our students to receive 100% in their exams but we know for a fact that our fully qualified and committed staff team have motivated these children to achieve results to the best of their ability through celebrating their individual successes.” In addition, Mar Azul International School intends to open its doors to young adults and mature students in October by introducing San Miguel International College of Further Education. The College, which is fully legal, is offering BTEC National courses, A levels and GCSEs in the evenings and thus it will be truly offering a “cradle to grave” approach to education with children as young as one right through to mature students in their sixties. The issue which seems to be causing the most contention is that of licensing but as anyone will know in Spain who is running a business they cannot always be organised overnight. All of the appropriate papers have been filed with the San Miguel Town Hall for the current site, the land where the school intends to build its permanent site has been granted a “change of use”. Now that the school has received its long awaited NABSS accreditation in its new building it intends to file papers with the Ministry of Education in Valencia for both the temporary project and the permanent site. “The project for the new permanent site is very exciting,” said Rachel Pestell. “It will be the first environmentally friendly school in Europe with the roof consisting entirely of solar panels. This will potentially generate enough electricity to power the whole of Las Comunicaciones thus giving something back to the community.” Being at the heart of the community is an important consideration for Rachel and despite a minority of naysayers in Las Comunicaciones she remains determined to help where she can. The school has successfully raised funds this year for The HELP Torrevieja Association and for Amnesty International through school events and fundraising. In addition, the children attended the Town Hall at Christmastime and there was not a dry eye in the house when they sung Christmas Carols to the Mayor and local passers by. Mar Azul also offers its after school clubs which include football, tennis, and cricket in conjunction with the Spanish Cricket Federation to name but a few to any children from any school or college. Rachel Pestell feels that despite the recent speight of negative publicity, Mar Azul International School has a lot to shout about and will continue to make advances for the benefit of its pupils, parents, staff and the community at large. She added that “We are always happy to welcome visitors to our premises so if you are in any doubt, why not pay us a visit?” |
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Prize Winning Youth Band Performances Delight
Audiences at Charity Concert The final performance in Torrevieja of the visiting Lions Youth Brass Band, playing in a concert on Sunday 20th July with our own local Banda Juvenil, the Union Musical Torrevejense, received a standing ovation from an enthralled and delighted audience. Both bands, with their differing musical styles, truly deserved the applause for performances which displayed musical competence and talent which clearly exceeded their years. Lions Banners were presented to the Musical Directors of the two bands, Francisco J. Garres Perez and Nigel Birch. Councillor Pedro Valero presented Lions Youth Brass with the traditional model of the Torrevieja Salt Boat as a special memento of the occasion. Lions Youth Brass played at two previous performances on the Saturday 19th July, the evening of their arrival from Cheshire. One at the Parque del Naciones at the Latino Dance Festival and followed by a well-received session at La Mata beach promenade. The band's hectic schedule for the week continued with performances along the Costa Blanca sponsored by local authorities and Lions Clubs at Mazarron Bahia and Teulada Moraira. All performances are in aid of local Lions Club International charities. The members of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club offer their sincere thanks to Concejalia de Extranjera and Concejalia de Cultura del Excmo. Ayto. de Torrevieja for the help and financial support that made this cultural and fund raising visit of the Lions Youth Band possible. Our special thanks go to Councillor Pedro Valero and to Graham Knight of the Foreigners Office for their considerable help with local knowledge and organisational expertise. All money raised in the Torrevieja area by the band's visit will be donated by the Lions to the Torrevieja Cruz Roja Ambulance Appeal. Your local branch of the Lions Clubs International, a charitable institution with over 1.3 million members worldwide, is always interested in recruiting new members willing to give of their time and talents for the benefit of others less fortunate than themselves. Please contact the Membership Secretary, Shirley Crandon telephone 966 764 882 for more details. Peter Long, Secretary, Torrevieja Costa Lions Club |
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San Miguel Queens needed urgently The Town Hall of San Miguel de Salinas have made an urgent appeal for ex-pat girls to come forward to be part of the San Miguel Fiestas in September. They need two fifteen or sixteen year old girls to put themselves forward to be the Queen and two eight, nine or ten year old girls to put themselves forward to be a junior queen. All girls must be on the San Miguel de Salinas padron and be prepared to be involved in activities throughout the year. If they are not chosen to be the main queen at the elections, which take place on 1st and 2nd August, they will be one of the Damas which accompany the queen at the official ceremonies during the year. It is a great priviledge for a foreigner to be asked to participate in these prestigious occasions and it is a very positive sign of integration, so if you are interested in putting your daughter forward or if you yourself are in those categories and want to be considered, please either call into the Town Hall in San Miguel de Salinas before 2:00pm or e-mail Inma at the Town Hall at inmaher@gmail.com (Inma speaks very good English). Closure date is Thursday 31st July. This year the town hall are working extremely hard to ensure the ex-pat community is fully involved with the summer fiesta. For the first time ever a British bar has been invited to provide a stall. The town hall have released the dates and details of their summer fiesta. If last year’s spectacle was anything to go by then a great time is expected by all. The time table is as follows: Wednesday 30th July Opening and lighting of the San Miguel August Fair 2008. Thursday 31st July The fair goes on in the casetas with music food and drinks. Friday 1st August Children’s day. From 7:00pm with a puppet-show, story-teller and the election of the children’s queen. Saturday 2nd August 7:00pm Big “Festejo de Rejones” with bulls from Eugenio Frías. |
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Lions Celebrate the Day
of the Grandmother On the 'Dia del Abuela,' members of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club revisited the Torrevieja Costa Alzheimer's Association Day Centre to present a cheque to pay for ten new chairs for the patients. Not that the patients spend all day sitting around. The staff and the 15 volunteers, who work with the families, help the patients to make the most of their remaining mental faculties and maintain their mobility with the stimulus of games and physical activities. Matilde Sanchez Cervera from the Junta Directiva, informed the visitors of the progress the Alzheimer's charity has been making since the Lions last visit when the Centre was inaugurated on 23 March 2007. On that occasion the Lions Club donated the cost of the uniforms for the staff and volunteers. Lions Diane and Steve Walsh took particular pride in being able to make this presentation because this latest donation was from the money raised by the pupils, parents and staff of the El Limonar School where they teach. The magnificent sum of over 2000€ was raised for Lions International Club local donation by the school's pupils, who took part in Read-athons and the organisation and running of book sales at the school premises at Murcia and Villamartin. Pictured with members of Torrevieja Costa Lions are Elisa Girona Senerio (Psychologist) and Carmen Mateo Bosch (Social worker), staff at the Day Centre. The Torrevieja Alzheimer's Day Centre is fulfilling a serious need in the community for help and support of local families when a family member's mental health is seriously affected by the debilitating Alzheimer's condition. At present, care is provided for 42 local patients, the largest number of patients that current facilities will allow. Care and family support is provided at both the centre and within the patient's home. The centre has a current waiting list from the local international community of 37 new patients. The Ayuntamiento in Torrevieja has recognised this serious need, providing both the present accommodation premises in the refurbished railway station, and a grant of 90,000€ this year. But there is a need to expand the association's ability to care for those on the increasing waiting list and to provide a further measure of respite care with overnight accommodation and supporting nursing facilities. In 2008 the Alzheimer's Association has done much to try and help improve its own financial support. In April, a charity shop, Alzheimer Tienda Solidaria, was opened in C/Maestro Fco Vallejos. This shop is situated one road back from the main square in Torrevieja - close to the back of the Iglesia Imaculada Concepcion. The shop sells the usual variety of clothes, decorative items, books, and household goods. Local residents can help to support the work of this necessary and worthy charity with donations of money and by your support for the shop. Donation of quality used clothing, bric-abrac and unwanted gifts will be gladly accepted. If you would like to learn more about the work of your local Lions Club - or Lions Clubs International - please ring the Membership Secretary: Shirley Crandon on 966 764 882. |
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Publication of the Register of
Councillor’s Interests Los Verdes of Orihuela have filed a Motion, for inclusion and discussion at the next Pleno (Town Council meeting), that a full public disclosure is made of the financial data and outside interests of the elected Councillors of Orihuela. Los Verdes do not consider that it is enough to only register with the General Secretariat of the Council the individual income and possible conflict of interests, but that as so requested by the Ley de Suelo, that these matters are made public knowledge for the sake of the greatest transparency to avoid possible fabrications and present and future corrupt practices, taking into account the current times. The ‘Ley de Suelo‘, in force since last May, 2007, reads in the Ninth additional provision amending, among others, Article 75.7 of the Code of Local Regime: "Local representatives, as well as non-members elected to the Board of Local Government, make statement on possible causes of conflict and to provide them with any activity or may provide income. Statements were also made of their assets and participation in companies of all kinds, with information of companies owned by them and liquidations of taxes on income, Heritage and, where appropriate, Societies. Such statements, made in the designs approved by the respective full, will take place before the inauguration, on the occasion of cessation and end of the mandate, and when changes the factual circumstances. The annual declarations of assets and activities will be published on an annual basis, and in any case at the time of completion of the mandate, under the terms set by the municipal statute. " The Orihuela Council, like many others in Spain, does not meet this standard obligation. Neither does it appear that said circumstances are regulated in any municipal regulation or statute. However, this does not prevent the implementation of the aforementioned article of the Act, since there are municipalities, such as Seville or Vigo among others, that give effect to the Act by publishing such a declaration of their assets in their municipal websites. Therefore, Los Verdes want the Town Council of Orihuela, in the meeting of the Pleno, to agree to the immediate publication, or before the 1st January 2009, the statement of assets and conflicts if any, of Councillors and Asesores (advisers) of this Council on the official municipal website a media that is accessible to all citizens, in compliance with Ley 8 / 2007, del Suelo. Similarly, that they publish on the Council website, in pursuance of the said Act, the annual declarations of income and assets of the Councillors, Advisers, and non-elected members of the Board of Local Government, if any. The agreement by the PP ruled Town Council to the open publication of Councillor’s interests would be an important step towards an ‘Open Government‘, a right that Los Verdes strongly believe the Electorate must have. Paul Mutter |
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Thanks to
Connie and
Holly On a recent visit to the AEBE charity shop at Pueblo Bravo I was met by the smiling face of Anne Wylie who said she had just been to pick up a donation for the charity from Lo Crispin which she would like to say a special thank you for. Two young ladies, Connie Louise McKenzie and Holly Rhiânna Kindey had been tidying people’s gardens in the urbanisation and the money they collected they wanted to give to the AEBE, (Children’s Butterfly Charity). The money was handed over to Anne on behalf of the charity at the end of last week. Paul Mutter |