048 february torrevieja outlook

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 48 February 2018

048 February 2018 Torrevieja Carnival Queens -Cheyenne Heredia and Maria Grao Foto Joaquin Carrion

February calendar – Sax Moors & Christians – Carnival Time – Torrevieja Carnival Timetable – Benidorm in Fiesta all year – Sierra Nevada – Tourism on the Up – Cruz Roja Teleassisance – Help at Home new home – A Day of Romance and Cancerland – Doña Sinforosa Gardens – Torrevieja Coves and Capes – Sewage Cover Up – Caterpillars procession – Happy New (Chinese) Year – Sea sports Fair – Music at Hospital – Symphony music programme – Earthquake shake – Expo Torrevieja III – Horchata Museum – HELP little things mean a lot – Tiny Trains – Pirates in Los Alcazares – Join the procession – African solidarity – Rock Against Cancer – Opera Live in Cinema – Gastronomy calendar – Bookshelf – Cultural programme aormi@icloud.com

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FEBRUARY CALENDAR With all the Christmas and New Year festivities behind us we are looking now towards winter/Spring fiestas. There is still snow around for those who like skiing or other snow sports. It is a time for pilgrimages, Candlemass and the blessing of throats, but importantly in the Christian calendar - Lent begins. Nowadays the press seem to concentrate a lot on the strict fasting and almsgiving of the Muslim Ramadan but the Christians also have a similar season of six weeks for Lent or Cuaresema in Spain. Although the strict rules of Lent have been largely left to the individual’s own reasoning, there are customs that continue. Spain has an assortment of customs depending on the region. The fasting includes eating less meat and fat, which has led to Mardi Gras or the Fat Tuesday that is associated with the carnival. Before the penances, prayer and abstinence of the Lenten period people let their hair down by partying in carnivals. But there are still Moors & Christians around, many middle of the year parades when those who are working during the main parades can have some fun.

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Sax revelers carry the figure of La Mahoma to the castle.

1 - 5th February. Sax: Moors & Christians take to the streets for the feast in honour of San Blas (Saint Blaise).

Three years ago the 50th anniversary of the Sax-Alagรณn was celebrated. The fiestas have their roots in 1627 when the townsfolk voted to bless the name of San Blas for his intercession in an epidemic of diphtheria that affected nearby towns.

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In 1619 a cofradia named Rosario was in charge of the town’s festivities. Today’s costumes have borders that related to the early fiestas. The comprise as such goes back to 1838. Included in the processions is La Mahoma, a figure that is shared with the fiestas of Petrer. One of the treasured emblems is “El Morico”, a cartoon by Blas Hernandez Martinez.

The medieval market will be held in Orihuela at the beginning of this month.

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3rd February San Blas feastday. A popular fiesta held in many towns in very many different ways, sometimes celebrated before or after the date. Most churches have a blessing of the throats service at the end of Masses.

Alicante (Mig Any in the district of San Blas), Benifallim, Finestrat, Parcent, Pedreguer, Gorga and Onil, all hold this fiesta.

Teulada holds the Festa de la Dama.

5th - 6th Feb. Catral has a romería of Santa Agueda.

12th Feb. Feast of Santa Eulalia is celebrated in Sax. The Lenten period (Cuaresma) depends on when Easter falls and is, therefore, a moveable date.

On the Thursday before Lent begins La Jira, taking place in Aspe.

Easter Sunday this year falls on 1st April - no joking!

In Hondón de las Nieves it is known as “The Final Thursday” and the families spend the day in the countryside singing and eating.

This period is also the time for the carnivals and in Pego there is the celebration on the Saturday before the commencement of the carnival known as “La Baixada del Ríu Bullent” when youngsters go down the river on a variety of homemade vessels using recyclable materials. This idea has developed in Crazy Cars competitions in many other towns during the year.

Carnivals are usually held on the weekend before Ash Wednesday in Alacant, Calpe, Muro de Alcoy, Benidorm, Castalla, Pedreguer, Pego, Guardamar del Segura, Villena, San Juan de Alicante, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Xixona, Xàbia, Torrevieja and Novelda.

In Planes the l'Eixabegó A Flour festival is held. This has its roots when there was compulsory military service and the youngsters were called up.

In the middle weekend of February Moors & Christian parades take place in Xixona.

The weekend before Lent begins the Festival del Santísmo Cristo de la Salud is held, the patron saint of Altea la Vella.

The Monday prior to the start of Lent the Festa de la Cremà del Pi is held in Agres.

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14th February is San Valentine’s Day so be sure to buy something romantic for your loved one.

It also happens to be the start of Lent the year, so on Tuesday 13 we have Pancake Day. Chinese New Year is celebrated on 16th February and is the Brown Earth Dog Year.

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CARNIVAL TIME by Andy Ormiston With so many Chinese in Spain it is no surprise that dragons appear in some carnival files, such as this one in Barcelona.

The bleakness of winter may not be so noticeable to us who enjoy the relatively warm Costa Blanca climate. But for those who live in many other parts of Spain wintertime is a fierce fight for survival in snow clad mountains swept by freezing winds or in cities where temperatures drop to zero. Historically people have seen the end of winter and the beginning of the warmer Spring with its promise of new life as a new beginning and in Spain this has meant a fiesta. Carnival time has arrived.

In U.K. we tend to celebrate the beginning of Lent or Cuaresema by making pancakes on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. This meant the end of eating meat until Easter and the saying “carnis vale” or goodbye to meat. Which became in time the word carnival. In many places this day is known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday for the same reason, that all fats from animals had to be used and one way of doing so was to make up pancakes. In my mother’s house this day was an excuse for a second trip round the houses by the milkman and his horse, Danny selling sour milk as that makes the best tasting pancakes. It is a good excuse to have a pancake party and bring people together with a bottle of wine or some fancy dress and for those of a Christian belief a reminder that the Lenten period has arrived and fasting, abstinence, sacrifice and almsgiving are expected. aormi@icloud.com

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Brazil is probably the best-known place for its Mardi Gras carnival in Rio de Janeiro, but in Spain Santa Cruz de Tenerife has a wonderful reputation for its fancy dress costumes which cost a fortune and are worked on from one year to the next. Often those wearing them have difficulty in walking, as the elegant costumes are so ornate, fragile and large to maneuver in with ease and grace. In recent years the ‘gay’ community has taken a high profile in this Tenerife romp and other towns have followed with Drag Queens being prominent in the carnival programme.

Carnival may be tied in with the beginning of the Church’s Lenten period and the need to enjoy oneself before the penances leading up to Easter or it may have been rooted in pagan rites, but there is no doubt that it is a time to get out of yourself, dress up and have fun.

In the carnival people are almost anarchists as it is a festival where, with anonymity, almost anything can be carried out by people disguised in fancy, outrageous costumes. It is a subversion of the normal political and religious hierarchy with first place being given to the exaltation of sexuality, eating and drinking, with obvious roots dating further back to the Saturnian festivals of the Romans.

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Disguise and drink have always been an enemy to power and in the time of Carlos I and Felipe IV there were laws prohibiting the wearing of masks.

Music, fancy disguises, indulgence of the table are all hallmarks that for a few days at least Don Carnal has triumphed. The magic of a mask hiding the face of man transforms him and releases him from daily responsibilities.

Amid these magic-religious rituals, the personification of elements are symbolical as opposites attract: Winter Spring, Light and Darkness, Heat and Cold, Pleasure and Pain, Life and Death.

When you add the re l i g i o u s content you have the opposite of Carnival and Lent. In days gone by Lent meant no more meat and in Spanish meat is carne, hence another explanation of the name of Don

Carnal. DoĂąa Cuaresema represents the frugal aspects of Lent.

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Saturday 27 January 2018 Introduction speech and coronation of Carnival Queens - Pregonero: José Antonio Vallejos Place: Auditorio Municipal Hour: 20:30h Friday 2 February 2018 X Drag Queen Torrevieja contest 2018 Place: Auditorio Municipal Hour: 21:30h

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A great fun concert is the annual Carnival Drag Queen now in its 10th year.

Saturday 3 February 2018 II Jornada Carnavalera - Paella, raffle, children’s stuff, bouncy carnival, face painting, dance groups.

Place: Plaza de la Oriente Hour: from 10h Thursday 8 February 2018 Pensioners Carnival Dance Place: Centro Municipal de Ocio Hour: 18h

Saturday 10 February 2018 Concurso de Chirigotas Place: Auditorio Municipal Hour: 20:30h Sunday 11 de February 2018 Main Carnival Parade - 16,30h From la Plaza de María Asunción, calle Ramón Gallud ending at Calle Orihuela.

Friday 16 February Children's carnival dance in C.C. Habaneras Saturday, 17 February 2018, Hour:21:00 Night carnival parade

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Chirigotas competition features bawdy and funny songs from different competing groups.

Last year over thirty carnival comparsas paraded through the streets of Torrevieja.

Now listed as a fiesta of touristic interest The parade draws crowds from all the surrounding towns and some groups  invited from neighbouring towns adding more flavour and colour. There are several competitions throughout the carnival weeks, but there is a little discontent that the town hall has failed to provide the prize money for the last two years. Although at first glance the dancers may appear to be young beauties, look closer and you can find hefty house wives thoroughly enjoying sharing their natural endowments.

Look carefully and assess each costume and accessories. There is detail wherever you look, bright colours, sequins and feathers. Headpieces could be a crown of peacock feathers, a top hat or huge horns, depending on the theme. Headgear is carefully designed so it doesn't topple over in a wind so the whole complement has to be carefully balanced. Â Shoes may be matching, but have to be comfortable as they have to worn for about three hours, dancing and walking. Each comparsa is also judged on its choreography as well as original ingenuity in the whole costume.

Every comparsa has its own theme that is carefully guarded whether it's Indians, Star War characters or fantastic figures of movies. Costumes are carefully designed, sewn together by loving mothers or professional seamstresses throughout the year.

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Imagination, wonderful costumes, facepaint, feathers and lovely dancers

Drama and humour have their place in each parade and nowadays it is usually piped music that is played.

Local Police and Protection Civil are on hand to marshall the event although carnival organizers have their own marshals ensuring a steady flow of the dancing comparsas. Each comparsa has its title, often grown out of a local dance School.

Children have their own special place and a few schools promote their own comparsa. Always a tiny child dressed in a miniature costumes of their mum draws lots of Oohs and aaws from the crowd.

Not only are the costumes planned a year ahead, but the dance sequences as well that have to have matching music. Once the parade gets underway the dancers choreography becomes an intricate part of the whole work of each comparsa.

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Benidorm in Fiesta

As befitting a remarkable holiday resort, Benidorm has a full programme of Spanish flavoured celebrations throughout the year; over 50 festivities of some kind or other.

It has to be stated that fiestas were not a result of the tourist industry, but many of them have been traditional breaks from work for centuries, customs often being handed down from generation to generation. In some instance fiestas have been ‘imported’ from other parts of Spain by people who have immigrated and brought with them their own customs, such as Andulacians with flamenco style celebrations who came north looking for work.

Last year the Benidorm council, backed by the local commercial association, agreed to put a ban all-in package holiday for hotels in the town. An estimated 20% of hotels offer these types of packages, but insist they finish at 23:00. Trouble is that hard drinkers tend to go out on the streets then. Really it is up to tourists to behave themselves and if they get drunk and robbed who is to blame? Staff of the British Consulate in Alicante has held talks with various mayors of holiday resorts on how to deal with several issues regarding British tourists to the Costa Blanca.

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Its modern nightclubs and 160 disco-pubs are a reflection of the vibrant nightlife to be enjoyed in the town, with venues to suit all tastes be it on the Levante beach promenade, old town, the Rincon de Loix area, or the national N322 road on the outskirts direction towards Altea, where the main discos are located for a night of nonstop enjoyment.

The popularly known ‘English Zone', which includes the streets Gerona, Ibiza, Mallorca andLondon, submerge visitors into another world. Dozens of places where cider and beer flow and where you can listen to the sounds of the latest hits, live music, and people of all nationalities enjoy themselves well into the early hours.

But a main holiday attraction has to be the variety of fiestas held in Benidorm.

Here are some of the principal events that would interest tourists as such.

JANUARY: On the 5th January, the Cabalgata of Los Reyes takes place: this is the cavalcade of the Three Kings as they arrive with gifts for all the family and to bear homage to the Child Jesus.

Saint Antony Abad is the patron saint of animals and this feast is held with a blessing of pets on 17th.

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FEBRUARY:

The Carnival is a floating date as it depends on Easter, but is usually held in February and into March. This is a time to forget the blues of winter and put on a fancy costume to take to the streets for a crazy communal carnival.

MARCH: 16th Is a religious procession when the statue of the Virgen del Sufrgio is carried through the streets of the old part of Benidorm. In 2010 the 270th anniversary of this particular devotion was celebrated, dating back from the 16th March 1740.

These festivities include a romeria led by a pair of oxen pulling a cart and children sining typical couplets in praise of the Virgen..

FALLAS are bonfires and this peculiar Valencian fiesta is held in Benidorm between the 16th and 19th March in honour of Saint Joseph (Spanish Father’s Day). The papier-mâche figures are set on fire on the 19th. Usually there are three sites each with a large hoguera and one for children. The children’s are the first to be set alight followed at midnight by the main ones. These are usually located in the Rincon de Loix, Benidorm Central, and at Els Tolls.

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APRIL: Depending on the full moon the dates for Holy Week (Semana Santa) is most often held in April, but this year are the last week of May with Easter Sunday on 1st April. Each night of this week there are long processions of fraternities escorting floats depicting the last days of Jesus.

In recent years the ‘Mig any’ or middle of the year celebrations of the Moors and Christians have taken place at the Ermita de Sanz in the first week of April.

MAY: 1st May is a public holiday and in Benidorm the ‘Festa de la Creu’ (Feast of the Cross), which is a very popular devotion in the Alicante province, takes place with processions held through the streets.

JUNE: Many people from Andalucia came to this part of Spain and brought with them some of their customs. In Benidorm they continue to hold the fiesta of Corpus Christi with all the flamboyant flair of the flamenco with its colour and joy.

San Juan Hogueras are similar to the March Fallas. For three days the monuments of the hogueras are set up as street centres for nightly dancing, music and feasting, before they are set on fire on the night of the Crema on 24th, the feast of St. John the Baptist. aormi@icloud.com

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JULY: This is one of the busiest months of the year with so many visitors but there is still time to enjoy the bull running on the 6th & 7th in honour of San Fermin, so no need to go to Pamplona.

16th July is a day when the fishermen and sailors dedicate their lives and safety to the Virgen del Carmen with a colourful maritime procession of garlanded boats.

25th of this month is a highlight of the year as Benidorm’s patron saint, San Jaime, is celebrated with various events and a firework display in the evening.

AUGUST: There may be no official fiestas this month, but there is a continuous variety of cultural acts during the Verano Cultural programme celebrated in the Parque de L’Aigüera and the auditoriums of Julio Iglesias and Oscar Esplá. The town council has decided to attract international artistes to give concerts and in this way advertise Benidorm.

SEPTEMBER: The 7th and 8th of this month are days when most towns celebrate some feast dedicated to the Virgen Mary. In Benidorm these dates are celebrated by the Feria de Asturias organised by hundreds of residents from that region who now live in Benidorm.

Not to be outdone the Benidorm residents who come from Castilla-la Mancha celebrate the Fiesta de la Vendimia.

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OCTOBER: Moors & Christians are one of the most spectacular sights along the Valencian coastline and this month these noisy, colourful, smoke filled fiestas are the centre of attraction in Benidorm. There are several staple acts such as the entrance of the different groups, the colourful processions of proud warriors and beautiful women, the discourse of the ambassadors of the opposing forces and the disembarkation of the Moors opposed by the Christians in battle.

The 9th of the month is the regional date of the Valencian Community and a public holiday in the whole area with a market of typical products of the Valencian region.

From 9 - 12 of this month the Festa del Roser is held centred around the Ermita de Sanz.

NOVEMBER: Most of the summer tourists have departed so it is time for the people of Benidorm to relax and enjoy the fruits of the summer as they celebrate the Patronal Fiestas in honour of San Jaime and the Virgen del Sufragio. These take place from the second weekend of the month until the following Wednesday, each day full of splendorous fun. There are certain acts that are repeated each year including the finding of the statue of the Virgen, the Floral Offering, the carnival style parade, the procession of colourfully decorated carts and carriages and a tremendous fireworks display on the last night.

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The fun doesn’t stop as on the third weekend of November the ‘Festa de la Carxofa’ takes place in the old part of town in a traditional and popular spirit.

DECEMBER: The run up to Christmas starts with a holiday on 8th December, the Immaculate Conception, but the main celebrations are between the 20th to the end of the year.

There is a full Christmas season of concerts, staged events and a ‘Best Crib Competition’. A traditional end to the year is held as the clock chimes in the new year at the Plaza Triangular with customary free champagne and grapes.

As a coastal town, Benidorm offers an endless variety and possibilities of water sports: sailing, parapenting, kayaking, kite surf, cable ski or scuba diving. If you dare, you can practice skiing, mono skiing, figures or the latest wakeboarding, from a platform located out to sea on Levante where they await you from Easter to October.

If you want to learn about the hidden secrets of the sea bed, initiate this new adventure in the small coves with transparent waters. If you already know about the pleasures of diving, then you must visit small island of Benidorm. A dive you will not forget in a marine reserve with a large number of protected species.

Excursions by boat to the Island of Benidorm are on offer. The leaving point is the port of the town and, if the weather helps, they are usually offered all year round.

The trip duration is of 20 minutes approximately and, when you arrive to the Island, a special ship with underwater sealife observation takes you around the island for its seabeds to be appreciated.

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January was a chill month with lots of snow all over Spain.

Snow in the mountains and Torrevieja youngsters will be there. Every year the Youth Office (CIAJ) of Torrevieja offers youngsters the chance to do a bit of skiing or snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada. This year there are 54 places available for the young people to trip off on the first weekend of February. It is shared rooms and the bus takes them from Torrevieja direct to their hostal. These are subsidized but do cost 195â‚Ź.

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Tourism on the up and up

by Dave Stewart

Nº 48 February 2018

The record b r e a k i n g numbers of visits to Spain of 2016 (75.3 million) was broken by November 2017.

Spain welcomed 4.4 million foreign tourists in November, 7.4% up on last year. By the end of November, a total of 77.8 million foreign tourists had arrived.

This makes Spain the world’s second-most popular tourist destination, behind France and ahead of the United States. The tourism industry’s share of GDP has increased to 11.5%, representing €134 billion. And industry growth resulted in 77,501 new jobs in 2017, said Exceltur the Alliance for Excellence in Tourism.

Probably there are a number of reasons for this including the fall f interest in paces like Egypt and Turkey, not to mention the difficulties experience to enter Donald Trumpland. These figures also take into account the secessionist bid shaved three tenths of a percentage point from tourism activity in 2017. Even so over 82 million international visitors arrived with a noticeable drop in the Catalunya Region because of the political uncertainty. The industry growth resulted in 77,501 new jobs in 2017, so this emphasis underlines the importance of Spain’s tourist industry and the need to continue to offer.

In the recent international FITUR exposition in Madrid, the Costa Blanca had its stand. Eduardo Dolon emphasized a continuing program to attract tourists to the area with popular fiestas, culture and a Food Experience thrust. This culinary program will include days in different towns with expositions of the local products of the Alicante Province. There will be more use of Facebook, Twitter and other social media with hashtags #CostaBlancaenFITUR and #FiestasCostaBlanca. At FITUR, in conjunction with other restauranteurs, a team from Las Columnas Restaurant presented some traditional recipes with a new look. Once again this year the Costa Blanca parade featured the la Comparsa aormi@icloud.com

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Internacional "La S a l d e Torrevieja"; Las comparsas who won the awards of Carnaval 2017, “Dando Caña” y “Paya’s” dance school, along with representatives of the Hogueras of Calvary district in Torrevieja.

Spain has so much to offer, apart form its climate its c u l t u r e , a b u n d a n t colorful fiestas, traditional gastronomy being presented in a modern way, a huge music industry, film f e s t i v a l s , h i s t o r i c a l monuments everywhere, mountains and rural tourism as an alternative to beach, but most of all the friendliness of the people.

Oh, oh. In some places that is beginning to wane as there is a distinct anti-tourist ambience in some places as locals are fed up with the intrusion of tourists into their everyday lives. In a way Spain is a victim of its own success. In some places some people see tourism as nuisance problem, especially when young people have all night parties in crowded rented flats with no heed to the neighbors who live there all year round. Not every body is on holiday.

The occasional outbreaks of hostility toward tourists in some locations is a symptom of ill-feeling that needs to be nipped in the bud before it is too late as aormi@icloud.com

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can be seen in Barcelona, which is one of the most important destinations for international tourists. I saw this several years ago in Barcelona when sitting at a cafe near the Sagrada Familia basilica watching busload after busload of tourists pouring in for a very short visit to enjoy the splendour of Gaudi’s inspiration.

My in-laws who live in Barcelona thought I was wrong as they do not consider the city to be a tourist one. The problem may not lie in the actual number of visitors, but that they all seem to be in certain places at certain times of the year and at the same moment in time. Some towns are insisting on a tourist tax, but personally I don't think this will amount to much as it will be absorbed into the costs of a holiday.

The Balearic Islands also have a problem as with so many tourists there is a problem with accommodation for locals and those who come to work in the hotel and catering industry. Some who live all year round think that there’s been a massive loss in quality of life as before tourists included intellectuals, artists, celebrities and the super-rich. It is hard to find anything available during the seven-month season despite there being 600,000 beds and 24,000 berths to accommodate the flood of visitors from the 1,500 flights daily. The 70,000 to 80,000 seasonal workers who arrive from the mainland to work the summer often share apartments with 12 others and pay €500 a month for a bed or sofa.

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Over the last 20 years, the islands have become venues for a non-stop party packed with tourists whose numbers grow annually. The sheer number of holidaymakers in high spirits interferes with the relaxed rhythm of daily life on the island.Income and salaries have fallen as tourism has turned into mass tourism.

Year upon year, the p r o fi t margin has fallen and the cost of having the visitors is not sufficiently compensated for.

Public services such as health, water, traffic are on the point of collapse. On an island water is a prime commodity but every tourist consumes 278 litres of water a day compared to the 105 litres consumed by locals. A poster in Ibiza reads - “Dear visitors.

We have opened up our homes. To start with, you were well behaved but in no time you were crowding out the living room, partying in the kitchen and peeing off the balcony. You are no longer welcome.�

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Teleassistance is vital to people living in isolation and can provide a certain tranquility for them and their families, especially those who live in another country.

In the Alicante Province there are 8,593 terminals in homes that benefit 9,366 people. It is a system that makes use of landline telephones and now mobile

In some parts of Spain members of the Cruz Roja also man a support line for those suffering from domestic and generic violence.

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phones. The person using the system has a panic button they can use, sometimes on the phone, other times like a necklace around their neck or a bracelet around the wrist. The Diputation of Alicante pays an annual 1.6 million euros to upkeep this valuable system and has promised to increase the number of beneficiaries.

This money is directed to all the towns in the Alicante province, apart from Elche, and Torrevieja where the cost is undertaken by the local town halls.

Teleassistance is a resource that allows users to contact a Centre by only pressing a button. In this Centre there are qualified professionals who are prepared to give appropriate responses to situations of social or health crisis within the family unit.

This service functions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All necessary resources are mobilized by the Centre in order to solve the problems of the user and the emergency at hand.

Objectives • Offer security to the elderly living alone (most part of the day), who are susceptible to face risk situations.

• Contribute to the most vulnerable people being able to stay in their homes, thus facilitating the contact with his/her social environment.

• Assure an immediate intervention in emergencies or personal/ social/ health crisis. These interventions are always carried out by specialized professionals.

Requirements Users can be elderly older than 60 living alone and susceptible to face risk situations, or married people, but only when both parties have objective difficulties.

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HELP at Home Costa Blanca have now moved into their second shop unit in Cabo Roig, adding to their first shop already established in Playa Flamenca.

Help at Home CB volunteers aims are to provide, following assessment: * Voluntary carers, some of whom are medically qualified, to help people of all ages, in their own homes. * Respite care * Home Help * Help with transport needs (certain conditions apply) On application, they can also arrange for those clients being helpied: * Translators * Advice This help is offered free and subject to the resources available to the charity. For further details or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Help At Home Costa Blanca or just want to contact us...

Main Office and all areas call 965 328 794 Office hours Moday - Friday 10.30 am - 2 pm (out of hours answer machine) Tel: (+34) 693 027 026 - Quesada / Rojales / La Siesta aormi@icloud.com

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/ San Luis / Algorfa / Almoradi line.

The new shop is located next door to Compured Computers, at Centro Commercial Cabo Roig, Local 8, N332 km 49, it is a slightly larger establishment than Playa Flamenca, and with rather more generous facilities, the charity will now manage their operation from the Cabo Roig shop, which they will also use as an outlet for furniture and larger household goods.

The staff update their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/helpathomecb/, on a daily basis.

The move will also allow them to free up space in Playa Flamenca which will now specialise in clothing and those smaller domestic items.

The new shop is open from 10.30am to 2pm every Monday to Friday, Telephone 965 328 794 for more information.

The charity still run their market at the Emerald Isle on every Tuesday, raising funds for a special needs vehicle, so do go along and provide your support.

Volunteers are urgently required to work in the office or the shop, to work as drivers, befrienders or fundraisers. So if you can spare a morning a week, or even just the occasional couple of hours, please get in touch with the centre by calling: 965 328 794, by email: charitycentre.helpathomecb@gmail.com or by simply dropping in during any weekday morning.

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A Day for Romance

by Pat Hynd

Every February 14 around the world, chocolates, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from? Find out about the history of this centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England.

Approximately 150 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter– who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of aormi@icloud.com

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the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most importantly–romantic figure. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France. Today it continues to be a popular and commercial day with banners and gift ideas in multiple shops.

Last year Valentine’s Day was celebrated differently by many women who had suffered from cancer operations.

Valentine's Day doesn't mean that women who had operations because of cancer need not feel sexy nor unloved. Women who survived breast cancer took over the catwalk at last year’s New York Fashion Week in an alternative lingerie show to raise funds for charity.

The AnaOno Intimates show was devised by US designer, and breast cancer survivor, Dana Donofree, and introduced by Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino.

Models with different shapes and stories proudly bared signs of surgery.

Nearly half of the models had metastatic, or advanced, breast cancer, according to Ms Donofree.

All proceeds went to Cancerland, an outreach and advocacy charity in the US. "I felt sexy, I felt beautiful, and I was proud," Paige Moore, 24, said after taking part in the show.

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femininity. Ms Donofree wrote about her story and the inspiration for the show on her website.

"As I slowly rebuilt my own self-esteem and confidence, first by getting a mastectomy tattoo, then by talking to other women about life after acute treatment, and finally trying on my first bra prototype, I wondered why none of this was part of some greater 'What to Expect When You're Expecting a Mastectomy' pamphlet they handed out at your surgeon's office."

"Whether I have nipples or breasts or not, I am a woman," said model Chiaro D'Agostino, a New Jersey teacher and blogger.

It is unlikely to be repeated this year at the annual Fashion Shows which are held: 8 feb. - 16 feb. - New York Fashion Week 16 feb. - 20 feb. - London Fashion Week 21 feb. - 27 feb. - Milan Fashion Week

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DOÑA SINFOROSA GARDENS

by Andy Ormiston

One of the most popular Gardens of Torrevieja are those known as DOÑA SINFOROSA. These are part of the property owned by DOÑA SINFOROSA MORENO COBOS and there are still many people around who remember this lady who was married to con D. Antonio Gómez Gómez, who was an exporter of the produce of the fields and orchards or Murcia. The family also owned a house in Murcia city and a finca named La Cruz in Caravaca, whose lands actually straddled three provinces of Murcia, Albacete and Granada, so they were quite extensive.

The Torrevieja finca had two floors and a basement. The first floor had the bedrooms with salons that had sea views. One of these was dedicated to Seville with decoration in themes of that city. Within the grounds were a tennis court, a garden with greenhouse and a small vegetable patch.

During the Spanish civil war the house was used as small hospital.

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Doña. Sinforosa had a couple of German shepherd dogs. She is remembered as being a very loving and charitable person who wore her hair in a bun, a black skirt and an impeccable double-buttoned white blouse. Not much more is known about the lady, but she is remembered in Torrevieja by this garden that bears her name and a street name.

She left the grounds to the town and it was sold off to a developer only to be bought back after an outcry from the citizens who demanded that it was left to them and not just to the town council. The town’s bandstand was moved from the paseo Vista Alegre to these gardens where there is an aviary, a fountain and very pleasant grounds that are close to the sea and Acequion canal. It is used at times for concerts or reunions of associations.

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Torrevieja has several nice beaches, but lesser known, at least to visitors are the rougher parts of the coast with its coves and small capes (covas y Calas). Many of these have names that are lost in history, others are remembered with they own little stories.

Often these coves will have more than one name attached.

There are a number of different maps over the centuries that bear the same or alternative names.

The simplified map alongside is provided by Torrevieja historian Francisco Rebollo.

Cabo Cervera is probably the best known as it had a small hamlet and quay there in the middle ages and had the defense tower of that name which was attacked and destroyed before it was moved to the top of the hill where it was built on a well, known as the pozo del Moro hence the name of the tower became the Torre del Moro.

Today there is a small park overlooking the sea from its high point with several monuments dedicated to tourism and the town’s past. Just opposite the Hotel Masa.

Cabo Cervera is still a hamlet but with modern faculties including an excellent aparthotel. There is a small 50 meter length beach with access for disabled. Cervera seems to take its name from cuervo or deer as in the past there were deer here and more recently many rabbits, need along most of these coves. aormi@icloud.com

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Next is the Cala del Mojรณn which is named after a post that marked the end of a territory. Possibly in this case it was originally the border for land that was part of Orihuela until the area was re-mapped so that Torrevieja became the town it is today and not dispersed as town centre, with a large space between that and La Mata. The sand here is quite fine and the rocks are good to fish from.

Cala de la Zorra is likely named after a very visible fox that lived at some time in that area and has nothing to do with cowboy films of that name. There is about 50 meters of sand and rocks here.

Similarly the next cove is Cala de la Higuera after a fig tree that was notable in that area. Fig trees can grown quite big and apart from tis fruit provides a good shade from the sun. Perhaps it was a good meeting place for young lovers.

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This old photograph shows the various calas as the principal Alicante road passed by and only a few buildings

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The fourth cove is Cala Redondo from its round shape.

Cala del Gambote was noted for its caves nicknamed “·Tia Roqueta” supposedy used by smugglers. This part was also popular for fishermen using rods as fish was abundant which would explain its title.

Cala de los Trabajos, and I admit I have no idea what work was done here.

Cala Cornuda is one of the oldest names. Also known as punta del Castillo or punta del baluarte. The name of Cala Cornuda appears in the chronicles of the early Middle Ages as a fishery that the Council de Orihuela was hiring to rich fishermen.

Concretely in the year 1456 a contract was written for this end, in which among other things it was obliging the fishermen to clean the beach of seaweed and removing some stones that existed in the water near the shore. and under the protection of the tower watchtower that the king Jaime II. In some plans you can see the construction of a bastion that was finally constructed in 1810. It appears to me that this was closer to the present harbour wall.

Punto de Salaret was a name also used for the playa de los Locos and you will find it under this title in some blogs.

This takes us up to the beach of Playa de Los Locos that was named after the sanatorium that was there before theSpanish Civil War and is now a large upmarket estate.

The next is Cala Palangre that was used by small fishing boats where they could put out their planner fishing nets to dry. This is a small curved spit of beach at the bottom end of the Habaneras Avenue. aormi@icloud.com

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Then we have the Playa del Cura, so named after thee body of a priest was washed ashore. Prior to that it was called playa de los Genovese because these commercial sailors would use it as an anchorage.

From the Cura beach we have a series of “Piscinas Naturales” or handmade swimming areas using the Mediterranean seawater. This in turn takes us to the harbour wall and the harbour.

Inside the harbour there used to be a beach in front of the paseo Vista Alegre and used by the fishermen and lifeboat crews until the redevelopment of the port with the building of the fishermen’s wharf and fairground area. This section stops at the Eras de la Sal, formerly a holding zone for the salt but now an open air theatre. But the harbour continues broken by the Acequion Canal that leads to the salt lake. This is where you will find the Park of Doña Sinforosa mentioned elsewhere. Here, still within the harbour wall, is the Playa de El Acequión, which is really not a beach because of its position, but nevertheless is very popular.

Beyond the harbour wall we have the Playa de Los Náufragos, so called as it was common for ships to be wrecked here before the harbour wall was built as the winds were very strong at times. It was also used to break up old ships. It is a popular beach with palm trees and nice sand and floating rafts in the sea in summer.

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Our next point of call is the lovely Cala Ferris, which has featured in several films as a South Seas island. It has a small beach and palm trees.

Walking a bit along the sea front we come to Cala Piteras o RocĂ­o del Mar which is being rapidly developed with large apartment blocks.

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Sewage Cover Up

by Dave Stewart

One of the first things mayor José Manuel Dolon ordered was the covering up of the tanks that were in operation in the municipal sewerage works to cover up the smells emanating from them.

That was 18 months ago and now the job has been done. The odors will now be caught up in a series of conduits that will send the bad air through a filtering system and then once more be pushed into the open air, a bit more sweeter smelling this time.

The new system of Estación Depuradora de Aguas Residuales – EDAR has cost 235,000 euros. It is located next to the cemetery.

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Caterpillars dangerous procession

The annual appearance of the processionally caterpillar (thaumetopoea pityocampa) has arrived. They might look cute and curious but it does have a very dangerous side effect.

The nests are usually seen in the first three months of the year, usually in pine trees.

They can be identified as balls of cotton wool, but soon the caterpillars appear and march off in lines.

So before they do that spray the caterpillars candy floss home with a very strong insecticide.

They are particularly dangerous to pets, especially dogs who may see them as something to sniff. But they shed hairs that are picked up by the dog’s nose and mouth and lead to an inflammation of the tongue making it difficult for the animal to breathe. The same can happen to a human and if allergic can have deadly effects.

Vets can advise and supply an antihistamine injection for your pet to carry around if they are notable in your area.

The pine processionary moth flies around May to July and only lives for about one day during which time it must mate and lay its eggs in the foliage of a pine tree. A single female can lay up to 300 tiny eggs and it takes around a month for them to hatch.

Once they have hatched, the minute caterpillars have five growth stages called ‘instars’.

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to feed on the pine leaves until the fifth instar. This usually happens any time from February to April.

At this point, the caterpillars (procesionaria del pino) make their way to the ground in a long chain searching for the next place in their life cycle. This behaviour gives them the name of the ‘processionary caterpillar’. You can recognise them by their distinctive orange-brown colour and blue bands.

Eventually they will disperse to burrow just below the ground where they will pupate. Before this happens they can be a danger to humans and other mammals. It is the hairs of the caterpillars that can cause problems. If they are touched or poked they cause a nasty rash and give off dust that can cause respiratory problems. They are particularly toxic for children and animals.

If the caterpillar is stressed or threatened it can eject its hairs which act a little like harpoons and can penetrate or irritate any exposed skin. Dogs are particularly susceptible as they will pick up the hairs on their paws and then lick them as they start to itch. This then leads to the hairs being transferred on to the animal’s tongue and can result in itching, swelling, vomiting and even death.

If you become aware that you have these caterpillars on an urbanisation then you should inform the community of owners and they should be removed. This has happened in a park in Los Balcones. In some areas the council will remove them but where this isn’t the case you should engage a specialist. You should not attempt to move them yourself as it is a job for an expert.If you do touch one and become itchy you should consult a doctor.

The rashes can be very painful and irritating and can last for a few weeks.

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Happy Chinese New Year

by Pat Hynd

I am a Rabbit. Well according to the Chinese Zoodiac system. That means that my lucky numbers are – 3, 4, 9, so I need to try these out on the lottery next time.

My lucky colours seem to be red, pink, purple and blue.

My lucky forecasts is 3 stars for work, 5 stars for wealth, three stars for love and only two stars for health, which figures - apart from the wealth bit.

I notice in my solidarity Costa Blanca calendar that this year the Chinese New Year falls on the 16th February and is the year of the dog, well brown Earth dog to be specific.

What is the Chinese year? These are governed by the Chinese animal zodiac system and is based on lunar calendar between 21 January and February 20.

This is a circle of twelve years, each year dedicated to an animal. The zodiac animals are either closely related to ancient Chinese people’s daily lives, or have lucky meanings.

The Chinese animal zodiac, or shengxiao, is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year being represented by an animal and its reputed attributes. Traditionally these zodiac animals were used to date the years.

In order, the 12 animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. Each year is associated with a zodiac animal.

The yin or the yang of the animals is defined based on the odd or even number of their claws (or toes, hoofs). The animals are then arranged in an alternating (complementary) yin-yang sequence.

Usually an animal has the same number of claws on its front and rear legs.

However the rat has four toes on its fore legs and five on its hind legs.

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As the old saying goes, “a thing is valued in proportion to its rarity”, so the Rat ranks first of the 12 zodiac animals. It uniquely combines the attributes of odd (yang) and even (yin). 4+5=9, and yang is dominant, so the Rat is classified as odd (yang) overall.

The traditional solar calendar has 24 fifteen-day solar terms, and the first, called ‘Start of Spring’, falls on February 4 (or 5). There are two dates a Chinese zodiac year could be said to start on, and neither is January 1! China traditionally uses two calendars: the solar calendar and the lunar calendar.

The lunar calendar has 12 or 13 months and starts on Chinese New Year, which is somewhere in the period January 21 to February 20.

Most Chinese people use lunar New Year as the start of the zodiac year. But for fortune telling and astrology, people believe ‘Start of Spring’ is the beginning of the zodiac year.

2018 is a Year of the Dog. There are five types of dog; Which One Are You? Dogs are loyal and honest, amiable and kind, cautious and prudent. Due to having a strong sense of loyalty and sincerity, dogs will do everything for the person who they think is most important. Overall, dogs enjoy good health for they tend to be happy all the time. Dogs are active at sports so they are resilient to illnesses, such as colds, coughs, and fever.

In Chinese elements theory, each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. For example, a Wood Dog comes once in a 60-year cycle.

It is theorized that a person's characteristics are decided by their birth year's zodiac animal sign and element. So there are five types of Dogs, each with different characteristics:

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Type of DogYear of Birth Characteristics Wood Dog (1934, 1994) are sincere, reliable, considerate, understanding, and patient Fire Dog (1946, 2006) are intelligent, hardworking, and sincere Earth Dog (1958, 2018) communicative, serious, and responsible in work Gold Dog (1910, 1970) conservative, desirable, cautious, and always ready to help others Water Dog (1922, 1982) - brave and self-centered, even seemingly selfish; wellversed in dealing with financial issues which could be useful.

Red is one of the luckiest colors in Chinese culture, standing for prosperity, loyalty, success, and happiness. Red can drive away bad luck and evil spirits.

Therefore wearing red during your zodiac year (or zodiac year) will bring you good luck and give you a good year. You can wear a red belt, red socks, red shoes, or red clothes, and red underwear is highly recommended during your zodiac year. You cannot buy, for example, the red underwear yourself. It should be bought by a spouse, family member, or friend.

So as it is close to St. Valentine’s why not get someone to buy you something red. I don't think a red nose would be a good idea.

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The la Institución Ferial Alicantina exhibition centre is near the Alicante/Elche airport and will be featuring the 2º Salón Internacional de Actividades Acuáticas, MEDSEA during the days 16, 17, 18 March. It is an ideal opportunity to learn something about the close by Mediterranean and what it has to offer with its marine life, yachting and sporting activities. There are various workshops ( mostly in Spanish) for marine biology, photography, surf and kayak, as well as learning what’s new about equipment and the necessary certificates required for various sea activities.

The sea is one of the main activities on offer in Torrevieja. With around 2,400 berths for yachts in its three marinas, there is an off-spin in water sport activities.

At FITUR this yea the councillor for Torrevieja Tourism promised that by the summer there would be a new attraction Pescatourism, making use of a fishing boat catering for tourists who would like to experience how fishermen make their catches.

An alternative will be boarding an accompanying vessel to observe what they other fishermen are doing and how they process the caught fish.

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Torrevieja University Hospital has a Day Surgery Hospital for those who can be operated on and return home in the same day.

The Asociación Músicos por la Salud held mini-concerts of 20 minutes in this part of the main hospital. The music helps alleviate the stay of patients as often there is a wait of some hours depending on the number and type of operations.

During the concerts patients were able to chat with the musician Tony Sáez, a professional guitarist and singer as well as enjoy his interpretations.

Everyone, patients and staff demonstrated their satisfaction with this first day of music. This type of music is acoustic and draws the singer into closer contact of his audience, in this instance a captive audience.

This musical interlude is part of an overall Plan de Humanization designed by the hospital authorities approved by the use of the psychotherapy use of music.

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Earthquake Information At a recent talk in Torrevieja’s Palace of Music, information was given about what to do in the case of an earthquake. The speakers are willing to give talks to associations in Spanish. The drawings speak for themselves.

Line 1: Stoop, cover yourself, protect your head Line 2: stay calm, in the interior, Move away from furniture, windows and lamps in the exterior stay away from buildings, walls and electric posts Line 3: Should you be driving, stop in a secure place, put on your emergency lights, and stay in the vehicle.

If you are using a wheelchair, stop in a safe place and protect your head with your arms.

If you are in a crowded place then sit quietly and protect you head with your arms.

STAY CALM AT ALL TIMES AND DO NOT PANIC aormi@icloud.com

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GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER EVERY TIME THIS BUSINESS EXPOSITION IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY LOCATED IN THE AUDITORIUM NEAR THE QUIRON HOSPITAL

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HORCHATA no not a dance, but a local drink in the Valencia region.

Horchata is the name of several k i n d s o f beverages, made of ground almonds, sesame seeds, rice, barley, tigernuts (chufas), or melon seeds.

In Spain, it usually refers to horchata de chufa, made from tigernuts, water, and sugar. It is served ice-cold as a natural refreshment in the summer, often served with fartons; a sweet kind of pastry that goes perfectly together with the horchata. Tigernut horchata is also used instead of milk by the lactose-intolerant.

Originally from Valencia, the idea of making horchata from yellow nutsedge (tigernuts) comes from the period of Muslim presence in Valencia (from the 8th to 13th centuries, but it is known that the ancient Egyptians used tiger nuts.

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Horchata is a drink that looks like milk and is made of chufas, which are tiger nuts. These nuts are originally from Egypt, but nowadays they grow them in the municipality of Alboraya, which is located in the province of Valencia. Other than chufas, the drink contains water and a lot of sugar.

Horchata is not just a delicious beverage that can be enjoyed throughout the entire year, but the drink also has a lot of benefits. Horchata lowers the cholesterol, helps with digestion and decreases gas and bloating. The drink doesn’t contain caffeine or other stimulants, which makes it suitable for kids and pregnant women as well. The chufa or the tiger nut is really good for sports- men and women as these nuts give a lot of energy. Last but not least, gluten intolerant people can drink this as well, because the beverage is gluten free.

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Without any doubt, Alboraya is the place of the Horchata in Valencia. A municipality in the metropolitan area of Valencia, which has worked for many years to make the chufas the recognition point for the town. A combination of the surroundings, productivity of the land, the availability of water and a good climate result in to an exceptional product.

Alboraya also has a Horchata museum. An old farmhouse called El Machistre, which is a dedication to the tiger nut.

In the museum, the culture of the tiger nut and the evolution of the Horchat is explained in a beautiful setting.

Although it is advisable to make and appointment as they frequently have college groups and even wedding parties, it is a museum of a didactic nature which makes the history of tiger nut milk and the ways of life of the era known and promotes respect for agriculture through the carrying out of activities and workshops.

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This museum has taken advantage of the Machistre farmstead, originally dating back to the 11th century and that has characteristic elements such as the clay floor of the 16th century and the Manises tiling of the 18th century.

RESTAURANT AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE EVENTS INCLUDING WEDDING RECEPTIONS. While in some countries the drink is usually tan and "milky", some recipes call for milk, and others do not. Other ingredients often include sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. The ingredients will vary depending on the country. Though horchata was once typically homemade, it is now available in both ready-to-drink (shelf-stable or refrigerated) and powdered form in grocery stores. Horchata – together with tamarindo and Jamaica – are the three typical drink flavors of Mexican aguas frescas. In Mexico and Guatemala, horchata is made of rice, sometimes with vanilla and always with cinnamon. aormi@icloud.com

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Little Things Mean a Lot

by Pat Hynd

It seems that he only thing that is news is when there is some form of disaster. All too often the small every day things that are part of people's every day lives are over looked.

We have a tremendous fund of good will around us. Good will that shows itself in the form of good acts, especially small ones. HELP Vega Baja has launched an appeal for more funds via the small change we all carry around with us. “Save your pennies and the pounds will look after themselves,” was a saying of my mother. For years the red Help cans have been in view in countless of shops and bars begging for those small coins to be placed therein to multiply and become pounds, well at least euros.

Now the system is being enlarged with boxes being offered to house holds so that, if they want, family members can put their loose change in a family box that, when full, can be given back to help and a fresh one taken in its place. Twice in the year there will be a draw among all those box holders with a suitable prize.

With small beginnings in Torrevieja, HELP Vega Baja have been supporting people in need for over 36 years in the area and president Michele Masson stated that in 2018 the charity had donated over 30,500 euros to good causes and individuals and said aormi@icloud.com

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“everyone at the charity is extremely proud of the fact that we have been able to help so many good causes and we aim to continue to offer not only the information and advice that we are well known for, but also to continue supporting those who find themselves in need of our help including of course other charities.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a “Charity Support Saver” or volunteering with HELP Vega Baja, please contact Richard Garland at their San Miguel Centre on 966 723 733, email office@helpvegabaja.com or visit the HELP Vega Baja Facebook page.

Often bar owners support charities by holding special events or meals An example is Monroes Bar in Torrevieja that for several years now has raised funds and awareness about cancer with Their Rock for Cancer Concerts. These and other initiatives have raised thousands of euros for cancer research. This interest is because of family and clients who have been victims of the disease.

Recently another bar has hit the head lines in Pilar de la Horadada when a client collapsed with a heart attack and later died. Jimmy and Clare McGill and their clientele at the Rusty Nail in Pinar de Campoverde, raised over 6,500 euros for the purchase of 3 defibrillators for the village. After the death of their customer When went to the council to ask where heart machines aormi@icloud.com

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were located and they were astonished that there were none, partly because there was insufficient funds. So they set about raising the funds and three defibrillators were bought with the idea of a further purchase of six more, so that the whole municipal area will covered in case of a similar occurrence that happened in their pub. The defibrillators will be located at the municipal swimming pool, at the entrance of the commercial zone and in the center of Avenido del Pino. The town hall has promised that they will offer classes on how to use the heart machines in an emergency. The daughter of Jimmy is a nurse and promised to translate the Spanish classes into English. Mayte Valero, the councillor for health, said that the family were very solidarity minded.

2000 euros donated to the To r r e v i e j a A l z h e i m e r ' s Association.

Stagestruck Theatre Group started the new year by donating 2000 euros to the Torrevieja A l z h e i m e r ’ s Association. Despite having to cancel their 2017Pantomime, the money was raised from a couple of Showcase revues put on at Leaf’s aormi@icloud.com

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bar in Quesada and Murder Mystery evenings. The donation is accepted by the President of the AFA Alzheimer.

Stagestruck have now started rehearsals for their Summer show which will be presented at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio in May this year. The show is a musical comedy, an original script written by Director Leigh Humphries.

The production, ‘From a Jack to a King’ is set in an East End of London pub in the 1960’s and features a range of comical characters and songs from the era. The story follows the ups and downs in the lives of the landlord and landlady and their dealings with their customers.

If you would like to be informed of where and when tickets will be available, please email Leigh at leigh.humphries58@gmail.com and request to be added to the Stagestruck mailing list.

All proceeds from ticket sales go to local charities.Purificacion Garcia Alvarez President of Alzheimers Association said “Desde AFA Torrevieja queremos agradecer a StageStruck por su acompañamiento y apoyo para nuestro día a día....Gracias!! Thanks !!

In the past the group of thespians raised a fabulous 4500 euros from their recent production of ‘Carry on Pompei’, a comedy musical. In the last year they donated 3000 euros to Torrevieja Alzheimer’s Association and 450 euros to Age Concern.

aormi@icloud.com

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Tiny Trains

Every month the Friends of the Railways Association host a miniature train event at the railway museum in Torrellano. The model sized replica of a steam train, known as a tracción vapor tren in Spanish, makes a journey around the model sized track. Everyone is welcome from the very young to the not so young! The museum will be open and donations of 1.50€ per visit are requested. You’ll also be able to enjoy a ride on the miniature train for a donation of just 1.50€ per person.

The museum has a collection of equipment used in the past including some uniforms and a large collection of caps. It is run by the friends of the railways association and so is normally only open on Saturdays between 16.00 & 20.00. Information - ASSOCIACIÓ ALACANTINA D´AMICS DEL FERROCARRIL Ap. de Correus 4096 03320 Torrellano – Elx (Alacant)

Miniature Train Rides May to October the 2nd Saturday of every month 16:30-19:30 November to April the 2nd Sunday of every month 10:30-13:30

Museum Every Saturday 16:00-20:00 aormi@icloud.com

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Pirates of Los Alcazares

After Carnival we have Semana Santa starting on Palm Sunday on 25th March, which coincides with the Anunciation. Then the nightly processions begin until Easter Sunday morning with the Resurrection procession in many towns.

The annual Incursiones Berberiscas in the playa de la Pescaderia, Los Alcazares will take place from the 29th March to the 1st April 2018. The programme will be published once it has been released, below is the information for last years edition.

For the 19th year the pirates will invade the town and there will be a medieval market, shows and theatrical re-enactments, a pirate encampment, falconry displays, donkey rides, a touch of local gastronomy with the cauldron.

aormi@icloud.com

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Are You Up To It? Want to become part of the main festivities in Torrevieja?

Then read on and brighten up your life experience.

Every year you see them marching proudly through the streets of Torrevieja during the Holy Week processions. These men (and women) in their green blouses, black trousers and girdled by a golden sash, are proud to be part of an international group of costaleros who carry the heaviest float in the Torrevieja processions. This week has been recognized by Alicante Province as of especial tourist important and interest and the group have been singled out as an example of integrationist Spanish culture.

Since 2005 the wonderful paso (or float) has been carried by people from different countries, different religions even and those who confess to none. Since that date around 100/120 men have carried the paso of Jesus in the Garden of Olives (Nuestro Padre Jésus en la Oración del Huerto de los Olives, but last year it was decided to put it on wheels and push it around the streets.

If you are interested in joining this wonderful experience then contact David McLachlan on 865 661 937 or Paul Mutter on 671 218 285. aormi@icloud.com

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African Solidarity

by Pat Hynd

The exhibition “Vivir en África" in the Virgen del Carmen Centre will finish on 11th February. It is dedicated to four NGO’s that have branches in Torrevieja who raise support for projects in Africa.

Nueva Fraternidad, ORIDA, Regalos de Amor and FANS are the four associations that appear in the exhibition with photos and artifacts about their projects.

Regalos de Amor was represented by Rosa María Cases who has since returned to their project in Senegal with more school materials for the local children. She had just finished a tour of towns in Spain, full of interviews and visiting local branches encouraging the supporters.

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Nueva Fraternidad president Ana Francos talked about the schools and orphanages the group are involved in Rwanda; Orida president Christina Nnomo spoke of their work in Cameroon, while Fans was represented by Carmen Pérez, and the general secretary of Alicante Alfredo Mercader emphasizing their work with Sahara children who come to Spain for ‘vacations including Torrevieja and are looking for summertime ‘foester families’.

Goro Alonso, on behalf of Nueva Fraternidad took 77 sets of football equipment from Real Murcia FC plus 30 other lots of similar sets plus equipment for a computer classroom to Rwanda.

Goro set up “Rukara Champions League” with all the equipment among various schools in the Rukara area. He set the stage for another project of a sport training and techniques.

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Hi Everyone. Rock Against Cancer need you My name is Winnie and soon I will live with Neil at Monroes Music Pub until June when Rock Against Cancer 2018 is happening.

Neil and all his guests take good care of me. I get lots of hugs and kisses, and the music is awesome But Neil wants me to have a good home.

I'm a bit spoiled so I only go to the highest bidder when Neil auctions me away.

But I promise to be a nice bear to the one who takes me home.

Big hugs and kisses. Regards Winnie P.S. Can you help Neil with sponsorship or good ideas, I know he'll be very happy.

Send a email if you can help monroesrockcafe@hotmail.com or visit us at Calle Apolo, 12 - 03182 Torrevieja www.facebook.com/groups/1004164502942855/

aormi@icloud.com

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Royal Opera House in Torrevieja Cinema Thanks to technology Live Streaming of operas in London’s Royal Opera House can be seen live in cinemas throughout the world including Torrevieja. It’s a wonderful experience to sit in the cinema surrounded by the music of your favorite music and view the proceedings in London as they are actually happening for a modicum price of around 15 euros or less. I would make a good outing for a club. It’s a bonus to know that in other parts of the world your family and friends can be enjoying the same experience.

The next showing is Tosca on 7th February full of Drama, passion and fabulous music – Puccini’s operatic thriller is one of the great opera experiences. Dan Ettinger conducts a star cast led by Adrianne Pieczonka, Joseph Calleja and Gerald Finley.

The story line is that the painter Mario Cavaradossi helps a fugitive escape – and so attracts the attention of Scarpia, the sadistic Chief of Police. Scarpia captures Cavaradossi and has him tortured within earshot of his lover, the singer Tosca. Scarpia sentences Cavaradossi to death – but promises Tosca that her lover can be saved if she gives herself to Scarpia. Tosca consents but as soon as the order has been given kills Scarpia. Scarpia’s aormi@icloud.com

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menace continues even in death: betrayed by a doublecross, Cavaradossi dies and Tosca leaps to her death.

From its strident opening chords, Tosca conjures up a world of political instability and menace. The Chief of Police, Scarpia – one of the most malevolent villains in opera – ruthlessly pursues and tortures enemies of the state. His dark, demonic music contrasts with the expansive melodies of the idealistic lovers, Tosca and Cavaradossi, who express their passion in sublime arias, including ‘Vissi d’arte’ and ‘E lucevan le stelle’.

Giacomo Puccini’s dramatic work was a hit with audiences on its 1900 premiere and it remains one of the most performed of all operas – and with its gripping plot and glorious music, it’s easy to see why.

Other operas and even ballets can be found on the website of the Royal Opera House under LiveStreaming.

Apart from the masterful productions there are also interesting talks about each piece of music, the background to the story line and often to the singers and actors themselves. The cost is about 15 euros and well worth every centimo.

aormi@icloud.com

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Other forthcoming productions are: The Winter's Tale – 28 February 2018 The Royal Ballet Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon Music: Joby Talbot

Carmen – 6 March 2018 NEW PRODUCTION The Royal Opera Georges Bizet Director: Barrie Kosky Conducted by Jakub Hrůša and starring Anna Goryachova, Francesco Meli and Anett Fritsch NEW Wayne McGregor / The Age of Anxiety / NEW Christopher Wheeldon – 27 March 2018 2x WORLD PREMIERES The Royal Ballet Choreography: Wayne McGregor / Liam Scarlett / Christopher Wheeldon Music: Leonard Bernstein Casting TBC

Macbeth – 4 April 2018 The Royal Opera Giuseppe Verdi Director: Phyllida Lloyd Conducted by Antonio Pappano and starring Anna Netrebko, Željko Lučić and Ildebrando D’Arcangelo

Manon – 3 May 2018 The Royal Ballet Choreography: Kenneth MacMillan Music: Jules Massenet Casting TBC

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The gastronomy programme for the year starts in February with the opportunity to enjoy a taste of a tradition type of stew with a glass of wine.

Early March offers the Rice dishes of Torrevieja.

The hostelry trade have their own gala dinner with the representation of awards known as Golden Fork Awards.

The middle of April is another Tapa offering.

May introduces the second year of International Cuisine.

In time for the seamen’s fiestas we have a theme of Torrevieja and the Sea cuisine.

International Tapas Day is on 29th September.

October features a Festival of gastronomy traditional in the Vega Baja region.

Finally in November a week of eating dishes that only require a spoon.

aormi@icloud.com

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Bookshelf

by Pat Hynd

It is difficult to decide what to buy adolescents in the way of book gifts. A successful book for girls is “Dumplin" written by Julie Murphy. A second follow up story has also been written by the same authoress “Puddin” and both relate the stories surrounding girls in a small Texan town one of whom happens to be a bit on the fat side. Disney acquired the movie rights preemptively prior to publication of Julie Murphy’s Texas-set novel with Michael Costigan producing. Disney decided not to go ahead with the project.

But the story has been adapted for screen by Kristin Hahn and will produce along with Costigan, who will produce under his COTA Films production company. This American musical comedy film will be directed

by Anne Fletche and stars Jennifer Aniston and Danielle Macdonald as the daughter with music

by Dolly Parton.

The story centres on a confident teen girl — named Dumplin’ ( by her former beauty queen mom (Jennifer Aniston) — taking a job at the local fast-food joint. She meets a former jock whom she likes and he seems to like her back, but when she begins to doubt herself, she sets out to take back her confidence by entering a beauty pageant and gaining respect for her mother.

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Bekah Cotte is played by Dove Cameron who is well known for her work in the Disney studios.

Dove Cameron is an American actress and singer, best known for playing a dual role as both title characters in the Disney Channel teen sitcom Liv and Maddie and playing Mal, daughter of Maleficent in Descendants. She reprised her role as Mal in Descendants 2, which premiered on July 21, 2017, on Disney Channel. Cameron played role of Sophie in the Hollywood Bowl live production of Mama Mia.

Other book news is the Edgar Wards nominations and I’m sure you can find something to your taste among the list.

It is the 209th anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allan Poe, and like clockwork the nominees for the 2018 Edgar Allan Poe Awards--honoring the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction and television published or produced in 2017--have been announced. The Edgar® Awards will be presented to the winners at the 72nd Gala Banquet, April 26, 2018 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York.

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Among books you may like to have a look at are.Dark Chapter by Winnie M. Li (Polis Books) Lola by Melissa Scrivner Love (Penguin Random House — Crown) Tornado Weather by Deborah E. Kennedy (Macmillan — Flatiron Books) Idaho by Emily Ruskovich (Random House) She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper ( Harper-Collins ) The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple by Jeff Guinn (Simon & Schuster) American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica Hesse (W.W. Norton & Company — Liveright) The Man From the Train: The Solving of a Century-Old Serial Killer Mystery by Bill and Rachel McCarthy James (Simon & Schuster — Scribner) Mrs. Sherlock Holmes: The True Story of New York City's Greatest Female Detective and the 1917 Missing Girl Case that Captivated a Nation by Brad Ricca (St. Martin's Press) Killers of theFlower Moon - The Osage Murders and Birth of the FBI by David Grann (Penguin Random House) From Holmes to Sherlock: The Story of the Men and Women who Created an Icon by Mattias Bostrom (Grove/Atlantic — The Mysterious Press) Manderley Forever: A Biography of Daphne du Maurier by Tatiana de Rosnay (St. Martin's Press) Murder in the Closet: Essays on Queer Clues in Crime Fiction Before Stonewall by Curtis Evans (McFarland Publishing) Chester B. Himes: A Biography by Lawrence P. Jackson (W.W. Norton & Company) Arthur and Sherlock: Conan Doyle and the Creation of Holmes by Michael Sims (Bloomsbury USA)

aormi@icloud.com

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The annual half marathon that has been held in Torrevieja for 38 years on the last weekend of January will not be held this year due to another town hall cock up with paperwork and permissions. However, there are other runs going on that may interest runners.

aormi@icloud.com

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World Cancer Day 3rd February Breast cancer is not a disease that affects women as many men also are sufferers so everyone should check themselves out.

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Torrevieja Carnival 2018 Queens - Fotos Joaquin Carrion

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