El Valle Newsletter Page 1
El Valle Newsletter Page 2
Chairman’s report
Contents Chairmans report & April meeting
2
How to Vote in Spain
3
by carol caldwell
First of all I would like to apologise for not being at the AGM on April 6�� due to my vacation to Peru. I would like to introduce myself, I am Carol Caldwell, but i am known to many people as “Spikey Carol” due to my hairstyle! I have taken over the duties of Chair of the El Valle Asociación and I am looking forward to a good year with old & new committee members.
We have already planned for you a Petanc tournament, a Supper night with film, a trip to Granada and an evening ‘Picnic in the Park’, and all the great walks that take place on the 2ⁿ� Thursday of each month. For our monthly club nights on the 1�� Monday of each month, for your entertainment we have speakers, quizzes, such as Pointless etc
with many more ideas for future months. On a more sombre note, I am sorry to report the death of one of our long term members, Werner Freidrichs, our condolences go out to Elfie his widow. I hope you all had a nice Easter and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
What’s On 4 Forthcom 5 ing events & Monthly Walks Photo Club 6 & Sat.co April Walk 7
Quad Diary 8 & 9 Boots & Blisters Club Petanc
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11
Committee 12
April meeting report by alan impey The Asociacion El-Valle del Embalse Annual General Meeting was held on Monday 6th April 2015 to coincide with the normal monthly meeting. It is strange that whenever the letters AGM appear the numbers attending drop significantly. This is despite that side of the meeting taking up very little time and the normal monthly meeting festivities follow on. Forty Five members turned out and I will only briefly mention the AGM business as it will be well covered in the secretary's minutes. Suffice to say a new chairperson, Carol Caldwell was elected, Stewart Common was re-elected secretary, Chris Wishart stayed on as treasurer and Sue Jones remains as editor of the newsletter. Two other names to mention are Christine Goreham, staying as Almoner and Alice Venus in the new role of Publicity Officer. Eight other members were elected as committee members.
Other AGM business was quickly conducted and at 8pm retiring chair, Jane, announced a break for drinks to be replenished and cash box tickets purchased before the "Going Quackers" main event commenced. "Going Quackers" what is it??? WELL, a few weeks ago members Stewart and Elaine gave out a plastic/rubber duck to various members, (volunteers) with a brief to create a story round the duck. It could be a life story, a holiday story, a comedy, tragedy and so on. Audio/visual aids could be used as well. The volunteers, Ian Harris, Jane Johnson, (stand in for Martyn Higgins), Dave Lawrie, Elaine Skirrow and Jane Harris went on to give entertaining and funny accounts about the lives of their ducks. All the accounts lasted in the region of 10 minutes and were varied enough that our attention was held throughout and is obvious that each of the participants put a lot of thought and effort into their presentations.
When they had all finished a secret vote was held to find a winner and that turned out to be Elaine Skirrow, who took the cash prize and the other participants took home bottles of wine.
At 8.55pm Jane announced that the cash box held €165 but none of the five tickets drawn managed to marry up to the cash box key and the prize rolls over to next month. At 9pm the meeting was declared closed but thanks are needed for the retiring committee members, the standing again members and the new committee members, THANK YOU, without the commitment shown there would be no ElValle.
El Valle Newsletter Page 3
VOTING IN SPAIN
The voting system in Spain is quite different from other parts of Europe. Not that long ago, an important part of the Spanish population hadn’t had the opportunity to go to school. As a result, a lot of people still couldn’t read or write. A good voting system had to include an answer to this problem: one party with its logo-one ballot. Nowadays, this system is still in vigor. Therefore, each party is represented with one ballot. There is nothing you have to cross and you are not allowed to write on the ballot. It would invalidate your vote. The ballot contains the logo and the name of the party on the top line. Below, you will find the list with the candidates. You are not allowed to change the order of the candidates. During the electoral campaign, you will not only receive electoral publicity, you might also receive the ballot to vote!!! Indeed, in Spain the parties are allowed to send you their ballot (with or without the corresponding envelope), they can even come and ring at your door to give you their ballot. To avoid hurting their sensibility, I would recommend accepting the ballot, even if you are not going to vote for them. The result is clear: millions of ballots are wasted.
ELECTION DAY Normally you will have received your electoral card with the information where you will have to vote, between 1 and 2 weeks before the elections. Take that card, passport and/or driver’s license and your NIE to the center where you have to vote. If you have already the ballot from the party you want to vote for, and that ballot is already in the corresponding envelope (Elecciones Municipales), you can go straight to the table to vote, presenting first your identification. Once the President of the Table has checked your identity and the electoral roll, you can drop your envelope into the box. If you haven’t the ballot of the party you want to vote for, you will have to step into the voting cabin, take your ballot, put the ballot into the envelope and then go to the voting table. In the voting cabin, you will found ballots of all parties as well as the envelope to put your ballot in.
Here you see the inside of the voting cabin. Ignore the pink ballots and envelopes. You see clearly the ballots and the white envelopes on the right hand where you will have to introduce the ballot of your choice. You don’t have to seal the envelope, it is sufficient to slip the opened part into the envelope. It will make it easier to open the envelope and take out the ballot when they start the counting of the votes. Don’t forget: you don’t vote so you don’t mind, hence you don’t complain. GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY. Mario Blancke Ciudadanos-Alcaucín
El Valle Newsletter Page 4
FORTHCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS May 4��
Moroccan Talk by Kritz
June 1��
Presentation by on New Inheritance Tax and Wills
July 6��
Pointless by Alan Impey
August
NO MEETING
Sept. 7��
Music Quiz by George Bain
FRIDAY, MAY 22 ND SUPPER WITH FILM “What we did on our Holiday” Starring rosamund pike, david tennant & billy connely Doors open 7pm food 7:30 pm €5 members
€7 non
A TRIP TO GRANADA june 5th TAKE A WALK AROUND HISTORIC GRANADA WITH STEWART & PETER OR, FOR THOSE WHO PREFER, SPEND A DAY SIGHTSEEING ON YOUR OWN - THE CHOICE IS YOURS LEAVE PUENTE DON MANUEL AT 08:30 - LEAVE GRANADA 16;30 PRICE €10 MEMBERS
€13 NON MEMBERS
El Valle Newsletter Page 5
July 15
th
Join us for a picnic in the las mayorales picnic site. Bring your own drink 7:30 for 8:00
SEPTEMBER 19TH Join us for this magical candlelit evening COACH LEAVES ‘Hotel Romero’ (Mis tapitas) 18:30 Leaves guaro 12:00 €11 Members €13 non
EL VALLE MONTHLY WALKS
MAY 14��
Led by Terry & Jane Frost. Start 11:00 am at the car park in the village of Guaro, beyond Periana
JUNE 11��
Led by alan Impey. Start 11:00 at the car park of Venta San Miguel, opposite the Hotel Christainas, Nerja. Take the N340 towards Torrox from Nerja & after about 1km it’s on the right just past the Repsol Garage
JULY 9��
Led by Stewart & Elaine. Start 7pm
AUGUST 13��
Led by Jan & Barry Bartlett. Start 7pm
SEPTEMBER 10��
Led by Mike Larner. Start 11:00
El Valle Newsletter Page 6
By Doug Popplett
The March challenge was “in the style of Robert Mapplethorpe”. An American photographer known for his controversial and highly stylized monochrome floral images. There were 36 entries of which the majority were true to the challenge.
Next month’s challenge is a technical exercise in “pre and post editing”; this will hopefully help give the less able in our group the practice and motivation to try something out of their comfort zone, or, at the very least give them the guidance to enhance their images. Interested in photography? Why not come and join us, we are a friendly group of people of differing abilities from novice to the more proficient, it’s all about learning from each other, but more importantly, enjoying photography. We meet on the first Thursday of the month (10.30am), currently at Restaurante La Era in Puente Don Manuel. If you are interested, contact us, leaving your contact details at lakevinuelaphotoclub@gmail.com . Back to normal for our next meeting, Thursday 7�� May.
News from sat.co
by dick atterbury
Have you got the latest software in your Technomate Receiver? The latest software allows you to operate the Recording Mode easier and also the new Channel list gives you access to more channels. If you are a customer call in at the Tuesday market with your box and get a free update. If not give us a call and we will arrange the update. When did you last change the batteries in your remote control? Many of our callouts are only to have to charge the customer just to change batteries. Please check regularly that batteries are in good order and not causing damage by leaking. Remote a bit dodgy, bring it to us for a repair.
More Spanish TV channels are being added to the list and by doing a quick tune you could enhance your viewing menu. Lots of new technology coming out in the new TVs the main one now is Fibre optic link or TOSS Link as it is known in the trade do try it out or if you are buying a new TV ask us for advice or a Demonstration. The reduction in power consumption continues with the large screens now consuming power less than a domestic light bulb at around only 44 Watts. Please pass the word that Sat.Co Repairs flat screen TVs and Satellite receivers. We often see on social media sites people that are looking
for local repairs to TVs etc. We have our own repair shop locally and can turn around most repairs in quick time 7 days a week.
El Valle Newsletter Page 7
El valle walk by alan impey The latest El-Valle walk, held every 2nd Thursday of the month, took place on April 9th and was routed and led by Chris Mogg and Ray Edwards in the Arenas area. The weather forecast was dire for the day and unfortunately it took its effect on the numbers attending. WELL, shame on you fair weather walkers, you missed a good, but gentle walk followed by a great meal at Chris and Jeanettes home. Re the weather, yes it was overcast but we did not get wet!!!!
The rendezvous for the walk was near to Km 4 on the Velez to Arenas Road and 13 walkers turned out to support it. Initially we drove the cars down into the valley bottom where we transferred into three of the vehicles to travel part way up the opposite valley side. Here we started the walk initially a short sharp up before levelling out to meander round the hillside always heading towards Arenas Pueblo. We arrived at the lower part of Arenas and began a steady climb up into the pueblo. At one point it was realised that one walker, Michael, was no longer with us!!!! He was quickly found and rejoined the walk in the pueblo!!! We then walked through the pueblo passing the bronze of a mule, which commemorates the annual Mule Feria held there. This feria is held on the 12th October every year. Just after passing the bronze we stopped at a local bar for refreshment, coffee, water and lemonade!!! HONEST!!!!!!!!
Deserts followed, lemon meringue After this break we re-traced our outward route but three of the group pie, chocolate cream cake fresh fruit salad was all available!!!! seemed to press on ahead of the rest!!!! The whole group was re-united however just before the vehicles when the breakaways realised they had missed a right turn and gone blundering on!!!!! Yes I was one of them!!!!!! It was now time to adjourn to Chris and Jeanettes for the meal!!!! and what a meal!!!
We were joined at the meal by three non walkers and of course Jeannette and Kaz. The starters consisted of a choice of several salads and a rice dish followed by mains of spicy beef stew, lasagne, pepper tart and garlic chicken drumsticks along with oven baked potatoes. There was also fresh bread and butter. Beer, red and white wine and soft drinks were also available as required.
Contributions to the cost would have been â‚Ź7.50 a head but hopefully everyone agreed with the suggestion put forward to give a little extra. Thanks need to go to Chris and Jeanette and also Ray and Kaz for the walk and the refreshments!! Facts and Figures; Walk length 5.5 kms Start height 315 mtrs Max. Height 416 mtrs Moving Time 1hr 18mins Stopped time 23 mins.
El Valle Newsletter Page 8
Quad diary
by roger & jackie frewin
What a dramatic change in temperatures we’ve experienced this month. From low single figures on a Wednesday to a temperature of over 30 degrees just four days later, for our Sunday trip. New colours brightened each of our trips, with wild flowers of yellows, pinks and purples, not to mention the clusters of scarlet and orange poppies and bold white daisies with their bright yellow centres. Then the heady aroma of jasmine would fill the air every once in a while too. Beautiful! Unfortunately, the most of our outings have had low attendance owing to many of the group spending longer periods in the UK recently. The buggy only made it to the first excursion and has been off the road since but all quads are ok at present. Our visit to Puerto Niza this month was a bit of a disappointment, food-wise. There was nothing out of the ordinary to report on our trip there or back but a change to the pricing policy at the restaurant meant that instead of a menu del dia one could choose from a variety of dishes at a cost of 6 euros each. Whilst some could be shared others, like soup, obviously could not. The cost of the meal was consequently considerably higher than before and the service this time left a lot to be desired too. So after four visits this restaurant is now likely to be off our list of favourites. One of our Sunday trips saw 5 quads depart from Billy’s bar, over the dam, beyond the camping bar and then left onto concrete roads and rugged tracks to Bar Ortega, where we partook in some refreshments. From there the overwhelming theme of the day became horses, starting with the unusual sight, at the bar, of quads and horses “parked” side by side.
The next stage of our travels was cross-country up to Comares then down the other side where we followed a long stretch of tarmac road. Travelling at quite a sedate speed we were able to enjoy the views of amazing scenery. A hazy glimpse of the sea in the distance, excellent views of La Maroma, now finally free of snow, the distinctive giant stone formations, some appearing to be so precariously balanced I wonder how anyone would dare to build anything around them, and the spectacular variations in the colour of the soil and rocks, ranging from the very lightest of greys and browns through reds and even some of deep damson. An absolute delight to behold! Eventually we took a track off this road to descend steeply down to the river bed which we then followed towards Benamargosa. En route we passed five horsemen, taking a leisurely ride along the river bed. Later, at Benamargosa, a collection of horses, traps and carriages were gathering by the bridge in the river bed, obviously in readiness for a function, but we didn’t wait around to find out what.
El Valle Newsletter Page 9 We continued onwards along the river bed, past a couple of herds of goats, until we eventually arrived at Trapiche airfield, left the river bed and converged on Bar El Trapiche for the traditional bacon pitufos and bocadillos.
One of our Wednesday outings this month was to return to the beach-side Restaurant in Algarrobo Costa that we visited for the first time last month. Just 3 quads met up at Trapiche. We followed the same route as before, over the ridge behind Trapiche and along tracks to Arenas, where once again we stopped for refreshments. From there we followed another steep and uneven track up to Castillo de Bentomiz, then down the other side to Algarrobo Costa.
We were joined there by a few additional diners who are currently without quads. So did Pippo’s deliver the same level of satisfaction second time around? The beachside restaurant provided extremely good food at a very reasonable price and was enjoyed by all. There’s no doubt we’ll be returning there soon. The return trip took us along the Rio Seco, then around the back of Velez-Malaga and along the old road home.
We returned to the Vulture Park area for one Sunday trip, for the benefit of Angelika and Klaus who missed the previous visit. There were 4 quads out that day. We took the same route from Mis Tapitas to Canillas de Aceituno, via Rio Bermuza, but continued along the winding tarmac road towards Sedella without stopping for refreshments.
After visiting the Vulture statue and admiring the wonderful views the group travelled on to Salares, for a very welcome refreshment break. As has happened twice in the past Salares was celebrating yet another fiesta. While partaking in our drinks and tapas we were entertained by a saxophonist and a singer/keyboard player. We missed Bar El Trapiche’s bacon sandwiches though. As we were leaving Salares the giant paella was almost ready and a queue had started to build up for it.
El Valle Newsletter Page 10
Boots & blisters club (bbc) 300 walk th
by alan impey
Two of the el-valle members, Martyn and Rebecca Higgins have for many years now been organising walks on a Saturday morning. They call their group The BBC. This is the Boots and Blisters Club. Last Saturday, 18th April 2015, saw the 300th walk take place. This is a remarkable achievement and is testament not only to the popularity of walking but also to the regard in which Martyn and Rebecca are held. The first recorded walk that they hosted was on the 21 March 2009 when 11 walkers turned up to take part in a walk in the Natural Park above Alcaucin. Every walk since is recorded by Martyn and Rebecca, the date, number attending weather conditions and such. I know as well, that although the 21st March 2009 is the first recorded walk, they did start before that. The walks take place all over the Axarquia stretching from Rincon de la Victoria (on the coast) to Nerja, (on the coast) inland to Sedella and Salares, Frigiliana, Iznate Alfarnatejo and many other places. Because of the number of walks done it is necessary that many have to be repeat walks but this does not detract from their popularity and numbers attending range from 30 to 40 as a norm and 40 plus is not unusual. 67 yes 67 turned up for the 300th walk. On the occasions that Martyn and Rebecca cannot be available (and this is rare) they make arrangements for someone else to lead a walk and there is always someone available on the walks to take photographs, usually John Munns or Jane Johnston and these photographs are forwarded by Rebecca to her vast email contact list of BBC walkers which includes walkers all over the world and they are eagerly awaited each week. The last couple of years have seen Martyn and Rebecca take things to a new level and organise 3 or 4 days away for walking breaks and these are held in the Alpujarras area and are always oversubscribed. I am sure a lot of people would join me in saying a big thank you to Martyn and Rebecca for their totally voluntary efforts and long may the walks continue. As an aside, very soon now will be the El-Valle's 100th walk and Stewart (I am lead to believe) will be organising something to mark this event!!!
El Valle Newsletter Page 11
Petanc
by alan impey
BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!! I understand that there is no foundation to reports that the conduct of Chris Wishart, treasurer to the ElValle Asociacion, and organiser of the recent petanca tournament in Torre del Mar has been reported to the Federacion EspaĂąola de Petanca. These reports arose when the team, captained by Chris, swept aside all opposition to lift the first prizes in the competition. An in-house investigation was held and although concern was expressed about the relative ease with which his team annihilated their semi-final opponents all reports of performance enhancing substances were found to be not proved!!!!!!! and the results stood. The tournament had started with twenty-nine players divided into teams of 3 or 4 with a stipulation that each team only cast 6 bowls per game.
After the first round the victorious teams moved into the semi-finals with the two victorious teams meeting in the final. The team I was a member of made the semi-finals before meeting the team captained by the said
Chris Wishart!!!!!!!!!!
The final between Team 5, comprising Stewart Common, Barbara Jenkinson and Peter Baker, and Team 1, comprising Chris Wishart, Ray Edwards and Victoria Baker was played to the first team to score 10 instead of the usual 13. This was jointly agreed between the captains as the earlier rounds had been tightly fought battles taking longer than exWe then made our way over to Tanpected. (Except of course the now nit Restaurant on the paseo where infamous semi-final) 31 of us enjoyed a menu del dĂa. After the meal Ian Harris awarded the prizes, new sets of petanca bowls and bottles of wine to the winning team and bottles of wine to the beaten finalists. Thanks to Chris for the organisation of the event and Stewart for the restaurant and any other committee member assisting. It now goes without saying that the team captained by Chris were victorious with a score line of 10 to 7. The final also pitted Peter Baker and Vickie Baker against each other and initially Vickie was concerned that Peter's competitive nature would prove decisive but it was not be and he was consigned to the losing finalists.
El Valle Newsletter Page 12
ASOCIACIĂ“N EL VALLE DEL EMBALSE COMMITTEE 2015-16
Chair: Carol Caldwell:-635291532
Secretary:- Stewart Common 647076177
Treasurer: Chris Wishart - 609952926
Newsletter Editor:- Sue Jones - 680407894
Almoner:- Christine Goreham - 635361233
Publicity:- Alice Venus - 685421669
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Elaine Edwards: - 647076177
Jane Harris:- 633615154
Judy Maycock:- 673847608
Barbara Jenkinson:- 616264067
Pauline Ward:- 665886474
Dorothy Girvan:- 676320615
Peter Girvan:-
David Evans:-
676320615
622690581
INFORMATION. NEWSLETTER EDITOR newslettereditor2012@gmail.com WEBSITE www.el-valle-asociacion.com A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMITTEE WILL BE ON DUTY EVERY FRIDAY BETWEEN 11:30 & 12:30 AT MAISON SARA