NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

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Around the valle

november 2016 Issue no. 11

Chairmans report by carol caldwell Welcome everyone to the November News letter I can't believe how quick this year has gone and soon we will have the festive season upon us.

We have a great Winter Ball organised for the 28th November a good opportunity for the Ladies to get their Ball gowns out

and not forgetting the Men to look debonair in escorting their Ladies for this great occasion You can still buy tickets we will be selling them on Friday morning at Meson Sara and our monthly meeting at Camping Bar on the 7th November from 7 pm

Sue will be taking over my duties of Chairperson for the next few months I will not be here for Christmas so Ben and I would like to wish all our members a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year

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October meeting by bob ward

contents CHAIRMANS REPORT OCTOBER MEETING & UPDATE ON DAFO TRIP TO ANTEQUERA AS ABOVE & NEWS FROM SAT.CO FORTHCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS & WALK SCHEDULE OCTOBER WALK

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The October El Valle monthly meeting was held as usual at the Camping Bar on 3rd October.

A slightly disappointing 38 members turned up for the meeting but as the committee were rather short of helpers this worked out pretty well. So, big thanks are due to Sue, Pauline, Barbara and Dorothy, who all worked tirelessly on the night.

Sue first gave us a run down on all future El Valle events and ones that had recently taken place. She then introduced a general knowledge quiz that had

actually been set by Jane Harris who was away in England at this time. The first part of the quiz consisted of pub signs and a music quiz which most teams seemed to have little trouble with. Then the last part of the quiz seemed very difficult even though Jane said she thought it was easy.

The winning team managed 35 points out of a

Finally Bob and Peter did the Box draw which was up to 665â‚Ź. Five tickets were pulled out but no one managed to get the key even Martyn Higgins who had 2 numbers drawn out.

Sue concluded the meeting at 8.55pm and thanked the all committee members who had worked so hard.

Update on dafo 7

NEWS: TIME LIMITATION FOR RESPONSIBILITY ILLEGAL SUB-

SUPPER NIGHT & RECIPE

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QUAD REPORT

9, 10 & 11 11

RECIPE COMMITTEEE

possible 52, so not that easy.

DIVISIONS RUSTIC LAND ANDALUSIA (DAFO)

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these plots divided illegally at any time, which entailed an order to demolish anything built illegally on such lands. There was no time limit, i.e. the legal responsibility never expired.

What this amendment has done is introduce a statute of limitations of six years for such subdivisions, provided that they con-

On 6 August, the amendment of article

tain buildings over six years old. This statute

183.3 of the Urban Planning Law of Andalu-

of limitations introduced for buildings con-

sia (LOUA) came into force.

structed in non-developable land, results in the legal responsibility expiring after six

The main objective of this amendment was

years without the administration initiating

to introduce a statute of limitations for sub-

proceedings against such subdivision.

divisions in non-developable land that contain buildings. Since 2003, the Administration was able initiate the administrative proceedings for the grouping of

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Trip to antequera by stewart common Another bright and sunny day in Spain's long summer,we had thirty five members, including some nonmembers booked on the trip to the Dolmans, Antequera and to El Torcal. We all met the bus at the revised time of 8.45am. Luckily there were no more than 35 as the coach company sent a new bus with only 35 seats!!. Anyway all aboard and we set off, arriving at the Dolmans visitor centre just on the outskirts of Antequera at 9.45am where there are two of the three burial mounds in the area.

We were then shown a short DVD about the origins of the Dolmans, why they were where they were and how they were constructed. An animated short film showed people living 5000 years ago working in the country side and then digging and building the burial chambers.

As with Stone Henge in the UK and the Pyramids in Egypt they all start with digging the area for the side wall stones to be slide up and inserted into the ground. They had to use slopes of soil, stones etc to

side the stone to the correct position, this was after cutting them out of the hillsides and transporting the them some 8 kilometres, rolling them on logs, once at the site, they then turned them upright, all done by human power (no JCB's in those days). I think I speak for all but it was a very informative film and also very good to see this before being taken out to inspect the two original burial mounds.

"Jose" our English speaking guide arrived shortly after our film finished and another French group went in for their film. Jose gave a short history of the area and why the mounds were placed in the orientation towards the "Lovers Mountain" (it’s the large hill on the right hand side as you come down the motorway towards Antequera).

We then proceeded towards the burial mounds; Jose explained the flora and fauna as we walked up the hill. He then took us into the first mound in two groups as although it appeared quite large from the outside it was very small inside, we went in looked around and came out. Next we walked across to the main mound, this one was bigger and again Jose led the group inside and explained the construction etc.

Inside this one was a well 9 mtrs deep cut into the granite rock. We then walked around the area and back to the bus. We were then off to tour Antequera.

Jose arranged for the bus driver to deliver us to the top of the town giving us a fantastic view of the Alcazaba and its fortified walls.

While on the bus Jose gave us a Flamenco song to keep us occupied.

We left the bus and walked towards the town passing one of the many churches in the town (we were told there were 32 churches in Antequera, some having been changed into other uses since they were first built but many still remain as churches). We walked on through the old town towards the fortified walls which due to the daylight gave a tremendous view out over the town centre showing many of the churches he described.

Turning back from the walls, we walked through the "Arco de los Gigantes" and into the Plaza de Santa Maria where the "Colegiata de Santa Maria" stands. Here there was a view over the Roman Bath Ruins only partially unearthed and discovered. Once again Jose gave

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us a full description all the various monuments as we went along.

After this we started down the hill towards the centre of town passing as we walked the Postigo de la Estrella - Muralla Plaza del Carmen.

This was basically a door entrance into the upper fortified area around the Alcazaba. He told us how they would have defended to oncoming soldiers with hot oils dropped through holes in the walls. We were guided down a street to see the facade of one of the oldest churches in the town, he said that this church had never been renovated or opened in all of his life in Antequera. Although the actual facade was in very good condition, we could not go inside.

We were than led into the Cosoviejo, a square in the town centre were the bus would pick the group up. We all gathered together and thanked Jose the guide, his work was now over. The group were given two and a half hours to wander the town and get food or drinks or to "site see" as they wanted. We rejoined the coach at 4.00pm for the drive up to the El Torcal site.

After a short drive up through the stunning scenery out of the town and through the mountains we arrived at the El Torcal car park.

There was a choice, to visit the visitor centre and the view point over Malaga, or to walk the short walk (45 minutes) around and through the rock formations, about half the group opted to take the walk. The ground was dry and the weather was very good so off we went on the walk. As it was late in the afternoon it was not possible to spot any Ibex in the rocks looking at us. They were probably having their siestas!! After the walk some had drinks and some went to the

view point to look out over Malaga, although in the haze it was still possible to make out Malaga and many of the white villages in the valley below.

We all boarded the bus at 6.00pm and it was off back to Puente don Manuel and home. At the end we all said our goodbyes and sent the driver on his way.

From the general chit chat it seemed that all on the trip really enjoyed the day, many thanks to Elaine and Stewart for leading the day's activities.

News from sat.co by dick atterbury Many people with some hearing impairment have asked us if we can find some subtitles. We are currently working on this and hope to have some subtitles from Intelsat 907 with the English programmes. Please talk to us if you are interested so we have some idea of the numbers of interested parties. We hope to have the project running in the next couple of weeks.

We still have a number of customers that have not upgraded the software in the Technomate boxes to include Channel 5

which is free to air. Again talk to us and we can upgrade your box with new software.

This month LG have launched a whole new range of both Smart and basic TVs they are really light as a feather and some new sizes and quite cheap. Do have a look at our Demonstration at the Trapiche Market and ask us lots of questions. Go on buy him a nice big TV for Christmas.

In January Spain is planning a change of frequencies for the region for the Spanish TV pro-

grammes.. It will be announced in the local newspapers. Be aware that if you lose a few programmes they are still there all you have to do is go into the TV menu; Select Set Up, and DTV and Select Auto Tune.

This should bring them back. If you have a problem give us a call and we will talk you through it on the phone.

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FORTHCOMING MEETINGS NOVEMBER 7th

Picture Quiz “where is it” By Sue

DECEMBER 5th

El Valle Choir with mince pies and wine

JANUARY 9TH

Possible visit from British Consulate

Wednesday 9 november th

18:30 The cultural centre, Viñuela wine tasting and tapas Non members €7

Price €5 members

November 28

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A winter ball will be held at the nerja caves There will be A bus, provided we have sufficient numbers Cost €27 members €30 non members Bus €8 members €10 non members Tickets on sale now

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MENU DEL DIA AT

An informal get together for all who would like to join us

At el charco

January 20 2017

Los romanes

A deposit of â‚Ź5 required at time of booking

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16 march 2017 th

a day visit to motril where we will visit bodega Ron

montero &

the preindustrial cane sugar Museum further details to follow WALKS SCHEDULE NOVEMBER 10th

Led by Ray Edwards & Jeanette Mogg. Start at Km 4 signed Los Almendras. This is on the MA-4111 from Velez Malaga to Arenas road. At this junction go down the concrete road and park by the river bridge. Walk starts from here at 11:00. After in arenas village.

DECEMBER 8th

Led by Mike & Frances Larner. Start 11:00 on the road to Rubite. As the road comes to a crest when you see the village there and a number of bins and post boxes, the car park is just beyond here on the right ( we have strted from here be fore)

JANUARY 12th

Led by Martyn & Rebecca Higgins. Start 11:00. TBA

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October walk

by alan impey

Thursday 13th October 2016 started badly and for a while became even worse!!!!!!!!!!

It was El-Valle walk day and the forecast could not be worse, rain for much of the day!!!!!

Our leaders were Ian and Barbarann and the walk was due to start in the Almachar area, an area they also lived in. I had agreed to take Trevor and Mo and of course she who must be obeyed!!! Terry and Jane were accompanied by Terry's sister, Sue. She who must be obeyed, Mo and Sue were not walking and were going to be entertained by Barbarann at her home!!! I know where they live, in general, but not sure of the track route itself!!!

To counter this I arranged to meet up with Terry and Jane at the LOCAL petrol station, travel in convoy, load non-walkers into one car at the start of the track and problem solved, Terry could drop them or could he?????

The meeting time arrived, 10:15 at the local petrol station, bear in mind Terry and myself both live in the Puente don Manuel area and there is only one petrol station!!!

At 10:20 my mobile rings and Terry is asking where I am!!!I told him the local petrol station which he disputed because he said he was there!!!

Terry was at Benamocarra petrol station which to mind was local only to Benamocarra not even the walk area which Terry maintained!!!!

We set off to join them there and on arrival Sue exited Terry's car and came to get in mine displacing Trevor to go join Terry.

I KNOW I KNOW I should have said you take them Terry you know the way but I am a typical man, don't admit you don't know, don't ask for help and so on!!

Off we went at the start of the track we met Stewart and his entourage, one of whom was Christine a non-

walker and you guessed it, could she have a lift to Barbarann's. I did ask Stewart to confirm the track route and he quickly ran through it and off I went!!!

To get to the point I missed a vital junction going up, missed it coming back down, missed it going back up, took the wrong one and got stuck half way up a steep slippery, narrow slope. My four lady passengers were quite calm, well three were, and I asked them to get out of the car whilst I tried to run backwards down the slope.

The car just slid closer to the edge and it was obvious I was going nowhere slowly!!! Christine phoned Stewart who said he was on his way with four hunky young men!!!!

They arrived, had a laugh at my expense then put their shoulders to the car and eventually I got to the top, turned round, picked up my passengers and was escorted to Ian/Barbarann’s correct track. (I did hear mumbles about where had the, four hunky young men got to) Back to the walk, it was good and the whole day improved from this point!!!!

We started the walk from below and at the back of the village, quickly leaving a broad track to begin climbing steeply on a narrow single file path before arriving at another broad track near to radio masts. We went right climbing again until we reached a far distant ridge track.

After collecting our breath we set off left following the ridge with views all around before eventually starting to drop towards AlmĂĄchar on a concrete track.

We were soon back at the cars and Ian announced he needed a volunteer to take him back to his house to collect his car and to assist in bringing the six non-walkers to the restaurant for dinner, yes of course I did, I volunteered!!!!!!

We collected the ladies, only one of them declined to be my passenger, no names CHRISTINE!!!!!!

Our meal was at Restaurant Trapiche and was a good value menu Del Dia and all 22 of us enjoyed it.

As we were leaving one of the waiting staff enquired if we knew anything about a bottle of vinegar going missing from the table!!!!!!

I suppose natural suspicion would fall on any Yorkshire Man or Scotsman who were there as the words tight or canny could be used, well I assure you this born and bred Yorkshire man was not guilty, does anyone want to confess!!!!!

The weather was kind during the walk but during the meal the words stair rods come to mind!!!!!

A very good day all things considered and thanks to Ian/Barbarann.

Walk stats. 5.63kms, 2 hrs., ascent 311mtrs. (Walk stats. Courtesy of Stewart)

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Supper night

by alan impey

Friday 14th October 2016, time for the El-Valle Supper Night with Film.

Showing was the film Woman in Gold, directed by Simon Curtis and starring Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds and Daniel Bruhl.

The film was first released in April 2015 and has a run time of 109 minutes.

The film had a budget of 11 million dollars, approx. 9 million pounds, and at the box office made 61 million dollars, (approx. 50 million pounds.

The film was based on a true story of Maria Altman, an Austrian Jewish refugee living in Los Angeles USA who, together with her young inexperienced lawyer fought the government of Austria for over a decade to reclaim paintings, in particular one originally entitled, Portrait of Adele

Bloch-Bauerl, that were stolen by the Nazis in Vienna prior to WW2.

The painting had been renamed Woman in Gold and was hanging in a gallery in Vienna, the artist being Gustav Klimt Initially claims of ownership were refuted in Austria but Altman and her lawyer successfully sued in the American Supreme Court to give them the right to sue the Austrian Government.

To avoid the long procedure both sides agreed to go to Arbitration Panel which, against all the odds, ruled in Altmans favour and the paintings were subsequently taken to America.

The doors opened just after 7pm and the 32 viewers took their seats at the prepared tables to await dinner. The meals were Green Thai Curry and rice prepared by Elaine and Chilli Con Carne with jacket potatoes prepared by Carol.

Both were delicious, I know because I had both, and both were sufficiently spiced to give taste but not to burn!!

After the tables were cleared away it was show time and the film started at 8.30 and ran until 10:10.

It was enthusiastically received, even by me, who had gone along not expecting to enjoy it as it did not fit my criteria of a good film but surprisingly I enjoyed it.

Many thanks, to Stewart, in charge of running the film setting up equipment and such, and also our chefs for the evening, Elaine and Carol.

My apologies to them all for disappearing at the end but I had a very early start the next morning.

Hot apple pie punch recipe INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ Tsp ground cinnamon A good pinch ground cloves ½ whole grated nutmeg 2 litres apple juice 2 tsp vanilla extract 6 scoops vanilla ice cream Dark rum (optional)

METHOD: 1. Put the cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, apple juice and vanilla extract in a large saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.

2. When the apple juice has warmed through, add the vanilla ice cream and whisk vigorously with a balloon whisk until melted and combined with the hot apple juice - the ice cream should make a frothy top on the juice.

3. Pour a splash of dark rum into the bottom of the adults’ cups and top up with the hot punch. Garnish with apple crisps

SERVES 8

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Quad report by roger & jackie frewin Finally, the summer seems to have come to an end and my quadding days can resume. After so long away I was eager to visit some of the new routes and destinations explored during the summer. The first trip out was to what we term ‘the Malaga masts’. It was quite a lengthy trip, led by Mike G and followed by 4 other quads. Mike’s original route had started from the Trops bar and followed the river from Trapiche but on this occasion we started from Mis Tapitas in Puente de don Manuel and did the trip in reverse. That took us along the main road to and across the dam then, just beyond the camping bar, we took a left to take us through the campo, past Bar Ortega, across the Rio Gordo road, down to Los Hijanos and across its very rickety old bridge, and then up along the steep winding track to Comares where we stopped for refreshments. It was a lovely day with plenty of sun and just a few white fluffy clouds so we relaxed for a while, at the bar, taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. From here we continued along the road towards Rio Gordo and eventually branched off to the right to climb the steep winding track up to the masts. Disappointingly, the view was hampered by a distant mist and although you could just make out some of the coastline around El Palo, Malaga, the port and beyond it was far from clear. The views in the other direction overlooking Comares, the mountains and the countryside were considerably clearer and we stopped to admire them for a good while.

Moving on we headed back to the main road and turned left towards Comares but turned almost immediate right onto a track that led to the high ridge, as in the photo to the right above, that overlooks El Borge. Again the views were spectacular, with La Maroma in the background and something I couldn’t recall ever having seen before. An ornithoid figure stood above Canillas de Aceituno, appearing rather like a giant bird guarding its nest. Look at the photo below and you’ll see exactly what I mean. The image seems to be unique to this area as it looks totally different from other directions and altitudes.

The route from there descended steeply down towards El Borge and eventually we reached the Rio del Borge where we travelled alongside then in the river bed to Almachar where we stopped for refreshments and a snack. To complete the trip we dropped back down into the river bed and followed this to beyond where it meets with the Rio Benamargosa then joined the Trapiche road and made our respective homeward journeys from there.

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Our next trip was to one of our favourite venues, Alfarnatejo. Roger was leading this one and tried to take the group of 3 quads along the new route that Mike L plotted last month. It was another lovely warm day with very few clouds.

The first part of the journey went really well, taking us from Mis Tapitas, up through Vinuela, down the back, then through the olive groves to the football ground area by the lake. After crossing the dam we continued along the main road to just beyond the Camping Bar and turned off to the left to join the Camino del Leon. We turned right before reaching Bar Ortega, travelling through olive groves most of the way and passed many very old olive trees with such amazing and distinct characteristics. Eventually we reached the A356 again and crossed that to follow a track northwards towards the mountains. We must have turned off that track just a bit too soon as the route then turned southwest and took us to Rio Gordo. After stopping for refreshments and getting our bearings we found our normal route out of Rio Gordo and across the main road to take us across the large, normally green meadows, now parched and straw-like, then down into the gorge. Unfortunately, as so often seems to happen just there, one of the quads started to play up. Just as with the other quads before Ted’s needed a few minutes to cool down and then it was back in action again but only for a short while and then it coughed, spluttered and died again. Despite the hold-ups we were still able to enjoy a delicious and great value menu del dia at Restaurante Los Pirineos in Alfarnatejo and with our very full stomachs made our way back along the quickest and smoothest route down to Periana and Puente de don Manuel.

Another notable excursion this month was a brilliant mystery tour, led by Klaus with 3 more quads behind. He led us through Venta Baja then across to Castillo de Zalia and over some fairly rough tracks, mainly through olive groves, then up to the old railway track and on to Guaro where we stopped for some refreshments. The donkey track between there and Mondron was next on the agenda and from there he took a different route heading south until we reached the A356, which we followed east for a few kilometres before turning off towards the lake. Skirting around the lake it was quite pitiful to see how little water remains following the long, hot summer. Vast areas that were usually under water were now totally dry. We crossed the now small river by the picnic area and continued around the lake to the Vinuela Hotel and then along the concrete road to the Garden Restaurant where drinks and

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snacks

accompanied

our

de-brief

and

we

thanked

Klaus

for

this

amazing

day

out.

Ironically, the next trip had to be cancelled due to rain and as I write this report it is raining again. The forecast predicts we might have to cancel the next trip too but the predicted rain is still just a drop in the ocean to what we need of course. A couple of other outings this month consisted of just 2 quads each, as so many of the group are away at the moment. The destinations for those were both coastal ones, getting us away from the thicker clouds hanging over the mountains. After the trip from Trops, via Iznate to Almayate we enjoyed a nice Sunday paella at Bar Riera and the next Wednesday it was menu del dia at Restaurante Pippo in Algarrobo Costa. Roger led that one from Trops, through Trapiche then up onto and along the ridge to Arenas and, after a refreshments stop, up to Castillo Benotmiz and down to the coast.

Are you interested in joining our friendly group? It’s a really fun way to explore and appreciate the area. You’ll find more information and contact details on the El Valle web page at http://www.el-valle-asociacion.com/the-quaddies/.

SQUASH, SAGE & CHESTNUT ROLLS INGREDIENTS:

evenly & roast for 35 to 40 mins. Remove & cool.

1 Kg butternut squash 1 tsp dried chilli Olive oil 1 onion 4 cloves garlic ½ bunch fresh sage 200 gm vac-packed chestnuts 30 gm Parmesan cheese Plain flour for dusting 500 gm puff pastry 1 lge egg METHOD: 1.

Preheat oven to 200 C/ gas 6

2. De seed the squash and cut into 8 wedges, place in a roasting tin and sprinkle over the chilli, drizzle with oil & season. Toss well, spread

3. Peel and finely chop the onion & garlic, pick the sage leaves and roughly chop the chestnuts.

Finely grate the Parmesan 4. Add a drizzle of oil to a pan and place over a medium heat. Fry the onions for 10 mins until soft, then add garlic, sage & chestnuts. Continue to fry for 3 to 4 mins then add to large bowl.

5. Remove skin from squash & mash the flesh together with the Parmesan, then season.

6. Dust a clean surface with flour and roll pastry into a 30cm x 45 cm rectangle, about 5 mm thick & cut into 2 equal pieces 7. Beat the egg, brush the longer side of each piece of pastry with egg. Place your filling down the centre, fold pastry over, using the egg to seal the edges (press down with a fork) 8. Cut each into 8 equal pieces & place on a baking tray, brush with egg & bake for 20 to 25 mins until crisp & golden

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Asociacion el valle del embalse Committee 2016/2017

Stewart Common Tel: 647076177

Chair : Tel: Carol Caldwell 635291532

Treasurer: Chris Wishart Tel: 609952926

Almoner: Christine Goreham Tel: 635361233

Newsletter Editor Sue Jones Tel: 680407894

Head of Social Jane Harris Tel: 633615154

MEMBERS

Elaine Edwards Tel: 647076177

Barbara Jenkinson Tel: 616264067

Pauline Ward Tel: 665886471

Dorothy Girvan Tel: 676320615

Peter Girvan Tel: 676320615

INFORMATION NEWSLETTER EDITOR newslettereditor2012@gmail.com WEBSITE - www.el-valle-asociacion.com A REPRESENTTIVE OF THE COMMITTEE WILL BE ON DUTY EVERY FRIDAY BETWEEN 11:30 AND 12:30 AT MESON SARA