November 2012

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IN THIS ISSUE

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1. FROM THE CHAIR OCTOBER MEETING NOTES 2. MEETINGS & EVENTS. 3. LAKE VIÑUELA PHOTO CLUB 4. WALKING GROUP & MESSAGE FROM YOUR SOCIAL TEAM 5. QUAD DIARY & FILM NIGHT 6. NEWSBITES & INFO. FROM MARIO 7. COMMITTEE 8. PARTNERS NEWSLETTER

EDITORIAL by Sue Jones Hello members, as you know, Mike is resigning as our webmaster and we have been looking for a new webmaster to take over, unfortunately no one has come forward thus far!! So this month I am trialing just publishing a colour newsletter to try to make things simpler. I would very much appreciate feedback from anyone who has difficulty with this format so I will know whether I need to continue producing a black & white edition. I am sure you will all join with me in thanking Mike for all his hard work since 2007, he has made such a difference to our website.

“The Diabetes Support Group” Contact Ann Bowles:952.464.184 / 607.879.450 abowles@terra.es / www.lacaladiabetics.com

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FROM THE CHAIR a message from Lyndsey Padley nd

A big hello to all members! At the time of writing this editorial (22 October) I counted up the weeks until Christmas, only nine away!! So hope you are all well prepared. I noted the sound of sighs when Jane announced at the last Club meeting that we would not have a Christmas Ball this year. We do attempt to th something slightly different each year and December’s trip, on the 10 , to Rute is no exception!!! The trip, at a cost of 18€ to members and 20€ to none members will incorporate a no less than four factory visits, Anis, Turon, Jamon and Belen Nativity (Chocolate factory) with guaranteed samplings at each. There is also a lunch included and we are aiming this to be a Christmas festivity, so come on and join us for some fun. th We are also planning a Midsummer Madness evening, at Hotel Vinuela for 20 June, so please do put this date in your diary.

Judging by all the merriment and the squeals of laughter a fun night was had by all at our last club night, thanks to all for participating and to the Social Committee for their time in compiling the games (we have fun doing this and are always looking for new ideas and NEW committee members!!).

Finally, memberships are due for renewal in January, we will have the new forms at the next Club meeting on th 5 November. A new form is required to be completed every four years, so please do bring all you current details with you when you renew (Address, telephone numbers, e.mail address and NIE numbers).

See you at the Club night!

OCTOBER MEETING NOTES By Alan Impey Monday 1st October 2012 saw the latest el-Valle monthly meeting at its usual venue, The Camping Bar, overlooking Embalse Vinuela.

Lyndsey opened the meeting at 7.40pm by welcoming two new members Hayden and Sue and then reminding everyone that membership for all now ran from January 1st to December 31st and new forms would need to be completed for the coming year. Lyndsey also announced that our web-master Mike Hickman had decided that it was time to stand down from the role he had held from the el-Valle since 2007. His commitment, dedication and hard work over the years is much appreciated and replacing him will not be easy task. He has said that he will assist in the hand over to who so ever steps forward to take up the challenge of web master and so this is a call to all the membership can/will any of you put yourselves forward to ensure Mikes previous work continues.

Jane then took the microphone to give an overview of forthcoming social events, all details in the news letter on the web and at the Friday market, Puente de don Manuel. One sad bit of news was the confirmation of no Christmas Ball this year and the sounds of dismay from the assembled 55 members was countered by Jane reminding us all that the take up last year was so poor that cancellation had at one point been considered. So this is a reminder that to keep all the events going it is up to us, the members, to support the committee in their endeavours.

The evening’s main event was now due to start, FUN and GAMES. We were asked to divide into teams of six to take part in a series of games, Golf, (putting), skittles, fishing, word making, bowling and Rorschach ink blots.

It seems appropriate to say at this point as I had moved around the room earlier I heard a few moans/grumbles about not wanting to take part some people thought it was a bit silly and so on. You only had to listen to the shouts, laughter, shrieks and so forth whilst the games were held to realise that everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves.

At 9.30pm all the teams had completed all the games and scores were being tallied. Whilst this was being done the cash box draw was held to try find a winner for the €530.00 on offer. None of the 5 ticket holders drawn found the key so it rolls over to next month. (Drum Roll) The Winners of the games night was to be revealed. Teams A & E were joint third, Team F came second and the outright winning team was TEAM B comprising of Shirley, Ben, Pauline, Neil, Maureen and Yours truly. A bottle of uniquely labelled wine went to each member of the team. The meeting was closed with thanks to all for attending, thanks that are reciprocated to the committee members marshalling the games and making the night a success.

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FORTHCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS ALL MEETINGS START PROMPTLY AT 7.30pm   

Monday 5th November: MEETING – FOLLOWED BY SOHA UPDATE by Gary Miles Monday 3rd December: MEETING FOLLOWED BY CAROLS & MINCE PIES Monday 7th January: MEETING FOLLOWED BY POINTLESS (By Alan Impey)

DATE: FRIDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 14:30 PLAY 19:00 FOOD AT BAR ATILA MEMBERS €8 NON MEMBERS €10

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DATE: MONDAY 10 DECEMBER BUS LEAVES HOTEL ROMERO 9:00 am INCLUDING VISIT TO RUTE ANISETTE MUSEUM, MUSEUM OF HAM, TURRON MUSEUM & THE CHOCOLATE BELEN (NATIVITY) MEMBERS €18 NON MEMBERS €20 LUNCH INCLUDED

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DATE: FRIDAY 18 JANUARY FILM NIGHT

DETAILS TO FOLLOW

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Lake Viñuela Photographic Club Our numbers are growing; it’s time to change our meeting venue as Moreno’s is now getting too cramped. We will be meeting at our original home of Chiringuito Antonio’s for the foreseeable future.

Anyone wishing to join us should meet us there on the first Thursday of the month at the new time of 11am.

Keep an eye open for any future updates on our website. www.lvphotoclub.com .

September was a quiet month, however, a busy period is ahead of us especially during December where we will be choosing our photo of the year and sorting out a selection of photos to enter in an annual interclub challenge early in the New Year.

Our chosen challenge in September was “Red or a Palette of Colour” this photo is a sample of the 35 submitted; the remainder can be viewed via this link. http://tinyurl.com/9te8bjb The following are our current challenges.

October: “Abstract” A design of patterns or shapes where the identity of a subject is not easily evident.

November: “Architecture” The structure or design of anything, particularly buildings.

December: “In the style of Charlie Waite” Established as one of the world’s leading landscape photographers, his style is considered unique in that his photographs convey a spiritual and serene quality.

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EL VALLE MONTHLY WALK

by Alan Impey

Thursday 11th October saw the monthly el-Valle walk take place. The walk was routed and led by Martyn and Rebecca and the meeting place and start point was just below the school in Alcaucin Pueblo.

Twenty one turned up for the walk and started by walking into the edge of the pueblo but turning immediately left (east) to climb a steep rocky escarpment which thankfully was only 75 metres long. We entered into the tree line and climbed steadily along a well engineered path that gained us more height but at a steady rate.

We then contoured round north on a good track before emerging onto the main track from Alcaucin into the National Park. We continued along this track until we reached the view point which includes a bronze ibex statue. After catching our breath we returned along the track until a footpath off to our right took us down to another track and eventually onto a tarmac road and back to our start point.

It was then a short trip to the bar/restaurant known affectionately to the walking fraternity as Charlie's Kitchen and a good value â‚Ź7.00 menu Del Dia of three courses, salad, a drink and bread served by the owner, Carlos, and his staff. Thanks to Martyn and Rebecca for their efforts.

Next month’s walk, on Thursday 8th November starts from the main car park in Torrox Pueblo. Turn off the A7 motorway signed for Torrox and drive inland to Torrox to the roundabout with football ground on right. Go right there into Torrox and the car park is almost immediately on your right along with the olive mill. Start time is 11 am and a menu del dia is to be arranged at a local bar/restaurant. This will be a new area for our monthly walk so well worth turning up for. th

DECEMBER 13 Led by Alan Impey. Start 11:00, location in the Zaffaraya Pass car park on the left.

Message from the Social Committee For our Christmas event this year we have decided to organise a Day Trip to Rute for the Chocolate Belen (Nativity) and other sites of interest in the town. We have also planned a lunch in a lovely hotel which will include wine and 'crackers' provided by the El Valle Associacion.

This is instead of our usual Christmas Dance which last year was poorly supported and therefore became extremely difficult to organise. The support of our members is essential to the success of such events as without it we are sometimes forced to consider cancellation.

We are sure that everybody will enjoy the Rute Trip. The last time we did it, some years ago, it was a great success and we had a fabulous day out. Hope you will join us.

We are then planning a Mid-Summer Madness Dance which will take place on June 20th so please 'Save the Date' for that!

Many thanks for all your support The Social Committee

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QUAD DIARY BY Chris Pegman Some people believe that things come in cycles. Our current cycle (or quad!?) seems to be a spell of unreliability and frustration at waiting for parts. Angelika’s quad had an engine failure that needed major surgery and Gwilym had to wait a long time for parts so that he could be back on the tracks. However, the most dramatic failure occurred when Derek’s quad started to part company with a rear wheel whilst going through Ventas de Zafarraya. He had to ride side saddle to keep the weight on the remaining three wheels on his wagon, whilst he brought it safely to a halt. Two Guardia officers were quickly on the scene as they had been checking traffic coming through the gap. They were extremely helpful, even to the extent of trying to get the wheel back on and ringing the insurance company for the grua when it was decided that it wasn’t going to be a ‘quick fix’.

Those of us still on four wheels continued to spread our journeys across the Axarquia, from Alfarnatejo (see photo)

Pit stop with Guaro in the background

Sierra del Rey, Alfarnatejo

Lake from Cerro Cortijllo track

to Colmenar, Comares, Periana, Guaro, (see photo) Salares and Canillas de Aceituno. The period of rain briefly dampened the dust down but a recent trip along the riverbed from Salto del Negro to Benamargosa showed that it was not enough rain to get the rivers flowing, fish were floundering in shrinking pools of water.

We wish those members who are still off the road a speedy return, either on their repaired machines or, in some cases, new quads. To those who are out of the country, we wish them ‘Bien Viaje’!

FILM NIGHT by Alan Impey Friday 19th October 2012 brought a sell out showing of the Romantic/Comedy film, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, starring Dame Judy Dench, Maggie Smith and Bill Nighy among others.

49 tickets were sold and the audience started arriving at 7pm to take their places at tables of 6/8 settings and at 7.30pm we were served with generous salads by the staff of Chiringuito Antonio's, assisted by members of the el-Valle committee, Kim, Elaine, Stewart Jane and Carol.

The salad was followed by the main course of chicken breast and chips which had been well prepared.

After dining the tables and chairs were re-arranged ready for the film viewing. Unfortunately the film was not to my personal choice but it was quickly apparent that I was in a minority of two and everyone else seemed to really enjoy the film.

The evening drew to a close around 10.30pm and yet another successful el-Valle venture could be counted.

Thanks to all for their time and effort to ensure a successful event

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Newsbites

by Jenny Wright

We have just come back from Vejar, beyond Tarifa and Gibraltar where we saw many birds, including wonderful sightings of the Black-shouldered Kite. I enjoyed the company we were in and did not get quite so bored this visit as there was a constant change of both scenery and birds. We saw Mandrake flowers at our second stop, followed by small wild Narcissi and another flower similar to Star of Bethlehem. It seemed early for all of them but they are obviously autumn flowering variety. We also saw wild autumn crocus up beyond Zafarraya on Sunday. Suddenly the fields look green again and all the plants have sprung to life – well, not all!!

We have a lot of trees to dig out and some plants, but some that had looked dead have greened up, much to my surprise.

I have come across some interesting remedies over recent weeks: one person suggested taping banana skin over a verruca several nights running, until it clears. The skin contains mucilage which is thought to be antifungal. Another suggestion, from a lady who had suffered Polymyalgia Rheumatism for many years:….” much relief was obtained from Selenium, Glucosamine with Chronditin and Devil’s Claw, as recommended by herbalist Thomas Bartram.” I know that Statins are often recommended but they can have such severe side effects. This is a very unpleasant illness that seems to be on the increase, or is it just simply that it is now a recognised illness? All of us need to be enjoying the local ‘fruits’ – grapes, kaki, almonds, chestnuts, along with the fresh vegetables, if we want to stay healthy. We gathered chestnuts up above Alcaucin and some youngsters were busy gathering walnuts. What a treat! th

The November meeting of the FHT Therapists will be held on Wednesday 28 at 7.30pm at the Camping Bar Restaurant, when Janet Vassie will talk about Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is based on Holistic principles, and a process that is based on touch, communication and dealing with people, including looking at lifestyle and all that this incorporates. It can help to strengthen the immune system, for instance, and essential oils used in Aromatherapy are chosen to help improve physical and emotional well being. Janet hopes to get us involved during the talk with some of the oils she uses. If you are interested in this subject you are welcome to join us and further information can be obtained from jennywright04@gmail.com 951321613 or 633 75 99 88 or jeanlaguita@hotmail.com 951893091.

I am hoping to get back to Tai Chi and Yoga whilst we have a break in visitors. Exercise is an aid to keeping osteoporosis at bay – obviously a problem as we get mature! Have a contented month!

INFORMATION FROM MARIO

THE ICP ( Interruptor de Control de Potencia) The ICP is a unit that controls the amount of electric energy consumed by our several elctric appliances. The ICP ensures that your consumptions don’t exceed the contracted power, interrupting the supply when this happens, protecting your installations for overheating.

The obligation to install this device is regulated by the Decreto 1454/2005. The device can be installed either on behalf of the customer by an authorized dealer, or by the electricity provider. In this case, the customer will pay a monthly rent for the ICP. Article 10 of the decree obliged everybody to have the ICP installed before January 2010. The customer will receive up to 2 notifications by the electricity company. From July 2010 on, customers without ICP will be penalized and will be billed like having contracted 20KW instead of the usually 5,5KW for domestic use.

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ASOCIACIÓN EL VALLE DEL EMBALSE COMMITTEE 2012-13 Chair: Lyndsey Padley - 628655801 Vice Chair: Jane Harris - 633615154 Treasurer: Terry Frost - 697569141 Secretary: Stewart Common - 647076177 MEMBERS  Linda Kemp: - 951167088  Elaine Edwards: - 647076177  Anne Dibden: - 605826358  Carol Jackson: - 635291532  Kim Rogerson: - 696126204 Editor: Susan Jones - 680407894 Almoner: Christine Goreham – 635361233

INFORMATION.  WEBMASTER – MIKE HICKMAN webmaster@el-valle.org  WEBSITE - www.el-valle.org

A representative of the committee is usually on duty between 11am – 12.30pm at Mis Tapitas (“BILLY’S BAR”) during Friday Market - Chiringuito Antonio Asociación El Valle del Embalse normally meets at 7pm on the first MONDAY of each month with the exception of August, at the “Camping Bar Restaurante” by Lake Viñuela (km 31/32 A356).

ASOCIACIÓN MOBILE ‘PHONE. 676.641.577 NB: THE ASOCIACIÓN MOBILE IS ONLY IN USE DURING TRIPS OR EVENTS PLEASE USE THE NUMBERS AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE TO CONTACT A COMMITTEE MEMBER AT OTHER TIMES.