September 2017

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Around the valle September 2017 Issue no. 8

Chairmans report by sue jones Good morning all from a sunny Wales, as many of you will know Gwilym and I decided to escape the heat this year so have spent two months visiting friends and family the length of the UK, from Peacehaven, near Brighton to Scotland via Anglesey and Windermere! We have had a wonderful time especially when we were joined on Anglesey for a week by Dorothy and Peter, we even went up Snowdon (by train I hasten to add!!!)

My thanks to all the committee for their hard work organising the July events, I was pleased to hear everything went well and a good time was had by all.

I am sorry I shall miss the September meeting but know you will be in the capable hands of the committee who will, as always, make sure everything runs smoothly.

Speaking of the September meeting, you really don’t want to miss it, it features ‘Let’s Dance Demo Extravaganza!! And I understand

the El-Valle ‘volunteers’ have been working extremely hard to make this a fun and enjoyable evening so please do make the effort to support the dance troupe proper and our home grown volunteer members. It is so disheartening when such a lot of hard work doesn’t get the support it deserves!

That’s all for this month, I look forward to seeing you soon and hopefully it will be a bit cooler.

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Comares zip wire trip by alan impey

contents CHAIRMANS REPORT COMARES ZIP WIRE TRIP

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FORTHCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS & WALK SCHEDULE

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JULY & AUGUST WALKS BBQ NIGHT

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MENU DEL DIA

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SAT.CO & CAFES OF VELEZ COMMITTEEE

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With a combined age 1335 years ranging from 59 to 81 nineteen hardy souls braved bad weather to complete the Comares Tirolina, (Zipwire) on Thursday 6th July 2017.

The average age worked out at just over 70 years!!!

The zip wire is 436 metres in length and over 115 metres high and is strung between the hillside of Comares and the hill side across the valley!!! It is high!!!!!

In old money that is 1430 feet long and 377 feet high (with no safety net) the weather was not kind to us, it was very misty with occasional flurries of rain but the event went ahead.

The first to be harnessed up was Martyn and away he went, having been launched from the Comares side the object was to Zip along the Zip wire, pun intended, and the on reaching the far side

grab for a large padded bag, a bit like a punch bag, and then be pulled the last few metres by one of the staff, get unclipped and then watch the next arrival safe in the knowledge that you had survived!!!

I went next and thoroughly enjoyed it!!!!

Problems started with the next participant!!!!, no names, no pack drill.

Number 3 came hurtling across, reached the bag and actually did grab it with one hand but then let go to travel back towards from whence they (she) had come before coming to a halt midway between the two hillsides!!!!! OOPS

The receiving staff member radioed across to halt proceedings and then harnessed himself up onto the wire and hand propelled himself out into the middle, had the stranded Zipper grad hold of him and he then hand propelled them both back to safety!!!!

(Hand propelled perhaps does not sound right but hand pulled sounds worse.

LOL) You may think all the drama was over but you would be wrong!!!!

The next Zipper did not reach the bag, stopping short by a few metres, all to do with weight, the lighter you are the slower you zip and she was very light.

With encouragement from Martyn and myself bellowing at her she very bravely let go off her harness straps, took hold of the zip cable and hauled herself to the bag to be pulled the remaining few yards.

Everyone else completed the trial and some of us went back for a second go.

I did say to one of the zippers, who having been unhooked after her trip over was shaking somewhat, "You will be going again then" the reply was on the lines of "Like fxxk I will" It was all in all a great experience, the weather did not spoil it but it would be good to do it again on a clear day.

I have just been thinking about the rescue procedure and perhaps the stranded zipper only wanted to be rescued by a young virile man!!! I did volunteer to be the one to go out there but apparently the insurance would not cover me!!!

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FORTHCOMING MEETINGS September 4th

LET’S DANCE DEMO EXTRAVAGANZA with Richie’s Troupe plus ‘volunteers’

October 2nd

Talk by Mario Blanke (Mayor of Alcaucin) 1 question per member, no personal questions, Questions to be handed to a committee member by end July

November 6th

Talk on the Workings of a Prison by Lynn Cannon

SEPTEMBER 22ND TRIP TO CASARES

A Guided visit of the historical center of Casares, for approximately 1 hour and a half, we will stroll through the most emblematic center to the Castle, a walled fortress of Arab origin. From the Castle, we can see the views that cover much of our coast, Strait of Gibraltar and if the day is clear, we can see the coasts of Morocco.

After lunch, we will continue with the guided visit of the Baths of the Hedionda, a sulfurous spring with a building dating from Roman times WHICH WERE later finished by the Arabs, in the style of thermal baths.

MEMBERS €17 NON MEMBERS €20

Friday 20 october th

Supper night With free film Lion Starring dev pattel & nicole kidman €5 members & €7 non members To be held in the church room under maroma estate agents doors open 7 pm

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Repeated againBy special request Trip to malaga for halloween Bus leaves ‘mis tapitas’ at 18:30 Return from malaga 01:30 Members €10 non members €12.50 FANCY DRESS OPTIONAL! november 23

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menu del dia at pippos, algarrobo costa cost €10 to include tip but drinks not included Today is their famous honey ribs day or you can choose to have fish

WALKS SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 14TH

Led by Anne Dibden. Start from Km 29 on A356 at the top end of Lake Viñuela

OCTOBER 12th

Led by Barbaran Taylor. We will meet in the large car park on the road to Almachar at 11:00 am

NOVEMBER 9th

Led by Graham and Sue Smith in the Canillas de Aceituno area. Start 11:00 TBA

DECEMBER

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July walk by alan impey Where has the year gone!!!! July already and the first of the El-Valle evening walks!!!

Stewart and Elaine were in charge of the walk with a 7pm start time from Los Romanes outside of El Charco which was to be our meal venue.

A show of hands before walking gave 20 for the meal, the walk started with 15 setting off and within 10 minutes the 15 became 13 as two gave up!!!

IT WAS HOT so we can forgive the non starters and the quitters!!!

The 13 remaining walkers carried on until after some 35 minutes a

decision was made that it was time to head back to the bar/restaurant but it was a good walk with the views around the area outstanding.

Back at El Charco refreshing drinks were quickly ordered and consumed and the evening went on in a pleasant relaxed manner and there was even live musical entertainment by Jean Luis Pascale, (think that was the name) He was very good and even had some of our group up dancing!!!

Thanks Stewart and Elaine for the walk and meal venue.

Photo's attached.

AUGUST WALK BY ALAN IMPEY Second Thursday of the month and yes you've guessed it!!! time for the El-Valle monthly walk. As usual August's walk is an evening one and 16 members met at the car park area of Pepe Molinos in Almayate for a

walk routed and led by Chris and Jeanette.

When I 16 members only 14 were walking the remaining two were to sample the delights of Almayate's bars until our return to eat at a local bar/restaurant.

After a prolonged spell of very hot weather we were blessed with a slightly cooler evening and we set

off from Almayate pueblo on a track parallel, but slightly inland, from the coast road in a westerly direction, (OK towards Malaga) We eventually turned towards the coast road and crossed with care to follow the path between beach and road still heading west.

After a short time we again crossed the road continued west and very quickly turned right, north, to gently climb through an area of the never finished Valle Niza area.

We soon angled half right, north east, before again turning to the right, south, to head towards the coast.

Before reaching the coast, our final turn was left, east, where we rejoined our outward route and headed back to Almayate to meet up with the two, now inebriated, non walkers, LOL, only joking ladies!!!!!

In the past after walks in this area we have eaten at Pepe Molinos but

Chris and Jeanette had organised a different venue for today and it was an inspired choice.

The menus were varied and there was so much choice that I for one thought to provide so much choice could only impact on quality.

How wrong can you be!!!!! We were served quickly, efficiently and with good humour by the staff, the food was great, piping hot when needed and at a cost that left us in a state of somewhat disbelief!!! in a pleasant way!!!!

We left sometime after 11pm and six of us travelling the same way decided to stop for a nightcap at Billy's Bar, (Mis Tapitas) in Puente to round off a very pleasant evening/night.

Thanks to Chris and Jeanette for their efforts.

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BBQ NIGHT BY ALAN IMPEY The El-Valle BBQ took place on Wednesday 28th June and was held at the Ruygar bar and restaurant alongside the Indian Palace Restaurant.

It had been previously due to be held at the Restaurant near to the Vinuela sports ground on the 30th June but due to licensing problems the El-Valle committee had to work extremely hard to find an alternate venue or have to cancel the event.

Fortunately they did find an alternative, not easy given that the coming weekend was also the Puente don Manuel Feria.

Sixty members and guests gathered at the venue and tables were set up outside to accommodate us all, all within sight of the BBQ and our chef.

The choice was simple, half a chicken or a large pork chop both with chips and preceded by a simple salad. Also provided was a slice of pizza, totally unexpected, but for me a welcome extra as it was very tasty!!!!

Background music was playing, all 60's 70's in the main and I think most people were aware of the words and tunes.

The food was served efficiently and speaking for myself I thoroughly enjoyed my pork chop. I was not aware of anyone being unhappy with their food and thanks should go to the staff for their efforts.

The biggest thanks however should go to Barbara and Dorothy who organised and ran the event.

Special thanks also to David, who, assisted by Carol, provided the music during and after the BBQ encouraging a lot of us to get up and dance.

There was also a surprise guest appearance of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, how they managed to get them there on the price we paid for tickets is beyond me!!!!!!

It was a great evening and one that I hope will be repeated in the future.

Once again thanks to all who helped make it happen.

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MENU DEL DIA AT MESON SARA BY ALAN IMPEY Hot on the heels of the successful 'menu del dia' at El-Charco, Los Romanes and the BBQ at Puente don Manuel came El-Valle’s latest social event, a menu del dia at Meson Sara, Puente don Manuel.

These events are proving very popular!!! and 41 members/guests attended this event which went ahead despite the sad passing of the owner's wife recently.

Nothing was pre-ordered and everyone had to order from the menu del dia menu which offered a good choice of food.

Particularly popular at our table was the ' ham off the bone, egg and chips' (a typical Spanish dish.....NOT).

In spite of so many orders hitting the kitchen at once service was seamless and no one seemed to be waiting too long.

This can be certainly be put down as another successful event and thanks again to the El-Valle committee for their efforts in making it an enjoyable way to take lunch.

Photo's attached.

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News from sat.co by dick atterbury Today I would just like to talk about the available TV in Spain. Of course we are all aware that you can still get a full SKY package of English TV. This is also available to our customers from Italy and Germany who have available services in their own languages. Did you also know that it is possible to access TV from other countries such as Belgium, Scandinavia, the USA, France, Canada, Poland and of course Spain.

Access also to up to 72,000 Films a music Library and all the Radio Sta-

tions. Our current offer allows you to buy the box try it for two months if do not like it we will buy it back.

Why not try a demonstration to see what it offers you.

Now, the subject of Smart TVs. Please take advice before investing in a new Smart TV. We have come across quite a few customers that have paid a lot of money only to find the TV will not do what they want it to do. The rule of thumb is that Smart TVs are more costly and

before you pay out be sure that it will do what you want it to do. Give us a call we always say advice is free.

Just a bye the way, If you are a football fan our new pay to view system gives access to BeIn Sports, The German and Spanish league And many others.

Cafes in velez malaga BAR TOTO

LA CANASTA CAFE

A great location (next to the town hall) and comfy seating make this an ideal place to stop for breakfast or coffee.

La Canasta Cafe is a well thought out and a welcome edition to the town. It’s part of a small Andalucian chain of cafes with gleaming beer taps, a shiny new coffee machine and an array of tantalising pastries and other sweet treats. They have a bight seating area inside as well as bar stalls overlooking the small tapas selection and some tables outside overlooking the busy street. They sell freshly baked bread and have some novel items such as Arabic flat breads which are delicious.

CAFETERIA SAN FRANSICO This cafe is in an amazing location, with a large sunny patio overlooking the San Francisco convent and the heart of the historic centre, inside is a bit shabby but it is a lovely spot to enjoy a coffee and take in the beautiful historical surroundings.

CANTUO Newest on the list, this recently opened place is as much a deli as a bar-cafe. You can buy everything from pates, olives, preserves and tinned goods to fine cheeses, sausages and jamon. With the Sabor a Malaga seal of approval, many products sold are locally sourced.

Out the back there’s an inviting little courtyard that’s perfect for a coffee or an early evening drink with some high-class cold cuts. It is situated in Calle Luis Rute, closed on Sunday

Address: 38 Calle Rio Tinto CAFETERIA ZALIA Offering a mix of traditional and modern tapas, this small cafe in a courtyard has risen in popularity in recent years. It’s a good option after a shop at Mercadona. There’s a large selection of breakfast and tapas dishes as well as snacks and drinks Address: Conjunto Residencial, Centro Axarquia, 34 Calle Cristo.

CAFETERIA SIEMPRE VIVA Sitting on the edge of Velez this popular cafe has a relaxed, neighbourhood feel and is a great spot for families and friends to meet. They offer breakfasts, ice cream and cakes alongside mor typical tapas-style dishes.

Address: 14 Calle Camino Viejo de Malaga.

This is just a small selection of the many great cafes to be found in Velez Malaga, the complete list can be found on the website www.mivelezmalaga.com Do have a look and when you are next in Velez have a wander and see if you can find them.

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Asociacion el valle del embalse Committee 2017/2018

Chair & Newsletter Editor Sue Jones Tel: 680407894

Treasurer: Chris Wishart Tel: 609952926

Almoner: Christine Goreham Tel: 635361233

Secretary: Stewart Common Tel: 647076177

Joint Vice Chair

Barbara Jenkinson Tel: 616264067

Joint Vice Chair Dorothy Girvan Tel: 676320615

MEMBERS

Elaine Edwards Tel: 647076177

Peter Girvan Tel: 676320615

Carol Caldwell Tel: 635291532

Bethune McCarroll Tel: 634404169

Yvonne James Tel: 666619145

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 EXCEPT IN AUGUST