My email jiminysimpson@gmail.com

My email jiminysimpson@gmail.com

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

New Promotional Video of Zurgena

After all the bad publicity we have suffered due to political machinations over the years we felt it was time our internet presence was a bit more positive and the Town Hall has commissioned a promotional video of the town and area. This will hopefully cause the area to be viewed in a more positive and encouraging light.
The drone video work was carried out by a UK company called Xcopter Images and I think they have done a great job. Not so sure about the presenter though!
There is a link to the video on Youtube in the right hand side bar of this blog.
It will also be reachable through the Town Hall website at www.Zurgena.es. and through the Town Hall Facebook page.
We are working on developing the Town Hall website to be a full bi lingual site but we have some work to do on that yet.
Additionally we are working on a  new mobile phone application which should make contact with the Town Hall and local businesses much easier.

Monday, May 30, 2016

Do you want a prize?

I have been asked to see if any of the groups out there wish to organise any competitions.
For example if the Bowling Club or footballers or petanque players want to organise a competition, the Town Hall will provide the prizes.
Any such tournaments can be held at any stage of the year but if we know before the 15th June we can include any advance publicity in the Fiesta programme.
If you have any ideas please let me know asap.

Friday, May 27, 2016

Summer School for Kids, Lolas Albondigas and Court Case

The Town Hall and the Diputacion have organised the usual summer school for kids. The details are as follows, the school will be bilingual and be held from the 1st to the 29th July. for kids aged 3 to 12 years. The closing date for applications is the 17th June. The prices are as follows, 0900 x1400 €35. with lunch €80. Extra activities include the swimming pool free, trip to the parquet in Huercal Overa €12 and evening activities €25. If you wish to register a child for the summer school either contact myself or Lola Antas in the Town Hall.

Spaces for Lola´s next Spanish cookery day are going fast. As we are holding it in the village hall in Los Llanos at 12 noon on the 4th there are limited spaces so ti will be first come first served. We will do as last time beer and soft drinks to accompany the lunch will, be provided but if you wish to drink wine please bring your own.

The Courts have cleared the Town Hall of guilt following the long running case regarding Cortijos Zurano in Barranco de los Pinos. This clears the way for some movement on this properties. We think that another developer will be interested in taking over this development finishing it off and selling the unsold properties. Any such developer would also be obliged to honour the contract.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Albondigas Walk and bits

Despite the amount of work that Lola is putting in at the Town Hall, she has agreed to do another Spanish cooking event. Those of you who have attended before know the format. Lola, ably  assisted by Manolo and Victorino, demonstrates how the locals make various dishes and so far she has done Paella, Salmorejo and Migas and, after making it, those present share it out for lunch ,washed down with either (your own) wine or the provided beer, water or soft drinks.

She is intending doing Albondigas and Magra con Tomate at the next one which we hope to have on Saturday 4th June at 12.0 noon in the village hall in Los Llanos del Peral. In order that they can get the ingredients, sufficient to provide all, please let me know if you intend attending as otherwise there will be insufficient.

The Diputacion are organising an evening walk for the 18th June. Only details I have at the moment is that it will cost €5 (with no social card ) €4 (with card) and €10 if you wish to partake of food after the event.Once I receive the full details I will post on here and on notice boards.

We are working hard to prepare and launch a new bi lingual website for the Town Hall and also a mobile phone application (in which reports of issues can be submitted). We hope to be able to launch those in the next few weeks. Just waiting for business details for inclusion in them.

The promotional video for Zurgena area is being compiled this week and should also be ready to launch in the next 1 to 2weeks. So watch this space. 

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Demonstration and Dog Meat

Together with around 100 other people I attended the demonstration in support of Mr and Mrs Prior (the couple whose house was demolished 8 years ago at Vera).

I have attached a few pictures of the day. The Mayor of Vera did said that he was optimistic of reaching agreement with the Priors but need to hear what was said when he was interviewed by the press after his speech.

Regarding the suspicious doing meat thrown into a private house yard it transpires that this was totally innocuous. A couple living nearby thought they were being kindly by throwing some raw meat into the garden. It was not poisoned meat at all.











End of Bus Service

Our provision of a weekly market bus to Huercal Overa is going to be scrapped.

The last bus service to do this run will be next Monday 23rd May and none thereafter. I am sorry but despite my best efforts and reducing the price of the trip to just €2.50 it was only averaging 3 or 4 persons per week and the Town Hall cannot afford to continue to subsidise the service to this extent. It had been number 2 on a list of desires of the expat community in a survey undertaken some 5 years ago but as the past 5 months have shown there really is no requirement for such a service.


Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Town Hall Trip to Cosentino

We had the Town Hall organised trip to the Cosentino Factory today near Olula del Rio.

For my part it was a very interesting trip and the fact that the company has grown fro 20 employees to ver 3,000 worldwide in 20 years is amazing. The size of the site, the level of automation, the story of the company and the development of Silestone and Dektom products was most interesting.

We followed that visit with lunch (menu €13.50) at the Jardines de Tejeras in Olula del Rio.

I hope we all our guests enjoyed.






Monday, May 16, 2016

Dog Poisoning and Thanks (Deputy Mayoress Lola)

Just to make you aware that it would seem that someone is again trying to poison dogs in the area. It is some years since the last case in this municipality.

Last Saturday a neighbour in the area of Cucador Norte left her home about 4.45pm and on returning about 5.30 found pieces of meat strewn about in her yard. The meat looked like cubed steak. It looks as though it may have been laced with rat poison or something similar I have asked the Police to see if they can get it tested but to be on the safe side I thought it better to publish and will circulate through NHW.

Again we have to thank Lola Antas (our deputy Mayor) despite all the work she has on he gave up her time last Saturday afternoon to prepare a Paella for a party in La Alfoquia. (I wonder which mayoresses in the UK would do that!) It was as usual excellent. I believe she is trying to find a date to do her next demonstration which will be Albondigas and Magra but I think it can wait until after the trial is finished.

Cosentino trip tomorrow leaving at 10.0am from the Petrol Station La Alfoquia as usual the Town Hall is paying for the coach. 

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Cosentino, Court Costurero and Dog Shxx and Charity Event

Regarding the trip to Cosentino unfortunately I cannot provide details of the Menu del Dia available for our day. I am informed it will be made available on Monday!! The coach is now full and the details confirmed with the company and we are looking forward to an enjoyable day.

You may all noticed the huge coverage of a court case in the Spanish Press relating to Operation  Costurero. This was the major investigation commenced in 2007 and involves a total of 25 individuals including many of our ex-councillors. 3 of the accused have admitted some wrongdoing and their likely punishment is roughly €720! As soon as I have information on the development of the case I will post.Obviously Lola is attending the case each day so we will not be arranging the next cooking demo until she is able to have some time.

I have had a few complaints about dog mess in the area of Los Llanos del Peral. It is a common problem and I am just including this to ask that if you exercise a dog in that area please clear up after your dog.

Finally there is to be a charity event in aid of the Perthes Disease (which affects children particularly) it is also to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of Mr and Mrs Ainsworth. For those of you who do not know this couple he has the longest ponytail in Zurgena and he will be cutting it off and he can be sponsored. There will be music and a number of childrens characters from superheroes to cartoon characters for children to be photographed with. The event starts at 1600 hours Saturday 14th May in the Plaza del Olmo at Zurgena. 

Thursday, May 5, 2016

El Saliente (no such thing as a free lunch hmm!)

Yesterday morning Lola (our deputy Mayor) and I were guests at the Residential venue of El Saliente  (Association for Disabled Persons) in Albox.

This is a purpose built building to provide help and support to the infirm by virtue of mental or physical incapacity. I have to say it is an excellent facility with everything that is needed to improve the quality of life and the level of care to such persons. The staff were all very professional yet caring in their dealings with those present whose incapacities ranged from minor to very complex cases. The Town Hall is examining whether we can provide some places for any that are needed for anyone in our village. The centre provide a whole range of services which can be accessed through their website http://www.elsaliente.com

As we concluded the visit one of the staff brought Lola and I a bag full of containers of food. This is transpires is another service that they provide. The provision of a meals on wheels service. The meals which we were given were excellent quality. There was fish soup with roll, meat and cheese stuffed avocado and a pear. These meals are available to the wider community and cost €3.70 to over 65 of €4.20 to others. The menu each is available online at the above website. If you have any questions or interest in this facility please email me.

Padron Renewals

I have listed below all the names which appear on the list kept by Juanjo (on the front desk) of person who need to confirm that they should still be on the padron. If you see your name or know of anyone on the list please ask them to call into the TH (with Passports and NIEs) to confirm they should remain on the Padron. or should be removed.  Please do not respond directly to me.Thanks for checking.

ABLETT Ashleigh Patricia,  ABLETT Ellie Elizabeth, ANDERSON Gordon, ANDERSON Josephine Mary, ALDRIDGE Pamela Mary, BERG Lili Ann, BODDY Michael John, BRAND Keith David, BAKER Linda Ann, BAMFORD Eddy, BAMFORD Hazel, BOND Hilary Anne, BIRG Ethan Craig, BRADLEY Joanne Lee, BETHGE Christa Helga, BURROWS Steven Anthony, BASTIN Jeanette Rosemary, BASTIN Mark Andrew,BRAND Patricia Mary, BURNELL Helen Grace, BURNELL Terry Nicholas, BENSON Harvey, BYRNE Nora Agnes, BLASCHKE James Francis, BLASCHKE Pauline, CARE Patrick David, CARE Susan Jane, CRASWELL Maureen Sandra, CRASWELL MIchael James, CURTIS Ronald Stanley, CROW Jana, CONNOR Dorothy Claudette, CRAWLEY Jill, CRAWLEY Kevin Albert, CAINS Stephen George, COLE David William, COLE Patricia Ellen, CAINS Stephen George, COOK Simon, COWAP Stuart Neville, CLARKE Pauline Ann, COLE Joy Sharon, CLAYTON Anthony David, COOK Sarah Luan, CLIFFORD SMITH Margaret, DRUMMOND Alan Victor, DRUMMOND Diane Isobel, DOSE Joachim Ernst Martin, DOSE Karin, DAVIS Roger Colin, DAVIS Wendy Susan, DAVIES Andrew Mark, DAVIES Barbara, DECKER Barbara Jann, DUDLEY John Terence, DUDLEY Maureen, DONARSKI Jane Lesley, DAVIS Emerald Cloda, DUGGAN Robert Charles, EATON Maureen Joan, EATON Peter Leonard, EVANS Liam Joseph, EVANS Alison, ELKINS Marion Jean, ELKINS Stephen Robert, FIERENS Hans Henri, FERRE Michael Ernest, FERRE Sarah Jayne, FRIEND Jamie Steven, FERRAND Rosalind Janet, HUNT Shirley Ann, HINCHCLIFFE Susan Carol, HINCHCLIFFE John Stuart, HODGKISS Melvin Geoffrey, HART Frances Patricia, HART Victor William, HARRISON Jamie Robert, HARRISON Teresa, HARDIE John, HARDIE Susan, HARDY Carolyn Ann, HARDY William Charles, HARRIS Matthew, HAWORTH Graham, HAWORTH Marion Alma K, HOMES Richard Anthony, HAMDORFF Christine, HAMDORFF Philip Victor, HEPHER Betty Gladys, HEPHER Kenneth Ivor, HINKLEY Frederick George, HOLLINGS Alex, HOLLINGSPaul Keith, JONES Ian Colin, JOHNSON Keiron Alan, JOHNSON Lorraine Rose,  KING Samantha, KENWARD Ian Joseph, KELLY Gillian Patricia, KELLY Peter, KEYMER David Alan, KENNEDY Francis Joseph, KANTOR Alan, JONES Ian Colin, LOWDEN Jane, LYNN Claire Louise, LEE Jeremy Derek, LILLEY Rebecca Michele, LYDALL Ross Charles, LITHERLAND David Anthony, MALANEY  Jacqueline, MALANEY Matthew, MORSALI Miuchele, McCOURT Leonard, McCourt Angela Margaret, McGREEVY Christine Ann, McGREEVY Philip James, McGUIRE Linda, MACGUIRE Trevor,MACPHERSON Jamie Richard, MOORMAN Linda Kay, MACKEY Janice, MERRITT David John, MERRITT Patricia Joyce, MILLER Michael Terrence, MILLER Pauline Elizabeth, MARSHALL Marley Starr, NOBLE Joan, NICOLSON John Alfred, NORRIS Euleen Joyce, NEAL Margaret, NILSEN Anna, OLIPHANT Graham, OLIPHANT Karen, OAKLEY Amanda Lucie, ONSLOW Janice, ONSLOW Michael,PRINGLE Elsie, PURDY Donald William, POTTLE Christopher James, PARTINGTON Derek, PARTINGTON Sarah, PERRIOR Graham, PRIEST Aron C, PRITCHARD Margaret Ann, PURDY Iris Marion, QUICK Gerald James, RANDALL Elina, RANDALL Tristan, RICHARDS David Henry, MADISON Bethany Roy, RUSSON Lee, SHAW Joseph Dennis,SYKES Doreen Jean, SYKES Keith, SHELTON Caroline Frances, SPINK Gloria Margaret, SPINK Colin,SATCHELL Nicole Louise, SAUNDERS Valerie, SKINNER Ronald George, SCANLON Brain David, SCANLON Margaret Ann, SCOTT Howard Michae, SCOTT Susan Beatrice, SHORT Martin Owen, SHORT MIchelle Ruth, SINGER Alaine J, SINGER Christopher, STEADMAN Gillian P, STEADMAN Michael John, SWAIN Lesley Patricia, STEWART Yolande Patricia, SHAW Diane Ellen, SHEPPARD Sandra Denise, THREADERRaymond R, THOMAS Karen, TONGUE David Kenneth,
TONGUE Linda Joan, THOMAS Jessica Amie, TANCOCK David Charles, TAYLOR Alan John, TIPPER Brian Frederick, TIPPER Cynthia, VAN TROOST Karin Yvonne, VINCENT Alexandra Sharon, VINCENT Jozseph, VEAL Valerie Ann, WALTON David James, WALTON David Mark, WEST John Frederick, WEST Zoe, WHITE Paul John, WATKIN-JONES Kathleen Ann, WILSON Annie C, WAIN Robert James, WALKER Andrew Martin, WALKER Donna Cecilia, WALSH Doreen, WALTON Katrina Victoria, WHITTLE Frederick Allen, WILLIAMS Lloyd LLewellyn, WILLIAMS Patricia, WILLINGALE Sheila Marion, WILSON Howard, WILSON Sally Ann, WAILES Brian C C, ZARB Charles Allan John, ZARB Ellie, ZARB Gracie Samantha, ZAMBAUX Carol Anne.  

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Cosentino Trip - Environmental Impact Report- Padron renewals

Firstly the meeting we had last week was not a Pleno, as I thought, but a Commission of Urbanism. The Commission approved the Environmental Impact Report which is to be appended to our PGOU and have sent it for a Plenary Session to formally approve it, before submitting it, as an addendum, to our PGOU. The Pleno for this will be this Thursday at 1100, I do not see any objections being raised.

Secondly if you have expressed an interest in the tour of the Cosentino Marble factory on the 17th you should have received an email from me. If not let me know.

A question was raised regarding the timing for renewal of Padron registrations. I must admit I was unclear on this as well. Apparently it is every 2 years. Juanjo keeps a folder with all those whose Padrons are expiring or expired and I am to be given the list. We do try to make contact with all persons whose registration becomes due but many have changed telephone numbers and we cannot contact. Once I have time I will publish on here.