Palaces Sunday Market

I received a number of messages about the fact that a Market was held in Palaces yesterday (Sunday 29th January). This surprised me as I knew nothing about it so I asked my colleagues and it transpires that none of them knew about it either!

My understanding is that before any such market can be held it has to be agreed at a Plenary session of the Council and that has not happened. I will try and ascertain who organised this market and what the Council intends to do about it. There is obviously the issue of access for residents which needs to be addressed if this is to be a regular event.

Update
We have identified the person who set up the market and it will not be held again until and unless it is considered in Pleno.

Town Hall Walk to Aqua Arriba

Today we enjoyed a fantastic walk to Agua Arriba from just above Zurgena. The weather was perfect, the company great, the views fantastic even if the destination was a bit of a let down. The fuente had very little water in it and to get to it was a bit of a scramble.

The walk was enhanced by having Candido Trabalon and Salvadore on it as they could explain the history of the area, the mines etc. Really interesting.

Ended up back at the Pool Bar for a beer. A lovely morning walk.

Calling All Actors

I had a very interesting meeting this morning with the Councillor for Tourism from Macael.

He is arranging to hold a historical Play entitled ´Canteros y Caciques en lucha de Marmol´.

This play reenacts the early history of the marble industry in Macael and the, not insubstantial part, played in its evolution by a man called George Lee an Englishman who was a director of the Railway which took the marble from Macael to the coast.

The role is very small as regards the words spoken in the play but the organisers want to cement the reality of the play by using an english speaking person.

They would also look at including a few more men or women in the play of there was a wish to take part.

Certainly from my perspective I think this will be a very interesting project and I will try and organise a coach party to go to the play when it is performed on 27th and 28t May in Macael.

I have a copy of the script and if any of you theatrical types are interested please contact me so I can put you in touch with the organisers. They are holding rehearsal days on the 11th and 18th February at 11.0am and 6.0pm.

Walk Saturday

The organised walk this Saturday will start from the old football ground near the junction with the roads to Lubrin, Palaces and Zurgena. At the top of the hill just before Solas´ premises.

We will set off at 11.0am and walk to Aqua Arriba. The walk is a total of 8kms and is described as medium difficulty.

If you wish to go on the walk please let me or the Town Hall know. I already have the names of those who emailed me their intention to join the walk. I also need your mobile telephone number.

Budget Setting & Health Application

Last Wednesday evening at 8.0pm we had a 2 hour meeting to discuss our plans for each areas´ budgets for 2017.  Each councillor presented their ideas and costings to the meeting and each intention was recorded and compared to the previous years budgets. There will now be a meeting between the Secretary and the Mayor to drill down into the figures and consider all budgets with a view to seeing which can be approved.

These budgets of course do not include the major road and infrastructure ideas which are subject of separate budgets agreed with the Junta de Andalucia.

Second point is there is a new Mobile Phone application for matters connected with health. Some of you may already use the juntadeandalucia.es website to make doctors appointments etc but this new app makes things even easier. The application is available for download from the Google Play Store or the Apple Store.

The application is called ´Salud Responde´ and has been commissioned by the Junta de Andalucia.

The site is in Spanish but it is very easy to use. I have just registered using my Health number and NIE number and checked my upcoming appointments. The functionality provides for making and amending appointments but there is much more to the app than that. If you decide to download it please let me know as I will try and see if we can get an english language version if sufficient interest.

Events 2017

We are trying to set up a regular monthly events throughout the year with a mixture of trips, cultural events and walks. I hope to have the programme or most of it ready by the end of this month.

In the meantime and due to time constraints our first event will be a hike around Aqua Arriba on Saturday the 28th January starting at 11,.0am and just consisting of a hike about 8kms (5 miles) and maybe end with a drink in a bat in Zurgena.

If the walk interests you please let me know so we have some idea of numbers.

Theatre Event & St Patricks Day private trip

There is to be a show at the Renfe Building in La Alfoquia this coming Saturday night.
Details below if interested please contact the numbers below or call into the Town Hall.

I have also been asked to mention a trip to Benidorm which a private company is putting on for St Patricks Day 11th to the 18th March pick up locally 7 nights in the 4 star Hotel Marina with entertainment nightly  for a price of €320 full board or €300 half board.If anyone is interested I have the flyers on my desk o you can contact rosie@viajescemo.com 950627019

Fiestas 2017

One thing I have been asked to convey and that is the dates for the Fiestas for 2017. Now in the normal course of events things in Spain are planned at the last minute however with Fiestas there is plenty of planning and the dates were agreed in Pleno in November last.

 The Town Hall fiesta holiday dates are Monday July 17th and Thursday August 31st therefore the fiesta weekends will be the15th, 16th, 17th July and 31st August, 1st, 2nd, 3rd September. 

Three Kings Procession

Today as you all know is the Day of the Three Kings and following previous years the procession will be starting from the Town Hall of Zurgena at 6.0pm and follow the route as shown in the map below.

Earthquake advice

Back in harness although it will be slow the first week or two of the New Year. We are agreeing our budgets for 2017 over the next week. Will update once they are agreed.

In view of the earthquake last night I thought it opportune to reprint this advice from California.

Be Prepared: Before, During and After an Earthquake

Do you know how to prepare for and survive a major earthquake? According to Department of Conservation scientists, it will be critical to have the right answer to that question somewhere in California sometime in the coming years. 
Many people think having bottled water on hand is a good idea. That’s true, as long as you have enough. Many are certain that standing in a doorway during the shaking is a good idea. That’s false, unless you live in an unreinforced adode structure; otherwise, you're more likely to be hurt by the door swinging wildly in a doorway or trampled by people trying to hurry outside if you’re in a public place. 
How to be Prepared 
• Electricity, water, gas and telephones may not be working after an earthquake. The police and fire departments are likely to be tied up. You should be prepared to fend for yourself for at least three days, preferably for a week. 
   
• You'll need food and water (a gallon a day per person); a first aid kit; a fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fires; flashlights; a portable radio; extra batteries, blankets, clothes, shoes and money (ATMs may not work); medication; an adjustable or pipe wrench to turn off gas or water, if necessary; baby and pet food; and an alternate cooking source (barbecue or camp stove). This list can also be applied to other disasters, such as floods or wildfires. 
   
• It’s also a good idea to decide beforehand how and where your family will reunite if separated during a quake and to conduct in-home practice drills. You might choose an out-of-the-area friend or relative that family members can call to check on you. 
   
• Securing water heaters, major appliances and tall, heavy furniture to prevent them from toppling are prudent steps. So, too, are storing hazardous or flammable liquids, heavy objects and breakables on low shelves or in secure cabinets. 
   
• Discuss earthquake insurance with your agent. Depending on your financial situation and the value of your home, it may be worthwhile. 
During an Earthquake
• If you're indoors, stay there. Get under -- and hold onto --a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you’re in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator. 
   
• If you're outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you. 
   
• If you're driving, move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges or overpasses. Try to get clear of trees, light posts, signs and power lines. When you resume driving, watch out for road hazards. 
   
• If you're in a mountainous area, beware of the potential for landslides. Likewise, if you're near the ocean, be aware that tsunamis are associated with large earthquakes. Get to high ground. 
   
• If you’re in a crowded public place, avoid panicking and do not rush for the exit. Stay low and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. 
After an Earthquake 
• Check for fire or fire hazards. If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve. If there's evidence of damage to electrical wiring, shut off the power at the control box. 
   
• If the phone is working, only use it in case of emergency. Likewise, avoid driving if possible to keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles. 
   
• Be aware that items may fall out of cupboards or closets when the door is opened, and also that chimneys can be weakened and fall with a touch. Check for cracks and damage to the roof and foundation of your home. 
   
• Listen to the radio for important information and instructions. Remember that aftershocks, sometimes large enough to cause damage in their own right, generally follow large quakes. 
   
• If you leave home, leave a message telling friends and family your location.