Electricity Problems

The Electricity Supply company, Endesa, informs us that the problems with the power supply that are occurring throughout the day in our municipality, is not an isolated case. They are working on solving the different problems, so that a stable power supply is restored as soon as possible.

If you wish to register a complaint please email

  atencionalcliente@endesaonline.com

Also including this from a local business for information

UPS (uninterrupted power supply)
What is it? For those unfamiliar with this device, it is basically a box with a continuously charges battery, that automatically provides a continuous uninterrupted mains power supply, when you have a power cut or momentary outage.
Mains power in Spain: We can all grumble about the reliability of the mains here, but in reality, rural power is brought in via overhead cables and therefore subject to interference, lightning etc…
Problems: The short power off-on interruptions that we get are accompanied by nasty “spikes” in the power. This sort of event can damage any equipment that has a switch-mode-power supply and or processor, i.e. almost all electronic products.
What a UPS does: two things basically. Whatever you plug into a UPS, will not see the power interruptions. So, when there is a glitch in the mains, your equipment will continue to run. Your IPTV box won’t get corrupted, your tower PC won’t reboot and need to be fixed etc…. The other thing the UPS will do is to provide a degree of electrical filtering, so that the normal spikes and surges are removed, limiting damage and so on.
Horses for courses. There are different types of UPSs for different applications. It depends on what you want to connect and protect to it and how long you want the unit to run for in times of power cuts. It is important that the right UPS is purchased for the job. Typical examples of miss old UPSs are on pellet Burners
General: If you have a UPS, it is worth checking it’s operation. Safely shut down and disconnect what you have connected to it. Plug in a 60 watt light bulb (traditional incandescent bulb) and disconnect the mains to the UPS to see how long it runs for. If it is less than a few minutes, the battery will need checking. Best to do this every 3 months to be on the safe side. In general, batteries last for a 2-3 years. It is a price matter. If you want batteries that last for 5 years, you are looking to pay 2-3 times more, which people, in my experience do not want to do. We are now in autumn and will be seeing more mains interruptions.
I keep a selection of UPSs in stock and replacement batteries. Batteries can generally be replaced while you wait. For more information and or help, contact me via info@zeta-services.tv or call me on 666826886. Seth, Zeta Services

Brexit Advice from Government & Church Christmas Carol

Last Night over 150 people enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Carol Service in the Renfe. So many in fact that over 30 had to stand!  

The service was supported by the church choir and an 10 piece orchestra. A lovely start to Christmas celebrations.

UK nationals in the EU

There will be no change to your rights and status as a UK national living in the EU until after Brexit. You can still work, access healthcare and collect your pension as you do now.

The Withdrawal Agreement

The Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights.

You will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement if you are a UK national lawfully residing in another EU country at the end of the implementation period, on 31 December 2020.

The Withdrawal Agreement will secure your rights and will allow you to stay in the EU country where you live after Brexit. You will have broadly the same entitlements to work, study and access public services and benefits as you do now.

Implementation period

The Withdrawal Agreement sets out an implementation period lasting until 31 December 2020. This is a time-limited period before Brexit-related changes take place.

During the implementation period, your rights and those of your family members will not change. You will be able to continue to live, work and study in the EU as you do now.

The rules on travelling to the EU will remain the same during this period. You can move to a different country in the EU in the same way as you can now.

Residency documents and status

You and your family may need to apply for a residence status to confirm that you were already resident in the EU country you live in before 31 December 2020. You will have until at least 30 June 2021 to do this.

The EU country where you live will set up a system for applying for a residence status. The application will be short, simple and either free of charge, or cost no more than applying for a similar document, for example a national identity card or passport.

You will have until at least 30 June 2021 to submit your application. We will share information on how to apply in our Living in guides when it is available.

Permanent residency documents

You will be able to exchange valid permanent residence documents for a new residence document free of charge before the implementation period ends. This also applies to valid domestic immigration documents that confirm your permanent right to live in a country. You may need to provide proof of identity and undergo criminality and security checks.

Family members

Your close family members will be able to join you after the end of the implementation period under current EU rules. This applies to spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, dependent children and grandchildren, and dependent parents and grandparents. The relationship must have begun before the end of the implementation period.

If you are outside your EU country of residence after the implementation period, your children, born or adopted, will also be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.

Pushy Salesman

Over the past few days we have received a number of complaints of a very pushy security alarm salesman.

This gentleman has been using scare tactics to press people to buy his companies alarms. He is employed by Securitas Direct.

We have had the Police speak with him and warn him as to his future conduct and we are also informing his employers that this sales tactic is not acceptable. Please report any future incidents.

Christmas Gifts and Xmas Display Comp

The Church congregation from Los LLanos del Peral have today donated 12 boxes of Christmas gifts for the families most in need. Also a quantity of sweets to be distributed to children.

The Town Hall will arrange the distribution of these gifts prior to Xmas. Once again we thank the congregation on behalf of the recipients for their generosity. Pictured are Richard and Margie Gall from the Church who delivered the gifts to the Town Hall

If you have a Nativity scene, Christmas tree, Christmas facade and shop window you think should be recognised then we have another competition for this Christmas!  If you are interested in participating in any of these categories, call the telephone number that appears on the posters or send a whatsaap to register, maximum date on December 20. Or let me know.

Christmas Cake Day & Charitable Donations & Doctors

A reminder to any and all you bakers out there that on Monday 23rd December there is a cake party in  the Plaza del Olmo at 1100.

If you are interested in taking part just bring along your home made cake. It does not have to be a Christmas cake but Andreas says it has to be sweet!!

The participants will be enjoying some of the cake and a drink afterwards

Once again special thanks to Harmony Charity for their generosity in supplying a gas cooker for one of our less fortunate residents.

Also many thanks to the Church Congregation from Llanos del Peral for their continued generosity and for the 25 food bags which are now being distributed to local families.

We are also receiving more and more complaints about the male locum doctor who is currently covering La Alfoquia. To help us manage this situation we ned people to record their complaints. If you have had bad service from this doctor then, on conclusion of your appointment, or as soon after as possible ask for a complaints form known as a Boja de Reclamacion´. Fill this out and submit it. The doctors are all controlled from the Juntas department of health and only they can act. We have no real direct influence and it is only by you recording your complaints that we can resolve this situation.

Railway Association Launch

Thanks to all who attended todays event in the theatre. Firstly I must apologise for our lack of a projection screen. I had been informed we would have one but in the event we did not.

At one point we had over 50 people in the theatre but unfortunately some had to leave prior to the conclusion. 

We learnt much about the history and importance of the railway in Zurgena and we saw many photos from the late 1800´s early 1900s. I and your committee are indebted to Juan Grima Cervantes and Max Kite for sharing their knowledge and pictures with us and I hope they can help us going forward.

Roughly 30 of the audience adjourned to Angustias Bar for a drink and a tapa where further discussions took place.

One immediate action from the meeting was the urgent need to record video interviews of the surviving railway workers which we will organise asap.

I will attach photographs of today when received.

I received a number of appreciative emails from attendees for which I and the Railway Association committee are grateful. 

Holiday Weekend

This Friday 6th and Monday 9th December are both holidays and the Town Hall will be shut. 

Carols at Renfe and Backwash Issue

Firstly due to the tremendous success of last years Christmas Carol service at the Church at Los Llanos they ar to hold it in the Renfe this year to allow more to attend. Below for information.

This year we have taken the decision to have our Carol Concert at the Renfe Building in La Alfoquia, because last year so many wanted to come that our little church was filled to overflowing and some went away disappointed. Over 150 people came to enjoy this lovely beginning to their Christmas celebrations. Please share this post far and wide so the Renfe will be filled with people enjoying their Carols and also 9 members of the amazing Cariatiz Orchestra. There are more carols than ever before, plus a choir. It will be such a wonderful, joyful evening, followed by Mulled wine and mince pies. Come festively dressed, entry is free as always. Your date for the diary... Friday 20th December at 6pm.

The second issue I have to draw peoples attention to is the issue of the backwash from peoples´ swimming pools. It is an offence to allow/empty your backwash into public areas. A number of complaints have been received in a certain area and if the complaints persist the Police may take action. In certain areas it has not caused any problem but the proper method is to have it drain into a backwash tank. If that is not an option other ways must be found to retain the waste on the property and not drain into the streets. 

Railway Association Inauguration

An important date for all those interested in the history of the area and the Railway,´The Friends of Zurgena Railway¨ on Saturday 7th December at 1100 in the Plenary room of the Town Hall.

As many of you are aware there is a very strong connection between English engineers and the developement of the railways, here in Southern Spain, and in particular the Almanzora valley. It is a fact that these villages would never have existed had it not been for the railway.

We have organised a talk by the relative of the foremost photographic chronicler of the Railway in this area, Gustavo Gilman. After the meeting we will adjourn for a chat and a drink in a local bar.

This occasion will also serve as our launch of the Friends of Zurgena Railway Association. We will inform the meeting of our aims and desires for the developement of the Renfe area with regard to the future and seek to garner more members. 

This is an important stage in advancing the project and we hope to get as many people as possible to support, and become involved in it. A second stage meeting will be held early in 2020  at which members of the association will invite many local people who worked on the railway to give their experiences and memories.

So if you have a bit of spare time a week on Saturday come along and find out about the past, present and future of the Renfe/Railway of this area and enjoy a drink and a tapa with us after the meeting. It would help if we had an idea of numbers so if you can (although not obligatory) please let me know if you intend to attend. (jimszurgena@gmail.com or whatsapp on 610194260).

Water Interruption Palaces

Thursday there will be an interruption to the water supply in the municipality that will affect the neighbourhood of Palacés between 10.00 and 13.00 hours. The reason is due to the works on the new autovia.

Live Performances in Bars

There has been much speculation and rumours being spread regarding the situation of live performances in bars.

 

The facts of the matter are as follows. To legally hold any live performance in Andalucía the premises need to have a music licence. Obtaining such a licence can be an expensive process as it involves sound proofing, health and safety alterations etc. which many bar owners feel is prohibitive and/or uneconomic.

 

The only other way to hold such events legally is to obtain Town Hall permission for an exceptional occasion of which a maximum of 12 are allowed in any one year for any one premises. To obtain this permission the bar owner needs to provide to the Town Hall, an architects report covering fire and safety issues (relative to their premises), sufficient 3rd party insurance and a licence to open as a bar. If these are in order then permission can be given.

 

These requirements are the law in Andalucía and apply to all towns.

 

The Town Hall of Zurgena is therefore ensuring that both the bar owners and the TH comply with the law, avoid fines or other sanctions and also, more importantly, to ensure the safety of any customers.

 

 

Bowling Club Open Day

The Bowling Club of Zurgena are to hold a free open day for anyone who wants to come along and try out the game. The day is free and is an opportunity for you to see if it a sport for you, to make new friends and enjoy a new activity. 

Flamenco Evening and Aguilas Trip (Cancelled)

Another (the 4th) fantastic evening of traditional Flamenco courtesy of Francesca Girone and her colleagues.
The theatre was sold out and there was not one empty seat in the theatre. As usual supported by the Town Hall of Zurgena. Below are links to 2 clips the first of the 10 year old star Estrella an the second by Francesca Girone herself. Just short clips to give a flavour.

Estrella Dance


Francesca Dance

It is with regret that we have had to cancel this Saturdays trip to the Railway Museum in Aguilas. There were insufficient numbers to make it worthwhile. I will reorganise for the New Year. I have informed all those who registered an interest and if you have paid please call in at your convenience to receive your refunds. 

Last Chance and Xmas Lights Comp

A reminder IBI bills must be paid before 20th November otherwise your bill will attract penalty charges. If you have not received your bill call in and see Andreas or myself to get a copy of your bill.

For the past 2 years we have had a Xmas lights competition for homeowners. Before we decide to have another competition this year we need to see if there is enough interést in such a competition. if you would be interested in decorating your home with Xmas light and taking part in a competition then please let me know asap. if there is not interest obviously we will not organise it.

A Few Dates for Xmas events

The following are local events organised in the run up to Xmas.

Events for the children

Friday 13th December 1600 Papa Noel Old Town Hall (Post Office)

Sunday 22nd December 1530 Christmas tree decorating Plaza del Olmo

An event for children and the elderly is the Day of Reposteria (Cake Shop) Monday 23rd December in the Plaza del Olmo.1100 x1300.
On this date local people bring their own decorated or home made cakes for others to share. All are welcome to bring their own home baking.

Carol Singing in Glorieta December 21st at 21000 hours.

Aguilas Museum Trip

We have organised a trip to the Railway Museum at Aguilas for the 23rd November leaving the old petrol station at 0900. Sorry for the delay in organising this trip but Maria Angela, who was organising it, fell ill and is not now working at the TH.

The price of the trip is 28 euros per person (the Town Hall is not subsidising the trip) The Price includes transport, guide, entrance and lunch.

In order to arrange the transport  I need to know likely numbers asap. Can you please let me know if you wish to go on this trip. Spaces will be prioritised for members of the association but if there are spaces left it will be open to non Railway Association members.

The menú is

1. Salad
2. Starters Puff pastry pie or homemade goose pate
3. Paella
4. Dessert and coffee
One drink included

Remembrance Day

All welcome.

Electricity Issues

We have been suffering a lot of interruptions to the electricity supply the past few days. We have been liaising with Endesa and there is a problem both here and at Taberno. They are investigating but as yet do not know the cause.
They will continue until they find and resolve the problem.

Flamenco Tickets and Holiday and Rubbish Campaign

I now have possession of the tickets for the Flamenco show on Sunday 17th November priced at €15 each.

A reminder that this Friday is a Public Holiday across most of Spain. The Town Hall will be closed.

I have requested the Police conduct random foot and car patrols of all areas where the issue of rubbish is a problem, and to enforce, any offending individuals with the issue of fines. This to be a priority for the next four weeks.

Halloween

This Thursday ... prepare your scary costume and dare to spend a scary afternoon-night!  🎃 🧙‍♀ Different workshops and games will take place in Plaza Del Olmo from 18:00 in the afternoon!  The passage of terror returns to our town to challenge the bravest ... do you dare? 🙈🧟

 

Urgent Irish

A friend of mine is looking for extras for some filming in Almeria.

The person they are looking for would ideally be Irish and a good build. If you know of anyone please let me have their details asap. The filming is to commence before 18th November.

Anti Litter Campaign

We intend to launch an anti litter, flytipping and dog mess campaign covering our municipality commencing Monday 28th October.

The campaign will address the education and enforcement of anti  litter laws.

For education there will be social media and press publicity operation. We will also be distributing and erecting signage at the  basuras.

To enforce the campaign the Police have been directed to patrols areas where this problem is most acute and to identify and fine any trangressors. Additionally if anyone has evidence of any offender committing any offence of this type if they can let the Town Hall or Police know we will endeavour to sanction them. The Police have chip readers which will assist them in identifying any roaming dogs.

We look to our citizens to support this initiative and keep Zurgena clean.

PGOU Final Stage and Petanque

Our PGOU is at long last going through the final stage. It has been approved, published, amended  and is now only awaiting the 4 weeks appeal time.

 

I have received a few questions regarding the grant of AFOs. As, has been explained before, an AFO is only really of value if your property is outside the land shown as urban within the PGOU.  

 

Having discussed this with my colleagues we can state that, there are in the región of 4 or 5% of properties within Zurgena that will require an AFO. The other 95% are covered by the PGOU as being on urban land and will become regularised through the ongoing process.

 

It would be a waste of money for a home owner to apply for an AFO for a property which is subsequently to be regularised through the ongoing process as this would entail paying twice!

 

The homes which wish to apply for an AFO may do so, but, at the moment, we need to approve a Fiscal Ordinance in order to be able to charge the home owner for the cost of this process. So that is the only thing holding up the grant of AFOs. That process will be completed as soon as we can.

Regarding Petanque (at the courts at the side of the Gymnasium in Alfoquia),I have been asked by the organisers to let people know that they are now playing Tuesday afternoons 1500 x 1700. If anyone wishes to join them they are welcome.

 

Inter Cultural Food Day UPDATE

To celebrate the Dia de Mayores we are organising a day, similar to ones in the past, where we have a demonstration by a Spanish chef of one or two Spanish dishes.

After his presentation we will have a little time during which, if any of you would like to do a presentation of a dish from your home, you will be most welcome. I have one English volunteer and I may do something myself but if anyone else wishes to add to it then that would be good.

After the presentations of food we hope to have a wine presentation by Bodegas Palomillo (who we visited last year). That should include tastings.

As at previous events after the presentations we will then have the oportunity to eat the food prepared and drink the wine.  Previous events have ben very succesful as it appears people speak Spanish better after wine!!

The event will start at 1030am on Friday 25th October and be held in the Renfe. These have previously been great and enjoyable days.

In order to manage the event we need to know how many will be attending (estimating 50 places). Only those who have communicated an intention to attend can be admitted, so please inform me if you wish to attend.

I will publish the poster when ready but wanted to get this out asap.

Only 14 interested so far we have 10 spaces left. It is an enjoyable morning with free food and drink. Whats not to like!!

Rubbish AGAIN!!!!

The Consorcio de Levante who are responsible for the collection of refuse manage their bins as they want to, within the constraints of the legal distance from the houses they serve.

Recently there have been occasions where they have moved the bins. This may be to make collection easier or whatever. We have no real control over their work but can and do often make requests. They have an office in Albox just before the BP station. You can make complaints or requests to them there.

In the meantime if the bin is not where you last saw it please do not just leave your rubbish on the ground. Locate the nearest basura and put it in that. Otherwise a plague of rats may descend upon that area. We are in the country!

Town Hall Trip

After the long hiatus of the summer we are now organising a few cultural/historical trips as before.

The first of these is scheduled for Saturdy 9th November to a place called Cuevas de Ventanas in Pinar, Granada province.. This is one of the oldest ever inhabited Karst cave systems in Europe.  This is a link to the Trip Advisor page;

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g2480487-d3247660-Reviews-Cuevas_de_Pinar-Pinar_Province_of_Granada_Andalucia.HTML

 and wikipedia page but in Spanish

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cueva_de_las_Ventanas

Places are limited so first come, first served AND I only have 14 spaces left!
Comfortable shoes and clothing advised.

 

Railway Association

 

For those interested in the developement of the Railway association, below are the details of a recent meeting. I do realise that things are moving slowly but, they are moving in the right way. We now have almost all the documentation and fiscal registration we need.

 

We will be canvassing for more members in the near futue to support our aims and activities to enhance and develope the links/history of the railway within Alfoquia. At the moment we have over 50 people registered

with the Association but will be looking to increase this number to 100.

 

 

Zurgena Railway Association Committee Meeting – 1st October 2019, Town Hall 

Those present as follows: 

Maria Angela and Jose Manual 

Committee: 

Acting President Jim Simpson 

Treasurer             Ray Gaskell 

Vocale                   Mike Yendell 

Secretary              Lin Yendell 

Apologies for absence from David Greig  

 

An update from Maria Angela 

The Bank Certificate was signed by the secretary as third signatory on the new Bank Account. A visit to the Bank with the necessary paperwork and all 3 signatories will be arranged in the near future in order for the account to be officially opened. 

Presentation 

Rights have been given to use photos and a presentation will take place in Zurgena, possibly on 7th December by Juan Hillman, son of Gustavo Hillman, which will be given in Spanish and English. Maria Angela will contact the Aguilas Railway Association for confirmation of this date. There is also an English gentleman who knows a great deal about railways and has offered to come to this meeting. 

Trip 

It is hoped the Aguilas train trip that was postponed earlier this year, could take place in November. Numbers have to be ascertained during October in order to arrange transport and whether it is to be an all day coach trip to include lunch. An email will be sent out by the secretary to all persons who originally registered an interest with the Zurgena Railway Association to ask how many are interested so necessary arrangements can be made. Jim will be in touch with Isa Reche from the Tourist Office to organise posters etc, stating the trip is open to everyone who has shown interest in the Zurgena museum. 

Office 

The Railway Association has received a key for the new office in the original station building and Jim will have to sign a Lease. A computer terminal will be required but we will have to provide or use, our own phones. Various desks and chairs will be provided, Jim will investigate what is required. 

 Cantoria 

It is hoped a visit can be made to the newly refurbished Cantoria Railway Station. Maria Angela will contact the Mayor of Cantoria to book an appointment. She will also contact other Mayors for information on artefacts. 

 

Book 

It is 130 years since the railway was established and a new edition of the book will be produced for 2020 in which Zurgena is to make a contribution. The Mayor of Zurgena will be contacting other Mayors to obtain photos etc associated with the railway for inclusion in the book.  

Monument 

 

The area near the bridge in La Alfoquia is to have a commemorative memorial to Gustavo Hillman, this can be in the form of a monument, tree or bench, to be decided upon by members. The final decision will be by the governing bodies and signed off by the Technician.