Informative Meetings regarding Brexit

Informative meetings regarding the withdrawal agreement on Brexit are being held by the British Consul. This link gives details of when and where.


Informative Meetings regarding the Withdrawal Agremnt
 

Trip dates

We are now trying to organise our trips for this year and have a number of potential destinations. I am liaising with their Town Halls to see what they can offer in the way of cultural/historical/culinary options and will post once finalised.

As I am trying to ensure these trips are coordinated in a timely manner I hope to stick to the following dates (all Saturdays)

14th March, 25th April, 6th June, 11th July, 26th September and 7th November.

These are not definitive but I hope to use these dates.

Railway Association Trip

Yesterday the Association of Friends of Zurgena Railway organised a trip by rail to the Embarcadero and Railway museum in Aguilas.

Over 40 people enjoyed a really interesting day. We travelled by the efficient, clean and modern Renfe train from Puerto Lumbreras along the old track to Aguilas. On arrival we met with our most knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.  We then walked by the side of the station up to the Embarcadero area where we viewed the old works used for loading the ships with the minerals from our area.

We then walked to a restaurant with a nice view over the sea for lunch then visited the small but very informative museum before returning by train to Puerto Lumbreras.

Feedback was hugely positive.  I have attached a few photos of the day.

If anyone is interested in joining the Association just contact me.

Friends of Zurgena Donation

Another excellent gift from charity. This time €2,020 from the Friends of Zurgena to the school in Zurgena.

This money was raised during the concerts which Peter Dell, Gary Bowen and Daryl Lee organised during 2019.

The money will be used to buy an electronic whiteboard for the new classroom in which the picture was taken. The kids seemed to be excited at the prospect of it being installed to help with their education. Whilst discussing the donation with the headmaster I was gobsmacked at the tiny budget the school has for all equipment each year which makes this donation all the more important. I will post pictures of the new whiteboard once it is installed.

Inauguration of Statue to Gines Parra

Yesterday morning, a tribute was paid to our countryman, the world-renowned artist, Ginés Parra, with the inauguration of his sculpture. It was installed in Zurgena, the town where he was born on this day, 124 years ago. T

his will serve as recognition for one of the most prestigious and internationally relevant Almerian artists. It has been installed in the courtyard of what will soon be the Interpretation Center "Ginés Parra" and from today it can be visited and seen. 

This work has been sculpted in white marble by Macael and placed on a pedestal by Travertino Nazarí, the construction of it was by Luis Ramos, an internationally renowned sculptor who has achieved a fantastic result. This Project carried out jointly between our City Council and the Excma Diputación de Almería, and is part of the “Sculpture in the Street” program in order to promote culture in our land and the beautification of the province. Our Mayor, Luis Díaz García, along with the Deputies, Manuel Guzmán and Domingo Fernández and the sculptor, Luis Ramos, have been responsible for carrying out this act. Thanks to all the representatives of the different Associations and Institutions, and neighbours who accompanied us.

Water Interruption

Due to Galasa installing a new valve the water supply is being interrupted to the are aof La Alfoquia surrounding Marilyn Bar.

Reconnection expected about 1430.

Health Cover (Convenio Especial) and Water in Palaces

Firstly, following a number of requests, we enquired regarding health cover obtainable by way of the Convenio Especial.

We were informed that if you wish to avail yourself of this cover you need to go to the Ambulatorio in Huercal Overa about 0930 and ask to make an appointment with Social Services.

If you have your Passport and EHIC card they can give you 3 months cover if you have also got your NIE you can get 12 months cover renewable on an annual basis. I believe the cost is approcximately €60 per month.

 

Secondly, and I am indebted to Claire Gittens for the following information, the wáter man is now going to regularly visit the village of Palaces fortnightly at approximately 1800 for the sale of wáter. His next visit will be on Friday 31st January.

Road Closure & Trips

Firstly just to inform you (after the fact) that the subcontractors working on some issues relevant to the new autovia have closed the track which goes over the Rambla from Palaces. I have asked them to inform us of how long the track will be closed to traffic as many of you use it as a shortcut. As soon as the company responds I will post on here. 

UPDATE The track should be reopen on Wednesday.

Secondly I am planning our trips for this year and wondered if anyone had any preferences, either to redo ones we have done in the past, or would like us to consider for this year.  At this moment the provisional dates would be 7th March, 25th April, 6th June, 11th July, 26th September  and possibly 7th November. These are not cast in stone but merely suggested dates.

Interruption to Water Supply Los Menchones

We have just been advised (0845) by Galasa that the wáter supply will be interrupted to áreas of Los menchones from 0830 until 1200 approx due to upgarding work on the pipeline. The área affected include Calles Luis Pasteur, Gregory Mendel, Alexander Fleming and Camino Real a Zurgena.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Video of Winning Xmas Lights

I have been asked to upload video of the winning Xmas light show (apparently some people did not believe it was properly conducted.) These clips should ensure people know the competition should they wish to compete next Xmas.

Xmas Lights Winners & a notice

The winners for the second year of the Xmas lights competition was John and Jo Arrowsmith. Here seen receiving their prize of a ham.

And a bit of sad news for those who drive through old Cucador regularly. The elderly lady who was often seen at the junction in the village passed away over Xmas. 

Trip to Aguilas

We are organising a trip to Aguilas Railway museum for Saturday 25th January. The programme is below. 

The cost will be €21 to include the train, admission, the guide and lunch. We will meet at the Railway Station at Puerto Lumbreras at 1045am 

10:58. Departure by train from Puerto Lumbreras. Easier than Lorca both for distance and for parking. 11:45. Arrival to Aguilas. 
11:50. Visit to the Museum. 
12:30. Visit the Embarcadero on foot (10 minutes walking). 
14:00. Meal in a restaurant near to Embarcadero. 
16:00. Visit the Railway Engine in the sea port on foot. 
17:30. Return to the Train to see Railway facilities. The guide says this is very interesting 
19:19. Departure by train from Aguilas. 

If you wish to join this trip please reply to me by Friday 10th January.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone and I hope 2020 is a wonderful year for all of us in Zurgena.

We look forward to completing many more of our projects and getting approval for others. Progressing the consolidation of urban land will be our main project.

I have been in the UK over Christmas but it has been quiet with nothing to report, Back in the saddle on Friday. Remember Monday 6th is a Bank Holiday.