Railway Museum & Todays Covid

 First the bad news - 1 new case so we now have 4 active cases.

Secondly I thought it worthwhile to share this information which we have forwarded to the Spanish and English Press.

To give you some background to this project, - the small village of La Alfoquia in the Almanzora valley was integral to the movement of the areas´ minerals in the 19th century and the village of La Alfoquia became an important part of the railway infrastructure to manage these materials. The village in fact owed its existence to the railway. 

Now, after many years of work and planning, work is progressing to establish a museum in the town using the remaining buildings (some of which will require renovation) to create an openair, and indoor, museum to showcase the historical importance of this station and in the future to open and run a train between La Alfoquia and Arboleas. As much of the track still exists.

Video memories have been obtained from ex employees who recalled their times on the railway, artefacts are being collected, basic work is being done to create the indoor museum and work has already been undertaken to reveal the hidden tracks etc. 

We formed an Association to which everyone, with an interest in this project, can join. This Association has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/755026744999786

The next major part of the project is the acquisition of a railway engine to use to run the rolling stock on and for maintenance. Our President Rafael Garcia De La Mata has sourced an engine which would be a fantastic help for the development of the museum However it is languishing in Poland and needs to be transported to Spain. The cost of the purchase and  transportation is going to cost €15,000 which sounds a lot but compared to the purchase cost of a similar engine locally is very small.  (I have attached some pics of the engine we need below). We also have plans to recover other engines and rolling stock but this engine is needed to develop the outdoor part of the museum first before we can place any other rolling stock. 

To help us on the way to bringing this part of the project to fruition we have set up a  Facebook donation page at https://www.facebook.com/donate/426627138488212/,

We hope people will want to be a part of something hugely, and historically, important. for all the Almanzora valley and join our association and/or donate to help by following the above link. 

For any further details information please contact Rafael Garcia de la Mata at rafarestaura@gmail.com or telephone +34 607 375 789 or myself. 

Covid Update

 Todays figures show 3 active cases in Zurgena so an increase of one new case. 

Other areas are seeing bigger rises. 

Covid Cases

I must admit that I had become less concerned about the Covid figures with them being so low lately. HOWEVER! It now transpires that across Spain there is an increase in the Beta variant which originated in Africa. 

In relation to our area there is just one new case and one recovery leaving 2 active cases but it is obvious from the wider story that care must still be taken out there.

Alfoquia Fiesta 2021

 Sorry for late post not notified until late Wednesday. 

This weekend would normally be the La Alfoquía Festivities in Honor of the Virgen del Carmen. As We all know the situation we are going through due to the Covid 19 pandemic will not allow us to fully enjoy this as usual, but we still wanted to organize, for this week, a series of activities for all audiences but as always respecting security measures.

The use of masks in all acts will be mandatory and safe distances will be maintained.

This year there will be no procession through the streets of La Alfoquía after Holy Mass, but it will be celebrated in the Plaza de la Virgen del Carmen.

We hope you all enjoy these events and we hope that next year, we can celebrate our parties normally!

Poster below of events. 

Speed Campaign

 

I copied this from a local press article as I thought it worthwhile to post. Be aware

DGT to conduct speed awareness controls this week

DGT to conduct speed awareness controls on the roads of Spain this week with the aim of reducing accidents caused by speeding 
A new speeding campaign will be carried out on Spanish roads by the DGT, between Monday 12, and Sunday 18, with the prime objective of reducing accidents. According to the DGT, speeding is the cause of 23 percent...

Worthwhile Petition to Allow Return to UK

 Below is a. link to what I think you may all consider to be a  very worthwhile petition to allow all vaccinated British Expats to be able to visit the UK without quarantining. 

There are many who after the past 18 months are desperate to return to the UK to visit family and friends and supporting this petition I am sure will help greatly. So I ask you to sign this petition.

Petition to Allow Vaccinated Expats Return

Adventure Trip

The Town Hall in conjunction with the Junta have organised a great day out (details below) Sunday 18th July (time of departure to be confirmed). If you are interested please  make the deposit in the bank account stipulated and take your deposit slip to the Town Hall.

I have visited this area and it is a lovely area. Great for summer with the river pools and shade.

PADULES CHANNELS 🏞

 This activity consists of a day of leisure and fun, through the realization of sports activities of:

 🧗🏾‍♀️Sport climbing: Vertical progression through a rock wall, insured by professional technicians, taking into account all its safety factors and physical demands.

 🏞Water Path: Hiking with lush greenery through the natural riverbed of the Andarax River at the highest point of the municipality of Padules, with a length of 4 km, equipped and guided in complete safety.

 We will face psychomotor tasks such as climbing, small steps of easy difficulty and all this with a constant flow full of river pools, waterfalls and small slides.

 📍PLACE OF THE ACTIVITY:

 Natural Area of ​​Las Canales de Padules.

 ⏰DURATION OF ACTIVITY: 3 hours Approx.

💺NUMBER OF MAXIMUM SEATS: 55

 ⚠️MINIMUM PARTICIPATION AGE: 8 years.

 💰ACTIVITY PRICE: € 5 (children under 15 years free) deposit in the City Council sports bank account:

 ES18 3058 0022 81 2732000055

☑️ INCLUDES:

 Transportation, certified monitors, approved material.

 ✅ IT IS ADVISED TO BRING:

 Sun protection, cap, swimsuit, towel, water and a snack, sports shoes that can get wet or boots comfortable clothes, a change of clothing for after the activity.

Sunday 18th July Departing 0700   1st Pick up Old Petrol Station Alfoquia then 2nd pick up at Outside the Cajamar Bank in Zurgena

The Heathers Donation

 Due to problems of diaries I have been unable to get a photograph of Mary and Tom Kavanagh handing over the cheque for the monies raised at The Heathers from customers over the past few months. I have however shown below the deposit slip for the money to the school. 

They raised a total of over €317 which has been deposited into the school account for use by the headteacher as he sees fit.

He was very pleased to receive the donation and said it would be a big help in funding extras during next term.