Grant for Mill

 Some of you may have noticed on Facebook that we have been successful in our application for a grant to renovate and create a tourist attraction of the historic mill. You will have seen it’s tall chimney on the opposite side of the road from the park Gines Parra.

This was a project we set out in our manifesto if 2019 and a fair bit of work was required for us to be successful. The grant is for €650,000 and we will create an ethnographic museum. This will provide work and add a historically interesting attraction for the future. The funding is from different sources whose remit is the promotion of culture and rehabilitation of public buildings. 

The work for this will start in 2023

Merry Christmas

 Merry Christmas to all of you 

Xmas Video

Spanish Classes with Manolo (restaurants)

Manolo, who does 5he Spanish classes, and who I posted a link to his YouTube channel for, has asked that I inform you of this link which shows some easy Spanish words and phrases relative to restaurants. 

Some might find it helpful and if you do click the subscribe button to get other simple lessons.

Manolo Class tip

Church Choir

In our area every year a group of Spanish members of local churches form a choir and go from town to town singing Spanish Christmas carols for members of the public.

They do this voluntarily with no financial support. They are singing in Huercal Overa on 26th December and at our church in Zurgena on the 30th and many do other ad hoc dates.

I have been asked to post about this group and ask for donations to help them. I have had a box placed in the counter in the front office of the Town Hall for any donations however small to help them. They will also consider any requests for performances. 

Xmas Events

 22nd Dec Animation with Father Xmas and his elves.

1800 plaza Virgin del Carmen

1900 Plaza del Olmo

23rd Dec Visit of the Magical Kings

Education Centre 0900

24th Dec Family Musical 

Municipal Theatre 1800

27th Dec Story Telling 

Parque Gines Parra 1700

28th Dec Family Adventure

Parque Gines Parra 1200

29th Dec Story Telling 

Municipal Library 1700

30th Dec Choral Concert by Maria Helpers

Parochial Church of San Ramon 1900

31st Dec Old Years Day for children

Plaza del Olmo 1100

5th January Procession of 3 Kings 1800.

Help Metal Detector. UPDATE

We have a wonderful gentleman who lives in barrio de Chicago who recently lost his wife.

He was working in his garden and has lost a precious gold ring given to him by his recently departed wife.

He and his neighbours have searched the garden without success and I am asking if anyone has a metal detector which could be used to help in the search. If you have one or know someone who does I will put you in touch to try and help.

Forget it Fortunately the ring has now been found

Your Vote 2023

 Below is a translation of the latest advice regarding non Spanish residents eligibility to vote.

The INS will be sending out letters to all those they consider eligible to vote but their records are not guaranteed to cover everyone. My advice is that if you want to ensure you have the right to vote in the municipal elections (the most important election for our community)and you have lived here for at least 2 years, then call into the Town Hall with your NIE and passport between now and the 15th January and ask for the form. It is simple to fill in and will ensure your voice will be heard.

For the purposes of communicating the necessary information relative to the municipal elections in Spain on 22nd May 2023 for residents of countries other than Spain we inform you of the following to those who wish to be able to vote.   

  1. Nationals  from countries in the EU.   Just need to declare that they wish to vote in Spain in the local elections and can do so by internet, post or in person in their local town hall. 

2. Nationals of countries with agreements eg Bolivia,Cape Verde, Chile, Columbia, Korea, Ecuado, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago                   In the Town Hall of their residence   Interested parties who consider that they meet the conditions of the agreement may submit the application in person, identifying themselves with their foreign identity card (for nationals of Norway, Iceland and the United Kingdom, the national identity document or passport of their country of origin are also accepted).

3 Term The deadline for submitting the established applications is from December 1, 2022 to January 15, 2023

This information is advertised on the web http://bit.ly/elecciones.municipales.2023 where the document can be downloaded 

3 Term The deadline for submitting the established applications is from December 1, 2022 to January 15, 2023

Spanish Learning

 Spanish Classes

Many of you learnt your Spanish with Manolo, who has done the classes in the library of Zurgena for years.

He asked me to publicise his YouTube channel in which you can learn or improve your Spanish. I had received many compliments about his classes so I am happy to share a link to his channel which, if you want will help your learning.

Just click on the link above and subscribe to keep up with it.

Land Classification on Selling

We are seeing an increasing number of queries regarding charges being levelled/deducted from the selling price of residents properties.

It appears some solicitors do not understand!

Since our PGOU was agreed all land in our municipality, can be seen on the plan, and the lands designation within that plan dictates what the standing of the land is. In essence the land upon which your property stands is shown as either urban, urbanisable or rural. The vast majority of homes are now on the first two designations and those which are urbanisable are going through the lengthy process of consolidation (a process to ensure all legal infrastructure is in place). The first tranche of over 200 should be completed in the next five months. The next 6 areas have had the work started to complete their consolidation but it will probably be a year or more away.

The reason for this post really is to make people, who are selling, aware of the likely financial implications of these designations. In my case my property was urbanisable meaning that some time in the future there may be a cost to the occupant to complete the consolidation. I therefore agreed to the solicitor withholding €5000 for any such future costs. It was not mandatory but most solicitors are including this in negotiations.

However if yours is one of the few which is classified as being on rural land it cannot be urbanised and therefore can never attract a cost for consolidation. The route for owners of such properties is to obtain an AFO (Asimilado Fuera de Ordenacion) which translated is a certificate confirming the legal status of the property but outside of urbanisable areas. Under no circumstances, that I know of, should solicitors be withholding money for future consolidation on properties which cannot be consolidated. 

The property is either urbanisable whereby a retention can be asked for or it is rural where it cannot. If you are concerned about the classification of your land we can easily check it for you.

Walking on Roads

Just heard of a incident which I felt I had to bring to your attention!

Two ex pats were walking along a main road in our municipality at 0930 one recent morning when the Guardia Civil stopped them and fined them €200 each for not wearing a fluorescent or high visibility jacket. 

It is apparently a law (which I was totally unaware of) which we would have thought warranted advice and not such a huge fine. We will make our feelings known to the G.C. but doubt they will rescind the fine.

I have attached a copy of the fine notice as some people were disbelieving of the incident. I have not yet heard back from the Guardia Civil but hope to tomorrow. I have hidden the recipients identity best I can. Sorry about the quality! Whilst it starts by referring to a driver it then shows that it includes a pedestrian. I was unsure when I first read it but I am assured that it does apply to pedestrians on main roads where there is no pavement.

Hot Air Balloon

Tomorrow Saturday 26th November at 1700 I am informed there will be a tethered Hot Air 

Balloon on the land in front of the school in Alfoquia. Not sure how long it will be there for 

but if you fancy seeing something a bit different in this part of the world pop along. 

Urgent Help update

 Does anyone know Daphne and John Williams?

She is in hospital and it seems he is suffering dementia.The authorities are desperately trying to contact family or contacts for these two people.

If you do please contact me by email or call 610194260 or +44 7368 990809 asap

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE SORTED IT WITH HELP FROM CATS!

Walk against Gender Violence

 The Town Hall has organised a walk in support of the programme against gender violence at 1130 on 20th November. 

The walk is not a difficult one and participants can enjoy paella and live music after the event.

Additionally the first 100 to register will receive a free tee shirt.

To register call into the TH or ring Paco on 610194264.

Voting Right & NHW AGM

I have copied below a translation of the rules governing the right of ex pats residents in Spain. 

We have, through a agreement between the UK and Spain, a right to vote in the municipal elections to the local councils. As most of you long time residents will know this is a most important right. The council in Zurgena has for the past 16 years, that I have been involved, totally supported the ex pat community in every way and has listened to our voice. 

For you to have a say please note how it will work and what you need to do to be able to preserve your right to vote.

The council have asked me to return and do a couple of meetings early next year to explain how important it is to have the vote and what has occurred over the past 20 years and make people understand how things were, and are, regarding all issues including legal status of land and property, entitlement to benefits/support, influence in how the THs assign funds and projects. I will organise these for January/ February and possibly April, prior to the election in May.

 In the bilateral agreements with other-countries, so that their citizens can vote in municipal elections, one of the requirements is the legal and continuous time of residence in Spain. I am awaiting confirmation of the time frame but this is just so you know the state of play.

 This time is recorded by the Electoral Census Office through the Municipal Register and the Central Registry of Foreigners.  Depending on whether they meet the required time, at the end of November a model letter will be sent to each person.

 *1.  Sample letter in which, according to the database, YES the time of validity is fulfilled*: for this type of person, in addition to being informed by letter that they do comply, to show their willingness to be part of the census they will have to complete the letter and send it to the INE office (free of charge) or electronically using a code and web link for the digital application.  In this case * NO MORE DOCUMENTATION IS NECESSARY *

 *two.  Sample letter in which, according to the database, the time of validity is NOT met*: for this type of person, the Electoral Census Office will send another type of letter informing them that they meet all the requirements to be able to vote except the time of residences (according to their database).  For this reason, if you consider that it is an error and that you have fulfilled the time of legal residence, in addition to responding to the letter, you must provide *a photocopy of a valid foreigner identity card or a foreigner's residence certificate issued by the Police Station*.  Both documents are valid.  In this case, you cannot express your will online.

 For those who do not receive the letters or return them, they may also express their wish to be part of the census through the City Council with a form that will be sent to them.

 We remind you that the deadline to express the will in countries with bilateral agreements starts *December 1st until January 15th*.

 We have summarized the years necessary to be able to be part of the census as well as other requirements to be part of the census for both EU citizens and those with a bilateral agreement, in the document that I have sent.  We hope this information is useful.

NHW AGM A very successful meeting thanks to all who supported it by attending. 

Letters from Catastral Office & Burglaries

 The Town Hall staff have the onerous task of trying to hand deliver letters from the Catastral Office to almost every house.

These letters are required by law, to be delivered to all home owners, every few years and they are notifications of the current assessed value of properties and their land for the calculation of IBI ( equivalent of council tax). These letters detail whether the assessable value has increased or decreased. In most cases this year it is a decrease but some will increase particularly if the occupant has carried out improvements. I am informed that the Catastral office use drones nowadays to monitor properties and use the information to amend valuations!

This task is having an adverse effect on the rest of the work in the Town Hall as it is such a labour intensive task. 

My apologies for any delays to front office actions as a result. The staff are trying to get the work done asap. 

With the advent of darker evenings we are seeing an increase in burglaries. If you are a member of Neighbourhood Watch you will be aware of this. If not best join! and are doing the AGM at Heathers on Wednesday 2nd November at 3.0pm. 

Neighbourhood Watch A.G.M. & Flamenco show UPDATE

 Firstly notification of the upcoming AGM for Zurgena NHW.

As many of you long time residents know NHW was set up in Zurgena about 2006 following a spate of burglaries and lack of response from the security services. It has helped our community protect itself and improve reaction/responses from the Police. It is a proven success worldwide in reducing crime and helps form a community spirit and helps residents to understand any issues which they can protect themselves from.

A few years ago it almost collapsed due to lack of support but fortunately continued due to the support of enough residents. 

They do not ask for much from members but without members the scheme is of little value.

You are therefore recommended to attend the meeting if at all possible to show your support and to hear from the important committee members. I have invited both the Police and the Council to send representation to the meeting and hope they will attend.

The meeting is to be held at HEATHERS BAR AT 1500 on WEDNESDAY 2nd November

Please attend if you can.

The Flamenco show was another resounding success. An almost full house enjoyed another amazing selection of performances including an 8 year old prodigy from a famous Flamenco family. 

I will post some pics when I receive some good ones. If you missed it you missed another unique chance to see enjoy and understand this form of local dance and musical history.

Last Chance for Tickets

Just a reminder of the upcoming latest Flamenco show which this time includes a 7 year old child star who has featured on Spanish TV and is amazing to watch. We are unlikely to see another show of this quality in our area in the near future. Saturday 22nd October this Saturday! 

For anyone who has not seen traditional flamenco this is a real treat and for those who have seen previous shows this incorporates new performances from the famous Heredia family.  Tickets are available as  from C.A.T services Zurgena 950634388. and Almanzora Group of Friends, Albox Library ( Shelagh Copeland and Beryl Booth) 

An example of a child flamenco dancer, taught by the family from as soon as he can walk. This type of flamenco is not learnt in an academy; it comes from family members. Come and see a male child star in the making this SATURDAY OCTOBER 22nd at 8pm. Theatre in Zurgena. A small amount of tickets are still available. Information/sales message WHATSAPP 0034687480694.

Gym Open for Miantenance Classes

 Maintenance gym at the Zurgena Municipal Gym!!

 From Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m.  at 9:30 a.m.

 For more information on the Telf: 667 75 90 67 (Sports Monitor)

This class is suitable for people wanting to keep, or at least maintain, a gentle level of exercise.

Telephone number is the sports monitor who does not speak English but if you are interested and do not want to try your Spanish let me know.

Active Burglar Released for Prison

NHW will be circulating their members but for those of you not in NHW a man has recently been released from prison after serving a term for burglaries and other crimes. 

He previously resided in a squat in Llanos del Peral and a burglary was committed in that area in the past week. 

The offender in this case forced the electric shutters and windows with a crow bar to gain entry and stole various items of property. If it is the same man, which I strongly suspect, he targets mainly holiday homes or temporarily unoccupied houses. It may be worthwhile reviewing security if your home is a holiday home. Also worthwhile for residents to be aware of the increased risk of burglary to domestic property. 

If you are not a member of NHW and wish to join please contact Rob Barrett robandtina@andover.co.uk and he an put you in touch with your local coordinator. 

Slow Week

Bit of a slow week this morning as a few staff have taken advantage of the 2 holidays to take a week off. 

So apologies for delays in responding will hopefully get all queries answered next week. 

More Thanks

Once again the Town Hall of Zurgena passes its appreciation to the members of the congregation of the Church at Los Llanos del Peral for their donation of food for the poor in our village.

It will be passed to those most in need. Thanks again

Another Fantastic Donation & Driving Licence Issues

Firstly a huge thank you to the customers of Nico Terraza Bar for their donation of €1,000 for the benefit of the local schools. Especially Peter Dell, Vucea Veronica (aka Nico), Daryl Lee, Steve Duckworth, Julie Duckworth and Rob Barrett. 

Many of you who have lived here some time will understand that funding for schools is very poor and they do not really have PTAs to help raise badly needed funds so this donation will be very welcome.

Secondly when I was with the Police last week I asked them about any issue impacting the ex pat community I should communicate and they said that a number of expats were falling foul of the law regarding driving licence use in Spain. Simply put if you are Spanish resident you must have a Spanish licence. If you are temporarily in Spain in a holiday home or just on holiday then you must carry proof of your date of arrival into Spain and date of departure. If you cannot produce this proof the Police will issue fines. 

Moonlight Walk

An opportunity to enjoy a guided moonlight walk. As per the poster below.

Registration required by telephoning 610194264. It will be a Spanish speaker but these walks are always enjoyable. I have attended lots in the past. 

📣 Don't miss this opportunity‼️

Full Moon Walk La Mena- Macenas (Mojácar) 🥾🌝

♦️For only €5‼️ (Including transport to Mojácar, insurance and guide)

♦️Free activity for those under 16 years old🆓 (they must always be accompanied by an adult)

What an Honour

Sorry to bore people with this but I am just so overwhelmed. I was actually nearly in tears.

Together with a few friends, all the councillors and our 2 Police officers. I unveiled the plaque on the newly named Plaza Jim Simpson. Unfortunately Luis had to be in Sevilla today but sent his best wishes.

To know that a small part of my favourite part of Spain will hold my name is an exceptional honour and one that I and my family will treasure. 

I have posted a few of the photos. I would like to have been able to give many more of you advance notice but I only knew myself yesterday.

 

An Amazing Honour

I have advised to be at the church in Los Llanos del Peral at 1.0pm tomorrow Wednesday 28th for an honour. 

They said I am to be honoured for my past 16 years of unpaid service, to the ex pat community, with a special award - the naming of the square outside the church in my name.

I am gobsmacked at such a lovely thought when in fact it is, all the people who have worked in the Town Hall, that deserve the thanks and honours for the work they have put in over the past 16 years on our PGOU etc and in making expats so welcome to the area. 

The invite is extended (albeit at a very short notice) to anyone who wishes to attend to come along. I did tell them that with such short notice I thought it unlikely many would attend but the invite is open in any case to anyone who wishes to come along. 

A Few Things

 A few things to communicate today.

1. I will be in the Town Hall in Zurgena on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. I have a couple of meetings arranged but if anyone wants to talk just let me know. 

2. On the Wednesday morning at 1100 myself and Jose will be at the Esparto Exhibition to help English speakers understand the importance of the Esparto industry in Spain and explain the exhibition. 

3. A few have shown interest in the International food day idea. We could persuade a few Spanish ladies to present their typical dishes ( which always goes down well) and recruit some Brits, Dutch or French. I will look at dates/locations for this next week when I am there and update the blog once sorted.

4. There is a trip to the baths at Archena on the 17th October. I have attached the poster. If you register for this you will pay for it at the time of registering and it is non refundable. There will not be an interpreter on this trip. You will need to take a towel, swim hat, a lock (for your valuables). If you wish to register please call into the TH asap as places are limited and fill up quickly. 

Esparto Exhibition and International Food Days

The Esparto exhibition is on until the end of this month.

I can arrange to have a translator there for a specific morning next week, for non Spanish speakers, if there is sufficient interest and I will be there as well.

We will only do it if there is sufficient interest So if you wish to attend please let me know asap and I will arrange. 

Secondly some of you may recall the food days we had where we shared food from the differing countries represented in our population. These were amazingly successful and fun. 

I realise I have already mentioned this but I am asking through this blog whether there is any interest in doing similar events in the near future. 

Again please email me any thoughts to jimszurgena@gmail.com 

No responses will indicate to me that there is no interest in such events any more.. 

Flamenco Show

Once again we are pleased to be able to facilitate another traditional Flamenco show at the Zurgena Theatre to be held on Saturday 22nd October at 8.0pm. 

For anyone who has not seen traditional flamenco this is a real treat and for those who have seen previous shows this incorporates new performances from the famous Heredia family, including the 7 year old star, who have featured on Spanish television. Tickets are available as  from C.A.T services Zurgena 950634388. and Almanzora Group of Friends, Albox Library ( Shelagh Copeland and Beryl Booth) 

Info and reservation also by  WHATSAPP 0034687480694.

I am sure all those who attend will have another wonderful evening. As all the previous full houses have done!

For more information on Flamenco in this link

Flamenco Article

Trips and Events

I did mention in an earlier post that, now that Covid seems not to be an issue any more,  the Town Hall is looking at organising trips etc 

Those of you who have lived here more than a few years will know that we used to have many interesting cultural trips and events. These were always a big hit with our community, involving as they often did food and wine!

One of the events which was most popular was the international food events where local Spanish ladies demonstrated how they made their favourite recipes and others from the different countries did something from theirs eg I did haggis much to the amusement of some! 

I am mentioning these things now as we are looking to get things organised for the last 9 months of this administration, as it is election time next May, at which point I will no longer be able to serve in any official capacity. 

So if you have any ideas preferences or suggestions please let me have them and where possible we will get them organised. I believe we have a small some of money left in the pot to subsidise such trips to some extent.

Land Classification for selling

As most of you probably know Zurgena managed to agree a Plan General Ordenacion Urbano (PGOU) back in 2019.

This plan meant that all houses within our municipality were given a clear legal standing and so avoided the problems many other THs had with legality. In fact it created the best legal situation for property owners as, prior to this, none of the houses built in the past 20 years in most of Spain were considered, by the regional authorities, to be on legally recognised land. For those of you who have lived here for more than a few years you will be fully aware of the issues that this resolved.

The Town Hall has been working through the complicated process of upgrading the first few hundred but it is a painfully slow process. I am awaiting clarification of what progress has been made on this and will add to this post when I get that information which hopefully will be later today or tomorrow.

Obviously for those who wish to sell their properties it is a bit of an inconvenience, to not know what or when costs may arise for their particular property. 

Most solicitors when acting for buyers, of properties on urbanizable land, are aware of the situation and usually ask for a reduction in the sale price to offset any potential costs to the new owner for consolidation of the land in the future.  In my case I accepted a reduction of €5,000. My house was on land classified as urbanisable.

A further complication arises for those houses, of which there are still a few dozen, which are classified as being on rustic land.These are houses which for various reasons cannot at this stage be incorporated into the PGOU and in these cases a good solicitor, acting for a buyer, will request that the seller obtain an  Asimilado Fuera de Ordinacion (A.F.O.) There is a complicated formula for calculating how much this document (which is obtainable from the TH) costs. I have given a breakdown below of an example of a house of 150 sq metres with a pool, garage and pergola.

House (is calculated at €600 per sq metre) so 150 sq m house = €90,000

Garage (50 sq m at €400 per sq m) = €20,000

Swimming pool 8 x 4m (32 sq m at €300 p sq m) = €9,600

Pergola (20 sq m at 150 p sq m) = €3,000

Total €122.600 

The cost of the AFO is 3% of that total 3% of €122600 = €3,678 

There is additional cost of the technician required to do the paperwork and they usually charge €500. 

So the costs of a AFO for a house on rustic land is not greatly different to the roughly estimated cost for consolidation of a house on urbanizable land.

If anyone wants to ascertain the classification of the land that their property is on just email me. 

I am returning to Spain for a week at the end of this month and will make myself available for anyone wanting to discuss anything but this will only be for a few hours one day during the week commencing 25th September but I can of course answer many things electronically. 

Esparto Exhibition

From now until 30th September there is an exhibition about Esparto and its local importance showing at the The Antique Lorry Drivers Building just up form Bar La Union. 

It is open from 1000 x 1200 and 1600 x 1800 Monday to Friday.

 

Peter Webster

 Does anyone know a Peter Webster.

All sorted now. Thanks

Endesa Work in Los Llanos and General Maintenance

 The work being conducted on Avenida Poetas in Llanos del Peral is work being carried out by Endesa to connect a new transformer to the old one to ensure a better more stable and reliable connection.

It should result a lot less interruptions of supply in that area.

As usual very little work has been done in the public areas over the summer. We do have our normal workers and a small team of young people who will be woking on various general maintenance and tidying projects around the villages over the next couple of months. At the moment they are concentrating on the schools but will then move onto public areas. 

Moon Walk (but not like Michael Jackson!)

Now our Patron Saint Festivities are over, we will continue with the scheduled activities!

 ♦️ Next Saturday (September 10) there will be a 10 km Full Moon walking trail, La Mena- Macenas, organized by the Hon.  Diputación de Almería with the collaboration of the Hon.  Zurgena Town Hall. For further details see the below poster.

 ♦️If you are interested please call 610 194 264.

Water Slide

This afternoon at 4.0pm you can enjoy a fantastic water slide in Zurgena at Calle Victoriana Lucas.

Sorry for late notification just received notification at 1.20pm! 

Also Tuesday 30th in the Plaza Del Olmo there is a concert with the All Skas at 2230hours.

Todays Fiesta Activities

Just a reminder to those interested that today amongst other things there is the traditional horse race in the river bed at 1900 hours and a concert at 2300 in the Plaza del Olmo.  

Clock Tower Renovation

In 2020 we asked for financial aid, provided for in the Leader Local Development Strategies, within the framework of sub-measure 19.2 of the Andalusian Rural Development Program 2014-2020, for THE ADAPTATION, REHABILITATION AND VALUE, FOR VISITS , OF THE CLOCK TOWER ON THE CERRO DEL CASTILLO, IN ZURGENA.

We are have been fortunate and we have been granted the requested help! This aid is 90% co-financed by the European Union and 10% by the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, under sub-measure 19.2 of the Rural Development Program of Andalusia, referred to by the Resolution of November 24, 2017, within of the scope of competitive competition of aid  in the first line 1 (Creation, modernisation and improvement of services, infrastructures and equipment to improve the quality of life of citizens, environmental conditions. The battle against climate change and the enhancement of the Rural Heritage (Natural and Cultural) of Almanzora), of the Rural Development Group of Levante Almeriense and Almanzora.

We have been granted aid amounting to €63,726.23 for the project which is called:

ADAPTATION, REHABILITATION AND ENHANCEMENT, OF THE CLOCK TOWER ON CERRO DEL CASTILLO, IN ZURGENA.

The publication of the tender for the contracting of the works can be consulted on the Notice Board of the Electronic Headquarters of the Zurgena City Council.

Photographic Exhibition

From today you can visit the photographic exhibition "Almeria, land of cinema" at the Ginés Parra Interpretation Center. Open from 1000 x 1200 1600 1800 daily until the 2nd September

This exhibition is made up of the photographs selected for the VIII International Photography Contest ‘Almería, Tierra de Cine’ convened at the XX Almería International Film Festival - FICAL.

Clock Tower Renovation

Another one from our manifesto list nears completion.

In the last elections we had a list of projects that promised to complete during this administration. Pleased to report that last week we got approval for a grant of over €60,000 to renovate and enhance the clock tower. 

Contracts will be agreed shortly and the work started shortly.

Zurgena 2022 Fiesta Programme

 Please find below a link to the Zurgena Fiesta Book with the full programme and Mayors address.

Zurgena Fiesta 2022 Book

Zurgena Fiesta

Fiesta for Zurgena starts next Thursday 25th with the fireworks at midnight and it will run until Wednesday 31st August. 

Every day there will be a half day fair at the collaborating bars in Parque Gines Para and Plaza del Olmo. 

Full programme will be published shortly.

Tomorrow Bank Holiday

Just in case anyone was not aware tomorrow Monday 15th August  is a national Bank Holiday in Spain, although a few supermarkets may open on restricted hours. 

Night of Stars

The Town Hall has organised a star watching evening for next Thursday starting at 2200 hours in the Renfe at Alfoquia.

It is for children over 4 years of age.If anyone is interested in attending please contact the Town Hall as there are only 35 places. The presentation will be in Spanish but if enough English speakers wish to go I will arrange for an interpreter

August!

 As usual its quiet August but, that is not to say things are not progressing although there are much slower1

We are currently working on the Fiesta programme for the Zurgena fiesta and when the book is finished with all times and events I will post on here.

Keys Found in Alfoquia. Update

 These keys were found on the railway track in Alfoquia. 

Does anyone recognise them. 

Update They are from a burglary and I am awaiting more details to circulate through NHW.

Heat Advisory

Neighbours ‼ We ask you to take extreme precautions in the face of the heat wave we are experiencing in our area.

 From 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. we will be on orange alert due to high temperatures.

 Stay hydrated and avoid sun exposure during these hours, if possible.

IBI Bills

 The IBI bills for 2022. are available from today.

If and when you want your bill call into the TH and Andres will print it out for you.

You have until the 20th November to pay this years bill.

Day Trip to Vera Water Park

📣Last night the Fiestas de La Alfoquía ended, now it's time to rest the body and prepare it for a fun day at the Aquavera Water Park 💦. at a discounted price.

 🗓 Next Saturday July 23th.

 💰13€/person (includes ticket and bus)

 ‼️No seats are reserved.  At the time of registration, the amount of the activity must be paid.

 💺 Limited seats!  Do not miss yours!

 📝 To register call 📲 610 194 264 or call into the Zurgena Town Hall. 

Cancellation Of Fireworks

The firework show which was due to be set off this evening, to indicate the start of the fiesta has been cancelled due to the sudden death of a well known local man who died suddenly today. 

Exhibition and Concert

 Two events in the next couple of weeks.

1. The Mayor has the pleasure to invite you to the opening of the Exhibition Portraits of People from Here in the Gines Parra Interpretation Centre at 2030 hours on Friday 8th July. (sorry for late notification only informed yesterday!) 

2. Friday 15th July at 2330 at the Renfe a concert by 5 man group Los Puntos admission free.

Post Box available for Llanos del Peral

A ex resident of Llanos del Peral has a post box at the bottom of Calle Abderraman 3.

If anyone is interested please message me and I will put them in touch with the previous owner

Church & RBL Breakfast Meet

Thought I should post about a small regular social event which some of you may be interested in.

The folks from the Church at Llanos Del Peral have a monthly meeting with members of the Royal British Legion which takes the form of a social breakfast at a local venue. I have copied below their latest FB post for info.

This morning, 21 of us from our church and the RBL, met to enjoy our monthly breakfast together at Los Camioneres. The breakfast was, as always, superb and the chatter was wonderful. It is a lovely opportunity to be together and enjoy the deep friendships our church family has given us. We find fun and enjoyment, but also a commonality that we share the same joys and sorrows, the same life experiences and the same things we look forward to. There was much sharing of holidays booked with family for the summer, and the pleasure of welcoming new friends into the group, enjoying new conversation and points of view. These are times to cherish and make the most of. Our next one is on Saturday 6th August, and all are welcome.

If anyone is interested in joining this little social event please contact the group through their Facebook page Church Facebook Page or email Margie Gall at margie.gall@hotmail.com

Trips

Recently a subsidised trip to the Geo at Pulpi was immediately oversubscribed. As a result of this I have discussed trips with the new Mayor Francisco.

Those of you who have lived here more than a few years will know we ran an average of 5 TH trips a year to various interesting locations which were very successful and enjoyable. 

He (Fran) has agreed to support a few future subsidised trips to be organised by the Town Hall. 

I am therefore asking what kind of trips and locations you would like to visit. I do know there is a lot of support for another trip to the Geo at Pulpì, but if you have ideas/suggestions including that option please email me at jimszurgena@gmail.com or message me on 610194260 or +447368990809.

Once we have some suggestions I will set the ball in motion to get the trip/s organised after the summer months.

Fiesta Virgen del Carmen La Alfoquia 14th to 17th July 2022

 I have listed below the programme for this years Fiesta. I have also included the new Mayors opening statement included in the Fiesta programme for your information.

Esteemed neighbours, colleagues and friends,

It is a privilege for me to address you myself, for the first time since taking over as Mayor, on behalf of all my colleagues in the Town Hall and myself as I invite you to celebrate the fiestas in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, our beloved Patron. 

After two years of being unable to celebrate this event, due to the pandemic, we are anxious to once again celebrate and enjoy time with our family, friends and colleagues by leaving behind this difficult time. A time during which we confronted an unknown situation and which today we continue to deal with and struggle to overcome by way of responsibility and common sense.

I would like to take this opportunity to remember all those who are no longer with us and to send a warm greeting to those who will not be able to accompany us this year. 

We await with emotion the launch of the rocket fireworks which indicate the beginning of our fiestas, which this year, due to the long wait has increased our anticipation and enthusiasm in organising it.  We are sure you will love and enjoy the many cultural activities, sports, some great orchestras and some surprises, which I cannot reveal at this moment in time!

The current administration has one year left and I promise you that I will do what seems impossible and complete everything that we promised during our electoral campaign.

We have conducted a new calculation system for IBI values for properties, which will translate into considerable reductions to some properties and also some rustic lands. 

The installation of the energy efficient public lighting, which has already been granted, is being carried out as part of the energy efficiency plan approved to the sum of €400,000. 

The provisional resolution for the restoration of the clock tower and its surroundings has been approved.

We are continuing the work in carrying out and developing the PGOU for the corresponding area in La Alfoquia, more specifically sectors AF18 and 19, which are very consolidated at this moment.

We are developing a new industrial estate near the motorway which has already been initiated. 

We have asked for subsidies/grants to assist with the remedial works needed in the area of Jardines del Almanzora following the heavy rains in March.

We have contracted to build a new wall in the Bojas.

We have requested a grant/subsidy of €800,000 from the NEX Generation Funds to finish the rehabilitation of the mill and convert it into an ethnographic museum. 

We are collaborating with the extension of the Virgen del Carmen church in Alfoquia which will begin shortly and which the TH has contributed €25,000 in order for the works to start. 

We are carrying out works at the Railway station and have finished the work on the Renfe Cocheron and we are now adapting a section of the railway to be used as a tourist route as well as purchasing a locomotive to incorporate in the rehabilitation.

I hope that these works and actions will be remembered as we are able to reconvene our marvellous fiestas. 

Have a great time and let us all enjoy a marvellous time together.

Happy Fiestas

Programme

Wednesday 13th July Children's Day 

2359 Rockets to start the fiesta.

Thursday 14th July 

We start the festivities with an exhibition in the Gines Para Interpretation Centre

2300 Performance of the Crista Orchestra 

2400 Gala for the election of the Queen of the Festivities.

Friday 15th July 

1200 Traditional Family games School in La Alfoquia

1600 Super Inflatable Part and Workshops in Municipal Pool.

2330 Concert with group Los Puntos.

0100 Performance by Orchestra La Rebellion

Saturday 16th July 

0930 Free Churros for Senior Citizens.

2000 Masks and Solemn Procession 

2330 Orchestra Classic Show

DJ with animation for breaks

Sunday 17th July 

1930 Foam Party on the Sports courts in La Alfoquia

2300 Performance of the group Fabula 

Low Water Pressure

 Residents of the area of Cucador Norte have low water pressure this morning.

This is due to a repair that Galasa are carrying out. They expect to complete the repair and have pressure back to normal by lunchtime.

This is my biggest failure as I have been trying for over 10 years to get Galasa to inform us in plenty of time when the water supply is to be affected but best I managed was 1 hour!! 

Almanzora Rally Times for our Village of Street Closures

VIII RALLYE VALLE DEL ALMANZORA/SIERRA FILABRES

HOURS OF STREET CLOSURES (to facilitate safe passage for pedestrians and of the race cars)

SATURDAY 2 OF JULY

AVDA 19 DE OCTUBRE (TOP ENTRANCE BY CALLE MINA) TO THE PHARMACY, THE STREET WILL BE CLOSED ALL DAY.  FROM  07:58 A 15:25

CARRETERA (ALP -8114) ENTRANCE TO ZURGENA FROM THE BRIDGE FROM LA ALFOQUIA, BE CLOSED FROM FROM 07:58 A 15:25

CARRETERA (AL 7106 TO PALACES) & (ALP 8114) ON THE STRETCH DOWN TO ZURGENA OR UP TO THE CEMETERY CLOSED FROM 07:58 A 15:25. 

Parque Bar

A few of our residents have asked that I publicise the fact that the Parque Bar in Zurgena has reopened and apart from Monday is open every day from 1100.

They had been enjoying it and wanted to ensure that everyone knew that, following some tidying up work by the Town Hall, it is a great place to spend time.   

Rearranged Carnival Show

Next Sunday we can enjoy the performance of the Carnival Provincial Circuit!

The performance that had to be suspended for weather reasons last month is now scheduled for 2030 hours on Sunday 26th June in the Plaza del Olmo (main square in Zurgena).

Last Nights Flamenco Show

 It seems that last n nights Flamenco show was a great success again. 

A full house enjoyed another traditional evening of original Flamenco. 

Thanks to the Shelagh Murdoch and CAT Services for help in selling tickets and to the Zurgena Town Hall  for support and of course to Francesca and her colleagues for the performance. 

Fiestas De San Pedro

 The fiesta for the Casas Nuevas in La Alfoquia is to be held as shown in the poster below.

Municipal Swimming Pool Opening. UPDATE 2

It is hoped that the municipal swimming pool will be reopening next Friday (24th June) for the summer. That is dependent on the regional health authorities approving everything but that is usually a given.

The opening hours will be Monday to Friday 1530 to 2030 Saturday & Sunday 1130 to 1430 and 1530 to 2030  and the admission charge is €2 for adults and €1 for children.  

Posters will erected when confirmed but this is just to give you advance notice.

UPDATE 

Summer is here and to combat the heat, what better than a good swim in our Municipal Pool?

Starting this Friday our pool will open and remain open until next September 4th!

We are waiting for you

Free entry on Friday June 24th!🎟👏🏼😜

Found Keys in the Rambla

 Anyone lost a set of keys?

These were found in the Rambla near Zurgena today (Thursday 16th June) They are in the Town Hall.

ECJ Ruling on Voting Rights

Some of you may have seen the recent ruling of the European Court of Justice which has ruled that British nationals can no longer vote or stand for election in and EU country. This ruling would have huge impacts for Brits in Spain as having no voice or effect on local politics could, as it would leave them without a voice or representation. 

However it is important to state that this does not affect the agreement between the UK and Spain as stated from the British Embassy. 

IT IS IMPORTANT TO HIGHLIGHT THAT THE JUDGEMENT DOES NOT AFFECT U.K. NATIONALS RIGHT TO VOTE AND STAND IN LOCAL ELECTIONS IN SPAIN. That is because these are provided by the bilateral agreement between the UK and Spain, which allows UK nationals who have lived in Spain for more than 3 years to vote and stand in local elections.

UK nationals who wish to vote in next year’s local elections will need to register on the electoral roll at their town hall within the dates specified by the electoral authorities (we expect these to be between December 2022 and January 2023). There is therefore no action that UK nationals need to take now.”

 

Next Spanish Classes

Spanish classes will recommence this September and registration is now open.

If you wish to register you need to attend at the Adult Centre, Calle Lubrin  (in the same building as the library in Zurgena. I have put it on Google Maps).

Places are very limited.

Next Flamenco Show

Many of you may have already seen some of the real Flamenco shows that this part of Spain puts on but we have one group who have performed at our beautiful little theatre in Zurgena a number of times now and they are back at last after the past 2 years of restricted enjoyment. 

I have attached a link to a clip of part of what can be seen in the show. This is to be performed on Saturday 18th June at 8.0pm. One of the performers, shown in this clip has appeared on Spanish TV and he is only 12 years old. There are others artists in the show who perform the original form of Flamenco. 

From my own experience I can highly recommend this show. As Francesca, the lead female dancer is from England, she helps the audience understand the meaning and the importance of Flamenco to the local people. The feedback from the previous shows has always been excellent. 

Enjoy a wonderful night of typical Spanish Flamenco entertainment in the lovely Zurgena Theatre. 

Flamenco Clip

Tickets are limited and available from CAT Services, (tele 950634388) and Almanzora Group of Friends through Shelagh Murdoch email Shelaghmurdoch@hotmail.com or the in Mojacar Supertienda Parque Commercial 687480694 (bi lingual and on WhatsApp) 

Roles in Town Hall & Moors/Christian’s

Just a short post to confirm that although Luiz has resigned as Mayor he remains a full councillor and will be a supportive member of the team going forward.

Additionally Jose Manuel remains in his post and continues  to provide his service and I remain fully connected to all members of the administration. We will all stay in our roles until the election next May

The Mojacar Moors and Christian’s celebration is next weekend 8th to 10th June for information.

New Mayor Elected

 After the resignation from the Mayor's Office of the Mayor of the municipality of Zurgena, Mr. Luis Díaz García, on May 31, the plenary session for the election of the new mayor was held this morning, in accordance with the provisions of art.  196 of the Organic Law 5/1985, of June 19, of the General Electoral Regime, has been elected, obtaining the absolute majority of the votes of the councillors, as the new mayor-president of the Corporation of the municipality of Zurgena D. Francisco Martínez Ramos, of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party of Andalusia.

 

Messages & Ukraine

Thanks for your messages of thanks to Luiz. I have passed on all comments to him and he sends his appreciation to those who took the time to message.

I was asked about what we are doing regarding Ukraine donations at the moment. We are still accepting food which is being distributed between the Ukrainian families living in and around our area. We are no longer sending supplies to Ukraine itself. So if you want to make donations please just drop off food items to the Town Hall. Thanks

Mayors Resignation

At an extraordinary Plenary meeting last night Luiz Diaz Garcia resigned his position after 10 exceedingly productive years.

Those of you who were here when he was first elected will remember the dire situation that financially and legally the Town Hall was in at that time. He has been instrumental in  completely turning the situation around to the point where we have a healthy financial position, free from legal dangers and with many projects in the pipeline which will enhance life for all the residents of Zurgena.

He has resigned his mayorship but will continue to support the existing team going forward including the next man to take the reins Francisco (current councillor for public works) who has a lot of experience having served on the last 3 administrations. 

Luiz reasons for resigning are personal but when you realise that for the past 10 years he has worked very hard and voluntarily only received a small salary ( the smallest in most towns in Almeria) I can understand him looking to improve his financial situation for his family.

I have proffered, on behalf of all the non Spanish residents,  our sincere thanks for all he has done. He always considered and financed projects which were supportive of our part of the community. 

As he is still a councillor he will still be able to positively impact the councils work but it is in some ways the end of an era.

Mayors Position

For some time now our current Mayor Luis Diaz has been considering his future. 

An extraordinary Pleno meeting has been called for this evening when the councillors will discuss this matter and I will post tomorrow the outcome of the meeting and the planned way forward. 

Fire Application

Copied from a Facebook page

The 1st of June sees the official start of the high risk season, for wild/forest fires. Sadly they have been seen all through the winter also.

If you havent already installed the app then do so. It has proved to be worth its weight in gold over the last year. Tell your friends! Help keep them safe too.

These are the links:

Android: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.wildfirewatch&fbclid=IwAR1Uh8SYWQ9V248KwWYAIlyowp3DvwO5wxcJGbxDtgr3AZxqpQFzL_UtQhQ](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.wildfirewatch&fbclid=IwAR2oU0GG7V_ldwq-MuKuBIhEreLtHJxENlrqkB1JdjZ81CnOvKCuWt3dbNA)

Apple: [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wildfire-watch-andalusia/id1571612202?fbclid=IwAR0LAskF80Xf9OacF9zMJz2D1OrT32zpA6xw1qjCbs2BI8tom12ef_q_fzc](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wildfire-watch-andalusia/id1571612202?fbclid=IwAR3snzh_gPe7XUGMGZVbXtjvYRCGsfLqSOqh_1wy2WBmwnweNWspPe6G7Mg)

Sorry everyone but NO post requests will be allowed. We only use the app. Fire notifications on here are only as a prompt for you to consult the app for details.

Avenida Jardines del Almanzora Road Closure & Living Zurgena Application & Palaces Fiesta Road Closure

This morning the restoration works of the Avd. Jardines del Almanzora have begun, due to the past rains there was a landslide and as a consequence a part of the street collapsed.  It is estimated that it will be closed to traffic for approximately one week.

The road up past the Guardia Civil (Calle Sierra de Cazorla) will be the alternative route.

We are going to cancel the Living Zurgena mobile phone application. I apologise for this but the reason is that the company who made the app and were supposed to maintain it did not do so with the consequent result that we lost a lot of the functionality of  it. We will look at other options going forward.

This weekend sees the Palaces fiesta with the events as shown in the previously posted programme. 

The only impact locally is the closure of the main road through Palaces on Saturday for the giant Paella from 1200 until 1700. I am advised that access to the village can still be made by using the road that runs behind the main road. I am waiting on confirmation, that that will be the only alternate route, but the councillor responsible is in a meeting when he confirms I will update if any change.

Palaces Fiesta

 Programme for Palaces Fiesta 

Reopening of the Municipal Gym

The Reopening of the Municipal Gym of Zurgena!!🤸🏋️‍♂️👟

You can now attend the different classes that have been scheduled in the morning and afternoon for free until the start of the next School Year (2022/2023), except Yoga.

Municipal sports activities will begin next Monday. I have attached the itinerary for the information of anyone interested in going. If you want to take part just call into the Town Hall in advance of the class you are interested in and register.

Almanzora Walking Football Donation

 The Town Hall of Zurgena is very grateful to the players and supporters of the Almanzora Walking Football Club for their donation of food, clothing and sanitary products for use by the Ukrainian families now living in our muncipality. 

New 5G and 4G Signal

The new generation 4G and 5G on the 700 and 800 MHz frequency bands of

major mobile operators will be available in your area soon.

The provision of mobile services in these frequency bands can

lead to certain impacts and affects  in the reception of the signal of

DTT of users in our locality. This is due to the fact that they were previously used for

the television service.

For these purposes, we inform you that the free service number for

citizens if you are affected by any issues is as follows:

900 833 999

And the website with all the information about it is:

www.llega700.es

Flamenco Experience18th June

As many of you know we are fortunate to have been able to attract to our town performances of the best tradition and quality of Flamenco performers through our contact with Francesca Girone. I am delighted to be able to inform you that we have agreed to host another night of Flamenco in the theatre in Zurgena own Saturday 18th June at 2000

For those of you who are unaware of the theatre it is a beautiful 100 seat theatre, which was built some 18 years ago. From the outside it is not recognisable as a theatre and there are no signs but once inside it is a lovely place with great facilities for performers. It is situated on Calle Pinar and is shown on Google Maps as Teatro Municipal de Zurgena. 

I have appended below the poster for the event and an article recently written for the press about Flamenco. Having attended the previous shows I can highly recommend them. 

VIVENCIA FLAMENCA

VIVENCIA FLAMENCA Article by Francesca Girone " La Gitana Inglesa " In this month's article I am going to examine what we call in Flamenco a ' Vivencia'. Whilst this word translates literally as ' experience ', the context in relation to flamenco is not quite as standard. Vivencias in flamenco are experiences, not of how many times you have performed a show or such like; the term relates to what you have actually " lived " in terms of genuine flamenco experiences. Obviously performing in front of an audience is an experience, but it is not the same as spending valuable time with older and wiser flamenco artists who carry generations of flamenco experiences with them. Their vivencia is what they have learnt from sitting around their elders in family reunions with cante ( song), guitarra ( guitar) , palmas ( clapping beats and ryhthms), bailes por fiesta ( dancing to the festive Palos of flamenco such as Bulerías and Tangos). Their vivencia is what they have imbibed from birth, quite often on the breast whilst their mother sings ( there is a lot of black and white footage of this). We have, in the past, offered theatre performances highlighting the immense talents of young gypsy performers, with young dancers ( such as the beautiful young Estela, who has performed in the theatres of Mojácar and Zurgena) and most recently, young Manuel who, at only 5 years old, played the gypsy " cajon" ( percussion box) and the guitar in our Grand Christmas Flamenco Gala. Manuel is a perfect example of the outcome of his vivencia; his incredible talent and ear for music at only 5 years old is the result of him imbibing the music of his talented family from birth. He comes from a family from Seville of singers, dancers and guitarists and obviously he has inherited the family genes. VIVENCIAS... SATURDAY JUNE 18TH at 8.00pm. Zurgena Theatre. With this is mind, we are delighted to offer our brand new project named VIVENCIA. This will be a stunning showcase of young taw talent combined with the experience of more mature artists. Those who have attended our recent events in the Cortijo in Mojácar know our superb guitarist Pedro El Funde. We are now going to present his nephew El Niño del Funde, who at only 12 years old has already performed on Spanish National television. To see his video please take a look at our Facebook page "Flamenco in Mojácar " /Flamenco Forum for English Speakers", where I have shared the video. He is tipped to become a leading talent in the future of flamenco and has already been taken under the wing of José Mercé, one of Flamenco's veteran singers from Jerez. We know that he is going to wow our audience. If that wasn't enough we are also going to show the passionate dance form of the beautiful young Estela, who is a firm favourite of our theatre audience. She comes from a family of dancers and has been performing since she was extremely young. We also have the privilege of seeing her tiny sister perform in our " fin de fiesta". Again, this tiny little girl is learning from her family and from her elders. The show will, as always be full of surprises as we do not believe in heavy rehearsals and highly choreographed perfection. We offer the raw, pure, spontaneous gypsy art form. Our ever popular José Tomás will be appearing, a fine example of a self taught professional dancer, imbibing and inventing his art form from a very young age (again from his family and friends in neighborhood get togethers). Our superb singer is Rafael El Cable is from Seville. Rafael started his professional career aged 14, touring around the world with the legendary Juana del Revuelo; again his talents have come from his family who are all professional flamenco artists. His cousin José Maya is one of Spain's current leading dancers, his aunt was the legendary Fernanda Romero ( considered as great as La Singla and Carmen Amaya). Rafael's mother ( seen in out Christmas Flamenco Gala in Mojácar, where she brought the house down) was the beautiful singer and dancer in the Western Films of the 1960's( after being spotted by the director, whilst working in the famous flamenco Tablao Los Gallos in Seville). Más vivencia no se puede tener!! ( He couldn't have more flamenco vivencia than he has!). Our main guitarist is Pedro El Funde, a veteran of the guitar who will proudly performing alongside his young nephew. We have more artists lined up too, keep informed via our Facebook page FLAMENCO IN MOJÁCAR and FLAMENCO FORM FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS or via WhatsApp mailing list on 0034687480694. This exciting production will take place in the Theatre of Zurgena at 8pm. Price 20 EUR to see a huge line up of fantastic artists, male and female dancers of all different ages, two superb guitarists, top singers. A huge flamenco Showcase!!! Ticket point of Sale: Cats Office Get Outlook for Android Get Outlook for Android Get Outlook for Android

Article by Francesca Girone " La Gitana Inglesa "

In this month's article I am going to examine what we call in Flamenco a ' Vivencia'. Whilst this word translates literally as ' experience ', the context in relation to flamenco is not quite as standard. Vivencias in flamenco are  experiences, not of how many times you have performed a show or such like; the term relates to what you have actually " lived " in terms of genuine flamenco experiences. Obviously performing in front of an audience is an experience, but it is not the same as spending valuable time with older and wiser flamenco artists who carry generations of flamenco experiences with them. Their vivencia is what they have learnt from sitting around their elders in family reunions with cante ( song), guitarra ( guitar) , palmas ( clapping beats and ryhthms), bailes por fiesta ( dancing to the festive Palos of flamenco such as Bulerías and Tangos). Their vivencia is what they have imbibed from birth, quite often on the breast whilst their mother sings ( there is a lot of black and white footage of this). 

We have, in the past, offered theatre performances highlighting the immense talents of young gypsy performers, with young dancers ( such as the beautiful young Estela, who has performed in the theatres of Mojácar and Zurgena) and most recently, young Manuel who, at only 5 years old, played the gypsy " cajon" ( percussion box) and the guitar in our Grand Christmas Flamenco Gala. Manuel is a perfect example of the outcome of his vivencia; his incredible talent and ear for music at only 5 years old is the result of him imbibing the music of his talented family from birth. He comes from a family from Seville of singers, dancers and guitarists and obviously he has inherited the family genes.

VIVENCIAS... SATURDAY JUNE 18TH at 8.00pm. Zurgena Theatre.

With this is mind, we are delighted to offer our brand new project named VIVENCIA. This will be a stunning showcase of young taw talent combined with the experience of more mature artists. Those who have attended our recent events in the Cortijo in Mojácar know our superb guitarist Pedro El Funde. We are now going to present his nephew El Niño del Funde, who at only 12 years old has already performed on Spanish National television. To see his video please take a look at our Facebook page "Flamenco in Mojácar " /Flamenco Forum for English Speakers", where I have shared the video. He is tipped to become a leading talent in the future of flamenco and has already been taken under the wing of José Mercé, one of Flamenco's veteran singers from Jerez. We know that he is going to wow our audience.

 If that wasn't enough we are also going to show the passionate dance form of the beautiful young Estela, who is a firm favourite of our theatre audience. She comes from a family of dancers and has been performing since she was extremely young. We also have the privilege of seeing her tiny sister perform in our " fin de fiesta". Again, this tiny little girl is learning from her family and from her elders. 

The show will, as always be full of surprises as we do not believe in heavy rehearsals and highly choreographed perfection. We offer the raw, pure, spontaneous gypsy art form. Our ever popular José Tomás will be appearing, a fine example of a self taught professional dancer, imbibing and inventing his art form from a very young age (again from his family and friends in neighborhood get togethers). Our superb singer is Rafael El Cable is from Seville. Rafael started his professional career aged 14, touring around the world with the legendary Juana del Revuelo;  again his talents have come from his family who are all professional flamenco artists. His cousin José Maya is one of Spain's current leading dancers, his aunt was the legendary Fernanda Romero ( considered as great as La Singla and Carmen Amaya). Rafael's mother ( seen in out Christmas Flamenco Gala in Mojácar, where she brought the house down) was the beautiful singer and dancer in the Western Films of the 1960's( after being spotted by the director, whilst working in the famous flamenco Tablao Los Gallos in Seville). Más vivencia no se puede tener!! ( He couldn't have more flamenco vivencia than he has!). Our main guitarist is Pedro El Funde, a veteran of the guitar who will proudly performing alongside his young nephew. 

We have more artists lined up too, keep informed via our Facebook page FLAMENCO IN MOJÁCAR and FLAMENCO FORM FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS or via WhatsApp mailing list on 0034687480694. 

This exciting production will take place in the Theatre of Zurgena at 8pm. Price 20 EUR to see a huge line up of fantastic artists, male and female dancers of all different ages, two superb guitarists, top singers. A huge flamenco Showcase!!!

Ticket point of Sale: Cats Office. ( Could you please add address and opening hours )

Shelagh Murdoch Copeland, Friends of Almanzora, email Shelaghmurdoch@hotmail.co.uk

Francesca Girone 687480694 ( WhatsApp) for Mojácar and surrounding area.