A Very Sad Day

 Well that’s it over. After 16 years of involvement in the Town Hall my time has come to an end.

We were thoroughly beaten by PP in the election and although I do not know how many councillors we have, we certainly do not have more than a couple.

We fought a fair, honest and truthful campaign. I do not want to dwell on some of the negativity but there are certain aspects I was very disappointed in.

I will no longer have any role within the Town Hall. I am sure the new administration will arrange some additional help for non Spanish speakers. I am confident that Jose Manuel will keep the job we gave him, so you will always have him in the office. I think the English speakers on Domingos list will be contacts for you all to use relative to Town Hall issues. They are Michael Foulkes, Gary Bowen and his son Simon and Ann Richardson. 

I wish the new administration good luck for the next four years. We leave the Town Hall in Zurgena in a vastly improved situation financially and with all the ground work done for the industrial estate, the mill interpretation centre, the railway, the camera security system and many other projects. It should be easy for them to finish those off.

It just leaves me one thing to say and that is to thank all of you who have supported me over these past 16 years it has been interesting, challenging, rewarding and at times fun. I have met and made many wonderful friends during my time. Many memories of our trips and Town Hall activities stay in my head. Zurgena will always be in my heart.

The blog will remain online and is always searchable in the box above.

Thanks and goodbye

Jim

Thanks

 I just want to record my sincere thanks to the below named people. They have all helped me and this week to try and speak with every non Spanish voter but I am afraid we didn't manage to see everyone. The weather and time restricted our ability to see everyone and I apologise to all those we did not manage to see.

Tom Taylor, Palaces, Shelagh Murdoch, Cucador, Chrissy Maywood, Los Carasoles, Volker Bendell, Alfoquia and Chris Hart Zurgena. 

Thanks all.

Final Days

 Well folks today is a day of reflection so no canvassing or electioneering allowed. 

I do hope all of you who are able to cast your votes for PSOE tomorrow. I will be outside the Alfoquia polling station during most of the day. 

I have to apologise for not getting to everyone’s house to canvas as it has been very hectic. I am really sorry to have missed some folks 😢

The results are usually known by the end of Sunday and we will know who has won and probably what my role, if anything, is going to be after 1st June.

And remember it is Palaces fiesta today with the free paella at 1400 hours. Everyone is welcome.

Voting Process for Sunday

 For information of anyone not sure of voting procedure thought I would explain.

Firstly all residents who are entitled to vote in Alfoquia, Los Carasoles, Cucador, Llanos del Peral will vote in the school on the opposite side of the big square area to Coviran. The other areas, ZURGENA, Los Menchones, Palaces etc will vote in the Town Hall. Those polling stations will be open from 0800 until 2000. THIS SUNDAY.

A point to note - I have been told that if you have not received your voting papers in time but are entitled to vote you can take your TIE card as it shows both your NIE number and your address. Although I would also recommend taking your passport as well, as they may ask for additional ID.

When you attend at the polling station you will see which table (mesa) to go to based on your name. Present yourself with your card or TIE. They will check you are entitled to vote and you can then select, from piles of ballot papers, each pile will be for one of the parties. DO NOT MARK THE BALLOT PAPER. I am obviously hoping you decide to vote PSOE, place the slip inside the envelope seal and place in ballot box. Really simple and easy. 

I will be outside the Alfoquia School polling station during most of Sunday in case anyone needs help. Also if anyone needs a lift please message me or call me on 0044 07368 990809 I also have this number on WhatsApp. 

Palaces Fiesta Programme

 Programme for Palaces Fiesta

Wednesday 24th May

1900h Salute of Fireworks to open the Fiesta

1945h Floral presentation to the patron saint.

2000h Salute and prayer of the holy rosary in the school house

Friday 26th 

1900h Salute of fireworks and traditional procession with the virgin saint to the houses of Palaces.

2100h Return of the procession to the chapel and the counting of donations.

2300h  Popular concert by the duo Amanecer

Saturday 27th May

1015h Chocolate and churros at the school

1045 Inauguration of commemorative plaques on the wall of the school.

1100h  Presentation of the book entitled”El Eden de la Memoria” by Francisco Martínez Garcia at the school

1230h Shoe tossing tournament.

1400h  Day of Fiesta with Free Giant Paella provided by the Town Hall.

1730h Traditional Games for the children

2000h Mass presided over by Silvera Sanchez Franco  Parish priest of San Ramon Nonnato accompanied by Jesus Torrecilla Priest of Zurgens. Followed by solemn procession accompanied by music.

2230h Popular concert by the orchestra of  night.

2300h Gala of the fiesta. With recognition of Dona Elodia Palomino and Ana Josefa Sanchez Garcia for the ‘AVVV La Torrecilla’ and the last national shows in Palaces and of  her husband Francisco López Ramon. Then the coronation of the Fiestas Queen and  Mister.

0100h Fireworks and lights to end the fiesta.

Election Fun

 We are now well into the electioneering time.

It can get a little fraught with the competition but my party, PSOE, will try and remain focused on the positives.

Our PSOE candidate for Mayor, NOELIA has proven herself over the years to be hard working, honest, enthusiastic and committed to the good of our community. She is not in it for the power but for the good she can and will do. 

You may have noticed that some of our English signs keep disappearing after being put up. We do wonder who could be doing this but I am sure we will ensure everyone knows our plans. 

These are the dates/times for our meetings to inform the non Spanish speaking residents of our plans and to meet our candidates. I am flying over to lend my support as I think it really important that we vote the PSOE team back into power to complete the work they have started.

If you can please try and make it to one of these meetings. It will be to everyone’s benefit to have an informed citizenry.

Next Walk

The next walk in the keep fit series sets off from the entrance to Juan Andres de Toledo school in Zurgena (up Avenida 19th de Octubre by side of chemists)  at 0930 Tuesday 16th May. 

If you fancy a gentle walk just turn up and join the walk