Galasa

As many of you are aware there has been great uncertainty, regarding what was going to happen with Galasa, which has debts of 40 million euros. It was expected to go into bankruptcy tomorrow. However, following lengthy and protracted negotiations it seems a plan has been agreed between PSOE and PP  to save the company.

There will be a price rise but much less than was originally suggested.

The company was due to be declared bankrupt tomorrow December 1, but a last minute plan by the PP and PSOE has been agreed to save the bankrupt company.

I understand that a committee has been created to oversee the company and to manage the situation with regard to leaks etc.

Further details will be forthcoming tomorrow.

Xmas Market

A Xmas market for Sunday 11th December in the Renfe is being arranged.

The assisting councillor has asked that I see if any British, or english speaking, residents would like to have a stand or stall at this event. If you have a craft or other type stall that would suit a Xmas market please get in touch. The stand will be free but they may want a small deposit to ensure attendance. I have  also been asked me if I know of anyone who wants to be Santa for the day. Also if any choirs would like to attend and sing to the visitors that would be good.

This market has been successful in the past and I am sure it will be again.

For any more details please just drop me an email or give me a call.

Bravery Presentation

Today was the United Nations Day Against Gender Violence and we celebrated it with an event on the Pleno room of the Town Hall at which all the choildren from Zurgena primary school attended. They displayed their art work on this theme and sang us a lovely song.

As part of the day the Town Hall of Zurgena was able to make a presentation of a Bravery plaque to a British resident. It had been a closely guarded secret and the recipient only found out at the time.

Susan Ramsey who hails from Stockport in the UK set off from her home in Los Carasoles, one Tuesday evening in late September, to attend her Spanish classes. The sight that greeted her, as she rounded a bend in the country track she as on, was a frightening one. In front of her a younger man armed with knives was violently attacking an elderly lady. Susan stopped her car got out and immediately and without thought for her own safety put herself between the attacker and the victim. She assisted in disarming the man and protecting the woman from further harm. Possibly even preventing a murder.

The Town Hall was pleased to be able to present Susan with a specially commissioned plaque for her bravery which was presented to her by myself and the Mayor Luis Diaz Gacia and Deputy Mayor Lola Antas.

Sad Loss

Just to inform all that Juanjo (our front desk clerk in the Town Hall) lost his mother yesterday. 

Meeting with President of Mancomunidad de Levante

Through the assistance of our Mayor Luis David Garcia I had an excellently supportive meeting with the mayor of Huercal Overa in his capacity as President of the Mancomunidad de Levante regarding the assistance we hope to garner from politicians in Spain with a view to the protection of our existing rights during Brexit negotiations.

El concejal de Seguridad de Zurgena pide a la Mancomunidad del Levante protección para los ciudadanos ingleses

TELEPRENSA.COM

2017 Budget

I am currently calculating things to try and include for my budget for 2017. I need to have my presentations ready by the end of the year.

Obviously there are many projects for roads and infrastructure that come under other councillors remits. Mine cover the Police, integration, the english speaking community, the 3rd Age, and certain social sports activities.

In order to plan better for next year Lola and I are trying to cooperate in calculating what we would like in these budgets and we are trying to compile a calendar of events which may need a financial consideration. If anyone has any ideas that they would like us to consider please let me know. We do intend to hold days similar to those from this year regarding culture and food and also to do some trips but to ensure everyone has a chance please forward any suggestions by the end of November.

NHW AGM

The Annual General Meeting for the NHW scheme of Zurgena will hold their AGM in the Theatre in Zurgena at 5.0pm tomorrow Wednesday 23rd November. It should last no longer than 1 hour.

Ruta de Tapas

Our very own Ruta de Tapas starts on Friday 18th November and runs over this weekend and the next weekend each Friday Saturday and Sunday. There are a total of 10 bars taking part across the municipality and I personally think it will be good fun (and interesting to taste the differing tapas) and get round all 10 bars and get an endorsing stamp from each so that you can be entered into the draw for a prize.

The cards, which you need to take round all the bars, will be available from tomorrow afternoon. I will ensure that there is a supply in as many locations as possible but we are still waiting them being complete by the printers.

The price of each tapa and cana is €2.20

The bars taking part are as follows

El Parque, Bar La Union, Bar Catalan, Bar La Piscina, Kalevala, Bar La Vida, Marilyn Bar, El Local D Maria, Bar Almeria, Bar Pepe.

Magic Show in Theatre

This Saturday at 8.0pm there is to be a magic show in the Theatre of Zurgena. It is free of charge and will be worth a visit particularly if you have kids.

Regarding the Brexit issue. Our group, who established the Europats organisation with the website www.eupats.com,  is growing well and we now have over 1,000 email supporters and this equates to over 4,000 supporters across Europe. We continue to work to establish contacts within government in the UK Spain and Brussels with a view to identifying persons of influence who can assist us in trying to protect our existing rights.

Our latest efforts have involved the Sub Delegation of the Spanish Government in Almeria who received us very well and agreed to help and support us. We are working with the Minister for the Constitution in the UK and through a third party are seeking clarification about how HM Government will ensue our voting rights are protected (and in fact enhanced with the deletion of the 15 year time rule). We are also working to present our case to other politicians in various areas and other Mancomunidads. To keep abreast of these activities please register your support at the website. www.eupats.com

Water

Many of you will have awakened to no water this morning (as did I).

Galasa have informed us that there is a major breakage in the main pipe supplying parts of La Alfoquia and Cucador. The pipe that has broken is 25 years old and will need a major repair which will take time.

They (Galasa) are working on getting a provisional supply pipe working by noon or 1.0pm today (Monday).

This is the first time we have had occasion to use the notification part of the Mobile Phone application called, Living Zurgena, as a way to ensure our citizens get quick notification of incidents affecting our villages and I hope that you all find it beneficial to have this direct communication.

Those of you who have downloaded the app should have had an audible warning of the message and automatically opened the app to obtain the information. This will be of particular value in our (Town Hall) being able to update you all in the event of such incidents..

Calling All Petanque Players and Xmas Choristers

There is to be a Petanque tournament in La Alfoquia on the ground opposite the school this Sunday  13th November at 10.0am. Entrance fee is free.

There are some very nice prizes to be won. If you are a Petanque player or are interested in taking part please let me know.

The Town Hall of Zurgena is interested to know if any of the choral groups wish to play a part in the Xmas celebrations in the village. If you or your group would be interested please get in touch.

Route of Tapas (Ruta de Tapas) & Civil Protection Course & Women's Association.

Not to be outdone by our bigger and brasher towns and villages the Town Hall of Zurgena is pleased to announce that we will also be holding a Route of Tapas. This event will take place on the 18th, 19th, 20th,25th, 26th and 27th November. A full list of the 10 locations will be published later this week.

Cards will be available from this weekend and if you visit all 10 premises over the period you will be entered in a competition for a holiday break.

In relation to Civil Protection I am aware that we only a couple of english speakers in our Civil Protection team (to whom I am most grateful) but I need to know if in addition to these two ladies anyone else is interested. We are trying to plan a course for such individuals. This course will just be for one day but will cover all legal aspects and include training in CPR traffic etc etc. 

If you are interested please let me know as soon as you can.

A womens association (Associacion de Espàrto) are presenting a talk at 11.0am until 12 noon on equality and respect. If any english speakers wish to attend please let me know and we will organise to have an interpreter in attendance.

Tanatorio & Book Writing

Firstly we can announce after years of wrangling and difficulties the opening of our own Tanatorio situated between Zurgena and Palaces on the A 7106. We have had so many problems completing this work that it is a great relief to finally see it opening as a facility for our community.

To recognise the opening there will be an inauguration event at which all resident are invited and cocktails will be available on arrival. This event will be at 6.0pm Friday 4th November.

Further information can be obtained by visiting the company website at www.tanatoriocuravalrea.es/zurgena.html

Secondly at the Intercultural Day I presented a book written by local lady. This individual is willing and keen to help others write short stories or articles for inclusion in any future book. If this appeals to you please contact me and I will put her in touch. Having read the book it is an interesting and eclectic mix of Spanish and English personal stories.