Most Important Meeting for Ex Pats

I understand that there are many people discussing my position in the upcoming local election. Firstly let me say that no one outside of a few politicians knows what is actually going on. Suffice it to say that the decision I have made, to remain in politics for a little longer, has not been made without a lot of heart searching and many discussions and meetings at which, the benefits for all our community outweighed my personal desire to quit. This has always been the only reason I became involved in Spanish politics in the first place!

We are holding our only meeting for english speaking expats this Wednesday evening in the Renfe in La Alfoquia last 6.0pm. I hope to be able to use that opportunity to reveal what I think is a very important piece of information regarding the structure and options for the ex pat communities´in the election on Sunday 24th May.

I hope any, and all of you, who take an interest in our community, can make it to this meeting. A good turnout also reinforces the understanding, by the Spanish Politicians, that we all do take an interest in how our villages are governed.

Presentation of Candidates Change of Date!!!

A quick mention to inform you all the political party, which I am standing with for this election, are presenting their candidates to the public Tuesday evening at the theatre in Zurgena at 2100. If you want to see all the candidates who I am joining then pop along to see them.

Bowling Green Open Day

Whilst waiting for approval to publish the update to the last post regarding the elections I can now announce the date for the Grand Bowling Green Open Day!

After 8 years of work, challenges and effort the Town Hall has managed to get the Bowling Green contract completed and intends to hold an open day to launch it.

This will take place on Monday 11th May at 11.0am. That date has been picked as it does not coincide with other bowling clubs competitions etc. However, everyone is welcome and that includes complete novices or those of us who want to know what it is like to play! (like me).

This is a facility which the T.H. decided some years ago to provide, as it was known that many expats enjoy the game. It was funded through a project which promotes sport and exercise in the community and I hope will provide that for many years to come.

For the initial day we have a number of sets of bowls of differing weights for beginners to use and all the necessary equipment will be provided. Food and drink should be provided for those present by the T.H. and there is no cost. So what have you got to lose? Come along and try it out and help us make it a resounding success for the village. The only requirement for clothing is that, if you wish to play, your wear soft soled unribbed shoes and although the experts will be in white any casual clothing will be ok.

If there are sufficient regular players present we will organise a competition. The first ever in the Almanzora Valley!

Anyone wanting more information should contact me by email or mobile as usual at @gmail.com or Mob 661147554.

Apology for Last Post

Just a short post to explain why I have removed the last post.

I was a bit premature in communicating what I did as, unfortunately, the post included a number of errors and mistakes in both translation (bloody Google) and in facts. These mistakes included both the names of certain people and some of the facts. In order to not confuse you anymore I will construct a new post which is correct in all respects. 

We still have some bureaucracy to go through before the list is finalised. 

So hasta mañana!!

Manifesto Ideas

After many meetings over the past 2 weeks in Almeria and locally I have some interesting news about the upcoming elections to explain to you in the next day or two. Some of you who read the Spanish press may already have an idea but I will need to do a separate post to fully explain it.

However, in the meantime, I am attending a meeting next weekend at which the manifesto, for the party which I will be supporting, is to be discussed. This is therefore a request for you to all send me your ideas as to what you think should be included in the manifesto. So please give it some thought and if you have any ideas that you would like considered please send me an email and I promise I will put it on the table, for consideration.

Carboneras Trip

Well from the general feedback I received I think that on balance most of the 38 people present on yesterdays trip to Carboneras, enjoyed it.

This being despite the usual hiccups of trips in Spain, such as the windmill museum not being open due to a dispute between the builder who renovated it and the Town Hall, and the fact that the english speaking tour guide, did not speak english!!

However we managed and visited the unique historic windmill on the front. A tour of the Castle where there was a great exhibition of old photographs of the area which most people found interesting and then on to lunch in Donde Caparros. This restaurant on the Paseo Maritime at Carboneras served us a good meal with plenty of wine and beer flowing.

Thanks to those who came along and made it such an enjoyable day.

I hope to be able to reveal the result of the political negotiations after the weekend.

Not Here for the 24th May?

If for any reason you are not going to be in Spain on election day, Sunday the 24th May you can register to have a postal vote.

All that is required is that you call into any Post Office here with identification and explain that you want a ¨solicito el voto por correo ¨. They will hand you a document which you need to complete and return to the Post Office. If you wish to make your voice count and I can assure you this election may be the most important of all our time here, then please ensure you can vote. Once you get the document if you want any help in completing it just let me or Andreas in the Town Hall know. Once the application is complete you will receive at your Spanish address the necessary paperwork. There will be pamphlets for each party and a slip for each party. You place the slip of the party you wish to vote for in the small envelope and that goes inside the big envelope with a form of accreditation (also included) and send in.

The closing date for applications is 14th May but earlier the better.

Any problems or queries please email or ring.