Zurgena Carnival (Update) & Parque Gines Parra

This Saturday there will be a small local carnival.

This will involve local residents and children dressing up in costumes and processing from La Alfoquia to Zurgena where prizes will be awarded to the best outfits.

The procession leaves the square in Zurgena at 5.0pm and processes around the village.

The remedial and improvement work to Parque Gines Parra has been completed this week and I am sure you will agree it is now a much better place to visit and take the kids.

First Town Hall Trip 2017

We intend having a number of Spanish cultural based trips throughout this year and the first of these is to be held on Saturday 25th February. The seating is to be split 50/50 between the local population and the extranjeros. In each case we will be using a large coach therefore there will 26 seats for each community available on each trip.

The itinerary is shown on the poster below and all that is required if you wish to go on the trip is your details and prepayment of the cost, in this case €15 (which I think you will agree is excellent value for what it includes!).

Insurance

Today following a meeting I had with some insurance professionals I obtained details of their companies personal insurances for cars and homes.

Their companies´ offer is very good as it provides excellent cover at rates some 25% to 50% less than comparable companies. All policies and contacts are in English with english help support.

I do not personally endorse, on this blog, any company names but felt that this companies offer was so good for expats I would put anyone interested in contact with them.

So, when your house or car insurance is due, drop me an email or message and I will put you in touch with the appropriate person and you can see how much you may be able to save.

Dates for 1st 6 Months 2017 for your Diary.

As I previously mentioned we are trying to establish a plan of trips and cultural events for this year well in advance.

In order that you have plenty of notice we are looking at the following dates;

18th February Carnival Zurgena
19th February Laujar in the Alpujarras
28th February Andalcia Day
19th March Lubrin
23rd April Gorafe
21st May Culture (not yet decided)
10th June Lunar Walk.
25th June Seron and the Mines

and pencilled in for the latter half of the year 24th September Moratalla, 22nd October Vera/Mojacar or Cuevas/Garrucha 19th November Alhama de Murcia.

These trips once confirmed will usually be one full day with the cost of the transport covered by the Town Hall. They will normally include an english speaking guide and visit points of traditional, architectural or historical interest. Where meals are included individuals will pay for those and the cost of any guides will also be born by the participants.

(Please note these are not yet confirmed dates when they are we will publish through all the usual channels and notice boards) 

Palaces Sunday Market

I received a number of messages about the fact that a Market was held in Palaces yesterday (Sunday 29th January). This surprised me as I knew nothing about it so I asked my colleagues and it transpires that none of them knew about it either!

My understanding is that before any such market can be held it has to be agreed at a Plenary session of the Council and that has not happened. I will try and ascertain who organised this market and what the Council intends to do about it. There is obviously the issue of access for residents which needs to be addressed if this is to be a regular event.

Update
We have identified the person who set up the market and it will not be held again until and unless it is considered in Pleno.

Town Hall Walk to Aqua Arriba

Today we enjoyed a fantastic walk to Agua Arriba from just above Zurgena. The weather was perfect, the company great, the views fantastic even if the destination was a bit of a let down. The fuente had very little water in it and to get to it was a bit of a scramble.

The walk was enhanced by having Candido Trabalon and Salvadore on it as they could explain the history of the area, the mines etc. Really interesting.

Ended up back at the Pool Bar for a beer. A lovely morning walk.

Calling All Actors

I had a very interesting meeting this morning with the Councillor for Tourism from Macael.

He is arranging to hold a historical Play entitled ´Canteros y Caciques en lucha de Marmol´.

This play reenacts the early history of the marble industry in Macael and the, not insubstantial part, played in its evolution by a man called George Lee an Englishman who was a director of the Railway which took the marble from Macael to the coast.

The role is very small as regards the words spoken in the play but the organisers want to cement the reality of the play by using an english speaking person.

They would also look at including a few more men or women in the play of there was a wish to take part.

Certainly from my perspective I think this will be a very interesting project and I will try and organise a coach party to go to the play when it is performed on 27th and 28t May in Macael.

I have a copy of the script and if any of you theatrical types are interested please contact me so I can put you in touch with the organisers. They are holding rehearsal days on the 11th and 18th February at 11.0am and 6.0pm.