How do avoid the itchy season

 

The changes

Remember though, it is still compulsory to wear a mask in public places and in shops. I inadvertently walked into a supermarket yesterday without my mask and was reminded by an assistant to put it on. 

 

Bigastro, the drug capital of Spain

The Guardia Civil  have broken up a major hashish factory in Bigastro. Six people were arrested for drug production, trafficking and belonging to a criminal organisation.  A massive 8,300 kgms of  narcotic substances were seized. 

Unbeknown to all, this was taking place in a factory unit in the town. 

I think we can safely say this will not be on the list of selling points for the town as a tourist destination!!!

A busy weekend

On Friday, the lady Mayor, the Councillor for the Environment and the Councillor for Culture opened an exhibition in the entrance to the Auditorium entitled "The Limits of Growth"

Then on Sunday, Efren Pamies and Pascual Segura took a group of 20 up to the old Stone Quarry.  

 

On Thursday and Friday of this week, there will be guided tours of the town's archives and then on Friday there will be an exhibition of some of the archival documents.  

Do as I say not as I do

 Boris Johnson says, 'Vaccinating the world by the end of next year would be the single greatest feat in medical history.

'I'm calling on my fellow G7 leaders to join us to end to this terrible pandemic and pledge will we never allow the devastation wreaked by coronavirus to happen again.'

The Prime Minister is expected to call for a stepping up of the manufacture of vaccines, lowering barriers to the international distribution of jabs and sharing surplus doses with developing countries, both bilaterally and through Covax, a World Health Organisation scheme. 

Joe Biden has already announced that the US will send 25 million doses overseas, three-quarters through the Covax aid programme and the rest directly to most-in-need countries.

Emmanuel Macron also said France would send 500,000 shots, with some already on their way to West Africa.

The UK has secured access to around 400 million jabs – far more than it is likely to need. So it surely must have more surplus vaccine to donate than a country like France. 

It its defence, the UK argues it has provided global leadership, by funding the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and making it available at cost – rather than at a much higher price, with huge profits made. 

Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week said the UK would look to donate spare doses, in line with a Government pledge made in February, but added: 'At the moment we don't have any excess doses. We're just getting them into arms as quickly as possible.'

The vaccination success of  the UK has been attributed to the continued support for the Conservative Party. It has also lead the government to making promises of complete freedom from lockdown measures, possibly on the 21st June. However, the premise that nobody is safe until we are all safe still applies. That has been amply illustrated by the rapid spread of  the Delta variant in the UK. The UK will not be safe whilst new variants pop up in other parts of the world. 

It is understandable that Hancock would want to vaccinate everyone in the UK before donating excess doses to the world but it is hardly a good example of statecraft and world leadership. It also doesn't tie in with the statements that his boss is making. 

Is this going to be a classic case of 'do as I say not do as I do.'

Useful to know

These are the chemists open 24 hours in June.

  

Fancy a walk?

 A two hour walk starting from the Auditorium this Sunday at 9am and it looks like it will be sunny and warm. 

Efren Pamies will tell you about the fauna and flora en route and Pascual Segura will tell you some of the history of the town on the way. 

Since places will be limited, you need to register at the Town Hall. 

Don't get caught

With summer coming up and more people on the roads, here is a reminder of things not to do. 

1. Drive in your flip flops - 80 euros
2. Drive barefoot or without a shirt - 80 euros
3. Drink water whilst driving - 100 euros
4. Drive with your hand, elbow or arm out of the window - 80 euros
5. Drive with a hat that covers your ears - 80 euros
6. Eat an ice cream whilst driving - 100 euros
7. Drive with unsecured articles on the rear parcel shelf - 200 euros
8. Wash your vehicle in the road - 30 - 3,000 euros
9. Be a front seat passenger with your feet on the dashboard -100 euros
10. Throw a cigarette out of the window - 200 euros and 4 points
11. Drive without your licence - 10 euros
12. Drive with 6 or 7 people in the car - 80 euros

As some have pointed out, no mention of using your mobile phone but then we all understand that is a no-no don't we. 

 

 

Our wonderful neighbours

 As I have said here many times before, we have the most wonderful neighbours here in Bigastro. Time and again they have proved to be caring, generous, thoughtful and helpful. 

Two weeks ago, I fell in the garden badly grazing my head, elbows and knee. Pamela thought I should have the graze on my head seen to and so she called Eladia and Pepe from across the road for help. Straight away Pepe came over, got his car out and took me down to the Emergency Service in Bigastro, He then took us to the nearest chemist that was open to get some pain killers. 

Yesterday, Pamela had a severe nose bleed and was struggling to breathe with her mouth full of blood. I had to stop her for fainting from the shock. Again I called Eladia and Pepe for help and this time, Eladia (the daughter) took us to the Emergency Service. 

I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we are to have such caring neighbours who are willing to come to our aid without a moments hesitation.  

A huge thanks to Pepe, Eladia and family for you great kindness. It is very much appreciated.

PS It isn't just Pepe and Eladia who have proven to be good friends. So many from the town have shown us a great deal of kindness and assistance throughout the time we have been here. 

A miserable old day

 I don't need to tell those who live here that it rained pretty much all day yesterday. It wasn't too intense, certainly nothing like the rain we had September 2019. In fact the hardest rain was at midnight. From then it started to dry up. 

The decorators were due to start painting our garden walls and balustrades this morning but obviously haven't turned up. We would not want them trying to put paint on wet walls!

Have you been called?

 If you have had a telephone call or a message on your mobile phone giving you an appointment for a Covid vaccination today, this is where you are to go. 

The Centro Social Integrado on Calle Jubilados in Bigastro is where people from Bigastro, Jacarilla and Benejuzar will receive their vaccines.  

For those coming by car, parking is available the other side of the bypass on Calle Gabriel Miro. NB parking on Calle Acequia is only for those who have difficulty walking.. 

 

. 

We're expecting rain