If you doubt the force of nature, watch this video from yesterday.
Sunday, September 09, 2018
Orange alert
Be aware that there is a possibility that we will get some heavy rain sometime in the next two days. The situation has changed and the current risk level for this area has been reduced from orange to yellow on AEMET's website.
In case you were wondering, we are at the bottom of that map.
If you doubt the force of nature, watch this video from yesterday.
If you doubt the force of nature, watch this video from yesterday.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Make sure you are in order
A message from Scout John
HMRC has introduced new legislation that requires individuals to make sure their foreign income and assets are in order before a 30th September 2018 deadline and the arrival of tougher penalties.
These changes can affect people if they live abroad and pay tax outside the UK, for example people who rent out their UK home whilst living in another country or those who still have UK bank accounts or investments. It can affect more people than you may think.
YOU ARE INVITED TO A CONSULATE SPONSORED PRESENTATION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 2018 IN THE CAPITOL THEATRE OF ROJALES AT 11 a.m.
The U.K. Consul will be in attendance along with HMRC representatives from the U.K to nswer your questions.
HMRC has introduced new legislation that requires individuals to make sure their foreign income and assets are in order before a 30th September 2018 deadline and the arrival of tougher penalties.
These changes can affect people if they live abroad and pay tax outside the UK, for example people who rent out their UK home whilst living in another country or those who still have UK bank accounts or investments. It can affect more people than you may think.
YOU ARE INVITED TO A CONSULATE SPONSORED PRESENTATION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 2018 IN THE CAPITOL THEATRE OF ROJALES AT 11 a.m.
The U.K. Consul will be in attendance along with HMRC representatives from the U.K to nswer your questions.
Saturday, August 18, 2018
The procession 2018
You can watch the video made of the procession here. If you cut to 33mins.31seconds you can watch them rotate the throne above their heads. Cut to 22mins 20 seconds to watch the presentation projected on the church wall.
The coronation
This year Pam and I feature on the video taken. Watch us at 8mins 45 seconds in and see my wardrobe malfunction. Then again at 44mins 06 seconds in for a further minor wardrobe malfunction on my part.
Totally insane!
First off, you have to have a licence before they will allow you in the cage. Then you have to wear layers of protective clothing which must leave you dripping with sweat. Finally, you need to buy your fireworks which can cost upwards of 1,000 Euros.
The reward is this spectacular display which Fonta has recorded for us.
Friday, August 17, 2018
The last of my photos
Today, La Murga will tour the streets in the final act for this year's Fiesta for San Joaquin.
Last night, the Cofradia de San Joaquin promised us something special for the Solemn Procession and they delivered.
Just before the statue was returned to the church, we were treated to an account of how San Joaquin came to the town complete with images projected onto the front of the church. I even recognised some of them as ones I took two years ago.
A quick turn around in the Plaza, first on the shoulders and then held aloft and the statue was returned to the church until next year.
Last night, the Cofradia de San Joaquin promised us something special for the Solemn Procession and they delivered.
Just before the statue was returned to the church, we were treated to an account of how San Joaquin came to the town complete with images projected onto the front of the church. I even recognised some of them as ones I took two years ago.
A quick turn around in the Plaza, first on the shoulders and then held aloft and the statue was returned to the church until next year.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
One of our neighbours
Not only is he one of our local policemen, Efren is an accomplished singer, plays guitar, takes great photos and has a keen interest in the environment.
An all round good guy.
See my photos from last night here.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Simply beautiful
As I have said before on this blog, the Floral Offering is one of the most beautiful parades that takes place during the Fiesta in Bigastro.
See for yourselves the wonderful costumes and flowers from this year.
See for yourselves the wonderful costumes and flowers from this year.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
The statues
 |
| Santa Ana |
I imagine that they will need to be moved to bring our statue of the patron saint out for tonight's Floral Offering.
 |
| San Joaquin |
 |
| San Joaquin |
 |
| San Joaquin with Mary |
 |
| Remarkably similar to our statue. |
 |
| Santa Ana with Mary |
 |
| Small but detailed statue of San Joaquin with Mary |
 |
| The full display including pictures. |
I was asleep at the time
The earthquake was recorded at 4.40 pm on Monday, 13th August, 11 kilometers deep and had as its epicenter northwest of the town of Albatera.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Words fail me
As you may already know, Bigastro and the Cofradia de San Joaquin are celebrating the 225th anniversary of the entrance of the statue of the patron saint to the town.
There is a special exhibition of images and documents related to San Joaquin in the church which I will be photographing shortly.
In the meantime, let's talk about the concert.
The park was the perfect location, it allowed a full audience to attend.
The music was simply delightful and the band surpassed themselves with their interpretation of the pieces.
Diego and the musicians deserve all the praise that we can give them.
Top marks to Pascual
When the parade eventually arrived, it was mainly adults accompanying a handful of children. It was all over in the blink of an eye.
Even still, we must praise all those who made the effort to take part.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Siempre divertido
Trying to poke that stick through a small plastic ring whilst riding on a bicycle is tricky to say the least.
It helps to be either tall or stand on the carrier at the back.With someone on the carrier you have to have good balance especially when riding at a snail's pace.
Time to celebrate and reflect
Pam and I are very grateful to the people of Bigastro who have given us such wonderful support. You cheered, applauded, offered congratulations and made us feel very special.
We would also like to thank the Alcaldesa for the kind words she spoke about us during her speech last night.
After the ceremony we were pleased to meet up with friends and neighbours for a celebratory drink.
NB Please note, not all those gin and tonics were Pam's and mine!
Saturday, August 11, 2018
More detail in English
SATURDAY, 11th AUGUST
20:30h Procession of the 2017 outgoing courts, the incoming courts of the Fiestas Patronales 2018, accompanied by the Unión Musical de Bigastro, the local government team and the guest speaker, to the Park Huerta del Cura.
22:00h CORONATION AND OPENING OF THE FIESTA, in the Huerto del Cura Park. Coronation of the Court of Queens 2018, with the guest speaker, Sr. Rodrigo Jover Martínez,
At the end of the act of the coronation there will be a Disco.
SUNDAY, 12th AUGUST
12:00h The uncle of the tractor will tour the streets of the municipality offering refreshments. He will be accompanied by a charanga (an ad hoc band).
12:00h THE TAPE RACE will take place in Purisima Street. Participate and you could win one of the sashes that the courts have prepared for the occasion. How many sashes will you get?
20:00 h THEMATIC CHILDREN'S PARADE
Starting from Barrio Nuevo Street, following its traditional route, adults and children are invited to take part in this multicoloured parade, whose theme this year is MOVIE CHARACTERS. The parade will be presided over by the children's court.
23:00h CONCERT BY THE MUSICAL UNION OF BIGASTRO, in the Huerto del Cura Park.
Afterwards there will be a disco.
MONDAY, 13th AUGUST
12:00h The uncle of the tractor, accompanied by a brass band, will return to the streets of Bigastro, delivering cold beer.
20:30h Presentation parade of comparsas following the traditional route from the Parque de la Cruz. Don't forget to fill a bucket of water or turn on your hose to refresh the comparsistas!
00:30h Concert by LOS HAPPY'S.
A group with a great musical repertoire that will remind us of special moments in our lives.
Many of their songs we can sing together to make us feel that everything in our lives has been worthwhile.
At the end of the concert there will be a disco.
TUESDAY, 14th AUGUST
12: 00h The uncle of the tractor will say goodbye to the streets of Bigastro, until next year.
20:00h Floral offering to San Joaquín beginning with the traditional procession accompanied by the Musical Union of Bigastro, local dignatories, comparsas, and neighbours finally arriving at the Plaza de la Constitución where they will offer flowers to San Joaquín.
20:30h Holy Mass in Honour of San Joaquin
00:30H Performance by the 80 Principales, in the Huerto del Cura Park. The 80 Principales recall the successes of the golden decade of the 80s both nationally and internationally. The group is formed by 5 experienced musicians, some of whom were members of Ana Torroja's band, Lluís Llach or Antonio Orozco among others.
At the end of the performance - a disco.
WEDNESDAY, 15th AUGUST
19:30H Prepare for the festive atmosphere of the multicoloured parade.
20:30h GREAT MULTICOLOUR PARADE, of comparsas accompanied by the children's court, the juvenile court and the 3rd age king and queen.
01:00 h ALBORADA
A parade to welcome in our big day, with music by the Musical Union Society of Bigastro. Neighbours, visitors and the local governement team will parade the streets of the municipality, filling them with joy as they announce that the day of our Patron Saint, San Joaquin, has finally arrived.
At the end there will be a fireworks display and in the Huerta del Cura Park, another disco.
02:00h Children's fireworks in the cage on Acequia Street.
03:00 To 05:00h, More fireworks (La Cordá) in the cage on Acequia Street, with the participation of the Association of Carretilleros de Bigastro. If you are going to this event, wear sensible clothing and stand well back.
05:00 to 07: 00h Party Remember with DJ Chumy.
THURSDAY, 16th AUGUST
08:00h Parade of the Charamita announcing the Big Day of Bigastro.
09:30h Holy Mass
11:30h Parade by the Musical Union Society of Bigastro, from Bigastrín to Our Lady of Bethlehem Church, accompanied by the Courts of 2018 and the local authorities.
12:00h Holy Mass to honour San Joaquin with songs by the Manuel Moya Choir At the end of the Mass there will be a Great Mascletá (very loud fireworks set to a rythm of sound).
20:00h Majestic and Solemn Procession of our Patron San Joaquín, carried on the shoulders of the members of the San Joaquín brotherhood, presided over by the local authorities.
Following the entrance of San Joaquín to the church, there will be a GRAN CASTILLO DE FUEGOS ARTIFICIALES (Firework Display), provided by Pirotecnia Ferrández de Redovan.
01:00h In the Huerto del Cura Park, a Great Gala of Humour presented by Gina Boss. A show by Gina Boss composed of dance, music and humour, lots of humour! Interaction with the public will be constant and laughter is assured
Kalderas Cómico, presenter, scriptwriter and actor, with more than 130 performances per year in different halls and theatres nationwide with his solo show "#bienvenidosAMisTontunas".
The magic of Lumaky Artist with more than 10 years on the stage. Humour, surprises, emotion and other sensations that take us to a world of magic and illusion, and finally, The Sangochaos, a chirigota formed by young Torrevejenses in 2008.
And at the end - the final Discomovil, until everyone drops!
FRIDAY, 17th AUGUST
LA MURGA will tour the town in the afternoon. With this show, you can expect sharp satire aimed at both the town and Spain in general.
20:30h Procession of the 2017 outgoing courts, the incoming courts of the Fiestas Patronales 2018, accompanied by the Unión Musical de Bigastro, the local government team and the guest speaker, to the Park Huerta del Cura.
22:00h CORONATION AND OPENING OF THE FIESTA, in the Huerto del Cura Park. Coronation of the Court of Queens 2018, with the guest speaker, Sr. Rodrigo Jover Martínez,
At the end of the act of the coronation there will be a Disco.
SUNDAY, 12th AUGUST
12:00h The uncle of the tractor will tour the streets of the municipality offering refreshments. He will be accompanied by a charanga (an ad hoc band).
12:00h THE TAPE RACE will take place in Purisima Street. Participate and you could win one of the sashes that the courts have prepared for the occasion. How many sashes will you get?
20:00 h THEMATIC CHILDREN'S PARADE
Starting from Barrio Nuevo Street, following its traditional route, adults and children are invited to take part in this multicoloured parade, whose theme this year is MOVIE CHARACTERS. The parade will be presided over by the children's court.
23:00h CONCERT BY THE MUSICAL UNION OF BIGASTRO, in the Huerto del Cura Park.
Afterwards there will be a disco.
MONDAY, 13th AUGUST
12:00h The uncle of the tractor, accompanied by a brass band, will return to the streets of Bigastro, delivering cold beer.
20:30h Presentation parade of comparsas following the traditional route from the Parque de la Cruz. Don't forget to fill a bucket of water or turn on your hose to refresh the comparsistas!
00:30h Concert by LOS HAPPY'S.
A group with a great musical repertoire that will remind us of special moments in our lives.
Many of their songs we can sing together to make us feel that everything in our lives has been worthwhile.
At the end of the concert there will be a disco.
TUESDAY, 14th AUGUST
12: 00h The uncle of the tractor will say goodbye to the streets of Bigastro, until next year.
20:00h Floral offering to San Joaquín beginning with the traditional procession accompanied by the Musical Union of Bigastro, local dignatories, comparsas, and neighbours finally arriving at the Plaza de la Constitución where they will offer flowers to San Joaquín.
20:30h Holy Mass in Honour of San Joaquin
00:30H Performance by the 80 Principales, in the Huerto del Cura Park. The 80 Principales recall the successes of the golden decade of the 80s both nationally and internationally. The group is formed by 5 experienced musicians, some of whom were members of Ana Torroja's band, Lluís Llach or Antonio Orozco among others.
At the end of the performance - a disco.
WEDNESDAY, 15th AUGUST
19:30H Prepare for the festive atmosphere of the multicoloured parade.
20:30h GREAT MULTICOLOUR PARADE, of comparsas accompanied by the children's court, the juvenile court and the 3rd age king and queen.
01:00 h ALBORADA
A parade to welcome in our big day, with music by the Musical Union Society of Bigastro. Neighbours, visitors and the local governement team will parade the streets of the municipality, filling them with joy as they announce that the day of our Patron Saint, San Joaquin, has finally arrived.
At the end there will be a fireworks display and in the Huerta del Cura Park, another disco.
02:00h Children's fireworks in the cage on Acequia Street.
03:00 To 05:00h, More fireworks (La Cordá) in the cage on Acequia Street, with the participation of the Association of Carretilleros de Bigastro. If you are going to this event, wear sensible clothing and stand well back.
05:00 to 07: 00h Party Remember with DJ Chumy.
THURSDAY, 16th AUGUST
08:00h Parade of the Charamita announcing the Big Day of Bigastro.
09:30h Holy Mass
11:30h Parade by the Musical Union Society of Bigastro, from Bigastrín to Our Lady of Bethlehem Church, accompanied by the Courts of 2018 and the local authorities.
12:00h Holy Mass to honour San Joaquin with songs by the Manuel Moya Choir At the end of the Mass there will be a Great Mascletá (very loud fireworks set to a rythm of sound).
20:00h Majestic and Solemn Procession of our Patron San Joaquín, carried on the shoulders of the members of the San Joaquín brotherhood, presided over by the local authorities.
Following the entrance of San Joaquín to the church, there will be a GRAN CASTILLO DE FUEGOS ARTIFICIALES (Firework Display), provided by Pirotecnia Ferrández de Redovan.
01:00h In the Huerto del Cura Park, a Great Gala of Humour presented by Gina Boss. A show by Gina Boss composed of dance, music and humour, lots of humour! Interaction with the public will be constant and laughter is assured
Kalderas Cómico, presenter, scriptwriter and actor, with more than 130 performances per year in different halls and theatres nationwide with his solo show "#bienvenidosAMisTontunas".
The magic of Lumaky Artist with more than 10 years on the stage. Humour, surprises, emotion and other sensations that take us to a world of magic and illusion, and finally, The Sangochaos, a chirigota formed by young Torrevejenses in 2008.
And at the end - the final Discomovil, until everyone drops!
FRIDAY, 17th AUGUST
LA MURGA will tour the town in the afternoon. With this show, you can expect sharp satire aimed at both the town and Spain in general.
Thursday, August 09, 2018
Wednesday, August 08, 2018
All change
The forecast shows that we are in for a change in the weather. From very hot, we are moving to still hot but sticky as the humidity is due to rise to almost 90%.
Most significant to us and Bigastro is the chance of showers at the weekend. On Friday it is rated at 65% and then on Satuday (the day of the coronation) 85%.
Most significant to us and Bigastro is the chance of showers at the weekend. On Friday it is rated at 65% and then on Satuday (the day of the coronation) 85%.
Tuesday, August 07, 2018
Sunday, August 05, 2018
Sad loss
Barry Chuckle, half of the comedy duo the Chuckle Brothers, has died aged 73.
Residents at Villas Andrea will likely recall that Barry had a holiday home here until recently. Some of you even played golf with him.
The entertainer, whose real name was Barry Elliott, starred in ChuckleVision with his brother Paul on the BBC between 1987 and 2009.
Residents at Villas Andrea will likely recall that Barry had a holiday home here until recently. Some of you even played golf with him.
The entertainer, whose real name was Barry Elliott, starred in ChuckleVision with his brother Paul on the BBC between 1987 and 2009.
Thursday, August 02, 2018
Financial matters
The budget for Bigastro this year has now been set as follows; income = €4,658,522 and expenses = €4,408,522 giving a surplus of € 250,000.00 that will be used to reduce the municipal debt.
The good news for us is that a budget line has been created to improve the electricity network in the area of La Pedrera.
The good news for us is that a budget line has been created to improve the electricity network in the area of La Pedrera.
Wednesday, August 01, 2018
Pity those souls
A summer tradition
This one is in the new park at the top of the town.
Monday, July 30, 2018
San Joaquin and Bigastro
Many congratulations to Aurelio and the theatre group El Lugarico for a fantastic performance last night. They told the story from 40BC to 2018AD, how Joaquin and Ana raised the mother of Jesus, how the statue was commissioned, brought to Bigastro and received by the townsfolk.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
A hot spot
Going out of the door yesterday was like stepping into an oven. Thankfully, today is forecast to be 5 degrees cooler.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
The day of San Joaquín
Pascual Segura has researched the topic and found this:
It was in the year 1584 that San Joaquín first had his own date on the calendar: March 20th.
Then, in 1738, Pope Pius X moved the date to August 16th.
It was in 1969 that Pope Paul VI decided that the feast of San Joaquin should be joined to that of Santa Ana and that both would be celebrated on July 26th.
Despite this change of dates, Bigastro, like other municipalities with which it shares its patron, still celebrates San Joaquin on August 16th. It is a tradition with more than two centuries of history.
It was in the year 1584 that San Joaquín first had his own date on the calendar: March 20th.
Then, in 1738, Pope Pius X moved the date to August 16th.
It was in 1969 that Pope Paul VI decided that the feast of San Joaquin should be joined to that of Santa Ana and that both would be celebrated on July 26th.
Despite this change of dates, Bigastro, like other municipalities with which it shares its patron, still celebrates San Joaquin on August 16th. It is a tradition with more than two centuries of history.
For Scout John
This stunning photo is the work of Moisés Pastor taken in Almoradi.
Friday, July 27, 2018
My personal invite
Pam and I already have tickets for this event with seats which I hoped would give me a good view for photographs. However, the President said he would like us to sit in the seats reserved for us and it would be churlish to refuse his request.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
England's green and pleasant land
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Well done ladies
From Sheila Rowlands:
Just to let you know Caitlyn and her very able assistant Chloe raised 172 euros for Reachout and our new Church.
Geoff and Jean won 1st raffle prize, Vera second and Joan third. It was a wonderful effort by 2 very special and caring young ladies!!
Just to let you know Caitlyn and her very able assistant Chloe raised 172 euros for Reachout and our new Church.
Geoff and Jean won 1st raffle prize, Vera second and Joan third. It was a wonderful effort by 2 very special and caring young ladies!!
Sunday, July 22, 2018
An invitation
Last year, our first official engagement was when we were presented to the public at Santa Ana.
Riding into town
The motor biker club's lunch in the park.
I managed to grab some pictures of bikes that were parked up which you can see in my album located in the sidebar.
Band on show
Check out my album in the sidebar for photos from both nights.
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Spectacular
The Caballeros de Tadmir, who lead the parade, put on a dazzling display of dancing, theatre, stilt walking and of course wonderful costumes.
Friday, July 20, 2018
All in a good cause
Sheila Rolands tells me that Caitlyn has organised table top sale to raise money for the homeless and their new multi purpose Church.
This will take place at Calle Alemania 31 at 10am onward on Monday 23rd.
Refreshments, lemon curd, cakes, bric a brac, crafts etc for sale. Everyone welcome.
Sheila has also asked me to offer a special thank you to Caitlyn and her able helper Chloe for all their hard work!!
This will take place at Calle Alemania 31 at 10am onward on Monday 23rd.
Refreshments, lemon curd, cakes, bric a brac, crafts etc for sale. Everyone welcome.
Sheila has also asked me to offer a special thank you to Caitlyn and her able helper Chloe for all their hard work!!
The big bang
 |
| Photo by Tony Seville |
Disgraceful
We understand that the French would like to see one of their countrymen win the Tour de France but for the moment it ain't going to happen.
They did seem to warm to Wiggo as he worked his way to victory in 2012 but for whatever reason they have not taken to Chris Froome at all.
At the ceremony when the teams were introduced, Sky were booed. Yesterday, Froome and Thomas were booed on the way up Alp d'huez. Worse than that, one of the spectators reached out to hit Chris Froome which could have caused a nasty accident. There are also reports of people spitting at him.
When Geraint Thomas took to the podium, as both winner of the stage and holder of the yellow jersey, the crowd booed again.
Did we boo when the French team won the World Cup and we came fourth? No. So why boo when the talented riders of Sky beat the French teams on the Tour de France?
They did seem to warm to Wiggo as he worked his way to victory in 2012 but for whatever reason they have not taken to Chris Froome at all.
At the ceremony when the teams were introduced, Sky were booed. Yesterday, Froome and Thomas were booed on the way up Alp d'huez. Worse than that, one of the spectators reached out to hit Chris Froome which could have caused a nasty accident. There are also reports of people spitting at him.
When Geraint Thomas took to the podium, as both winner of the stage and holder of the yellow jersey, the crowd booed again.
Did we boo when the French team won the World Cup and we came fourth? No. So why boo when the talented riders of Sky beat the French teams on the Tour de France?
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Can you imagine?
The townspeople accompanied the parish priest from the Plaza de la Constitución to the city of Orihuela, carrying their religious banners.
Can you imagine that happening today?
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Another front cover
Last year, I was only able to take pictures on occasions when Pam and I were not involved as 3rd Age King and Queen. Still there are a handful of my photos from previous years inside the book.
Apart from the Coronation, when Pam and I will be back on the stage, I will be back in action with my cameras.
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Moors and Christians in Orihuela
The two parades of Christians and Moors groups will take place this Friday and Saturday with the following details:
viernes, 20 DE JULIO A las 21’30 h. desde la Calle Ocarasa Solemne Desfile de Entrada Cristiana. Abriéndolo las Banderas y Boato de la Asociación, Armengola 2018 y Escolta.
BANDO CRISTIANO Embajador Cristiano 2018: Isidro Hernández Lozano.
Comparsa Caballeros de Tadmir
Comparsa Caballeros del Oriol
Comparsa Piratas Bucaneros
Comparsa Caballeros de Santiago
Comparsa Seguidores de Arún y Ruidoms
Comparsa Contrabandistas
Comparsa Caballeros del Rey Fernando
Comparsa Caballeros Templarios
Itinerario: desde C/ Ocarasa, por C/ Aragón, Plaza San Sebastián, Avda. de España, C/ Calderón de la Barca, C/ Loazes, C/ Alfonso XIII, finalizando en la Plaza de Alfonso XIII.
sábado 21 DE JULIO A las 21’30 h. desde la Calle Ocarasa Solemne Desfile de Entrada Mora. Abriéndolo las Banderas y Boato de la Asociación, Armengola 2018 y Escolta.
BANDO MORO Embajador Moro 2018: Enrique Riquelme Terrés.
Comparsa Moros Viejos de Abén-Mohor
Comparsa Moros Nazaríes de Abén-Humeya
Comparsa Moros Musulmanes Escorpiones
Comparsa Moros Almohábenos
Comparsa Moros Negros Egipcios
Comparsa Moros J’Alhamed
Comparsa Moros Abdelazíes
Comparsa Moros Realistas
Comparsa Beduina
Comparsa Moros Almorávides
Itinerario: desde C/ Ocarasa, por C/ Aragón, Plaza San Sebastián, Avda. de España, C/ Calderón de la Barca, C/ Loazes, C/ Alfonso XIII, finalizando en la Plaza de Alfonso XIII.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Not the World Cup
Meanwhile, in France, riders in the Tour de France will be facing 15 sections of the dreaded cobbles that feature in the Hell of the North, Paris to Roubaix Spring Classic.
Worth a visit
Friday, July 13, 2018
Available from the 18th July
The list shows the places where you can go to collect your copy.
As a bonus this year, the first people to collect their books will get a reusable bag as a gift.
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Worth a visit
The two pools are in excellent condition and the restaurant offers up very good value menus of the day along with snacks to keep you going.
The only downside is that there is no shade at all in the pool area.
Monday, July 09, 2018
Reassuring
Spain's new government is working on a Bill of Law, or Royal Decree that will once again make free healthcare universal for everyone living in the country, irrespective of their legal status.
Back in 2012, the PP government cancelled 900,000 SIP, or healthcare, cards – of these, 150,000 were held by immigrants with no residence permits, and others by people in varying situations but who were not paying Social Security contributions, such as low-income cash-in-hand workers.
European Union citizens were less affected – those who had never been employed or registered as self-employed in Spain, and were not in receipt of a State retirement pension from any country, were able, in some regions, to pay a monthly fee of around €110 to guarantee them treatment, and in others, were automatically able to sign up to the system as long as their annual gross income did not reach €100,000.
For non-EU citizens in Spain in this situation – which would have included the British if the system were in place post-Brexit – their case was more complicated and, depending upon their region, they had to rely on private health insurance.
Tourists resident in the EU could obtain emergency care through their EHIC cards, defined as any medical issue that could not wait until they returned home, and holidaymakers from elsewhere needed to be covered by travel insurance.
It is likely that holidaymakers will still need to meet these requirements, but that residents – even if they are not registered as such – will be treated.
Although it is hoped the UK will continue to make annual per-head contributions to Spain for its State pensioners' healthcare after Brexit, the Spanish government's new stance sends out a fresh message of reassurance to any who feared they may be left without access to a doctor.
Back in 2012, the PP government cancelled 900,000 SIP, or healthcare, cards – of these, 150,000 were held by immigrants with no residence permits, and others by people in varying situations but who were not paying Social Security contributions, such as low-income cash-in-hand workers.
European Union citizens were less affected – those who had never been employed or registered as self-employed in Spain, and were not in receipt of a State retirement pension from any country, were able, in some regions, to pay a monthly fee of around €110 to guarantee them treatment, and in others, were automatically able to sign up to the system as long as their annual gross income did not reach €100,000.
For non-EU citizens in Spain in this situation – which would have included the British if the system were in place post-Brexit – their case was more complicated and, depending upon their region, they had to rely on private health insurance.
Tourists resident in the EU could obtain emergency care through their EHIC cards, defined as any medical issue that could not wait until they returned home, and holidaymakers from elsewhere needed to be covered by travel insurance.
It is likely that holidaymakers will still need to meet these requirements, but that residents – even if they are not registered as such – will be treated.
Although it is hoped the UK will continue to make annual per-head contributions to Spain for its State pensioners' healthcare after Brexit, the Spanish government's new stance sends out a fresh message of reassurance to any who feared they may be left without access to a doctor.
For your diaries
Wednesday, July 04, 2018
Saturdays in July
The swimming pools look fabulous and the restaurant has been smartened up.
Lunch time menus sound tasty and offer good value for money.
Now, for July they are offering live music for those who go up there for a meal on Saturdays.
NB I haven't tried their food personally but speaking to those who have, it is recommended.
Brutal
We watched the game last night between England and Columbia. At times it barely resembled football, it was more like war.
Sadly, the referee failed to stamp his authority early on so the Columbians took it upon themselves to surround him and argue every decision. Then the England players, at first composed and disciplined, decided to join in.
The Columbians also indulged in grappling throughout and even saw one of their coaching staff give Raheem Sterling a deliberate and totally unnecessary nudge as he came off at half-time. Then there was the deliberate head butt on Henderson that the ref failed to see.
There was another element of dirty tricks when Harry Kane waited four minutes to take his penalty, Colombia's Johan Mojica scuffing up the penalty spot amid scenes close to anarchy as others tried to get inside the England captain's head.
I don't have the match statistics to show how many yellow cards were handed out, more than I have ever seen at a game before.
Sadly, the referee failed to stamp his authority early on so the Columbians took it upon themselves to surround him and argue every decision. Then the England players, at first composed and disciplined, decided to join in.
The Columbians also indulged in grappling throughout and even saw one of their coaching staff give Raheem Sterling a deliberate and totally unnecessary nudge as he came off at half-time. Then there was the deliberate head butt on Henderson that the ref failed to see.
There was another element of dirty tricks when Harry Kane waited four minutes to take his penalty, Colombia's Johan Mojica scuffing up the penalty spot amid scenes close to anarchy as others tried to get inside the England captain's head.
I don't have the match statistics to show how many yellow cards were handed out, more than I have ever seen at a game before.
Monday, July 02, 2018
Made my day
Chris Froome's anti-doping case has been dropped by cycling's world governing body, the UCI.
The substance - which Froome says is used to help manage his asthma - is permitted without the use of a therapeutic use exemption but only within certain doses.
Team Sky said Froome was only 19% over the limit - not double as has been previously reported - when the adverse test was adjusted to take account of dehydration.
They also claim 20 other tests conducted on Froome during his victory at last year's Vuelta a Espana did not need any "further explanation".
"The same individual can exhibit significant variations in test results taken over multiple days while using exactly the same amount of salbutamol," Brailsford said.
"This means that the level of salbutamol in a single urine sample, alone, is not a reliable indicator of the amount inhaled".
Decision based 'on expert opinions'
A UCI statement says that "on 28 June 2018, Wada informed the UCI it would accept, based on the specific facts of the case, that Mr Froome's sample results do not constitute an AAF (adverse analytical finding)" and "in light of Wada's unparalleled access to information and authorship of of the salbutamol regime, the UCI has decided to close proceedings against Mr Froome".
The statement added: "While the UCI would have obviously preferred the proceedings to have been finalised earlier in the season, it had to ensure that Mr Froome had a fair process.
"The UCI understands that there will be significant discussion of this decision, but wishes to reassure all that its decision is based on expert opinions, Wada's advice, and a full assessment of the facts of the case."
Of course, none of us should have know anything about this. However, the Guardian published a story by journalists Sean Ingle and Martha Kelner. Totalling over 1,500 words, the essentials were summed up by the 11-word headline: Chris Froome fights to save career after failed drugs test result.
Team Sky’s star and Bradley Wiggins were part a group of 25 athletes who had their data stolen from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and published by Russian hackers known as ‘Fancy Bears’. It was the second such leak in a week involving athletes from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Footnote: Fancy Bears are an anonymous cyber espionage group responsible for leaking confidential information from the worlds of politics and sport.
Their earliest work included hacking Georgia's government ministries before the Russian army invaded the country in 2008.
Since then, Fancy Bears have targeted the White House and the CIA and were responsible for the email hack of the Democratic National Committee which is thought to have badly damaged Hillary Clinton’s campaign for the presidency.
The group has infiltrated computer systems of several foreign governments and were accused of trying to disrupt the 2017 General Election. It is also suspected that they had involvement in the BREXIT referendum.
Many believe that they are working on behalf of the Russian Government who, it is claimed, fund them.
The substance - which Froome says is used to help manage his asthma - is permitted without the use of a therapeutic use exemption but only within certain doses.
Team Sky said Froome was only 19% over the limit - not double as has been previously reported - when the adverse test was adjusted to take account of dehydration.
They also claim 20 other tests conducted on Froome during his victory at last year's Vuelta a Espana did not need any "further explanation".
"The same individual can exhibit significant variations in test results taken over multiple days while using exactly the same amount of salbutamol," Brailsford said.
"This means that the level of salbutamol in a single urine sample, alone, is not a reliable indicator of the amount inhaled".
Decision based 'on expert opinions'
A UCI statement says that "on 28 June 2018, Wada informed the UCI it would accept, based on the specific facts of the case, that Mr Froome's sample results do not constitute an AAF (adverse analytical finding)" and "in light of Wada's unparalleled access to information and authorship of of the salbutamol regime, the UCI has decided to close proceedings against Mr Froome".
The statement added: "While the UCI would have obviously preferred the proceedings to have been finalised earlier in the season, it had to ensure that Mr Froome had a fair process.
"The UCI understands that there will be significant discussion of this decision, but wishes to reassure all that its decision is based on expert opinions, Wada's advice, and a full assessment of the facts of the case."
Of course, none of us should have know anything about this. However, the Guardian published a story by journalists Sean Ingle and Martha Kelner. Totalling over 1,500 words, the essentials were summed up by the 11-word headline: Chris Froome fights to save career after failed drugs test result.
Where did the journalists get their information?
Team Sky’s star and Bradley Wiggins were part a group of 25 athletes who had their data stolen from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and published by Russian hackers known as ‘Fancy Bears’. It was the second such leak in a week involving athletes from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Footnote: Fancy Bears are an anonymous cyber espionage group responsible for leaking confidential information from the worlds of politics and sport.
Their earliest work included hacking Georgia's government ministries before the Russian army invaded the country in 2008.
Since then, Fancy Bears have targeted the White House and the CIA and were responsible for the email hack of the Democratic National Committee which is thought to have badly damaged Hillary Clinton’s campaign for the presidency.
The group has infiltrated computer systems of several foreign governments and were accused of trying to disrupt the 2017 General Election. It is also suspected that they had involvement in the BREXIT referendum.
Many believe that they are working on behalf of the Russian Government who, it is claimed, fund them.
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