Monday, May 06, 2019
I was wrong...
..when I suggested it was Hidraqua who are responsible for our water supply. They are the company that are contracted for supply and for maintenance but in fact ALL of our services are the responsibility of the Ayuntamiento.
So yesterday, I took the opportunity to broach the issue of water pressure with a member of the Town Council.
The councillor told me that all of our water supply comes from the reservoir above the campsite. It is pumped there from the water station at the T junction.
The councillor went on to say that he knew nothing about the problem that some residents are facing and will take the matter up with the relevant people and investigate why it is that the pressure has been reduced. Hopefully then we will see a resolution to the problem.
So yesterday, I took the opportunity to broach the issue of water pressure with a member of the Town Council.
The councillor told me that all of our water supply comes from the reservoir above the campsite. It is pumped there from the water station at the T junction.
The councillor went on to say that he knew nothing about the problem that some residents are facing and will take the matter up with the relevant people and investigate why it is that the pressure has been reduced. Hopefully then we will see a resolution to the problem.
I proudly present...
Together with my husband Keith, I have been resident in Bigastro for nearly 15 years.
My family in England consists of my daughter Jemma, my daughter Laura and son-in-law David plus grandchildren Molly and Rory.
Before retiring to Spain, I worked in Education as a teacher from 1969 – 2004. Previously at College, I studied Education and specialised in English/Drama and French language and Literature.
I believe that I am friendly, enthusiastic and outgoing. I love to chat to the people in Bigastro and attend many of the Cultural Events on offer.
I have also been able to help local students with their English Language Studies. I feel very proud of the progress they made.
It has been an honour for me to be invited to join the Partido Popular.
My life here in Bigastro has been enriched by the friendly people and their Traditions. In return, I would like to offer my help and support to the community as a whole.
And this is my translation of the presentation of Pamela to the public by the Mayor:
I present Pam Williamson , although it is not necessary, because you all know her.
We have been seeing Pam and Keith Williamson for many years in our town. Always kind and participating. So much so, that Keith, along with Fonta Biagastro, has become our official photographer of the cultural and social activities that take place in # Bigastro .
I remember the day that they were proposed to participate as Kings of the Third Age of the Patron Saint Festivities of San Joaquín 2017.
They did not hesitate for a moment. They reacted how any of the retirees born in Bigastro would have done because they won our hearts and we won theirs.
I asked Pam to be part of the political project of Populares Bigastro because she loyally represents her British compatriots who both live in Bigastro and enrich it culturally. The British are a community very active and committed to the town and their neighbours. They deserve to be represented in our town hall in the figure of Pam.
I invite all the host bigastrenses to participate in the political life of our municipality, if they wish, as Pam has done.
As many times I have expressed in my speeches, "Bigastrense is not only the one who was born in Bigastro, but everyone who comes to live with us in peace and harmony."
Sunday, May 05, 2019
Pick up a book to read
Bigastro City Council has joined the international initiative to promote reading called "Book Crossing", with the aim of taking the books to the street so that the municipality becomes a large library.
The mayor, Teresa Belmonte, visited different public places where "little houses" of books have been installed.
The places where you can find them are the Health Centre, EI La Paz, CEP San Jose de Calasanz, IES Miguel Hernandez and there is a "little house" outdoors, in the Huerto del Cura Park.
The boxes that have been installed have been decorated by the students of the centres and in the case of the Health Centre box it has been covered with a unique design of the Bigastro hook group, as well as the Reading Club that uses the design of the Association of People with Disabilities "La Pedrera".
The idea is that bigastrenses have available books of all kinds of narratives so that they can pick them up, read them and even take them to other cities where they travel, because this project is of an international nature.
NB Photos and text taken from Activa Orihuela.
The mayor, Teresa Belmonte, visited different public places where "little houses" of books have been installed.
The places where you can find them are the Health Centre, EI La Paz, CEP San Jose de Calasanz, IES Miguel Hernandez and there is a "little house" outdoors, in the Huerto del Cura Park.
The boxes that have been installed have been decorated by the students of the centres and in the case of the Health Centre box it has been covered with a unique design of the Bigastro hook group, as well as the Reading Club that uses the design of the Association of People with Disabilities "La Pedrera".
The idea is that bigastrenses have available books of all kinds of narratives so that they can pick them up, read them and even take them to other cities where they travel, because this project is of an international nature.
NB Photos and text taken from Activa Orihuela.
Saturday, May 04, 2019
May help someone
If like Pam, you have not received your bill for car tax this year, then there is an online solution.
Go to SUMA website and type in your NIE number in the top box and the registration number of your car in the box below(Unique tax reference/N Fijo). What you should then get are the tax bills for 2018 and 2019. Click on the one you want to pay and follow the instructions to pay online.
Go to SUMA website and type in your NIE number in the top box and the registration number of your car in the box below(Unique tax reference/N Fijo). What you should then get are the tax bills for 2018 and 2019. Click on the one you want to pay and follow the instructions to pay online.
Worse that I thought
Speaking to a neighbour who lives on Calle Alemania, it seems that the issue with low water pressure is more extensive that I originally understood it to be.
There have been many visits by the water company to Calle Alemania to repair leaking pipes and as a result, the pressure is now lower than before. I'm told that the pressure drop is not sufficient to cause a problem with showers but definitely is lower than it was.
Another neighbour, who I believe lives on Canada de Andrea, told Pam that the pressure in their house was variable, some days it would be just a trickle and other day it would be really high.
No doubt, there will be meetings before the local elections for us to have our say. I am sure that those affected by issues with water pressure will take the opportunity to make their concerns known. Hopefully, the political parties will then take note and pass on the grievances to the water company.
There have been many visits by the water company to Calle Alemania to repair leaking pipes and as a result, the pressure is now lower than before. I'm told that the pressure drop is not sufficient to cause a problem with showers but definitely is lower than it was.
Another neighbour, who I believe lives on Canada de Andrea, told Pam that the pressure in their house was variable, some days it would be just a trickle and other day it would be really high.
No doubt, there will be meetings before the local elections for us to have our say. I am sure that those affected by issues with water pressure will take the opportunity to make their concerns known. Hopefully, the political parties will then take note and pass on the grievances to the water company.
Thursday, May 02, 2019
Something different
On May 12th at 7pm in the Francisco Grau Auditorium, the band will be presenting, "PARTY IN CONCERT". It promises to be a lively affair where you will have difficulty keeping your feet and your hands still.The last time they tried this, their music brought the house down.
The band will take to the stage with 3 singers, an electric guitar, an electric bass and a dance group. All of which will be accompanied by a great light show .
Tickets for this concert cost €3 and will be available from the Auditorium Francisco Grau and Estanco Álvaro.
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
The PSOE list
Medina said that the candidates have "a high commitment to start change in Bigastro in a meaningful and qualitative way". A candidacy formed mainly by "young, trained members, with great enthusiasm to work for the municipality and its neighbours."
The list is composed of:
1. Mª Carmen Medina Oltra
2. Raúl Martínez Campos
3. Olga Soto Pardo
4. Joaquin Sáez López
5. Nora Taj Lidón
6. Rubén González Costa
7. Quina Navarrete Rebollo
8. Joaquin García Elizalde
9. Ruth Molera Valero
10. Álvaro Pastor Terrés
11. Eva Moya Melgarejo
12. Gloria Gras Romero
13. Ángela García García
14. Jose Antonio Martínez Sánchez
15. Mª José Martínez Rodríguez
16. Fran Rodríguez Nortes
Monday, April 29, 2019
Under pressure
I understand that there is a major issue with water pressure on part of our estate. I'm told that the water company have installed pressure limiting valves to stop the problems with leaking pipes in parts of the urbanisation. However, I'm told that the pressure is now so low that having a shower is nearly impossible because the central heating boilers cut out. There is also an issue with domestic appliances that rely on a constant water feed like washing machines.
Why there are so many leaks is being put down to the quality of the pipework in the original installation but there may be other factors.
We do know that there was a stream that ran down the estate which has been blamed for subsidence of gardens to the right of Canada de Andrea. There is clear evidence of this in the pavements and roads and we know that the tubing that was supposed to be used for telephone cables was so badly crushed that it was impossible to thread the cable through.
Also, when they attempted to build houses on the land between Calle Escocia and Calle Holanda, they had to dig down so far that Calle Escocia collapsed into the void.
Could it be that all this movement is the cause of water pipes fractures? And if there is a problem with the water pipes, what about the sewer pipes?
I know that those affected have been to the Town Hall to complain and that people from the water company have visited some homes and made unhelpful suggestions about removing inlet filters from washing machines. Clearly, that is not the solution and in any case that would not alleviate the issues with boilers cutting out.
I do not believe this is an issue that the Town Hall can resolve because they are not responsible for the water supply but hopefully they will take note of the complaints and put pressure upon the water company to sort it out.
This is having a serious impact on people's lives.
Why there are so many leaks is being put down to the quality of the pipework in the original installation but there may be other factors.
We do know that there was a stream that ran down the estate which has been blamed for subsidence of gardens to the right of Canada de Andrea. There is clear evidence of this in the pavements and roads and we know that the tubing that was supposed to be used for telephone cables was so badly crushed that it was impossible to thread the cable through.
Also, when they attempted to build houses on the land between Calle Escocia and Calle Holanda, they had to dig down so far that Calle Escocia collapsed into the void.
Could it be that all this movement is the cause of water pipes fractures? And if there is a problem with the water pipes, what about the sewer pipes?
I know that those affected have been to the Town Hall to complain and that people from the water company have visited some homes and made unhelpful suggestions about removing inlet filters from washing machines. Clearly, that is not the solution and in any case that would not alleviate the issues with boilers cutting out.
I do not believe this is an issue that the Town Hall can resolve because they are not responsible for the water supply but hopefully they will take note of the complaints and put pressure upon the water company to sort it out.
Yesterday's election results
As predicted, the Socialist Party (PSOE) won the highest number of seats but still fell short of an absolute majority. With around 95% of the vote counted, the PSOE has 123 seats while Unidas Podemos – a coalition of United Left and anti-austerity group Podemos – picked up 42. Together, these two parties account for 165 seats, which is still below the 176 needed for an absolute majority, meaning Pedro Sánchez will need the support of regional parties if he is to govern.
The conservative Popular Party (PP) suffered a crushing defeat, losing around 70 seats in Congress to be left with just 66. The centre-right party Ciudadanos (Citizens) performed better, winning 57 deputies in Congress. Meanwhile the far-right party Vox took 24 seats in its debut national election. Since Blas Piñar, a far-right politician linked to former dictator Francisco Franco, lost his seat in Congress in 1982, no political party with a similar ideology has set foot in any of the country’s parliaments.
The change in the Senate looks even more drastic: Whilst the PSOE increased their number from 43 to 121, the PP dropped from 130 to 56.
High turnout
Voter turnout was around 75% – 8.5 percentage points more than the 2016 polls. In Bigastro, the turnout was even better at over 80% according to the data collected.Locally
In the Vega Baja the towns were mainly split between PSOE and PP.The PSOE and the PP won in 13 municipalities of the region each, leaving Ciudadanos the majority in the town of Daya Vieja.
With one hundred percent of the votes counted, the socialist map extends to the municipalities of Algorfa, Almoradí, Benejúzar, Benferri, Bigastro, Dolores, Guardamar, Los Montesinos, Rafal, Rojales, San Isidro, San Miguel de Salinas and Torrevieja.
On the other hand, the Popular Party has managed to take first place in the number of votes in Albatera, Benijófar, Callosa de Segura, Catral, Cox, Daya Nueva, Formentera del Segura, Granja de Rocamora, Jacarilla, Orihuela, Pilar de la Horadada, Redován and San Fulgencio.
Friday, April 26, 2019
Voices in harmony
Cat out of bag
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| The PP candidates for this year |
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| Pam being presented on stage |
When you pick up your voting paper for the PP, you'll notice Pam's name at number nine.
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Remember this?
Apart from the paella, local people would give us beans, cakes and water melon. Traditionally, the paella was rabbit and snails. The snails from others would end up on my plate when I wasn't looking.
Apart from decoration the main cross with flowers, neighbours would put crosses outside their houses - they even ran a competition for the best.
For those who haven't seen them, Los Jubars are a local group of musicians, probably formed in the 60s and still playing today.
Monday, April 22, 2019
A message from the Mayor
"One Easter Sunday, like today, but in 2015, I went to all of you to introduce myself as a candidate of the Popular Party to the mayoralty of Bigastro .
Today, four years later, I address you again with the same enthusiasm and commitment of that day, to tell you that I have accepted once again the challenge of "leading the bid to govern Bigastro during the next 4 years."
I must confess that, on that Easter Sunday, I was overcome by uncertainty, as I had no experience in politics and public management. My professional career had been developed up to that point in the business and teaching fields, but always in the private sector. But I had the conviction that with the help of the people who accompanied me in that new project, we would win your trust, and what with our commitment and work, we would do a good management of the municipal government that would not disappoint you.
During these four years, we have worked with enthusiasm, with courage and without sparing time and effort to fulfil that promise that, after four years, our people people would be better off. I hope you agree, because our reward is your satisfaction.
I want to thank you for the trust that you placed in me four years ago and in the team of people that formed the Popular Party candidacy, because thanks to your support at that time and throughout the legislature, we were able to carry out the project that filled us with hope and confidence.
I also want to apologise for the mistakes that we have made and the decisions that may have hurt you, but I assure you that we have always tried to make the decisions that affect our people from the path that marks the legality and justice, understood the latter as those actions that benefit a greater number of people, the damage being inevitable in others.
Being the mayor of Bigastro, has been one of my best experiences along with the satisfaction of being a mother and creating a family with my beloved husband. Representing my people and their friendly neighbours is an honour and a pride that I can not express in words.
Like in any life experience, there has been moments of satisfaction and, of course, some grief, which I have been able to share with my fellow councillors and all the people that make up the human team of the Town Hall of Bigastro.
Today, with the same enthusiasm and with more experience, I have the necessary strength to continue with the project to improve Bigastro that we started four years ago.
Some of my travel companions will not continue to accompany me on this exciting journey, and others will join us to reach our goal.
Next Thursday, April 25th, we will hold the presentation of the new Popular Bigastro candidacy for the 2019-2023 term. An act in which we will present the new candidates and at the same time pay homage to those companions that kept intact their commitment to their party and their people but have now decided to leave the front line to continue working on this project from another field.
I want to make public and share with you all my deepest and sincere thanks to the brave councillors for the work and commitment they have shown towards our people. To those who have shared government responsibilities, and to those who have carried out the necessary and legitimate opposition work. The dedication to public service is a sign of generosity that deserves all the recognition of our society, and more than ever now, that this work seeks to discredit irresponsibly by some social factions that are unable to understand the need and importance of politics in our lives, and that there are people prepared and committed to ensure the common good.
I finish with a message of hope: "Bigastro is worth it, and to work to improve it is our obligation as citizens of this small town in territory, but big in values." You can follow all the activities related to the election campaign on the Facebook page that we have created to inform you."
Today, four years later, I address you again with the same enthusiasm and commitment of that day, to tell you that I have accepted once again the challenge of "leading the bid to govern Bigastro during the next 4 years."
I must confess that, on that Easter Sunday, I was overcome by uncertainty, as I had no experience in politics and public management. My professional career had been developed up to that point in the business and teaching fields, but always in the private sector. But I had the conviction that with the help of the people who accompanied me in that new project, we would win your trust, and what with our commitment and work, we would do a good management of the municipal government that would not disappoint you.
During these four years, we have worked with enthusiasm, with courage and without sparing time and effort to fulfil that promise that, after four years, our people people would be better off. I hope you agree, because our reward is your satisfaction.
I want to thank you for the trust that you placed in me four years ago and in the team of people that formed the Popular Party candidacy, because thanks to your support at that time and throughout the legislature, we were able to carry out the project that filled us with hope and confidence.
I also want to apologise for the mistakes that we have made and the decisions that may have hurt you, but I assure you that we have always tried to make the decisions that affect our people from the path that marks the legality and justice, understood the latter as those actions that benefit a greater number of people, the damage being inevitable in others.
Being the mayor of Bigastro, has been one of my best experiences along with the satisfaction of being a mother and creating a family with my beloved husband. Representing my people and their friendly neighbours is an honour and a pride that I can not express in words.
Like in any life experience, there has been moments of satisfaction and, of course, some grief, which I have been able to share with my fellow councillors and all the people that make up the human team of the Town Hall of Bigastro.
Today, with the same enthusiasm and with more experience, I have the necessary strength to continue with the project to improve Bigastro that we started four years ago.
Some of my travel companions will not continue to accompany me on this exciting journey, and others will join us to reach our goal.
Next Thursday, April 25th, we will hold the presentation of the new Popular Bigastro candidacy for the 2019-2023 term. An act in which we will present the new candidates and at the same time pay homage to those companions that kept intact their commitment to their party and their people but have now decided to leave the front line to continue working on this project from another field.
I want to make public and share with you all my deepest and sincere thanks to the brave councillors for the work and commitment they have shown towards our people. To those who have shared government responsibilities, and to those who have carried out the necessary and legitimate opposition work. The dedication to public service is a sign of generosity that deserves all the recognition of our society, and more than ever now, that this work seeks to discredit irresponsibly by some social factions that are unable to understand the need and importance of politics in our lives, and that there are people prepared and committed to ensure the common good.
I finish with a message of hope: "Bigastro is worth it, and to work to improve it is our obligation as citizens of this small town in territory, but big in values." You can follow all the activities related to the election campaign on the Facebook page that we have created to inform you."
After the storm
The heavy rain, stormy seas and wind have left the beaches of Orihuela Costa in a sorry state. Just to think that, days before, people were sunbathing on them.
A touch of the Andy Warhols.
The PP are about to launch their campaign for the local election in May. As a first step, the lady mayor has created a website of her own to tell us what she stands for.
This is what she says:
Good afternoon neighbours of Bigastro,
My name is Teresa María Belmonte Sánchez, and for those of you who do not know me yet, I will tell you a little about myself.
I live and work in Bigastro, the town where I was born 45 years ago.
I am the daughter of Manolo (the de la Marre) and Tere (the one in the garage); wife of Marco Antonio (the biggest saga of Quino Evaristo), and mother of my two treasures, Carmen and Marco (still without nickname, I think ...).
My life goes on like most of the women in Bigastro, reconciling my roles as mother, wife, daughter and worker.
Like many of you, I worry about the future, and I live the present trying not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Tolerance and honesty are my guides. I try to think what I say, say what I think, and do what I say, and I make an effort to do so, being aware that, my freedom ends where the one that I have by my side begins.
I feel proud to be Bigastrense, and I want my town to be a place where every day lives are better.
I want Bigastro to be a thriving town where you can go out for a walk in a safe and clean environment. I want a variety of places to do my shopping, and a cultural venues that encourages me to go out and meet my friends in bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs that innovate to create an atmosphere. I want to feel that I live in an exemplary town that has quality public services where health, education, sports, culture, social assistance, ... are in continuous improvement.
I want Bigastro to be a benchmark in the recovery of the region , and to adapt dynamically to the changes that are taking place in society and economy worldwide. And that the necessary conditions are given, so that innovative and sustainable companies capable of generating quality jobs are developed.
Once again I have taken a step forward to achieve what I want, and I have accepted the challenge they have proposed to me: " to lead the candidacy for Bigastro and govern for the next 4 years ."
And I will achieve it, rather, we will achieve together all the residents of Bigastro.
And we will do it together because Bigastro has an honest, proud and hard-working people , who do not give in to adversity, and who know how to regenerate in order to seek a better future.
It has always been that way, and it will continue to be so.
And as the great Adolfo Suarez said, "I can promise, and I promise," that in four years we will be better.
In a few days you can meet my travel companions.
Day by day they will be presented so that you can appreciate their many qualities . Qualities that make them the ideal candidates to carry out this important challenge to which we have committed ourselves.
I am accompanied by 12 women and men with sufficient training and experience to be able to undertake the improvements that Bigastro demands. People capable of giving the most advantageous solution for our people. Able to use public money under the principles of transparency and efficiency, because public money, our tax dollars, are for everyone and we must work with common sense.
During these weeks I hope to be able to communicate with you through social networks. To listen to what concern you; know your ideas and proposals to improve our town, and have the opportunity to discuss them to reach the best conclusions together.
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Don't bother trying to get to Torrevieja
An enormous amount of rain has fallen overnight in Torrevieja – more than 145 litres per square metre in some areas - causing flooding and road closures.
Torrevieja town hall has just released a statement about the storm, stating that 'almost all the access roads to the town are cut off' at present.
The roads which are closed due to flooding include the CV-905 dual carriageway 'from the roundabout at McDonald's (Carrefour)'; Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas; and Av Rosa Mazón.
Public transport has been suspended.
Councillor for emergencies Javier Manzanares has asked people not to leave their homes unless it is an emergency and to exercise caution.
Torrevieja town hall has just released a statement about the storm, stating that 'almost all the access roads to the town are cut off' at present.
The roads which are closed due to flooding include the CV-905 dual carriageway 'from the roundabout at McDonald's (Carrefour)'; Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas; and Av Rosa Mazón.
Public transport has been suspended.
Councillor for emergencies Javier Manzanares has asked people not to leave their homes unless it is an emergency and to exercise caution.
Stormy weather
There you have it, just look at all the rain that fell overnight. 
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Monday, April 15, 2019
Blimey!
Last night we had the privilege of attending a concert by the Junior Band.
It is fair to say that they used to pale into comparison with the Symphonic Band. but not anymore. With a little reinforcement from senior musicians, they managed to produce a full, rich sound.
Check out my album of pictures in the sidebar to see just how young some of those musicians are and listen to my audio recording here.
It is fair to say that they used to pale into comparison with the Symphonic Band. but not anymore. With a little reinforcement from senior musicians, they managed to produce a full, rich sound.
Check out my album of pictures in the sidebar to see just how young some of those musicians are and listen to my audio recording here.
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Bugger, bugger, bugger
Runners last night
My friend, Scout John, would have got an even better view from the roof of his house on Calle Holanda. The leaders appeared over the ridge at about 9:15 pm and were going at some pace. It was then well over 15 minutes later that the tail end Charlies started to appear.
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Friday of Sorrows
First in the procession is the statue of Jesus on the cross.
Following is the statue of Mary, with tears in her eyes, comforting her son.
The paso is borne on the shoulders of ladies dressed in blue robes.
Accompanying the procession are two drums which best out a steady mournful rhythm, a long horn which produces a doleful sound and a choir that sing at various points on the route.
Bigastro may not be able to rival nearby Orihuela with it many pasos and parades day and night during Holy Week but it still manages to capture the emotion of the occasion with its Via Crucis and the Encuentro.
Friday, April 12, 2019
Saturday night
You can follow their route by observing the white arrows on the road which show the direction they will take.
Those of you who face La Loma will be able to spot the runners with their head torches as they make their way along the ridge.
If you were planning to go out at about that time, you might find your route blocked - obviously it would be too risky to have cars and runners on the road at the same time!
PS I'll try and get a photo for you from our rooftop but I can't guarantee it will work.
Are you on the list?
Monday, April 08, 2019
Not to be missed
Sunday, April 07, 2019
Very professional
Eduardo Navarette, who I have photographed before when he lived here, is now a successful clothes designer in Barcelona. Google his name and you will find articles, videos and his web site.
Last night he returned to Bigastro to present this year's fashion show and to showcase his recent clothes collection.
You will find my album of photos in the left hand sidebar.
Last night he returned to Bigastro to present this year's fashion show and to showcase his recent clothes collection.
You will find my album of photos in the left hand sidebar.
Friday, April 05, 2019
Take note
Wednesday, April 03, 2019
Weather permitting
This one should be OK according to current forecasts.
Monday, April 01, 2019
That's mean
At 11am this morning the French government announced that, post a hard Brexit, they will be employing signal blocking technology to stop satellite TV broadcasts from the UK.
They say that, if the UK decides to leave with no deal, then its ties with the continent including its TV service will be at an end.
The response from the Spanish government is that they deplore this threat but unfortunately cannot prevent France from carrying it out. Since the TV signals pass over French territory, there is no way they can recover the signal for us.
The only way to receive UK TV in those circumstances will be via a VPN at a cost of over 100 Euros per month on top of any fees that the supplier charges.
They say that, if the UK decides to leave with no deal, then its ties with the continent including its TV service will be at an end.
The response from the Spanish government is that they deplore this threat but unfortunately cannot prevent France from carrying it out. Since the TV signals pass over French territory, there is no way they can recover the signal for us.
The only way to receive UK TV in those circumstances will be via a VPN at a cost of over 100 Euros per month on top of any fees that the supplier charges.
Theatre contest
Bigastro has been hosting a contest for amateur theatre groups over the last few weeks. Last night we had the presentation of prizes for the winners of that competition.
That was followed by a second showing of the production by our own theatre group, El Lugarico - San Joaquin and Bigastro.
You can find my photos from this event in an album in the sidebar.
That was followed by a second showing of the production by our own theatre group, El Lugarico - San Joaquin and Bigastro.
You can find my photos from this event in an album in the sidebar.
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Outstanding and well worth a visit
There was one picture that stood out for both Pam and I for both its composition and the fact that it looked more like a watercolour painting than a tinted drawing. Whilst we were discussing this, the artist came over and explained that it was also his favourite from the exhibition and indeed was also his wife's favourite. I will leave you to find the painting for yourselves!
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Times they are a changing
An article from El Pais explains this:
"The clocks in Spain will move forward one hour on March 31 to mark the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. In principle, March 31 was meant to be the last time the clocks changed in the European Union, but the European Parliament has asked to delay the move until 2021.
The time change brings up another related issue that has been the subject of much debate in Spain: whether the country should remain on Central European Time (CET) or go back to Coordinated Universal Time – the successor to Greenwich Mean Time or GMT, the time zone in which it naturally falls.
Spain is in western Europe, the same as Portugal, the United Kingdom and France – that is to say, one hour behind central Europe. But in 1942, at the height of World War II, Germany changed occupied France's clocks to match Berlin time, while Britain, Portugal and Spain followed suit, albeit for different reasons.
The former meant to take advantage of the long summer evenings to increase productivity, particularly on farms, as well as to avoid confusion with its allies in Europe; Spain’s decision was seemingly a show of loyalty to Hitler and recognition that Germany was now the new master of the continent.
At the end of the war, in 1945, Britain and Portugal returned to GMT, while France and Spain remained an hour ahead. France’s decision made sense on the basis that most of its land mass falls within CET anyway, but that is not the case with Spain.
The time change is due to an EU directive, 2000/84/CE, which says that on the last weekend of October, the clocks turn back one hour, and are pushed forward again on the last weekend of March.
The idea is to adapt our bodies to natural light and save energy, but many people doubt whether any significant savings actually take place. Studies analysed by the European Commission suggest marginal savings of 0.5% to 2.5% in electricity usage.
The European Commission agreed on February 8 to do an exhaustive review on the value of continuing to change the time twice a year, and has promoted ending the practice in 2019. The time change is said to affect people’s biorhythms and can be particularly upsetting for the elderly and children. A study by the European Parliament cites medical studies that say Daylight Saving Time can disturb a person’s Circadian rhythm, the 24-hour cycle influenced by light, and impact their health.
EU member states must decide by the end of April 2020 whether they will stay in the summer or winter time. If they opt for Daylight Saving Time, the last time change will take place in March 2021, while the countries who choose to stay in winter time will change their clocks for the last time in October 2021."
"The clocks in Spain will move forward one hour on March 31 to mark the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. In principle, March 31 was meant to be the last time the clocks changed in the European Union, but the European Parliament has asked to delay the move until 2021.
The time change brings up another related issue that has been the subject of much debate in Spain: whether the country should remain on Central European Time (CET) or go back to Coordinated Universal Time – the successor to Greenwich Mean Time or GMT, the time zone in which it naturally falls.
Spain is in western Europe, the same as Portugal, the United Kingdom and France – that is to say, one hour behind central Europe. But in 1942, at the height of World War II, Germany changed occupied France's clocks to match Berlin time, while Britain, Portugal and Spain followed suit, albeit for different reasons.
The former meant to take advantage of the long summer evenings to increase productivity, particularly on farms, as well as to avoid confusion with its allies in Europe; Spain’s decision was seemingly a show of loyalty to Hitler and recognition that Germany was now the new master of the continent.
At the end of the war, in 1945, Britain and Portugal returned to GMT, while France and Spain remained an hour ahead. France’s decision made sense on the basis that most of its land mass falls within CET anyway, but that is not the case with Spain.
The time change is due to an EU directive, 2000/84/CE, which says that on the last weekend of October, the clocks turn back one hour, and are pushed forward again on the last weekend of March.
The idea is to adapt our bodies to natural light and save energy, but many people doubt whether any significant savings actually take place. Studies analysed by the European Commission suggest marginal savings of 0.5% to 2.5% in electricity usage.
The European Commission agreed on February 8 to do an exhaustive review on the value of continuing to change the time twice a year, and has promoted ending the practice in 2019. The time change is said to affect people’s biorhythms and can be particularly upsetting for the elderly and children. A study by the European Parliament cites medical studies that say Daylight Saving Time can disturb a person’s Circadian rhythm, the 24-hour cycle influenced by light, and impact their health.
EU member states must decide by the end of April 2020 whether they will stay in the summer or winter time. If they opt for Daylight Saving Time, the last time change will take place in March 2021, while the countries who choose to stay in winter time will change their clocks for the last time in October 2021."
Saturday, March 23, 2019
The curse of the plastic bottle.
1. My friend in the UK tells me that his school has had to investigate supplying bottles without labels for pupils taking exams. It seems that candidates can no longer sit for a couple of hours or so in an exam room without a bottle of water for refreshment.
At the same time, my friend tells me that, in a 90 minute mock exam there were 16 pupils who wanted to go to the toilet. It was probably all that water they were drinking.
2. One of our neighbours, who regularly walks along the new route at La Pedrera, tells me that there has been a great increase in the amount of waste left by the path - mainly plastic bottles. He suggests that there needs to be waste bins for people to use along the route.
The other solution - they could simply take the empty bottles back home with them and dispose of them in the recycling bins.
3. There are pictures on Facebook of the people cleaning up the River Segura at Guardamar and most of the waste is in the form of plastic bottles. There are literally thousands of them clogging up the exit into the sea.
Plastics are threatening our planet and our environment. Unless we take steps to solve the problems that plastic causes, our children and their children will inherit a poor legacy.
At the same time, my friend tells me that, in a 90 minute mock exam there were 16 pupils who wanted to go to the toilet. It was probably all that water they were drinking.
2. One of our neighbours, who regularly walks along the new route at La Pedrera, tells me that there has been a great increase in the amount of waste left by the path - mainly plastic bottles. He suggests that there needs to be waste bins for people to use along the route.
The other solution - they could simply take the empty bottles back home with them and dispose of them in the recycling bins.
3. There are pictures on Facebook of the people cleaning up the River Segura at Guardamar and most of the waste is in the form of plastic bottles. There are literally thousands of them clogging up the exit into the sea.
Plastics are threatening our planet and our environment. Unless we take steps to solve the problems that plastic causes, our children and their children will inherit a poor legacy.
Two sides of the coin
Nothing has ever split the UK more than the Brexit Referendum. On the one side there are trucks driving on motorways at 20 miles per hour to protest against the delay and on the other, nearly 4 million people signing a petition to get Art 50 revoked.
Whichever way things go from now, there is bound to be mass protest. I dare say this will pit even members in the same family against each other possibly for years to come.
Whichever way things go from now, there is bound to be mass protest. I dare say this will pit even members in the same family against each other possibly for years to come.
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Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Fashion show
Monday, March 18, 2019
Following on
For the next guided tour, the participants will be visiting the traditional garden of Bigastro - La Huerta.
A lot of sickos out there
There are numerous first person shootout video games on the market where you aim to kill as many of the enemy as possible. Your screen shows video as if you have a camera strapped to you. However, these are games. No matter how convincing the graphics are, we know that it is not real and nobody actually dies. I have to say, they are not my cup of tea but everyone to their own.
The killer who went on the rampage at two mosques in New Zealand had a GoPro video camera strapped to his head. Whilst he was killing innocent worshippers, his actions were being streamed live over the internet. This was not a game, these were real people being slaughtered. Apparently, the video lasted for 17 minutes on Facebook.
Once Facebook was aware, they removed the footage and it was banned by all popular social media sites. Unfortunately though, the video had already been copied and was immediately being redistributed by users.
Facebook removed 1.5m copies of the video in the first 24 hours after the attack and tech companies are struggling to keep it off their servers. Whilst it is straightforward for the servers to detect full copies of the video and remove them, it is more difficult for them to detect when people have extracted clips from the original and put them together in a different order.
It seems that we now live in a sick world where some people either cannot separate the fantasy world of a video game from reality or they find reality more compelling, more exciting.
The killer who went on the rampage at two mosques in New Zealand had a GoPro video camera strapped to his head. Whilst he was killing innocent worshippers, his actions were being streamed live over the internet. This was not a game, these were real people being slaughtered. Apparently, the video lasted for 17 minutes on Facebook.
Once Facebook was aware, they removed the footage and it was banned by all popular social media sites. Unfortunately though, the video had already been copied and was immediately being redistributed by users.
Facebook removed 1.5m copies of the video in the first 24 hours after the attack and tech companies are struggling to keep it off their servers. Whilst it is straightforward for the servers to detect full copies of the video and remove them, it is more difficult for them to detect when people have extracted clips from the original and put them together in a different order.
It seems that we now live in a sick world where some people either cannot separate the fantasy world of a video game from reality or they find reality more compelling, more exciting.
Sunday, March 17, 2019
And so we begin
We are all aware that there will be a municipal election on the 26th May.The political parties should be honing their manifestos to put to the public.
However, that is not the only way political parties in Spain hope to win votes.
The parties in power engage themselves in as many projects as they can to show how worthwhile they have been and what they have achieved. In the meantime, the parties in opposition try to find any mistakes or evidence of maladministration that the parties in power have made that can be reported in the press or even denounced in court.
So we see that, in Bigastro, there has been a flurry of events demonstrating what the ruling party has achieved. At the same time, the opposition group have denounced the ruling party and the mayor in particular for prevarication. The mayor has chosen to give her account of the accusation on her Facebook page to which the Liberal councillor has replied.
As you might imagine, we now have three different versions of what took place. Which version you take to be the truth will depend upon your political allegiance.
We are only midway through March with almost two months left for the campaigning. It looks like this could be a bloody contest with, I am sure, plenty more to come. I, for one would prefer it to be different. To my mind the contest should not be to find the least worst party but the best - the one that has most to offer. Instead of telling us what the others have done wrong, tell us what you aim to do that is right.
However, that is not the only way political parties in Spain hope to win votes.
The parties in power engage themselves in as many projects as they can to show how worthwhile they have been and what they have achieved. In the meantime, the parties in opposition try to find any mistakes or evidence of maladministration that the parties in power have made that can be reported in the press or even denounced in court.
So we see that, in Bigastro, there has been a flurry of events demonstrating what the ruling party has achieved. At the same time, the opposition group have denounced the ruling party and the mayor in particular for prevarication. The mayor has chosen to give her account of the accusation on her Facebook page to which the Liberal councillor has replied.
As you might imagine, we now have three different versions of what took place. Which version you take to be the truth will depend upon your political allegiance.
We are only midway through March with almost two months left for the campaigning. It looks like this could be a bloody contest with, I am sure, plenty more to come. I, for one would prefer it to be different. To my mind the contest should not be to find the least worst party but the best - the one that has most to offer. Instead of telling us what the others have done wrong, tell us what you aim to do that is right.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Two for the diary
Sunday, the awards for the theatre competition followed by a performance by Lugarico of their San Joaquin and Bigastro production.
Going backwards
Monday, March 11, 2019
The weather for this week
No trace of the longed for episode of precipitations in the southeast of the peninsular. Thermal ups and downs, generated by the change in wind direction, but little else.
Friday, March 01, 2019
Good exercise
Tomorrow, fifty walkers will set off from the Town Square and make their way up to La Pedrera.
They will then explore the path that takes you around the back of La Pedrera and eventually arrive at the top of Calle Holanda. From there they will make their way back to the town.
Guiding them will be Pascual Segura and Efren Pamies who will provide explanations about the history, the fauna and flora along the way.
The forecast is for a dry day with no wind and temperatures of 20 degrees so very pleasant for a walk in the countryside. I am sure they will thoroughly enjoy themselves and learn a lot along the way.
Check your pockets
The second prize of the National Lottery on Thursday, February 28, 2019 was won in Bigastro. The ticket, number 52,863, that will net the owner a prize of 60,000 euros per series, was sold at the lottery shop on Calle Purisima 14. Please note that each ticket is divided into 10 decimos which will net the owners 6,000 Euros.
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