| Torrevieja |
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Chairman's Report
Welcome back to the season of mists and mellow
fruitfulness (or words to that effect). I am writing this in
August, ready for the beginning of the new season in
September. While I have been more or less out of action
since the May meeting at Los Alcos, members have
dispersed to all points of the globe, and it has not been
possible to contact some of them for updates. Entirely my
fault, so I apologise if this Newsletter is less than
comprehensive. For the same reason, there will be no
illustrations in this edition.
I think we can all agree that the move to Los Arcos has
been a great success. Our numbers are growing - we now
have 173 members - as are the number of activity groups.
The latest additions, Play Reading, Life Coaching Spanish
for Beginners and Spanish History, add to the great variety
of subjects available. We think, however, that the Music
and Theatre Visits group should be renamed, since we
have not found it possible to arrange visits. The Music and
Theatre Notice Board would be a better description. We
are still looking for a leader for the Spanish Art group.
Anyone interested?
However, I must add that with this growth comes more
work, and we need helpers to share the load. For a start
we need someone to act as liason with the website. To
prevent spammers and other unauthorised users from
getting stuff onto our website (and believe me, they try) we
agreed with our Webmaster, Andy, that he would take
amendments only from me. That means that every addition
or change is given first to me and then I pass it to Andy. So
if I’m not around the website gets out of date very quickly.
Would someone like to take over that role. It’s all done by
email, and involves a few hours a week. So if you are on
the net and have a little time for some light duties, please
let me know.
There is also a vacancy for an editor for the Newsletter,
preferably with greater knowledge of layout and
illustrations than I have. There’s no hurry - I can carry on
until someone comes along, but if any of you would like to
have a go, please let me know. You spend about three
months gathering and storing information as it comes
along, and then a week or so turning it into the Newsletter.
We also need back-ups for the members of the Committee.
All of us visit UK from time to time, and when there is
nobody here to mind the shop, continuity is lost. The same
is true of activity groups, some of which could continue
despite the leader being away. So contact any committee
member or your group leader to see if they want help, and
if so, muck in.
So, welcome to the new season, and have a great time. If
you don’t enjoy it, it’s your fault.
Welcome back to the season of mists and mellow
fruitfulness (or words to that effect). I am writing this in
August, ready for the beginning of the new season in
September. While I have been more or less out of action
since the May meeting at Los Alcos, members have
dispersed to all points of the globe, and it has not been
possible to contact some of them for updates. Entirely my
fault, so I apologise if this Newsletter is less than
comprehensive. For the same reason, there will be no
illustrations in this edition.
I think we can all agree that the move to Los Arcos has
been a great success. Our numbers are growing - we now
have 173 members - as are the number of activity groups.
The latest additions, Play Reading, Life Coaching Spanish
for Beginners and Spanish History, add to the great variety
of subjects available. We think, however, that the Music
and Theatre Visits group should be renamed, since we
have not found it possible to arrange visits. The Music and
Theatre Notice Board would be a better description. We
are still looking for a leader for the Spanish Art group.
Anyone interested?
However, I must add that with this growth comes more
work, and we need helpers to share the load. For a start
we need someone to act as liason with the website. To
prevent spammers and other unauthorised users from
getting stuff onto our website (and believe me, they try) we
agreed with our Webmaster, Andy, that he would take
amendments only from me. That means that every addition
or change is given first to me and then I pass it to Andy. So
if I’m not around the website gets out of date very quickly.
Would someone like to take over that role. It’s all done by
email, and involves a few hours a week. So if you are on
the net and have a little time for some light duties, please
let me know.
There is also a vacancy for an editor for the Newsletter,
preferably with greater knowledge of layout and
illustrations than I have. There’s no hurry - I can carry on
until someone comes along, but if any of you would like to
have a go, please let me know. You spend about three
months gathering and storing information as it comes
along, and then a week or so turning it into the Newsletter.
We also need back-ups for the members of the Committee.
All of us visit UK from time to time, and when there is
nobody here to mind the shop, continuity is lost. The same
is true of activity groups, some of which could continue
despite the leader being away. So contact any committee
member or your group leader to see if they want help, and
if so, muck in.
So, welcome to the new season, and have a great time. If
you don’t enjoy it, it’s your fault.
Armchair Travel
Jean Cook writes:
We begin again on the second Tuesday in October, at our
winter ‘home’ in Camping Florantilles, with a video and
photographs of wildlife reserves in South Africa.
In November Keith and Gill Jones will be hosting the
meeting at their home, with Keith’s magnificent DVD of
China.
I have only the first two meetings planned in the autumn,
so if any member feels able to offer a talk, or a
presentation, or discussion, I would love to hear from you.
We have had a very varied programme to date, and not
just items about far-flung places. We are all interested to
hear about people’s experiences, ranging from day trips,
or short breaks, at home or abroad, to longer travels, and
even living in different countries.
At the moment our group is full, but, as with all groups,
members come and go, so if you are interested, please
give me your contact details. If you are willing to lead a
group, we may be able to start a second one. If not, then
can I contact you when a space becomes available
Jean Cook cook2cookies@yahoo.co.uk
Jean Cook writes:
We begin again on the second Tuesday in October, at our
winter ‘home’ in Camping Florantilles, with a video and
photographs of wildlife reserves in South Africa.
In November Keith and Gill Jones will be hosting the
meeting at their home, with Keith’s magnificent DVD of
China.
I have only the first two meetings planned in the autumn,
so if any member feels able to offer a talk, or a
presentation, or discussion, I would love to hear from you.
We have had a very varied programme to date, and not
just items about far-flung places. We are all interested to
hear about people’s experiences, ranging from day trips,
or short breaks, at home or abroad, to longer travels, and
even living in different countries.
At the moment our group is full, but, as with all groups,
members come and go, so if you are interested, please
give me your contact details. If you are willing to lead a
group, we may be able to start a second one. If not, then
can I contact you when a space becomes available
Jean Cook cook2cookies@yahoo.co.uk
Bridge
Bob Kiss writes:
The Bridge section continues to thrive and from January to
April there were three or four tables, 12 to 16 players,
regularly each week. Since May numbers have dropped
due mainly to those returning to the UK and Ireland for the
Summer. We have however managed one or two tables
and will continue through the Summer, players and
weather permitting.
Derek Rush our retired English Bridge Union tutor has
been a great inspiration to many members, particularly the
new players and improvers, teaching bidding and card
play. We continue to meet at the Asturias restaurant Playa
Flamenco on Wednesdays from 10.00 to 12.30 and look
forward to new members who wish to learn Bridge and
improvers who enjoy a social couple of hours – no
pressure!
Bob Kiss kissrw@yahoo.co.uk
Bob Kiss writes:
The Bridge section continues to thrive and from January to
April there were three or four tables, 12 to 16 players,
regularly each week. Since May numbers have dropped
due mainly to those returning to the UK and Ireland for the
Summer. We have however managed one or two tables
and will continue through the Summer, players and
weather permitting.
Derek Rush our retired English Bridge Union tutor has
been a great inspiration to many members, particularly the
new players and improvers, teaching bidding and card
play. We continue to meet at the Asturias restaurant Playa
Flamenco on Wednesdays from 10.00 to 12.30 and look
forward to new members who wish to learn Bridge and
improvers who enjoy a social couple of hours – no
pressure!
Bob Kiss kissrw@yahoo.co.uk
Discussion Group
Jean Wilson writes:
Following Jane Cronin’s information about percentages of
different nationalities on the Costa Blanca, the discussion
group looked at the ramifications of immigration as a world-
wide phenomenon. The reasons of course are many and
we were reminded that this has happened again and again
throughout history.
The loss of cultural identity, changing values and
expectations, language difficulties, age variations, rising
crime, resurgence of diseases (T.B., leprosy, hepatitis,
AIDS) and split loyalties are a few of the considerations
discussed.
Jean Wilson paj781@lycos.co.uk
Jean Wilson writes:
Following Jane Cronin’s information about percentages of
different nationalities on the Costa Blanca, the discussion
group looked at the ramifications of immigration as a world-
wide phenomenon. The reasons of course are many and
we were reminded that this has happened again and again
throughout history.
The loss of cultural identity, changing values and
expectations, language difficulties, age variations, rising
crime, resurgence of diseases (T.B., leprosy, hepatitis,
AIDS) and split loyalties are a few of the considerations
discussed.
Jean Wilson paj781@lycos.co.uk
Food
Many of you will be unaware that Laurie Winstanley has
been in hospital, having been diagnosed with a brain
tumour. After successful surgery she is now home, and is
expected to make a full recovery.
We all wish her well, and look forward to seeing her at
future meetings very soon.
Many of you will be unaware that Laurie Winstanley has
been in hospital, having been diagnosed with a brain
tumour. After successful surgery she is now home, and is
expected to make a full recovery.
We all wish her well, and look forward to seeing her at
future meetings very soon.
Genealogy
The Genealogy class resumes on Tuesday 21st October
at 2.30 at Jean Law’s apartment.
Jean Law law_mk@yahoo.com
The Genealogy class resumes on Tuesday 21st October
at 2.30 at Jean Law’s apartment.
Jean Law law_mk@yahoo.com
Holistic Health
Mike Law writes:
The last meeting of the Holstic health group took place at
the Rocajuna Bar on Thursday 8th May at 10.30 am. 12
members attended for a very interesting presentation by
Serena Morris a Shiatsu practitioner from Campoamor. Her
presentation and demonstration were so good that the
meeting overran. She was assisted by Fiona Harlowe a
Holistic skin care specialist, so we had two for the price of
one.
Next meetings are: 9th October, Reiki, theory and
treatments, 13th November, Magnetic Energies, 11th
December, speaker to be decided.
Mike Law law_mk@yahoo.com
Mike Law writes:
The last meeting of the Holstic health group took place at
the Rocajuna Bar on Thursday 8th May at 10.30 am. 12
members attended for a very interesting presentation by
Serena Morris a Shiatsu practitioner from Campoamor. Her
presentation and demonstration were so good that the
meeting overran. She was assisted by Fiona Harlowe a
Holistic skin care specialist, so we had two for the price of
one.
Next meetings are: 9th October, Reiki, theory and
treatments, 13th November, Magnetic Energies, 11th
December, speaker to be decided.
Mike Law law_mk@yahoo.com
Life Coaching
A new subject for us.
Migel Jayasinghe has tried to contact those who expressed
an interest in Life Coaching at he last meeting.
Unfortunately, most of them seem to be away, so Migeligel
will contact them at the next meeting, September 25th .
Migel Jayasinghe migeljay@hotmail.com
A new subject for us.
Migel Jayasinghe has tried to contact those who expressed
an interest in Life Coaching at he last meeting.
Unfortunately, most of them seem to be away, so Migeligel
will contact them at the next meeting, September 25th .
Migel Jayasinghe migeljay@hotmail.com
Literature 2
David Evans writes:
Books are chosen to give a diversity of topics, as can be
seen from the selection for this year.
The ‘difficult’ book is Salman Rushdie’s The Ground
Beneath her Feet, the travel book is The Great Railway
Bazaar by Paul Theroux, and the classic is Wuthering
Heights by Emily Bronte. The other novels are The
Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell, The
Island by Victoria Hislop, and Half Broken Things by Morag
Joss.
Meetings take place in David Evans’ apartment in San
Miguel at 10.30 on the first Friday of every month. New
members are welcome, and the first book to be discussed
will be the Rushdie.
David Evans noelevans@waitrose.com
David Evans writes:
Books are chosen to give a diversity of topics, as can be
seen from the selection for this year.
The ‘difficult’ book is Salman Rushdie’s The Ground
Beneath her Feet, the travel book is The Great Railway
Bazaar by Paul Theroux, and the classic is Wuthering
Heights by Emily Bronte. The other novels are The
Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell, The
Island by Victoria Hislop, and Half Broken Things by Morag
Joss.
Meetings take place in David Evans’ apartment in San
Miguel at 10.30 on the first Friday of every month. New
members are welcome, and the first book to be discussed
will be the Rushdie.
David Evans noelevans@waitrose.com
Music & Theatre Notice Board
Graham Evans writes:
Although September is almost upon us, the cultural web
sites of Alicante and Orihuela do not provide any
programme details beyond June 2008! The Torrevieja
web site tempts the visitor to view programmes for July,
August & September but does not respond when any
specific month is clicked! I did manage to obtain a brief
reference to a Spanish play being presented there on 28
September entitled “How to Make a Man Absolutely
Wretched” (my translation) but there is no indication of the
theatre company involved or the playwrite.
However, dear old Murcia comes up trumps (www.
auditoriomurcia.org). Between now and February visiting
orchestras include:
Finish Radio Symphony Orchestra (31 October) Mozart &
Sibelius;
Murcia Symphony Orchestra (14 November) Beethoven
Bizet; (12 December) Liszt & Bruckner; (16 January)
Smetena & Martinu [all having very good seat prices];
Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of
Roger Norrington (20 November) Haydn & Mahler;
Academy of Ancient Music (17 December), Bach Christmas
Oratorio;
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (21 January) Schumann &
Vaughan Williams
Surprisingly, I could find no theatre, chamber music,
flamenco or vocal recitals in the Murcia venues between
now and April 2009.
But for dance enthusiasts there are to be visits in the new
year by the Eifman Ballet, from Russia; Leipzig Ballet; and
Houston Ballet. Murcia Dance Company will also be
appearing.
Full details of the particular programmes, locations and
prices are all on the Murcia web site
Graham Evans writes:
Although September is almost upon us, the cultural web
sites of Alicante and Orihuela do not provide any
programme details beyond June 2008! The Torrevieja
web site tempts the visitor to view programmes for July,
August & September but does not respond when any
specific month is clicked! I did manage to obtain a brief
reference to a Spanish play being presented there on 28
September entitled “How to Make a Man Absolutely
Wretched” (my translation) but there is no indication of the
theatre company involved or the playwrite.
However, dear old Murcia comes up trumps (www.
auditoriomurcia.org). Between now and February visiting
orchestras include:
Finish Radio Symphony Orchestra (31 October) Mozart &
Sibelius;
Murcia Symphony Orchestra (14 November) Beethoven
Bizet; (12 December) Liszt & Bruckner; (16 January)
Smetena & Martinu [all having very good seat prices];
Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of
Roger Norrington (20 November) Haydn & Mahler;
Academy of Ancient Music (17 December), Bach Christmas
Oratorio;
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (21 January) Schumann &
Vaughan Williams
Surprisingly, I could find no theatre, chamber music,
flamenco or vocal recitals in the Murcia venues between
now and April 2009.
But for dance enthusiasts there are to be visits in the new
year by the Eifman Ballet, from Russia; Leipzig Ballet; and
Houston Ballet. Murcia Dance Company will also be
appearing.
Full details of the particular programmes, locations and
prices are all on the Murcia web site
Pilates
Maureen Moffatt will resume her Pilates classes on
Monday 6th October at 1.30 in the Asturias. Further dates
are 6th 13th and 20th October and 3rd November until 8th
December. Maureen is thinking of changing the name of
the class since it also includes basic stretching and toning
sessions. She says she will contact members of the class
individually before classes start.
Maureen Moffatt maureen.moffatt@hotmail.co.uk
Maureen Moffatt will resume her Pilates classes on
Monday 6th October at 1.30 in the Asturias. Further dates
are 6th 13th and 20th October and 3rd November until 8th
December. Maureen is thinking of changing the name of
the class since it also includes basic stretching and toning
sessions. She says she will contact members of the class
individually before classes start.
Maureen Moffatt maureen.moffatt@hotmail.co.uk
Another addition to our lengthening list of activities, to be
run by Anne Stebbings.
For more information contact Anne.
Anne Stebbings annestebbings@hotmail.com
Psychology
Jean Wilson writes:
1.Neuro-linguistic Programming has become well known in
those areas whereby for some reason or other a person
wishes to change their responses to certain experiences,
such as flying, fear of open spaces, shyness, smoking,
blushing, road rage, etc. This session dealt with the power
of persistent positive language using positive affirmations
which can help in the transformation of perception and its
responses.
2.Brain chemistry dealt with the ways different types of
chemicals have an effect on behaviour as a person passes
through the various stages of growth to maturity, the
adrenaline high of adolescence, the dopamine feel-good
chemical brought about by hedonistic behaviour, smoking,
drugs and ego satisfying self esteem needs, to chemicals
such as oxytocin which comes into play after childbirth,
which reinforces bonding responses.
3.The uses and abuses of subliminal persuasion. The
three main concerns were the use of techniques to
influence ideas and attitudes for marketing power and
religious and political control.
Some kinds of fanaticism are developed in this way, plus
the use of N.L.P. The techniques have become highly
sophisticated especially now that world wide
communication is available to the majority of people.
October meetings commence on the lst Monday of the
month at the Water Tower on the 332, at 10.30.
Jean Wilson paj781@lycos.co.uk
Jean Wilson writes:
1.Neuro-linguistic Programming has become well known in
those areas whereby for some reason or other a person
wishes to change their responses to certain experiences,
such as flying, fear of open spaces, shyness, smoking,
blushing, road rage, etc. This session dealt with the power
of persistent positive language using positive affirmations
which can help in the transformation of perception and its
responses.
2.Brain chemistry dealt with the ways different types of
chemicals have an effect on behaviour as a person passes
through the various stages of growth to maturity, the
adrenaline high of adolescence, the dopamine feel-good
chemical brought about by hedonistic behaviour, smoking,
drugs and ego satisfying self esteem needs, to chemicals
such as oxytocin which comes into play after childbirth,
which reinforces bonding responses.
3.The uses and abuses of subliminal persuasion. The
three main concerns were the use of techniques to
influence ideas and attitudes for marketing power and
religious and political control.
Some kinds of fanaticism are developed in this way, plus
the use of N.L.P. The techniques have become highly
sophisticated especially now that world wide
communication is available to the majority of people.
October meetings commence on the lst Monday of the
month at the Water Tower on the 332, at 10.30.
Jean Wilson paj781@lycos.co.uk
I am not sure, but I believe that the course begins on
Monday morning 29th September or Tuesday 30th. I have
been unable to verify these dates. I believe the course is
full, but Penny will be able to let you have details of any
vacancies.
Penny Godfrey pennygodfrey0502@hotmail.com
Walking Group
Bob and Barbara Hill report on their latest walk:
GUARDAMAR del SEGURA
14 JUNE 2OO8
This was our last walk of the season and we were blessed
with blue skies and, most importantly, a breeze. Seventeen
members left the entrance to Reina Sofia Parque,
Guardamar and commenced a circular walk lasting some
three hours, which included a well-deserved cafe/bar stop
at the marina.
The walk embraced the park itself, where we saw peacocks
strutting around and a few turtles in the newly refurbished
ponds. We sighted our first red squirrel here, and then
spotted more as the walk progressed.
On to the beach and past the higgledy-piggledy cottages
that line this section of the beautiful sands leading to the
dunes. From the dunes we walked to the end of the
breakwater which some say is reminiscent of the famous
Cob at Lyme Regis in Devon. From here we marvelled at
the spectacular views stretching from Gran Alicant right
round to La Mata. A truly stunning bay.
After refreshments at the marina café/lbar, we entered the
Parque Alfonso Xlll, which offered shade under the pine
trees as we walked towards the historically interesting
Viveros Forestal. This is effectively the nursery for the
many species of plants that are raised and continually
planted on the dunes to arrest their encroachment on the
town.
At this point, in line with U3A principles, some of our
members who had recently visited this location as part of
the tourist train ride around Guardamar, where able to
impart to us some very interesting facts about this plant
raising and planting activity, plus historical facts about
Guardamar itself.
From this point we continued on through the leafy
pathways of the parque which has been left in its natural
state, and arrived back at our cars in time for members to
wander along the sea front and find a restaurant for a
welcome drink and lunch.
Bob and Barbara Hill report on their latest walk:
GUARDAMAR del SEGURA
14 JUNE 2OO8
This was our last walk of the season and we were blessed
with blue skies and, most importantly, a breeze. Seventeen
members left the entrance to Reina Sofia Parque,
Guardamar and commenced a circular walk lasting some
three hours, which included a well-deserved cafe/bar stop
at the marina.
The walk embraced the park itself, where we saw peacocks
strutting around and a few turtles in the newly refurbished
ponds. We sighted our first red squirrel here, and then
spotted more as the walk progressed.
On to the beach and past the higgledy-piggledy cottages
that line this section of the beautiful sands leading to the
dunes. From the dunes we walked to the end of the
breakwater which some say is reminiscent of the famous
Cob at Lyme Regis in Devon. From here we marvelled at
the spectacular views stretching from Gran Alicant right
round to La Mata. A truly stunning bay.
After refreshments at the marina café/lbar, we entered the
Parque Alfonso Xlll, which offered shade under the pine
trees as we walked towards the historically interesting
Viveros Forestal. This is effectively the nursery for the
many species of plants that are raised and continually
planted on the dunes to arrest their encroachment on the
town.
At this point, in line with U3A principles, some of our
members who had recently visited this location as part of
the tourist train ride around Guardamar, where able to
impart to us some very interesting facts about this plant
raising and planting activity, plus historical facts about
Guardamar itself.
From this point we continued on through the leafy
pathways of the parque which has been left in its natural
state, and arrived back at our cars in time for members to
wander along the sea front and find a restaurant for a
welcome drink and lunch.
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| http://www.u3atorrevieja.com/march_newsletter_2008 |
We have had some excellent speakers this year, thanks in a large part to the efforts of Lynda Kiss initiating the contacts in the
early days. I am confident that, in the new ‘term’ beginning in September, this trend will continue and we are going to enjoy the
speakers to come. All being well, they are as follows:
Sept.25. Bill Singleton, leader of the Vega Baja Band, will be talking on his
experiences in the world of industrial espionage.
Oct.30. Phillip Bruce, who leads tours around Cartagena. His talk is entitled
“Cartagena – Home of Hannibal”.
Nov.27. David Hudson, from the Torrevieja Classic Car Club
Subject: Safe driving in Spain.
Dec.16. Our Christmas lunch with musical entertainment, organised by Jean
and Mike Law.
Jan.29.2009 Member, Grahame Evans, will be giving us an insight into the life and
work of Haydn, with accompanying music.
Feb.26. A new member, Geoff Crane, will tell us about his journey from P.E.
teacher to Headteacher of a 2,000-strong comprehensive school.
I hope this has whetted your appetites, and look forward to seeing you at the monthly meetings. At this point I should like to
thank all those members who have given me suggestions for speakers, or offered to give a talk themselves. Please do not be
offended if I haven’t as yet come back to you. I appreciate and value each one, but having to try to balance the programme
takes quite a bit of time, and I have been given lots of suggestions. Please keep them coming! Many thanks.
Jean Cook Tel: 620 705 958
