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JANUARY ISSUE

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1. FROM THE CHAIR

DECEMBER MEETING NOTES

2. MEETINGS & EVENTS.

3. LAKE VIÑUELA PHOTO CLUB

4. WALKING GROUP

5. QUAD DIARY

6. RUTE TRIP

7. NEWSBITES & RECIPE

8. ARTICLES FOR SALE &

THANKYOU

9. COMMITTEE

EDITORIAL by Sue Jones

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas wherever you were. This month sees the last edition of the Newsletter in its current format, also as from February we will have a brand new website, please take a few minutes to have a look at it, we would appreciate your feedback. It has been a real pleasure working with Mike who has run our website from the UK for the last 4 years, but sadly he now feels it is time to call it a day so we have had to set up a new website so we have taken the opportunity to make a few changes, we hope you will approve. As usual, if you have any stories, recipes or other information you would like to share I would love to hear from you.

“The Diabetes Support Group”

Contact Ann Bowles:952.464.184 / 607.879.450

abowles@terra.es / www.lacaladiabetics.com

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FROM THE CHAIR a message from Lyndsey Padley

I trust you all have had a good Christmas, whether you have been back with family and friends in the UK or have spent the festive season here, or indeed anywhere else for that matter! It is customary at this time of year to ask for nominations to join the El Valle Committee team. Have you ever thought about joining the team? We do have fun planning the club meetings and monthly events, and do welcome fresh and new ideas. So go on have a think about it, talk to us! I would like to take this opportunity to express a personal thank you to all those who help at our functions, and the contributors to the newsletter, and to you for your valued membership and participation. Finally, may I wish you all a very happy, healthy new year and I look forward to seeing you at the club meeting on the 7

th. This should be a fun night as “volunteers” take part in the Pointless quiz arranged by Alan Impey

and Peter Gorham. I hope to see you there.

DECEMBER REPORT by Alan Impey

The El-Valle Christmas meeting was held Monday 3rd December at our usual venue The Camping Bar high above Embalse Vinuela. As it was the last meeting before Christmas it was time for the El-Valle choir to be wheeled out for its annual performance. Prior to this Jane and Lyndsey gave their overview of forthcoming events and as usual all details can be found in the newsletter/web site and at the Friday market information point. It is worth checking things out as next year sees some big events taking place. Finally it was time for the big event and the choir was asked to assemble. Anne,Sue,Christine,Carol,Jane,Kim,Carol(2) formed the ladies section and David,Ron,Peter,Martyn,Eddie,Terry,Ben,Steve and yours truly presented themselves for the male section. Our pianist/organist for the evening was Pam and a big thank you to her and David for their efforts in organising the choir.

Judging by the response from the 80 plus audience our efforts were well received and the choir certainly enjoyed themselves as a leading committee member was heard to say (in a lighthearted manner) "Will the choir stop enjoying themselves so much" It was directed mainly at the male voice section. Half way through the carols came a break for mince pies and a glass of wine, courtesy of the El-Valle. The second half of the carols was again a huge success and I must mention the "Christmas Alphabet" performed by the committee, it was so popular that it required an encore. Particular thanks also to Sue and David who duet-ed for Mary's Boy Child. Following the carols the answers were given for a fun quiz that had been completed over the evening and then it was time for the cash box which stood at €760.00 There was no winner so the amount rolls over towards the magic €1000,00 when it will be drawn until a winner is found. All that remained was for everyone to be thanked for their attendance and this works both ways as the committee worked extremely hard for the nights events and it only remains to wish everyone A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. Pictures are courtesy of Philip, one of our members, and Jackie another member, thank you Jackie and Philip.

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FORTHCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS ALL MEETINGS START PROMPTLY AT 7.30pm MONDAY 7TH JANUARY, MEETING FOLLOWD BY “POINTLESS” WITH ALAN IMPEY MONDAY 4TH FEBRUARY, POSSIBLE VISIT BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BRITISH CONSULATE MONDAY 4TH MARCH, A MUSICAL INTERLUDE

DATE: FRIDAY 18

TH JANUARY

FILM NIGHT KNIGHT & DAY

AT “MIS TAPITAS” (Billies Bar) 7 pm

€7.50 members €8.50 Non members

DATE: THURSDAY 21

ST FEBRUARY

BEATLES TRIBUTE NIGHT AT CAMPING BAR 7 PM 7:30 FOR FOOD MEMBERS €15 : NON MEMBERS €17

4 DAY TRIP TO DOÑANA 15th to 18th APRIL 2013

4* HOTEL BARCELO PUNTA UMBRIA MAR - with half board

Trip includes visits to:

Rábida Monastery, and replica ships of Columbus

Doñana National Park, in off road vehicles

El Rocio, village built on sand, famous for pilgrimage

Aracena, Rio Tinto Mine Park, with small railway

Gruta de las Maravillas, cave system

Return via Seville with time for lunch

Members: €245 Non-Members €255

**All above visits included in this price**

MIDSUMMER MADNESS DANCE @ THE HOTEL VINUELA

THURSDAY, 20TH

JUNE 2013 19:00

Hot and Cold buffet in the beautiful Hotel Gardens includes wine,

cava, beer and soft drinks during the mealLive

Music by the Honky Tonk Cats and Dancing till late

.Members: €35 Non-Members: €45

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Lake Viñuela Photographic

Club Now that the festivities are over, it’s back to normality and out and about with the camera. 2012 was particularly good year for the club, our membership has grown and all round improvements in technique are evident throughout. November’s challenge was “Architecture” these photos are two of the 33 entered all of which can be viewed on the album, link: http://tinyurl.com/bwxv856

Our December challenge was “In the style of Charlie Waite”, a British photographer renowned for his landscapes. Look out for our efforts in February’s edition of the newsletter. We will also be including a link to an album of photos that will be our entries for an annual photo competition between us and three other clubs from the Málaga region. It’s at this time of year we submit entries for our photo of the year award, this year the photo’s are being judged independently by one of our friends from Nerja’s Costa Camera Club. The winning photo and all other entries will be placed in an album, a link of which will be included in next month’s newsletter. If you are interested in joining us, just turn up at one of our meetings at Chiringuito Antonio usually on the first Thursday of the month at 11am, or drop us a line at info@lvphotoclub.com and we’ll get back to you. Our next meeting has been put back a week until Thursday 10

th

January as we are also holding a presentation lunch after the meeting. A HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our followers!!

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MONTHLY WALK DECEMBER 13th

By Alan Impey.

Thursday 13th December 2012 saw the latest Monthly walk for the el-Valle. It was routed and led by yours truly and Maureen. The start was at 11am from the car park at the head of Zaffaraya Pass. This walk was slightly different in that it was a mountain walk along paths as opposed to tracks and offered views of 360 degrees from its high points and views which differed from mountains to valley's to plains depending on which way you faced. The walk started with a sustained climb for the first 30 minutes followed by a traverse and then another climb to arrive at the highest point an hour after setting off. The Sierra Nevada could be clearly seen with its snow covered peaks and after a short rest the walk continued along the ridge heading east before eventually starting to descend north through various hidden vales and then emerging into the pueblo Venta de Zafffaraya. On entering the pueblo we followed the tracks of the narrow gauge railway back to our start point. The narrow gauge railway was constructed over a year ago but to my knowledge has never been operational so it was with some surprise that as we passed an obvious engine shed we saw the door was open and someone was hard at work. Terry went in and spoke to the man and established that the train was going to run on 5th January 2013 to carry the "Three Kings" in the Christmas celebrations. Stored in the shed was an engine and rolling stock. As we reached the car park all 26 walkers prepared for the drive down to Vinuela and the meal arranged at Venta la Vina where once again we were not disappointed by a good value meal with good service. The walk that we completed was as described earlier a "mountain walk" but should be within the capabilities of all moderate walkers. The way marking is good throughout with marker posts that can be seen one to one reinforced by blue paint splashes/arrows but care should be taken throughout the whole walk to determine the next way mark and common sense should prevail in the event of low cloud/bad visibility. Should any further advice on this particular walk be needed please feel free to ask either myself or Maureen and we can be reached on 678091968.

JANUARY WALK DETAILS By Stewart Common

"January's walk (2013) will be led by Stewart Common and will start on the roadside just below Miguel's Restaurant (El-Charco) in Los Romanes. We will start at 11.00am and go downhill for the first kilometre to get our legs working. After at Miguel's for those interested. Please park on the roadside and not opposite the restaurant as he may wish to use this himself". We need more volunteers to lead the club walks for 2013 so if you have any favourite walks or areas you

can search out a walk for about 2 hours please let me know. We walked in Torrox in November so as you can

see the walk does not have to be in the Valle area. Look forward to hearing from you soon so we can get you

in the list.

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QUAD REPORT by Chris Pegman

This month has offered some challenging quadding experiences, with some tracks totally washed away and others barely passable. One of the most alarming sights was a gorge that has opened up under the road between Mondron and Los Marines, taking a significant chunk of tarmac with it. There are now four quads and a trail bike riding out of the Rubite area so we have been exploring new routes towards the coast, so that we could make the most of the recent improved weather! One route runs from Benamocarra across the ridge of Alto de Cabrillas, offering stunning views of the coast and the mountains, (see photos) eventually dropping down to the coast at Almayate. Pepe de Molino Restaurant is a good troughing hole before a different track route back. The Quaddie Christmas Meal was again held at Bar Atila- eleven quad and trail bike couples and three guest couples (or were they groupies/ biker chicks?!) enjoyed a great meal and, of course, wonderful company!! (see photos). The Staff really looked after us and we would like to thank them for ensuring we had a fantastic time (again!). Many thanks also to Dave Johnson who arranged the increasingly famous (or is that infamous?!) event. (United even won on cue- that shows how well planned it was!!) We would like to wish all our members and anyone else who reads these articles a Very Happy Christmas and an Exciting and Prosperous New Year.

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RUTE TRIP By Alan Impey

The latest el-Valle social event was a full day trip to Rute in Cordoba province. Rute is situated between Iznajar and Lucena and dates from the 13 century and has a current population of 10,000. The purpose of the trip was to visit the Anis distillery, Jamon Museum, Sugar Factory, Chocolate Belen and the Turon Manufactors. The day started at 9am Monday 10th December when 47 members and guests of the El-Valle gathered to join the coach at Romeros, Puente don Manuel. The coach was early and everyone on time so a prompt start was made to get to the next pickup point at the Camping Bar where eight more joined the coach. The journey should have been an hour and a half but due to road works we were slightly delayed but still The English speaking guide was not available but Pedro, aided by our own Sue for translation, gave an interesting tour of the anis premises combined with tastings of the various types of anis and then the options of purchasing the products from the on site shop.

Our next stop, the Jamon Museum, was literally a walk round the corner and we were allowed to wander round the museum looking at the various old production tools/machinery and pictorial tiles of the jamon production. Tasting was also on offer and much appreciated. There was now a choice of either walking through the town for lunch at the Hotel Maria Luisa or staying in the area of the two visits and then joining the coach to be taken to the hotel. Opinions were divided and unfortunately one of our members chose to walk but had a fall and suffered a fractured shoulder. Our sympathies go out to her and also our thanks to the staff of a local establishment, Meson la Espuela, who provided assistance and transport to the medical centre. I understand a letter of appreciation is to be sent to the persons concerned. The meal at Hotel Maria Luisa was very good and was served table by table to ensure that all ate at the same time. A nice touch was the Christmas crackers supplied by el-Valle.

Following lunch we were taken to the "Sugar Factory" again for a tour of displays of people and buildings all constructed from a sugar/crystallised base. We were told each model took approximately 9 months to make! Our next port of call was to the Chocolate Factory to see the acclaimed "CHOCOLATE BELEN" the Nativity Scene made completely from chocolate. Again after the tasting of several chocolates and the opportunity to buy the products we made our way to the Turron factory where another tour the museum displaying all the old manufacturing equipment and then a tour of items again made from chocolate the centre piece being a chocolate model of the Titanic. It took 1,000kgs of chocolate and 3 master chocolatiers two and half months to make. This visit marked the end of our trip and it was on to the coach for the hour and a half trip home. Judging by the silence that quickly descended over 55 people I suspect that a good many dozed for the journey following a long, varied and enjoyable day. Thanks to the committee, in particular, those on the trip, Anne, Sue, Jane, Elaine, Kim and Stewart who ensured things went smoothly.

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Newsbites by Jenny Wright

As we approach a New Year, no doubt some of you, like myself, have over indulged in chocolates and other foods. Food addictions come in many forms but are often sugar cravings and can come from tiredness, lack of exercise, stress, or even from using sweeteners, which then confuse the body by producing no energy. Cakes, biscuits, sweets, ice cream, chocolate, and alcohol are some of the worst offenders but grains, wheat in particular, and dairy products may exacerbate the problem in some people. As with everything, it depends on your metabolism. Sugar will also feed any form of ailment, including cancer, because it forms acid ash and the body needs foods that form alkaline ash. The old addict of ‘an apple a day’ is a good example as this is alkaline within the food system. In order to counteract sugar addiction, try to include some protein at each meal (but in moderation!). If you want to snack between meals take a few nuts, seeds, oily fish, avocado, olives or coconut milk as these all provide good fat which will help to satisfy the body. Some foods are known as thermogenic – they raise the metabolism and help satisfy the appetite: these include protein, coconut, green tea, chilli, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, cider vinegar, dark chocolate, horseradish and wasabi. When out to friends recently, one friend had never come across wasabi and she tried wasabi bean snacks. She could not get to the bin quick enough to get rid of it when she discovered how hot it was! Funny to watch but not nice to experience!! The January meeting of the FHT Axarquia Therapist’s Support Group will be on Wednesday January 30th at 7.30pm at Camping Bar Restaurant, Vinuela when the talk will be ‘Energy Medicine Master Triad’ presented by Madison King. Madison will be sharing her top energy medicine techniques that together, can help you improve almost any health challenge, be it physical or emotional - they form a 'not to be missed' master triad that can be of immense value to you for the rest of your life..... and so easy to do, you will wonder why they are not out there in the mainstream and will itch to include them in your life and work! After a career in advertising, Madison moved into natural healthcare, training both in the UK and USA in many different aspects of that profession, with some of the top teachers. Her work predominantly revolves around Energy Medicine. She is now primarily focussed on teaching and writing about energy. Her series of essential guides is just about to be published. Visit her website or her social network: www.midlifegoddess.ning.com for up to the minute information on what she is doing. Just a little story to finish: a Grandma (presumably in the 50’s or 60’s) who could not afford to buy presents would stick a picture of what she would like to buy family members and why on the back of an envelope that she then hung on the tree! For her daughter - a tall white candle and candlestick holder .."..no lights in a previous power cut....this will help weather the storms.....remember, like a candle glowing in the dark, so shines God's love for us". For son in law ....a fishing rod......slow down, work less...enjoy life. Smell the flowers and whistle a tune... Life is to be enjoyed. For young grandaughter...a kitten...."Love is better shared. Give love to others and it will be returned tenfold..." What a wonderful idea. I must remember it next year. When I hear of what has being spent on

JO’S MUMS FRUIT LOAF RECIPE Thanks to Stewart for this recipe

Heat your oven to 150 Centigrade/Gas Mark 2 Grease and line 2lb loaf tin Mix together all the ingredients 8oz/225g SR Flour 2oz/50g Glace Cherries 6oz/175g Soft Margarine 6oz/175g Light or Dark soft brown sugar 3 eggs 2 Tablespoons Milk 8oz/225g Seedless Raisins 8oz/225g Sultanas 1 tablespoon Golden Syrup Put in tin, smooth the top and bake for 2 hours Cool in the tin for 10 mins, and then turn onto a wire rack.

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FOR SALE

2 APELSON ELECTRIC OIL FILLED RADIATORS, not new but hardly used and now surplus to requirements, both in first class condition: One is 2000W with multiple heat settings and variable thermostatic control The other is 800W with variable thermostatic control Available near Lake Vinuela. Telephone 951167170 or 605826358. email pdibden@hotmail.com

THANK YOU

Pat & Arthur Marshall have asked me to pass on their sincere thanks to all of you who have been so supportive since her accident. (Pat was the lady referred to by Alan in his report on the Rute trip) It was a nasty accident resulting in her having to go to hospital for x-rays; unfortunately it was found she had a nasty break and has since been attending the hospital in Velez Malaga, she is waiting for a decision by the surgeons as to whether they can operate. They were very touched by the help and concern shown to them by fellow members on the trip and by many of you since that day. Thank you all on their behalf.

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ASOCIACIÓN EL VALLE DEL EMBALSE COMMITTEE

2012-13 Chair: Lyndsey Padley - 628655801 Vice Chair: Jane Harris - 633615154 Treasurer: Terry Frost - 697569141 Secretary: Stewart Common - 647076177 MEMBERS

· Linda Kemp: - 951167088

· Elaine Edwards: - 647076177

· Anne Dibden: - 605826358

· Carol Jackson: - 635291532

· Kim Rogerson: - 696126204 Editor: Susan Jones - 680407894 Almoner: Christine Goreham – 635361233

INFORMATION.

v WEBMASTER – MIKE HICKMAN webmaster@el-valle.org

v WEBSITE - www.el-valle.org

A representative of the committee is usually on duty between 11am – 12.30pm at Mis Tapitas (“BILLY’S BAR”) during Friday Market - Chiringuito Antonio

Asociación El Valle del Embalse normally meets at 7pm on the first MONDAY of each month with the exception of August, at the “Camping Bar Restaurante” by Lake Viñuela (km 31/32 A356).

ASOCIACIÓN MOBILE ‘PHONE. 676.641.577 NB: THE ASOCIACIÓN MOBILE IS ONLY IN USE DURING TRIPS OR EVENTS PLEASE USE THE NUMBERS AT THE

TOP OF THE PAGE TO CONTACT A COMMITTEE MEMBER AT OTHER TIMES.