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IN THIS ISSUE

1. ED’S NOTES.

FROM THE CHAIR.

2. DECEMBER MEETING NOTES.

3. FORTHCOMING MEETINGS. FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

4. DRAMA GROUP. VÉLEZ MÁLAGA HISTORIC WALK. DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP.

5. BITS & PIECES

6. CHRISTMAS BALL 2010

7. WALKING GROUP.

8. FOTO GROUP.

9. QUAD REPORT.

10. BOWLING GROUP.

11. NEWSBITES. THERAPY GROUP

12. PROCESSIONARY CATERPILLARS.

13. BIRDING WITH BOB.

14. PENSION, BENEFIT & HEALTHCARE TEAM.

15. MESSAGE FROM THE PASSPORT CENTRE.

16. AGE CONCERN. BRITISH LEGION.

17. COMMITTEE & INFORMATION DETAILS.

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ED’S NOTES. Don’t forget this month’s meeting has been put back to Tuesday 11th January. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all those that contributed to the newsletter during 2010 and hope you continue to do so in 2011. Not forgetting webmaster Mike Hickman, for his help and work in keeping the newsletter posted via the internet and the website up to date. Anyone wishing to contribute to the newsletter should send their copy to the editor on or before the 23rd of each month, anything later may not be included. Final editing takes a day or two before sending off both the full and limited colour versions to the webmaster for distribution via the internet, usually at the beginning of each month. Finally, I would like to add my wishes to all members, for Happiness, Prosperity and Good Health in 2011.

FROM THE CHAIR.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Gwilym and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all members a Happy & Healthy 2011. I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas wherever you decided to spend it, whether it was with friends and family or just by yourselves. Now is the time to look forward to the coming year, I know the social committee are hard at work with ideas for trips and events for your enjoyment so if you have any ideas or suggestions for something to do or somewhere you would like to go, now is the time to contact a member of the social committee, they are always open to ideas and suggestions. The New Year is also the time for you to start thinking about who you would like to see running the Asociación this year; would you like to become a committee member? Think about it! Nomination forms will be issued in a couple of months time so you need to start thinking now.

I look forward to seeing you all at the forthcoming meetings and events over the next few months.

Sue

“The Diabetes Support Group” Contact Ann Bowles: 952.464.184 / 607.879.450

abowles@terra.es / www.lacaladiabetics.com

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Thursday 11th December, Sue opened the meeting at 7.40pm welcoming the 70 members present to the Christmas meeting and gave a brief résumé on how the evening would unfold. She then passed over to Lyndsey Padley who outlined all functions that were to follow in the coming months and that are published on the meetings and events page (3). The formal matters completed, Sue then introduced Gary Miles who sang a selection of Christmas songs of yesteryear before being joined by Eddie Kemp for a duet or two. A brief break for mince pies and the star turn of the evening performing a selection of carols the El Valle “Male Voice Choir” led by Gary. A bit of fun that seemed to go down well with the audience, according to the applause and cries of encore!!! Or was that “no more”. Due to outstanding commitments, Eddie has put the recording of his first CD on the back burner, let’s hope Linda doesn’t light it.

The cash box now replenished after being won by Ron Bowles last month, now stood at 201€uros. After five unsuccessful attempts to find the elusive key, it remained closed; the cash rolling over to the January meeting.

After Sue had reminded those present that the January meeting had been put back a week to January 11th - she closed the evening’s entertainment at 9.05pm.

Report by Alan Impey & Doug Poplett

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FORTHCOMING MONTHLY MEETINGS ALL MEETINGS START PROMPTLY AT 7.30pm

JANUARY – TUESDAY 11TH THE MEETING AND FUN NIGHT. FEBRUARY – TUESDAY 1ST THE MEETING - details to follow

MARCH – TUESDAY 1ST THE MEETING - details to follow

APRIL – TUESDAY 5TH

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

FORTHCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS

A NIGHT AT THE FLICKS!!

FILM TO BE ANNOUNCED AT THE JANUARY MEETING AND VIA THE ASOCIACIÓN WEBSITE.

AT CHIRINGUITO ANTONIO

FREE WITH A SMALL CHARGE FOR A BUFFET RESTRICTED TO 40 PEOPLE - PRIORITY GIVEN TO MEMBERS WHEN BOOKING

MAMMA MIA IT’S

A TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF ABBA

7.30pm AT RESTAURANTE CAMPING (CAMPING BAR) MONEY, MONEY, MONEY - INCLUSIVE OF SUPPER, 18€ (Non Members 21€),

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!!

THE SOCIAL COMMITTEE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING A DAY TRIP IN MARCH AND A MEMBERS SUGGESTION TO VIEW AND CELEBRATE THE ROYAL WEDDING IN APRIL. FURTHER DETAILS WILL APPEAR IN THE NEWSLETTER WHEN THESE DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.

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AND PLAYERS FROM “LITTLE GRIMLEY”

ARE PLEASED TO PRESENT

A COMEDY PLAY BY DAVID TRISTRAM

Many of you will remember ``The last Tango in Little Grimley´´ -- so come and see what the

thespians are up to this time!! We guarantee Pantomime will never be the same again! Wine, Dine and join us in the fun on

Friday 28th January at 7.30pm and Saturday 29th January at 7.30pm, at

RESTAURANTE EL TRAPICHE We are limited to 75 seats each night so please book early.

Tickets can be obtained from Derek ph: 603.872.907. or Alan ph: 952.510.988 €12 each including meal {2 free tickets to be drawn for each night}

We look forward to seeing you there. This is not an El Valle event, any queries should be directed to the contacts above.

VÉLEZ MÁLAGA HISTORIC WALK (2). The additional historic walk of Vélez Málaga held on the 25th November was again over subscribed; however, the organisers, Peter Goreham and Stewart Common coped and made the event another success. There’s little point in writing a further report than that printed in the November edition of the newsletter, as it followed the same format as the previous walk in October. If you wish to venture alone, the editor is attempting to put together a copy of the itinerary and a map and is hopeful that it will be available soon from the download page on the Asociación website. www.el-valle.org .

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BITS & PIECES TRÁFICO LAUNCHES ONLINE TICKET NOTIFICATIONS

DRIVERS CAUGHT ON RADAR CAN NOW BE NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL The Traffic Department (DGT) last week officially launched its new system of email and online notifications of traffic tickets, in place of the traditional notifications via post and Official Provincial Bulletins. Drivers interested in

signing up for the email notification service will need an electronic DNI or a ‘certificado digital', which provide secure online ID.

For the full version of this Costa Del Sol News article (29.Nov), go to the following URL.

http://tinyurl.com/23fzyv5

LUZ EL CRUCE TAMBIEN EL DIA (DIPPED HEADLIGHTS DURING THE DAY) Many of you will have seen the above notice while driving on the motorway, the translation doesn’t read too well in English (the cross light also the day). After reading several articles on the subject, my understanding is, that during winter months the use of “dipped headlights during the day” helps reduce accidents. EU studies calculate that up to 2,000 deaths can be avoided by drivers using dipped headlights during the winter season and especially in wet conditions. There is no indication that this is law at this moment in time, but???

NEW BRITISH AIRWAYS ROUTE - MÁLAGA TO LONDON CITY

The service will operate four times a week in the summer. British Airways has announced a new route between Málaga and London, to be operated by the BA subsidiary BA City Flyer, to link the capital of the Costa del Sol with London City Airport. The new connection will start on June 7, 2011 and will

operate four times a week during the summer months. Europa Press reports the cost of a one-way ticket is from 76 €, including taxes and additional charges. For the full version: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_28212.shtml#ixzz17bIKEECz

TWO SECTIONS OF MÁLAGA'S SECOND RING ROAD TO OPEN THIS MONTH The exact inauguration date has yet to be confirmed. Sources at the Development Ministry have confirmed to Diario Sur that part of Málaga’s new second ring road is to open before the end of 2010. It affects two sections, numbers 3 and 4 of the four sections into which construction has been split, which will open during the last week of December. No exact date has been given as yet, but it’s understood that the government refused the contractors’ request to open in January, saying it must take place during 2010. The two sections to open this year run for a total length of 12.4 kilometres from La Virreina to the Guadalhorce motorway. The remaining two sections of the new ring road will be inaugurated in 2011. For the full version: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_28226.shtml#ixzz17bJVcYkJ

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Saturday December 11th 2010 the night of the El-Valle Christmas Ball. The venue was new to us for perhaps our main social event of the year, so it was with some trepidation that members of the social committee were at Las Mayoralas during the afternoon to make sure everything in the room was in place. At around 7pm members and their guests started arriving; they were met by members of the committee and advised as to the seating plan and the general format for the evening. Canapés began circulating and the drink flowing, the social committee now more relaxed as the evening seemed to be off to a good start. Once everyone was seated, Sue made her customary welcome; the food followed, a table at a time. From the feedback received and the comments made by our own table there were no complaints about food quality, quantity or service, a fact borne out by our request at the end of the night for the staff to come out and receive their justified applause. After the meal, the entertainment, DJ Chris King and compére and vocalist Wayne Michaels who judging by the number of people joining in with the words, sang a blend of music perfect for his audience. It was not long before dancing started, the dance floor in full use from that point on. During the break the raffle was drawn, the two top prizes, a flat screen TV and a wine cooler cabinet being won by Alan Impey and Richard Pease respectively. People reluctantly started to drift away in the early hours of the morning, having thoroughly enjoyed their evening, thanks to the tireless efforts of Linda Kemp, the social committee and staff of Las Mayoralas. (Report by Alan Impey) All photo’s taken during the event can be accessed via the following Picasaweb link. http://tinyurl.com/26o3mbn

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Walks take place on the second Thursday of the month. Start points and times differ; please check current newsletter for any changes to venue or time.

11am Thursday 9th December and after a few days of very unsettled weather the sun shone in a clear blue sky for the start of a busy El-Valle day. First off was the El-Valle walk and twenty two of us met up at Cruce de Periana and set off in the wake of Eddie, the walk leader. (not forgetting his faithful sidekick, Max). The route took us south, parallel to the road on a track which then turned under the main road and up towards and through the Cortijo Romero urbanisation, we climbed steadily and the heat started to take its toll, spreading the group out.

At the highest point we re-grouped for a photograph and then set off downhill to the Periana road. Everyone was now hot and as we were faced by the next climb up to the level of Castillo Zalia with the promise of clinging mud underfoot, 22 became 13 with the others opting for a quick return by road to the eventual lunch stop. We then climbed again through the campo and it was well worth the effort. From the Castillo we went across to the Zafarraya road and then eventually down through Venta Baja and returned to the start and a superb lunch at “Fonzie's” Bar (formerly Tiffany's). That was part one of the busy day over, with the El-Valle monthly meet still to come!!! Thanks Eddie for a good walk on a hot and sunny day.

Report & photo by Alan Impey

The next walk on Thursday 13th January 2011, will be led by Chris Pegman and Mike Larner, it will start from HOTEL ROMERO (now 5 BERTURA) at 10.40am.

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Led by Doug Poplett (667.274.196) editor.el-valle@hotmail.co.uk Usually meet at the Evangelist church, Puente de Don Manuel. - 2.45pm, first Friday of the month. Our first meeting at the church seemed to go down well with those that attended. Thanks to Peter White for his technical expertise with laptop and projector, a definite improvement for critiquing our photo’s; not forgetting his cake making abilities. For those that were not at our last meeting the idea of a calendar was put on the back burner until next year, production of a calendar here in Spain is not cost effective, whereas the UK may be a better option. With this in mind, please take some photo’s during the coming months preferably in a landscape format. From 67 photo’s submitted, 18 were entered for this month’s challenge of Clouds / Sky; choosing a favourite was as difficult as ever. There were seven of eighteen different choices of winning entry. These images were those chosen as the group’s top three favourites (third place tied).

All entries submitted, link is as follows:

http://tinyurl.com/25t6uvw

Our next challenge “STREET ART”, a subject open to interpretation. Graffiti, statues, patterns are just three examples, there are many more. Art is all around us, it just takes a bit of time to stop, think and take a look around.

1 - Chris Pegman - 23 points

2 - Doug Poplett – 22 points

3 - Helen Pegman – 14 points

3 – Peter White – 14 points

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Led by Chris Pegman (617.974.101) chris.pegman@btinternet.com

On 21st November six quads with Derek, Dave, Brian, Chris, Gwilym and John set off up the Aldea ridge then dropped down past Arthur’s Vineyard to the riverbed. We continued to Benamargosa then followed the riverbed of Rio Benamargosa past Triana to join the Rio Vélez which we followed to Vélez Málaga itself. This was a new route to some of the group. We then took the back road through Trapiche and home. Midweek and the same crew minus Dave set off for Alcaucin via the ridge beyond Puente de Don Manuel. We then joined the track around the Parque Natural, through Pilas de Algaiba to Ventas de Zafarraya where we stopped at the last restaurant on the left just before the disused railway bridge. Everyone agreed that this restaurant, very popular with the Spanish, is excellent value- even the tasty starters were a meal in their own right! Suitably replenished we headed for Periana on the old railway track and then onwards home. The next Sunday five quads set off across the dam skirting Los Romanes, briefly stopping to help a group of mountain bikers who were in need of some pliers for a chain! Then a pit stop at Bar Ortega and onto the Rio Gordo road. At Llano de Almendras we turned right over the river crossing a concrete bridge that doesn’t look like it has long for this world! We ascended the track to Comares then took the main road down to Rio Benamargosa to the village itself, up through the narrow streets to the track leading to Los Romanes and home. The heavy rain of the previous day helped to cut down the dust but not the flying mud or the landslides!! December 5th and we were joined this week by Angelika and Klaus who had just returned from Germany. Seven quads, led by Brian, set off past Cortijo Romero along a little used track ending at the old railway bridge on the Periana road. We passed Las Mayoralas and entered the track above the picnic site by the end of the lake. This threaded through olive groves that were being harvested. After Periana we headed onto a track to Guaro, then onto the old railway line to Ventas de Zafarraya where we were given freshly cut cauliflowers by a Spanish quad enthusiast! We then headed through Espino to Angelika and Klaus’s house where we were invited to pick mandarins from their grove. The back boxes have never been so loaded with tasty produce! On the Wednesday Stewart and Elaine joined the group for a taster session. We took the track above Alcaucin to Canillas de Aceituno where the main street was dug up so we had to explore the back streets! We then rode to Canillas de Albaida where we had an excellent menu del dia at a restaurant at the top of the village. On the return we stopped in Salares then took the Sedella/Rubite track to join the La Viñuela old road and home. The weather was warm and sunny adding to a great day out! On Sunday we visited Torre Atalaya above the lake to drink in the fabulous views with a group of Spanish walkers from Torre del Mar who hadn’t visited before. We then headed down to the fairly fast flowing river Benamargosa over badly eroded tracks from the recent intense thunderstorm. When we reached the village the quads were caked in cloying mud- a pain to clean but well worth it!! On the Wednesday the group visited Guaro then headed up the mountain to Alfarnatejo for menu del dia. We then headed down the gorge (not good for the digestive system!!) to Rio Gordo then on past Bar Ortega and back to the lake. Anyone wishing to join Chris and his fellow Quaddies for a day in the campo and surrounding villages, please get in touch with Chris at the above contact number / email. You are reminded that should you accept their offer, you do so at your own risk.

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Led by Peter Goreham – pcgoreham@hotmail.com - 952.515.294 Meet at Vid Bowling in Málaga. - 2pm on the third Wednesday of the month. Last April we were told that Ozone Bowling at the El Ingenio Centre was closing for about a month for refurbishment; great we thought no more mechanical failures on the lane equipment, no more scuffed or dented balls, something to look forward to! Nothing happened in June or July; in August the workmen moved in and started to dismantle everything. They carried on dismantling and removing all the equipment and the lanes (including the floor), even the tables and chairs! It soon became apparent that “refurbishment” had lost something in the translation. On enquiring it seemed that the bowling alley was no more! So, a search went out for an alternative venue. Actually we asked if anyone knew of an alternative bowling alley in our area. The alleys in Vélez Málaga and Rincón de la Victoria had been closed for quite a while. We tried the alley in Plaza Mayor shopping complex but didn’t like the mechanics there. The pins were attached to string, like marionettes! When the pins were lowered into place they swung slightly thus making the shape of “the head” different each time. The next try was at the Vid Bowling complex next to the cinema in the Bauhaus (Málaga Ocio) shopping area just before you get to the airport in Málaga. Although much further away than we are used to, by sharing transport this wasn’t a great problem. As advertised in the monthly newsletter, it was decided to try to re-establish our bowling group in our new location. The first meeting being on Wednesday 15th of December. On that day, five people decided to take up the challenge. Peter, Anne, Alan, Doug and myself. As there were only five of us it wasn’t worth splitting into teams so we played as individuals on the one lane. We played three games and decided that the person who got the most “strikes” overall would win a bottle of wine. In the first game Alan scored the highest with 176, myself with 149, Doug with 139, Peter with 110 and Anne with 95. In the second game Peter came back with a vengeance with a great score of 190 and led the third game with a score of 158. The bottle of wine went to Peter for his nine strikes overall. Alan and I both got eight strikes, Anne got three and Doug two. In January, we are meeting on Wednesday the 19th at Vid Bowling at 2pm. If anyone would like to come along and has transport problems, please contact me on 952.515.294 or speak to / contact, Alan Impey, Doug Poplett or Peter Dibden, I am sure we can arrange something.

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NEWSBITES An article by Jenny Wright The gardens have continued to look colourful after the rain and then warm weather but it seems strange to still have leaves on our almond trees. By now we often see some almond blossom but perhaps it will be late this winter. We really need a cold spell to clear the bugs that have been a problem during 2010. I have broad beans doing well but have no time to get much else done at present but saw lettuce and young beetroot growing well this week in large pots. There is much cutting back needed but also earth to move that is coming from above! We never have time to sit and vegetate, that’s for sure! According to one article that I read recently, mince pies were made illegal back in Cromwell’s time because they were seen as part of pagan festivities, but the law was never repealed. The nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves were said to represent the gifts of the three kings and the star-shaped topping represented the star that the shepherds and wise men followed. There is a lovely Mexican story about the Poinsettias, or Flores de Noche Buena, whereby the tradition was for all children to take a gift to the baby Jesus in the manger in church on Christmas Eve. Young Pepita was so upset because they were very poor and she had nothing to give but was told that a gift, however humble, would be accepted. She ran out of the church and came back with a posy, made up of Poinsettias and ever since they have been associated with giving at Christmas. They certainly make a bright display on the local roundabouts and villages here in Spain. No doubt many of you are suffering from over-indulgence over the festive period, so what better way to start the New Year than to join one of the Qi Gong and Tai Chi sessions held in the area. These gentle exercises work on the whole body and improve balance, health and general wellbeing and Paul Bradley can be contacted on 653.333.733 for further details.

· Wednesday, 11am – Bar 02 - Colmenar. · Thursday, 3pm - El Duende - Los Ventorros, near Comares. · Friday, 11am – Bar Trapiche - Trapiche, or, The Lemon Tree - Rio Gordo.

THERAPIST GROUP Report by Jenny Wright The next meeting of the FHT Axarquia Therapists’ Support Group will be held on Wednesday January 26th at 11am at The Camping Bar Restaurant, Viñuela when Gill Eardley will be the speaker. Gill is a Healer, Master Practitioner of Neuro-linguistics and IEMT Therapist (Integral Eye Movement Therapy). She also is trained in PSYCH-K (Advanced level), Clinical Hypnotherapy and Life Coaching. For the last three years she has specialised in anxiety in women, although she works with both women and men consulting her for a wide range of issues. She works locally in and around Nerja, Frigiliana and from her home in the Torrox campo and travels occasionally to work in UK and the Isle of Man. The session will briefly explore the vast field of how our beliefs and perspectives develop, change and modify our behavioural and thinking habits. It will especially be directed towards how beliefs and perspectives can prevent or assist change from occurring during healing or personal change-work. This session will aim to give an insight into various modes of belief change work and will be part talk, part demonstration and if there is time, some inter-active exercises.” “The world is like a mirror, reflecting what you do, and if your face is smiling, it smiles right back

at you.” Author unknown. Remember, it takes 42 muscles to frown, but only 28 to smile! Happy New Year.

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BEWARE - PINE PROCESSIONARY CATERPILLARS In view of the potential dangers of these creatures, I am reprinting part of an article by Stephen Padley which was first printed in the newsletter of February 2008 and again in February 2009. The months of January and February are when these caterpillars are at their most active and dangerous stage of their life cycle. From December right through to early April they are very noticeable in the pine trees by their visible tent nest, often confused with spider nests or from a distance even small polythene bags and pieces of paper. This month is an ideal opportunity to write and allow us to have more understanding of these creatures and their life cycle. These creatures are commonly and locally know as the pine “Processionary” Caterpillars, and have been researched as far back as the seventeenth and eighteenth century, mostly found in the warmest areas of southern Europe and North Africa. Their name derives from the way they crawl over the ground in a long head-to-tail procession. Protected by a sole defensive system that has the ability to sting anything that can cause them an immediate threat, their bodies release a perfusion of microscopic poisonous floating hairs into the air, and if contact is made with the skin or eyes will result in an irritating red rash, severe pain, swelling and possibly shock. If contact to the eyes or signs of shock are apparent, immediately visit the doctor or the nearest hospital, Anti Histamine tablets are very good as first aid on the spot pre- treatment. Animals as well as humans can and do suffer from these hairs; dogs are at the greatest risk especially when in pine tree forests with their natural instinct to go around along the ground sniffing. It cannot be over emphasized that brushing the caterpillars off, hitting them or even the tree branches that they are on is very, very dangerous as the poisonous floating hairs will keep discharging even if the caterpillars have recently been killed.

For the full article, see February 2009 edition of the newsletter – www.el-valle.org

FOR SALE -ELECTRIC HEATER ARE YOU PREPARED FOR WINTER? ROWENTA - OR270 OIL FILLED RADIATOR (25€ O.N.O.)

2kw with 3 heat setting thermostat. Contact Eddie or Linda Kemp: 951.167.088 - lindakemp1959@gmail.com

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Led by Bob Wright - Part of the Axarquia Bird Group - http://birdingaxarquia.blogspot.com Christmas rapidly approaching as I write this early on Christmas Eve. Since the rain started last Friday, other than a brief few hours on the following Monday morning it has been nothing but rain, rain, rain, rain; even accompanied by thunder storms, lightening and the inevitable power cuts, usually at the most awkward or inconvenient moment. If that was not enough, I went down with a very bad cold on at the same time and became “confined to barracks” for the next five days so no birding, other than through the studio window, permitted. (On the other hand, if you are going to have your first real bout of illness since moving to Spain eight years since, when better to be ill as you could not go out anyway?) Enough, back to the plot. Come last Sunday the computer monitor decided it was time to move on to the electric heaven so, restricted to my laptop, no playing about with printer or accessing the information I needed on the desktop. You will not be surprised to here, therefore, that come the 23rd and the programmed visit to Fuente de Piedra upon me, I was determined to get out of the house and do a little birding. Still raining outside at 8.15 but my friend informed me that it was dry at Sayalonga and the forecast was not too bad for west of Antequera. What the hell; Jenny and I were determined to give it a go. Just as well we did as by the time we met up friends at Torre del Mar and set off for “Flamingoland” the weather had made a marked improvement. Indeed, as the day wore on it got warmer and warmer, so the forecast was correct. It was also correct when it implied cold and very strong winds! Brhhhhhh! Enough to freeze the brass balls off a monkey! Now that’s a genuine nautical expression and has an historical context. If you do not know the origins then I will have to explain in a future Newsletter. In the event, eight of us braved the elements to see our winter visitors and we were not to be disappointed. There were still some Flamingos huddled up against the far bank and, as you might expect, plenty of ducks close inshore, mainly Shoveler with a few Teal. Them, moving round the lake, we not only found approaching 100 of the visiting Cranes, what magnificent and handsome birds these are, but also a dozen Little Bustards. A little later we found the main Crane flock with at least another 200 birds and the, on the way back to the village for our “Christmas Dinner”(!), we also came across a very large flock of Stone Curlew, probably well in excess of 300 birds. We had seen a pair of Marsh Harriers hunting (quartering) the reed beds so, with an added Griffon Vulture on the way home we had had a very enjoyable birding Christmas present. Good company, lovely, if somewhat cold weather and the promise of a warm house when we got home. What more could you ask to welcome in Christmas? Sounds too good? You’re right. We opened the door, brought in the coats, etc form the car and promptly had a power cut; to be regularly followed by one after another for the next hour! Such is Spain in windy or wet weather. Ah well, have a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year with, I trust, lots of good birding next year when I hope that “normal” Birding Reports will return. Happy birding, Bob Wright - Aka “Bob the Birder” For all things birding in the Axarquia and surrounding areas:

www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com

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FOR SALE - TELESCOPE & POOL EQUIPMENT CELESTRON FIRSTSCOPE 114

COMPLETE WITH MOTOR DRIVE, TRIPOD AND FOUR LENSES BOXED AS NEW, COST NEW 140€ - SELLING FOR 70€uros.

AND / OR ZODIAC CLASSIC – AUTOMATIC POOL SUCTION CLEANER

COMPLETE WITH ALL HOSES, COST NEW 380€ - SELLING FOR 150€uros.

CONTACT: CHRIS or MARGARET WISHART on 952.037.599 or 609.952.926

CONSULATE PENSION, BENEFIT AND HEALTHCARE TEAM.

ONE FOR THE LADIES – CLAIMING YOUR UK AND SPANISH PENSIONS In previous issues of the newsletter we have highlighted how if you have worked in both the UK and Spain, for a total of 15 years, you may have the right to both a UK and Spanish State Pension. But as many of you will be aware, state pension age for women is different in the UK and Spain. UK state pension age is gradually increasing for women, so that by November 2018 it will be 65. However, for those reaching retirement age in the meantime, it is likely you will reach state pension age in the UK before in Spain, where it is already 65 for both men and women. So when and where do you claim your pension? Even if you are still working in Spain, you can claim your UK State Pension, as soon as you reach UK state pension age. However, you should make the application through the INSS (Spanish social security) and not directly to the UK, otherwise you may find that your application forms are returned. You will need to complete a claim form for ‘pensiones de reglamentos comunitarios’

and you can download this form from the INSS website www.seg-social.es. However, make it clear you only wish to apply for your UK pension. When you wish to claim your Spanish pension, you will then need to return to the INSS to inform them. You will therefore ultimately end up with two separate payments, one from the UK and one from Spain.

REMINDER: DON’T FORGET YOUR EHIC! Many of you will be travelling over the New Year period, whether it’s to visit family in the UK or for a week on the ski slopes. No matter what the reason for your travel, remember to not only take your EHIC with you but also take out adequate travel insurance (see http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk for more details). Should you require medical treatment while abroad and do not have your EHIC, or it has expired, contact the social security authority that issued you with the card, as they may be able to arrange provisional cover. If your card was issued in Spain, contact the INSS. If it was issued by the UK (e.g. for UK residents and those in receipt of an S1/E121), contact the OHT on 0044 191 218 1999

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

From all of us at the Pension, Benefit and Healthcare Team, we wish you all the best for the New Year. We hope you have enjoyed reading the Partners’ Newsletter this year. However, please remember if you have any feedback, or have any topics you wish to see in future editions, do not hesitate to get in contact.

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MESSAGE FROM THE PASSPORT CENTRE

PASSPORTS: KEEPING A STRAIGHT FACE

The regional passport processing centre, based in Madrid, produces

32,000 passports a year for customers in Spain, Portugal, Andorra,

Cuba, North Africa, Greece and Cyprus. Without doubt the number

one issue that causes most problems for customers is getting their

passport photos right. It should be easy…. You go into a photo

booth, put your money in, smile and there you go. But it’s not that

straightforward.

So how can you ensure your passport application will not be

delayed because of sub-standard photos? Here are some tips that

should help.

i. Size matters – We need to see more ‘head’ and less ‘shoulders’ in

the photo. There should be at least 29mm from the top to the

bottom of the head, but no more than 34mm.

ii. No smiling – Although it’s tempting to smile, keep a neutral

expression. Teeth should not be visible.

iii. Remove glasses – If at all possible, don’t wear glasses, they can

give off a glare which means we can’t see the detail of the photo.

iv. Make sure the face is clearly visible – Don’t wear hats, and try

not to let your hair cover your face.

v. Make sure you’re straight on – You need to look straight at the

camera. Although we all may have a ‘good’ side, for the passport

photo you need to be straight.

vi. The plainer the better – Photos should be against a plain, light or

off-white background.

vii. Don’t use your home camera – The photos have to be of a

particular resolution, printed on specific photo-quality paper. It

might look OK to you, but on our systems it can often come out

grainy and faded.

For children, the rules aren’t so stringent. Children under 1 year of

age need to be a good likeness, showing as much of the child’s face

as possible. For children between 1-6, we can waive the need for a

neutral expression, and the eyes don’t need to be looking at the

camera.

More detailed guidance can be found at:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Passports/Applicationinformation/DG_174152

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Age Concern España wants to ensure that no vulnerable, elderly person is left without access to information and advice, help and support. At no time is this more important than at this time of year. 2010 saw a massive increase in the demand for our services. Local Age Concern Organisations have given out more food parcels than ever before. They have provided

mobility equipment, information and advice as well as social support to those most vulnerable and isolated in the community. With the current economic situation, this trend is set to continue well into 2011. To do this, we need money. A donation, no matter how small, can make sure that we can keep helping elderly people and those who have been in the military. As we are a volunteer led organization, our services rely on funding from individual and corporate donors, UK charities and local fundraising activities. Support from the public, be money or time, is crucial. This year, we have concentrated our efforts on increasing the number of volunteers that we have, encouraging local initiatives and focused on coping with the huge demand for our services. For example, at a local level, Age Concern Estepona & Manilva volunteers worked tirelessly to raise funds through its charity shop for a Drop-in Centre which will provide an important social hub and means to receive information and advice. Equally, a new Age Concern Organisation in Costa Calída has opened providing much needed support to the elderly population in Murcia. At a national level, Age Concern´s specialist Casework Service continues to receive over 4 new cases per week with over 200+ ongoing cases. So far this year, it has distributed over €130,000 in grants to its beneficiaries. With public support, it has increased the number of volunteers by 25% and is reaching areas where before there was no coverage. Next Steps: In 2011, we will continue to raise the profile of issues affecting the older British national population in Spain and assist in finding solutions. On the ground, we will continue to provide a crucial service in the community by providing direct services for those in need and by sourcing financial aid for those in dire straits. We can only do this with your support. We need your time and money. So, if you are looking for a worthwhile New Year´s resolution, why not commit to do more to help you’re the older members of your community in 2011? For more information on how you can help, contact Sarah Rogers at CCM@ageconcern-espana.org

NEWS FROM THE ISLANDS In Ibiza the Masonic Lodge very generously donated €3,655.00 to the Poppy Appeal. The Lodge which has 19 members raised the money at various events held throughout the year and chose to donate the funds to The RBL this year. Thank you very much to The Masonic Lodge (Ibiza) for their kind support. In Tenerife, members

of the RBL Branch have worked incredibly hard to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal again this year. The Branch has been awarded the Noel Rogers Trophy for 3 consecutive years.

GOOD NEWS!

In the festive season it’s heart-warming to be able to share some good news stories, not only to bring attention to the good work of the RBL and it’s incredible volunteers and members, but also to demonstrate how the various charities operating in Spain pull together to help those most in need. The Legion recently assisted a lady in Galicia, whose mobility is compromised, to adapt her bathroom. The Legion has no caseworkers in Galicia but with the help of the Consulate in Madrid, their Honorary Consul in Vigo and the Sailors Society, we were able to assist. The beneficiary wrote the following: “I can’t thank The Royal British Legion enough for their extreme kindness in allowing me to have the

shower unit installed. Even just after a few days of the completion, I am already seeing the benefits.

It’s so wonderful to be able to have this little bit of independence to have a shower on my own – it’s

Fantastic. May God bless you all in your work past, present and future in helping people.

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ASOCIACIÓN EL VALLE DEL EMBALSE COMMITTEE 2010-11

CHAIR - SUSAN JONES – 951.167.030

VICE CHAIR - ALAN IMPEY – 951.167.476

TREASURER - TERRY FROST – 697.569.141

SECRETARY - STEWART COMMON – 647.076.177 SOCIAL CHAIR – LINDA KEMP – 951.167.088 SOCIAL SUB-COMMITTEE

v SOCIAL SUB-COMMITTEE MEMBER - EDDIE KEMP. – 951.167.088

v SOCIAL SUB-COMMITTEE MEMBER - ELAINE EDWARDS. – 647.076.177

v SOCIAL SUB-COMMITTEE MEMBER – LYNDSEY PADLEY – 951.238.582

v SOCIAL SUB-COMMITTEE MEMBER – JANE FROST - 697.569.141

v SOCIAL SUB-COMMITTEE MEMBER – TREVOR HUCKWELL – 634.610.025

v SOCIAL SUB-COMMITTEE MEMBER – JACKIE POPLETT – 686.486.734

v SOCIAL SUB-COMMITTEE MEMBER – STEWART COMMON – 647.076.177

ALMONERS – CHRISTINE GOREHAM 952.515.294 - pcgoreham@hotmail.com JACKIE POPLETT 686.486.734 – jackiegodfreyspain@msn.com

INFORMATION.

v NEWSLETTER EDITOR - DOUG POPLETT – editor.el-valle@hotmail.co.uk 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

BAR CASABLANCA during Friday Market - Chiringuito Antonio.

Asociación El Valle del Embalse

Normally meet at 7pm on the first Tuesday 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.