March/April 2007 Revista

Hello, and welcome to this March issue of the B.S.C.’s
‘Revista’ magazine. My name is Mo Godfrey and I have
been entrusted with the task of acting chairman of our society since the resignation last September of our former
chairman Mr. Syd Howlett. My aim is to carry the society
forward from its present strength and with the assistance of
our very able committee continue to serve our members to the best of our ability.
I would like to thank all of our members that gave their support through the
functions the society held during the past year and as many of you have seen in
the ‘Revista’, this enabled our society to donate €1,000 Euros to both Figueres
Hospital and the fire department at Torroella, both of whom do a wonderful
job.
We shall continue with our most popular events but would always welcome
any new ideas or help in the future. Just fax our editor Janet or e-mail our secretary Des, details of numbers are in this magazine.
On page 26 I have outlined a small recurring problem faced by our committee
and would appreciate your co-operation in taking note of the issue raised. I
trust that you all have started 2007 looking forward to a pleasant year ahead
and for those that live here or just visit, to enjoying your time on the ‘Costa
Brava’.
We understand that our former chairman Syd Howlett has just celebrated his
70th Birthday and wish him many more to come.
Cheers Syd !!
Mo. Godfrey.
Chairman (Pro. Tem.)
1
Competition Winner.
The winner of the Revista FTSE competition was Ken Richardson of
L’Estartit. His estimate of the closing level of the FTSE 100 index on 29th
December 2006 was the closest to the actual level. He therefore wins a
bottle of Cava. Ken is seen receiving his prize from Barry Davys of the
Spectrum Group. Barry is an independent financial advisor covering the
Costa Brava and was the sponsor of the competition. The FTSE closed at
6220.80 on the 29th December 2006. It currently stands at 6239.70, still
some way off its high of 6930.2 which was reached at the year end in December 1999!
DISCLAIMER
The British Society of Catalunya can not be held responsible for the legality,
accuracy or quality of the services offered by the advertisers in the publicity
of the Revista . Whoever engages any of the advertised services does so at
their own cost and risk.
British Society of Catalunya no se hace responsable de la legalidad, exactitud o cualidad de los servicios ofrecidos por los anunciantes en la publicidad de la Revista. Quienquiera que contrate alguno de los servicios anunciados lo hace por su cuenta y riesgo.
2
3
A March Walk
Thursday 8th. March
To San Marti d’Empuries
Commencing at 10.30
Starting From
The Olympic Flame Statue at the start of the board walk.
Round the back of the ruins through the fields to San
Marti
Back along the board walk
Then a visit to the L’Escala Salt/Fishing Museum
The walk is approx. 2 miles (3.5 kms) and the same
back.
Price 2 Euros for the BSC Charity Fund
Contact Pat Sturgeon Tel.972 77 23 24 or
e-mail traveller16444@telefonica.net
The walk is subject to weather permitting
4
The proposed coinage of King Edward VIII
by Mo Godfrey
As we have just passed the 70th. Anniversary of
the abdication of King Edward VIII last
December 10th., I thought this an ideal
opportunity to write a little of the history
LEFT FACING of the
PHOTOGRAPH
OF THE KING difficulties that faced the Royal Mint Advisory Committee,
the government and the deputy master of The Royal Mint in
their relationship with the King. It had been custom over the centuries that
the new monarch’s portrait on the coinage would face in the opposite direction to their predecessor. Edward’s first tiff with authority was to insist that
his portrait face the same as his father’s as this was his ‘best side’. The deputy master pleaded with the King not to upset tradition but the King insisted
and got his way. The trial dies (engraved discs for striking coins) that had already been
prepared had to be altered very quickly but the Empire coinage, royal seals,
medals and other artefacts of state had to be considered as well. Patterns and
trials were shown to the King and all were rejected until his portrait faced
left. Time was limited as the Royal Mint had to produce coins for the Empire
which meant the reverse designs having to be not only approved by the King
but also by all the Commonwealth Governments
and be distributed throughREJECTED out the world before coronaAPPROVED
tion day, set for 12th. May 1937.
The new King was not the traditionalist of his father
and the search for more modern designs were sought as he did
not favour the heraldic nature of the previous coinage and would prefer
‘his own set of coins’.
DESIGNS REJECTED BY THE KING IN JULY 1936
5
By May 1936 the deputy master confessed to be in
complete despair as the difficulty in securing
agreement with the King as to what were
‘modern designs’. It was pointed out to the King that
St. George on Britannia had appeared continuously on copper &
bronze coins since 1672 and all the gold coins
Gold coins
issued since 1893 bore the handsome
design of St. George & the Dragon. Various artists were employed
and a final try at a settlement was the submission of a what can
only be described loosely as a set of ‘Royal animal’ designs,
namely an eagle, dove, stag, sturgeon, swan & wren. Two sets of
coins were produced to show the King, the ‘Royal animal’ series
and an heraldic series.
Finally on July 24th. a meeting was arranged
between the King and deputy master and after an
intense discussion where the King was told that a
complete departure from tradition would not be
acceptable by the public, he agreed to accept most PENNY WITH
THE
of the heraldic versions. A small compromise
WARSHIP
TO
between the King and the mint was the acceptance
THE
RIGHT
OF
of an entirely new concept for the threepenny
piece, the inclusion of the wren for the farthing and BRITANNIA
a ship for the halfpenny. The size of the small silver threepence
was considered impractical and the weight of three bronze pennies
were considered too heavy for general use. The London Passenger
Transport Board had specifically asked that a practical size three
pence was required as they handled more than six tons of pennies
each year. The only dispute was that the King favoured the
proposed inclusion of a warship depicted on the penny but this
was dropped as the government thought this provocative to other
nations. The King however, disagreed but lost this particular
argument.
THE WREN FARTHING, SHIP HA’PENNY AND THE
NEWLY DEVISED BRASS THREEPENNY PIECE WERE
APPROVED BY THE KING IN LATE AUGUST 1936
6
Work progressed with great urgency and some
Empire coins that did not bear the effigy of the King were sent
overseas for distribution. Other
Empire coins that showed a crowned
effigy could not be sent before the
coronation. Silver coin dies were ready by
December and a small number of trial brass threepennies had
been sent out to vending machine operators and London
TRIAL DIE FOR
Transport for their re-action. Some of these were not returned
NEW 3d.
to the mint. Gold coins were to be issued in a limited
edition as sets, as Britain was no longer on the gold standard and the bullion
value of the sovereign exceeded their £1 face value so a hefty premium was
added to the gold issue. The retention of
St. George and the Dragon on the gold coins was a great relief to all involved.
After the abdication all stops were pulled out to
mint a full set of coins for George VI who,
unlike his brother, agreed to all that was proposed. Mistakes were made,
especially the
omission of milled edge on the gold coins of the
Coronation sets of George VI which
BRITISH
EMPIRE
WEST
AFRICA
ISSUE
rendered their status as patterns only and not as
real legal tender. The only other major mistake
was the failure to collect all of the trial brass threepenny pieces which, when
discovered caused a frenzy and an exceptional increase in the hobby of coin
collecting.
The fact that Edward VIII
coins are extremely rare and
to some are preferable to a
pocketful of diamonds!!
The new innovative brass
threepenny piece is the coin
that evokes a cult status
THE ONE THAT GOT
AWAY—NOW WORTH
OVER £20,000
EDWARD VIII OBVERSE SIDE
FOR COINS OF THE EMPIRE
REJECTED
APPROVED
7
but other Edward VIII coins have turned up albeit extremely rarely.If
you are interested in seeing the proposed final issue of United Kingdom coins of this short reign then a visit to the British Museum
(Coin & Medal Dept.), the Bank of England Museum which often
have them displayed or other than that, is by personal invitation of
Her Majesty to view the set that exists in the Royal collection.
GOLD ISSUE £5
eign
22ct. Gold - same
**************
- £2
de-
- £1 Sovereign - 10/=
 sover-
sign and fineness on all 4 coins
5/= Crown
 Crown Floling 6d.
rin Shil3d. OBVERSE
SILVER
IS-
SUE .500 fine silver
**************
New brass 3d.
1d. Penny
d. Penny Farthing
BRASS & BRONZE ISSUE
*************
It is unknown if any Maundy coins exist in the Royal collection
***************
NO EDWARD VIII COINS WERE EVER ISSUED FOR
CIRCULATION IN THE U.K. NOR CROWNED EFFIGIES OF EMPIRE
COINS EVER ISSUED. THE ONLY COINS ISSUED BEARING THE TITLE
OF EDWARD VIII WERE THOSE OF NEW GUINEA, FIJI, BRITISH WEST
AND EAST AFRICA.
8
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9
REPORT ON THE PRESENTATION TO THE FIREFIGHTERS
By Judy Sherriff
Not one, but two, big red fire engines bristling with all the most modern
firefighting equipment. Enough to brighten the eyes of the male members
of the committee attending the presentation of our €1000 cheque to the
firefighters of Torroella de Montgri. Lest you should think that the female
members got short rations let me assure you that there were enough uniformed firefighters on parade to keep them happy. For those who are concerned with equal opportunity one of the three female firefighters in Catalunya was on duty. She spoke good English too, having done tours of duty
in London and Australia.
The firefighters of Torroella de Montgri really did us proud with a good
show of equipment and staff to impress the
members of the press who were there to report
on the occasion. Sr. Lluis Reginco, Jefe Baix
Empordá came down from Barcelona, Sr. Enric
Cano, Jefe de Catalunya and Sr. Jose Maria Gonzales, Jefe de Camions were all there. After
many photo opportunities in the bright sunshine
we were escorted inside to a reception buffet of
soft drinks and snacks. We all made goodhearted efforts to make small talk in our broken Spanish and English. Sr.
Lluis Regincos told me that his daughter attends St. Georges English/
Spanish bi-lingual school in Girona and that her English is much better
than his. We were disappointed to learn that they didn’t have the traditional pole to slide down as we’d been looking forward to a demonstration or even using it ourselves.
After the social bit we were given a tour of the station with all the facilities. The €1000 will be put towards air-conditioning in the rest room and
bedrooms of the staff on duty. Much welcomed by all of them.
Many thanks to Ian Coombes, our publicity agent, who put a lot of effort
into organizing the presentations and press coverage. Also for translating
wherever necessary (probably more work than the organizing!!).
10
It is with regret that we learned of the
sudden death of Ron Robinson in Santa
Cruz Clinic in Figueras on January 25th.
The Funeral was at Figueras Crematorium on Monday the 29th. We extend our
deepest sympathy to his wife Jean.
BLONDE JOKE
A blind man enters a lesbian bar by mistake. He finds his way to a bar stool
and orders a drink.
After sitting there for a while, he yells to the bartender in a loud voice,
"Hey bartender, you wanna hear a dumb blonde joke?"!!!
The bar immediately falls deathly quiet. In a very deep, husky voice, the
woman next to him says, "Before you tell that joke, sir, I think it is just fair,
given that you are blind, that you should know five things…
1 - The bartender is a blonde woman.
2 - The bouncer is a blonde woman.
3 - The woman sitting next to me is blonde and is a professional weightlifter.
4 - The lady to your right is a blonde and is a professional wrestler, and
5 - I'm a 6 foot, 200 lb. blonde woman with a PhD., a black belt in karate
and a very bad attitude!
Now think about it seriously, Mister. Do you still want to tell that joke?"
The blind man thinks for a second, shakes his head, and says; "Naaaah .
not if I'm gonna have to explain it five times." . . . . . . . .
11
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12
BONSOIR VIENTIANE
By Stella Ellis.
It was a beautiful balmy evening; we had decided to have dinner on the
banks of the Mekong River, on this, our first night in the capital of Laos.
After a stroll along the pleasant esplanade we chose our “restaurant,” a
street stall with a selection of shabby tables and chairs down by the water’s edge. Having seated ourselves, ordered drinks and chosen food, we
relaxed and watched the sun setting over Thailand on the opposite side of
the swiftly flowing river. Some activity on the river proved to be two 15man dragon racing boats practising. The timing of the paddle strokes was
controlled by the standing stroke masters. Their quiet commands carried
clearly over the water. It was a magical time, the setting sun lighting a
path of gold across the surface, the dragon boats and crew in silhouette.
The mood was completed by the sound of music and what else but
Charles Aznavour singing a romantic love song. Truly French, in this very
French city. As the sun sank slowly into the West, my chair legs sank
slowly into the mud.
Eh! Bien, c’est la vie.
Friday 13th.
I should have known better and trusted my Piscean instincts and
horoscope reading, courtesy of the Bangkok Times. Having had our fill of
Cambodia, we had decided to return to Thailand. Nat, at the Golden Banana Guest House, arranged a taxi to collect us at 8-30 am. for the journey to the border crossing. What a road – after running out of tarmac in
5kms. it was down to basics, i.e. flattened earth and potholes galore. The
driver, and I say this kindly, drove with panache. The more realistic description would be “bloody mindedness.” His hand was permanently on
the horn adding to the general cacophony. I revised my philosophy of not
to “go with the flow,” to “jump with the bump.” As far as could be seen
was water, in parts flowing swiftly, showing the routes of streams and rivers which had burst their banks. In one place, young men were standing in
the water showing drivers the safest route. The water, at times, reached
the top of the wheel arches and I expected to see water coming through
13
the door seals. It was all rather surreal, a young woman on a motorbike,
stood laughing helplessly as one of her shoes floated away. Two men
were solicitously drying their pigs. The men and pigs had been showered
with floodwater caused by a lorry surging past. I think the pigs were past
caring, seeing that they were lying on their backs and tied to the pillion
seats of the motorbikes! A whole new meaning to “bringing home the bacon.” A whole new sound was heard as our car engine began to cough and
splutter. Disaster! There we were, in the middle of the Cambodian equivalent of the M1 fast lane. Not that anything was fast thank goodness. Another taxi stopped to help, but he had no jump leads. When started to take
out his battery to put in our car my son, Duncan, had to stop him. Fortunately the other passengers translated for him. The reason was that the
second taxi would, most likely, conk out too. Eventually a motorcyclist
brought us a length of tow rope. So we entered Pot Pei with a defunct car,
a very cross driver and sodden feet. The towing driver drove to a car
workshop, opposite the shuttle bus station, whereupon our driver literally
threw cases at us and pointed across the mud to the bus station. Two hours
later we were back in Thailand, although it took the customs official 1
hour 40 minutes to scan the passports of 29 people in the queue. Oh, the
power of a uniform and a rubber stamp! You may be wondering about my
mention of my horoscope reading for Friday 13th. “Some people think
you may be able to walk on water.” Spooky????
Financial advisor Nick Mann of Bedfordshire got proof that mail shots aren’t
always reliable when he opened one to read: ‘Dear Mr. Shagslikeadonkey,
moving your insurance to Prudential could save you £80.’ Prudential blamed a
hoaxer who has since left the firm.
Police who searched a 26-year-old shoplifter discovered that he was wearing
women’s underwear. The man, from Luocheng in Chine, told officers that he
always wore ladies’ lingerie when shoplifting because he had been told it
would make him undetectable.
King Abdullah II had the admirable idea of adopting a variety of disguises in
order to get a feeling for grass roots opinion in Jordan and test its public services, but his cover was blown when commoners spotted his motorcade.
14
TRAVEL NEWS
The patronage de Turisme is negotiating with Ryanair about a link on the
airline’s web site to the official web site for tourism promotion of the
Costa Brava.
Ryanair increases the number of aeroplanes operating from the airport
Girona from three to seven and offers new airborne destinations: Aarhus
(Denmark), Altenburg, Bremen (Germany), Bologne, Brescia, Cagliari,
Pecara, Trapani (Italy), Bristol, Teesside, Durham, Newcastle (England),
Faro (Portugal), Goeteborg, Malmoe (Sweden), Marrakesch (Morocco),
Oslo (Norway), Oporto (Portugal). With this surge in destinations the
number of destinations reached directly from Girona, on Ryanair, will be
forty-one.
The president of the chamber of commerce of Sant Feliu de Guíxols,
Joan Puig, criticised the role of the municipalities of the Costa Brava visà-vis the airport in Girona. The towns do not do enough, he says, to encourage incoming passengers to stay at the coast. In fact the majority of
passengers use the airport as a cheap destination to Barcelona. It is urgently necessary, according to Joan Puig, that Ryanair informs airport Girona Costa Brava passengers of the coastal towns in their web site by offering additional links.
The first flight of Spanair from Girona to Madrid started on 29 January,
many public figures looked on. The flight left at 7 a.m. without complications.
The new bus station of Lloret de Mar will be inaugurated on May 17th
after two years construction. Up to now the following bus companies
have obtained licenses for the use of the station: Barcelona Bus, Teisa,
Sarfa, Autocars Rafel Mas and Coetbus. Under the new terminal is an underground public car park with spaces for 188 vehicles.
The Grup Excursionista de Begur plans ten excursions for the year 2007.
They will take place monthly, on Sundays, except for August and December.
15
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MONDAY 23rd. APRIL 2007
7.30 for 8 p.m.
Full 4 course menu to include half bottle wine, bread,
agua, minerals & coffee per person
€23
LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE AT THIS EVENT
FOR FULL DETAILS PHONE PENNY & MO ON
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e-mail: mogod@compuserve.com
FINAL DATE FOR BOOKINGS 16th. APRIL
16
MENU AT THE
Cream of Tomato Soup
********
Mixed Salad Marebe
********
Pork Steak with
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Salted Potatoes/ Frites
********
Apple Strudel with Ice cream
********
Incl. half bottle wine, bread, minerals, agua,
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Wine €5 - Cava €8 - Beer €1.50 - Sprits & Mixer €3.80
17
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19
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20
21
SALT WATER NEWS
From the Cap de Creus website
Palafrugell starts on the 20 January the gastronomic campaign La Garoinada. This event promotes the consumption of sea urchins, in one of the
eight participating restaurants. The campaign lasts until 12 March, and by
then about 3000 portions of a dozen sea urchins are expected to be
served.
The sea urchins enjoy a six-month period of no hunting in our area. The
government had announced on January 17th that this would be extended 8
months. Now this decision has been revised back to six months. The regulation also allows professional fishermen to catch 150 kilos crustacean
per day. Moreover, no new license will be issued to capture the shellfish
until there is more data showing that the shellfish is no longer endangered.
The mayor of Palafrugell, Lluís Medir,
opens the gastronomic campaign la
Garoinada (Sea urchins). He believes
that the decline of the urchin populations
at the coast is due to environmental impact and not because of extensive harvesting. This immediately brought the
environmental protection organization
Salvem El Crit onto the scene. They said that the mayor’s beliefs were ridiculous since nobody knows the reasons why the urchin population is
falling.
Palamós, one of the most important fishing harbours of the coast, laments
the drop in business. In the last 5 years the number of the active fishermen has fallen by 15%. The reasons lie in a fishing crisis in Palamós
which was mainly caused by high fuel prices and sinking profits. Palamós
is not following the trend, for during the year 2006 the Catalan fishing
fleet recorded an increase of 8.38% with respect to catch and sales.
22
The national government has developed stricter rules for companies that
arrange for diving in the natural reserve Illes Medes passages. The new
rules are designed to protect the underwater marine life, especially the red
coral.
The Agència Catalana de l´Aigua, responsible for the water, (ACA) asked
Begur to guarantee that the construction according to the approach to Sa
Riera are planned to prevent floods.
Measurements of the sea water temperature in l´Estartit showed that the
temperature of the water is currently 2° over the mean of the last 30 years.
The town hall of Calonge asked the Direcció general de Costes for permission to install a summer water park on 400 m2 by the sea. It will be
composed of 10 inflatable elements and will be suitable for children from
9 years old.
OTHER STUFF
According to statisticians Girona takes the third position as one of the
most expensive regions of Spain. Living costs are only higher in Madrid
and Barcelona.
In the Baix Empordá there will shortly be a travelling office for the administrative assistance of foreign citizens. It opens every Tuesday from
16 to 20 o'clock at one of the following locations: Sant Feliu de Guíxols
(Centre Cívic de Vilartagues), la Bisbal (Carrer Tarongers, 12) and Torroella de Montgrí (Carrer major, 31).
The Centre Cultural of the Caixa Girona in Girona shows an exhibition
dedicated to the legendary comic figure Tintin and creator Hergé from
the 16th of March up to the 20th of May, with more than 450 exhibits as
Hommage. This year the Belgian Hergé would have been one hundred
years old
Palamós celebrated the day of the Sant Antoni, that patron saints of the
animals. Numerous citizens brought their domestic animals into the
church, where they were blessed.
23
MESON LA PARRILLA
(JOSÉ FLORES)
RESTAURANT AND BAR
SPECIALITIES: CURRIES, MIXED GRILLS,
FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE, DOMINOES EACH
TUESDAY NIGHT
c/Cami de Palau, l’Escala
Closed January for holidays
English spoken. Wednesday closed. Open all year
FOR SALE
TWO DOOR CAGE CRATE FOR
LARGE DOG
48” Long X 30” Wide X 25”
High.
Steel wire construction for
strength and portability. Folds
flat. Metal epoxy coated tray.
Nearly new. 79 €
Ring Gaynor 972 772746
24
Monday April 9th 2007
Easter Bonnet Competition
And
Easter Monday Luncheon
At
Restaurant Meson La Parrilla, L`Escala
Price 16 Euros
3 Course Meal to include
Pica Pica Starter
Choice of main course
Chicken-Fish-Meat
Dessert, Wine & Coffee
Places are limited so book early
e-mail traveller16444@telefonica.net and book
your place
or telephone Pat Sturgeon on 972 77 2324
Prize for the best bonnet
1.30 For 2.00
25
SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS
Dear Fellow Members,
During the course of your committee’s January meeting it was evident
that some of our members had received a reminder letter for membership renewal instead of the New Year issue of ‘Revista’ even though
they had paid their subscriptions. Your committee work extremely
hard in trying to ‘get things right’ but occasionally there is a blip and
we apologise for that.
Subscriptions are due on the 1st. October each year and it would be
helpful if this could be adhered to with the subscription accompanied
by the renewal form that is published in the ‘Revista’, duly completed.
Subs. not received by mid-December trigger a reminder letter and no
January issue. Problems arise when subs. which are given to committee members in bars, restaurants etc. are not accompanied by either
the renewal form or a clearly written information sheet.
Information about subscription renewals filtering through the system
is collated by our secretary Des Sherriff who occasionally will receive
a cheque with an unreadable signature and no other information, so
please ensure that your details are clear. Payment by bank transfer is
becoming more popular but Des must be informed on the renewal
form that this is in place.
Renewals dropped off at Villa Services after mid-December may not
reach their destination in time. It would be better to put them in our
treasurer’s (Sandra Carver) mailbox on Carrer del Puig 34. (The street
which runs behind the Carrefour)
Many thanks for your past support and trust that your co-operation in
this matter will help our committee to carry out their tasks efficiently.
Mo. Godfrey.
P.S. Postal rates throughout the E.U. have increased recently with a
hike in U.K. rates due shortly. However, there will be NO INCREASE
in the subscription price of €15 for membership in the foreseeable future and we consider this excellent value for money.
26
An Invitation
From The Reverend Peter Jordan and his wife Barbara
(Chaplain & Reader of St.George's Church, Barcelona)
To join us at Sta Maria (R.C) Church in Roses By kind
permission of Mossen Joan Riu.
On the following dates at 6pm for services in English
Friday March 23rd
Easter Service
Friday June 22nd
Summer Celebration
Friday 28th September
Harvest Thanksgiving
Friday 14th December
Christmas Carol Service
Services will be followed by refreshments and Holy Communion will be
offered after the service, for those who wish to receive.
If you have any queries please call:Tim & Anne Raine ..........972 65 13 90
Revd.Peter Jordan..........934 17 88 67
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Looking for insurance for you English Car?
! Don’t look any further! We can insure cars from England, Holland & Denmark with their original number plates. Also we can maintain your no claims
bonus with a certificate from your old insurance company. Policy’s printed out
in English, so you have no problems understanding the small print.
We look for the best price & cover within a big range of insurance company’s
we work with.
Tired of not being able to communicate with your actual insurance agent or company?
Then get insured with Sammy Thomas S.L.U Insurance Brokers. Sammy is
originally from Doncaster, England based in Girona since 1990 and has a Master in Life Insurance.
We also insure:
Business, Home, Life, Responsible Liability, Health, Accidents, Boat, Savings policies, Community blocs, Cars, Bikes etc…
CALL US ON 972-221639 AND ASK FOR SAMMY THOMAS
Sammy Thomas S.L.U
Plaza Marqués de Camps 9-10 Entlo 1ª, 17001 Girona Spain
Fax: 972-204038
Email: sammy@sammythomas.com
Registered nº DGPFA: G387GC, reg. broker Nº 68554 Resp. Liability Policy insured (Law 9/1992) CIF: B17515222
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VILLA SERVICE PACSA S.L.
N.I.F B-17343609 API 455
Spanish OFFICE
U.K. OFFICE
P.P. Box 40
18, Firwood Park
Avda. Montgo 10
Chadderton
17130 l’Escala
Oldham
Girona
OL9 9SE
Tel. 972 77 02 62
Tel. 0161 652 0263
Fax 972 77 26 51
Fax 0161 284 0672
===============================
E-mail info@ villaservice.info
www.villaservice.info
www.villaservice.co.uk
Established in l’Escala for more than 20 years
Holiday rentals, quality villas & apartments with full back up from experienced
staff.
We supply sheets, towels, cots, high chairs and anything required for successful
holidays.
Car rentals, modern air-conditioned Fords, Pick up at airport, our office or bus and
train stations.
Villa & apartment sales
Villa and apartment management for owners, regular security checks on your properties and renting to approved clients if required.
CONTACTS
Mary
in l’Escala
Melanie
in l’Escala and U.K.
Marissa
in l’Escala
Jean Francois for all questions or queries regarding sales.
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DON’T MESS WITH OLD FARTS
Sent in by Peter Young
A wealthy old lady decides to go on a photo safari in Africa, taking her faithful
aged poodle named Cuddles, along for the company. One day the poodle starts
chasing butterflies and before long, Cuddles discovers that he's lost. Wandering
about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the intention
of having lunch. The old poodle thinks, "Oh, oh! I'm in deep doo-doo now!"
Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to
chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is
about to leap the old poodle exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious
leopard! I wonder if there are any more around here?" Hearing this, the young
leopard halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he
slinks away into the trees. "Whew" says the leopard, "That was close! That old
poodle nearly had me!" Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the
whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use
and trade it for protection from the leopard. So off he goes, but the old poodle
sees him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figures that something
must be up. The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and
strikes a deal for himself with the leopard. The young leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, monkey, hop on my back and see what's
going to happen to that conniving canine! Now, the old poodle sees the leopard
coming with the monkey on his back and thinks, "What am I going to do
now?", but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers,
pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to
hear, the old poodle says. "Where's that damn monkey? I sent him off an hour
ago to bring me another leopard!
Moral of the story...
Don't mess with old farts...age and treachery will always overcome youth and
skill! Bullshit and brilliance only come with age and experience. If you don't
send this to five "old" friends right away there will be five fewer people laughing in the world.
I am in no way insinuating that any of you are old, some are just more "youth
challenged" than others!!!!
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GOLF LESSONS
Jane Fernley
PGA Golf Professional
Range or Playing Lessons available at all local courses
Group Sessions – Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays
For more information or to book
Telephone 972 630 361 or email jane@gironagolf.com
Gualta Junior Groups
Every Weekend: Saturday 5pm/Sunday 11am
Telephone Gualta reception 972 760 338 to book
CLUB REPAIR & REGRIPPING
You could be watching Sky TV tomorrow
New Pace 430 Digibox with viewing card, 80cm dish, cables fitting etc. 600 Euros
Any Sky viewing card arranged (no UK address needed)
Sky cards for UK, Ireland, all in stock.
The latest Sky Plus from 400 Euros We activate your card
free. No management charge.
(Established over 12 years)
Call Clive now.
Phone/Fax 972774253 Mobile 620846725
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WALRUS BAR AND RESTAURANT
Newly refurbished, the Walrus offers a warm &
friendly atmosphere, nestled between the l’Escala
Marina and the main beach at Riells.
Our menu offers traditional British and local
dishes, including the best English breakfast, daily
menu, evening meals & traditional Sunday roast
for miles. All major sporting events are shown on
wide screen. A very warm Walrus welcome
awaits but the a/c and finest selection of wines,
beers and cocktails are guaranteed to keep you
cool.
CATERING FOR ALL
SPECIAL OCCASIONS.
CONTACT TONY FOR
FURTHER IMFORMA-
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Tampa,
Florida, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value. Later, when the
nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its
quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.
One nurse took her copy to Missouri. The old man's sole bequest to posterity
has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St
Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made
based on his simple, but eloquent, poem. And this little old man, with nothing
left to give to the world, is now the author of this "anonymous" poem winging
across the Internet:
Crabby Old Man
What do you see, nurses . What do you see?
What are you thinking When you're looking at me?
A crabby old man Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, With faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food . And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice, .. "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice The things that you do,
And forever is losing
A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not, Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, .... The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? .... Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse,....You're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am
As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten. With a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters Who love one another.
A young boy of sixteen With wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now A lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at twenty My heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows . That I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
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Who need me to guide And a secure happy home.
A man of thirtyMy young now grown fast,
Bound to each other
With ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons Have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . To see I don't mourn
At fifty once more, Babies play 'round my knee,
Again we know children,
My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, My wife is dead,
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing. Young of their own ,
And I think of the years And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man And nature is cruel;
Tis jest to make old age Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, Grace and vigour depart,
There is now a stone . Where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass
A young guy still dwells,
And now and again,My battered heart swells.
I remember the joys,
I remember the pain,
And I'm loving and living
Life over again.
I think of the years All too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact. That nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people, Open and see,
Not a crabby old man; Look closer.... see, ME!
DON’T TEACH YOUR WIFE TO DRIVE
Sent in by Bob ?
Oh dear, if love is to survive,
Take heed, no matter what
You mustn’t teach your wife to driveOr pitch or chip or putt.
She’ll have a stroke. She’ll get teed off,
Her will of iron will grip you.
Life’s rough enough, you don’t need golf
To drive a wedge between you.
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WATERSIDE
LUNCH
AT RESTAURANT LA CLOTA, l'Escala
23rd of May
Thin slices of Melon Mango & Ham
or Catalan Salad
Baked Fish or Pork in the oven
Fresh Fruit Kebab with Chocolate Sauce
or Apple Pudding
To Include bread wine water and
coffee
Maximum 50 people.
Price 18 Euros
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VISIT TO CASTILLO PERELADA
19th June 2007
Meeting at the wine shop
10.30 sharp!
There will be a Wine Tasting at La Botiga del Celler, a
Visit to the Museum of the Castle (Library, Glass Museum, Gothic Church and Cloister,
Wine Museum ) and a visit to the Castillo Perelada ageing
cellar
Depending on numbers this will be done in groups of 20
persons. Maximum number of bookings 40
Price 13 Euros
Bookings to
Andrea Speakman 972 77 42
63
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A Helping Hand
How often have you heard of a person who is ill, or in need of help, with
one to ask , or who possibly does not know how to ask for help?
Regrettably too often, especially if this person is living alone, or has lost
a partner!
The British Benevolent Association
for the Province of Girona
Registered Number 32568
Will have the purpose of helping any British or Commonwealth subject
in need of help who is resident in, or passing through, the Province of
Girona.
It is hoped that a large number of British residents will become a
“Member”, and that these members will appoint a “Committee” to conduct the business of the Society.
When a Member becomes aware of a person needing help they should
tell a Committee member who will then confidentially investigate.
We will be holding our INAUGURAL MEETING
at 17.00hrs on Thursday 3rd May 2007
at L’ ERA Restaurant in San Pere Pescadore
Please come along to show your support and to enrol as “Members” at
a membership fee of Five Euros
At the Inaugural Meeting the “Members” will nominate and elect the
“Committee”, and the Committee will select its “Officers”
More information from
Roly 619 119034
Jo & Bushey 972 153267 / 650037765
Babs & Griff 972455264
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REPORT ON THE VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER AND DANCE
By Roger Arndall
Once again the annual Valentine's Dinner and Dance has come around. This
year the venue was Meson del Conde at St Marti. Unlike the weather on
the outside the 64 members attending received a warm welcome from the hard
working members of the committee, Sandra and Andrea with Des taking on the
roll of compere and Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
The four course menu comprised Leek Soup followed by Asparagus then a
Stuffed Chicken Breast and finally a Backed Apple plus coffee of choice and of
course plenty of wine.
Before we could get into the Baked Apple however, Syd and Mary, who have
recently celebrated a birthday and an anniversary, were on their feet encouraging those shyer members to get up and "strut their stuff "to the music provided
by our very capable DJ Geoff Martin, not to mention Alice who was nominated
cabaret dancer of the evening.
Once clear of food, we were, as usual, subjected to some high pressure raffle
ticket sales from Sandra and Andrea. The prizes being up to the usual quality
and variety. During the draw we were made aware of the Cookery Book, My
Favourite Food, that has been produced by Jacqy Harding with the proceeds
going a Children's Home in Figueres. Mention was also made concerning
the cheque that was handed over to the Firemen of Torroella de Montgri and
another €1000 to the Figueres Hospital Foundation. As always the proceeds
from the raffle will go to worthy local organisations.
Dancing continued at an energetic pace with many people requesting their favourite tunes. I must note in passing that a request was made for a record by
Tony Braxton, never heard of him, but it certainly did the trick for one of our
most reluctant dancers as he was seen on the dance floor no less than THREE
times and I have the photographic evidence, KEN.
A very enjoyable evening our guests from England had a really good time. Our
thanks as always to those responsible for a very well organised event. A mention must be made to thank the three hard working waiters, our young lady was
most helpful and a delight.
Finally our very grateful thanks to Andrea and Sandra for their organisation
and to Des for his inimitable style as compere.
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British Society of Catalunya Empordà Branch
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM to September 2007
Name
-----------------------------------First name(s)
-----------------------------------Name of spouse/partner -----------------------------------Address to post Revista to -----------------------------------Street
-----------------------------------Town
-----------------------------------Province/County
-----------------------------------Postcode
-----------------------------------Telephone/Fax
-----------------------------------E-Mail
-----------------------------------Amount enclosed
€ 15
Any other relevant details -----------------------------------(Next of kin in case of
-----------------------------------Emergencies?)
-----------------------------------€ 15 per couple or individual, including postage for ‘Revista’, the society’s magazine
Please Note that the €15.00 covers one or two people; it is not
€15.00 per person. It also covers delivery of one copy of ‘Revista’, six
times per year. If you want the ‘Revista’ to two different addresses,
include the details and to which months they apply: ‘Revista’ is issued
in Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov.
Send to Des Sherriff, Francesc Pi 1, 17255 Begur, Spain.
Membership always runs from October 1 to September 30.
Cheques, in Euros, drawn on a Spanish bank please, payable to British
Society of Catalunya or transfer the money from your bank directly
to Bank Sabadell l’Escala account British Society of Catalunya
ES74 0081 0237 6800 0111 2415
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