FEBRUARY 2010 Hey!
we're now on Facebook too - click here -there's no stopping
us!!!
If you're already a member of Facebook, you just send
a request to the Amigas page, where I will reply within
a couple of weeks, if not before, then you can chat
with other members about our group, and our activities,
at your leisure. Otherwise, join now and chat with your
old and new amigas!
Meeting held 11th February, 2010.
Jean opened the meeting not quite on time as she had
to ring the bell in the bar! Eventually all were settled,
and she told of the forthcoming plans for the group.
Trudi spoke briefly of this being the final chance to
join our Ancestry group, and indeed did get more to
join.
Kathy mentioned that hopefully next meeting, she will
bring some 'plug plants' grown by herself, the variety
to be a secret, and hopefully all members will 'have
a go' at growing theirs to perfection, they will be
just €1.00 for each plug, the proceeds to go to
the winner, when the plants are judged -either at the
April or May meeting.
Jean then introduced our speaker; Roger Stuart, who
arrived looking splendid in wonderful Highland dress!
and gave a really different and informative talk on
Whisky. His knowledge of the history of Scots Whisky
was phenomenal, and he explained how the different flavours
are obtained and some of the amazing prices that have
been paid for rare bottles etc. He asked for volunteers
to do the tasting, men and women, and that was where
the fun started! He actually taught the volunteers how
to drink and appreciate really good whiskies, and their
very different flavours and perfumes. Roger was presented
with a bottle of wine and he and his wife joined some
of the Committee and members for a well earned lunch.
After the meeting, more members signed up for some of
the hobby groups, so we now have 10
for the Book Club; 10 for
Family History; and 11
for Gardening. Kathy had a quick word following
the meeting with those interested in the gardening group,
and brought each a plant which was new to all, from
her garden, called Cerinthe - a native wildflower of
southern Spain, but no-one has seen it in it's natural
habitat here! The first meeting of this group is to
follow the Craft classes on Thursday afternoons, and
some members also attend those.
Norma and Chris collected names for the forthcoming
Theatre trip in March, and the one to Cordoba in May.
The coach for Malaga next week is almost full with just
one spare seat, which will no doubt be taken by someone!
Update on Hobby Groups:
Computer Group: To date there has already been
two lively meetings. Jean Preston's husband Geoff, has
offered to teach us, as he has done this in the past
- aren't we lucky? At their home, Jean and Geoff have
a wireless broadband connection, so members brought
their own laptops and notebooks, and were all able to
'log on' to the internet - a real classroom! Some were
experienced computer users, others total beginners or
just wishing to improve their skills. Geoff is a good
teacher, and knowledgeable re the 'workings' of the
computer and the internet, so started there. This is
a lively class, and all 10 of us are learning something
new. A great success!
Crafts Group: This large
group - 14 members -has also had two meetings; held
at Eduardo's as there is ample room there, and we can
arrange the tables to suit us. Ladies brought samples
of their various hobbies, which included painting; embroidery;
card making; knitting; etc. along with books, patterns
and magazines. A number of us remarked on the first
week that we didn't know how to crochet, so Trudi offered
to show us the following week - and she did - with varying
degrees of success! Trudi also walked in with a whole
bolt of lovely upholstery fabric, lengths of which she
offered for free, plus she had loads of sewing findings
which she offered - lovely. Jeannie brought some jars
of home-made pickled red cabbage for just 1€ really
unusual and delicious! Great fun.
Family History Group: This
coming Thursday 11th February will be the last chance
for members to join this group for the coming year,
as we will be joining Ancestry.com and the application
has to go in NOW. There will be full worldwide membership
- you could have connections in America, Australia,
- anywhere. Also if like me, you need to access records
from the Irish Republic, that is not included in the
cheaper membership! The cost will be approximately 27€
per person at present - less if more join - so join
now. If you can't be at the meeting, contact me at kathy@trabucotimes.com,
or Trudi at trudileach@yahoo.co.uk.
Book Group: To date comprising
9 members, and had their first meeting at the beginning
of the month at the Plaza Bar in Trabuco. As is usual
with book clubs, each member will be reading the same
book each month(new copies purchased on-line.) apologies
for naming the wrong book initially, but the first book
is to be "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts,
with 6 more already chosen for the coming months. Most
are quite'challenging' reads, with a Bill Bryson included
for a change of pace! Future meetings will be on the
last Friday of the month in member's homes, the first
to be at the home of Marylin.
Garden Group: There will
be a short meeting after Thursday's Amigas meeting re
the gardening group. There are 7 members at present,
and if any more members would like to join us, please
see Kathy. I will then give a brief idea of what is
planned for the season, then we will arrange to meet
at the end of the month.
Games Group: This group
of 6 members has already had 2 meetings to date, and
enjoy various board games, the first at the home of
the convenor, June Cornish, and will have future meetings
at each other's homes.
Drama/Music Group: Details
coming shortly, when a suitable venue is chosen.
REMINDER: These groups are open to members only. However,
there is no extra charge for joining any of these groups.
We can also advise on activities outside Amigas de Casa,
eg: the Spanish Casa Cultura activities; the Local Gym
club and Salsa classes, etc. etc. We all help each other,
if some are more skilled than others, and share transport
if necessary. Your only expense will be when it's necessary
to purchase books or join Ancestry, etc. and other 'outside'
activities.
JANUARY 2010
Our first meeting of the new year was
well attended in spite of the recent poor weather. On
arrival, Kathy gave each member their new 2010 membership
cards with a unique number to each member, which will
take us up to November. Jean (la Presidenta) welcomed
everyone, members and guests - today 35 members attended,
plus two guests - announcing we now have 46 fully paid-up
members.(Another five joined at this meeting for the
year, making the membership now up to 51 - very healthy!)
Liz, as Press Secretary had contacted local ex-pat magazines
without success, however, a couple of weeks ago, we
had an article and photo published in the 'Sur In English'
generating calls from further afield - even Malaga and
towards Alameda, so our fame is spreading!
The December raffle of Vicky's lovely floral arrangements
raised €92!! and there was quite a fight for them
apparently. Many members also purchased today's raffle
tickets on arrival, and the prizes were on display at
the entrance, including quality household items and
even some free-range eggs donated by Marilyn! Jean also
said that our current financial status can be viewed
by members after the meetings -see Trudi, and at present
our funds stand at €584.40c. which seems quite
a lot, but will be needed for the future.
All who went on our first 'trip' agreed they enjoyed
the outing, and are keen for more. Social Committee
members Chris and Norma then announced the forthcoming
planned outings to Malaga 18th February; Cordoba Patio
Festival 11th May, and possible Classical Music trip
to the Cervantes theatre in Malaga on the evening of
12th March. POSTER
FOR FEBRUARY MEETING
It was also announced to watch out for forthcoming Gardening
and Photography competitions coming soon. Also next
month's speaker was announced - Roger Stuart on Whiskey.
As previously mentioned this may be of slight interest
to some of our partners/husbands, and this time they
will be welcomed - for a €3 guest fee, of course!
Looking far ahead to the AGM, to be held in November,
this will be combined with a birthday party to celebrate
12 months of getting together, more details to be announced
later.
There is some intention of a get-together with the Trabuco
Spanish Amas de Casa and some of our members more fluent
in the language have already attended their meetings,
as many of us know some of the Amas members. This also
prompted the mention of our name at the last meeting.
It was deemed by the committee that a change now would
not be viable - especially not using the word 'Club'
which has nefarious connotations in Spain! Soundings
have been taken the past few weeks, and members seem
happy with trips, meetings, plans etc. and see no need
for change, and we are keen to welcome members from
other areas. Also, as we haven't previously had time
at meetings for 'Any Other Business' requests from members,
Jean said either herself or Vicky would be available
if anyone has something to suggest after the meeting
has ended.
Next, the list of Hobby Groups was announced - (these
are 'help each other' groups, for no monetary gain)
So far we have 7 lists as follows: CRAFTS
- 14 members; (co-ordinator, Ann
Ryan) to meet weekly on Thursdays at Eduardo's from
3 - 6pm. FAMILY HISTORY - 8 members; (co-ordinator
Trudi Leach) GARDENING/PLANTS - 6 members; (co-ordinator
- Kathy Purser) BOOKS - 8 members (co-ordinator,
Jean Preston - her original plan, which mushroomed!)
and 3 other subjects which have emerged recently - BRIDGE/WHIST
- 1 member; (teachers have volunteered) ENJOY
YOUR COMPUTER - 8 members;
(co-ordinator- Kathy Purser - for basics/improving/tips/sharing)
and PLAYAWAY - 10 members -
A get-together for board games - Scrabble; Trivial Pursuit;
Mah Jong; Canasta; Jig-saw swop; Darts - whatever! (co-ordinator
June Cornish) DRAMA/MUSIC - 7
members; (co-ordinator Trish Muir.) The individual
lists were circulated, and people added their names
to one or more - of course making new amigas along the
way, and co-ordinators emerged also, as these groups
will not be organised by the Committee, but will be
self-governing, either meeting at each other's homes,
or a venue of their choice. If you become a full member,(this
is essential) and weren't at this meeting, but wish
to join any of these groups, please make yourself known
to any member of the committee, or
e-mail me here at: kathy@trabucotimes.com - and we will
introduce you to the relevant co-ordinator.
As said before, this is a learning year, and later we
may be able to arrange groups more angled to learning
- eg. U3A.
Finally, Jean introduced our very first speaker, Phil
Smith, who spoke of his work as a 'Life Coach'.
Phil explained the job as a mix of counseller/best
friend who will listen to your problems and help you
to decide yourself how to solve them and make a better
life for yourself. Numerous members asked questions
and made comments, making it quite a lively and amusing
discussion! Fortunately, Eduardo had put the heating
on, so it was much more comfortable. We had also procured
the use of a modern microphone and sound system on loan,
which worked very well, so we will be using this each
meeting from now on, and everyone could hear what was
going on. The chairs were also arranged in a 'horseshoe'
fashion of two to three rows, which also made a more
sociable arrangement. Vicky gave the vote of thanks
to our speaker, and the meeting ended with the draw
for the raffle prizes. The first winner was a guest
-her first visit - our friend Dixie Wardley, who chose
a very nice set of kitchen knives from Ikea, and later
her friend Barbara McQueen who also isn't yet a member,
won some of the free range eggs! This was a strange
draw, as two Committee members also won - which prompted
good-natured calls of 'it's a fix!'
Jean Stacey brought along some Calendars for sale on
behalf of the CUDECA charity, and all were sucessfully
sold. Also, Liz Marsh had kindly brought an enormous
pile of bags of citrus fruit which she gave away free,
this was eagerly accepted by many, and she also brought
some examples of her craft work which she enjoys,which
was of great interest to many,including embroidery.
Also an enormous circular wooden 'Lazy Susan' which
can sit on a dining table to pass the dishes around
- Chinese banquet style! This was made by her husband,
but beautifully hand-painted by herself in an African
style; very impressive! Liz goes to art classes with
member Susan Hartjes, a professional artist with many
crafting talents, and is keen to share her skills with
us. Susan teaches drawing and painting, and specializes
in teaching beginners! see her here at http://www.elreposodelarte.com
Eduardo was again looking like the cat that got the
cream, as many coffees and drinks were sold, plus more
than a dozen stayed for lunch - together with their
husbands, who arrived to join them.
The next meeting is to be on Thursday, 11th February;
when the subject will be 'Whiskey' by Roger Stuart.
DECEMBER 2009 Once again, Eduardo's restaurant
was literally ringing to the sounds of ladies tinkling
chatter! This was the day to sign up for all the goodies
to come. Trudi and Kathy were kept busy 'on the door',
as all those arriving wanted to join for the year, with
just two visiting guests. Trudi took each members details
and gave a receipt after receiving the completed subscription
forms, whilst Kathy gave each a temporary membership card
until the permanent ones are handed out in January, 2010.
We now have a total of 46 fully paid-up members with others
in the pipeline - mainly from Rosario and Trabuco, but
also we were delighted to also welcome others from Archidona,
Tapia and Loja.
Presidenta Jean began the meeting by introducing her newly
acquired temporary microphone and speaker! It was some
improvement, but we may have to upgrade in the future,
obtaining a more suitable type, as such voices such as
Jean's don't carry as well as others in such a large room.
We had also rearranged the seating which did make some
improvement too. However, this is ongoing and it's early
days yet - we will get it right! We also even had to close
the curtains and put on the lights, because that darned
sunshine was glaring in at us - in the middle of December
too!
Jean explain that the new membership cards will have each
member's unique membership number needed to sign in at
the meetings, and also to reserve seats on the coach trips.
Chris and Norma updated us on the details of the forthcoming
shopping trip on the 15th December, and it was announced
also we would be having regular raffles with tickets 50c
each, or €2 for 5. The prizes this time were for
Vicky's seasonal floral arrangements, and Jean said we
would be providing good prizes at the future raffles,
and would welcome any donations for prizes from members
- perhaps unwanted Christmas presents?
Some members had made suggestions for future speakers,
and these will be considered by the Social Committee,
where some speakers for the 2nd half of 2010 will be announced,
although there may be some revisions later. Some members
had asked if they could sell things they had produced,
so it was decided that there would be a table provided
on which you can leave leaflets/business cards to advertise
what you do, and then have a quarterly 'Produce Fayre'
beginning with the Spring one on March 11th, followed
by others in June; September, and lastly December for
Christmas items.
Jean Stacey (our other Jean - known usually to some of
us as 'tall Jean')was then introduced representing the
Trabuco Té Inglese Group and CUDECA charity, gave
details of the work done by the ladies by baking cakes.
An excellent amount of monies had been raised for CUDECA
and other charities, since the beginning of Té
Inglese established in 2004 which was the original brain
child of our friend Val Paterson, who sadly has since
moved from the area. However, after a shaky start, Té
Inglese has gone from strength to strength, raising money
for various charities; the local Church; School; family
of a very sick boy here in Trabuco, and a desperately
poor community in the Sahara, plus two Spanish cancer
charities AECC (Asociation Espanola Contra Cancer) and
latterly the last 2 years to CUDECA the Cancer Care Hospital
in Benalmadena. (Jean previously worked for the Marie
Curie Foundation (not McMillan as I said previously!)
in UK before moving here, so I don't doubt these charities
are close to her heart.)
Footnote: For those who don't know, there is never a crumb
of cake left on our stalls at the Fiesta - our Spanish
friends just LOVE English cakes!
Next, the plans for the January meeting were announced
- an exciting phase, as the various 'special interest
groups' will be formed. These will be self-governing,
we just ask 1 person to be organiser or liasion, and those
groups can decide amongst themselves where and when to
meet etc. So far, groups are forming for Crafts; Family
History; Plants/Gardening; Drama; Music, Jigsaw Swap;
and la Presidenta's orginal idea - a Book group. Member
Jane Watson also gave details of a Salsa Class which she
and others attend held regularly at Bar Rubia in Trabuco,
run by a chap who delights in the name of Hugh Grant!
A new class will be starting again in January. Although
this is separate from Amigas de Casa activities, Jane
will welcome any new comers to join them.
A number of people had asked if their husbands/partners
could come along to meetings, and it was decided that
certain meetings such as the February talk on Whisky may
possibly be of slight interest to some men! so yes, for
that meeting they were welcome, for a guest fee of €3,
but ONLY husbands/partners - no 'random' men - which produced
a certain amount of amusement all round!
Jean then reminded all that the speaker in January will
be Phil Smith, 'Life Coach' before handing over to Vicky
for her live Floral art demonstration.
Vicky produced - apparently with little effort, four totally
different arrangements for the Christmas season, explaining
along the way some tricks of the trade. Using greenery
from her own garden, and a minimum of carefully chosen
florist's blooms including carnations and lilies, she
created traditional and modern designs to suit any decor.
Needless to say the raffle tickets were flying out, and
the lucky winners were:
Sue Read; Marie Brown; Pamela Lewin and Norma Knights.
15th December Update:
Many of us went on the Christmas shopping trip today,
and had a lovely time. After a cold start, we went off
to Guzman's garden Centre, which seems so much bigger
than when I was there last (which was about 6 years ago)
made a promise to myself to go again soon! Following that
we went on to Fuengirola and the Miramar Centre, where
we spent the afternoon. Later the bus dropped us off at
Iceland, where we all collected our 'essential foodies'
before returning to Trabuco early evening. All said they
enjoyed it, and the novel raffle run by Norma consisted
of making chalk marks on the tyre of the bus, and numbering
sections around the perimiter of the wheel. We all paid
€1 for a ticket, and the winner was the corresponding
number on the wheel which was on the road when the bus
stopped! The prize was all the money collected, and this
was won by Margrit Buschi, who very kindly donated half
her winnings to the driver as a tip! Chris and Norma did
a great job of organising us all, and I'm sure we'll have
many more enjoyable outings together!
Thank you to
all who came to meet us for our very first meeting on
12th November. Needless to say we on the Committee were
all apprehensive as we had no idea how many would turn
up! We need not have worried, as over 40 women crowded
in to Eduardo's - he thought it was wonderful - and
with us buying drinks coffees etc., plus some staying
for lunch afterwards, gave him a good bit of business
in these difficult days.
On arrival, all were asked to 'sign in' giving their
name, phone number, and saying which area they were
from if not Trabuco. This was important to the Committee,
as we do wish to encourage women to join us from other
villages and the campo, where there's 'not much going
on'. Also, holding meetings during the day enables those
who don't have their own transport to come in by bus.
Our Presidenta, Jean Preston welcomed all and gave a
brief idea of our plans for the future. Following that,
Kathy Purser (yours truly) explained that we welcome
ideas from 'the floor' regarding what members would
like to happen within the group, plus ideas for trips
etc. and handed out suggestion forms for everyone to
complete. Some did it there and then, others took them
home to consider. Also membership forms were handed
out for completion and presenting at the next meeting
together with the yearly subscription.
Next, our Treasurer, Trudi Leach, explained the rather
complex formation of the group from the financial prospect.
Membership has been set at €12 per annum with guest
admission price at €3. Trudi stressed that we were
not here as a money-making venture, and any 'spare'
cash which does accrue, will be ploughed back by subsidising
trips, etc. Also stated was that in Spain, such a group
has to have legal representation, as we will be holding
a bank account, etc. and this is an ongoing arrangement,
and Trudi will hopefully have more news at the next
meeting. In any case, the committee had already planned
for accounts to be available to any member who has any
queries.
Finally, Vicky Clark spoke movingly about the plans
and aims of herself as a member, and I shall be incorporating
these wise words on the membership cards:
AIMS OF MY MEMBERSHIP:
To learn; understand; grow as a person and enjoy myself.
To get to know others and to share knowledge and experience In a setting that is caring;
non-judgemental and open to everyone.
A positive experience.
Vicky then
announced forthcoming speakers for the next 6 months,
and are as follows:
PROGRAMME:
10.12.2009: 'Simply Christmas' Flower arranging Demonstration
by Vicky Clark.
14.01.2010: 'Life Coach' A talk by Phil Smith on his
work.
11.02.2010: 'Whisky Galore' Everything there is to know
about Whisky!
11.03.2010: 'We're All Going On Holiday' a talk by Marilyn
Parker on Tourism.
08.04.2010: 'What Are We Doing To Stay Healthy?' Phillipa,
'Body Zone & Spa.'
13.05.2010: 'Did You Know' Jerman Garcia Luque on Local
History.
TRIPS:
Social Committee member Chris Bosley announced our very
first trip, already arranged, and some €10 deposits
were already paid the on the spot, as the money has
to be paid in to the bank in in advance, in order to
book the coach, and at the time of writing I believe
we already have almost filled a 30 seater! If more women
go, it's even cheaper! Details below:
Pre-Christmas
shopping trip visiting Guzman's garden centre, Alhaurin
del Torre and the Miramar Centre, Fuengirola. Tuesday
15th December. Still time to book for this - call either
Chris on 952752337 or Norma on 952751127.
Proposed to join ESGL - Christmas lights in Granada/Malaga.
This wasn't viable in the end, as it was the day before
our own trip, so not many were interested.
January - Theatre
trip.
May - Patio Festival,
Cordoba.
Details of these
to be announced later.
To summarise, this inaugural meeting was very well supported,
thanks to some members of the Committee travelling to
place posters in other villages, and also help from
Fran(The Hair)Secker, mobile hairdresser, giving out
leaflets to her customers, and Sheila and Roger Thompson
showing Posters on their popular book stall at the inland
markets they attend. We fully intend to keep up the
momentum, as it has taken quite a lot of organising,
and with continued enthusiasm, will be of benefit to
all. We also hope that some of our Spanish women friends
who have some knowledge of English will join too with
some encouragement. All Committee members are friendly
and approachable, and we hope we will continue to provide
this service for local English speaking women of all
ages here in the mountains.
A recently
formed social group for English speaking ladies living
in the villages and campo surrounding the mountain village
of
Villanueva del Trabuco.
There has long
been a need for such a group enabling ladies to meet
in an informal setting, and make new friends from a
wider area. A variety of activities are planned, and
will include talks; demonstrations; outings etc.
Our first very
casual meeting (including cakes) at La Nava!
Left to Right: Chris; Trudi; Vicky; Jean; Trish; Liz;
Kathy; Norma
Our committee
comprises some ladies you may already know:
Presidenta:
Jean Preston
Vice-Presidenta: Vicky Clark
Treasurer: Trudi Leach
Secretary: Kathy Purser
Other committe members are:
Norma Crone; Chris Bosley; Liz Marsh; Trish Muir.
Meetings will
be held the 2nd Thursday of every month at 11am for
approximately 2 hours, so you don't have to come out
in the evenings during the winter! Our first meeting
is to be held at Eduardo's restaurant, on Calle Salinas,
just outside Trabuco village on Thursday, 12th November.
A number of
posters announcing this event have been distributed
in the surrounding areas, but if you haven't seen one
