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December, 2014
Nยบ 010 December, 2014
Patronal Fiestas - Christmas Carols - Moors & Christians - Cribs and Trees Christmas Fare and cava- Customs of Christmas - Cultural events - History - Art -! Cruz Roja - Volunteer awards - Diego Ramirez - White Christmas aorm@icloud.com
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A very Happy Christmas to everyone ! ! Foto: Christmas Carols from town hall balcony: photographer Keith Nichol
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Christmas is undoubtedly THE fiesta of December and in Torrevieja one of the major attractions has been the large Christmas crib scene or Belen (Bethlehem) in the main plaza, which combines the religious. with the Inmaculada church, and the secular with the town hall. Our collage of photos shows various aspects of not only the traditional Christmas story of the birth of Jesus in a province of the Roman Empire called Judea, but everyday scenes of life and places in Torrevieja built into the general tale. Salt has been the origin of Torrevieja and among the hundreds of figures you find men digging and carry salt blocks, loading the boats with salt, mills that ground the salt, the quay and holding areas of salt at the Eras de la Sal with its quay. There are fishermen mending nets, butcher cutting meat with unsuspecting poultry running around, trading the grapes of La Mata turning their juice into wine. Columns that represent the mix of Mediterranean civilizations are woven into the story, reminding us that the birthplace of Jesus was a country on the banks of the Mare Nostrum Sea. There is much detail in the model figures which can be seen in vegetables growing in rows, soldiers at the temple, the arrival of the kings on camels, Joseph waking up with an angel assuring him that the unexpected pregnancy of Mary is part of a divine plan. Search among the large scene for the small Cagon figure crouching in a corner doing his business, oblivious to the earth shaking history that surrounds him.
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Christmas time means Christmas carols in the plaza with hundreds of others singing from the same hymn sheet provided by local newspapers. Street vendors sell balloons and typical candies including the carbon - a black charcoal style of boiled sweet that is put in the shoes of naughty children when they are put out for the arrival of the Three Kings inJanuary, hoping for nice gifts rather than a lump of charcoal. Market stalls selling items related to this feast and the indomitable RASCALS singing for the disable
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pupils of ALPE COLLEGE along with Santa who provides gifts.
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Every year Torrevieja has the pleasure of a large Christmas tree set up in the plaza de la Constitucion near the large crib scene and adding another dimension to the festive feeling. Scandinavian residents hold a carol service round the tree. At the suggestion of businessman Bernard van Elmpt a couple of members of two Nordic associations arranged for the tree to come from the frozen north, Mas Amigos and the Club Nordica. These two groups have a large membership that keeps busy with a multitude of classes and activities, including Spanish classes. Now a Swedish businessman takes on the responsibility of providing the tree, which is taken from his own plantation. Per Erik is retired now and spends a lot of time in Spain. His family business BeGe dates from the 1930's and famous in Sweden for making driver seats and is now a large industrial leader in its field better known as Scania. He discovered Torrevieja in the 1980's along with thousands of other Scandinavians. Gifting the tree is a way of putting something back into the community and shows a sense of solidarity, The chosen tree has a four day journey before it reaches Torrevieja and decorated with lights along with other trees in the plaza. aorm@icloud.com
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2015 Fiesta Solidarity calendar available from Reach Out, Torrenueva, AEEC La Zenia, Age Concern shops www.torreviejaoutlook.com December, 2014 K9 Shops, Reunite Villamartin shop, Help offices, Regalos de Amor, The Coastrider C. Quesada, The Leader, Aroca office Rocajuna, Alamo Costa Blanca office Torrevieja.
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December Dates
Torrevieja Mayor, Eduardo Dolon, presenting the new Salt Queen and her maids of Honour. On this, the last month of the year, the focus is on Christmas, New Year and the arrival of the Three Kings in January. It is a time when various religions celebrate the idea of an Eternal Light - Diwali, Hamukkah, Eid al.Milad and Christmas. The Eid is an Arabic word for festival and this particular one is the Festival of Birth of the prophet Christ. Torrevieja is among those towns celebrating the patronal fiestas of la Inmaculada on the 8th. On New Year’s Eve at midnight most towns have a firework display to welcome in a new year. !
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2 - 4th December or the weekend nearest to the 4th fiestas in Sella.! Sunday nearest to the 3rd is the fiesta of San Mauro Martyr in Alcoy.! 5 - 8th Dec.! ! Patronal fiestas of la Inmaculada in Torrevieja.! 5 - 9th Dec.! Moors & Christians in Montforte del Cid.! 6th - or weekend nearest, Santa Barbara fiesta in Altea.!
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8 - 9th Dec.! F i e s t a Torremanzanas.!
of
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the
Fadrines
in
8th public holiday - La Purisima celebrated in
8th December national public holiday in honor of the Immaculate Conception, patron of
Altea, Pedreguer, Benijófar, Catral. ! 10th Dec.! la Venida de la Virgen de Loreto is held in Santa Pola.! 12th Dec.! 13th Dec. or weekend nearest, the fiesta of Santa Lucia is held in Banyares de Mariola, Ibi, Dénia and Xàbia.! 23rd December El Belén de Tirisiti, a live representation of the events of Bethlehem, !is held until 4th January in Alcoy.! 24th Dec.! Nochebuena or Christmas Eve: A family night for celebrating and most restaurants will be closed. ! Another live crib scene on alternate years is held in Benimassot: similarly in El Verger.! Els Fatxos is held in Onil.! At the Midnight Mass a traditional religious song, La Pastorela, is sung in Callosa de Segura. A special polyphonic Mass is sung in Catral.! 25th Dec.! Christmas Day - a public holiday. Albatera holds a procession.! From this time on until 6th January when the Three Kings fiesta is celebrated.! Rafal has a Zarzuela Pastoril about Christmas and shepherds.!
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26th Dec. Les Danses del Rei Moro are held in Agost until New Year’s Day. El Cabildo is celebrated in Sax.! 27th Dec.! Catral celebrates the day of St. John the Evangelist.! 28th - 30th ! The 28th is the Day of the Innocents when Herod slaughtered the children of Bethlehem. In Spain the innocents are those who have been tricked in some way, rather like April Fool’s Day. Ibi holds the ‘festa dels Enfarinats’ and has typical dancing.! 28 - 29th! Elche celebrates the Venida de la Virgen, a traditional horseride by a coastguard, resulting in a pilgrimage.! 31st Dec. End of year: in Xixona the children have a tradition of carrying torches in the street known as ‘roar les eixames’. The Sunday prior to the 6th January, Les Pastorets is celebrated in Alcoy in the morning. January 1st is public
holiday!
Moors and Christian Fiestas In some of the Kings Parades you will see some of the people and costumes that appear in other fiestas. A very popular and splendid fiesta is the colorful, flamboyant parades of the Moors and Christians that are celebrated throughout Valencia and Murcia Regions. The following list of these fiestas has approximate dates that may change depending on other fiestas such as Easter. It is possible that some towns have been missed out.! In addition many towns have Mig Any processions other middle of the year ones which are smaller aimed at involving people who would normally be working during the main Moors & Christian fiestas of that town. Orihuela for example usually has a Mig Any celebration in January/February roughly half a year away from the principal July fiestas: hess are usually less colourful. Depending on the town’s traditions the festivals commemorate the battles, combats and fights between Moors (or Muslims) and Christians during the period known as Reconquista (from the 8th century through the 15th century). The celebrations usually re-present the capture of the city by the Moors and the subsequent Christian reconquest. An important character is the ambassador who reads out terms of surrender or battle to the death. The people that take part in the festival are usually enlisted in filaes (files) or comparsas (companies that represent the Christian or Moor regiments). The festivals last for several days, and feature parades with outlandish costumes loosely inspired by Medieval fashion. Christians wear fur, metallic helmets, and armor, fire loud arquebuses, and ride horses. In contrast, Moors wear flamboyant Arab costumes more reminiscent of Hollywood, carry scimitars. If a real castle is not involved then a dummy one is provided with warriors shouting from the
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battlements.The festival develops among noisy, smoky shots of gunpowder fired from the guns, medieval music, and fireworks, and ends with the Christians winning a simulated battle around a castle. Some towns on the sea will have a disembarkation by the Moors with a fight on the beaches.! But it is the parades that attract the crowds waiting patiently in the streets as each army takes to strutting along the roads with immense floats, horse riding kings and queens, dancing girls, and, of course, music that is often written for a particular comparsa. Some towns have a children’s day with their own parades and equally super uniforms, thus keeping the tradition going. Costumes are often rented by the day but some comparsas order new outfits each year.!
February! 1!
Bocairent! 1! Sax!
! March! !
28!
San Vicente del Raspeig! 29 ! Agullent!
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April!
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23 !
Onil and Alcoy! 27 ! Abanilla! 28 ! Llutxent! 30 ! Almansa!
! May! !
1 ! Villafranqueza! 1 ! Caravaca de la Cruz! 12 ! Muro de Alcoy! 15 ! Petrer! 18 ! Lleida! 29 ! Elda! 31 ! Salinas!
! ! June! ! 6 ! 22 ! 25 ! 28 ! 29 !
Barrio de San Blas! Alcazar de San Juan! Agost! Benissa! Rojales!
1 ! 1 ! 1 ! 1! 13 ! 14 ! 19 ! 24 ! 25 ! 25 !
Albatera! AlmoradĂ! Barrio de Rebolledo! Novelda! Orihuela! JĂĄvea! Oliva! Villajoyosa! Guardamar del Segura! Torrent!
! July! !
!
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August!
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5 ! 7 ! 8 ! 8 ! 11 ! 12 ! 13 ! 18 ! 18 ! 21 ! 21 ! 22 ! 25 ! 26 ! 29 !
Aielo de Malferit! Aspe! Cocentaina! Elche! Callosa de Segura! Barrio de Altozano! Denia! Barrio JosĂŠ Antonio! Jijona! Campo de Mirra! Ontenient! Castello de la Ribera! Beniganim! Montaverner! Ibi!
1 ! 1 ! 1! 1! 4! 5! 6! 6! 7! 8! 26 ! 26 !
Castalla! Fontanars dels Alforins! Paterna! Santa Pola! Villena! Caudete! Beneixama! L' Olleria! Muchamiel! Murcia! Altea! Crevillente!
! ! ! ! September! !
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October!
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1!
Callosa d' en Sarriรก! 1 ! Pobla Llarga! 1 ! Sagunto! 4 ! Benidorm! 5 ! Albaida! 6 ! Santomera! 9 ! Valencia! 18 ! Calpe!
! December! !
! ! ! ! !
5 ! Fond de la Figuera! 5 ! Monforte del Cid!
Files will often participate in fiestas in other towns at different times of the year such as the Three Kings parade.
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SPANISH CHRISTMASTIME CUSTOMS!
La Nochebuena or Christmas Eve! The story of Christmas begins four weeks before the 25th when the penitential period of Advent is announced and this is the beginning of the liturgical calendar of the Church. Nowadays Spanish children are happy to hang up Advent calendars with their little windows hiding a small chocolate, eating one a day, until the arrival of Santa Claus on the 25th. The good night is Christmas Eve on the 24th December when traditionally Spanish families get together to enjoy a huge celebratory meal together. This is a theme often used in TV commercials at this time with pictures of some young person travelling through all kinds of weather to surprise their parents with their arrival and participation in the family festivities. ! The meal will likely include seafood, roast lamb, although nowadays many plump for turkey or duck. In the Vega Baja area on Christmas Day the mother will provide a cocido which is a stew of stock using vegetables, chickpeas and large pelotas (large meatballs) made of minced turkey with pine kernels. In some parts children used to go round the streets passing from house to house singing carols or villancicos and asking for the “aguinaldo” which would likely be a tasty bit of turron or similar Christmas treat. The children still use the traditional homemade instruments such as the zambombas, tambours or the panderetas. ! After the meal families would, and still do, troop off together to the local church for the “Misa de Gallo” or Cockcrow Mass or as we call it Midnight Mass. According to tradition it was the cock that first announced the birth of the baby Jesús to the World. Many restaurants are closed on this night as it is a night when families get together and there is not much business as everyone eats in the home. Around nine in the evening many Spaniards will gather around their television to listen to the traditional speech of the King, this year for the first time, Felipe who speaks to the nation rather like the British Queen does on Christmas
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Santa Claus or Papa Noel! In modern Spain Santa Claus has impinged on the traditional work of the Three Kings thanks largely to television and films from America and the commercial side of giving gifts. In a survey most children still prefer the Kings but many households now give their children a small thing at Christmas form Papa Noel and the main gifts when the Kings arrive in their procession. !
! Decorated Balconies.! More and more you see balconies garlanded with lights, trees, hanging Santa Claus climbing a ladder, or the Kings doing the same. Some places will hold competitions for the best-dressed balcony and judges go around to photograph them before deciding the winners. Torrevieja shops join in with decorated trees at shop fronts and there is a competition among charities for the most originally dressed tree.
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A Spanglish Santa Tale of Internet
! Twas the night before Christmas and all through the casa,! Not a creature was stirring -- Caramba! Que pasa?! Los ninos were tucked away in their camas,! Some in long underwear, some in pijamas,! ! While hanging the stockings with mucho cuidado! In hopes that old Santa would feel obligado! To bring all the children, both buenos and malos,! A nice batch of dulces and other regalos.! ! Saint Nick in a sleigh and a big red sombrero! Came dashing along like a crazy bombero.! And pulling his sleigh instead of venados,! Were eight little burros approaching volados.! ! I watched as they came and this quaint little hombre! Was shouting and whistling and calling by nombre:! "Ay Pancho, ay Pepe, ay Cuco, ay Beto,! ay Chato, ay Pocho, Macuco y Nieto!"! ! Then standing erect with his hands on his pecho! He flew to the top of our very own techo.! With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea,! He struggled to squeeze down our own chimenea.! ! Then huffing and puffing at last in our sala,! With soot smeared all over his red suit gala,! He filled all the stockings with lovely regalos --! For none of the ninos had been very malos.! ! Then chuckling aloud, seeming very contento,! He turned like a flash and was gone like the viento.! And I heard him exclaim, and this is la verdad,! Merry Christmas to all, and Feliz Navidad!! !
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Giant Christmas Cribs
These can be found in most Spanish homes, churches and town squares with some being tiny affairs, others with the figures the work of renowned artists, others home made figurines. There may even be a children’s competition for the best crib scene in a home organized by local churches. Some will be full sized figures and others will hold live nativity scenes with real people. Torrevieja and San Javier are two of several towns that build huge nativity scenes into their town hall plazas combining the nativity of Jesus with the story of his birth and early part of his life. Torrevieja also incorporates symbols of the town such as the tower, the salt, fishing, windmill etc. Many of these small items will have movement in the figures or waterwheel (noria) moving or smoke coming out of a chimney. ! In recent years there has been a live Nativity scene located in front of the main church with a couple from the local dramatic club as Mary and Joseph and other members in other parts such as shepherds. ! Most churches have crib scenes and many towns, including San Javier and Torrevieja, have large nativity displays in the town square showing not only the
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birth of Christ but also a large part of his life with flowing water and windmills among other mobile parts. The story begins nine months earlier on 25th March with the Annunciation with the Angel Gabriel appearing to Mary in Nazareth asking her to become the mother of the Saviour, We tend to hold Mothering Sunday around this date in UK and America. Then the story moves to a town near Bethlehem where Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth who at a very old age is expecting her first and only child, who is to be called John as foretold to the father Zachariah by an angel. Angels appear throughout these years and are an integral part of the Christmas story. ! In the Alicante Province an association of Belenists was founded in 1959 and it is largely due to their work that the Christmas scene has become so popular locally. Each year they feature a crib scene at El Altet airport. Also in Torrevieja attached to the church of the Sagrada Corazon there is a club of Belenistas, who will have their own crib scene. ! Cribs were introduced into Spain by Carlos III who came from Naples where they had been popular since the time of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis used the figures as a way of bringing home the Christmas message to people.! In Murcia there is the Museo Salzillo where there are some beautiful figures related to Christmas. These were commissioned by Jesualdo Riquelme y Fonte and are the work of Francisco de Salzillo y Alcaraz (1707-1783). The Belen figures of Salzillo were influenced by Italian models and consist of 556 figures, 195 of them human and the rest made up of animals. These represent the principal biblical scenes against a farming background of models of both classical architecture and the typical buildings of Murcia. Salzillo used clay, wood, glass, canvas, bright polychrome paints and sumptuous fabrics. In the crib scenes, the sculptor has created a panorama of Murcia as it was in his day, showing the customs of the rural world around him. Among the characters, therefore, are butchers, hunters, spinners, muleteers and peasants. His story takes you from the angel of the Annunciation to the Flight into Egypt. Some figures wear clothing typical of Murcia. After the death of Salzillo in 1783, the crib was enlarged by one of his pupils, Roque L贸pez Hern谩ndez, who finished off some of the figures asked for by the Marques.!
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Cagon figure!
!
Nowadays many people have crib scenes in their homes and update the Christmas theme by including spacemen and rockets, Santa Claus, Batman and other heroes. The Spanish often have an earthy or bawdy sense of humour. ! However, one figure, which is found only in Spanish cribs, is the “cagonâ€? whose origins are found in the Catalan word caganer. Most cagon figures are of a person squatting and doing what comes naturally. A couple of years ago the popular cagon was President Obama. Each year new models are produced reflecting popular thought on personages. ! In CataluĂąa there are even museums dedicated to this figure that has been personified as an angel, demon, monk and even as a Guardia Civil. Some shopping centers will have a giant figure who traditionally is smoking a pipe. The cagon represents the unbeliever who was so busy doing his own thing that he missed the message of Christmas and, therefore, the opportunity to follow Christ.!
! ! ! !
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El Día de los Inocentes or Day of the innocents! This is rather like April Fools Day but held on the 28th December when people, especially children, try to trick everyone else. The particular date is the massacre of the innocent children by Herod’s troops in Bethlehem basing this feast n the idea that people would have tried to divert the soldiers by tricking them. In many Spanish towns this is a day when the people try to confound the innocent strangers by publishing impossible public notices.!
! Ibi holds the ‘festa dels Enfarinats’ and has typical dancing. On the eve of this fiesta some of those who live in Ibi are designated as «Els Enfarinats» who parade the streets asking citizens if they have any complaints. Els Enfarinats is a strange fiesta in Ibi which starts at the beginning of the day when members of the Enfarinats take charge of the town, each one taking over an official town position as mayor, town clerk etc. They then attack the opposition - the real town council and whenever these unfortunates are seen they are vilified and lambasted, pelted with vegetables and flour. ! The council-for-a-day pour forth verbal abuse highlighting all the things that the real councillors have promised to do and have failed to achieve. The government for the day announces new nonsense laws - no drinking, no walking in the sun nor in the shade, no smoking, no walking on the pavement, nor in the street and other similar types of regulations worthy of breaking. Those who break these laws are liable to a fine and are then pelted with eggs and flour. Those who don’t want a flouring are advised to stay away as the interim local government is keen to spread the uncooked cake around. !
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! El Olentzero in Euskalherria!
!
There are many towns that have their own style of celebrating December, especially mountain towns with a history of being cut off because of snow. This is a peculiar tradition in the Pamplona area when the figure of el Olentzero appears. He is a coal miner, who goes to the mountain to work; he is a jovial, intelligent person and on the eve of the 24th December comes back from his chores laden with gifts for the entire village. He is basically another figure of Santa Claus who has a living for good food and wine. As with other Christmas events this is a link to the pagan winter solstice, which the church has taken over and turned it into a religious motif.!
! !
El Arrastre! In Algeciras in Cรกdiz there is a rather noisy tradition when the kids get out on the street on the morning of the 5th January with empty tin cans strung together to rattle around and make as much noise as they can. Evidently there used to a giant who lived on the nearby mountain of Boatafuegos who stopped the Three Kings visiting the town by covering it with a large cloud and the three wise men passed by, obviously leaving no gifts for the kids. So now the little brats have their own back by causing this din with their tin cans attempting to attract the kings by the loud noise, and f course leave them presents. The word is used in bullfighting when the dead bull is dragged out of the arena. ! .!
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! Catalan’s tios or uncles! This is a Christmas tradition peculiar to parts of Cataluña principally in mountainous areas. Normally it is celebrated on 24th or 25th December. A tio is an uncle (although nowadays it can be used as mate), but in this instance it is a hollow tree trunk covered with a Christmas cloth, but full of gifts and sweetmeats. Carols are sung around the tio before the family start hammering it with sticks so that the presents fall out amid squeals of delight.!
San Nicolas in Alicante! San Nicolas is known to many of us as Santa Claus. To the people of Alicante he is the copatron of the town and his feast is celebrated at the beginning of December. In the cocathedral bearing his name there is an all year round crib museum. ! This used to be a popular fiesta in the town, but, like many others, disappeared only to be reinstated lately. Over 3,000 people take part in the parade with Moors and Christian g r o u p s p a r t i c i p a t i n g . Yo u n g s t e r s representing the Hogueras of each district in Alicante play their own tune on the ‘xiulets’ clay whistles. Leading the procession are Los Nanos i Gegants who escort a Saint Nicolas figure riding on a white horse, with pages throwing away over 100 kilos of sweets to children. Recently a group of Croatians took part wearing their traditional costumes, as this is similar to one of their own fiestas.!
!
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Well known musician Bill Singlelton leads the carol singing accompanied by local politicians and around a thousand revelers !
Villancicos or Christmas Carols!
!
Obviously this is a good lead up to the Christmas season when several towns, including Torrevieja, hold villancicos or carol concerts and competitions. Several towns also have open-air crib scenes in the main plazas. The Torrevieja one is set up in the plaza Constituci贸n showing the main events surrounding the birth of Jesus from the announcement of the angel Gabriel to the Flight into Egypt. Many symbolic elements of the town are included in this crib scene, such as the windmill, the tower, and the quay. The shops are decorated for the season and the aorm@icloud.com
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local commercial association hold a competition open to everyone who purchases from one of their associates.! The Torrevieja crib, along with a huge fir tree donated by the Scandinavian community, is the backdrop to a crowd of around 5,000 foreigners who gather to sing carols in front of the main church of la Inmaculada. ! Local The Coastrider English language newspaper publishes song sheets so that everyone can join in. Afterwards there is a Mass held in the church for foreigners where gifts of non-perishable goods are handed in for distribution among the town’s needy. !
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Irreverent Villancicos ! Carol singing is one of the joys of Christmas and every year there are numerous competitions singing them or of new compositions. However, in La Zarza in Badajoz, a tradition of over 150 years continues when irreverent carols are sung by youngsters to shock the elders of the family, forgetting who had taught them the words. Once again home made articles are used as ready to hand musical instruments – spoons, rasping bottles, saucepans etc. !
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! Auroras!
Aurora sung at La Mata at the time of their patronal fiestas. Photo PEDRO GRIMAO / ENRIQUE LÓPEZ JOGA In this area of the Vega Baja there is another type of choir singing known as auroras and each year these groups will sing some very old songs a capella. These are normally sung at the break of dawn, hence the name. ! There has been an upsurge in interest of medieval music, mostly or a religious kind, in relation to the Virgen del Rosario whose feast it is in October. This musical interest has its roots in the processions of the Dominicans who were in Orihuela and during October they paraded through the town singing in praise of the Virgen. The modern equivalent are known as the “ rosario de la auroras” and during October they can be found in Orihuela, Albatera, Algorfa, Almoradi, Benferri, Benijófar, Bigastro, Callosa de Segura, Catral, Cox, Daya Nueva, Granja de Rocamora, Guardamar, Redován, Jacarilla and San Fulgencio. Cox has a group that sings in this style in July on the Feast of the Virgen del Carmen. ! At Christmas At the Midnight Mass a traditional religious song, La Pastorela, is sung in Callosa de Segura.! aorm@icloud.com
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! ! ! ! ! Casta単uelas and zambombas!
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It is amazing how in different countries people can make music out of ordinary things such as spoons, or kettles. ! One of the typical sounds of Christmas in Spain is the wooden casta単uelas rather like castanets and these are made by hand in Valencia. Another typical musical instrument of a Spanish Christmas is the zambomba, which is a small drum with a hole in it through which a stick is introduced. When the stick is rubbed up and down it makes a zzzumming noise. They are sold at Christmas in stalls in town plazas. !
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! ! The Fat One! 22nd December Christmas Lottery – El Gordo is the most anticipated lottery of the year. A few Christmases past the celebration took place in new premises. The previous evening the huge golden cage balls are checked out to ensure they function correctly, dropping a numbered ball at random and one at a time. The lottery is organized and controlled by the Spanish government offering the largest lottery prizes in the world. This year there will 2.240 billions of euros in prize money. Introduced by Carlos III around 1770 as a wheeze to squeeze money out of the rich who could afford gambling in those days. . Children from Madrid’s school San Ildefonso have participated in this annual lottery since 1771 calling out the numbers and prize money connected to each number. Today 36 children take part either singing out the numbers or slightly behind them working the apparatus that releases only one ball at a time. This school is now a mixed one in the sense that they include both sexes and multiple nationalities, for example in 2009 21 of the children were Spanish and 15 of foreign extraction. In 2009 the sale of tickets in Torrevieja increased over previous years and 5.230,000 euros was spent on 26.153 decimos or tenth part of each number. This seemed to have paid off as one of the main numbers landed in Torrevieja’s Noº 1 Lottery office. The most popular last number of the five numbers on each ticket is 4, 5 or 6. Partly because it is the capital Madrid sells more tickets than anywhere else with a corresponding increase in the number of times the winning ticket falls on Madrid’s citizens. Two popular numbers are 15,640 and 20,297 as both of them have won top prizemoney on two occasions with lots of cava opened to celebrate. On average people in Alicante province spend 90 euros on average buying decimos. !
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GIFTS FOR KIDS!
! For over twenty years the disabled youngsters of Torrevieja’s special needs college known as ALPE has been a popular beneficiary of the British community. While the college was being built alongside the Secondary Institute on the former Alicante Road, fundraisers raised thousands of pesetas for the building process and for its furniture. ALPE is a non profit making association which covers the whole region, its goals are rehabilitation and integration into society of people with disabilities. ALPE educates and trains people from age 3 to 21 with mental disabilities, in the Centre for Education in Torrevieja.! Shortly after the college opened members of El Limonar Bingo Club continued to keep close contact with the college and every Christmas. Chairman Peter Burnham played Papa Noel to the children providing them with presents that often their parents could ill afford.! This project was taken over by the red-waistcoated RASCALS group who continues to inject some Christmas fun and offer gifts to the youngsters. The RASCALS raised funds for a variety of good causes during the year thanks to their theatrical presentations, but this is one event that is warmly supported by all their members. !
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Once again this year Santa Clause will visit ALPE where they put on a little play and all the kids receive a gift on Thursday 11th December at 11.000 in Alpe
The Rascals are doing a Christmas Extravaganza show in Los Montesinos 4th December and the Virgen del Carmen Centre, Torrevieja, on 14th December. Prebook tickets from Sue on 966 784 874 or email; Roebuck.terry@Gmail.com! College.
The Rascals also provide presents for all the residents at the Old Folks home at Rojales irrespective of nationality and sing at the Age Concern Xmas dinner for the aged. Every Christmas season the RASCALS sing carols at San Luis plaza to raise money for ALPE.! The RASCALS were formed in 1993 by Grace and Wally Scott who put up a notice in a bar in La Siesta which attracted around 20 people. They worked hard organizing events and shows raising funds not only for good causes, but to help them provide costumes and scenery as well as equipment, which has made them one of the best theatrical groups around. Members lead a very busy social life amongst themselves, apart from busy rehearsals for new shows each season. Every centimo raised in shows is donated to a charity of their choice with a retiring bucket collection usually for their own funding, but often for yet another good cause. The group are formed by amateurs enlivened by retired professional musicians, singers, dancers and front and back stage who do a great organizational job. You too would be most welcome in any capacity.! There are many other deprived children in Torrevieja and through the combined efforts of diverse groups, under the auspices of the town’s social services, many children have a visit either from Father Christmas or his three friends Los Reyes, who visit the town in January. The Red Cross, Rotary Club and local shops combine forces to ensure that no child goes without something at this time of the year.!
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Nochevieja y Año Nuevo – New Year’s Eve !
Nochevieja is the Old Night or the last night of the year, Hogmanay as the Scottish call it. Generally families bring in the New Year together either at home or in a restaurant. Thousands will gather in town squares and all the television channels will be beaming out the scenes in Madrid’s plaza “La Puerta del Sol as thousands of people wait for the chimes of the clock to announce farewell to the old year and bienvenido to the new year. Fireworks, music, drinking cava and eating grapes, kissing and hugging each other, are all part of the scene in these magical moments uniting both years as people resolve that the coming year will be better than the one that has just departed. One custom among the young ladies is to wear a pair of new red knickers to attract luck in romance…and it now appears that the young men are doing likewise!! After the bells most people will disperse to reunite in bars and discothèques to continue the celebrations. Many restaurants offer a full Nochevieja meal with live music and entertainment as well as the cotillion, that is a bag of fancy hat, confetti etc to enliven the event. Traditionally twelve grapes are eaten in time to the strokes of the chimes of the bells of La Puerta del Sol, ensuring a lucky year for those who manage to eat them all before the bells cease their message. This is a public holiday and many people will take advantage of this to escape to the ski slopes or nowadays head for the sun of the Caribbean or other Spanish-speaking destination.!
A Happy New Year to All of You aorm@icloud.com
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Once again the annual Santa Run / Walk will be hosted by Maria and the Pink Ladies / Panthers on 7th December at 10.30am. This outrageously hilarious fun run & walk is of course raising much needed funds in support of cancer awareness and the the AECC/Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer, with 100% of all proceeds raised going towards this immensely worthwhile cause. Come and join us, have a fantastic day, hilarious laughter whilst raising money with Maria and the Pink Ladies/Panthers whilst making a huge difference. The annual Santa Fun Run & Walk is just €5 per person to enter (this is not a sponsored event). Full details of where the run will be starting will be announced shortly but we finish as usual at Zenia Boulevard.! http://pinkladies.es/annual-santa-run-walk-2014/!
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Another year gone another year of promise ahead
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Really the holiday calendar starts with the last day of the year when the bells ring out the changes and people gather in their houses, in restaurants or in the plazas to celebrate the Old giving way to the New. This is symbolic of many of the Spring festivals found all over the world and Spain is no exception. Remember that UK is one hour behind Spanish midnight so you can have two celebrations.!
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There is a Spanish custom nowadays of eating twelve grapes (skins and pips, if any) as the bell strikes the 12 strokes of midnight. If you can get all twelve down then you will have a good and lucky year for the next twelve months. This is one of those customs that has its origins in a glut of grapes in the 1920’s and growers came up with this idea to boost consumption and today it is a really enjoyable part of a New year’s party. You can cheat a bit by buying tinned grapes that have been skinned and de-seeded, but you miss a bit of fun. ! Revellers of the first day of the year will be on the streets and in bars and restaurants until early morning. After that it is usually a very quiet holiday to bring in yet another new year.! !
Madrid’s famous Puerto de Sol is the scene for most Spanish television channels to bring in the New Year as the plaza is packed with people set on bringing in a new year in style. aorm@icloud.com
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of ish Span ing Cook d by Pat Hyn
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Turron and Cava
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Turron comes in many guises but is basically a sweet made from marzipan, honey, sugar, and almonds, but uses glace fruits, chocolate, liquors etc. Polvorones are powdery sweetmeats . Cava is Spain’s answer to champagne that is made the same way, but because of legal reasons, has to call it by another term hence cava or cave denoting where the bubbly wine comes from. ! Sweet Christmas Treat! Although it is available in one form or another the Christmas treat in Spanish families is turron. This sweet has its origins in at least the 16th century and is of Moorish origins. ! It has several varieties but the most commonly known are those of Jijona and Alicante. The former is a soft variety where the almonds are ground into a paste with egg and some added oil. The Alicante version is hard nougat-like tablet of whole toasted almonds in a brittle mass of honey, sugar and eggs. The Jijona turron has 64% almonds in it and the Alicante turron contains 60% almonds.! aorm@icloud.com
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! Other turrones available will use popcorn and honey (Cullera) or marzipan based with coconut, chocolate, peanuts, pralines, puffed rice, candied fruits, some flavoured with liquors including whiskey, and there are several types using artificial sweeteners available for diabetics. ! Another favourite is not turron, but is known as carbon, a boiled sweet formed in the black shape of charcoal and this is given to naughty children when they put out their shoes for gifts on the night of the 5th January to receive the gifts hat the Three Kings will undoubtedly leave them. Sometimes this is in the shape of a caca or being polite - stool. !
! Simple soft Turron recipe! Ingredients:! 
 8 ozs. caster sugar! 8 ozs ground almonds

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2 egg yolks! 
 1 egg white! aorm@icloud.com
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Method. ! Thoroughly mix the sugar and almonds in a bowl. Fold in the beaten egg yolks. Whisk the egg white until stiff and fold it into the mixture. ! Lay a sheet of oiled foil over a baking sheet and place the mixture on it. Press the mixture into a slab about 1/2 inch thick using a rolling pin. Cover it with foil and place a wooden board weighted down with a couple of full tin cans on top. ! Leave the turron to stand for a few days, so that it dries out and hardens, then slice it into 1 inch squares as required.
! A punchbowl at Yuletide is always popular and here is one using cava,! ! Agua de Valencia – Valencian Water! ! Ingredients 1 litre aprox. 4 persons! ! 1/2 litre of cava ! 1/2 litre de fresh orange juice ! 60 cc of gin ! 60 cc of cointreau ! 60 cc of vodka ! 2 soupspoons of white sugar ! ice! 2 or 3 slices of orange for decoration.!
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Preparation! Squeeze the orange juice, add in the gin and vodka, and then blend in the sugar stirring well. ! Add the chilled cava, gently mixing so as not to disturb the bubbles too much.! Finally when ready to serve add some ice cubes and serve in glasses decorated with an orange slices. ! !
Available ready mixed
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! Roast lamb! !
Roast lamb is a popular main course in Spanish homes on Christmas Eve. They tend to use cordero lechal, which is baby lamb leg allowing one small leg per person. However, a full leg serves as well. Cut pockets with a knife under the lambskin and insert slices of garlic into each pocket. Pour some white wine and water, allowing 2 parts water to 2-part wine, a splash of olive oil and some herbs such as rosemary and/or thyme. Place in a pre-heated oven, basting regularly and when cooked retire it and place in potatoes for roasting. Often other vegetables such as roast peppers or whole unions are put in as well. Pimientos asados (roast peppers) can be bought ready prepared from supermarkets and are a delicious alternative to other vegetables. !
! Cordero con Salsa de Albaricoque. Lamb with Apricot Sauce ! 680 grams lamb fillet cut in 25 mm. cubes; Salt and black pepper; Olive oil for frying For the sauce you will need: 4 tablespoon vegetable oil; 55grams buIer; 1 teaspoon crushed garlic 170 grams tinned apricots -‐‑ pureed; 70grams peanut buIer Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper and parsley for garnishing.
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As this recipe calls for peanuts please ensure that anyone eating it is not allergic to them. Season the lamb cubes and thread on to a skewer: fry in the hot oil until tender -‐‑ around 5 minutes. For the sauce -‐‑ heat the oil and buIer (which gives a distinct flavour) and add the garlic. Whisk in the pureed apricots and the peanut buIer, but do not allow to become too hot; remove from the heat when the peanut buIer is half melted. Add the lemon juice and season to taste. Serve with the lamb pieces and garnish with parsley. If used as a main meal then serve rice.
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Cochinillo Asado -‐‑ roasted suckling pig. This is a very popular choice at the Christmas Eve family meal -‐‑ don’t forget to cut it with a plate. But nowadays more people are using roast turkey. Turrones of various types are normally THE dessert of Christmas season in Spain.
! ! DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET ? !
MENCHIKOFF!
This is a traditional recipe from the Jesuit English Province with a history. Originally the dessert came from Russia supposedly from Catherine the Great. The Pope Clement XIV who was under great secular pressure in July 1773, especially from the Bourbon families, suppressed the Jesuits. This papal order was obeyed in all the countries except in Prussia and Russia where Czaress Catherine the Great forbade that the papal decree be executed. In this way some Jesuits were able to continue and carry on their work, particularly in education in which Catherine was interested. Pope Pius VI later granted formal permission for this, which included Russia and Poland. When Pope Pius VII was in captivity in France, he decided that on his return to Rome he would restore the Jesuits universally which he did on 7th August 1814, which meant that for a time the Superior General who was in Russia acquired jurisdiction over the newly reinstated Society of Jesús. After this there was tremendous growth in numbers and work and Jesuits in Belgium opened a noviciate from which many English Jesuits were trained and moved to England. When the English Jesuits opened their own novitiate they took with them this Menchikoff recipe that had come with them from Russia. ! Although the recipe handed down by Jesuit cooks has whiskey I think it was probably brandy that was used in the original Russian recipe, as the Russian court was proud of its French connections through language and culture. This is a no-cooking dessert ideal for Christmas. Incidentally, the Jesuits also brought with them from Belgium a grape vine from the continent that successfully grew at their Manresa House in Roehampton: cuttings from this were transferred to Harlaxton Manor in Grantham, St. Beuno’s College in Wales (where Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote some of his poetry) and in also in Hampton Court. !
Hampton Court Vine Walkway
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Menchikoff!
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Ideal dessert for those wanting the attention of a doctor in intensive care as is asking for an instant coronary, higher blood pressure. This very rich dessert uses ingredients found in turron, so the inside filling is rather like soft turron. ! Line a quart bowl with thick slices of sponge, damping the sides of the cake going next to the bowl with sherry.!
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1/2lb ground almonds! 6 oz. fine white sugar! Yolk of one egg (well beaten)! ¼ pound of fresh melted butter! 1 good teaspoon of vanilla essence! 1 wine glass of whiskey ! and Sherry!
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Simply blend all the ingredients together and pack into the cake filled bowl. Each slice of sponge should be dipped in the sherry and the various slices will blend together. Cover with a lid of sponge and then place a plate on top with some weights such as tinned foods, and leave overnight.! Turn out and mask with cream and decorate with angelica and glace cherries.!
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Variations: use brandy instead of whiskey.! Split the mixture in two and add a few drops of colouring into each batch and either put in layers or mix to give a marbled effect when the pudding is cut. !
Clootie Dumpling for Microwave
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½ pint water ¾ cup sugar 1 tbspoon mixed spice 1 tbs. cinnamon 1 teaspn bicarbonate ½ lb butter/marg ½ lb sultanas ¼ lb raisins ¼ lb currants 1Tbs syrup 1 tbs treacle aorm@icloud.com
Bring it all to the boil in pot and simmer for one minute and leave to cool for five minutes. ADD 2 beaten eggs and1/2lb plain flour and mix thoroughly Use a suitable microwave oven dish with plenty of space for the pudding to rise. Line the dish with cling film Pour mixture into the basin
DO NOT COVER Cook for 15 minutes (check with skewer to make sure it is cooked as oven temperatures vary. Stand it for 5 minutes before turning out. Torrevieja Outlook, December 2014
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December, 2014
! Cava or Champagne?! !
No doubt the preferred drink at the festive season is a bubbly wine.! What is the difference between Cava and Champagne? Champagne is a product of a French region that produces this bubbly wine and has gone to court to establish its right to the name. Other sparkling ones may use the same process but may not use the word champagne. Cava is the Spanish equivalent, most of it being made in Cataluña, at Penedes, and in Rioja, UtielRequena, Ribera del Guadiana, and Cariñena, taking its name from the caves in which it is stored.! There are three indigenous traditional grapes used in Champagne, used individually or in a combination - Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. The process is important as the fermentation takes place in the bottles which activates the unique bubble effect. They are stored necks down and the yeast settles here. Then a freezing process solidifies the wine and yeast into ice making it easy to separate the yeasts without disturbing the bubbles or wine. The bottle is topped up with the same wine and perhaps a bit of sugar. Unlike many other sparkling wines it is a natural process and no CO2 is added to create the bubbles. ! Cava follows the same basic process, but uses other grapes and categorizes it as “Método Tradicional” rather than the French “Méthode Champenoise.” The traditional, native grapes for Cava are Viura (aka Macabeo), Xarel.lo, and Parellada and caves are classified as Semi-seco, Brut, Brut Nature, Reserva, etc., depending on sweetness or dryness. As can be seen from the photo there are also nice rose´ cavas available. To make rosé cava, small quantities of still red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha or Monastrell are added to the wine.Colloquially it is still called champán.! “Prosecco” is the grape used to make this fashionable bubbly wine. It comes from the area around Valdobbiadene in Italy. Prosecco is usually a bit sweeter, is simpler, and is not as Champagne-like as Cava. I must admit the best bubbly wine I ever had was made outside Rome by nuns that tasted of muscatel, flowers and honey with a high kick in it. Unfortunately, according to the good sisters it did not travel well and I was unable to persuade them to part with some bottles. ! Californian and other bubblies tend not to be made in the French manner, but usually fermented in tanks and have CO2 introduced to make the bubbles, even though using the same grape varieties. ! aorm@icloud.com
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! The major brands of cava are Freixenet, Segura Viudas, Cristalino, led by Codorníu which was founded in Catalonia in 1551 and produces 60 million bottles annually. Some companies produce brands under other names. Codorníu for example have produced this year a sleeved Mediterranean range marketed for the young. Then there is a range of small bottles known as Benjamin, being the youngest and smallest in a family. Cava producer Codorníu has announced the addition of two themed bottles to its limitededition range.The Barcelona design comprises a gold wrap with the city’s key landmarks – including Gaudi’s Sagrada Familía and Las Ramblas – etched into it. The Barcelona bottle will be available in Sainsbury’s from August and the Christmas-themed bottle later.! This company, like many others offer guided tours round their bodega with tastings of their wines. There ares several choices including the Simon Coll Chocolate Experience combing two lovely products. Vineseum is a museum dedicated to wine making. VINSEUM BOOKING Tel: +34 938 900 582 - vinseum@vinseum.cat Plaça Jaume I, 1, 08720 Vilafranca del Penedès CODORNÍU BOOKING Tel: +34 938 913 342 - reservas@codorniu.com
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Themed packaging for Christmas in Sainsabury’s Christmas range features Barcelona landmarks.
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Vineseum and Bodega visits at the lovely bodega and grounds of CodornĂu with audioguide in IPOD format
One of the best known cavas through its glamorous television campaigns at Christmas is Freixenet, this year featuring David Bisbal and MarĂa Valverde; the company recently celebrated its centenary. The three main brand names are Carta Nevada, Cordon Negro and up-market Reserva Real or Royal Reserve. But there are other excellent wines in their range including roses.
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Castillo de Raimat, home to a range of good wines
by
Andy Ormiston
The Castillo de Raimat is in the land of Lleida and was acquired by Manuel Raventós along with 3,200 hecacres of land. The castle was in ruins but reconstructed and the coat of arms includes a bunch of grapes and a hand, the words for which in Catalan form "Raimat" ("raïm" = "grapes" and "mà" = "hand"), revealing that there were once vineyards on the lands around Raimat castle. The shield motif was adopted by Raimat as its trademark and is blazoned on its wine bottle labels. So relatively speaking the brand is fairly recent but has accumulated umpteen awards. ! ! •!
- Raimat Vallcorba 2009 – Gold Medal – Iberwine!
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- Castell de Raimat Tempranillo 2008 – Gold Medal – Berliner Wein Trophy! - Castell de Raimat Xarel·lo-Chardonnay 2010 – Gold Medal - NEW WAVE SPANISH WINES AWARDS! - CAVA Raimat BN Chardonnay · Xarel.lo – Silver Medal – CINVE! - VECPRD Raimat Chardonnay BRUT – Silver Medal – Chardonnay du Monde! - VECPRD Raimat Chardonnay BRUT – Silver Medal – EFFERVESCENTS DU MONDE! - VECPRD Raimat Gran Brut – Silver Medal - INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE! Grupo Codorníu Raimat Gran Brut, Castell de Raimat Chardonnay 2011 and La Vicalanda Reserva 2007 received the Bacchus de Oro Award at the 10th edition of the International Bacchus Wines Competition, held in Madrid from the 16th to the 20th of March.!
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I first came across Raimat many years ago at a splendid family wedding in Barcelona where my brotherin-laws tried to get me pissed by urging me to drink at the buet, which in my innocence I thought was the main meal, so I quickly went on to good Scotch whisky. But then we were ushered into a lovely restaurant where course after course was presented with a flourish of well trained waiters. Each course had a suitable Raimat wine and at first I was a bit put out as my drinks were whisked away each time. Each wine was excellent and I asked the waiter at our table about it and he confided that he intended opening up his own agency to sell the brand. Apart from suitable wines for fish and seafoods, meat or poultry there are a few great caves for dessert.
! A new wine cellar was built in 1988 and was designed by the architect Domingo Triay. Its construction involved shifting thousands of tons of soil first to level a hill and then excavate a massive hole to site what would become the wine cellars.! The wine-ageing cellars are sited below ground, built into the spot where the hole was dug. The rest of the building rises above these.! The whole building was then cleverly 'landscaped' and covered with the soil excavated during the works. The end result is that the hill looks very much as it did before earth-moving began. The soil covering was then planted with Cabernet Sauvignon vines.! !
But let’s look at the cavas. !
! Brut nature Chardonnay - xarel.Lo Cava! The main characteristic of this cava is the cleanness of peach, ripe Spring fruit and cheerful citric notes. The ratio of Chardonnay used yields small bubbles that stay in the champagne glass, creating a soft white mousse. The lively taste is well-moderated by the wine's body.!
! ! aorm@icloud.com
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Brut Chardonnay - Pinot Noir
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A brilliant, straw-coloured sparkling wine with greenish highlights. It is remarkable for its complex acidic fruit and ripe melon aromas and perfumed floral notes. These are rounded off by creamy notes arising from the second fermentation and maturation in contact with yeast.! Fresh citric taste in the mouth, as well as floral and melon flavours. It is creamy and has a persistent, lively acidic finish.! !
RAIMAT BRUT CHARDONNAY A brilliant, straw-coloured sparkling wine with greenish highlights, lively citric, green apple and apricot aromas that are rounded off with creamy notes. It has a refreshing taste evoking fresh citrus fruits, green apples, and sweet green melon. Its creamy texture and clean acidic flavours make for a long finish.! !
RAIMAT BRUT NATURE! A brilliant, medium straw-coloured sparkling wine with greenish highlights. Fresh grapefruit aromas and floral notes rounded off with sweet, creamy aromas. It combines fresh grapefruit and melon flavours with ripe cherry notes. Its creaminess stems from its contact with yeast. It has a clean, persistent acidic citric finish.! Raimat Visits and tastings can be arranged through
Public Relations Department by calling (+34) 973 724 000 or send an e-mail to a m.gonzalo@codorniu.es / j.porte@codorniu.es.
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Art in Religion by Dave Stewart Most of us are used to religious art as being portrayed in so many Christmas cards with nativity scenes. All of them were trying to say something to their viewers, but over the years, the centuries, the message has become a bit blurred to modern senses. So it is a pleasure to introduce a modern sculptor who illustrates what he sees as lessons in life and puts them into sculptures thanks to his artistic skills. You may be wondering what a little robin has to do with religion. This robin (by Maurice Murrell Thacker) in medieval times was seen as an image of Christ - as a living being with a bleeding heart, or the blood of Jesus when the bird tries to peck away a thorn off his head, the image has also been used in poetry. ! In September we wrote about Chaplains in wartime and mentioned how four of them, from different denominations, gave up their lives by giving soldiers their lifebelts when the Dorchester ship was sunk by German submarine. A reader has sent us a photo of an extraordinary bronze monument dedicated to this event and to the four chaplains.!
The Canadian sculptor of this homage is Timothy P. Schmalz. A sculpture that celebrates and narrates the epic story of the four chaplains. The monument shows the four chaplains praying as the ship sinks. The back of the sculpture shows an angel holding the life preservers the chaplains gave up to save others. Many of his monuments have to be viewed front and back as often a more profound lesson and meaning can be found as in this bronze with an angel at the back of the main four figures of the chaplains.! He has sculptures in prominent positions in various countries and each one tells a story with often a subtle lesson. Timothy describes his sculptures as visual translations of the Gospels. Timothy also creates large public pieces in bronze. Some of these include monuments that honor veterans and Firefighters. Creating epic pieces that connect with viewers through design and details, not only touching the viewer on an emotional level, but also allowing them to feel somewhat a ‘part’ of the piece is what Timothy strives to achieve with his sculpture.! He says, ”I am devoted to creating artwork that glorifies Christ. The reason for this devotion, apart from my Christian beliefs, is that an artist needs an epic subject to create epic art. I describe my sculptures as being visual prayers. When I create a three dimensional sculpture in bronze I am quite aware that it will last longer than myself. I aorm@icloud.com
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The Canadian Veterans’ Monument memorializes Veterans from the War of 1812 to the current peacekeepers in Afghanistan. Having a multitude of figures with historical dress and military gear, this miniature captures every branch of the Canadian Armed Forces and every war that Canadians have participated in to date.
realize I am between two things that are much more durable than myself: Christianity and bronze metal. It is between these that I have developed a subtle appreciation for what Saint Francis meant by “instrument”. Saint Gregory the Great wrote that “art is for the illiterate”; the use of images was an extremely effective way to educate the general population. Our contemporary culture is in the same state today, not because of illiteracy, but because people are too busy to read. In this world of fast paced schedules and sound bites, Christian art creates “visual bites” that introduce needed spiritual truths in a universal language.”! Unlike its resin counterpart in Toronto, "Whatsoever ... ", a bronze sculpture of Christ by Christian artist Timothy P. Schmalz, remains firmly entrenched in front of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church near Parliament Hill. The Toronto sculpture, which was located outside the Church of Saint Stephen-in-the-Fields, was stolen Dec. 2nd but was quietly returned Dec. 6th accompanied by a note of apology. !
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! Very poignant in this season of goodwill is another work by Schmalz, entitled ‘Jesus the Homeless’, which was blessed by Pope Francis after being rejected by St. Michael's Cathedral in Toronto and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. The artist saw the irony of the rejections, observing, “Homeless Jesus had no home. How ironic.” Both sculptures underline the present social and financial crisis we in the Western world are facing, but something that has marked millions for centuries in other countries and has gone unnoticed. Now the problem is being brought to our doorstep in the faces of immigrants.!
I knew you in the womb is dedicated to all unborn children
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Many of Timothy’s sculptures are available as miniatures or larger sizes and really are worth while having on your desk. Visit his iste at www.sculpturebytps.com/ and some can be seen on YouTube."
! aorm@icloud.com
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The Symphony Orchestra has prepared a series of excellent concerts in the coming year and it is possible to buy boons for all of them at a reduced price.
Torrevieja December Cultural Programme Torrevieja patronal fiestas are in full swing an each day the Gigantes and Cabezudos take the streets at 17:45 weekdays and on Saturday 6th at 21:30 then Sunday 7th at midday and 17:45 again."
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2nd Municipal Theatre . Children “Dreams a magical world� 10 euros. aorm@icloud.com
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– Municipal Theatre . “The Mask Dancer” by Danza Illusion 5 euros.
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– Municipal Theatre – “El Gran Favor” 15 and 18 euros.
5th – Municipal Theatre . Musical homage to Mecano “La Fuerza del Destino” 27euros
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6th – Constitution Day so public holiday. 11:00 Raising of Flag in plaza de la Constitucion. 12:00 UMT Band play in the paseo Vista Alege a selection of pasadobles.
17:00 Flower Offering parade from plaza del Oriente to town hall plaza.
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These days coincide with Santa Barabara fiestas of the Asturians who have diverse acts, including the opening tonight in the Palace of Music.
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7th Sunday – 2nd Mountain Bike multicoloured ride around the Torrelamata lake. 12:00 – Virgen del Carmen CC - Free Ars Aetheria Orchestra Concert for Young. 12:00 Paella competition in fairground area. 14:00 – mascleta in the same area. 19:00 fairground area DJ Carlos Jean.
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Monday 8th – National holiday – la Inmaculada with wake up call of traditional Diana at 07:00 town centre.
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Friday 12th – 17:30 – main plaza annual International Christmas Carol Concert. This is followed by a Mass for all the foreigners in the town and you are invited to bring along food for the needy of the town. 19:30 – Roociera Chrisitmas in Virgen del Carmen CC.
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19:30 – Municipal Theatre – Musical La Sireneta (Little Mermaid) by Pedro & Company - 6 euros. 20:00 . Palace of Music Spanish Music Concert by the Ukrainians’ Association.
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Saturday 13th – Plaza de la Constitucion 2nd Night bike ride. 17:00 San Nicolas Festival in Virgen del Carmen CC. 19:00 – Palace of Music - 10th Anniversary of Coral Manuel Barbera – Christmas themed. 20:00 Casino – Music and Poetry Recital by UMT. 20:00 Municipal Theatre – Gala of 60th anniversary of Habaneras certamen.
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Sunday: 14th: - Plaza de la Constitucion 2nd bike ride. 12:00 – Municipal Theatre . Christmas Concert by Union Musical Torrevejenses Band. 5 euros 18:30 – Palace of Music Coral Bella Torrevieja perform. 3 euros. 19:00 Virgen del Carmen CC – THE RASCALS Christmas Show 3 euros
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18th – Municipal Theatre El Cascanueces (Nutcracker Suite) by Georgia National Ballet and Opera company. 25, 30 and 35 euros. 19th – Municipal Theatre – Historical recreation in music by UMT, Francisco Vallejos Choir, Jose Hodar Choir under direction of Antonio Sala “Torrevieja, Bay of Illusion”.
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20th 18:00 Papa Noel parade with Los Salerosos band in aid of Food Bank Alimentos Solidarios. 19:00 Virgen del Carmen – Mª del Angel dance company 5 rurosin aid of Regalos del Amor hospital volunteers. 19:30 – Palace of Music - Carol Concert Torrelamata choir Nueevo Amanacer. 19:30 – Sacred Heart Church, plaza Oriente, Christmas Carols. 20:00 – Municipal Theatre – Christmas Concert by Orfeon Ricardo Lafuente.
A barraca building
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21st - Municipal Theatre – Christmas Concert by Los Salerrosos 3 euros. 19:30 – Palace of Music - English Concert 5 euros.
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Palace of Music – Christmas Concert Group Cantos Colons.
28th – Virgen del Cartmen CC – Children’s Gala “The Christmas Tree” 30th – Municipal Theatre – “Las Tres Reinas Magas” of Gloria Fuentes. 20:00 – Casino – Wintertime Concert by Union Musical Torrevejenses.
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History in Black and White La Inmaculada
It is impossible to separate Torrevieja from its church and patroness, La Inmaculada, or the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The first church of la Inmaculada located in the barraca house on the seafront soon outgrew the needs of the growing community, which continued to be part of the Holy Rosary parish of La Mata, erected on 16th March 1772. Sailors in particular had a great devotion to! the Virgin Mary under this title of La! Inmaculada and her image was carried on the! Navy’s galleon ships of the Valencian kingdom at this time with her nickname of “la Galeona”. On 21st May 1789, La Inmaculada (the Immaculate Conception) was acclaimed! patroness of Torrevieja and on 13th September the first small church was built and blessed with that title. Prior to this there was a small hermitage erected in 1615 dedicated to the Inmaculada whose feast day was established for Spain and the Indies by! Pope Alexander VII on 8th December 1664.! At the inauguration on 13th September 1789,! of the new church, the Bishop of Orihuela, Don Jose Torno, carried the blessed Eucharist! in procession from the La Mata Church to the! aorm@icloud.com
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new church. The new parish priest was ! Don Roques Martinez, who held the first funeral service on 17th September of that year, the! deceased, Josef Cortes, being buried in the! old cemetery that was located roughly where! the Fontana Hotel is. Two days later, on the! 19th, the first Baptism was celebrated, Petrola! Maria del Pilar Francisca, daughter of the! sacristan, making her the first true Torrevejense. ! On 7th October the first marriage ceremony took place. From 1789 to 1800 some 130 children were born in Torrevieja. The actual parish was clearly defined as to where its limits were, and each of the! surrounding parishes of Guardamar, Rojales,! San Miguel de las Salinas and Orihuela have! documentation agreeing to the new parish! limits of each one corresponding to the new! parish of La Inmaculada, Torrevieja. The! Bishop allotted 1,300 “reales de vellón” for the! maintenance of the church, which included! 600 reales for the sacristan, whose! job-description included the cleaning of the! church and the toilet and, in general, helping! the priest in his work. 200 reales were put! aside for lamp oil, candles and other! expenses. Carlos III donated 3,000 reales to! the church from the resources of the salt! workings. The first statue of la Inmaculada! was installed in 1791, coming from the! workshop of la Academia de San Carlos in! Valencia, the work of Don Jose Puche. Over! the next few years the congregation! aorm@icloud.com
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contributed to embellishing this image with a! crown (1794) and a bier to carry the image on! during processions, the work of the same! artist. This statue was destroyed in 1936 at! the beginning of the Civil War when the! church was set on fire, but not the crowns.! In 1812 Don Antonio Cortes was appointed! parish priest and more and more images,! paintings and tapestries were donated to! decorate the church. Among them was a! statue of San Emigdio, which was a devotion! carried over from La Mata, as he is the patron! saint of earthquake prevention. His altar was! to the side of the main altar and he is! considered to be the co-patron saint of Torrevieja. There is now a small chapel in the! Jardin de las Naciones dedicated to this saint,! with an annual pilgrimage in his honour and a! five-day festival held in August each year.! Antonio Blasco y Viudes donated an image! of ‘la Soledad’ to the church in 1807 and the! procession of this image of the Virgen Mary! through the streets was really the origins of! the Holy Week processions. In 1827, Father Felix Martinez, a monk from the convent of San Gregorio in Orihuela, blessed mural! Stations of the Cross and every year the! devotion of the Via Crucis became a regular! event. Although the murals have long gone! these are probably the oldest fiestas of the! town and the beginning of the Semana Santa or Holy Week celebrations. By 1846 the costs of these processions were recorded in Town Hall records for the first time and they have continued ever since with brief intervals.! Today the huge float of “Jesus in the Garden! of Olives” is carried by over 100 members of! the foreign community as part of an overall! integration and some have even carried the! Cross in the Via Crucis. Many women and!
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children participate in the lines that walk! alongside the floats. Over the years many! individual foreigners have taken part in the! Holy Week processions but this type of! communal integration is unique in Spain,! although other towns have now imitated this.! As early as 1830 there were fiestas held in honour of the town’s patroness, la! Inmaculada. This included the singing of “Serafina” about a Torrevieja folklore! character, which is still included in the fiestas of December. This is part of the children’s playtime with the Bigheads of Lili (based on the film ‘Lili’), Lobo and the Ogre. ! Those first patronal fiestas were held in July, but soon moved to December. Today they continue over an eight-day period, enjoyed by everyone and more and more involvement by the foreigners and those Spaniards who have come from other parts of Spain to live in Torrevieja. These include bagpipers and dancers from Asturias and foreign groups in the large Floral Procession. The British also hold a successful Carol Concert in the main plaza in aid of charity, and take part in a Mass offering, donating food to the town’s needy.! Since the rebuilding after the Civil War the church has been modernised and repainted in its present cream and gold interior with new bells added. It continues to be the centre of most activities of the townsfolk. !
Excerpt from ‘Torrevieja Cameos’ by Andy Ormiston
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Lions Aid to support 5,000 Orphans of Ebola
! Whilst the world looks on in despair for those most affected with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, there is much needing done to help those children who have been left orphaned or abandoned as the disease spreads throughout the region. The current estimated number of orphaned or abandoned children is 5,000 and rising."
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Lions Clubs Interna0onal Founda0on (LCIF) have ini0ated a project to provide
food, shelter and to build orphange accommoda0on for those most in need. An immediate dona0on of 150,000.00 Dollars has been pledged from LCIF. Lions Clubs throughout the world have also started to pledge support, currently most notable sums of money have been pledged from Norwegian Lions -‐ $100,000.00, Lions in Japan $80,000.00 and Sweden $30,000.00. The Lions of Spain are currently ac0ve with their appeal for help, and the members of Torrevieja Costa Lions Club will discuss the maNer at their monthly business mee0ng. As readers will know the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club work 0relessly in the community of Torrevieja and surrounding villages to help those most in need, but in 0mes of major disaster also have a commitment to offer support wherever possible. Readers will remember that with the enormous generosity of the general public, your local Lions have donated huge sums of money to assist in places like Hai0, Japan, New Zealand, Lorca and most recently donated over $12,000.00 to assist following Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Should any individual, group, organisa0on, business or associa0on wish to make a contribu0on the Torrevieja Costa Lions will be delighted to receive your support and guarantee that every cent donated will go directly to those most in need.
To make a dona0on your first point of contact should be on e mail to Lion President Iain BenneN on idsbenneN@hotmail.co.uk or by phoning Iain on 966 731 495.
! aorm@icloud.com
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Volunteers of 2014 Mary Luz Martinez and Rosario Romero " Doña María del Carmen Mateo Bosch, the Councillor responsible for Torrevieja’s Non Governmental Organizations awarded on behalf of the town the now annual ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Award to two marvellous ladies - Doña Mary Luz Martinez and Doña Rosario Romero.
Mary Luz is well known among British expats who have used the invaluable services of the local branch of the AEEC and AFECANCER cancer associations as she has often been on hand to translate or support whenever needed, as she herself has suffered from the Big C so is well aware of the stress associated with the treatment. She also works with Nueva Fraternidad overseas projects.
From the La Mata branch of the Caritas association Rosario has seen the profound effects of the ongoing financial crisis as she has worked with the needy in that area helping with supply food and other necessities of life. Caritas works in every Catholic church and coordinate among themselves in the wide support that the association offers the unemployed, the immigrant, the poor and hungry.
Both ladies represent the hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life who continuously work so much in support of the social and humanitarian requirements of those who need various services.
New Year Resolution - Can I be a volunteer somewhere and be and feel useful?!
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150 Years of Service by Andy Ormiston
! 150 years of service to the people - to all the people. A service without discrimination in peace and in many wars - helping friend and foe. That's quite an achievement for any organization, but the Spanish Red Cross completed this year on 4 July their 150 anniversary of service to the Spanish people and also in distant lands. So we can't finish the year without a homage to this splendid organisation in our town. ! Spanish representative attended the first international gathering in Geneva, acting under the auspices of the St. John of Jerusalem Order and its red cross. Members of the organisation worked in humanitarian situations, notably at times of War and did sterling work throughout the Spanish civil wรกr and afterwards in repatriation of civilians.! In the 1960''s Spain was undergoing a Traffic Revolution as cars became more accessible and a network of roads built. The Red Cross was mobilised into traffic accident sections to attend to any road accidents in their local area. Then a vast change occurred in the 1990's with different social priorities - drug abuse,
Aerobics on the playa del Cura are run by a Red Cross volunteer who deserves an award for his long service.
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the lonely elderly as gradually the traditional family unit was dissolving, AIDs, immigrants, and the many other social problems that have come to the fore in the last few decades. The Spanish Red Cross are not amateur do-gooders, but with professional staff have five Hospitals, several clinics, a large diรกlisis clinic, two specialised blood centres in Spain and in Madrid have a University School of Nursing for training nurses:! I first became involved with the Spanish Red Cross through young people who volunteered to man ambulances, sleeping on bunk beds at night, prepared to turn out for emergencies at any hour of the day. Bloody emergencies. So often particularly at weekends they turned out for road crashes involving youngsters like themselves, sometimes with unexpectedly light contusions, but more often than not bleeding youngsters whose night out at discotques had become a nightmare that brought death and injuries and disfigurements that would be with them for the rest of their lives.! Volunteers without pay, only thanks and an internal satisfaction of doing something useful for another human being. ! The ambulances were driven by qualified drivers seconded from military duties, usually as conscienscious objectors. Other military on loan would also have medical experience. aorm@icloud.com
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But that terminated when compulsory military service was ended in Spain in favour of a more professional army. This was the set up that inspired some of the mostly British community to raise funds to buy a new fully equipped ambulance under the auspices of ARC and a rainbow whose different colors represented a million pesetas for each colour. A Play on words, Ambulance for Red Cross and the rainbow ARC.The campaign was organized through the offices of the English language Torrevieja Monthly newspaper and the six million pesetas target reached in eighteen months. By this time the work of the local Red Cross had altered as traffic accidents and other call-outs were responded to by a professional regional ambulance service, and many former volunteers found employment here. Years later TAABS concert group raised the first donation for a second Red Cross ambulance and the weekly Coastrider newspaper took on the task of a very successful fund raising campaign and the presentation of a replacement ambulance. ! Today's Red Cross branch offers a wide range of services using professionals and volunteers. Their high profile as lifesavers on the beaches is significant using qualified lifesavers paid a minimum amount by law. Most of this is financed by a town hall grant. The Coastrider ambulance is used daily and the ARC ambulance has been decommissioned and used as a people carrier. The Torrevieja's Red Cross station has a excellent communications centre with a GPS system that Red Cross president Bibiano Vera signing a contract with Torrevieja mayor Eduardo Dolon and health and NGO’s Councillor Mamen Bosch to safeguard the beaches for another year. aorm@icloud.com
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permits its staff to know at a glance where TAABS supporting replacement personnel are at at any given moment, enabling ambulance of the ARC vehicle a swift response to any emergency call.! But Torrevieja Red Cross members have a wider commitment with a social programme that reaches out to the disadvantaged, the immigrant, the elderly, the isolated and for years have included "a toy for every child" campaign each Christmas by their youth section. Alicante Red Cross opĂŠrate a Food Bank and It is usually from this that the local branch hand out provisions to the needy. For the elderly there is the Teleassistance phone link operated in conjunction with Torrevieja social services that we wrote about in November's issue of Torrevieja Outlook. Torrevieja
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Red Cross branch has two trained social workers but relies basically on volunteers, so anyone reading this may want to help in some capacity, teaching English or driving the minibus taking elderly for an outings, or assisting an old person to attend hospital appointments for , or become a socio or associate. Of course donations are always needed and welcomed.!
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For general information or donate to the Red Cross or to become a member, the Torrevieja office is open on weekdays from 9.30 to 13:00. For information on certain programmes: ! Teleasistence: Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. ! Legal assistance: Tuesday. ! General orientation: Wednesday. ! Food distribution: Thursday and Friday. ! Phone number: 966 704 848!
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Other local Red Cross branches:- " Note: Not every town uses the Red Cross as lifeguards, some contract private firms. +!
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Calle Almoradi, Guardamar del Segura." +34 965 72 75 00"
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Calle de Rafael Alberti, 18, AlmoradĂ" +34 966 78 12 2" Calle de San Pedro, 0, San Pedro del Pinatar" +34 968 18 29 72"
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Calle San AgustĂn, 22, 03300 Orihuela:" +34 965 305 75Apartado De Correos 156"
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Diego Ramirez Award Winners
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The November issue of Torrevieja Outlook had a resume about Torrevieja's annual Diego Ramirez Awards that pay homage to an individual and/or a group that is considered to have offered a unique contribution to the community.!
This year the individual selected is Carlos GarcĂa and the group the musical Band Los Salerosos. Carlos GarcĂa Martinez is one of those people who quietly get on with life, helping others on the way. He is a pillar of the local parish of La Inmaculada Carlos Garcia and wife Maruja fot: Javier where he frequently does the readings. Torregrosa He is an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes association helping organise pilgrimages for the sick to that spiritual centre. ! But what he is being recognised for is his work with the charity Caritas where, as treasurer for the past twentyfive years, he deals with the poor and the immigrant. This overlaps with his work with the Alimentos Solidarios association that provides hot meals and food parcels to those most in need. He also teaches basic computer and accounting techniques at Caritas for immigrants - he worked in a bank most of his life - and is good at web pages. In passing he would be happy to have an English speaking person to help by teaching English in the Caritas centre. He is also active with other local groups including Manos Unidas that helps with overseas projects in Third World countries and the local Carmelites board of directors. His wife Maruja is also a prominent supporter of aorm@icloud.com
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several associations and is justifiably proud of this recognition of her husband. Well done Carlos, a well deserved recognition by fellow Torrevejenses. !
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The group award goes to the musicians of Los Salerosos which is an acknowledgement of their support over the past 25 years providing music in concerts, in the streets and abroad as they have achieved an international reputation.Where would we all be without music? It is something that touches the soul and heart and the Salerosos have continuously provided good music of all types from classical band music, to swing, a bit of jazz and many modern pieces. ! The band has It's roots in the carnival where some musician friends had the idea to start this style of band influenced by the various bands that performed in the parade. Since then the small group has swollen its numbers, received many awards, travelled and performed in other countries and behind the annual Torrevieja International Band Festival that celebrated its 12th edition this year. New members are always welcome and there is a teaching programme for those interested in playing with the band that has its centre in calle Paz. ! Another well deserved recognition from the Diego Ramirez board which is made up of previous winners. The mayor, Eduardo Dolon, had the honour of phoning up the two winners to break the news and they will be given out on the eve of the town’s patron saint La Inmaculada on 7th December at a Gala Dinner. ! !
D. JosĂŠ Guillermo HernĂĄndez Samper
! !
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One year in a Torrevieja there was a "Nativity Scene" that showed great skill and talent had gone into creating it. One small feature bothered me. The three wise men were wearing firemen's helmets. Totally unable to come up with a reason or explanation, I left. At another shop where the lady could speak English, I asked the lady behind the counter about the helmets. She exploded into a rage, yelling at me, "You bloody foreigners never do read the Bible!" I assured her that I did, but simply couldn't recall anything about firemen in the Bible. She jerked her Bible from behind the counter and ruffled thru some pages, and finally jabbed her finger at a passage. Sticking it in my face she said,
You Gotta Laff A husband buys his wife a car for Christmas ... "I don't like it" she says, "I want some what that goes from 0-140 in 3 seconds." So he comes back with a set of bathroom scales and says "stand on that you fat bitch!�
A guy was walking around the office Christmas party belting down drink after drink. But every ten or fifteen minutes, he reached into his shirt pocket, pulled something out, took a look at it, then put it back in his pocket.! Finally, a friend came up to him and said: "George, I've been watching you all night, and I have to ask what's in your shirt pocket?"! "It's a picture of my wife."! "Why do you keep looking at it?"! "Because," George replied: "When she finally starts looking good, it's time to go home!�!
"See, it says right here, 'The three wise man came from afar."
A Jewish Santa Claus came down the chimney and said, "Anyone want to buy a
Believe it or not, there are still some people who believe in Santa Claus. Scientists call them politicians. ! aorm@icloud.com
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As a little girl climbed onto Santa's lap, Santa asked the usual, "And what would you like for Christmas?"Â The child stared at him open mouthed and horrified for a minute, then gasped, "Didn't you get my EA father asked his son, Little Johnny, if he knew about the birds and the bees. "I don't want to know!" Little Johnny said, exploding and bursting into tears. Confused, his father asked Little Johnny what was wrong. "Oh Pop," Johnny sobbed, "for me there was no Santa Claus at age six, no Easter Bunny at seven, and no Tooth Fairy at eight. And if you're telling me now that grown ups don't really have sex, I've got nothing left to believe in!"
! A woman walks into the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards.! "What denomination?" asks the clerk.! "Oh, good heavens! Have we come to this?" said the woman. "Well, give me 50 Baptist and 50 Catholic and one Methodist."
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One particular Christmas season a long time ago, Santa was getting ready for his annual trip ... but there were problems everywhere. Four of his elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones so Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule. Then, Mrs. Claus told Santa that her mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more. When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where. More stress. Then when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards cracked and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys. So, frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of coffee and a shot of whiskey. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered that the elves had hid the liquor and there was nothing to drink. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the coffee pot and broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw it was made from. Just then the doorbell rang and Santa cussed on his way to the door. He opened the door and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree. The angel said, very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas Santa. Isn't it just a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Isn't it just a lovely tree? Where would you like me to stick it?" Thus began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.
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AGE CONCERN celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Day Centre in La Siesta in mid-November and on the occasion had a visit from Torrevieja mayor Eduardo Dolon and councillor dealing with the foreigners in the town, Rosario Martinez Chazarra.
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White Christmas Anniversary by Dave Stewart
This month many cinemas are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the fantastic film musical “White Christmas� starring crooning Bing Crosby, versatile Danny Kaye, dancing VeraEllen and singer Rosemary Clooney. This featured the songs and music of the prolific songwriter/composer Irving Berlin, including the title song. It was filmed in the brand new Technicolour process and the first film to be released on VistaVision wide screen.! The storyline is ten years earlier in 1944 when two American pals give a show to the 151st Division troops in a forward area during the WWII at the same time that their beloved commander played by Dean Jagger is being relieved o command. A sudden artillery from the Germans wounds Bing Crosby and he is carried to safety by Danny Kaye, thus forming a running gag throughout the rest of the film. ! After the war the two form a duo for stage and at one stage meet two dancing sisters so begins a double romance that is on-off throughout the rest of the film. They discover that their beloved General is feeling rejected so they put out a broadcast asking for backing from their former soldier friends to rally round to help the General. And so a cast is formed for a show so that the General is persuaded to visit a snow bound lodge in Vermont in his old uniform only to be greeted by his former division men. ! Not much of a story line but the real treat is the music and dancing of the four main stars with tremendous backdrops of white clad scenery. Many of the songs have become familiar and sung by many other wonderful singers. One scene has a minstrel section and I have always thought it a pity that the PC brigade have managed to get rid of the popular Black and White Minstrel shows; lets hope they don’t reach here to the Moors & Christian festivals. ! aorm@icloud.com
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The title song was first used in the film “Holiday Inn” and won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 1942. “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" earned the picture its own Oscar nomination in the same category. The song "Snow" was originally written for another great musical “Call Me Madam” with the title "Free," changing some of the verses. Trudy Stevens provided the singing voice for Vera-Ellen, except for "Sisters", where Rosemary Clooney sang both parts. When the time came to record the soundtrack album, Clooney's contract with Columbia Records made it impossible for her to participate, therefore Peggy Lee stepped in. A soundtrack album with Crosby, Kaye, Clooney, and Stevens was not released until the recent CD anniversary reissue, in which the songs were taken directly from the film.! Songs:-! ¥! "White Christmas" (Bing Crosby)! ¥! "The Old Man" (Crosby, Kaye, and Men's Chorus)! ¥! A Medley: "Heat Wave"/"Let Me Sing and I'm Happy"/"Blue Skies" (Crosby & Kaye)! ¥! "Sisters" (Clooney & Vera-Ellen)! ¥! "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing" (Kaye with Vera-Ellen)! ¥! "Sisters (comedy reprise)" (lip synced by Crosby and Kaye)! ¥! "Snow" (Crosby, Kaye, Clooney & Vera-Ellen)!
¥! Minstrel Number: "I'd Rather See a Minstrel Show"/"Mister Bones"/"Mandy" (Crosby, Kaye, Clooney,& Chorus)! ¥! "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" (Crosby & Clooney)! ¥! "Choreography" (Kaye)! ¥! "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing (reprise)" (Kaye & Chorus)! ¥! "Abraham" (instrumental)! ¥! "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me" (Clooney)! ¥! "What Can You Do with a General?" (Crosby)! ¥! "The Old Man (reprise)" (Crosby & Men's Chorus)! ¥! "Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army" (Crosby, Kaye, Clooney & Stevens)! "White Christmas (finale)" (Crosby, Kaye, Clooney, Stevens & Chorus)! The film was initially supposed to reunite Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, but that didn't happen, then Donald O’Connor was to do it but he became ill so Danny Kaye was a third choice who brought his own zany humour into the film. Unfortunately a lot of the initial footage was destroyed in a FIRE and the sound track is limited because of its format. It was adapted to the stage and has done a tour in UK in 2006-2008 and in 2011 had a successful run in Manchester and later in Sunderland. " aorm@icloud.com
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December, 2014
Dear Lord, do you not get fed up with New year resolution all the bad news we see daily on our prayer for politicians screens? It's a pity that important issues appear so often time and again and that we become immune and blasĂŠ, tending to lose the feeling of urgency they demand. Battles, floods, murders, earthquakes, child slavery, typhoons, battered women, erupting volcanoes, strange diseases - they all happen to others...but involve and affect all of us! Disasters caused so often by man that could be avoided and natural disasters that sometimes evokes a compassionate humanitarian response, but could have been alleviated with some forethought and preventive planning. You said that the poor would be amongst us always. I wish and beg You that more people could share in the resources provided by nature, please give us the necessary love and compassion to help our neighbours. I pray that the resources we have, food and water, the medicines, energy and technical knowledge can be shared out more equally among your people. You taught us to pray for our daily bread, so I am begging this for those who know nothing about you. Teach us to love one another, dividing and sharing what we have in a just and fair manner. Jesus, if we had your peace, the peace that recognizes the brotherhood we share, then there would be no war and all the energies, all the logistics, all the wealth used up in war could be directed to save lives rather than the present destruction we see on our TVs. We continue to advance in so many ways, but act as spoiled and selfish children only demanding the largest and best share of earth's bounty. Imbue us with the spirit to love one another and see You in everyone we meet. Especially today I pray for... Dear Jesus protect all those volunteers who work in foreign and dangerous places who are trying to obey your commandment to love one another. Peace, equality, justice is what I ask of You this day for those millions of souls bereft by governments who care more for themselves and their egos than they do for their own people.
You have given us sufficient resources to supply everyone and I thank you for that, now our leaders need a kick in the pants to point them in the direction of Your loving care.
!
aorm@icloud.com
Torrevieja Outlook, December 2014
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www.torreviejaoutlook.com
December, 2014
Saray Sánchez, last year’s Salt Queen, hands over the reins to incoming queen 24 year old Ainara Antelo whose maids of honor are Marta Miguel Gallardo y Estefanía Veri who will accompany her to many events at which they will represent Torrevieja throughout the coming year. Photos: Objectivo Torrevieja.
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! aorm@icloud.com
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www.torreviejaoutlook.com
December, 2014
A standing ovation ended the acoustic cocnert on 21st November by Shani Ormiston accompanied by guitarist Raul Ramiez and Engique Fernadez on piano in the Palacio de Music. There was a mixed programme of covers and compositions from the singer’s latest album “Once Upon a Time” which ere sold to an enthusiastic audience at the end of the show. The concert was promoted by the Councillor of Extranjeria, Rosario Martinez Chazarra and sponsored by Torrevieja Outlook
aorm@icloud.com
Torrevieja Outlook, December 2014
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www.torreviejaoutlook.com
December, 2014
Wherever you are, whoever you are, may 2015 bring you happiness and good health
! aorm@icloud.com
Torrevieja Outlook, December 2014
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