043 september torrevieja outlook by Andy Ormiston

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 43 - September 2017

043 September 2017

Fiesta Calendar – September fiestas - d’Enguera children’s festival – Moors, Christians and Romans – History in the Street – Fatima tales – Villena – Women warriors of Ibi – Rustic Redovan – Fiestas in general – Dolores – Peñiscola – Crevillente – Green Flags reach Spain – Torrevieja collage – Tourism and Torrevieja – Stage and Scream – The Long Walk Home – Night Run – What’s On – Bookshelf – Dirty Wolves and Wolfram – Naturalism and Art – ABC of Spanish Cooking in Basque – Solidarity 2018 calendar – Bloody Tolerance. aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

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Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 43 - September 2017

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 43 - September 2017

September Fiestas This month sees more fiestas in honour of the Virgin Mary whose birthday is celebrated on 8th September. In Orihuela and Villena she is honoured under the title of The Virgen de Montserrat or the Black Madonna, other titles include the Virgen de Loreto and the Virgen del Rosario, with many local fiestas in the Vega Baja area. Each title has its own story - Loreto and Rosario are reminders of the famous battle of Lepanto where Christian forces defeated the Turkish Empire. The lead ship was dedicated to the Virgen of the Holy Rosary, a name often used in the maritime history. Today under the title of the Virgen del Carmen, seafarers from Cadiz to the New Spain sought the protection of

Cadiz: Virgen de la Rosario

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La Galeona

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Nº 43 - September 2017

Virgen Mary under the title of Rosario or La Galeona. The Spanish fleet of the Indies, i.e Caribbean, used her as patron of the fleet. The famous invincible Armada sailed under the protection of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. Although the 8th September has lots of religious processions in many towns, there are lots of associated events, concerts, sporting competitions and parades.

1 - 4th Sept. Castalla holds main fiestas of Moors & Christians with 3,000 people and 7 comparsas and 40 music bands. 1 - 8th Sept. Santa Pola has patronal fiestas of the Virgen de Loreto. Patronal fiestas at Sanet y Negrals. 3 - 4th Sept. Biar holds el Día del Cólera. 4 - 9th Sept. Moors & Christians in Villena. 5 - 9th Sept. The Virgen del Socorro, patroness of fishermen, is honoured in the Raval Roig district of Alacant. Patronal fiestas in Agres. First Sunday of month Moors & Christians take to the streets of Adsubia. On the first weekend the Fadrins festival is held in Adsubia. Patronal fiestas in Tormos. aormi@icloud.com

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First weekend of the month traditional dancing in Benilloba Banyares de Mariola holds Festa de la Reliquia. Saint Thomas is honoured in Altea. A romería in Castel de Castells for the Virgen de Petracos. Festival of Moscatell in Teulada. Patronal fiestas in Gorga. Peniscola – traditional dance festival. Liria - religious music festival in honour of la Purisima.

1st September d’Enguera – Children's international fiesta using hinojo images or sangiles, an anis flavored herb, in honour of San Gil. It is know being promoted by the Provincial Tourist Office and has lots of events including an artisan fair. This small town is close to Xàtiva and served by Autocars TOGSA aormi@icloud.com

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Segorbe – Has full programme of events from 1st to 10th September, such as a Battle of Flowers, a livestock fair, bull and horses corrida. Paterna – religious procession and Bengal fireworks street battle of the cordat. Mislata – two kilometres of cracker fireworks laid in streets of town centre in the annual traca when men try to outrun the flashing bangers. As they go off in sequence. The second week Moors & Christians in the patronal fiestas of Aigües. From 1st Wednesday of the month until a week later on the Thursday, Moors & Christians in Ibi. 6 - 8th Mutxamel hold fiestas. Patronal fiestas in Orihuela. 6 - 10th Moors & Christians in Benejama. Patronal fiestas of Monòvar. 6 - 18th Elda holds main fiestas with special events on the 8th and 9th. 7th Sept. Daya Vieja hold patronal fiestas in honor of Nuestra Señora de Montserrate. Patronal fiestas in Jacarilla. 7 - 10th Montforte del Cid holds festival of Virgen de Orito. Second weekend Benifallim holds the Fadrins festival with a Blessed Bread parade. 8th Guardamar de Segura have fiestas in honour of the Virgen de Fátima. Moors & Christians in the patronal fiestas at Redován.

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Nº 43 - September 2017

7 – 17

Albacete Fair in honor of la Virgen de Los Llanos, has over 1 million visitors with 20,000 taking part in the floral offering and in 2008 was declared as of International Tourist Interest.

9th - 12th Moors & Christian fiestas in Mutxamel. On the weekend nearest to the 9th September the Festa de Les Copletes is held in L’Alfàs del Pi. 11th Sept. “El Socarrat” is celebrated in Monóvar. 12 - 16th Greater fiestas of Cristo de la Paz held in San Juan de Alicante. 14 - 17th Fallas de San Pedro in Elda. 14 - 22nd Novelda has fiestas in the La Garrova district. 15th Sept. Sax has the Fiesta de la Virgen de los Frutos. Xàbia holds the Fiesta de la Virgen del Popul. Fleix (Vall de Laguart) holds their greater fiestas. The weekend following this date the people of Dolores hold their patronal fiestas. Middle of the month Teulada celebrates the Fiesta de la Divina Pastora.

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Nº 43 - September 2017

21 - 23rd Santa festival in Alfafara.

Cecilia

The 3rd Sunday a romería to the Sanctuary of the Mare de Déu de la Font Roja at Alcoy. Patronal fiestas in Beniaya (Vall d’Alcalà) Orxeta has patronal fiestas On the 3rd week patronal fiestas with Moors & Christians in Altea. La Xara (Dénia) holds fiestas in honour of San Mateo. 27 - 29th Redovan has the Romería a la Virgen de la Salud. 29th San Miguel de Salinas holds patronal fiestas. The weekend nearest this feast of Saint Michael the Archangel fiestas in Ibi. Also in La Villajoyosa, Benifallim and Gata de Gorgos where on the second weekend of October, around October 9, the Gata Street Fair is held, a showcase of shops and restaurants in the town. For two days you can enjoy all the tradition of people to the streets for the enjoyment of visitors.. Moors & Christians parade in L’Alquería d’Asnar. Fiestas of Daya Vieja. 29th Sept. - 7th October Patronal fiestas in San Fulgencio. 30th Sept. Benferri has celebrations in honor of San Jerónimo. Last Sunday of the month Cristo de las Campanas is held in Almoradí.

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NÂş 43 - September 2017

Moors, Christians, Romans

During this month the people of many towns that have had a busy summer, either through the tourist trade or through collecting harvests, now have the opportunity to relax and celebrate themselves. The majority of Spanish holiday makers have now left the Costa Blanca, although the high season still goes on. This is the time of the year when many foreigners come for long stays and there are still many typical Spanish fiestas for everyone to enjoy. It is advisable to seek dates and hours from local tourist offices as often fiesta details are altered at the last minute. September is a month where most of the fiestas are related to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus. Many non-Catholics fail to understand that the plethora of feasts dedicated to virgins are all dedicated to the same lady - the Mother of Jesus. Every town has its own special feast dedicated to her under a multitude of titles The 8th is the Feast of MaryÂ´s birth and in Agres (from 7th - 10th) Our Lady of the Castle fiestas are held in her honour. During these fiestas there is a representation of the shepherds and the Virgin Mary. This is another of those legends dating back to 1484 when the Virgen Mary appeared to a shepherd at the castle of Agres. Last year it was decided to hold this fiesta on the last Friday and Saturday of August and the aormi@icloud.com

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Sunday. There is a pilgrimage and other festivities held at L’Assad in the open air featuring about a hundred well known personages. But the first weekend of September is still the patronal fiestas of the Mare de Deú ‘Agres, with different events onFriday,Saturday and Sunday. A romeria is held every weekend in September in this small town. Then on the last two Saturdays of the month the town has fiestas dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. This small town is situated in the north of the Sierra Mariola mountain range with only around a thousand inhabitants.

Orihuela celebrates on the 8th September with a romeria from the sanctuary of the Virgen de Montserrat to the cathedral. She is patron of the city and is prayed to to prevent earthquakes and plagues. For the few days preceding this there will be the the International Folklore Gathering with dancers, singers and artistes from many countries performing traditional offerings. More information from Orihuela Tourist Office.

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Jacarilla also hold fiestas on this date in honour of Nuestra Señora del Belén, normally with a bell-ringing session at mid-day followed by the usual fireworks and in the evening a floral offering at the church. Then of course the dancing, drinking, dining and other events one would expect to find. The annual fiestas in this small up-coming town of the Vega Baja is twofold - in the third week of August offering a variety of sporting activities including frontenis, high-jumping, rocodrome, multi-adventure and paintball games. Then around 8th September the Parque de la Pinada is the centre for the coronation of the local fiesta queen and her maids of honour. The fiestas are in honour of the Virgen del Belen (Bethlehem), with a floral offering on the 7th September. These days are intensive with a variety of processions, fireworks and concerts.

Dolores is another Vega Baja town that continues from a busy August calendar with the agricultural and cattle festival fair. Its celebrations of this month for the town’s patronal feast of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores in the middle of the month. The town takes its name from the poignant devotion the people have to this aormi@icloud.com

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particular event in the last hours of Christ’s death when his mother’s heart and soul were pierced with so much sorrow that men could be so cruel, especially to her beloved son. This poignancy is further embedded in the town’s communal memory, because the origins of the town were from a prison camp whose inmates suffered not only from loss of liberty, but from the pestilence of swamps that were later drained into the River Segura when the town was founded. Each day has its own programme, which includes an evening Solemn Mass, followed by a procession of carriages and a communal meal. There is a vibrant carnival parade with many floats and groups representing neighbouring towns such as Algorfa, Cox Almoradi, Benejúzar and representatives from Alicante and Murcia. By far the most emotive procession is that of the Floral Offering which in recent years has seen the introduction of a pair of oxen carrying the saint’s image and bowing in homage to the Virgen de Dolores. Traditional dresses and suits have made a comeback in recent years and these can be seen at most of the fiestas throughout the year. The participation of foreigners from other European countries has led to a separate Day for Europe as there are so many European residents now residing in Dolores.

The town has developed a good local cuisine based on the products of the the fields with early year artichokes, pomegranates, figs, dates, oranges, and fowl and rabbits. Try the Arroz con Costra, a rice dish of the Vega Baja area that that used chicken, black pudding, a white sausage, pork pieces, tomatoes, rice and eggs and finally cooked in the oven so that the eggs forms a crust. In the middle of May a new event has been the “Fiesta de la Alcachofa” or artichoke, with 900 kilos of this local Vega Baja produce used in various ways in recipes. It can be eaten crude in a salad, cooked with rice in a paella, or grilled and served with lemon juice. Dolores has become a very busy town popular on its street market day on Friday with over 130 stalls.

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History in the Street by Dave Stewart

During the last two weeks of September the battles between Scipioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rome and Carthage are re-enacted each year in a festival where a Roman encampment is built with typical Roman market, taverns and many other Roman institutions. This camp is located next to the football stadium. Hundreds of the townspeople take sides dressing up as Roman legionnaires or Carthaginian troops with parades and mock battles as when the Roman, Publio Corneilo Escipion, conquered the city in 209AD. The Romans land on the waterfront in the early afternoon and battle commences beneath the city walls at the Cuesta del Batel. At midnight the Romans are proclaimed as victorius and the following day parade in style from Calle Esparta to the encampment. A truce is made which binds both nations through marriage and the fiestas include a theatrical display of the marriage between royal Roman blood and a Carthaginian princess Anibal and Hilice, bringing a time of peace to the city. As well as the daily parades of soldiers the visitor is treated to a spectacle in the Roman Circus.

w w w. d i s c o v e r i n g c a r t a g e n a . c o m recounts some of the information surrounding the events from on the last weekend of September about the Romans and Carthaginians. Cartagena tourist office 968 506 483 or email: infoturismo@aytocartagena.es or see webpage www.cartagena.es

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From 4th - 9th of September the spectacular fiestas of Villena take place. If you speak of Moors & Christians you talk about Villena where the fiestas are considered to be of National Touristic Interest. Of the 32,000 inhabitants 15,000 take part in these patronal fiestas dedicated to the Virgen de las Virtudes or La Morenica as she is known popularly as this is another brown skinned image. This festival dates back to 1474 when the Virgen was proclaimed patroness because of her protection during the plague. A sanctuary was built in 1490 about seven kilometres out-with the town and her image installed. Each year in March and on 8th September there is a romeria pilgrimage to the shrine with pilgrims wearing a sky blue coloured neckerchief emblazoned with the image of this particular Virgen. The texts used by the Ambassadors in the Moors & Christian fiestas go back to the early 19th century. 14 comparsas or groups take part in the parades, 7 of these are Moros, some of whom march a pasodoble to music first played in 1907. One curious element of these fiestas is the interchange of the figure of la Mahoma from Biar to Villena. The reasons for this are lost in history and modern speculation is that it is possibly a form of tax from one town to another. It is certain that at one time both towns were allies in the fight against a common enemy.

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Nยบ 43 - September 2017

The Treasure of Villena (Tesoro de Villena) is one of the greatest hoard finds of gold of the European Bronze Age. It comprises 59 objects made of gold, silver, iron and amber with a total weight of almost 10 kilos, 9 of them of 23.5 karat gold. This makes it the most important find of prehistoric gold in the Iberian Peninsula and second in Europe, just behind that from the Royal Graves in Mycenae, Greece. The

gold pieces include eleven bowls, three bottles and 28 bracelets. For visitors Villena is an old city crowned with a stupendous Arab built castle, La Atalaya, around which the town has grown. The origins of the town date back further than that with cave remains going as far back as 50,000 years. The castle was built on the ruins of an Iberian settlement and the ancient town centre is the most important part for the sightseer with a visit to the local archaeological museum a must. aormi@icloud.com

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Fatima Tales

Guardamar de Segura also have celebrations starting in the small village of El Campico near C. Quesada famous for its large Sunday morning market. These September fiestas are mostly of a religious nature on the 8th September in honour of Our Lady of Fatima. However, there are verbenas, theatrical events, bicycle race, paella competition, and the traditional lemon dance «el baile del limón». This year is the 100th anniversary of the appearance of the Virgen to the children in Fatima so no doubt there will be extra special celebrations this year. In the spring and summer of 1916, nine-year-old Lúcia Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto were herding sheep at the Cova da Iria near their home village of Aljustrel in the parish of Fátima, Portugal. They later said they were visited three times by an apparition of an angel. They said the angel, who identified himself as the "Angel of Peace" and "Angel of Portugal", taught them prayers, to make sacrifices, and to spend time in adoration of the Lord. El Campico of Guardamar del Segura is an area surrounded by orange and lemon groves and in recent years increased the population with new housing and many foreigners. In October the town has a week long celebration of the Virgen of the Holy Rosary. Most places who honour Our Lady of Fatima do so on 13th October. There are now several thousand Russians living on the Costa Blanca and they have their own little story connected with the appearance of the Virgin at Fatima in 1917. During the 800’s two Greek monks, Cyril and Methodius, brought Christianity to Russia. The most famous icon in Russia is that of Our Lady of Kazan which came from Constantinople to the monastery at Kazan in the former Mongolian Empire. By 1101 the icon was revered throughout Russia and Russian pilgrims travelled vast distances to venerate the Virgin Mary who is seen holding her infant son for all to worship. In 1209 the city of Kazan was conquered and the city and monastery destroyed, the icon lost. 375 years later on July 8th, 1579, the Virgin Mary appeared to a nine-year old girl, Matrona, who said the lady stood on a cloud and she told the

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monastery where she indicated and lo and behold, there was the icon. It was placed in a convent built for it by the Czar and was known as the Liberatrix and Protectress of Holy Mother Russia. Peter the Great carried the icon as his banner and when he transferred the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg, the icon went with him. When Napoleon attacked Russia and was defeated the people put it down to the intercession of Our Lady of Kazan. During the reign of Alexander II a magnificent basilica, modelled after St. Peter’s in Rome, was constructed in Moscow in what we know today as Red Square. When the great Revolution of 1917 came the Bolsheviks recognised the position the image held in the hearts of the people and they destroyed the basilica on 13th October, 1917. While this was happening on the same day, 13th October, 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared on a cloud similar to the Kazan icon, to children at Fatima in Portugal and told them that “Russia will spread errors and terrors worldwide. In the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph. Russia will be converted and a period of peace will be given the world”. Somehow that icon had been removed from the basilica and was later found in England and today is revered in Fatima. The Patriarch of Moscow and Russia, Aleksey II, told a delegation of Christian pilgrims on October 13th, 1992 that the Russian people were aware of the Fatima message and this had given them hope and he looked forward to the icon’s return so that the people of Russia will once again know peace. Nothing particularly to do with Spanish fiestas, but it is interesting background to the feast of Our Lady of Fatima.

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Villajoyosa is mostly remembered because of its multi coloured houses that overlook the river and the sea. The story is that these are so that the fishermen could pick out their on houses when at sea. The town is also renowned for its two chocolate factories that produce a wide range of chocolate bars and boxes. There is a museum attached that outlines the history of the chocolate industry and it is possible to go on conducted visits to the factory.

With its proximity to the sea and the mountains the town also is renowned for its rich gastronomy. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lots of things to do in Villajoyosa as it is based on the sea and some wonderful beaches and coves. There is the Centre Beach, the Torres, Estudiants, Bol Nou, La Caleta, Raco de Conill, Paradise Beach, Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Esparrelo, Xarco, Puentes del aormi@icloud.com

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Moro, Carritzal - so plenty of choice depended if you want golden sands or pebbly beach. But the town also has some spectacular fiestas, especially the Moors & Christians. As the sun rises over the horizon, the boats laden with Moorish warriors creep in shore. Six oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the morning and the guards on shore shout the alarm; the Moors jump overboard into the shallow water and wade forward to meet the rushing Christian defendersâ&#x20AC;Śand battle of La Vila Joiosa commences before breakfast. Over four thousand citizens take sides I this extravagant celebration commemorating the eventual domination of the Christians over the Moors for the town. However, before that the Moors fight and capture the small wooden castle set up on the beach area. San Fulgencio was once a sleepy little village rolling in the sun. Now it is a vigorous small town with fiestas held throughout the year. Beginning in January with San Fulgencio and San Anton Abad the local patron saints, the fiestas continue in Semana Santa, The principal patronal fiestas are held in October in honour of the Virgen del Remedio. August is replete with activities in the main Sierra Castilla plaza and the La Marina Civic Centre is now a central place for activities.

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Villena The most prominent feature of Villena is undoubtedly its castle, standing magnificently on a hill overlooking the plain where the railway line linking Alicante to Madrid runs. Villena and its Castle are closely linked, because under the warmth of its walls the Arab village was developed, which stretched around the mosque aljama, the current church of Santa Maria. The walls that surrounded the city were built once the town was dominated by Christians, by the middle of the fourteenth century. During the sixteenth century, the walls, together with the castle, suffered some repairs. The Christian city centre emerged around the present church of Santiago, with some of the Arab people staying. Moors & Christians are held in the first week of September until 9th. That may become registered as Fiestas of International Tourist Interest. As in any town in fiesta, streets will be cut and traffic diverted, which also puts a limit on parking space. The streets are garlanded with multicoloured bulbs in various shapes under which the Moors and Christians march under arches. On the celebrate la Alborada and the great fireworks display. There are 12,000 marchers plus another 3,000 in musical bands making a tremendously long parade of 15,000 people. The annual Romeria date has been changed to the last Sunday of August so that the festeros can participate as well. Parades begin on the 4th the 5th is dedicated to the opening pregon or speeches and at 16.00 the Entrada of the Moors & Christians that starts in calle Nueva and end in 1ÂŞ Avenida de la ConstituciĂłn. On the same day the side door of the Santiago Apostle church is opened at 118.00 for those who wish to visit the patron saint ff the town and this is normally opened until one in the morning. The rich past and history of Villena is reflected in its festivals and popular events. Throughout the year the city hosts a large number of events that allow visitors to get closer to the traditions and the people of this beautiful city. At the beginning of the year, in January there is an original representation of the three wise men arriving, which is a recreation of the biblical passage performance by the Association of the Three wise men.

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Our SeĂąora de las Virtudes which its celebrated the Day of the Three Wise Men and the following Sunday. With the arrival of August, we can join the oldest activity of Villena, the Film festival. This event offers the chance to see a lot of films of great cultural interest, collecting the best premieres of the year and with a strong presence of European cinema. This year it will celebrate its 36th edition. In this month is also celebrated the Festival of Folklore and popular Dances, which begins with the slavery day, during the second or third weekend of September. It is a festival with strong local roots, where performances of popular folklore dances are programmed by foreigner and domestic groups together with the Dance Group of Villena, who acts as host. The countryside festival and traditional craft market is in October; it is one of the most famous events of the year. Here you will find farm machinery, vehicles and festivity crafts, where popular costumes, festive decorations and accessories are shown. Wine and garden products also have a place in this festival through the participation of the agricultural cooperatives from the region, which shows their famous products like wine or their great vegetables. The wine culture is deep-rooted in this area, as the cultivation of vines comes from ancient times. As happened in other areas, the Iberians were the first who began to cultivate vines in this land for family consumption, and the Romans continued this tradition. At the beginning of the 20th century major wineries existed in Villena where wine was produced and exported from the port of Alicante, but this stage of development was affected by a heavy infestation of phylloxera and by a national economic crisis during the first third of the 20th century . This brought about the disappearance of many of the existing wineries, and also caused a reduction of the cultivated area. Nowadays, Villena has a group of modern wineries that produces excellent wines based on the tasting of native grape varieties such as Monastrell and incorporating others like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, both French, who have adapted to the privileged location of Villena, being an area climatologically influenced by the meseta and the Mediterranean, which develops excellent conditions for growing grapes and making wine.

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Women Moors in Ibi Nowadays women have an important role in many towns’ annual Moors & Christian fiestas and much of this is due to the women of Ibi who were the first to join in officially. These fiestas originate in 1578 when the town had the right to hold a festival in honour of El Salvador with the use of gunpowder. This led in the 16th and 17th centuries to the introduction of the Soldadesco, a type of militia, that walked along with the religious procession firing off their guns. On 9th August 1731, the Count Amador Ferrando carried the first image of the Virgen de los Desamparados and the following 8th September these fiestas were held by the Cofradia de la Virgen de los Desamparados.

In the early part of the 19th century gradually the two sides were born out of the Soldadesco with an official decree of 1913. In 1931 at the outset of the Second Republic there was a great deal of anti-clericalism and on the second centenary of the Virgin’s feast and all the old comparsas disappeared and new ones formed, but this did not prevent the Virgen being declared Principal Patron of Ibi. It is possible that today’s present firing of rockets accompanying a parade are derived from these aormi@icloud.com

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The execution of the Traitor Moor

Soldados. A Papal document permitted the celebration of the feast on the Sunday following the normal date. At the end of the Civil War the fiestas continued every year until the present time apart from 1968 when a terrible explosion caused the death of forty people. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image of the Virgen of September 1940 after the original image of 1735 was burned in the civil war in 1936.

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For nine days in the middle of September Ibi hosts a tremendous variety of brilliant files of warriors that begin with the Nit de Olleta in the various zocos of the different groups at midnight, followed by a carnival costumed parade until three in the morning. The first day witnesses an imaginative parade with boatas of captains and their flag carriers with music, colour and gunpowder attacking all your senses. These days Ibi has the usual flower offering, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parade, the Moorish Traitor and contrabandists, but with their own unique presentation. The Christian army has seven groups Maseros, Guerreros, Contrabandists, Almogaveres, Cides, Mozarabes and Templars. They face seven comparsas of the Moors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Argelianos, Chumberos, Piratas, Beduinos, Tuaregs, Almoravades and the Mudejares. The Chumberos were begun in 1929 possibly from the previous compassa of Moros de la Manta. Among the old texts there is mention of a Traitor Moor (Moro Traidor) and this figure is incorporated in modern parades with the execution of a traitor on the third day of the fiestas at 8:00 in the morning after the main battles the previous night. The dialogue is always in Valenciana with the judge presiding questioning the traitor. This traitor figure appears in several different towns parades. There is a museum dedicated to these fiestas in Ibi, already famous for its toy industry.

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R u s t i c Redován

An often overlooked part of tourism in Spain is rural tourism. There are still many small towns and villages that have a lot to offer those willing to look away from the coastline. Redován is one of them. This town is located at the feet of the Sierra de Callosa mountain range. Redován is one of the Vega Baja (low fertile valley) villages of the southern Costa Blanca, Spain. Located in the Alicante province, on a sparsely vegetated plain at the foot of the Sierra Segura, approximately 7 km from Orihuela. Although the town was founded by the Moors during the Arab conquest (8th - 13th Centuries, Ermita de la virgen de la Saludthere is evidence of much earlier settlements going back to pre-historic times. The town is well known for its ceramics and this tradition stretches back to the 3rd century BC from when various samples of ceramic work have been found with a very distinctive zig-zag pattern. Redován’s fiestas origins are remote, but the present ones were reactivated in 1977 when the parade started in earnest with great humour. The 45th annual Barraca La Gramaera will be held in September and is a cornerstone of the fiestas as men don traditional working clothes of the fields armed with pitchforks, spades and brooms, a group that has become symbolic of the town. There is usually a demonstration of using hemp in manufacturing baskets, shoes etc. There are also groups of Los Caballeros Templarios, Los Cobras and Almudéjares. Then other groups are la Peña El Volante, aormi@icloud.com

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la Barraca la Fusion, and la Peña Motera Los Motardos, and the pensioners are not left out as they participate in the Club Amigos de la Tercera Edad. There is also a 24 hour Frontenis competition and gastronomy of typical recipes associated with the hemp industry of the area. Children can enjoy many sporting events and traditional games. A great night is when the atmosphere is carnival style with a multi coloured procession as everyone wears a fancy dress costume. There are several concerts throughout the period and other cultural events. Redovan’s patron saints are the Virgen de la Salud and Saint Michael the Archangel. On September 8th there is a Mass and procession in honour of the Virgen de la Salud followed by fireworks and a few days later a Romeria to the Ermita of this Virgen. On the middle Sunday of the September the Romeria takes place from the parish church early in the morning with a 10.00 open air mass at the sanctuary la Ermita de la Virgen de la Salud-Redován. The plaza Miguel Hernández is the site for a giant paella, an aerobic marathon and children’s games. The 29th September is an emblematic day for Redován as the people celebrate the feast of St. Michael with band concerts and a tremendous firework display and a dance in the evening until the early hours. aormi@icloud.com

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Fiestas in General Redovan, Daya Nieva and Jacarilla start a programme of fiestas lasting a month from the beginning of September until around the 8th October in honour of the Virgen del Monserrate. As usual, these begin with the election and coronation of the various queens. Jacarilla’s patron saint is the Virgen del Belen with a Floral Offering on the evening of the 7th and at the same times another floral offering in Redován in honour of the Virgen del Salud. Daya Vieja is the smallest town in the Vega Baja comarca and the Mayor, Rafael Vives Pertusa, stated that the population had risen to almost 700 inhabitants thanks to the establishment of foreigners in their midst. He welcomed them, as they were residential foreigners who spent their money in the town and participated in the annual fiestas. These fiestas have their origins about 118 years ago. The fiestas start on 1st September until the 11th September. Daya Vieja holds the Pasacalles de la Cuña in which various domestic animals are let loose in the street and the young aormi@icloud.com

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men try to catch them: not so easy as they are in teams of four with a wooden ladder holding them together so they have to act as one. There is always live music and dancing in the evenings. Another game is when the young ladies sew their names on ribbons and the boys ride bicycles and with long poles try to hook the ring of the girl whose ribbon they fancy. Always good for a couple of kisses. There is also a late night (22.30) multicolour carnival style parade. Throughout the week there are sporting activities and competitions, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theatre, Flower Offering to the Virgen del Montserrat, a traditional carrera de cintas and of course fireworks. The patron saint of the village is La Virgen de Monserrate. The story says that in the XVth century, the locals could hear a ringing that appeared to come from underground. They searched and found, a buried image that had been apparently hidden for centuries. The name of the image or who she was, was a mystery so they decided to vote and choose a name for her. The name of Santa Maria de Montserrate came out three times and so became the patron of the village. In the fifteenth century the Daya area had a coastline, but really only consisted of a fortified mansion, residence of the Lord, a Christian village of 12 families, besides some widows, the elderly and a Moorish mosque. There was also a small parish church, under the patronage of the lord.

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Dolores Patronal fiestas are held in September prior to 8th. Dolores was founded in 1715 at the end of the war of the Succession by Cardenal Luis Antonio de Belluga y Moncada. The Cardinal had taken the part of Felipe V who awarded him with the war title of Captain General of Valencia. This enabled the cardinal to start a series of works known as the Pias Fundaciones. Workers came to cultivate reclaimed land and in 1732 the king recognised Dolores as a Villa. Today the town’s main industry is agriculture although in recent years with the construction there has been more industry introduced as well as a services section, grater interest in attracting tourists. There is a bronze monument dedicated to the Cardinal, the work of sculptor José Arnal in 1948 that is in the parish church. It was later installed in its present position in the plaza that bears the Cardinal’s name in front of the parish church. In this immediate area you find the Town hall, Casa de Cultura and the Market as well as the Casino, an area that has recently become a pedestrian’s walkway. The small theatre is dedicated to Cardinal Belluga and is used frequently by British theatrical groups for shows. Dolores town is located in the comarca of Vega Baja del Segura in southern Alicante province, Spain. The town is in the heart of the Segura huerta (vegetable garden) about 10 km (6.2 mi) from the nearest beaches in La Marina and Guardamar. In recent years the town has grown numerically and now numbers about 7,500 inhabitants. aormi@icloud.com

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The fiestas include carnival style multi-coloured parades, theatrical events, music, of course and the customary fireworks display. Parades include one with animals and carts and people dressed in traditional agricultural clothing. The Bando de la Huerta is a team of oxen with a cart decorated as the traditional barraca house and someone reads an ironic letter or proclamation about the town and its public authorities. The traditional games of Caliche and Bireles have completion. Other Dolores fiestas are the Holy Week ones with a special relevance to that of the Friday dedicated to Our lady of Dolour held on the Friday before Palm Sunday.

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Paintball Fight Club www.paintballfightclub.es/

During May on 17th is the procession of San Pascual Bailón. The first weekend of August and the following Monday is the fabulous Farm Fair one of the most important in Spain. This includes equestrian events and races between donkeys and ponies with carts. The 15th September is the patronal fiestas dating back to 1735 with two main significant events – the carriages and carts parade, and the Bando de la Huerta. The town also boasts one of the largest paintball and outdoor quaser fields in the Valencia region: Paintball Fight Club with a 5-acre (20,000 m2) field with 6 fully developed paintball scenarios, dressing room and showers, and barbecue area. The field offers special discounts for large groups and students, and barbecues at very affordable prices.

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Peñiscola is possibly best remembered for the shooting of the film El Cid, starring Charlton Heston, but this fortress town at the topmost part of Valencia Region has great attractions and fiestas all year round. In Peñiscola, from 7th - 16th September local fiestas include the building of human towers with groups of men standing on each others shoulders building pyramids, competing against each other to build the highest tower with the most people. During this week there are also Moors & Christian parades reflect the film of Spain’s national hero in the film El Cid, with Moors landing on the magnificent beaches and storming the castle.

el Altet and Saint Francis of Assisi For those south of Alicante airport the by-pass road is a boon that obviates going through the small hamlet of El Altet where one was often held up in the main road by the annual September processions. At the end of September and into the first week of October, the townsfolk of El Altet enjoy the patronal fiestas of San Francisco de Asís. The principal day is on the saint’s day the 4th October with a carnival parade in the late afternoon followed by coca and zurra. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes. A Floral Offering is made on the following day and of course each day there is wining and dining with music and dancing.

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Crevillente Every town has its fiestas and these usually receive grants from the local town hall towards things like music, publicity, security, seat rental, discotheque or live music. Cevilllente is famous for its Moors & Christian festivities and the town hall coughs up about 45,000 euros for the parades and supplementary acts, but the main costs are borne by the different comparsas, in this case Comparsa Marroquies Comparasa Moros Viejos Tuareg Comparasa Benimerins Comparsa Beduinos Comparsa Mora Berberiscos Comparsa Mora Omeyas Comparsa Cristiana Maseros Comparsa Cristiana Caballeros del Cid Comparsa Cristiana Castellano Leonesa Comparsa Cristiana Dragones Comparsa Cristiana Astures Comparsa Cristiana Almogavares

Crevillente is at the foot of the sierras that carry its name, and has an old quarter that has a Moorish flavour with short, narrow streets. It may be known for its carpet industry, but the town has numerous fiestas all year round, lovely parks, a vibrant cultural programme, museums including one dedicated to the Moors & Christian parades. These parades are now of National Tourist Interest while the Semana Santa processions are of International Tourist Interest.

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Crevillente has notable parkland, mountain, museums, carpet industry and its recognized fiestas dedicated to Semana Santa and Moors & Christians.

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We have Blue Flags and Q Flags for the quality of the sea and mains but Torrevieja also has many parks that could fly a a Green Flag especially the Park Natural of La Mata that is now being used more and more by associations hiking, photographing, cycling,

hunting fauna and flora or watching the stars at night in the clear skies over the park. . aormi@icloud.com

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Parque del Agua in Zaragoza, is the first park in Spain to achieve the coveted Green Flag Award. Green Flags have been flying over the best of the UK’s parks and green spaces for 21 years. In recent years they have been joined by sites in Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and the United Arab Emirates and for the first time this year Spain. Parque del Agua is a large urban park in Zaragoza, North Eastern Spain, managed by Desarrollo Expo. The management ethos of the park is ecological and environmental – the site hosted Zaragoza’s 2008 International Expo “Water and sustainability”. Alberto Ipas from Parque del Agua, said “Everyone at Parque del Agua is delighted that we are the first winner of a Green Flag Award in Spain. We work so hard to make this park better and better every day. We try to improve, taking ideas from other Green Flag Award members and listening to our visitors. You are all welcome to visit our park when you are in Spain.” Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said “We are delighted that the Green Flag Award is now recognising the best managed green spaces across the world. A flag flying for the first time in Spain is a celebration of all the hard work that has gone into managing Parque del Agua to such a high standard. We look forward to many more of Spain’s parks achieving the Green Flag Award in future years.”

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Although summer has officially gone, there are still loads of things to do and see in Torrevieja and the Aquapolis is open till the middle of the month. Sea-trips, water sports, rambles in the La Mata Park or visit one of the other parks.

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Tourism and Torrevieja by Andy Ormiston

There is no doubt that Tourism, in all its various aspects, is a prime industry and motor for the Spanish economy. During summer months unemployment figures drop as the tourist industry requires manpower for its service industries. But there are doubts being raised in many cities about the problems of becoming too popular and reaching saturation point. Residents of cities such as Madrid and Barcelona have released the huge amount of visitors to their streets, adding a burden on facilities such as water, rubbish and congestion. Many voices are being raised against those tourists who have no regard for their neighbors and only out to enjoy themselves with raucous partying, drinking and vomiting in the streets and accosting local women. Even well known tourist towns like Mallorca or Malaga are bringing in bye-laws (and fines) limiting just what perimeters the all year round residents are willing to be pushed against.

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This summer the Costa Blanca had a great influx of visitors who came to enjoy the sea and sun, but also to bring much needed spending money to the coastal towns. Even so many voices could be heard praying for the fest of San Ramon at the end of August which heralds the return of most tourists to their homes and allow locals to enjoy their towns. There is no doubt that a balance has to be found. Spanish tourists to early 20 th century Torrevieja brought much needed income to the town and there was a notable plan to encourage them to return. The train journey from Madrid would take a whole day and night. People in nearby inland towns began to buy small plots of land and build summerhouses. Those from Orihuela tended to build in the Los Locos area while others from Callosa and Almoradi preferred Los Naufragios beach. In fact a bus was laid on to take outsiders from the town centre to the outlying balnearios leaving those in the town centre for the locals. Later these bathers transferred their holidays to Lo Pagan and the Mar Menor. Various incentives were encouraged so that the visitors would return each year. Local people offered their houses for rent while they slept cramped in other locations, thus bringing in that extra bit of cash to help them all out during the winter. The low level houses usually had a rear patio that adjoined other nearby houses and the patio became a favourite meeting place for families and there is a popular refrain “mi casa, mi patio y mi aljibe” being a tribute to “my house, my patio and my well.” aormi@icloud.com

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The principal hotel was the Victoria next to the Casino and there was a tavern, the posada del Parejo that also accommodated other visitors. The former seamanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bar, the Miramar, was becoming better known as a restaurant offering traditional gastronomy, as was Catalina I. Today the Miramar is now the main Tourist Office. Then there was the famous horchateria of Tio Tano on the Paseo offering this delicious and nutritious drink made from tiger nuts. At this time it was common for peddlers to walk among the sun worshippers spread out on the beaches, offering cold drinks, slices of sandia and souvenirs for sale, but they became a nuisance and were banned, much as the blanket sellers of today. Photographers had their sideshows with cut out figures where visitors could pop their head into the hole and be immortalized as a torero, flamenca dancer or something else. The summer nights were preferred by the locals who had to work during the daylight hours, but in the evenings and into the early aormi@icloud.com

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morning, there was a great deal of entertainment available. This was the time for courting couples to get out an enjoy themselves and laze by the sea on the rocks on a balmy summer â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night. Bands came from other nearby towns to play on the bandstand in the Paseo. In the area of the Torre del Moro (then called the Atalaya) was the scene for concerts and verbenas and dances. The open-air Friday market, located in the streets around the main church, became a tourist attraction; although it was an important part of everyday life for the women who could buy fresh laid eggs, live rabbits, chickens, hens or ducks, mostly from women vendors from Cox. Prices fluctuated dependent on the season and availability. Vendors came from as far away as Agost selling kitchen plates and utensils. The Friday open-air market was relocated in the Avenida Habaneras in the early 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for a few years, and then moved into spare ground nearby, land on which builders soon built apartment blocks aware of the possible buying market that flocked to Torrevieja on Friday mornings. This year the market moved again to a specially prepared area close to the Aquapark with much more parking and well laid out. aormi@icloud.com

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Buses we're laid on to take people to market. However, people complain of shelter from the hot summer sun and that idea and atmosphere of a street market been lost.

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the no the has

Generally the infrastructure of Spain was improved with new roads, the introduction of the railway company RENFE and the tourist TALGO trains. In 1953 alone some 54 hotels were built in Spain aimed at the foreign tourist. Under the direction of Manuel Fraga the idea was born of turning historical sites and monuments into Paradores offering a high level of cuisine allied with Spanish history and culture. In the 1960’s decade over 50 Paradores were introduced and attracted the attention of other countries such as Egypt and Iraq who used the Spanish expertise to build similar establishments. The Menu del Dia was introduced as obligatory in all restaurants, offering a three-course meal with wine, beer or water at a modicum price; this was down graded in the late 1990’s and in crept a rise in prices with a Meal of the Day appearing that featured one dish only. Fraga visited the Alicante coastline in 1963 as Minister of Tourism. Which brings us back to the necessity of rethinking what Torrevieja has to offer its visitors permitting them to enjoy a varied holiday with a back up of good food, passes, amusements, a varied summer cultural programme and security. Visitors have to be attracted to other parts of the town away from the sea and sand notion and invited to learn about the history of the salt lakes, for example, or the delights of the various gardens.

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Stage and Scream by Pat Hynd

In the southern part of the Costa Blanca we are fortunate to have a number of groups that perform concerts and often for the benefit of other charitable causes. They are always looking for new members, either to perform on stage or play musical instruments or aid backstage or selling tickets. You may not fancy appearing on stage but if you are handy with electricity or carpentry, sewing, or even at producing publicity and programmes, there is room for you. You will always find a warm welcome and most of them also have a subsidiary social programme with dinners or outings. Most have email contact addresses or can be found on Facebook.

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RASCALS This is one of the oldest and most popular groups with a mix of exprofessional and amateur members, including a group of Golden Oldies who are now too retired, but like to keep in touch. It is a very sociable group that organise outings or meals together. Every year they have a set musical programme with individual singers and dancers who all come together on stage depending on the actual show. There is always a welcome for new talent, whether onstage or offstage helping in the background. Over the years they have raised thousands of Euros for various charities, as well as performing at different Christmas venues including playing Santa for the disabled children at Torreviejaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alpe College. They meet on Mondays and Thursday from 11:00 to 14:00 during rehearsal season of May to September. Check out their webpage www.therascals.org or contact Jill on 96 672 7282 or 676 563 465.

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STAGESTRUCK THEATRE GROUP This theatre group has become well known for its comedy scripts and costumes. The members show willing to enjoy themselves, and in doing so, the audience of their regular shows are staunch followers. As with other theatrical groups most of the ticket cash goes to local charities such as Alzheimer’s. Find them on Facebook or contact Leigh 679 679 584 Email: leigh.humphries-58@g.mail Or Jenny 608 129 983

The Cardinal Belluga Theatre Group This group is based in the La Marina/San Fulgencio area and from 1st September will be hard at it rehearsing their new show “Let Us Entertain You”. They make use of the nice Cardinal Belluga Theatre and the show will be on there on 18, 19, and 20th October. Contact: Pam Sutton 966 796 828: Sue 966 713 822. Whatever you do, you will always be welcome.

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ROJALES PANTOMIME GROUP As the name says, this group aim for laughs and music with their own scripts for a variety of pantomimes. There is no need to be a beauty as there is always room for a beast or wicked witch. Rehearsals are at the Quesada Cultural Centre and they are looking for Actors’ Dancers, Singers and Back stage hands or anyone interested in helping in Pantomime, It’s always something to look forward to after Christmas. The pantomime Group has been going since February 2009 Thelma email whiskeyflake@live.com (Torrevieja) email. shimserv@gmail.com or rojalespantomime@gmail.com

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STUDIO 32 Studio32 is a Theatre Group based in the Benijofar / Los Montesinos region of the Costa Blanca (South). Studio32 was formed in the summer of 2013 by a group of like-minded people who wanted to put on shows that would attract a wide range of audiences. A group of people whose main aim is to have fun, and in the process raise money on behalf of local charities and other worthy causes. Shows are performed in the early summer (May & June) and at Christmas time. Rehearsals take place throughout the year with a break during July and August. The goal is to be progressive and attract audiences of all ages. Studio32 aims to produce quality theatre productions, across a wide range of styles, including musicals, pantomimes and variety shows. Studio32 will be performing the musical 'White Christmas' at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre (San Fulgencio) at Christmas 2017. Then next year Studio32 will be performing the musical 'Chicago' at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre (San Fulgencio) in May / June 2018. Rehearsals are held every Sunday 11am to 2pm   & Wednesday 3pm to 6.30pm at Casa Ventura 966 318 019 or email:info@studiothirtytwo.org

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ACTS Theatre Group This is a new group based on members of the former Dramatic Licence. Based in Benijofar the intention is to produce plays, rather than musicals. DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER WAS A GREAT FARCICAL HIT IN THE LAST SEASON. Contact: Tony Goddard – newleaf2014@hotmail.co.uk

CAMPOVERDE THEATRE GROUP This group are based at the Community Centre, Blue Lagoon on Monday and Wednesday’s afternoons. Contact Jan. 645 759 068 Tony – 966 182 415

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THE DEADWOOD STAGE COMPANY This is another fairly new drama group, specialising in short productions and sketches for charitable purposes. The weekly Wednesday meetings are held at The Porter House, El Galan/Villamartin and are mini workshops and short sketch readings. These serve to provide practice for newcomers and provide them with confidence in learning lines and presenting themselves on stage. Joining the company is the writer David Whitney, who is well known for his short plays and sketches that often have a twist in the tail, or should that be tale? His latest work is “Cinder-Hella” which had the cast in stitches at the first reading. SO SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS SEASON. Contact Vida Nelson on 966 774 127.

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Adhoc Theatre Group This group meet at Spangles Bar in Los Montesinos and are always on the outlook for budding thespians. If you don’t fancy treading the boards then you would be most welcome to help out in front of house or backstage. CONTACT CLIVE GRAY 648 883 202 OR EMAIL: info@adhocplayrs.com or www.theadhocplayers.com

GASP – GRAN ALACANT AND SANTA POLA THEATRE GROUP As the title suggests this group regularly meet near Alicante/Elche airport. This is a multinational group that regularly meet and socialises. Contact 966 181 113 Email: gasptheatre@hotmail.co.uk Or webpage: www.gasp-theatre.org

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I’m Gonna Be…The Long Walk Home Gibraltar to Alicante 23rd October 2017 Following on from their enduring kayak adventure in 2015 (they rowed 52km on the River Segura from Murcia to Guardamar) and last year’s 6500km epic journey around the circumference of Spain on motorbikes, father and son, Mitch and Dave Bull, are once again packing their rucksacks and preparing for another challenge in aid of charity. This time to walk from Gibraltar to their homes in Gran Alacant, some 800km (500 miles).  The plan is to set off from the Gibraltar border, possibly following a fry up on the Rock, on the 23rd of October and arrive back home in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca on the 5th of November 2017. The boys will be camping at night and once again plan to raise funds and awareness for Cancer research (AECC) and The Samaritans in Spain, of which Dave is the patron.  Walking an average of 56km (35 miles) per day won’t be easy and the plan is to carry plenty of dried pasta to heat up for energy and, which they discovered worked very well on their last trip, breakfast of at least three boiled eggs each to start the day.  Sponsor forms will be in most local bars and businesses and a donation page will soon be available for online donors.

When I'm lonely, well, I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who's lonely without you And when I'm dreaming, well, I know I'm gonna dream I'm gonna dream about the time when I'm with you When I go out (When I go out), well, I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you aormi@icloud.com

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And when I come home (When I come home), yes, I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who comes back home with you I'm gonna be the man who's coming home with you But I would walk five hundred miles And I would walk five hundred more Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles To fall down at your door Da lat da (Da lat da), da lat da (Da lat da) Da-da-da dun-diddle un-diddle un-diddle uh da-da Da lat da (Da lat da), da lat da (Da lat da) Da-da-da dun-diddle un-diddle un-diddle uh da-da Da lat da (Da lat da), da lat da (Da lat da) Da-da-da dun-diddle un-diddle un-diddle uh da-da Da lat da (Da lat da), da lat da (Da lat da) Da-da-da dun-diddle un-diddle un-diddle uh da-da

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hope they don't fall down at your door, but am sure they will appreciate any support on their hike. So we will try to keep you posted on this fund raising and awareness ramble, but you can always support this adventurous pair by donating to Samaratins in Spain or cancer associations. Better still you can hold off donating until the pair have a pay in system up and running.

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Another fund raising fun sporting project is to run the 5,572 meter length, there and back, along Torreviejâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a long paseo walkway that goes along one part of the harbour. The inscription fee is 7euros of which 1 euro will go towards the Alimentos Solidarios charity. This group have run a very successful solidarity kitchen that offers meals of 1 euro for the homeless and deprived people - so every euro means that someone will have a full meal. It starts from the Casino and everyone will receive a neon bracelet so that they will stand out as they run the length of the walkway.

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30th September Torrevieja will again celebrate the International Day of Tapas Escribe para introducir texto aormi@icloud.com

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Bookshelf by Pat Hynd

Saint Praftu an Ode to an Ace.

One of the most important, yet often frustrating jobs is reconnaissance photography. During WW2 pilots often flew unprotected over enemy positions photographing them, even over Dunkirk when it was imperative that the planning authorities had an idea of where the best aid could be sent. Among the most famous of these intrepid flyers was Murray Anderson, who died last year at the age of 96. He had an unusually varied flying career that earned him two DFCs for gallantry. His later post-war civil flying brought him more adventure. Fortunately he has left us in book format a personal insight to his colourful life in Saint Praftu. Murray Crichton Bell Anderson was born into a military family in Norwood on December 7 1919. He spent his early childhood in India and was educated at Cheltenham College. Murray gained entrance to the Royal Military Academy Woolwich and was commissioned into the Royal Tank Regiment. In his book he writes about the uselessness of the tanks they had and his disillusionment. After returning from North Africa he was an instructor for a short time before going on to another photographic reconnaissance squadron. He took photographs of fields in France to be used by the special duties squadrons dropping SOE agents. He met a friend flying on one of these “moonlight” squadrons who persuaded him to volunteer. On October 27 1943 he flew his 131st reconnaissance sortie and then joined No 161 Squadron to fly Lysanders into torch-lit fields, dropping agents and returning with others. He was a regular Army officer who was seconded to the RAF to train as a pilot. He volunteered for the lonely and dangerous photographic aormi@icloud.com

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reconnaissance sorties flying Spitfires. Initially armed with his magnetic compass, a stopwatch, annotated map and as he himself described it “your nous”, he photographed key targets, often after five hours in the cramped and cold cockpit. He was detached to Gibraltar to photograph the Spanish and Algerian coasts and was returning to England when he ran out of fuel about 90 miles from the south coast. He managed to glide on the wind and land in a field. His flying career is dotted with similar escapades such as flying over Hamburg he was hit by anti-aircraft fire at 28,000 feet but he c o n t i n u e d photographing and brought his damaged Spitfire back to Britain. For “his excellent work, courage and devotion to duty” he was awarded a DFC in September 1942. Two months later he joined a new unit to support Operation Torch; flying from Maison Blanch in Algeria he photographed over Tunis, Bizerta and Tunisia.

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Later he landed near Angers to bring back four agents: one had a 55 ft map showing the details of all the enemy defenses on the Cotentin Peninsula and also a great deal of information on the secret weapon sites. He had an irrepressible nature, great energy and courage and enjoyed life, but he had a disdain for deskbound higher authorities who rarely flew on operations. Murray Anderson was once told to fly a very long-range sortie to the region of Lyon, which would have resulted in his being over enemy territory in daylight. He had a one-sided “discussion” with his station commander, who decided they should part company. Anderson was posted to a fighter-bomber squadron. He was flying Mustangs of No 65 Squadron from a basic airstrip in Normandy, and divebombing bridges. Over the next three months his squadron followed the advancing Allied armies and Anderson flew 70 close support operations. He was finally rested and returned to a ground appointment. Inevitably, this did not suit him, and within weeks he was flying RAF Dakotas in India. He left the RAF after the war as a flight lieutenant, and returned to India to begin a long civilian flying career, which took in the period of Indian Partition and taking supplies into remote areas of Assam and Burma. In 1952 he began a fiveyear period carrying pilgrims to and from Mecca for the annual pilgrimage. He later operated out of Aden before flying a United Nations Dakota from Rawalpindi. This was followed by three years in the Persian Gulf, but his great passion was India and he returned to fly for Air Nepal. In 1967 he return to UK and flew the Hawker Siddeley HS 748 from Lympne airport near Hythe in Kent, where he bought the house in which he lived until his death. He flew with Dan Air until 1979 when he reached the obligatory retirement age of 60, at which point he joined Skyways Air Freight, operating from Lydd airport. The company went into liquidation within a year and Anderson’s 40-year career was over after 22,000 flying hours. In retirement Anderson made beautiful life-size replica church brasses using linoleum, intricately decorated. Many are displayed on the walls of stately homes and castles in Kent, including Lympne Castle. He wrote a fascinating and amusing autobiography, Saint Praftu (2009). He married Mary Tappo in 1959. In 2004 he married Jean MacEwan who survives him with a son and daughter from his first marriage. aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

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Dirty Wolves and Wolfram by Andy Ormiston

September we tend to remember items about World War Two. This time I want to write about war materials and slave labour. Everyone, I suppose, knows that the Nazis had a labour programme using slave labour for building their armaments. Today we still have widespread slave labour of about 30 million persons in the world. Spain, with Portugal, was a prime supplier of wolfram. Wolfram or tungsten has a variety of uses including its use as the filament in light bulbs. However, it was of particular value in producing war munitions. In an earlier article about Tom Burns we wrote about Britain’s involvement in trying to cut the Wolfram supplies of Franco’s government to the Nazi war machine. A recent film called Lobos Sucios (Dirty Wolves) is directed by Simón Casal and starring Marian Álvarez, Manuela Vellés, Isak Férriz, Pierre Kiwitt, Thomas Coumans, Sam Louwyck, Ricardo de Barreiro, Xose M. Esperante is a mix of thriller and adventure based on real events. Manuela (Marian Álvarez), a miner who suffers the rejection of the others for being a bit of a witch, decides to steal from the Nazis to try to treat her sick daughter. The storyline tries to show how two Galician women miners could change the course of the history during the Second World War (1939-1945). The movie is set in the Galician mines of wolfram that were exploited by the Nazi during the war as two sisters fight for their families. The Galicia Region, specifically Carballeda de Valdeorras (Ourense) becomes a nest of spies of both the Nazis and Allies. The actress Marian Álvarez says that she was attracted as it is a film about uneducated women who fight for the survival of their family. aormi@icloud.com

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The sisters are also involved in helping Jew slaves escape. Britain and the U.S. agreed that Germany’s minimum requirements for wolfram were 3,500 tons per year. Considering the quantity the Nazis required and the extraordinary means they went to ensure supplies of the ore, the Allies correctly surmised that for the Nazis wolfram was a vital resource. It was equally important to the Allies, but the Allies were not solely dependent upon Portugal or Spain and could obtain wolfram from other sources. Thus, one of the Allied goals was to deprive Nazi Germany of as much wolfram ore as possible. In this end, the Allies bought as much wolfram as possible from Portugal. The competition for the ore was intense and by 1943, to Portugal’s benefit, the price of ore had increased 775 percent over pre-war rates. Production also soared from 2,419 metric tons in 1938 to 6,500 tons in 1942. In Portugal England owned the largest mine, while Germany owned two mid size concerns and several smaller mines. The output of Portugal's second largest mine was owned by France and the output was tied up in legation throughout 1941. In January 1942, Portugal concluded a secret trade pact with Germany. The pact allowed the Nazis export licenses for up to 2,800 tons of wolfram. In turn, Germany was to supply Portugal with coal, steel, and fertilizer, The Nazis also acquired zinc, lead, mercury, fluorspar, celestite, mica, and amlygonite from Spain. However, wolfram was the most vital as Spain was one of two suppliers of this ore to Germany. Spanish flagged ships were used to smuggle goods from South America to the Nazis. The Allied blockade was effective in eliminating bulk items but small items, such as aormi@icloud.com

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industrial diamonds or platinum, which serves as a catalyst in the production of nitrates and sulfuric acid, made up the bulk of the smuggling trade. By 1941, Germany had developed most of Spain’s wolfram mines and controlled the largest producer through SOFINDUS. In 1941, the Nazis acquired almost all of the wolfram ore produced. England had only managed to purchase 32 tons. In August 1942, Spain had reached agreement with the Nazis to pay back its debt from the Civil War in four instalments, in which the Nazis would use, the money to purchase wolfram. In January 1944, after the British Ambassador, Sir Samuel Hoare, met with Franco in an unsuccessful attempt to persuade Spain to suspend wolfram sales to the Nazis, the Allies imposed an oil embargo on Spain. On May 2, Spain agreed to limit the export of wolfram to Germany to 580 tons - 300 tons had already been delivered. The agreement cut German exports to roughly half of the previous year. However, due to smuggling, captured documents show that Germany managed to purchase a total of 865.6 tons. Spain’s exports of wolfram to Germany ended in August 1944, when the border was closed. Rather than see Dirty Wolves on fringe cinema, no doubt it will be on the smaller television screen.

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NÂş 43 - September 2017

Naturalism in Art Exhibition of work by Ronen Zlotogoura

The new art exhibition entitled "Naturalism" by Ronen Zlotogoura will feature Hyperrealistic automobile paintings as well as water colour paintings of Spanish streets. Naturalism is the treatment of forms, colors and space as they appear or might appear in nature. From 9 September - 19 September at the Cultural Centre in calle San Antonio, Dolores. For more information call 653 401 856

Ronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usual medium is airbrushing using automotive paints. He has applied his technique to canvas, metal panels, wall murals and vehicles such as cars, motorbikes and boats. Combining his passion of cars and fine art he has created a collection of paintings that showcase the elegant styles and designs of both classic and modern super cars. He also has classes for those interested at his Artistron Studio, Plaza Hermenigildo Maria Ruiz 1, 2d, Dolores 03150, Alicante, Spain.. aormi@icloud.com

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653 401 856 – ronen@zlotogoura.com – Or visit www.zlotogoura.com

An airbrush is a versatile tool that uses a controlled amount of air from a compressor to be able to paint on any surface. It can be used for a number of things including photographic portraits, illustration, murals, customised motorbikes, helmets, cars and much more. These courses focus on the airbrush technique which you can later apply to the surface of your choice. They are held in a fun and relaxing environment with plenty of individual attention. Beginner Course Four complete days where you will learn the skills and techniques needed to enter the world of airbrushing. You’ll be given step-by-step guidance to create and complete a variety of projects. Advanced course Five productive days where you will be shown how to create Hyperrealistic artwork. Demonstrations cover all aspects of Hyperrealistic portraiture including eyes, lips, flesh tones, hair texture and much more.

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Nº 43 - September 2017

of Spanish Cookery by Pat Hynd

I suppose over the summer most of you have been to at least one barbecue, the domain of men. It is one of the oldest styles of cooking in the world – over an open fire. Today a barbecue is as much a part of Spanish holiday life as enjoying good wine. It is often called a parrillada that comes from the past of seamen grilling their catch over a fire onboard ship, or cowherds and pastors doing the same with meat and vegetables in the mountains. Centuries ago Basque shepherds cooked a whole lamb over a spit called a burruntzi and the Basque semen were notable for sailing as far away as Newfoundland to catch cod fish or bacalao, which they salted and today is a prize part of the Basque cuisine. A normal Spanish BBQ may surprise you as it tends to be one different type of meat after another and lacking salads or vegetables. Today this cuisine has been modernized by well-trained Basque chefs who are the top of world-class chefs, but it wasn’t always so. In 1416 a Bohemian noted that horses were of no use as there was neither hay nor stabling. He criticized the inns and said that wine came out of goatskin sacks. People eat mainly fruit, as there is no wheat to make bread and little

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Nยบ 43 - September 2017

meat. It was in the 19th century that the Basque country began to find its culinary feet. The Basque country is mountainous, with large forest areas and farms dotted all over. It is a beautiful landscape, but there is also a long sea coastline with wonderful beaches, notably La Concha in San Sebastian.

One of the principal sources of food was the cod fish that was salted and today is called Bacalao. Bacalao measures up to almost a metre and are salted and hung up to dry and sold in various forms. A lot of fish are preserved and treated in this fashion in most seafaring countries. It has to be soaked for over 24 hours to get rid of the salt, or most of it, and become pliable.

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Marmitako 1. 500 g bonito (young tuna). 2. 800 g potatoes, peeled and diced. 3. 2 large beef tomatoes, de seeded and chopped. 4. 1 green pimiento. 5. 2 finely diced onions 6. 2 garlic cloves. 7. 1 litre of fish stock. This can be made with the bones, heads of fish or bought ready prepared from supermarkets (caldo de pescado) 8. Virgen extra of olive oil. Wash the fish and pat it dry on kitchen paper. Cut it into bite size pieces and Seaton with SALT and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large casserole pan and sweat the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the deseeded and sliced Peppers and briefly sautĂŠ. aormi@icloud.com

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Nยบ 43 - September 2017

Now add in the potatoes and potatoes and pour the hot stock in. Leave to simmer for 20 minutes. Add the bonito pieces and take the pan off the heat and allow the heat of the stock to Cook it through for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle chopped Paisley on top and serve with croutons.

Another dish from Navarra is Piperrada. Piperrada is an accompaniment to many main meals, including tuna and bonito, which are added to the vegetables. But here it has been turned into an omelette, but is equally as good with eggs added. 5 tablespoons olive oil 1 finely diced onion 2 minced garlic cloves 100 grms proscciutto cut in thin strips 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips 4 ripe tomatoes, deseeded and diced salt and pepper to taste 4 eggs.

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Heat the oil in the pan, sauté the onion, garlic and prosciutto or finely sliced jamon serrano. Add in the peppers and sweat them, and fold in the tomatoes and cook until the vegetables are almost cooked season with salt and pepper. Beat the eggs and pour over the vegetables and lowly cook until it is set and turn out on to a warm plate.

The Basque area is not noted for its wines because of its geography. Txakoli or Chacolí is a slightly sparkling, very dry white wine with high acidity and low alcohol content produced in the Spanish provinces of the Basque Country. The name derives from the Arab chacalet meaning something that is Peak, Light or thin, a good description of this wine. It is normally served as an aperitif and drunk within one year of bottling as it cannot be stored for longer. The most common, white, variety has a pale green colour, but there are red and rosé varieties. When served, it is normally poured into tall glasses from a height, often as an accompaniment to pintxos. There are two officially designated regions producing it as the grapes have relatively low sugar content because of the Basque climate. The 18th century Palace of Mendibile in Leioa near Bilbao houses a museum dedicated to txakoli. The Museo del Txakoli, explains the history of txakoli and has a large collection of machinery used for making it.

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Nยบ 43 - September 2017

Once again, for the 13th year, a solidarity calendar will be on sale in October to raise funds for over 30 associations. This year the theme is Costa Blanca with over 30 photos and lots of information about the Costa Blanca, what to do and local fiestas. The calendar costs are paid for by sponsors and advertising and given out freely to associations who are enabled to sell them for their own resources. The calendar is a good showpiece of the area with some stunning photos donated by local photographers. Here you will find out about holidays in Spain, UK and Ireland, with space to write your own notes. Moon and astronomy themes are included with reminders to change your clock. Special days such as Christmas, Ramadan or Chinese new year are also indicated. So look out of this exceptional calendar, buy it and help a local charity.

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Nยบ 43 - September 2017

Bloody Tolerance by Andy Ormiston

The terrorist attack in the Catalan region has brought home the intolerance of some people against others of different ideas and faith. The politicians ensured that Muslims had a prime role in the Barcelona manifestation against such attacks and in sympathy with the victims and their families. The largest demonstration in Torrevieja was when a group attached to Al Qaida placed bombs on Madrid trains killing and maiming commuter passengers on 11 March 2004. The Torrevieja demonstrators overspilled into all the surrounding streets. This was a wake up call for Spaniards that we were in the beginning of a third world war that encompasses the whole world as almost every country has experienced some sort of mindless massacre.

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Much of the history of Torrevieja has inevitably been tied in with the growth of the Catholic Church in the town. Today there is a great deal of religious tolerance in a secular Spain where everyone’s religion is generally respected. Mind you there is still a strong undercurrent that is visible in political circles with many speaking out about the abuses and power the Catholic Church holds in Spain. But in this article I would like to look at some positive aspects of religion as it is today, especially the Christian faiths and particularly the Church of England. In Torrevieja you will find Anglicans, Ukrainian Orthodox, Coptics, Scandinavian Lutherans, Evangelicals, Baptists, Jehovah Witnesses, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs, as well as the established Roman Catholic Church. Among the Christian clergy there is a great deal of commitment to assist in each other’s services or hold joint ecumenical celebrations. More and more lay people join forces for some particular common event and this is an attitude that must be encouraged as it assists in promoting a real change in breaking down the barriers of prejudice and the deep ignorance of each other’s beliefs. Often we are talking about the same idea but in different language.

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Nยบ 43 - September 2017

A good example was the offer by local Spaniards to the international community to participate in the 2004 Semana Santa processions by carrying the enormous float of Jesus in the Garden of Olives (1,500 kilos) that has been annually carried by over a hundred foreigners, mostly British. However, new members are always being sought as last year there were not enough numbers to carry it so it was wheeled along. This group is not made up of Catholics - but of several creeds and none. It underlines the spirit of community and doing something together for the benefit of all. I would like to turn the spotlight on the Anglican community which comes under the Bishop of Gibraltar. The first Anglican priest was Roy Wakeham who led the local Anglican congregation as a layman, then in the absence of a regular priest took the necessary studies to be ordained. Previously a nuclear scientist at Harwell he retired with his wife Joyce to Torrevieja and was partly responsible for the restoration of the small Lago Jardin chapel, where he was interviewed for a Discovery Channel programme, one of a series about the Costa Blanca. The one thing he missed in coming to Spain was the support of his Anglican upbringing, which led to his full time involvement. I once met him coming out of a daily Mass in the la Inmaculada church and he said that he was impressed by the number attending a daily service and wished he could get that amount of people attending his services on a Sunday. I have no doubt that he would be delighted by the increase and involvement of the church today. aormi@icloud.com

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Since then the Church of England has grown and seen several priests come and go. The present one is Father Richard Seabrook. He has seen a revamping of the webpage that covers the Anglican Chaplaincy of St Peter and St Paul, Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca (South) and the Costa Calida (East), Spain. If you wish to contact the Chaplain (Priest), Father Richard Seabrook, directly either telephone him on 966840136 or 693932438 or e-mail: frras@c-of-etorrevieja.com The churches are at Los Balcones, La Siesta, Lago Jardin in Torrevieja; La Marina urbanisation; Campoverde; CRISTO RESUCITADO CHURCH covers La Zenia; La Manga; Calasparra and all have regular services. CHAPLAIN: Father Richard Seabrook SSC

Father Seabrook says: I was born in Essex and first felt a calling to be a priest when I was fifteen. After a short career in the City, I worked for the Missions to Seafarers in France and Australia from 1987–1989. I trained for the Sacred Priesthood at Chichester Theological College from 1989– 1992 and in my final year was one of two seminarians from England at the World Council of Churches Institut Oecuménique, Switzerland. Ordained Deacon in 1992 and Priest a year later, I served two curacies in Cottingham and Hawley from 1992–1998. I became the Vicar of Hockley in 1998 and was aormi@icloud.com

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a Proctor in Convocation on the General Synod of the Church of England. During this time, I did freelance work for BBC Radio 2 and 5 Live, including Pause for Thought. In 2005 I was invited to become the Rector of Benalla in the Diocese of Wangaratta, Australia and in 2009 became Vicar-General and Archdeacon of The Murray. For four years I was Administrator of the Diocese. I was a member of the General Synod in Australia. Since November 2015, I have been the Chaplain of Ss Peter and Paul, Torrevieja where I have oversight of our seven worship centres within the one Chaplaincy and lead the Ministry Team. I enjoy travel, the arts, musical theatre and Spanish/Latino cultures. Our churches are here to help you celebrate the good times in life and to give you support through the difficult times. At the times in between we have groups offering fellowship and teaching about the Christian life. If there is anything for which you would like support, prayer, advice or just someone to talk to that is not on the list below, simply contact one of our priests or one of our lay people whose details are on the Our Team page: Â Baptisms Service of Prayer and Blessing After a Civil Marriage Renewal of Marriage Vows Funerals and Memorial Services Fellowship Groups The churches celebrate in different events the Christian Unity Week in January. In the patronal feasts of December there is a ecumenical Mass in la Inmaculada church after a communal carol service in the main plaza. In this Mass the congregation bring lots of foodstuffs for the poor in the town.

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