The Canary Yule/NY 2017

Yule Time Events Page 8

Miss DQ Page 10

125 Years of Golf in Spain Page 12

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News in brief Reviewing some of the stories we’ve covered over the last few weeks.

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the beach and then in the end failed “through haste, by putting the cart before the horse.”

He warned also that essential evidence of the effect of waves has not been taken into account, which have shown that despite normal tides the stones have once more been exposed, even without any extreme weather.

Tides take sands from Tauro beach

The Costas ordered the closure of the beach last August, following tidal floods in the shorefront homes that had long stood on the edge of the new beach development without previous issues. In 2015 the project promoter, Anfi Group, obtained the concession to occupy 11,200 square meters of public domain shoreline, including the enlarging of the natural pebble beach, by an extra 100 meters side to side, and increasing the width inland from 30 to 50 meters. Anfi was forced to place a fence, and quickly create a barrier of sand nearest to the houses to try to protect the homes from further flooding.

work of “improving” this beach with 70,000 tons of foreign sand brought from Western In November, the Directorate General of Sahara in North West Africa.

Coasts opened a case on Anfi Tauro requesting revocation of this concession to exploit The beach has been closed to swimmers for the beach in the popular southern tourist many months, the project having stagnated municipality of Mogán. in the face of a corruption investigation and accusations of impropriety at the highest levels of the Canarian Coastal Authority (The Costas).

Gradually however, it appears that the beach is naturally regaining its original appearance.

In a cruel twist to the Tauro Beach project debacle, ironically foretold by local mariners, who clearly know better these waters than the developers who would not listen, the stones and pebbles that naturally line the Tauro cove and shoreline have reappeared through the imported Saharan sands which have been The Tauro Neighborhood Association has gently washing away as winter has approached. collected more than a thousand signatures The force of the sea, has been gradually taking to request that the Costas remove the fences sand from the shore, sand controversially so that users can enjoy the newly formed removed from Western Sahara, transported artificial beach. Paco Ojeda, secretary of

by Norwegian merchant ship and placed there the association, once more questioned by developers, Grupo Santana Cazorla, as part the competence of the authorities and the of their Anfi Tauro Beach Project, and now developers commenting on how it makes washed out to sea only five months since the no sense that coastal engineers could have Anfi group announced they had concluded the given approval to “improvement” works for

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Edita: JDC Canarias SL, Imprime: Canarias7, Gran Canaria, España. Deposito Legal GC1291-2013

Mercadona coming to Mogán The supermarket chain Mercadona have announced their first ever store in Mogán. The council has granted Mercadona a permit for the building and parking area on Calle Madrid, located in Motor Grande, just past Puerto Rico.

After four years of searching for an optimal location and applying for permits, Mercadona plan to open their first supermarket in The municipality on a 5,700 square meter plot. Director of External Relations of the supermarket chain in Las Palmas, Arcadio Peñate, confirmed that “Mercadona will be a reality in Mogán in the coming years.”

Maspalomas pet fair It was the perfect sunny weekend for the first Maspalomas Costa Canaria Pet Fair held in the urban Parque Sur. Stands from animal protection organisations, pet shop, pet groomer and veterinarian clinics. Different kinds of exhibitions included service, search and rescue and therapy dogs, and even a therapy horse. Legitimate protection groups stood along side professionals.

Final closure to the Andén Verde (GC-200) Repair work will begin immediately to the Tocodomán Bridge, on the GC-200, Mogán direction. These long-overdue works will have a budget of about 300,000€ and the estimated duration to completion is five months,. This should not affect traffic and will consist of channeling the ravine and expanding the roadway.

An external study has been commissioned to determine the minimum safety conditions for opening the new road to traffic before 31 December 2016. Until then locals will be forced to take the long way round the island, or go up over the mountain to access the north and east of the Gran Canaria.

The Andén Verde stretch of the GC-200 has now closed indefinitely to traffic, after yet one more major rockfall blocked the road and led to the decision in light of the near completion of the longawaited and newly constructed tunneled highway.

The risks and cost of restoring this section of Gran Canaria’s most famous, west-coast cliff edge pass are now seen as being too high.

of Works of the Canary Islands Government, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the Town Hall of La Aldea and UTE, who are overseeing the work on the new road between El Risco and La Aldea.

At that meeting, they analysed a technical report clearly advising that re-opening of a non-meshed road should not be considered because of the dangers involved and the fact that installation of such a mesh could not provide real security since the risk of landslides reoccurring along that section has 100% probability.

The previously installed high tension wire mesh has been deemed too expensive to replace as it is unlikely to stop future rockfalls and completion of any such replacement would likely coincide with Technicians have also highlighted the serious the opening of the erosion throughout the Andén Verde zone, that new safer inland caused large landslides in 2015 and in November section. this year. The Town Hall of La Aldea has insisted These important on the early opening of the new section of decisions were highway and a protocol has been activated, announced last 14 allowing passage through the tunnels, in case November, after of a major emergency for vehicles, including a meeting held ambulances, Guardia Civil etc. Closure of the by the Ministry road ends one of the islands most epic routes.

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The epic view from The Andén Verde

PLOCAN a milestone for global engineering expressed his “great satisfaction at seeing this platform prototype, unique in the world, leave the harbour” adding that a marine platform, built on a concrete structure of these characteristics, has never before been constructed. The uniqueness of the prototype building has caught the attention of engineers and scientists from around the world.

Once the platform was anchored to the seabed, it was carefully positioned before the process of ballasting, using sea water, began through a hydraulic system allowing the structure to gradually sink into the sea. The test site of the PLOCAN Consortium oceanic platform is situated to the north-east of Gran Canaria. The operation was completed on 1 December after pumping water into the 56 internal cells which make up the ballast tank of the construction, leaving the Platform resting on a previously prepared base on the seabed at the site located 1.3 miles to the east, off the coast of Jinámar.

meters of surface area distributed over seven levels, PLOCAN will put The Canary Islands at the forefront of the so-called blue economy, spearheading oceanographic research worldwide. First announced in 2012, the 11 million euros cost of its construction has been financed by the Canarian and Spanish governments.

Now that the platform is in its final location, the next steps are to install a berm, or protective foundation, at the bottom of the caisson structure with a one-tonne rock, apply the final architectural finishes, and complete the final remaining installations and checks.

The PLOCAN Consortium envisages that the first scientific and technological operations will begin in January, with the Platform becoming fully operational in the spring. The Oceanic Platform features seven floors offering research and testing facilities for various purposes spread throughout a basement; main platform and breakwater, two floors for photo: Canary Ports scientific use, a mezzanine level for technical The Canarian Oceanic Platform (PLOCAN) has Weighing 32 thousand tons, with 2,500 square facilities, a control centre and a helideck. already reached its definitive location, 1.3 miles off the east coast of Gran Canaria. On November 29, the massive structure departed from the Nelson Mandela pier in the Port of Las Palmas creating a unique visual spectacle. Engineers from the various partners involved in its construction and deployment, including UTE Acciona-Lopesan, PLOCAN scientists, Bollers and Boluda tugboat services personnel, were present to celebrate this international and historic landmark for naval engineering, science and for the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria port itself. Nowhere in the world is there a similar floating platform. PLOCAN is unique, groundbreaking and a truly astonishing Gran Canaria achievement.

Pedro Juberías, director of the Acciona Civil Works Department in the Canary Islands,

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and projects that advance social inclusion of all people regardless of their abilities, can be put forward, empowering participants to produce relevant information and encourage understanding of their own reality and the issues we all need to overcome, joining together, to help make our island an example of accessibility and inclusion.

Afrikat 69 won the award for: Building, Urban, Environment and Transportation on Gran Canaria.

The Afrikat 69 project, run by Wendie and “Potter” Grobben, were announced this year among the winners of The Third Gran Canaria Accessible Awards along with radio show “Roscas and Cotufas” hosted by Kiko Barroso and the ADEPSI association.

Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Ms. Elena Mañez

There is no ship with similar characteristics in “Gran Canaria Accessible” is the Cabildo’s the rest of Spain or Europe. Afrikat 69 is a true commitment to make the island as safe, first for the island, and we will tell you more autonomous and friendly as possible for all, about it in the months to come. without exclusions.

Gran Canaria Accesible is an island government The awards were presented at an event, sponsored project that started on December chaired by the President of the Cabildode Gran st 1 , 2010 to represent disability issues at Canaria D. Antonio Morales and the Councillor governmental level and where initiatives for Social Policy and Accessibility for the

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The project, brainchild of tourism entrepreneurs Wendie and Potter Grobben, is centered around the construction of a fully accessible catamaran that has been designed specifically for sea excursions and will be dedicated to showing off the southwest coast of the island of Gran Canaria to tourists and residents regardless of physical ability. The vessel has been fully privately funded and will be in operation from Puerto Rico’s Puerto Base as of May 2017.

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Gran Canaria recorded best ever summer Gran Canaria recorded its best summer tourism season in history in 2016, after receiving 1.9 million tourists between May and October, representing an increase of 20% or 326,600 more visitors over the same period of 2015, in which 1.6 million visitors came to the island.

“The latest data from Frontur shows that during the summer season Gran Canaria exceeded its most optimistic forecasts and confirms an upward trend that will allow the island to approach the 4.2 million visitors mark in 2016“ said the Minister of Tourism of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Inés Jimenez.

British tourism leads the growth over those six months with 454,000 visitors, a 25.41% increase or 92,000 more than last summer’s 362,000 tourists who came from the United Kingdom to Gran Canaria.

Germany, saw a 22% increase, and the domestic Spanish market was up 18%. Nordic visitors, saw an 8% increase, consolidating their increasing role within the number of visitors coming to the island during the season summer.

The average stay on Gran Canaria was 7.5 days, 3% more than during the summer season of 2015, and the occupancy rate increased by 8 percentage points, achieving 65% average occupancy in hotels and non-hotel complexes across the island.

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Yule Events The Holiday Season is celebrated on Gran Canaria by Christians and non-christians alike as it is a pivotal point marking the end of one year and the beginning of the next.

New Year’s Eve is huge in Las Palmas and most towns put on a free event with fireworks. Out of the best places in the south to be the Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse will be in the epicentre of several of the best hotels all trying to outdo each other with fireworks displays. Also Anfi del Mar usually have a great display and inclusive atmosphere.

For the majority of children in Spain this season’s festivities are all about the three Kings, who have a mythical, celebrity status and are known to be bringing gifts to all children who have been good throughout the preceding year. The naughty ones can expect little more than a lump of coal... so they are told.

Here are some of the highlights of Christmas programs on Gran Canaria.

Remember to check our ‘Canary Weekend tips’ and our webpage for more detailed information.

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Las Palmas

Mogán

Santa Lucia (Vecindario)

At around 18:00 The Three Kings from the Orient arrives to the Arguineguin port. Street procession via Avenida de Las Marañuelas to Plaza de Pérez Galdós, where they receive the key to the town and collect childrens letters.

21 December Christmas concert from the now legendary Canarian group Los Gofiones, in Plaza de Santa Ana. This is the 29th edition of one of the most popular events for the holidays and for many locals, the real start of the holidays.

23 December Christmas concert from La Trova.

The 13th edition in Jardines del Atlántico (next to the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus) 31 December Live music, bells and fireworks! Show will take place at Plaza de Canarias - next to parque Santa Catalina starting at 23:30. Groups and DJ’s entertain until 04:30 encouraging the public to gather around the port to bid farewell to 2016 and welcome the new year. An open space in which cruise ship tourists will also join in for a festive atmosphere in Las Palmas.

3-5 January Christmas Fair in San Gregorio, Telde 2-5 January San Telmo Artisan Fair (by FEDAC) (Opening hours 2-4 January from 10:00-21:00 and 5 January 10:00-24:00) 19-23 December Artisan Fair 11.00-22.00 Pedestrian Zone of the Avenida de Canarias 23 December PazArte Workshops and children’s party 10.00-24.00 Pedestrian Zone of the Avenida de Canarias 2-4 January Artisan Fair 11.00-22.00 Pedestrian Zone of the Avenida de Canarias Telde Calabgata de Reyes Magos at 18:30 from Casa de la Juventud to Parque Franchy Roca Agüimes Magna Cabalgata de Reyes at 20:00 Teror Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos at 18:00 from El Castañero Gordo to Plaza de Sintes Arucas : Mercadillo de Reyes (Kings market ) 23:00-01:00 Centro Histórico Agaete Espectáculo Musical Infantil y Cabalgata de Reyes Plaza de la Constitución at 19:00 Santa María de Guía Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos 18:00 Vega de San Mateo Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos 17:00 6 January Epiphany of the Lord, Bank holiday in Spain

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22 December a traditional market in Playa de Mogán from 17:00-00:00. Artisans, gastronomy and then some.

A Christmas concert at 20:30 at Plaza Dr. Pedro Betancor León 23 December lively street procession in Arguineguin with traditional music and carols 25 December A liife-size Nativity scenes in Veneguera starting at 19:00 31 December New year celebration in Arguineguin, Playa Mogán and Mogán casco 3 January a street rocession in Playa de Mogán with Disney caracters and music starting at 17:30 from Avenida Los Marreros and touring around the area. Followed by a Disney show at Plaza Dr. Pedro Betancor León and the possibility to leave letters for the Three Kings 5 January ‘Feria de Reyes’, ‘The Kings Fair’ in Arguineguín at Plaza Pérez Galdós starting at 17:00 features gastronomy, artisan and other stands.

Maspalomas - Costa Canaria

5 January Three Kings Parades 18.00 at San Fernando: 19:00 at Tunte and at 20:00 in Plaza de Fataga

Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas. and is the time that is Spain is celebrated as a day when three kings, Melchor, Gaspar and Balthazar, visited Jesus. Children receive their presents - as they are delivered by the Kings!

This is also the day to buy and taste the special cake/pastry called a ‘Roscón’, a ring shaped roll.

Las Palmas

5 January Around noon a ship, the SS.MM. carrying the three Kings onboard arrives at theSanta Catalina pier At 10:00 the parade starts from Castillo de la Luz and travels to Parque San Telmo At 22:00 a concert in Parque San Telmo by Non Trubada 2-5 January San Telmo Artisan Fair (by FEDAC) opening hours 2-4 January from 10:00-21:00 and 5 January 10:00-24:00

San Bartolomé De Tirajana (Maspalomas) Reyes de Magos, the day of the kings, sees This year SBT town hall will have a two the three biblical wise men arrive in most day celebration with children’s playground towns via a bewildering array of transports, from speed boats, to parachutes, helicopters, from 4-5 January in the covered Pabellón Fernando. Its open cadillacs, horses and of course on camel back. Cubierto de San th Wednesday 4 from 10:00-20:00 and They parade through the streets to the delight th on the 5 , prior to the parade, from of the youngest in society, much of the time 10:00-15:00.

The playground, during the having been ceremoniously given the magic opening hours has a free day-care service. keys to the city or town by the local mayor.

On Gran Canaria the capital Las Palmas has a The Kings parade on Thursday 5th starts at 18:00. Leaving from Avenida de Tunte and full day of activities down near the port and travelling through Avenida de Gáldar, calle a massive parade, as do most of the other Francisco Hernández González and Avenida larger towns. Perhaps the most special of all is in Agüimes where the entire town becomes de Tejeda, and ends up with a big children’s show at Plaza-auditorio del Parque de San a living theatre taking the audience through Fernando, where the Mayor will hand the the streets to various different live action magic keys to the town to the Three Kings scenes telling the story of the nativity and of the Orient. building toward the long awaited arrival of

Welcome parade for their Majestades los Reyes Magos de Oriente 18:00 San Fernando de Maspalomas 19:00 Centro de Mayores de Tunte 20:00 Plaza de Fataga

MOGÁN (Arguineguín)

5 January ‘Feria de Reyes’, ‘The Kings Fair’ in Arguineguín at Plaza Pérez Galdós starts at 17:00 and features gastronomy, artisans and other stands.

At around 18:00 The Three Kings from the Orient arrive to the Arguineguín port. Followed by a street procession via Avenida de Las Marañuelas to Plaza de Pérez Galdós, where they will receive the magic key to the town and collect children’s letters.

Agüimes Magna Cabalgata de Reyes/Kings Parade.

5 January at 20:00 the departure of the Royal Entourage from the gardens of the Colegio Nuestra Señora del Rosario starts their traditional transit through the various stage settings spread throughout several points in the town, arriving at the Plaza Nuestra Señora del Rosario about 22:00. The Wise Men of the East Act ends the scenes after worshiping the child in the manger. With more than 300 participating actors from the town this is quite a spectacle, arrive early!

Teror Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos at 18:00 from El Castañero Gordo to Plaza de Sintes Arucas : Mercadillo de Reyes (Kings market) 23:00-01:00 Centro Histórico Agaete Espectáculo Musical Infantil y Cabalgata de Reyes Plaza de la Constituciónat 19:00

the Kings, well worth a visit!

Remember to check The Canary Weekend Tips and web page for more information of ongoing festivities.

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Meet Europe’s first and only Dwarf Drag was the simple things, and still is, like wanting Queen, exclusively here on Gran Canaria. dress in the latest styles – seeing other people in designer gear and wondering if there would Miss DQ, also known as Jamie, hails from ever be a size for me. Having to have much of England and is one of the resident star my clothing tailored did become a real pressure. performers at Sparkles Showbar in the Yumbo Centre, Playa del Inglés.

Who is your biggest influence in life?

I lost my dad in 2005 during rehearsals for a We caught up with Jamie to find out more pantomime in Blackpool, where we were both about life on the island and becoming performing. He was and still remains my idol.

Miss DQ. How did you get into entertainment?

Interviewer: Danny McGrady I’ve been in it that long I Jamie’s father, also a Dwarf, was actually can’t remember! big in the entertainment business I went to see my dad in a performing both on stage and show when I was about 7, in numerous blockbuster films and I remember saying to including Star Wars, Harry Potter myself ‘that is what I want and The sign of four. His ambition to do’. From 13 I attended was sparked when he was just six Drama and Dance school, years old and saw his dad perform and learnt about my craft on stage. “From that first ‘hi ho’ I and eventually signed with felt the electricity in the audience.” my acting agency. With their he told The Mirror in a 2011 help I was picked to perform interview “I wanted that buzz.” for many stage and television productions including a Bitten by the bug it wasn’t long before Jamie Channel 4 documentary series which followed was also performing in mainstream theatres myself and 6 others during the busy Christmas across the UK. Pantomime period.

Born in Great Yarmouth, his big break came in 2011 Why did you become a Drag Queen? at just 22, when he was Drag was an accident, it was Halloween and cast in the Channel 4 I went to the local gay bar in fancy dress, and documentary ‘The Seven somebody told me that it hadn’t be done before Dwarves’. Previously and that it could work. Six months after that he had also already Miss DQ was created. I wanted to explore appeared in a Harry diversity within the entertainments industry and Potter film (Deathly prove anything is possible. I can’t wear heels Hallows), as television due to my physique, I ended up on crutches for appearances in the shows Little Britain and a few months after trying, however drag has many different styles. Miss DQ (Dwarf Queen) Celebrity Juice. is camp and larger than life; my concoction of Jamie, what was life like growing up cheek, flirt, and on-the-spot humour. with Dwarfism?

Hard. I wasn’t able to do the things that I What made you come to Gran Canaria? wanted to do because of my height, or join in THE MEN!! No honestly I came to the Island in with my classmates. From middle school right 2014 for Gay Pride, it was my first time here and into secondary I was bullied; but over time I fell in love with the Island and its surroundings.

I grew stronger to overcome that feeling. It Whilst I was here I had the opportunity to perform in Sparkles as a guest artist and then got a call asking me if I would join them full time.

I leaped at the opportunity.

rain and the snow! For me Christmas isn’t the same here, although I’m surrounded by close friends who bring the Christmas cheer, I do miss being with family on Christmas day, especially my little brother!

If there was any advice you could give to somebody what would it be?

No matter what life throws at you pick yourself up and dust yourself down. Life is a continuous journey of love, light and happiness. Everyone is unique in their own special way, stand out from the crowd, stand proud and stand up for yourself. Don’t let anyone dampen your sparkle.

Where can people find you?

Mostly at the bar with a Bacardi and Lemonade!

But you can also find me on all things social media!

Facebook – Miss DQ The Diamond Diva Twitter - @theonlymissDQ Instagram - @theonlymissDQ

Where do you go on your days off?

I enjoy going to Mogán occasionally or up to Las Palmas shopping, but I work 6 nights a week, and it can take its toll on me so I need to rest my legs and back as I am often in pain.

What do you miss about back home?

The main thing I miss about home is my family and friends. As much as I love the weather here, I do miss the seasons back home, the cold, the www.TheCanaryNews.com

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125 Years of Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas On December 17th, 1891, a group of amateur British golfers created Spain’s first ever golf course at a place called “Lomo del Polvo”, these days better known as the area stretching between “Altavista” and “Escaleritas” in the island’s capital. They named it The Las Palmas Golf Club, Club de Golf de Las Palmas.

The founding committee, all British and based on Gran Canaria, consisted of Bryan Melland, EC Barker, RC Kitto, Richard Blandy Rid Path, Major General Thomas, J. Forman, Alexander Ferguson and The Reverend Hutchinson, who managed the club chaired by Richard Blandy Rid Path, with Melland as secretary and Sweep as treasurer.

Africa. Caddies had to pile rocks and dirt to fix the boundaries of the course, but despite this these pioneers of golf in Spain created a lasting legacy.

Spain’s future dictator, General Franco, perfected his swing at the club, meeting with his friend the British Consul, during the time he was military governor in The Canary Islands, during the 1930s.

A few years later, in 1898, they would Predating The British Club of Las Palmas In 1940 Henry Cotton visited; the most receive the club’s first visit from British by more than a decade, and with perhaps important golfer of his time Cotton won Open winners, John Ball (1863-1940) more humble beginnings, it all started the British Open in 1934, 1937 and 1949. and Harold Hilton (1869-1930) which in a modest little clubhouse, with a tin Many other famous personalities were is considered as the very first event in roof held down by heavy stones to stop also known to visit, along with members the professional golfing world to have it blowing off in the strong prevailing of the British merchant families who did winds, up on a hilltop, next to where the occurred in Spain. Many society, culture so much business here on Gran Canaria Korean Church is now, overlooking the and aristocratic personalities, well known throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. in their day, visited this little outpost of then newly expanded port of Las Palmas.

In 1957 the course was moved to gentlemanly sport.

At their first meeting they adopted the its current location, Los Llanos de The peculiarity of the club was known rules of the club and the game, and Bandama, in the municipality of beyond the island due to its rugged decided on the payment of subscriptions Santa Brigida, what with the quickly novelty, so different from the greens of and to have a weekly get together every growing city of Las Palmas encroaching Scotland and England, which attracted Wednesday to play. evermore on the original site, the many of the British who stopped on their difficult decision was made, after 66 trips to and from the colonies in South years, to move the club further out of town and was made possible thanks to collaboration from the top politicians of the day, the

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then President of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Matias Vega and the members of the island council, Juan Dominguez, Diego Cambreleng and Pedro Hernandez Castillo.

In 1986 the almost 100 year old institution had the title Real added to its name, becoming the Royal Las Palmas Golf Club. Spain’s first ever golf trophies are still displayed in the windows of the club along with the oldest of the golf competition cups, the La Palmer (1894), Robinson (1896), K. Erskine (1902) and Medrington (1904), and various other trophies that make up the historic Club Cups, and which are played for year after year.

The acquisition of these lands by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria was made through president Don Matias Vega Guerra specifically for the construction of the golf course, with the aid of Canarian business and sports personality Juan Dominguez Guedes who brought in Major tournaments have been played the famous British golf course architect Mackenzie Ross, with whom Dominguez here including the Spanish Professional Doubles Championship, the Volvo had cultivated a close friendship during Spanish Tour Championship, the his many visits to England, where his Centennial Cup as well as Circuit great enthusiasm for the sport, as well as Championships for professional, amateur his social influence, led him to be only and many other national and international the second ever Spaniard to become a competitions for the Spanish calendar. member of the famous and ancient Saint Andrews Golf Club (after non-other than the prince of Spain in exile, Don Juan de Borbon, Count of Barcelona, grandfather to the current King of Spain).

Dominguez and Ross worked together to develop the new course, completed in 1957, at the current site known today simply as Bandama.

Celebrating its 125th anniversary with a trophy competition followed by a glamorous gala dinner, the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria continues to cater to an exclusive membership that includes some of the most glamourous, successful and influential people on the island, all of whom are proud of the club’s place in history, having introduced the sport to Spain and made Gran Canaria a golfing mecca for anyone serious about playing all year round. Where else in Europe could you play a round with princes and politicians under blue skies in December?

For More information Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, Place Golf Course, 12 Santa Brigida 35300, Las Palmas Phone +34 928 351 050 1891@rcglaspalmas.com

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There are 82 categories and participants compete at city, state, country and international levels.

The Perfect Wedding Company were voted 1st place in Las Palmas, in Spain and worldwide!

This is an extraordinary achievement. Congratulations to founder Bernadette Garside for following her dreams with a passion, and for her and her team who uniquely make their clients’ dreams come true wedding after perfect wedding. Outstanding!

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Their unique expertise allows them to bring together the islands best suppliers and facilities, utilizing their unparalleled local knowledge they can reveal to you the hidden gems Gran Canaria has to offer. www.TheCanaryNews.com

Working together with many top professional suppliers they offer a varied range of services and products to suit different prices ranges. For that reason they are specialists at creating bespoke weddings to suit a diverse range of clients styles and budgets.

Whether you are looking for an extravagant wedding, or simple and stylish, they create the wedding you have always dreamed of to fit your finances.

Looking to marry in a white-washed church, or indulge your fantasy of an outdoor wedding and exchange your vows poolside or receive a spiritual blessing on a luxury yacht? There are many options available and together The Perfect Wedding Company can find something to suit you perfectly.

Maybe you’re looking to renew your wedding vows? Let them add extra sparkle to your day, and give you a treasure chest of extra magical moments to add to the memories from your original wedding day.

So if you’re looking for a wedding bursting with romance, picturesque scenery, delicious cuisine, and welcoming local people, set under a year-round bright blue sky, then you have come to the right place! www.perfectweddingcompany.com

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The Canary Awards Nominations have already started coming in for The Canary Awards announced last month.

The competition to find Gran Canaria’s very best starts officially on January 1st.

Have you been impressed with great service recently?

Do you know an unsung hero who consistently works to bring people happiness?

Are you aware of business innovations that you know are an asset to Gran Canaria?

Who deserves special recognition for being awesome?

Open to anybody who lives or works on Gran Canaria, we are inviting YOU to nominate outstanding individuals, businesses and organisations who, in your opinion, best represent this island and our community through their quality of service, commitment to the very highest standards, and by repeatedly going the extra mile. People in the community, Restaurants, Bars, Estate Agents, Hotels, Charities, Builders, Carers, Reps, Travel Guides, Tourist Excursions. We want to hear about them all.

Any person or organisation can be nominated between now and January 15 when the final list will be announced and put to a public vote. It is very easy, simply email your suggestion to Nominations@TheCanaryNews.com The Winners will be announced at an exclusive awards gala at the end of April.

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Selling your property Are you hoping to cash in on your real estate property ?

Contacting a real estate agency is a no brainer, but what should you bring, which one should you choose? Choose and agent with big footprint Selling your property at the price you want for it takes only one buyer that is willing to pay the asking price, but finding that right buyer might sometimes be cumbersome. Having a lot of people see your listing increases the chances of the right buyer coming along.

Choose a real estate agent that has a big footprint and reaches far with their listings, like one that takes part in the Boican Multi-Listings Scheme, and make a multi exclusive agreement to allow them to list your property there.

Prepare your papers before meeting the agent, this is what you should have ready: • A Copy of the deed (escritura) • Nota simple - a printout from the land registry • Receipts for last paid property tax • Copy of your passport and NIE/residencia.

Make a great listing Make sure your property gets a great listing this is what catches the eye and interest of potential buyers. You only need one; the one that is willing to pay your price, but if he doesn’t like your listing he will never even consider coming to a viewing. Schedule time with your agent to make high quality photos and make sure your property looks great.

buyers really get a feel for your property without having to go there in the first instance.

Availability Real estate sales in The Canaries do not happen like in Northern Europe, and the viewings will happen privately for each potential client. It is important that the agent is able to view the property at short notice, quickly and easily when a potential client is present. If you don’t live at the property yourself, consider letting the agent have a key for access, or arrange for a friend or other person you trust to unlock it for the viewings.

Viewings Finally got potential buyers for a viewing? Make sure the first impression is outstanding. If nobody lives in the property, make sure you or a key person arrive at the property ahead and make sure it is presentable.

• Open windows to let in fresh air and remove the “closed up” smells Open curtains to let in the light • Set out terrace furnitures • Turn on all the lights • Declutter, and make it look neat.

• Take out any dogs / cats • Fresh fruits and flowers brighten every property It will do wonders for making the property feel more inviting.

The impression a buyer gets from your property when they first walk through the door is powerful and has a huge influence on their buying decision.

Be friendly to potential buyers and make them feel comfortable, and answer any questions frankly and openly. But give them space and leave the sale for the agent to deal with and complete.

Buyers dont like pushy owners. Step out while the agent shows the property to give the potential buyer space and time to enjoy the property without interruption.

Answer any questions from the buyer after the viewing.

After the viewing connect with your agent and ask how it went. If this buyer did not proceed with more enquiries about the property, ask the agent what could have been improved and follow up on the tips they offer.

Offers If the buyer is interested you will probably receive an offer. Make sure you are ahead of this process and have thought through what price you will accept; be prepared to send a counter offer. This is quite common, so having a little space to move on from your listed price is wise, but don’t put the listing price so high that potential buyers are discouraged from asking for a viewing or making you a reasonable offer.

We recommend that you hire somebody to help you style the property and a professional photographer to make the listing top of the line. We live in a desirable island destination.

You should certainly consider using the latest technologies like a 3d/360 scan to let potential clients, who may be far away, really jump into VR to see your property from whereever they are.

Making a floorplan can also be great to show the layout of the property. And a 360 scan will do this automatically for you, letting potential

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Are you Minded to Kindness?

Whatever your beliefs, this time of year is special to so many. There are, however, those who suffer.

The enormous pressure on the homeless, the unemployed, on parents and families within our society, to try and provide items of luxury, never mind an excess and an over abundance of food, rarely takes into account the fact that we live on an island where it is actually very hard to survive, particularly if you are native born and not lucky enough to be in full employment.

to Kindness to consider gifting some seasonal goodies to those most in need. To families who can hardly afford to feed themselves at the best of times.

give the most marginalized a more festive time, since kids will be off school for 2 weeks they will be giving extra food in general every Tuesday at the local food bank in Arguineguin.

Their day-to-day needs are assisted, when possible, by many noble projects like Jenni’s, however it is little luxury items that really can make the difference at this time of year, letting people know that they are part of the wider celebrations, and helping them connect with community.

For more information call 675 831 822

Did you know The Canary Islands has some of the If you have toys for kids, clothes you want rid of, extra little presents, and any very highest unemployment in all Europe? kind of sweets, desserts or christmassy There are literally tens of thousands of people foods, then Jenni would love to who only survive thanks to the kindness of hear from you. just organisations like the Neighbours Food Project call 675 831 822, of Los Lomas Dos (Arguineguín), the Mogán Food even if it is only to Bank and the Food Bank of Las Palmas. say thank you for caring.

We encourage you to consider doing more than just greedily stuffing your face this holiday, and sparing a thought for the many who are simply not as lucky as you.

The coordinator of the Mogán food bank, Jenni Hymoff, herself a veteran campaigner and community organizer, has asked those Minded

Some examples of ideal donations include turrón or nesquick, nocilla (nutella) or other Xmassy foods that will

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Or simply make a donation...

IBAN ES50 0081-1394-11-0001028108 SWIFT BSABESBB (IBAN ES62/BIC or Swift CAAMES2A) 2090 5702 6302 0007 6509 They have set up a Food Collection Basket on the Hiperdino Supermarket on Calle Tirma in Arguineguín. All food collected will be distributed to local needy families. They thank you in advance for your contributions of any non-perishable food! It will be there until Dec 31st, which is the last day that Hiperdino will be open on Calle Tirma.

After that you will have to deliver in person, by arrangement with Jenni and her team.

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Greening the Islands

“Greening the Islands” is a traveling international conference aimed specifically at finding sustainability solutions for islands.

Due to their fragile environment and the need to protect their resources, islands are natural laboratories for climate change adaptation and integrated solutions concerning energy, mobility, water and other environmental segments. “Greening the Islands” supports the implementation of investments in these important fields of the green economy, and promotes the diffusion of technology innovation and best practices, that can be replicated on countless islands around the world and in remote locations in general.

solutions, ways to implement them with the best possible partners and to obtain international visibility for their achievements.

It placed Gran Canaria front and centre in the world of emerging Green Economies.

Without doubt, the list of outstanding professionals and academics from various fields connected to politics, business and renewable energies, was unique, often groundbreaking and all were instructive speakers.

Tesla Energy’s Regional Manager, Marco D’Alimonte shared with us insights about the latest wave of supercharging networks catering to the imminent rise in electric cars across Europe, their planned end-to-end In 2016, the third edition of the conference production plant, which is to be the largest took place here on Gran Canaria, an oceanic building ever constructed and importantly location that underlines the success of the Tesla’s recent world first, having now powered initiative and the global relevance of issues an entire South Pacific island only using Solar that concern islands. The migrants’ crisis in Panels and Tesla Powerpack technology. the Mediterranean, has recently underlined Joeri de Ridder – Chairman, European how islands can be on the frontline in Association for Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell confronting global disruptions caused by Electric Vehicles (AVERE) / Chairman, World war and climate change.

Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA) gave A large number of representatives from us an extraordinary presentation about not various island governments, including Malta only the future of Electric Vehicles but also and The Azores, joined highly specialised the longstanding history, most people have international organizations, scientists, very little knowledge of, proving beyond and companies, to discuss and share best a shadow of a doubt that it is political practice, solutions and strategies for islands will, not just innovation, that decides the and other remote locations. technologies we use.

The 2016 edition of “Greening the Islands” But it is Gran Canaria’s own Gonzalo Izquierdo represented a unique opportunity for islands (pictured) Director of the Instituto Tecnológico to gain additional insight on sustainability www.TheCanaryNews.com

de Canarias (ITC) who burned most brightly, talking not only about his pioneering work in photovoltaics during the 90s and with lithium ion batteries back in 2005, but also showing the assembled experts from around the world just some of the facilities right here on Gran Canaria, funded by the regional government, among others, which aim to incubate new technologies and nurture renewable energy driven entrepreneurship and those trying to achieve full energy sovereignty within a few short decades.

Most exciting of all for Izquierdo is the extraordinary work being done at the ITC with micro algaes “the agriculture of the future” where one of only four “Algae banks” in the world is facilitated along with more than 300 strains of algae specifially developed here on Gran Canaria for everything from nutritional additives, to new medicines and simple carbondioxide storage. “Algae essentially eats carbon dioxide and sunlight, and through it we can create vast stores of much needed food stuffs and potential treatments for cancer and a whole range of other ailments.

The Canary Islands are leading the way in this, and so many other technologies. It is kind of surprising that so few people are aware of quite how far we have come.”

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Getting to grips with canarian christmas

By Diego Mesa (Puerto Rico Language Centre)

Another difference between the British and the Spanish tradition is that if the 26th of December falls on a weekday, it’s counted as a normal working day, and not as a bank holiday, like it would be in England.

If you yourself like taking time off, do not worry as Spain is one of the countries with the most bank holidays throughout the year, so you will definitely As you approach the end of the year and the make up for it! holidays get closer, you rush to buy all the presents before they become too expensive, as well as As you draw closer to the end of the year, you make adequate preparations. The Christmas might have some pranks played on you! Do not be period provides a time for you to slow down and offended, it is just that equivalent of April’s fools day take stock of your personal achievements and here in Spain falls on the 28th December. Of course disappointments throughout the year. you can also prepare some too!

As we approach the Christmas festivities, you will have already noticed that lights have gone up in the streets of every town, trees are being decorated and on the television all the advertisements are being shown to entice you to buy whatever presents you like for yourself and your loved ones.

There are some differences between the Spanish traditions, which are also practiced in Gran Canaria, and the English ones. Christmas in Spain starts on Christmas Eve with a very big dinner at home surrounded by all your loved ones including extended family members in most cases. While Christmas lunch is also a tradition, in Spain there is no such thing as a ‘Traditional Christmas Dinner’, like what you would have in England. However, you can still be sure to find prawns among the starters.

Presents can be opened as soon as dinner is finished on Christmas Eve, though some families will open them at breakfast time on Christmas Day.

Lastly, in Spain we also celebrate Epiphany on the night of the 5th and the 6th of January, with a celebration of the 3 Kings “Dia del Reyes” who supposedly followed a star in the sky, and as a result visited a new born baby Jesus and honored him with presents from their far away lands. On the night of the 5th pretty much every town has a 3 Kings parade for children, who eagerly await their chance to see the wise men who, it is believed, will answer their wishes with lots of presents, or could that just be daddy? Don’t forget to try the traditional cake called ‘Roscón de Reyes’ which is very typically eaten on the 6th, very yummy indeed!

So why not decide to improve your Spanish and I’m sure you are wondering what the whole deal make that one of your new year’s resolutions? about eating the 12 grapes on the last 12 seconds What’s the harm, when after all you are living on a of New Year’s Eve is really all about. Well, when you Spanish island! think that there are 12 months in the year, and each grape represents each month gone by, as well as good luck and improvement for each month of the EMBOSTE – This word means being too full year to come, you may realise that it is symbolic in even to fit your favourite dessert in to your some sense, even if it looks strange at first. Indeed, belly after a meal. A typical feeling during the the end of the year is a time for assessment about Christmas period after going through so much what you did well, could have improved on and what lovely food! you would have liked to have done already, leading ATARJEA – A little channel made of mortar you to your new years resolutions, setting new where the water passes through irrigated land. goals, challenges and identifying ways we might You can still see them to this day on abandoned better ourselves for the future. tomato fields on hillsides along the south coast of the island.

Eg. El agua se desbordó porque la atarjea estaba llena de hojarasca – The water was overflowing because the channel was filled with dried leaves

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Language Exchange GC

Posesión: El coche es de Juan - the car is Juan´s (lit: the car is of Juan). Los perros son de Pablo - the dogs are Pablo´s. Note that the apostrophe doesn´t exist in Spanish.

Característica: La mesa es de madera the table is (made) of wood. Los hoteles son caros - the hotels are expensive. Queremos ser ricos - we want to be rich. El es musulmán - he´s muslim.

La hora (telling the time): Es la una - it´s one This drives people crazy as both words mean ‘to be’ in English. But while SER is used for o’clock. Son las dos y media - it´s 2.30. Es long-term things like name, nationality/religion, profession, personality and any type of mediodía/medianoche - it´s midday/midnight characteristic, ESTAR is used mostly for temporary states, but also for location. For example, ella es guapa means she´s pretty (a long-term characteristic) but ella está guapa hoy means Expresiones impersonales: Es bueno hablar - it´s good to talk. No es difícil hacerlo - it´s she´s looking pretty today. Similarly, soy feliz means I´m a happy person, while estoy feliz not difficult to do it. means I´m happy at the moment.

Ser and estar

All about ESTAR

First off, here´s how to do the endings for these rather irregular verbs in the present. When you see an accent, it means ‘push down here’. Estar is the only verb where you stress the ending in Ubicación (location): ¿Dónde está el baño? the present tense.

Where is the bathroom? Los servicios están abajo - the toilets are downstairs.

TO BE SER ESTAR Las Palmas está en el norte - Las Palmas I am (yo) soy estoy is in the north. Mi piso está cerca del mar you (singular) are (tú) eres estás - my flat is close to the sea. Leeds está en he/she/that is (él/ella/eso) es está Inglaterra - Leeds is in England. Necesito we are (nosotros) somos estamos estar en mi casa a las nueve - I need to be they are/you (plural) are (ellos/ustedes) son están at home at 9pm.

Estado temporal (temporary state): Estoy Yo, tú, él (I, you, he) etc. are in brackets because the Spanish don´t often include these words – cansado/a - I´m tired (‘o’ at the end for a man, the verb endings alone usually tell us all we need to know. So, soy can ONLY mean ‘I am’. ‘a’ for a woman); ¿Estás bien? Are you okay? El pensioner. Soy un/una fan del Everton - I´m está ocupado – he´s busy. Ella está aburrida a fan of Everton.

- she´s bored. Está bien - it´s okay. Está roto - it´s broken. El agua está fría ahora - the Personalidad (personality): ella es amable, animada y divertida - she is nice/ water is cold now. Mi piel está quemada Nombre (name): soy Theresa. kind, lively and fun. (keh-MA-da) - my skin is burnt. Estamos Nacionalidad (nationality): Eres canario, contentos con todo - we´re happy with Descripción física (physical description): ¿no? - You´re Canarian, right? (to a man). Sí, everything. Los niños están enfermos - the él es alto, moreno y guapo he is tall, soy de Tenerife - yes, I´m from Tenerife. dark and handsome. children are ill. ¿Cómo están ustedes? How Ocupación: él es camarero - he´s a waiter are you two/you all?

Relación (relationship): Somos amigos (lit. ‘he is waiter’). Quiero ser médico - I - we´re friends; somos hermanos - we´re Presente continuo: estoy hablando - I´m want to be (a) doctor. Somos estudiantes - we brothers: somos pareja (pa-REH-ha) - we´re speaking. Estamos caminando - we´re are students. No soy pensionista - I´m not a a couple.

A closer look at SER

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walking. ¿Estás trabajando? Are you working? Note that the Spanish don´t use this form much as most of the time you can express continous actions using the normal present tense, eg: (yo) camino I´m walking; ¿Trabajas? Are you working? So that makes life easier.

Estado civil (marriage status): No estoy casado, estoy divorciado - I´m not married, I´m divorced. El está soltero - he´s unmarried - pero no está solo porque tiene novia - but he´s not alone/single because he has a girlfriend.

Try not to mix up the similar-sounding words casado, meaning married and cansado, meaning tired!

Estado laboral (work status): Ellos están desempleados/en paro - they are unemployed. Estamos jubilados/retirados we´re retired.

Estado físico (physical state): Mi mamá está viva - my mum is alive – pero mi papá está muerto - my dad is dead.

What if I use the wrong one?

Most of the time, people will understand you fine even if you mix up these two verbs. However, with some adjectives, there is a radical meaning change if you use ser instead of estar. Here are some examples: SPANISH

SER

ESTAR

aburrido

boring

bored

listo

clever

ready

malo

bad

ill

rico

rich

tasty (for food)

verde

green

unripe

maduro

mature (person)

Ripe (fruit)

moreno

dark-haired

suntanned

seguro

safe

sure, certain (feeling)

Need more help?

Check out ser and estar at: www.studyspanish.com which has great explanations with examples as well as quizzes to help you practice. The exact link is: http://studyspanish.com/grammar/lessons/serest1/

Individually tailored, fun and lively private tuition (South Gran Canaria)

Low cost guaranteed - 1st class FREE “No commitment”

Call 0034 662 045 990 email theresacoe@gmail.com

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Two stars performing on Gran Canaria 2017

What do we do?

We sell, buy, repair, clean and rent I.T. equipment including computers, routers, monitors, and cables. We deal with all hardware and software matters.

We provide and install surveillance camera systems that monitor your property and you can view on-line on a computer, tablet or smart phone anywhere in the world that has an internet connection, aans see exactly what’s happening where the cameras are installed.

• Television and smart phone repairs and unlocking.

• We provide internet connectivity via many of the main Internet Service Providers (ISP’s). We also extend the range of WiFi coverage in most buildings.

• We provide one of the best internet TV (IPTV) Systems available anywhere. We believe that we offer the most comprehensive choice of channels at extrememly competitive prices.

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Mobile/Movil: +34 678 276 689 info@informatica-it-canarias.net www.informatica-it-canariaas.net

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The disco music legend Gloria Gaynor “I will survive” will be performing on Gran Canaria next May. She is now part of the tour series ‘Legends Live’ and her concert is in Gran Canaria Arena in Las Palmas on Friday 26 May at 21:00.

Elton John and his tour Crazy Night’ is performing on Tuesday 18 July 2017 on Gran Canaria Arena . His latest album “Wonderful Crazy Night” was released earlier this year in February. The Concert is on Gran Canaria Arena.

‘Wonderful

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Buy a Fat Christmas Lottery Ticket!

The El Gordo or Fat One Lottery will soon announce its winners, and this news is important as the prizes are worth this year around 2.31 billion euros, and gives the highest lottery pay outs in the world. So Canarians and Spanish tend to go a little mad, and might be seen in a queue for long periods to buy their ticket and be in with a chance of becoming a millionaire this Christmas. It is actually even larger this year, with the top prize of El Gordo being 4 million euros. Wow! However, the total prize money for 2016 El Gordo is 2.31 billion euros that is shared with other winners with smaller prize amounts.

Is it easier to win in the El Gordo Lottery than the Euromillions Lottery? Yes, the odds of winning are much better, and this is placed as a one in six chance of winning a prize. In 2015, around three quarters of adult Canarians and Spanish bought a lottery ticket and often spend around 60 euros as an average amount each Christmas.

numbers are similar. Often the winners with the highest prizes are in the same area, but if you want a special number, you need to buy these online or travel somewhere else.

Ticket numbers are repeated up to 165 times, so winning means sharing the prize with 164 other people. One tickets costs 200 euros, but you can buy parts of a ticket at 20 euros.

Some individuals buy a share of a 20 euro ticket called a portion or participaciones and could cost 1 euro.

The San Ildefonso School was originally an orphanage for boys, who sang the results on 22nd December, but from 1984 girls also joined in singing the lottery results. These children sing the number of the ticket and then how

much the prize will be. Almost all residents of Sodeto in Spain won El Gordo in 2011, except one Greek resident who did not buy a ticket as he did not realise the importance of this lottery. These residents won from 100,000 euros to 1 million euros each from the total El Gordo prize of 120 million euros.

One word of warning. If you win a prize worth more than 2,500 euros, then this has been subject to 20% tax since 2013, but an 80% prize is better than nothing like the one resident of Sodeto who did not buy a ticket.

So who wants to be a millionaire?

TwiTTers from The ATlAnTic If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s websites: www.barriemahoney. com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his latest book,

The lottery results are called or rather sung by children from San Ildefonso School in Madrid on national television on 22nd December. You can buy El Gordo Lottery tickets online or at lottery kiosks or shops. However, the system of tickets is complicated, as specific numbers are available at specific lottery shops, as the

‘Island in the Sun’

(ISBN: 9780992767181). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions. iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available. © Barrie Mahoney

You can find this and other news stories from the Canary Islands and Spain in Barrie’s ‘News from the Canary Islands’ web blog: www.news.thecanaryislander.com

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What’s it all about... really?

History tells us of song first sung on Christmas Eve in 1818, written two years earlier in a small town in Bavaria, now two hundred years before today. Some say the local church organ had broken down that very day, and that a junior priest, Father Joseph Mohr, had been trying to find something meaningful for that evening’s service.

What ever his reasons Mohr offered a poem he had written about Christmas Eve, and had his friend, Franz Gruber, set the words set to music and accompany the choir singing it with simple guitar chords. On each of the six verses, the choir repeated the last two lines in four-part harmony. And so it was that one of the best known of all Christmas Carols, Silent Night, had its humble beginnings in a tiny Bavarian village church in Oberndorf near Salzburg, Austria. It became for many, the very essence of Christmas, and its words continue to impact the world today.

I believe the scene portrayed in the carol is as significant today as it was then. By all means let’s all have a huge traditional Christmas Celebration this year. Fun and festivity. Tinsel and turkey. Sacks and Santas. Pressies and parties, etc. Bring it on!

But amidst all the jingle bells and jollification, may we look for our very own quiet space this festive season – a place where we can find time to quietly reflect .

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On the day it was sung for the first time, Stille Nacht captivated the worshippers, and very soon spread across the rest of the world.

I was amazed only recently to discover that several versions (including Bing Crosby and David Bowie!) still attract millions of Youtube viewers.

Traditionally, midnight mass included simple melodies written for ordinary people to sing; Silent Night is one such piece with its uncomplicated score – a song that everyone can join in. The combination of music and lyrics are indeed part of its charm.

Translated into English in 1863, and many other languages since, it was this carol that was famously sung during the Christmas truce, nearly 100 years after it was first written, during the First World War - an event that was perhaps one of the most remarkable incidents in all military history – movingly described in this letter written by a young British soldier who witnessed this unique occurrence back in 1914.

So, sit back now, dear reader, and let this beautiful ‘mind picture’ of the Bethlehem story fill you with peace as the heart of the Christmas rings out: Silent night! Holy night Shepherds quake at the sight. Glory streams from heaven afar Heavenly voices sing ‘Alleluia’. Christ the Saviour is born! Christ the Saviour is born!

Kay Owen December 2016

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My Dear Sister, Most of our men are asleep in their dugouts - yet I could not sleep before writing of the wonderful events of Christmas Eve. If I hadn’t been there myself, I would scarce believe it. Imagine: While you and our family sang carols at the fireside in London, I did the same with enemy soldiers here in France!

Knowing that at any moment an artillery shell might land and explode beside us in the trench, not daring to lift our heads above ground, for fear of a sniper’s bullet, we waited. The German soldiers across the way faced the same dangers. Their first trench was only 50 yards from ours. Between us lay No Man’s Land, bordered by barbed wire.

Yesterday morning - Christmas Eve - everything was tinged white with frost, while a bright, white sun shone over all. Perfect Christmas weather. As darkness fell the shooting stopped entirely. I drifted asleep. Suddenly my friend John was shaking me awake, “Come and see what the Germans are doing!”

I stumbled from the trench, and stuck my head out cautiously.

I will never see a stranger or more lovely sight. Clusters of tiny lights were shining all along the German line, as far as the eye could see. German Christmas trees lit by lanterns - beacons of good will.

We heard their plaintive voices rising in song. Never was there a lovelier sound, in that quiet, clear night, its darkness softened by a first-quarter moon. Hesitantly our trenches applauded. Then we all joined in. Strains of “Silent night, Holy night” filled the air. In both languages British and German troops harmonising ... in harmony for Christmas!

To our astonishment, we saw figures rise from the trench, climb over their barbed wire, and advance unprotected across No Man’s Land. Our captain called out, “Hold your fire; no shooting before midnight tomorrow.” Groups of men coming toward us. Suddenly, there we were - over a hundred soldiers and o cers on each side, shaking hands with men we’d been trying to kill just hours earlier!

These are not the “savage barbarians” we were led to believe. They are men with homes and families, hopes and fears - dreams of a future. In other words, men just like ourselves. We exchanged gifts, parting with promises to meet on Christmas Morning for a football match!

And so, I ask you; has there ever been such a Christmas Eve in all history? And what does this impossible befriending of enemies mean?

One cannot help imagine what would happen if the spirit shown here were to be caught by the nations of the world. Disputes must always arise. But what if our leaders were to o er well wishes in place of warnings? Songs in place of slurs? Presents in place of reprisals? Perhaps all war would end? All nations say they want peace. Yet on this Christmas morning, I wonder if they want it quite enough?

Sleep in heavenly peace dear sister, Your loving brother, Ben

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Quinny’s Quiz WIN a “Day trip for 2” on the

Q uinny and Amanda old d an w ne s er ad re r ou l al to i H er ry C hr istmas M ry ve a l al u yo sh wi to e lik would Year. and a Happy and Peaceful New 1

What is Scrooge’s first name?

2

What do the Irish call Boxing Day?

3

4

7

Name 2 traditional top of the Christmas Tree decorations?

8

What do children hang up on Christmas Eve for Santa to fill?

9

Who sang the original song “White Christmas”?

The Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square is donated by which country?

Beginning with the letter Y, an alternative name for Christmas time?

5

Santa wont visit if children have been what?

6

What is normally used for a snowman’s nose?

10 Which group sang “I wish it could be Christmas everyday”?

Send your answers to:

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Last edition’s winner is John Puerto Sol who has won 3 bottles of Award winning Gran Canaria wine from Bodegas Tunte - Call 928 987 952 to collect.

Answers from last edition.1.Guy Fawkes 2.Houses of Parliament 3.Gunpowder plot 4.Status Quo 5.Whales 6.A forge7.Burnley 8.Catapillar 9.Sonar 10.Fly fishing