According to official figures released by the Local Police, some 225,000 people visited the Medieval Market in Orihuela last weekend, despite the adverse weather conditions that could have put a dampener on the whole event. Councillor for Festividades, Carolina Gracia, also said that this was the first time that the event has not cost the town hall any money, expenses which easily reach around 60,000 euro, and that for the first time in 13 years, the council has received money for the event.

Of the 225,000 visitors, some 400 of them took to the bus service that connected the Orihuela Costa and Entre Naranjos to the event. Costing less than 5€ return from the cost and 3€ return from Entre Naranjos, bringing in nearly 2,000€ in fares.

Carolina Gracia said that, despite low temperatures, the number of visitors was very important and that it benefited shops and catering establishments and other businesses throughout the city as well as visits to museums and monuments.

The market spread over 3 kilometres, with crafts, traditional gifts, clothing, food, drink and much more, all with a very medieval feel, as market traders dressed themselves and their stalls to catapult us back to a time long ago. There were around 20 craft workshops and 30 shows, from theatre to circus and music in between, making sure that there was something for everybody in one of the biggest events of its kind that attracts visitors from across the whole of Spain and beyond.

LA NUCIA NOTARY WELCOMES FOREIGNERS

The Extensión Administrativa Municipal in the town of La Nucía, will offer Notary services to foreigners, in their own language. The legal service will be offered in English, French, German and Dutch, as well as in Valencian and Castilian, every Tuesday from 9 to 11 in the morning.

This is a huge leap for integration of foreign residents into the Spanish system and is thought to be a unique, but positive move. This new municipal service will be operational on Tuesday, February 14, but appointments are required due to the expected popularity of the service. Appointments can be made by calling 966875410 or the Notary itself 96 588 0278.

FLU CASES INCREASED

According to the department of health, flu cases in the Valencia community have increased by 30% this week, registering 102.5 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 78.9% of last week.

Minister of Health, Luis Rosado, said that despite this increase, the figure is still lower than that recorded last year at this time and is below the national average.

The flu is mostly affecting children under 4 years, followed by the 5 to 14 years age group, whereas the least affected are adults over the age of 65, most of whom are eligible for the annual flu jab.

In total, 91.08% of the 231 cumulative cases had not been vaccinated, causing the minister to point out the importance of a vaccination strategy, especially in risk groups, which is clearly effective.

COMMUNITY CENTRE LEASE CANCELLED

The coalition government of Orihuela has announced that it is to rescind the lease on a community centre in the town of El Escorratel, which has never opened to the public, but has cost 1,000 euro per month since the contract was signed in 2008.

The deputy mayor, Pedro Mancebo, made the statement in a press conference, stating that the building had already cost 46,000 euro of municipal funds and served no purpose, so the contract would be terminated as part of the government commitment to reduce spending.

COLD AFFECTING VALENTINE´S FLOWERS

The cooperation of flower cultivators in Pilar de la Horadada, Flomar, has announced that the cold weather has caused a reduction in stock for lovers to give on Valentine´s day by around 40%.

However, there will still be around 700,000 stems available in time for the day of lovers, picked from fields that would cover the space of around 40 football fields, with around 40 different varieties being on offer.

NEW TIMETABLE FOR MUNICIPAL POOL

The sports department of the Torrevieja town hall has announced that the public swimming pool opening hours during the month of February will be on Mondays from 17:00 to 21:30, Tuesday to Thursday from 08:30 to 13:30 and 17: 00 to 21:30 and Saturday from 08:30 to 12:30.

They also announced that they are in the process of putting together a schedule of events at the facility, including a range of swimming lessons for children.

The APSA charity AGM was recently held at Rumores in Albox. Details of income from the shop, collecting tins, donations and fund raising events were given, as was information on expenditure regarding the many dogs in the care of the charity.

The homing of dogs, neutering programme, stall at Los Llanos market, the pantomime and fashion shows and the excellent website (www.apsa.org.es) were seen as the successes of 2011. The development of moving to the new shop in Avenido Lepanto will hopefully help to raise the profile of the charity as well as providing more funds in 2012. Volunteers are always needed, particularly regarding fund raising. Please ring 663 762 642 if you can help in any way. The meeting finished with warming drinks in the bar as the volunteers were all tired from preparing the new shop!!

Following their move from Mil Palmeras into new accommodation in San Miguel de Salinas, the Casa Cultura is where 30 members of society will perform their Spring production "Beside the Seaside, Beside the Sea" on Fri/Sat/Sunday 9th/10th/11th March.

I am told that the new venue will suit their requirements and help the group maintain the high standards they have attained over 20 years and numerous productions.

Tickets are now on sale at 8 euros each, a substantial donation from which will be made to the Restoration Fund of the San Miguel Church.

Performances begin at 7.30 with doors opening at 7.00. Tickets are available from members or at the Tourist Board or Bargain Book Shop in San Miguel, also through Colin at 966774127.

I've got rhythm…I've got music….I've got my man who could ask for anything more?

Clang clang clang went the trolley Ding ding ding went the bell Zing zing zing went my heart strings from the moment I saw him my heart fell.

Happy Valentine's Day from the Cardenal Belluga Theatre Group.

If you can't find the love of your life try finding a life that you love. Our rehearsals are under way on a Monday afternoon at the Theatre in San Fulgencio. Love is a happy fun filled life. For more information call Maria on 966715891

4 Day Trial In May 2012 For Lawsuit Filed Against Spanish Developer – Cleyton Ges Sl And The Funding Bank Of The Development - Caja De Ahorros Del Mediterráneo

FINCA PARCS ACTION GROUP

â—� No legally required Bank Guarantees for Off-Plan deposits totalling 1.5 million Euros

â—� Lawsuit against CAM Bank & developer Cleyton GES SL filed in February 2011

â—� First Instance Court Preliminary Hearing held on 12 January 2012

â—� 4 Day Trial set for 21, 22, 23 & 24 May 2012

SUMMARY

A 4 day trial will take place in the First Instance Court in Hellín on 21 to 24 May 2012 in relation to a 1000 page Lawsuit filed in February 2011 against property developer Cleyton GES SL and Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo on behalf of 47 members of the FINCA PARCS ACTION GROUP.

The 47 group members paid their Off-Plan deposits totalling 1.5 million Euros for properties at the Las Higuericas Finca Parcs development to CAM Bank accounts opened by the developer Cleyton GES SL.

None of the group members received the legally required Bank Guarantees in accordance with Spanish Law, LEY 57/1968.

The inland development, close to the village of Agramón, is around 15km from Hellín and 80km from Albacete and Murcia. Despite marketing the development for 5 years as a self contained sports and leisure resort, the developer Cleyton GES SL abandoned the site in May 2009 stating that the project was ‘financially unviable'. The site with 617 plots divided into 5 Phases still remains abandoned with just 50 Phase 1 properties completed, however due to site defects not even these properties were issued with the Licence of First Occupation by the Hellín Town Hall.

Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo, the bank recently purchased by Banco Sabadell for One Euro and described by Banco de España Governor, Miguel Angel Fernández Ordoñez at a Press Conference in September 2011 as the ‘WORST OF THE WORST' are the co-defendants in the case.

CAM, the Bank that accepted the off-plan deposits was also contracted by the developer Cleyton GES SL to issue the corresponding Bank Guarantees.

THE GROUP

FINCA PARCS ACTION GROUP formed by group leader Keith Rule in 2009 consists of individual buyers mainly from the UK, Ireland and Spain. The group is legally represented by María Luisa de Castro, director of CostaLuz Lawyers and Jaime de Castro director of De Castro Gabinete Jurídico both based in Algeciras.

PRELIMINARY HEARING

The Preliminary Hearing took place in the First Instance Court in Hellín on 12 January 2012.

Group Leader, Keith Rule, who was present at the hearing, said:

“The hearing lasted for around one hour and all the evidence contained in our Lawsuit and presented at the Preliminary Hearing was allowed by the Judge. CAM Bank, as is the defendants legal right in such cases, stated that it was their intention to call all 47 claimants to appear in person at the Full Trial in May. As some contracts are in joint names the result is that we will have around 60 individuals travelling to Spain for the trial”.

FULL HEARING

Keith continues, “It is fantastic that the Full Trial is scheduled for May as this is just 4 months after the Preliminary Hearing. It is normal in these cases for a delay of between 9-12 months between the Preliminary and Full Trial. We will do everything possible to ensure all individual claimants are able to attend the Trial. It will be a huge logistical exercise as we will need to organise flights, transport and accommodation in Hellín for the 60 of us, but this is just another hurdle that the group has been subjected to since paying our deposits in good faith 6 years ago”.

PEOPLE POWER

In such cases purchasers who have signed a Power of Attorney with their Lawyer are not normally called in person to attend the trial. The prospect of 60 individual claimants appearing in person at the local court in Hellín for a trial due to be heard over 4 days is sure to increase media interest in the case.

The court in Hellín is relatively small and may need to provide extra facilities to cope with such a large number of claimants all at one time.

Reg Matthews, a member of the group comments, “We are looking forward to having our day in court. The developer and Bank still continue to put obstacles in the way of our fight for the return of our money, but we will not give up. This has been a long battle but we are sure that one day justice will be done”.

FAILURE TO ISSUE BANK GUARANTEES - HUGE PROBLEM IN SPAIN

The situation in which members of the FINCA PARCS ACTION GROUP find themselves is similar to that being experienced by many off-plan purchasers in Spain.

500 victims of Off-Plan Property Bank Guarantee Abuse have so far provided detailed evidence to the Bank Guarantees In Spain Petition which can be found on the BANK GUARANTEES IN SPAIN website at: www.bankguaranteesinspain.com

There are now several instances of Provincial Court Judgments (Santander, Cantabria, Burgos, Alicante, Murcia etc.), the Supreme Court of Navarra and various First Instance Courts in which Judges have ruled on the liability of the Banks according to LEY 57/1968.

Age Concern have launched their project 'Lend me your Eyes'. This is for people with poor eyesight who would like someone to come along and read to them or anyone who just does not like to read themselves.

This could be a favourite book, poetry or just the news from a newspaper. An initiative started by the Spanish reading group 'Ambigu', and supported by the Town Hall and Municipal Library in Torrevieja and initially intended for residents in Care Homes. Age Concern thought it was a very worthwhile project and supported and encouraged by Graham Knight in the AMICS office, decided to start a scheme for British Ex-pats, or any nationality who has the English language, and we would like to extend this to people in their own homes..

If you know of anyone who is in a Care Home or their own home, who would like to have a volunteer to read to them please let us know. If you would like to sign up as a 'reader' it is very simple, register with Age Concern in La Siesta, and with the Municipal Library. All details can be obtained from our office, contact Tel No. 966 78 6887 or by contacting Maureen Payne on 966 77 4270.

As 2011 had been such a difficult economic year, it was expected that the Poppy Appeal for the District North area would reflect this downturn.

However, this was not the case and the Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator Tony Dengate revealed that the District had raised a staggering 134,131.18€. This is an increase of 25% over last year. Tony thanked all those who helped raise the money for this tremendous result - the local Legion Branches, their members and businesses, as well as the many people who asked for boxes of poppies to distribute in their areas. The Chairman and Committee of The Royal British Legion in Spain would like to add their profound gratitude and thanks to all their volunteers, those dedicated men and women who gave up so much of their time to distribute Poppy boxes and collecting tins, who spent hours of time at various shops and airports and who then had to spend further hours counting it all!

Our thanks also goes to all those who gave so generously to the Poppy Appeal this year. We couldn't run this charity without your contributions and you are helping us to help our people in need.

The last year was an extremely busy one for the Legion in Spain. In April, in collaboration with the Diputación de Alicante, we hosted the highly successful 90th Anniversary Celebrations when many Spanish Mayors together with dignitaries and Consuls from other European countries, joined us to enjoy a truly memorable event. Photos of the performances are able to be viewed on our website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north. On this site there is also information about all our Branches as well as how we assist our beneficiaries in Spain. The District area covers from the French border to Baza and Roquetas de Mar in Almeria.

The Legion is well known for its support of those serving, and who have previously served, in the British Armed Forces. Our welfare caseworkers have also been busy during the past year. Amongst our successes - have been 31 immediate need grants, in three cases we were able to get assistance with War Pensions, and 12 were given support and information. This is in addition to the many requests where we have successfully “sign posted” those needing help. Enquiries are varied and anyone who feels we may be able to assist, is asked to ring our Welfare Co-ordinator on 676 451 780.

The Royal British Legion is at the forefront, constantly campaigning on behalf of Armed Forces personnel in order to get the best possible facilities and financial support for our beneficiaries in times of great need. We acknowledge the tremendous work undertaken by so many people in order to aid our service men and women.

Thank you one and all.

As 2011 had been such a difficult economic year, it was expected that the Poppy Appeal for the District North area would reflect this downturn.

However, this was not the case and the Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator Tony Dengate revealed that the District had raised a staggering 134,131.18€. This is an increase of 25% over last year. Tony thanked all those who helped raise the money for this tremendous result - the local Legion Branches, their members and businesses, as well as the many people who asked for boxes of poppies to distribute in their areas. The Chairman and Committee of The Royal British Legion in Spain would like to add their profound gratitude and thanks to all their volunteers, those dedicated men and women who gave up so much of their time to distribute Poppy boxes and collecting tins, who spent hours of time at various shops and airports and who then had to spend further hours counting it all!

Our thanks also goes to all those who gave so generously to the Poppy Appeal this year. We couldn't run this charity without your contributions and you are helping us to help our people in need.

The last year was an extremely busy one for the Legion in Spain. In April, in collaboration with the Diputación de Alicante, we hosted the highly successful 90th Anniversary Celebrations when many Spanish Mayors together with dignitaries and Consuls from other European countries, joined us to enjoy a truly memorable event. Photos of the performances are able to be viewed on our website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north. On this site there is also information about all our Branches as well as how we assist our beneficiaries in Spain. The District area covers from the French border to Baza and Roquetas de Mar in Almeria.

The Legion is well known for its support of those serving, and who have previously served, in the British Armed Forces. Our welfare caseworkers have also been busy during the past year. Amongst our successes - have been 31 immediate need grants, in three cases we were able to get assistance with War Pensions, and 12 were given support and information. This is in addition to the many requests where we have successfully “sign posted” those needing help. Enquiries are varied and anyone who feels we may be able to assist, is asked to ring our Welfare Co-ordinator on 676 451 780.

The Royal British Legion is at the forefront, constantly campaigning on behalf of Armed Forces personnel in order to get the best possible facilities and financial support for our beneficiaries in times of great need. We acknowledge the tremendous work undertaken by so many people in order to aid our service men and women.

Thank you one and all.

The couple work tirelessly to provide a good service to the community by running a book lending service from their specially adapted home. They charge a membership fee and a very reasonable amount per book and with the proceeds they help a number of charities. This time it was AFA Torrevieja who benefited from the generous donation.

Matilde Sanchez said “We are very grateful to the Lending Library at La Siesta for thinking of us this time. The donation will be used for the day centre and it will go a long way to help provide the therapy that is much needed by the patients.”

AFA Alzheimer's Association Torrevieja is available for advice and support. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work in our day centre and now have a “Buy a Brick” campaign to raise money to build a much needed residential care home for sufferers. If you need help or advice, or feel you can contribute, call at the AFA shop in Calle Maestro Francisco Valejos in Torrevieja, the AFA Centre in Avenida de La Estacion or by calling Matilde Sanchez on 647119991 or Judy Ferris on 610082593. Email: afatorrevieja@hotmail.com