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AMIGAS DE CASA

MAY 2010

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this months meeting AND missed the trip to Cordoba, due to the volcanic ash situation. However, I understand from those who went that the trip to the Patio Festival in Cordoba was a great success. The weather was not perfect, quite showery at times, but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of those who walked the walk - well, part of it! According to Sheila and Jean, there was only time to see a third of patios on show, during the 3 hours they were open, so difficult to do all in one visit, and there were a number of very tired feet too. Photos by Sheila (not of the feet) on our Facebook page - click the link above. If YOU took any good photos on that day, and please upload 2 or three of them to the Amigas de Casa Facebook page - the more the merrier! As a full member, please don't feel it's just the Committee who can do this, it's YOUR page too! (If you need help with this, just ask a Committee member) This applies to any of our special events.
The monthly meeting on 13th May, was well attended and the members were entertained by a talk from Jerman Garcia Luque on local history.Two new members signed up this day,...Maggie Stevenson and Janet Morgan - welcome to them.
The meeting on the 13th May, was popular with a number of guests also attending to hear the very informative talk on local history. Jerman told us of the inhabitants of Trabuco from the Visigoths, up to the end of the Civil War. Many members are interested in that period, and asked a number of questions. Presidenta Jean then presented Jerman with a silver photo frame and miniature 'teddy' in keeping with his expected baby boy shortly! Sadly, we seem to have no photos of this meeting - did you take any? please let me know at kathy@trabucotimes.com.
Raffle tickets: In future, instead of walking around to sell the raffle tickets, Liz will sit at a table on the side to sell them, so please approach her there and view the prizes offered - good luck!
At the present time, our quilting teacher Pat Graham is visiting her daughter in the USA, but on her return, together with our artist member, Susan Hartjes, they will be designing a quilt to be made by the members of The Craft Group; each to do a square or three, the completed item will then be put up for auction later in the year in aid of charity.
The Computer Group continues to be popular, and has started it's Monday morning classes again following Geoff and Jean's delayed return from UK. This continues to be a really fun way to spend Monday mornings, and we all learn something new, whether it involves doing spreadsheets, composing documents or posting and editing photos, there's always that little something missing in your knowledge! However, as many of us are having visitors for the next few weeks, the classes will be be held just monthly up to September, that will be the 21st June; 19th July and 16th August. However, Geoff will try to help if you have a particular problem via the telephone.
The Gardening Group tends to fluctuate in numbers, but there again, we all benefit from each others knowledge and experience of gardening in this very difficult climate - neither Mediterrannean nor Alpine, we're somewhere in the middle, so often have to learn the hard way! I am raising a number of unusual plants, which I will be selling hopefully at the forthcoming Garden Party for my own chosen charity The Stroke Association, as well as giving a donation to CUDECA. This group also will just meet monthly from this coming Thursday. , this will be on the 24th June; 22nd July; 26th August and 23rd September - when I shall be advising how to plan your planting for the difficult months ahead.
Diane announced that the Drama Group will be meeting shortly on Friday, 11th June, at the home of Carol Quarmby in Rosario.
The Book Group and the Games Group continue to thrive also - gleaning knowledge and having fun at the same time!
Sadly, this month, two of our valued Committee members have had to resign, Trish Muir due to ill health, and Chris Bosley, who, with her husband Dave, is returning to UK. As both ladies were on the very busy Social Committee, together with Norma; Vicky and Liz, who arrange for speakers; organise trips; press releases etc. etc. this leaves us severely depleted - therefore, we will be looking for two or three suitable individuals to fill these posts, and due to our up-to-date way of working these days, those persons must be also computer literate, with full access to the internet - at least to be able to send and receive e-mails. Details of this to come shortly.
Our fame (or infamy) is definitely spreading, and we are now being contacted by numerous people offering courses of one kind or another. Although not part of our own society, some may be of interest to members, such as Mosaic Workshop courses offered by Sandy of Periana - this is being followed up, so more about those later. One we know well is our friend Richelle from La Huertecilla, offering Bread-Making courses - and many of us have already sampled her lovely varied, home-made breads!
Vicky surprisingly appeared with a pile of mini-donuts and passed them around in return for a donation to a children's charity in Iznajar, to enable 2 children there to have special medical treatment. This 'Donut Day' has become popular in UK held especially for children, when bakers make many extra for the children's charities.There is a special charity 'do' on May 22nd for the two local children concerned, who cannot get public funding for their medical problems.
Our next meeting, as many of you already know on June 10th will NOT be held at Eduardo's, but instead, at 11am there will be a Garden Party hosted by our Vice-Presidenta, Vicky Clark, at her home 'La Nava'. As parking is limited, and due to the bad winter, the access road is somewhat worse for wear, a free shuttle bus will take party-goers up to the house, leaving from the main village car park, the first one of two trips, will leave at 10.45am. A committee member will be on hand to make sure no-one misses the bus! If you absolutely MUST take your car, La Nava is just off the road in from Junction 7 opposite the Olive Oil factory. There will be no speeches, microphones etc. but will be some garden games - boules etc., and food and soft drinks will be available. Unfortunately, our hoped for demonstration by our Salsa dancing friend, Hugh Grant cannot now take place, as he has already moved away to live in Canada - there was not enough business for him here. However, we shall make this also our quarterly 'Home Produce Summer Sale', so if you wish to have a stand, please bring your own small table or a rug, which can be placed on the extensive lawn.
The Committee has extended an invitation to members of the Amas de Casa, (Trabuco's local ladies group) but as yet we don't know how many - if any - will attend.
Incidentally, if you like quizzes, not connected to Amigas de Casa, but a number of our members attend the regular monthly quizzes held at Eduardo's on the 1st Tuesday of each month, at 8pm. Newcomers welcome.

APRIL 2010

A wonderful array of Easter Bonnets were on show for this meeting. I didn't get the exact number, but there must have been around 15! All had decorated an existing, mostly straw hats, but Denni Crisp had made an amazing 'Mad Hatter' style hat from scratch. See them on our Facebook page.
Trudi showed the prizes to be awarded at the end of the meeting; for the first, a wonderful chocolate egg brought back from England from Thornton's, with the traditional white icing writing saying 'Felicidades Amigas De Casa' and a chocolate hen for second prize.
Jean asked for volunteers to put up posters for us in other areas; Alfarnarte; Alfarnatejo; Fuente Camacho;Iznajar in order to invite more to join Amigas, and anyone who could help should see Jean after the meeting. The produce stalls at our last meeting were deemed a success, and we were very pleased with the number; the next one to be in the summer, when hopefully even more will be spurred on to bring their home-made or grown items along for sale.
Social Committee spokesperson Chris Bosley then announced the final instructions for the Cordoba trip on the 11th May, and mentioned there is information about the PatioFestival on the Andalucia.com site.
Vice presidenta Vicky Clark then announced the speakers for the next few months, the next, in May is to be Jerman Garcia Luque on some local history; he is the proprietor of the Mollina Jabonera. Then, Vicky announced the forthcoming 'Garden Party' to be held at her home, where we hope to invite members of the Spanish Amigas de Casa. A bus will be hired to transport people from the village, so all can attend.
Jean then announced that Hugh Grant, the Salsa teacher, is now holding a dancersise class at Eduardo's on Friday mornings at 11am; excersise routines specifically to get your heart going and improve movement.
Next, Jean introduced our speaker for the day, the delightful and bubbly Phillipa Pascoe, of Body Zone and Spa, who gave a very informative talk on keeping healthy, and the therapies and treatments available at her luxurious facility. She has a wonderful website,CLICK HERE and has offered a special free trial to members who are interested, so we signed up and plan to have a day out there!
Finally, Jean thanked Phillipa, and invited her together with Eduardo, to judge the hats, which we then all had to don, and although a difficult choice, the winner was eventually decided upon - Jeannie Murphy from Rosario, with her witty creation which included fresh eggs! The second prize went to Christine Richards, from Salar - a keen gardener, who had an enormous selection of fresh flowers beautifully arranged in a swirl around her hat.
I took some photos which you can see on the Facebook page, but unfortunately my camera battery ran out, so I didn't get photos of the final presentation, although Beverly took some with Jeannie's camera, so hope to get hold of copies to be added later.
A massive boxful of marmalade oranges was brought in by Liz Marsh, to be distributed free, which was greeted with great delight by many, so lots of cooking going on this week no doubt.
This meeting didn't have as large a turnout as usual, as many were either visiting family or had people visiting them, it still being the Easter holidays in UK. No new members this month - the first ever! However, we now have a membership of 62, and more in the pipeline.
As has become a regular thing, some people stayed for lunch following the meeting, and as all have coffees etc. before and during the meetings, Eduardo is a happy man! Although the venue can be a bit cold in the winter, apart from that, we are fortunate to hold our meetings there, as we can rearrange the furniture etc., the place is easy to find, ample parking etc. and the room can hold still more Amigas!

MARCH 2010

Another very enjoyable meeting was held this week. We 'acquired' two more members, Shirley from Granada and Nikki from Archidona - welcome to them.
Flyers were placed on the tables for members to peruse regarding forthcoming items of interest.
The expected reporter from the 'Sur' newspaper was unable to attend as planned, due to car problems, but no doubt will come another day.
Jean opened the meeting, reminding us all that 5th March is International Women's Day,to link up with others for mutual benefit, and asked those in smaller outlying villages to help by putting up posters in order to maybe share transport and join us.
It was agreed that those who went on the Malaga trip had a good time visiting places they hadn't seen before - particularly the Dolls House Museum and and the Museum of Popular Arts and Costumes.
Chris then gave details of the the forthcoming Cordoba trip, and took bookings at the end of the meeting.
Member Pat Love from the English Speaking Group at Loja, then gave details of their group and their forthcoming trips, inviting Amigas to join in with them. Later Pat spoke to Kathy regarding linking to their website for regular details of their trips, and here is the link: CLICK HERE
Next, member Diane Thompson spoke about the plans for the future theatre and entertainment visits, and has volunteered to organise these, so we look forward to something following the disappointment regarding the Teatro Cervantes recently.
Jean then announced the 'Easter Bonnet Competition' for the April meeting - any subject could be used - not just flowers; to be judged by Phillipa from Body Zone and Spa, our speaker for that day - and Eduardo!
The Hobby Group leaders then each spoke of their progress, and invited more to join following the meeting. Special mention was made of Pat Graham, a new member - and new to this area, who has been giving the craft group instruction on patchwork - which she used to teach!
This meeting was the first of our quarterly 'Produce Table Sale'for selling hand and home made items. This all took place after the meeting ended.
Jean then introduced our speaker - a member, whom many may already know, Marilyn Parker., from Rosario. Marilyn worked for many years as a qualified 'Blue Badge' tour guide, amongst other things specializing in taking foreign tourists to London. There was a wealth of stories and information from Marilyn on her career, and said she had been inspired by a tour guide when she was a child, and decided 'that's for me'. A number of amusing stories brought a good deal of laughter, and no doubt she has more!
Members Pam Lewin and Jane Watson invited members to join their Salsa classes and if possible, together with their husbands/partners and gathered a number of interested parties. They are moving their venue to Eduardo's next week, Tuesdays at 2.30. Those interested come along and join on that day, and meet the teacher who rejoices in the name of Hugh Grant! Please note that there is a charge of
€5 for each lesson, as it is not a part of the free Amigas Hobby Groups.

FEBRUARY 2010

Hey! we're now on Facebook too - click here -there's no stopping us!!!
If you're already a member of Facebook, you just send a request to the Amigas page, where I will reply within a couple of weeks, if not before, then you can chat with other members about our group, and our activities, at your leisure. Otherwise, join now and chat with your old and new amigas!

Meeting held 11th February, 2010.
Jean opened the meeting not quite on time as she had to ring the bell in the bar! Eventually all were settled, and she told of the forthcoming plans for the group. Trudi spoke briefly of this being the final chance to join our Ancestry group, and indeed did get more to join.
Kathy mentioned that hopefully next meeting, she will bring some 'plug plants' grown by herself, the variety to be a secret, and hopefully all members will 'have a go' at growing theirs to perfection, they will be just €1.00 for each plug, the proceeds to go to the winner, when the plants are judged -either at the April or May meeting.
Jean then introduced our speaker; Roger Stuart, who arrived looking splendid in wonderful Highland dress! and gave a really different and informative talk on Whisky. His knowledge of the history of Scots Whisky was phenomenal, and he explained how the different flavours are obtained and some of the amazing prices that have been paid for rare bottles etc. He asked for volunteers to do the tasting, men and women, and that was where the fun started! He actually taught the volunteers how to drink and appreciate really good whiskies, and their very different flavours and perfumes. Roger was presented with a bottle of wine and he and his wife joined some of the Committee and members for a well earned lunch.
After the meeting, more members signed up for some of the hobby groups, so we now have 10 for the Book Club; 10 for Family History; and 11 for Gardening.
Kathy had a quick word following the meeting with those interested in the gardening group, and brought each a plant which was new to all, from her garden, called Cerinthe - a native wildflower of southern Spain, but no-one has seen it in it's natural habitat here! The first meeting of this group is to follow the Craft classes on Thursday afternoons, and some members also attend those.
Norma and Chris collected names for the forthcoming Theatre trip in March, and the one to Cordoba in May. The coach for Malaga next week is almost full with just one spare seat, which will no doubt be taken by someone!

Update on Hobby Groups:

Computer Group: To date there has already been two lively meetings. Jean Preston's husband Geoff, has offered to teach us, as he has done this in the past - aren't we lucky? At their home, Jean and Geoff have a wireless broadband connection, so members brought their own laptops and notebooks, and were all able to 'log on' to the internet - a real classroom! Some were experienced computer users, others total beginners or just wishing to improve their skills. Geoff is a good teacher, and knowledgeable re the 'workings' of the computer and the internet, so started there. This is a lively class, and all 10 of us are learning something new. A great success!

Crafts Group: This large group - 14 members -has also had two meetings; held at Eduardo's as there is ample room there, and we can arrange the tables to suit us. Ladies brought samples of their various hobbies, which included painting; embroidery; card making; knitting; etc. along with books, patterns and magazines. A number of us remarked on the first week that we didn't know how to crochet, so Trudi offered to show us the following week - and she did - with varying degrees of success! Trudi also walked in with a whole bolt of lovely upholstery fabric, lengths of which she offered for free, plus she had loads of sewing findings which she offered - lovely. Jeannie brought some jars of home-made pickled red cabbage for just 1€ really unusual and delicious! Great fun.

Family History Group: This coming Thursday 11th February will be the last chance for members to join this group for the coming year, as we will be joining Ancestry.com and the application has to go in NOW. There will be full worldwide membership - you could have connections in America, Australia, - anywhere. Also if like me, you need to access records from the Irish Republic, that is not included in the cheaper membership! The cost will be approximately 27€ per person at present - less if more join - so join now. If you can't be at the meeting, contact me at kathy@trabucotimes.com, or Trudi at trudileach@yahoo.co.uk.

Book Group: To date comprising 9 members, and had their first meeting at the beginning of the month at the Plaza Bar in Trabuco. As is usual with book clubs, each member will be reading the same book each month(new copies purchased on-line.) apologies for naming the wrong book initially, but the first book is to be "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts, with 6 more already chosen for the coming months. Most are quite'challenging' reads, with a Bill Bryson included for a change of pace! Future meetings will be on the last Friday of the month in member's homes, the first to be at the home of Marylin.

Garden Group: There will be a short meeting after Thursday's Amigas meeting re the gardening group. There are 7 members at present, and if any more members would like to join us, please see Kathy. I will then give a brief idea of what is planned for the season, then we will arrange to meet at the end of the month.

Games Group: This group of 6 members has already had 2 meetings to date, and enjoy various board games, the first at the home of the convenor, June Cornish, and will have future meetings at each other's homes.

Drama/Music Group: Details coming shortly, when a suitable venue is chosen.

REMINDER: These groups are open to members only. However, there is no extra charge for joining any of these groups. We can also advise on activities outside Amigas de Casa, eg: the Spanish Casa Cultura activities; the Local Gym club and Salsa classes, etc. etc. We all help each other, if some are more skilled than others, and share transport if necessary. Your only expense will be when it's necessary to purchase books or join Ancestry, etc. and other 'outside' activities.


JANUARY 2010

Our first meeting of the new year was well attended in spite of the recent poor weather. On arrival, Kathy gave each member their new 2010 membership cards with a unique number to each member, which will take us up to November. Jean (la Presidenta) welcomed everyone, members and guests - today 35 members attended, plus two guests - announcing we now have 46 fully paid-up members.(Another five joined at this meeting for the year, making the membership now up to 51 - very healthy!) Liz, as Press Secretary had contacted local ex-pat magazines without success, however, a couple of weeks ago, we had an article and photo published in the 'Sur In English' generating calls from further afield - even Malaga and towards Alameda, so our fame is spreading!
The December raffle of Vicky's lovely floral arrangements raised €92!! and there was quite a fight for them apparently. Many members also purchased today's raffle tickets on arrival, and the prizes were on display at the entrance, including quality household items and even some free-range eggs donated by Marilyn! Jean also said that our current financial status can be viewed by members after the meetings -see Trudi, and at present our funds stand at €584.40c. which seems quite a lot, but will be needed for the future.
All who went on our first 'trip' agreed they enjoyed the outing, and are keen for more. Social Committee members Chris and Norma then announced the forthcoming planned outings to Malaga 18th February; Cordoba Patio Festival 11th May, and possible Classical Music trip to the Cervantes theatre in Malaga on the evening of 12th March.
POSTER FOR FEBRUARY MEETING
It was also announced to watch out for forthcoming Gardening and Photography competitions coming soon. Also next month's speaker was announced - Roger Stuart on Whiskey. As previously mentioned this may be of slight interest to some of our partners/husbands, and this time they will be welcomed - for a €3 guest fee, of course! Looking far ahead to the AGM, to be held in November, this will be combined with a birthday party to celebrate 12 months of getting together, more details to be announced later.
There is some intention of a get-together with the Trabuco Spanish Amas de Casa and some of our members more fluent in the language have already attended their meetings, as many of us know some of the Amas members. This also prompted the mention of our name at the last meeting. It was deemed by the committee that a change now would not be viable - especially not using the word 'Club' which has nefarious connotations in Spain! Soundings have been taken the past few weeks, and members seem happy with trips, meetings, plans etc. and see no need for change, and we are keen to welcome members from other areas. Also, as we haven't previously had time at meetings for 'Any Other Business' requests from members, Jean said either herself or Vicky would be available if anyone has something to suggest after the meeting has ended.
Next, the list of Hobby Groups was announced - (these are 'help each other' groups, for no monetary gain) So far we have 7 lists as follows: CRAFTS - 14 members; (co-ordinator, Ann Ryan) to meet weekly on Thursdays at Eduardo's from 3 - 6pm. FAMILY HISTORY - 8 members; (co-ordinator Trudi Leach) GARDENING/PLANTS - 6 members; (co-ordinator - Kathy Purser) BOOKS - 8 members (co-ordinator, Jean Preston - her original plan, which mushroomed!) and 3 other subjects which have emerged recently - BRIDGE/WHIST - 1 member; (teachers have volunteered) ENJOY YOUR COMPUTER - 8 members; (co-ordinator- Kathy Purser - for basics/improving/tips/sharing) and PLAYAWAY - 10 members - A get-together for board games - Scrabble; Trivial Pursuit; Mah Jong; Canasta; Jig-saw swop; Darts - whatever! (co-ordinator June Cornish) DRAMA/MUSIC - 7 members; (co-ordinator Trish Muir.) The individual lists were circulated, and people added their names to one or more - of course making new amigas along the way, and co-ordinators emerged also, as these groups will not be organised by the Committee, but will be self-governing, either meeting at each other's homes, or a venue of their choice. If you become a full member,(this is essential) and weren't at this meeting, but wish to join any of these groups, please make yourself known to any member of the committee, or
e-mail me here at: kathy@trabucotimes.com - and we will introduce you to the relevant co-ordinator.
As said before, this is a learning year, and later we may be able to arrange groups more angled to learning - eg. U3A.
Finally, Jean introduced our very first speaker, Phil Smith, who spoke of his work as a 'Life Coach'. Phil explained the job as a mix of counseller/best friend who will listen to your problems and help you to decide yourself how to solve them and make a better life for yourself. Numerous members asked questions and made comments, making it quite a lively and amusing discussion! Fortunately, Eduardo had put the heating on, so it was much more comfortable. We had also procured the use of a modern microphone and sound system on loan, which worked very well, so we will be using this each meeting from now on, and everyone could hear what was going on. The chairs were also arranged in a 'horseshoe' fashion of two to three rows, which also made a more sociable arrangement. Vicky gave the vote of thanks to our speaker, and the meeting ended with the draw for the raffle prizes. The first winner was a guest -her first visit - our friend Dixie Wardley, who chose a very nice set of kitchen knives from Ikea, and later her friend Barbara McQueen who also isn't yet a member, won some of the free range eggs! This was a strange draw, as two Committee members also won - which prompted good-natured calls of 'it's a fix!'
Jean Stacey brought along some Calendars for sale on behalf of the CUDECA charity, and all were sucessfully sold. Also, Liz Marsh had kindly brought an enormous pile of bags of citrus fruit which she gave away free, this was eagerly accepted by many, and she also brought some examples of her craft work which she enjoys,which was of great interest to many,including embroidery. Also an enormous circular wooden 'Lazy Susan' which can sit on a dining table to pass the dishes around - Chinese banquet style! This was made by her husband, but beautifully hand-painted by herself in an African style; very impressive! Liz goes to art classes with member Susan Hartjes, a professional artist with many crafting talents, and is keen to share her skills with us. Susan teaches drawing and painting, and specializes in teaching beginners! see her here at http://www.elreposodelarte.com
Eduardo was again looking like the cat that got the cream, as many coffees and drinks were sold, plus more than a dozen stayed for lunch - together with their husbands, who arrived to join them.

PHOTOS FROM JANUARY MEETING CLICK HERE

The next meeting is to be on Thursday, 11th February; when the subject will be 'Whiskey' by Roger Stuart.

DECEMBER 2009

Once again, Eduardo's restaurant was literally ringing to the sounds of ladies tinkling chatter! This was the day to sign up for all the goodies to come. Trudi and Kathy were kept busy 'on the door', as all those arriving wanted to join for the year, with just two visiting guests. Trudi took each members details and gave a receipt after receiving the completed subscription forms, whilst Kathy gave each a temporary membership card until the permanent ones are handed out in January, 2010. We now have a total of 46 fully paid-up members with others in the pipeline - mainly from Rosario and Trabuco, but also we were delighted to also welcome others from Archidona, Tapia and Loja.
Presidenta Jean began the meeting by introducing her newly acquired temporary microphone and speaker! It was some improvement, but we may have to upgrade in the future, obtaining a more suitable type, as such voices such as Jean's don't carry as well as others in such a large room. We had also rearranged the seating which did make some improvement too. However, this is ongoing and it's early days yet - we will get it right! We also even had to close the curtains and put on the lights, because that darned sunshine was glaring in at us - in the middle of December too!
Jean explain that the new membership cards will have each member's unique membership number needed to sign in at the meetings, and also to reserve seats on the coach trips. Chris and Norma updated us on the details of the forthcoming shopping trip on the 15th December, and it was announced also we would be having regular raffles with tickets 50c each, or €2 for 5. The prizes this time were for Vicky's seasonal floral arrangements, and Jean said we would be providing good prizes at the future raffles, and would welcome any donations for prizes from members - perhaps unwanted Christmas presents?
Some members had made suggestions for future speakers, and these will be considered by the Social Committee, where some speakers for the 2nd half of 2010 will be announced, although there may be some revisions later. Some members had asked if they could sell things they had produced, so it was decided that there would be a table provided on which you can leave leaflets/business cards to advertise what you do, and then have a quarterly 'Produce Fayre' beginning with the Spring one on March 11th, followed by others in June; September, and lastly December for Christmas items.
Jean Stacey (our other Jean - known usually to some of us as 'tall Jean')was then introduced representing the Trabuco Té Inglese Group and CUDECA charity, gave details of the work done by the ladies by baking cakes. An excellent amount of monies had been raised for CUDECA and other charities, since the beginning of Té Inglese established in 2004 which was the original brain child of our friend Val Paterson, who sadly has since moved from the area. However, after a shaky start, Té Inglese has gone from strength to strength, raising money for various charities; the local Church; School; family of a very sick boy here in Trabuco, and a desperately poor community in the Sahara, plus two Spanish cancer charities AECC (Asociation Espanola Contra Cancer) and latterly the last 2 years to CUDECA the Cancer Care Hospital in Benalmadena. (Jean previously worked for the Marie Curie Foundation (not McMillan as I said previously!) in UK before moving here, so I don't doubt these charities are close to her heart.)
Footnote: For those who don't know, there is never a crumb of cake left on our stalls at the Fiesta - our Spanish friends just LOVE English cakes!
Next, the plans for the January meeting were announced - an exciting phase, as the various 'special interest groups' will be formed. These will be self-governing, we just ask 1 person to be organiser or liasion, and those groups can decide amongst themselves where and when to meet etc. So far, groups are forming for Crafts; Family History; Plants/Gardening; Drama; Music, Jigsaw Swap; and la Presidenta's orginal idea - a Book group. Member Jane Watson also gave details of a Salsa Class which she and others attend held regularly at Bar Rubia in Trabuco, run by a chap who delights in the name of Hugh Grant! A new class will be starting again in January. Although this is separate from Amigas de Casa activities, Jane will welcome any new comers to join them.
A number of people had asked if their husbands/partners could come along to meetings, and it was decided that certain meetings such as the February talk on Whisky may possibly be of slight interest to some men! so yes, for that meeting they were welcome, for a guest fee of €3, but ONLY husbands/partners - no 'random' men - which produced a certain amount of amusement all round!
Jean then reminded all that the speaker in January will be Phil Smith, 'Life Coach' before handing over to Vicky for her live Floral art demonstration.
Vicky produced - apparently with little effort, four totally different arrangements for the Christmas season, explaining along the way some tricks of the trade. Using greenery from her own garden, and a minimum of carefully chosen florist's blooms including carnations and lilies, she created traditional and modern designs to suit any decor. Needless to say the raffle tickets were flying out, and the lucky winners were:
Sue Read; Marie Brown; Pamela Lewin and Norma Knights.

FOR PHOTOS OF VICKY'S FLORAL DEMONSTRATION- CLICK HERE:

15th December Update:
Many of us went on the Christmas shopping trip today, and had a lovely time. After a cold start, we went off to Guzman's garden Centre, which seems so much bigger than when I was there last (which was about 6 years ago) made a promise to myself to go again soon! Following that we went on to Fuengirola and the Miramar Centre, where we spent the afternoon. Later the bus dropped us off at Iceland, where we all collected our 'essential foodies' before returning to Trabuco early evening. All said they enjoyed it, and the novel raffle run by Norma consisted of making chalk marks on the tyre of the bus, and numbering sections around the perimiter of the wheel. We all paid €1 for a ticket, and the winner was the corresponding number on the wheel which was on the road when the bus stopped! The prize was all the money collected, and this was won by Margrit Buschi, who very kindly donated half her winnings to the driver as a tip! Chris and Norma did a great job of organising us all, and I'm sure we'll have many more enjoyable outings together!

POSTER FOR NEXT MEETING