Zurgena Councillors Blog

A Very Sad Day

2023-05-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

Well that’s it over. After 16 years of involvement in the Town Hall my time has come to an end.

We were thoroughly beaten by PP in the election and although I do not know how many councillors we have, we certainly do not have more than a couple.

We fought a fair, honest and truthful campaign. I do not want to dwell on some of the negativity but there are certain aspects I was very disappointed in.

I will no longer have any role within the Town Hall. I am sure the new administration will arrange some additional help for non Spanish speakers. I am confident that Jose Manuel will keep the job we gave him, so you will always have him in the office. I think the English speakers on Domingos list will be contacts for you all to use relative to Town Hall issues. They are Michael Foulkes, Gary Bowen and his son Simon and Ann Richardson.

I wish the new administration good luck for the next four years. We leave the Town Hall in Zurgena in a vastly improved situation financially and with all the ground work done for the industrial estate, the mill interpretation centre, the railway, the camera security system and many other projects. It should be easy for them to finish those off.

It just leaves me one thing to say and that is to thank all of you who have supported me over these past 16 years it has been interesting, challenging, rewarding and at times fun. I have met and made many wonderful friends during my time. Many memories of our trips and Town Hall activities stay in my head. Zurgena will always be in my heart.

The blog will remain online and is always searchable in the box above.

Thanks and goodbye

Jim

Thanks

2023-05-27T06:04:00.003-07:00

I just want to record my sincere thanks to the below named people. They have all helped me and this week to try and speak with every non Spanish voter but I am afraid we didn't manage to see everyone. The weather and time restricted our ability to see everyone and I apologise to all those we did not manage to see.

Tom Taylor, Palaces, Shelagh Murdoch, Cucador, Chrissy Maywood, Los Carasoles, Volker Bendell, Alfoquia and Chris Hart Zurgena.

Thanks all.

Final Days

2023-05-27T00:30:00.003-07:00

Well folks today is a day of reflection so no canvassing or electioneering allowed.

I do hope all of you who are able to cast your votes for PSOE tomorrow. I will be outside the Alfoquia polling station during most of the day.

I have to apologise for not getting to everyone’s house to canvas as it has been very hectic. I am really sorry to have missed some folks 😢

The results are usually known by the end of Sunday and we will know who has won and probably what my role, if anything, is going to be after 1st June.

And remember it is Palaces fiesta today with the free paella at 1400 hours. Everyone is welcome.

Voting Process for Sunday

2023-05-25T12:24:00.002-07:00

For information of anyone not sure of voting procedure thought I would explain.

Firstly all residents who are entitled to vote in Alfoquia, Los Carasoles, Cucador, Llanos del Peral will vote in the school on the opposite side of the big square area to Coviran. The other areas, ZURGENA, Los Menchones, Palaces etc will vote in the Town Hall. Those polling stations will be open from 0800 until 2000. THIS SUNDAY.

A point to note - I have been told that if you have not received your voting papers in time but are entitled to vote you can take your TIE card as it shows both your NIE number and your address. Although I would also recommend taking your passport as well, as they may ask for additional ID.

When you attend at the polling station you will see which table (mesa) to go to based on your name. Present yourself with your card or TIE. They will check you are entitled to vote and you can then select, from piles of ballot papers, each pile will be for one of the parties. DO NOT MARK THE BALLOT PAPER. I am obviously hoping you decide to vote PSOE, place the slip inside the envelope seal and place in ballot box. Really simple and easy.

I will be outside the Alfoquia School polling station during most of Sunday in case anyone needs help. Also if anyone needs a lift please message me or call me on 0044 07368 990809 I also have this number on WhatsApp.

Palaces Fiesta Programme

2023-05-21T06:17:00.004-07:00

Programme for Palaces Fiesta

Wednesday 24th May

1900h Salute of Fireworks to open the Fiesta

1945h Floral presentation to the patron saint.

2000h Salute and prayer of the holy rosary in the school house

Friday 26th

1900h Salute of fireworks and traditional procession with the virgin saint to the houses of Palaces.

2100h Return of the procession to the chapel and the counting of donations.

2300h Popular concert by the duo Amanecer

Saturday 27th May

1015h Chocolate and churros at the school

1045 Inauguration of commemorative plaques on the wall of the school.

1100h Presentation of the book entitled”El Eden de la Memoria” by Francisco Martínez Garcia at the school

1230h Shoe tossing tournament.

1400h Day of Fiesta with Free Giant Paella provided by the Town Hall.

1730h Traditional Games for the children

2000h Mass presided over by Silvera Sanchez Franco Parish priest of San Ramon Nonnato accompanied by Jesus Torrecilla Priest of Zurgens. Followed by solemn procession accompanied by music.

2230h Popular concert by the orchestra of night.

2300h Gala of the fiesta. With recognition of Dona Elodia Palomino and Ana Josefa Sanchez Garcia for the ‘AVVV La Torrecilla’ and the last national shows in Palaces and of her husband Francisco López Ramon. Then the coronation of the Fiestas Queen and Mister.

0100h Fireworks and lights to end the fiesta.

Election Fun

2023-05-19T03:59:00.002-07:00

We are now well into the electioneering time.

It can get a little fraught with the competition but my party, PSOE, will try and remain focused on the positives.

Our PSOE candidate for Mayor, NOELIA has proven herself over the years to be hard working, honest, enthusiastic and committed to the good of our community. She is not in it for the power but for the good she can and will do.

You may have noticed that some of our English signs keep disappearing after being put up. We do wonder who could be doing this but I am sure we will ensure everyone knows our plans.

These are the dates/times for our meetings to inform the non Spanish speaking residents of our plans and to meet our candidates. I am flying over to lend my support as I think it really important that we vote the PSOE team back into power to complete the work they have started.

If you can please try and make it to one of these meetings. It will be to everyone’s benefit to have an informed citizenry.

Next Walk

2023-05-13T08:35:00.002-07:00

The next walk in the keep fit series sets off from the entrance to Juan Andres de Toledo school in Zurgena (up Avenida 19th de Octubre by side of chemists) at 0930 Tuesday 16th May.

If you fancy a gentle walk just turn up and join the walk

The Craziness Begins

2023-05-12T02:48:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day when campaigning can start for the local elections on Sunday 28th May.

As many of you may know this is the only election in which non Spanish residents can vote and impact the people who, for the next four years, will manage our municipality. It is therefore really important that if you qualify to vote eg lived here and on Padron for more than 2 years, that you exercise your right to vote. If you are unsure just call into the Town Hall and ask.

I have had the honour to serve on our local council in various roles over the past 16 years. I have worked with many different colleagues and developed an in depth understanding of the complexities of managing a small Town Hall such as ours.

It is because I know most of the candidates standing for this election that I will be endorsing the PSOE party led by an eminently knowledgeable , hard working effective person who I have known and worked with for many years - Noelia Garcia Jimenez (Noe to friends). She has been indispensable in our recent work to put our finances in a healthy position, to develope good ideas and plans for the future as well as manage our team.

We will shortly announce our plans for the future and how we will communicate that to all non Spanish speaking residents. Watch this space for updates.

Dearth of Posts

2023-05-11T02:19:00.004-07:00

Sorry about the lack of posts lately but everyone has been manically organising stuff for the upcoming elections!!

No one is allowed (by law) to start electioneering prior to the 12th May.

So unless anything urgent occurs, between now and then, the next posts will be about the election. There is quite a lot to explain but will do so when allowed.

Presentation Meeting

2023-05-01T05:13:00.001-07:00

The meeting at which all candidates on the list for the upcoming election for the PSOE party will be presented to the public as below.

This is your opportunity to meet and hear from the party which I recommend you support. It is an excellent group of candidates under the new leadership of Noelia Garcia (Noe) who has for years served in different roles in the previous administration.

At the Renfe building, Alfoquia at 7.0pm on Thursday 4th May. CHANGE OF VENUE NOW TO BE HELD IN THE THEATRE IN ZURGENA

Below is Noelia’s statement.

Neighbours!

After twelve years working for our town as councillor of the Government Team, for the next municipal elections I decided to face the challenge of presenting myself as a candidate for mayor. I face this challenge with great enthusiasm and with enormous responsibility, managing a municipality like ours is not an easy task, but I feel prepared to do it, together with the team of brave and hard-working people, who on the 4th I will present to you all at the Cocherón of the Renfe at 7:00 p.m. Needless to say, you are invited to meet first hand the candidacy presented by our party!

Healthy Gentle Organised Walks

2023-04-29T02:40:00.004-07:00

"For a million steps" is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Consumption of the Junta de Andalucía, whose purpose is to promote the practice of physical activity in the population as a whole, through the organisation of group walks .

Why not join in and make or take a few friends for a bit of healthy exercise!

The project is intended for associations and groups of people, and its implementation is at the local level. Our City Council is going to collaborate with Magdalena and Concha, the nurses from our office, whom we thank for their involvement, and who will help to achieve this challenge!

We will try to take at least one million steps in a month. By adding the steps of all the neighbours who are participating in this initiative?

This challenge is intended to encourage people who are sedentary to start a more active life and those who are already sedentary to maintain healthy lifestyle habits.

In a first phase, it means assuming the challenge of taking at least one million steps in a month, by adding the steps of the members of the association who participate in this initiative.

We will carry out this activity every Tuesday during the month of May at 9:30 a.m.:

Day 2nd May Departure from the Town Hall

Day 9th May Departure from the School of Alfoquía.

Day 16th May Departure from the School Juan Andrés de Toledo in Zurgena

Day 23rd May Departure from the Medical Office of La Alfoquía.

We will wait for you!

Doctors Surgery Reopens

2023-04-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

We are able to announce the reopening of the renovated doctors surgery.

As from tomorrow, the Zurgena Medical Office will reactivate their services.

This morning we received a visit from the territorial delegate for Health and Families, Juan de la Cruz, and those responsible for the Northern Health Area of La Inmaculada Hospital, who, accompanied by our mayor, councillors and our nurse, Magdalena, have been able to see firsthand how good our office is after the full renevation work that has been carried out with the Town Council's own funds, and that it is now ready to return to service form the municipality.

We appreciate the collaboration of the North Health Area, which has provided the medical center with new furniture and has collaborated with the installation works.

We appreciate the collaboration of the La Alfoquía office to carry out the care for the users who of Zurgena town during this period of adaptation of this office and of course to all the neighbours for their patience. The wait was worth it!

A Great Get Together

2023-04-21T07:06:00.002-07:00

Many of you will remember our food get together, of years gone by, when local ladies demonstrated and let us enjoy their traditional dishes. Due to Covid these were stopped but we have organised another similar event.

It is to be held in the Renfe Building at 1200 hours on Saturday 29th April.

You will have the opportunity to taste local dishes prepared by chef Cesar Perez but there is a price to pay! We are asking that all attendees bring along an example of a dessert dish from their home land. This will ensure you get to taste a variety of flavours from different parts of Europe.

I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed these events in the past as, not only does it teach us about our area and it’s culinary history but it is a wonderful way to share food. I must also admit that I did take an occasional bottle of wine along and not yet sure whether any drink will be provided!

So if you fancy going please give Paco a call on 610 194 264. He doesn’t speak much English so if you can manage a bit of basic Spanish and say,” Quiero asistir a la reunion en la Renfe el veintinueve de April. Mi nombre es …. y habra … (number) de nosotros.” He should manage but any problems or if you don’t fancy trying your Spanish then drop me an email message to jimszurgena@gmail.com and I will inform him.

Have fun

Neighbourhood Watch Update

2023-04-19T09:29:00.008-07:00

I have been asked to send out the following message on behalf of Zurgena Neighbourhood Watch:- Zurgena

Neighbourhood Watch has a new Facebook page to raise awareness about this scheme

If you live within the areas of Zurgena and its surrounding villages, click on the link below for more information about your local Neighbourhood Watch.

Please like the page and click on the email link if you would like to join.

Zurgena NHW Facebook page

Anyone Want an Au Pair

2023-04-10T05:09:00.003-07:00

I have been contacted by my good friend Andy Mortimer (our contact with the Spanish Legion) who in turn was contacted by a General who has a niece who has recently been orphaned. She is in her 20s and is loooking for a summer job for July and August. She wants to continue to improve her english language skill although she is basically competent. Really any sort of domestic support job and preferably living in would suit best. I will also put her CV on english summer job websites but if anyone is looking for some help during these 2 summer months let me know and I will send her CV and details.

Easter Programme

2023-04-05T09:33:00.002-07:00

Please find below the programme for this easters processional celebrations in our villages.

Green Way Meeting

2023-03-29T07:53:00.006-07:00

As many of you know the green way project (which when finished will run from Baza to Huercal Overa and incorporates walking and cycling routes and additional features) will run through our village. It will also feature our railway. The next meeting of the overseeing body is to be held at the Renfe Building in Alfoquia on Thursday 20th April at 0900. I have attached a copy of the agenda for the meeting which is in Spanish but gives you an idea of the points. This is a major project of huge significance to the area and if you are in the least interested in it will be well worth attending. 9:00 RECEPCIÓN DE ASISTENTES 9:15 APERTURA Francisco Martínez Ramos, alcalde de Zurgena 9:30 SESIÓN I: DINAMIZACIÓN TERRITORIAL A TRAVÉS DE CAMINOS NATURALES Y VÍAS VERDES Juan Manuel Alameda Villamayor, jefe de servicio, subdirección general de Regadíos, Caminos Naturales e Infraestructuras Rurales. Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación. Programa Caminos Naturales Carmen Aycart Luengo, consultora COLOQUIO Discussion 10:00 SESIÓN II: PRESERVACIÓN DEL PATRIMONIO FERROVIARIO EN LAS VÍAS VERDES Juan Soria Martínez, gerente del Consorcio de las Vías Verdes de la Región de Murcia Domingo Fernández Zurano, alcalde de Huércal-Overa Caridad López Martínez, teniente de alcalde de Serón Rafael García de la Mata Escudero, Presidente Asociación Cultural de Amigos del Ferrocarril de Zurgena José Luis Pinilla Trujillo, Mare Ingeniería Ferroviaria Alternativa COLOQUIO Discussion 11:00 PAUSA CAFÉ 11:30 VISITA TÉCNICA AL RECINTO FERROVIARIO DE LA ESTACION DE ZURGENA 12:00 SESIÓN III: EXPERIENCIAS EMPRESARIALES EN EL ENTORNO DEL CAMINO NATURAL VÍA VERDE GUADIX-ALMENDRICOS Juan Yeste Martínez, Alojamiento Cuevas Balcones de Piedad (Baza, Guadix) www.cuevasbalconesdepiedad.es Luis Aurelio Pérez Tapia, presidente de la Asociación de empresarios turísticos del Valle del Almanzora www.turismoalmanzora.com Maribel y José Antonio Águila Sánchez, CEO y gerentes de Embutidos de Zurgena, www.aguilacarnicas.com José María Pérez, gerente de Eventos deportivos y de turismo activo Azimut Sur (Guadix) www.azsur.com Felipe Bonillo García, gerente de Catering Bonillo-Esencias de Levante (Arboleas) www.cateringbonillo.com COLOQUIO 13:00 CLAUSURA

A Different Saturday

2023-03-28T12:32:00.002-07:00

Fancy a different Saturday? This Saturday 1st April from 5.30pm in the Park Gines Parra we are having the Fiesta of Colours. There will be a DJ animator who will provide a new way to enjoy your time. Pop along and have a fun time. The event should be enjoyed by over 12 years and adults.

Good News for Railway Attraction & End of burning

2023-03-28T10:19:00.005-07:00

Firstly excellent news this week regarding a grant we have been succesful in obtaining and which will allow us to recruit train and employ 10 people in tourism commerce to progress the creation of the Raiway Museum and attendant attractions for the future. This is another major step forwa4d in making our area attractive to visitors an£ tourists. Secondly the authorities have decreed the end of the agricultural burning season from 1st April no burning will be permitted. This decree is constantly under review and takes into account meteorological conditions to minimise the risk of fire.

Railway Museum and Girl Friday

2023-03-20T04:20:00.000-07:00

The AGM for the Railway Museum is to be held this Saturday 25th March at 1200 noon in the old railway station. It should be interesting to hear how things are progressing given that Rafa has acquired 2 items of rolling stock. If you are interested please pop along and show your support for the guys who are doing all the work on this amazing project for our area and maybe learn more about the plans. It will make our area an even more attractive place to visit. We have a young girl, who is the niece of our local priest, who is looking for some part time work. She is particularly interested in working to care for, or assist, the elderly. She has good refences, I am assured. So if you have, or know of anyone who may have, a requirement for such help please let me or Jose know and we can arrange.

Driving Licences. UPDATE 14th March 1840hours

2023-03-14T03:17:00.007-07:00

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior have just released this press statement on driving licences. The Government approves the reciprocal recognition and exchange of driving licenses between Spain and the United Kingdom The agreement, embodied in the form of an Exchange of Verbal Notes between the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, also establishes the exchange of information on traffic offenses in terms of road safety In this way, holders of a valid driving license in one of the two States may request the exchange in the country where they have established their residence without the need to take an additional practical or theoretical test. The Council of Ministers has approved this Tuesday the agreement by which Spain and the United Kingdom will proceed to the reciprocal recognition and exchange of driving licenses as well as the exchange of information on traffic offenses in terms of road safety. This agreement puts an end to the successive extensions applied to the exchange of permits between the two countries that had been applied since the end of the transitional period provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement of the United Kingdom from the European Union. From now on, holders of a valid and current driving license issued by either of the two States may request the exchange of their equivalent driving license where they have established their residence, without being subject to any additional requirement of practical test or theoretical and according to the equivalence tables between the categories of permits from both countries. The agreement establishes that all valid permits or licenses of current residents issued prior to its entry into force may be exchanged, while for permits issued after said entry into force it will be an essential requirement to access the exchange that the permits have been issued in the country where the applicant had his legal residence. With this pact, those British citizens residing in Spain who had not had their driving license recognized before Brexit, nor in the successive extensions granted, will be able to do so as of Thursday, March 16. To facilitate administrative processing at the provincial traffic headquarters, a period of six months has been granted during which British citizens can circulate in Spain with their original permit while they process the exchange. In addition, Spain and the United Kingdom undertake to provide each other with information on the data of the vehicles and their owners for the purpose of investigating traffic offenses related to road safety, especially in cases of speeding, not wearing a seat belt, failure to stop at a red light, driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence of drugs, not wearing a crash helmet, driving in a prohibited lane, or illegal use of mobile phone.

Advice from Gov.uk website regarding driving licences. Posted due to a number of people questionming the current state of play. The UK and Spanish governmrnts are still discussing options for UK driving licence holders and when they reach agreement to modify the rules I will post further. But at the moment the below applies; You cannot renew or replace your UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man licence if you live in Spain. Read the guidance on: what you need to drive in the EU road travel in Spain From 1 May 2022, if you have been resident for more than 6 months and have not exchanged your UK licence for a Spanish one, you will no longer be able to drive using your UK licence. Sign up for email alerts to get notified when we update this page. If you have a valid UK driving licence From 1 May 2022: if you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021, your valid UK driving licence will no longer be valid for driving in Spain if you moved to Spain after 1 January 2021, your valid UK licence will be recognised for 6 months from the date you obtained residence The British and Spanish governments continue to negotiate on long-term arrangements for exchanging driving licences without needing to take a practical test. If it is imperative that you drive, you should not wait for the outcome of the negotiations to take action. You must follow the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) process for non-EU nationals to obtain a Spanish driving licence. This includes taking both a theory and practical driving test. Sent from my iPhone

Organised Walk

2023-03-11T02:32:00.000-08:00

The Town Hall supported by the programme of Provincial Sports Plan 2023 has an organised walk on Sunday 26th March in the area of Pinar de la Alfahuara in Sierra de Maria, Los Velez Natural Park. Registration for this walk includes the technical service for the activity, qualified monitors, permission of use of the areas, civil liability insurance, and transportation to the route. All free! If you are interested in joining this walk please contact the Town Hall prior to 16th March.

Rubbish Disposal AGAIN

2023-03-09T06:16:00.006-08:00

Once more the Town Hall has conducted a programme to try and tidy up areas where the basuras are situated. New signs are being installed at all these locations showing what cannot be disposed of. But remember large items can be placed by the basuras for collection by the Consorcio on the 11th and 26th of each month. Large items should therefore be left in the day or two prior to these dates. We have not yet installed cameras and neighbours are asked to ensure no one deposits forbidden items ot items at the wrong times. If anyone is seen doing so the Police will attend if informed. Their number is 664 395 513. Lets hope this time people comply with thevriles and keep our villages tidy.

Railway Project & Medical Help.

2023-03-08T04:23:00.000-08:00

Two important updates today. No 1 Due to recent events the Town Hall has agreeed to allow Jose Manuel to assist non spanish speakers with medical appointments and issues. Jose trained and qualified as a meducal doctor in the USA and therefore has a medical bachground. He also has many contacts within the Spanish medical fraternity. He has asked me to publicise that he will provide this support at a cost of €15 per enquiry or advice. I& you want to use his services call him on 687 531 499. No 2. Amazing progress by my friend and collaborator of the Railway restoration project for Alfoquia Rafael. After 12 months of negotiations with ADF he has at last procured the first two items of rolling stock which will be part of the museum and eventually part of the tourist train we hope to run. i have attached photographs of these 2 carriages. One is a 75 seater railway carriage from 1996 and the other is a Buffet/restaurant carriage from 1954. It is anticipated that they will be delivered to Alfoquia in the second week of April and prior to the next meeting of the committee for the Almanzora Green Way on the 20th.

Anyone with a room to rent?

2023-03-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

We have a young lady due to start work in the Town Hall shortly. She will be employed to assist young people in their training for jobs. She is not from Zurgena and needs to find a place to stay. She is learning English and would like to live with an english speaking family to help her. It would obviously help whoever she stays with their learning Spanish! She is, of course, willing to pay rent. So if you have a room to spare you might consider this idea an option. If you do please email me at jimszurgena@gmail.com or message me on UK +44 7368 990809 which is also on whatsapp.