NEWS4U VALL DEL POP

No. 102 2019

Dear Members, I have to say that the summer temperatures really did affect many of our members, and we hope that now we are having slightly cooler times that they will be feeling and coping much better. Great to see so many of you at the September General Assembly. The atmosphere was really positive with so many members giving a helping hand. Special mention to Bill White who did a great job by entertaining us on the keyboard. During the summer many of the Committee were still hard at work and a number of new groups are being offered. Details will be on the website shortly, and brief details are on page 5. I know that many of you are concerned regarding, the B word, but we will try and keep you up to date, and again a thank you to Elaine Horton for her up to date information regarding residency and healthcare. Information can be found in the minutes of the GA and newsletter. Don’t miss next month's Assembly where one of our own members, David Rohl, will be giving us a presentation… nothing to do with Egyptology, but closer to home; ‘Curse of the Royal Bloodline’. Best wishes, Bob.

With no General Assembly in July, a coffee

and cake morning was arranged for 4th July

at the Memory Lane {Vinyl} Café in Jalon,

to enable members and friends to meet up

for a chat in convivial surroundings.

About 45 members joined the regulars to enjoy the cakes, with a wide variety to select from,

and a coffee or other drinks on US Independence Day – coincidence only - so no speeches nor flag

waving. As the weather was still baking hot it was decided to use the tables inside rather than

“cooking” in the hot sun on the terrace. As the members gathered the conversations grew, with

discussions of how to keep cool, to visitors and holidays, and the inevitable Brexit / PM debate.

Once the drinks and cakes were served, we were able to relax to listen to six offerings from ‘The

Entertainers’ singing popular songs from the 1960’s to the present date, including Nights in White

Satin and Let It Be. The selection of songs took us back to our youth, [yes we were young once] -

and had us all singing along – quietly, to the selection of songs which were beautifully performed

by the four main singers and their three backing singers and dancers.

All too soon the entertainment was over, and we were back to exchanging news and plans for the

summer. A fine relaxing morning with good cake, coffee, company and entertainment –

what more could we ask for? Peter Sockett

Leisurely Lunch in Glorious Surroundings

A glorious sunny Friday, 31st May, saw some 70 U3A Vall del

Pop members assembling at Mas La Pau for a leisurely lunch

on their terrace, nestling in a quiet enclosed valley just

outside the village of Lliber. The venue was new to most of

the members and comprises three beautiful stone buildings,

with arched nayas, and an infinity pool, as the basis of their

restaurant and Spa.

The tables, for four to eight guests, were laid out on the gravel terrace where a gentle

breeze helped the shade, with umbrellas to avoid guests getting too hot. The lunch, a fine

salad followed by roast pork and cheesecake, was served throughout the afternoon with red

and white wine – and copious glasses of water to keep us all hydrated.

The members were entertained by the U3A’s newest group, The Entertainers, to a selection

of songs from the 1960’s through to the present – with opportunities for solo performances

as well as group songs. The singers were well supported by their backing group,

who demonstrated some backing-style dancing skills. The afternoon was completed with a

raffle, where the proceeds generated some €150, and were added to the Goodwill Team’s

charity pot.

The members generally agreed such afternoons, with lunch in pleasant surroundings,

should be arranged more frequently through into the autumn.

The Sharing and Caring Team (formerly Almoner’s) are planning a “Once-a-Month” coffee/tea morning on the second Friday of each month. The venue is the Memory Lane Café in Jalon/Xalo, the first one is planned for the 13

th September and we’ll

be there from 11.00 a.m. – 1.00 pm. For the price of €3, a drink and a piece of cake will be included. (The café is almost next to the Xabia Bike Shop next door to the new car park with the sails for shade). This is aimed at our U3A members who might not get out and about as much as they’d like to. Either due to being on their own in whatever circumstances they find themselves or just being pointed in the right direction for medical or social needs. Bill White has very kindly offered to entertain us on his keyboard playing the songs that we remember and love, and will certainly enjoy. Carole Marten and myself will be hosting this first one and are we looking forward to it. If you would like to come along, an email to either one of us or a telephone call to myself would be helpful to let Sandy know (the owner of the café) to make sure there is enough cake for us all!!

Hope to see you there, Sonia Higginson Carole Marten’s email is:- cvicary2@gmail.com

Sonia Higginson’s email is:- ladyrocker2@googlemail.com Tel No: 966 405 291

At the General Assembly on Thursday 3rd October historian and bestselling author, David Rohl, will be presenting a

fascinating story about the British and European royal houses entitled ’The Curse of the Royal Bloodline’.

David will be introducing us to the work of his big brother – historian Professor John Rohl – who has been researching a possible link between

some of the great events of recent history and a disease carried by the dynastic royal families of Britain and Europe. The story involves a little-known gene mutation called Porphyria, passing through the blood of the royals from

James I, through to ‘Mad King George’, and to Queen Victoria, who then passed the curse on to the Royal houses of

continental Europe through the marriages of Victoria’s children. Be prepared for plenty of surprises and some gruesome secret history!

This portrait of King George III was painted by David Rohl’s great, great, great grandfather, Sir William Beechey.

TRIP TO SAN JUAN FIESTAS IN ALICANTE ON SUNDAY 23 JUNE 2019

by Lynn Bishop

On Sunday 23rd June, 39 of us left Jalon Car Park at 9.30 bound for Alicante. After a pleasant drive down, we alighted from the coach at the port,

enabling everyone to make their own way around Alicante. Quite a few of us made our way to the Titanic Exhibition which was situated in La Lonja del Pescado. We were given headphones explaining each numbered exhibit, these consisted of images, objects and original documents. These icons, from the smallest ring (which was owned by one of the passengers Millvina Dean**) to the largest, a reconstruction of the Titanic at 1:30 to scale – 12 metres long, 4.2 metres high and 3.9 metres wide, were used to tell us the story of what happened on board in it's lifetime over 4 days. It also included stories told by the survivors of the tragedy. An excellent exhibition and well worth visiting! Other people ventured to the MARQ Museum, the Archaeology Museum of Alicante, where there was an exhibition covering the history of Persia from the Palaeolithic to the 18th century with nearly 200 objects from the National Museum of Iran.

Thousand year old ceramics, historical inscriptions, reliefs and sculptures, gold and jewels… Objects which reflect the cultural importance of the history of Iran, a vast territory and the birthplace of processes, civilisations and empires whose influence stretched over parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. The exhibition included an audio-visual presentation and divided into three chronological sections. It was a hot day and fascinating to walk through the streets, the atmosphere was really buzzing with people.

There were huge effigies which had been constructed in celebration of the San Juan Fiestas, depicting all sorts of different characters, they were works of art in their own right, only to be burned later that evening. There were lots of street restaurants offering a variety of reasonably priced Menu del Dias. After lunch some of us decided to go up to the castle, making our way through the tunnel enabled us to take the lift up to the ramparts. The views from here were stunning, across to the port and other parts of the city. All in all, I think everyone had a good experience no matter what they chose to do for the day.

**Millvina Dean was the youngest passenger aboard at the time of the sinking, and was the last living survivor. She lived near me in Southampton and enjoyed her retirement giving ‘after dinner’ speeches for the Cunard / White Star Line. She often came to the Cruise docks to talk with the ‘Meet and Greet’ staff. (lots of ex-BA crew worked with me there!) She died in 2009, aged 97. (Lorraine)

Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers — the Titanic was built by professionals. (Anon)

Line Dancing group New members welcome. Thursday evenings from 12th September at the

Multi-Usos centre in Alcalali 19.00 - 20.30.

It's only 4€ for 90 minutes

Beginner — to improver dances with Nigel

who teaches a mixture of older and current / mainstream line dances.

For further information— contact the group leader Alison McInnes

via the website

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP

We are planning a visit to the nature reserve in Calpe in October.

A November sunset photo shoot up at the castle in Denia with supper in the Port area,

and a group Xmas lunch in December. All weather permitting, of course!

We have a tutorial class once a month at Claudia’s where we review photos taken on our field trips, and also look at various techniques, specific to group needs.

Anyone with a camera — beginner, intermediate, or ‘know it all’ - is welcome

to join this very social group to learn to improve your photography, we do still have a couple of places available. please contact The DPG — via the link on the website, marked for the attention of Lorraine, please

as David Brock is currently sending love from the USSR!

NEW GROUPS AND COURSES BEING DEVELOPED

ART AND DRAWING

ASTRONOMY

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (2 part course)

COOKERY for further information on all please contact the Group Co-Ordinators

The Word Addicts Group

met each week through the summer,

despite the heat we coped - just!

Here are some book ‘fans’, sweltering

in the Cappuccino Bar.

Geraldine and Gordon write…

Hola Adictos de Palabra!

We would love to be able to write a glowing review of The Misremembered Man by Christina McKenna but that wouldn't be fully representative of the views of the group. In fact, the group was virtually split down the middle with just over half of our members fulsome in their praise with the rest less than enthusiastic. Those who rated the book highly loved the characterisation particularly that of Rose who baked and crocheted her way into several hearts. The dialogue and comic turn of phrase was praised as well as the skilful writing which took us from laugh out loud hilarity to appalling cruelty in a single beat of the heart. Those of our number who thought the book average felt that the humour was more farcical than hilarious, the plot was contrived and twee and that the ending was pathetic and rushed. (one of our ‘Marmite’ books) This may not have been our most popular book to date but all of us seemed to be in agreement that the resulting discussion was one of our most memorable and passionate. The book evoked personal memories, both good and bad, of Catholic and/or strict upbringings and our discussion centred around topics including organised religion, physical and psychological abuse, difficulties within in the Catholic Church, sectarianism in Northern Ireland and chronic depression. Gordon and I commented after the meeting that our group has evolved so much since it was formed almost three years ago. Now the individual analysis of our chosen books goes much deeper and members feel able to express their differing thoughts without inhibition or fear of ridicule. I've got a box of tis-sues to hand as I write that I feel very honoured to be a part of such a lovely group. Thank you to one and all. We met again on Thursday, 15th August 2019 to discuss The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson. A word of warning to those who haven't read it yet, don't expect realism!! Maybe our reviews will persuade other members to read some of our choices?

Books for the future include: - Elizabeth is missing Emma Healy

Tulip Fever Deborah Moggach The Sacrificial Man Ruth Dugdall

The Fallen David Baldacci You never know what you might enjoy!

Apologies for blurry photo...lens was all steamed up!)

U3A WALKING GROUPS The Jalon Valley is well known as a popular walking area. However walking here in Spain is not the same as walking in the UK. Maps are not as accurate as the Ordnance Survey maps which cover every area of the UK. Paths and tracks are often rough and routes can be very difficult to follow. So exploring this area on your own can be quite a challenge.

As members of the U3A, you are fortunate to have three walking groups who meet each week to explore the many valley, coastal and hill walking opportunities.

These groups offer a variety of walks which should meet all tastes and abilities. Monday Ramblers offer 4 to 5 hour walks

Wednesday Wanderers offer 2 to 3 hour walks Thursday Explorers offer 5 to 6 hour walks

You will find more information about the three groups on the U3A website,

or you can contact the group leaders here Monday Ramblers – paulleniston@hotmail.com

Wednesday Wanderers – cuscuthbert@hotmail.co.uk Thursday Explorers – paulleniston@hotmail.com

Wednesday Wanderers From time to time this group becomes full. Please contact Alan Cuthbert who will

advise whether you need to join the waiting list. If so, you will be invited to walk with the group ONCE as a guest to try it out and then your name will be added

to the waiting list until a vacancy arises.

We are a group that for the most part enjoy moderate walks, where possible on tracks, circular and with only a moderate rise. We like to allow time for photography and

observation of wildlife whilst still keeping a pace that is health-giving. However, circular walks that do not go up and down are few and far between in mountainous terrain and so people with health issues should always check with the walk leader for a description

of the walk. All walks are taken at your own risk Dogs are not allowed.

Whilst we do walk in the Jalon Valley we also explore numerous walks in other areas. When we walk outside the valley we quite often have lunch afterwards, but this is not compulsory. In the cooler months we meet at 10 am, except when we have to travel a

moderate distance to start the walk. During the hotter months we meet at 9.30 so that we avoid too much of the midday sun. Walks may be cancelled if rain has

spoilt the terrain OR if the day is exceptionally hot. It is essential to wear appropriate footwear, and clothing that is not restrictive and in layers that can be adjusted according to the temperature. WATER is essential and usually a small

pack of energy-giving snacks such as dried fruit, chocolate or biscuits are a good idea. Sticks are not essential, but recommended.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR FORTHCOMING WALKS, PLEASE CALL OR

EMAIL ALAN AND HE WILL ADD YOU TO HIS MAILING LIST

EMAIL cuscuthbert@hotmail.co.uk

New Moderate Walking Group

At present both the Monday Explorers and the Thursday Explorers offer the same day walks,

though not in the same week. They are day walks lasting 5 to 6 hours,

including a picnic lunch.

We noticed that the group co-ordinator was asking for someone to start a new group similar to the Wednesday Wanderers. They offer morning walks of about 3 hours. This group is very popular and has had a waiting list for some time.

We do not have any knowledge of suitable morning walks, and could not offer to start such a group. But we feel we could offer

walks of 4 to 5 hours which would fill a gap between the two groups.

So we have decided to close our Monday Explorers group and start a new group called Monday Ramblers. This will be a group offering day walks 4 to 5 hours and with a picnic lunch.

These will be a combination of coastal, valley and hill walking. Most will be low level walks, though some easy ascents will be included. They will be done at a moderate pace and will be suitable for anyone who is relatively fit and has done some walking. The aim is to fill the gap between the Wednesday Wanderers and the Thursday Explorers.

The first walk will be on Monday 7th October 2019

If you would like more information you will find contact details on the Monday Ramblers page of the website. Alternatively you can email paulleniston@hotmail.com

The next Egyptology Group meeting will be on Monday 07 October,

at the usual venue of Jalon Town Hall (starting at 11 am)

The topic for this second presentation of the

lecture series will be ‘From Menes to Apophis: An Overview of Egyptian History (Part One)’.

David will take us through the first 1,500 years of Pharaonic history, starting with the foundation of the Egyptian dynastic system and ending with the invasion of foreigners known as the Hyksos, which brought about the collapse of the Egyptian state. The Hyksos ruled Egypt for more than a century before native pharaohs from the south expelled the foreigners in a series of battles, resulting in the reunification of the Nile valley and the start of the New Kingdom. This momentous event heralded another 1,500 years of Pharaonic rule, which will be covered in Part Two of David’s overview of Egyptian history.

Part One covers the Pyramid Age, including the Old and Middle Kingdoms.

New members are most welcome - David is a most accomplished presenter, and supports his talks with excellent slides. He is starting his series of talks by going back to the beginning, and has a wealth of new information to share with

the group. So if you missed any of his earlier talks, do come along!

The ‘B’ Word Peter Sockett reports

No-deal Brexit: Immediately the official business was completed Elaine Horton, M.B.E. President of JVH, gave the members an informative up-date on potential life for UK expats with a no-deal Brexit. All UK expats will have to apply for a new residence card called a TIE card. or for those expats with “Permanente” residence cards the transfer will be automatic, for those with 5 years residence and a Green Residence Cert there will need to be a “Permanente” application prior to TIE. For those legal in Spain but less than 5 years will need a temporary residence before a total stay 5-year TIE – which will need to be replaced with a further TIE once 5 years residence is achieved. For those who have not applied then they will have to go through the full process of residence and TIE – which will be a long-complicated process. So, do all that is necessary to try and get yourself fully legal before 31st October, or whichever date Brexit happens. UK driving licences will only be transferable to Spanish licences for 9 months after Brexit so don´t delay - do it straight away.

We can only print guidelines here

It is vital that members do their own research to keep up with the latest developments and daily updates.

British Consulate, Citizens Advice, and ‘Living in Spain’ websites.

Life in the UK Prison Service Peter Sockett writes -

Ray Willcox gave the members an interesting and thought-provoking review of his opinion of life in the UK Prison Service between 1975 and 2004, when he retired and moved to Spain. Ray started his prison service in the hospital wing at Pentonville Prison as a POUT, Prison Officer Under Training, and the anachronisms got no better as he progressed through his training and service. In those days the prison officers were in control and prisoners had to turn their backs when prison officers approached them, and there were no stabbings.

Now, many prisons are run by private companies and their wardens are reluctant to challenge prisoners, and so control in certain prisons has reverted from wardens to prisoners. Ray “progressed” to Portland then Brixton, a remand and trial prison, Young Offenders Institution at Gartry Prison and he set up a new prison in Leicestershire, where, by mistake, the Civil Servants gave him an unlimited budget to set it up and only discovered their error when it was ready to open. Many prisoners were hard cases and proud of it but just occasionally a gentleman did get sentenced, due to a rash moment of violence or crime. Prisoners soon learnt their “human” rights and if they had not worked before prison they demand their human rights to not work in prison. Mental illness became a hard issue to control, where the prisoner had to either be sectioned to a mental health institute or controlled with the minimum of drugs to keep them lucid and coherent. Ray believes a prison sentence is a punishment and should not be too soft and that sentences for knife crime need to be a proper deterrent. As one who has seen crime from the inside Ray believes there is a place for capital punishment, especially if it will save the life of a member of the emergency services. Not all things are bad in prison as on his first posting he met his wife, who was a member of the medical team he joined, and they have been together ever since. Ray has used his experiences to write two books, the last “Lock-down Blues”, with a third on its way. He has also written a book of poems – which our President is offering to read to us at future assemblies.

Maybe this is an answer???

Sign in Chinese shop

window

A Mailchimp reminder will be sent out to members each month. Unsold items can be re-listed.

No photos please — vendors can supply more details on request. Thank you.

Marshall Guitar amp AVT 100

good condition €175 David Smith

Tel. 646 361 963

***********************************

Black Samsung 32 inch TV HDMI €60 Kodak ESP 5250 Printer (Hardly used) €70

Ray Wood Tel. 966 480 746 Mobile 634 308 741

email. dohrayme67@gmail.com

************************

Set of Henselite Lawn Bowls Size 1 medium Price €15 Set of Jacques London Eclipse Lawn Bowls Size 5 Bias 3 Price €15

Box with 4 Tennis Racquets and 3 Badminton Racquets Price €20 the lot Mavis Diplock Tel: 966 408 308

kmdiplock@hotmail.com

A note from our Web Administrator Penny Bolger

A few people have been in touch recently worried about the Cookie notices on our

website. These Cookies are harmless, they will not collect any personal data from your computer, phone or tablet but are simply used to notify our website servers

that you have been to the site before.

When you visit a site that uses cookies for the first time, a cookie is downloaded onto your PC. The next time you visit that site, your PC checks to see if it has a cookie

that is relevant (that is, one containing the site name) and sends the information contained in that cookie back to the site.

The site then ’knows’ that you have been there before, and in some cases, tailors what

pops up on screen to take account of that fact. For instance, it can be helpful to vary content according to whether this is your first ever visit to a site – or your 71st.

So you are all quite safe to allow Cookies from the U3A website.

The Cinema group returns on 14th October as does Mary Poppins.

'MARY POPPINS RETURNS' stars Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any task into an unforgettable,

fantastic adventure. Her friend Jack (played by Lin-Manuel Miranda), is an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring

light—and life—to the streets of Depression-era London. The Banks children from the earlier film are now grown

up with Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks and Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks.

Other stars in the cast include Julie Walters as the Banks' housekeeper, with Colin Firth

as their bank manager and Meryl Streep is Mary's eccentric cousin, Topsy. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady,

another treasured character from the books of PL Travers. Finally you must see Dick Van Dyke playing the retired chairman of the bank,

with a fantastic dance routine when he was age 91 (at time of filming).

Journey of the History of Pop Music

What a great night we have in store for everyone on October 19th at Pepe’s Restaurant in Alcalali. “ The Entertainers” with our Musical Director, David

Rohl, have been working hard throughout the summer recording new songs, including a number which will be performed on the night.

Song sheets will be available so come prepared to sing along.

If you would like to join us send Sandra an email on u3avalldelpoptravel@gmail.com

or take a look on the website for further details.

“Everything is possible - even the impossible” – Mary Poppins

Team Leader Barbara Watmuff - 965 050 245 (Pego/Hospital)

babsinpego@hotmail.co.uk

Team: -

Asst. Team Leader Brigid Redmond 602 046 129 (Benissa/Jalon) 8bridie6@gmail.com

Carole Marten 966 482 626 (Alcalali) cvicary2@gmail.com

Sue Harvey 965 730 605 (Lliber/Senija)

Sandra Welham 965 967 521 (Murla)

Sonia Higginson 966 405 291 /662 166 756 (Parcent) ladyrocker2@googlemail.com

Janice Nethaway Carter 965 583 176 /649 777 575 (Orba) janisnethaway@hotmail.com

JALON VALLEY HELP

www.jalonvalleyhelp.com

Helpline 659 624 643

DENIA HOSPITAL HELP DESK AND INTERPRETERS

10 am - 1.15 pm 966 429 346

Denia hospital will no longer give patient ward information.

The patient must contact friends/family

to let them know where to visit.

RED CROSS - (ENGLISH ASSISTANCE) CALL 678 501 586 for information

There are several telephone assistance schemes, and a new mobile app (only 10€ pm

CALLING FOR AN AMBULANCE.

Always USE YOUR MOBILE PHONE

It is easier for them to find you

The Vall Del Pop Singers will be holding a concert on 1st October.

Come and enjoy a fun afternoon, with good music, Cava and cake, at the Animo in Alcalalì on

Tuesday 1st October 2019. The Vall del Pop Singers have been rehearsing

new music - including songs from Abba, Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Barry Manilow

and many others. The afternoon is sure to keep your toes tapping and there are songs that you can join in with.

Tickets are €7 (including cava and cake during the interval)

and the concert is helping to raise funds for Jalon Valley Help. The concert starts at 4.00 pm and booking is essential as places are limited.

For tickets please call 96 648 2467 -

we hope you will book for this splendid afternoon

VALLEY FM IS NOW BROADCASTING IN THE JALON VALLEY

The Orba valley's successful local English-language

radio station Valley FM has now expanded its coverage

to include the Val de Pop with a new transmitter in

Parcent.

It broadcasts 24 hours a day on 94.5 fm covering the

valley from Benigembla to Lliber. Listeners can hear Sky news from the UK every hour, a week-

day breakfast programme with regular Spanish, sports and business news bulletins and the local

weather forecast. A regular local events bulletin gives details of concerts and gigs by local musi-

cians, fiestas and other events and the station boasts the widest selection of programmes on the

Costa Blanca, from country music, smooth jazz, 60's, 70's and soul music to a comedy hour and

a vintage music night on Saturdays. The website, where you can listen online if you don't have a

FM radio and see the programme schedule is www.valleyfm.es. The website also has a 'What's

On' page that lists forthcoming local events.

The radio station is run by experienced broadcaster Bob James, ex-Bay Radio and Coast FM

and currently a presenter on Talk Radio Europe, together with Vernon Pearce, who retired to

the area 12 years ago but whose radio experience in the UK was gained with Wey Valley Radio,

Delta FM and Hospital Radio Basingstoke. They are both determined to provide a radio

station that serves the local population and their music mix is aimed at the largely retired

expat population.

2019 Charity Fundraising Update

With the Summer break from the end of June, this report covers the period from May to August 2019 to let members know how the Charity Fundraising is progressing. This information is also on the Website. Fundraising is being carried out as the result of specific requests by members with all donations entirely voluntary and kept completely separate from Membership Funds. As at end of March €700 had been raised Between May and August : Sales of Tea and coffee at General assembles €104.50 Flower Raffle on 2nd May € 141.00 Treasure Hunt 28th May €200.00 Hog Roast 31st May €200.00 Sale of Sugar-craft Cake 6th June €174.00 Less expenses to date (€88.20) Monies banked to date €1260.00 Still to be banked €269.90 ( pending changing as much to notes as possible) Total Raised to date for 2019 €1529.90

Remember, the choice of Charities will reflect the nominations made by members.

If you have not yet filled in a nomination please do so at a monthly General Assembly or by email to Marie Fitzgerald (mcfgroups@gmail.com)

Nominations close on 31st October. All nominations will be counted and allocation of funds to Charities

will be made at the end of the year.

Research has shown that people who volunteer, often live longer. Allen Klein

No one has ever become poor by giving. Anne Frank

Fundraisers should use pride, not apology, when asking for a gift for a charity that is doing good work.

Henry Rosso

VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED ARC has been an established animal charity for 5 years helping numerous abandoned animals across the whole of the Jalon Valley. We have 9 dogs in long term foster care for which ARC is responsible for all food and veterinary care, in addition we have over 20 cats, also in long term care with Sally and Matt, the couple who started ARC. There are many kittens and puppies being found dumped in bins, abandoned and desperately needing help. Most of them need 2 hourly feeds and many just don’t make it. We do need short and long term fostering for kittens please. ARC also supports several feral cat colonies by providing food and paying neuter-ing costs for the people who willingly help the animals.

The ARC Charity Shop in Jalon is the main source of income, plus the events organised through the year and donations from many kind people via the collection tins and PayPal. The shop and the events need people power to make them work, some-times through lack of cover there is no option but to close the shop. At events we need people to help set-up, assist on the

day and clear up, plus cake bakers, raffle sellers, coffee makers etc. So – if you have a few hours spare to help at the shop,

once a week, once a fortnight or just as a standby to cover for holidays or sickness, then please get in touch. If you would be available at any of the events to provide help as mentioned,

Please let ARC know. jalonvalleyarc14@yahoo.co.uk or phone Sally on 625 985 689.

Christmas Fayre on 1st December plus Bag Packing at Iceland Supermarket, Benissa in December. Help is needed particularly for the Fayre and the Bag Packing. Thank you.