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Lo Marabu Bar Restaurant
Quesada
off the Lemon Tree Road in Dona Pepa,
between the Euromarina Offices and Bankinter.
Thursday
7 October
15:00
2009 Meetings
5 November 2009
The November meeting of the Extinguished Firefighters took place once again in The
Courtyard in Quesada. I am not sure that the date of the meeting was of any significance(November
5th) but we had the best attendance since our inaugural meeting in May of this year
(OVER 20 ATTENDED), perhaps everyone thought that there might be fireworks at the
meeting.
Dave G opened the meeting by welcoming those present and also invited first
time visitors to the Club to introduce themselves. It was as usual a very convivial
meeting with Dave G and Iain updating the members on matters that had arisen since
the last meeting.
The Club now has someone taking on the organisation of our social
activities in the form of Tim ably supported by Dave D. Watch out for the announcement
of our Christmas Night out. Tim kindly advised the members of activities that the
FBU are involved in with regard to the commutation of pensions in relation to the
difference between commutation figures for male and female fire service personnel,
it is hoped by all at the meeting that any changes will be backdated to the benefit
of those who retired pre 2006.
We received a presentation from Toni of Bumblebee Prints
where she showed us different styles of Polo and T shirts, the general consensus
was that once we had seen a finished sample with the logo on, then we would probably
purchase in the region of 24 such shirts.
Dave G invited volunteers from our club
to join the Costaleros in time for preparation for next Easter when the Paso will
once again be paraded through Torrevieja, in addition to the three existing Costaleros
a further 6 members have given their names to Dave G to forward to Graham Knight/
Ted Marsh. Well done to those volunteers.
The meeting was a bit longer than usual,
mainly due to Toni`s presentation however everyone seemed to be in good spirits and
didn’t seem to mind greatly that the business side infringed slightly into the social
side.
The Club members wish our good friend and club member Dougie Mole their best
wishes and look forward to meeting with him and Norma again when they return from
their enforced trip back to UK.
Date of next meeting is Thursday 3rd December at 1500
hrs in the Courtyard.
1 October 2009
The October meeting was held once again in the Courtyard in Quesada.
The Extinguished
Firefighters were joined by Ted and Dave of the Costaleros who had come along to
give a presentation on the purpose of the Costaleros and to encourage club members
to consider becoming Costaleros for 2010. Two of our members are already Costaleros
and a further two volunteered their services for next year, so well done to those
four, should any other members wish to join, Iain Bennett can put them in direct
contact with the Costaleros.
Dave Graham presented a report on the very successful
charity night that the club organised to raise funds and gather dried foodstuffs
for the Costaleros who are trying to gather 1.5 Tonnes of dried food for onward delivery
to Caritas who help the poorest and most needy in Spain.
Over 30 kilos of food was
collected on the night and the excellent prize draw raised a further 223.00 euros
which will be used to purchase more food.
Dave also recorded appreciation for Tony
Pipkin for his comedy and singing on the night.
Tony had presented the club with a
replica Tshirt as worn by Howard on his epic cycle trip from Aylesbury to Torrevieja
in the Summer.
Discussion took place on the purchase of T shirts/Polo shirts for club
members and Dave Daniel is seeking clarification on numbers required, colours and
sizes before committing the club to an order.
If there is sufficient interest Dave
will invite the retailers to our next meeting.
For the Club to continue to grow there
will need to be a formal Committee appointed as there are now tasks which need to
be performed and the club will benefit from having a properly structured committee.
Any
member wishing to participate as a Committee member should make it known at the next
meeting, and if necessary an election will decide who fills the relevant posts.
An
example for the need for a Committee was the meetings decision to hold their "Christmas
Night Out" in January, is this in celebration of the three kings? Is it a month late??
or is it eleven months early???
The next meeting will be held in The Courtyard at
1500 hrs on Thursday 5th November.
New members and those who have not managed along
recently are cordially invited to attend.
3 September 2009
The meeting was chaired by Dave Graham as Iain had sent his apologies; he was on holiday as were a number of other members. But, even though the numbers were down this month the meeting went well and there were a few interesting discussions.
The first item to be discussed was the forthcoming charity evening which had to be bought forward to the 12th September; much to the annoyance of Dave Daniel who now cannot make it due to being in the UK for his son’s wedding (he was asked if his son could move the wedding). We were reminded of the entertainment, cost of buffet, also that there would be a raffle with the proceeds going to buy dried food. Any raffle prizes would be gratefully received, as would any dried food ie: pasta, rice etc. either or both of these would be most welcome on the night.
The next item was the change of name, due to there being a lot of ‘Phoenix Clubs’
in the area it was unanimously agreed that we change our name, and that the name
be changed to the ‘Extinguished Firefighters’ which had been put forward at the August
meeting. To go with our new name a badge has been designed which met with approval
from the members present if you wish to see it go to www.ex-
Dave told everyone that the Red Cross are short of volunteer drivers, so if you speak English with just a smattering of Spanish, have a driving licence and could put in a few hours a week please contact the Red Cross.
Dave Daniel put forward a couple of ideas which were generally discussed, the outcome of this was that as we have a few sporty types in our midst, maybe we could offer a sports day challenge to the Bomberos of Torrevieja. Also, it was agreed that it would be advantageous to have a small committee that could carry on the meetings in the event that both Dave and Iain were indisposed. Both of these ideas to be discussed in full at a later meeting when more members are present.
Dave Graham closed the meeting.
Next meeting 1st October.
6 August 2009
The monthly meeting of Retired Firefighters was held in the Courtyard on Thursday
6 August. Various items were discussed including :-
Holding a charity evening possibly at the end of September, this would take the form of a buffet with entertainment and a tombola to raise money for the needy in Torrevieja, Benijofar and Rojales, details to be finalised at the next meeting.
It was also agreed that we would need a new name as there are so many clubs called Phoenix, so get your thinking caps on and see if you can come up with a new name that we can adopt as our own, send them to Iain or Dave or better still bring them along to the September meeting.
2 July 2009
The monthly meeting of Retired Firefighters was held in the Courtyard on Thursday
2 July, a good turn out ensured that there was good discussion on the various issues
brought to the meeting.
Iain and Dave gave a brief account of the various events that
had taken place in the previous month, including:
- Meeting with Graham Knight and the Torrevieja Fire Chief.
- Invitation to Club members to the official opening of Torrevieja Fire Station.
- Reception for Howard Pipkins arrival in La Mata and Torrevieja.
- The recent quiz night, and thanks were given to Dave Pare for his assistance.
This being our third meeting it was pleasing to see how in the space of 8 weeks,
how far the Club has come and that currently there are 35 ex fire service personnel
showing a strong interest in participating, and that there is a distinct possibility
that these numbers may increase in the near future.
The members discussed offering
support to the International Cofradia in their quest to assist the Spanish charity
Caritas with aid for those Spanish people in need, and it was agreed that members
would endeavour to get as much support in the form of dried foods as they possibly
could, and that our meeting place "The Courtyard" would be the focal point for collection
for onward delivery to the International Cofradia.
Initial thoughts were given to
holding a Charity fund raising event and it is likely that there will be an evening
of entertainment in the Courtyard some time in September, again in support of Caritas,
more information to follow shortly.
It was also agreed that the Club would support
the International Cofradia with the annual Easter Holy week Parades with members
offering to participate in the Parades, representing retired Firefighters.
The members
were reminded of the excellent website operated by Sheila and Chick and that our
club have regular updates on our activities posted there www.ex-
The next monthly meeting will be held in the Courtyard on Thursday August 6th at
1500hrs
27 June 2009
Quiz night in The Courtyard
Whilst a fairly low turnout was predicted those of us who did attend had a good night
once again and look forward to the Autumn when it is hoped there will more of us
there to liven up proceedings.
The evening kicked off with us assembling on the terrace
for drinks, followed by some excellent fish and chips prepared by Emmerson.
After
our meal we returned to the open air for the main event, "The Quiz", the questions
were on four topics Music, TV and film, Sport and General Knowledge. Our quizmaster
Dave "Magnusson" Pare set a very high standard of questions, and very ably defended
any disputed answers.
The winning team with a score of 25 points consisted of Rob
and Val Wanless, Dave and Chris Graham and a "ringer" who just "happened to be sitting
at the table, a friend of Dave and Chris (I think he was a refugee from "EGGHEADS").
Our
thanks go to Dave "Magnusson" Pare for taking the time and effort to prepare the
questions, and to Emmerson, Yvonne and Caroline for keeping us all fed and watered
throughout the evening.
Message from The Entertainments Secretary -
Please get back to me with any ideas or venues in your neck of the woods so we can
arrange something.
Iain has already contacted me about a venue in Quesada he has booked
with the lions and together we could fill it out, decent menu good price and a disco
to finish, so please send any other suggestions asap and we can sort it out.
The web page I was speaking about: http://www.fbu.org.uk/workplace /pensions/index.php
DAMO’S
IRISH PUB
Via Park III, Los Altos
Live Entertainment
Saturday’s
from 9.30pm
Every Sunday
from 8.30pm
Fun Quiz
Jackpot rising every week
Big Xmas Quiz on Sun 20 Dec
Every day
all your sports shown on our
5 plasma screens
Spud Murphy’s menu available
when spud murphy’s are open
A few of the Extinguished Firefighters attended a Caribbean Evening in the Courtyard
in Quesada, where they enjoyed traditional Caribbean cooking, Caribbean entertainment
with some Bob Marley thrown in for good measure, and those attending brought out
the outrageous costumes only worn by Brits abroad.... thankfully no photographs.
Emmerson,
our host was happy for us to have a small raffle in aid of APANEE, our adopted charity
for 2010,and we are happy to inform you that 116.00 euros was raised.
Mobile Hairdresser
STEWART
Formerly of scizzor sistor, full range of unisex styles & cuts
657 525 991
966 731 953
For those, who attended the Extinguished Fire Fighters Club meal for July, these pictures tell a tale or two.
For those who booked but did not make it -
2010 Meetings
2 September
The September meeting of the Extinguished Firefighters was held in Lo Marabu Bar Restaurant in Dona Pepa, Quesada.
Dave G opened the meeting by welcoming everyone.
Dave informed us of the plans for
our pre Christmas event, he has arranged for two nights full board all inclusive
at the Hotel Flamingo in Benidorm, arriving at the Hotel on Friday 3rd December departing
Sunday 5th December. The cost of the event is 37 euros per person per night. For
those of us not afraid of the odd risque joke Dave is also going to arrange tickets
for a show to see the Bluest comedian on the Costa Blanca, Alby Senior!!!! not for
the faint hearted.
Anyone wanting to go to Benidorm should contact Dave G before or
at the next meeting and be ready to pay a deposit. According to Andy there is more
than one Hotel Flamingo in Benidorm so Dave will ensure we all get the correct directions.
Iain
brought the meeting up to date with the reason for the change of meeting place for
this meeting, and suggested that now might be a convenient time to permanently move
away from the Courtyard. After much discussion about new venues we agreed that for
the foreseeable future we would relocate to Lo Marabu, Iain had a brief discussion
with Dave and Julie, the owners of Lo Marabu and they are delighted to welcome the
Extinguished Firefighters to their hostelry.
Dave tasked Iain to be the member to
tell Emmerson at the Courtyard, thanks Dave.
Dave told the meeting that he did not
have a recent report on the welfare of our member Brian Willoughby but would phone
him very soon.
Iain asked for everyone who was willing to help with the issue and
collection of charity collection cans on behalf of AECC for their details in order
that we can be briefed by AECC on our duties. Well done to all who volunteered.
Iain
invited those wishing to attend the Lions Club Mad Hatters Tea Party, at Casa La
Pedrera, on 26th September to purchase tickets for the event, well done to everyone
who bought tickets. Any one else wishing tickets can contact Iain or Dave D, tickets
cost 5 euros which gains entry for 1 adult and 1 child free. for more information
visit www.torreviejacostalions.org or see your local press. All funds raised are
going to APANEE the Torrevieja disabled childrens charity.
Malcolm has volunteered
to organise our next social event in one of three restaurants in San Miguel, as soon
as the venue is known everyone will be informed. Saturday 11th September at 2000
hrs, more to follow shortly.
OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON THURSDAY 7TH OCTOBER IN LO
MARABU, DONA PEPA, QUESADA at 1500hrs
5 August
The August monthly meeting was held as usual in the Courtyard on Thursday 5th August.
The turnout was lower than usual due to a number of members being back in UK others
having visitors from UK and of course Brian is still recuperating from his recent
hospitalisation.
Dave G opened the meeting by welcoming everyone including two former
Essex firefighters visiting for the first time.
Dave G updated everyone on the health
and welfare of Brian and we wish Brian every success with his planned surgery in
the immediate future.
Iain thanked Dave D for organising our July night out at Casa
Nicolas and also for having the photographs forwarded to our web page on www.ex-
Iain asked if any members would be willing to assist
AECC with lifting collection tins currently in Bars/Restaurants throughout the area.
I t would be ideal if those volunteers were able to collect in their local communities
to save one person driving round all the collection points. Dave G said that as long
as we had means of identification from AECC then he and others would be happy to
assist
Dave G informed the meeting that he was planning the August night out at a
Spanish Restaurant in San Fulgencio on Saturday 14th August at 20:00 hrs. 15 already
committed to going, contact Dave G for final details/directions etc.
Dave G spoke
briefly regarding our Christmas venture to Benidorm and will report back in September
re more details.
The meeting finally closed with mine host Emmerson giving Dave G
the keys to the Bar and asking him to lock up when we left.
Iain would like thank
Dave G and Andy Colqhoun for assisting with the house removal of Jan and Eddie from
Los Montesinos to Playa Flamenca on Sunday 8th, much appreciated and in the true
tradition of the Fire Service.
Next meeting will be in the Courtyard on Thursday
September 2nd 2010 at 1500hrs
1 July
The monthly meeting of the Extinguished Firefighters was held on Thursday 1st July
in The Courtyard, Quesada. Numbers attending were down mainly due the fact that a
substantial number of our members have escaped to the UK to avoid the now hot Costa
Blanca Summer, and others who have been invaded by visiting family and friends trying
to escape the vagaries of the British weather.
Before the meeting commenced there
was a lot of "Friendly banter" regarding the recent demise into oblivion of Fabio
and his boys, It must be said that most of the mickey taking was well received and
gave Iain and fellow Scot Andy the opportunity to redress "1966 and all that" with
memories of the day in 1967 that Scotland became unofficial World Champions when
they beat the "Auld Enemy" on the hallowed Wembley turf.
The meeting commenced with
Dave G updating the members on progress regarding our Christmas adventure to Benidorm
which is scheduled for the last week November/First week December, estimated cost
of 130.00 euros for three days/two nights inclusive of all meals and drinks, early
indications are that there are ten couples attending, more details will follow in
September.
Dave G gave an update on the health and welfare of our good friend and
colleague Brian Willoughby following his recent stays in Torrevieja Hospital, and
intimated that Brian and Pam will be going on the Benidorm trip. Good luck Brian
and have an early return to full health.
Iain informed the meeting that he had been
in conversation with Graham Knight regarding the official opening of the new Torrevieja
Fire Station. The new station pump room is now housing the appliances but the old
station is still standing so no date is yet available, Graham did say however that
any announcement may be made at very short notice, watch out for any news in your
e mail system or by checking the website www.ex-
Iain informed the meeting that he had tried to contact member Tim following
the last meeting, however had received no reply from Tim. Dave D reported that he
still had a polo shirt for Tim.
Andy reported no change in the situation regarding
the Pensions Ombudsmans review of the Firemans`Pension Scheme.
Dave D reminded everyone
of our forthcoming social evening on Saturday 10th July, arriving after 1900 hrs
for pre dinner drinks, with dinner at 2000hrs in Casa Nicolas, next to the CV 905
the Crevillente-
The next general Club meeting will be on Thursday
August 5th at 1500 in the Courtyard, Quesada, new members guests etc all welcome.
3 June
Dave G opened the meeting with an update on the health and welfare of our colleague
and good friend Brian Willoughby. Brian has suffered a mild heart attack but is now
showing signs of a good recovery in Torrevieja Hospital. The members wish him a speedy
recovery and his name is top of the list for our Christmas celebration in Benidorm.
Our June social event was discussed and due to some football tournament taking place
in S.Africa the numbers attending the event will be lower than normal, however the
event will still go ahead as planned.
Our July Social will take place on Saturday 10th July and will be at Casa Nicolas
Restaurante, 1900 for 1930, for drinks on the terrace followed by a meal with wine,
priced at 10.99 euros, which includes entertainment. Thanks to Dave D for organising.
Dave G reminded everyone of the planned event pre Christmas in Benidorm, the meeting
agreed unanimously that Dave should go ahead and come back with prices etc for the
next meeting.
Andy informed the members of the latest position regarding the FBU appeal to the
pensions Ombudsman, and that a number of test cases have now been put forward for
consideration.
The Club polo shirts and blazer badges were distributed to all present,
Dave D has possession of those for others not present.
The formal part of the meeting closed and then as usual the stories of times gone
by started.
5 May 2010
Hi everyone,
One year on and our Extinguished Firefighters have settled into a consistent
attendance of members at meetings. The May meeting was well attended and although
the business side of the meeting was minimal, the social side(the important part)
went on longer than usual, with quite a few members having to be hauled out by their
partners.
Iain commented on the April event at Portico Mar and thanked Andy Colquhoun
for organising it.
The May event is our first Anniversary night in the Courtyard on
Saturday 8th May and a good number have already booked their places, anyone not already
booked can do so by contacting Iain or Dave or directly with Emmerson at the Courtyard.
Dick
Daniels suggested a venue for the June Social, and true to club tradition was duly
despatched to organise it. The event will be a meal at Camposino on the 12th June
1930 for 2000. Dave G recommends that we should go for the T bone steak, a few euros
extra but apparently huge!!! More info to follow, plus directions on how to get there.
The
long awaited T/Polo shirts should be ready for distribution shortly.
Dave G invited
Peter Thorpe and his business partner Sylvia from UK TAX REFUNDS SL, to give a talk
to the club on the benefits of being fiscally correct in Spain. Peter was very informative
and gave many of us some guidance on how best to keep our tax obligations to a minimum.
Peter
outlined that as we were all recipients of a pension from "The Firemens`Pension Scheme"
we had no option but to pay income tax on that in the UK, however he also outlined
the benefits of having the "Old Age Pension" paid and taxed in Spain.
Any member wishing
a more specific personal consultation can contact Peter and Sylvia on 965 690 518
or by e mail on info@taxrefund.uk.com you can also visit the website www.taxrefund.uk.com
One of the surprising pieces of information that came out was that Dave G is not
yet 65, paper rounds must be very hard in Gateshead.
1 April 2010
The monthly meeting of the Extinguished Firefighters was held on Thursday as usual
in the Courtyard in Quesada.
The meeting was well attended with visiting guests formerly
of Northamptonshire Fire Service, Dave Taylor and his wife Frances.
Dave and Iain welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave an account of the past months
activities, including the March social event which had gone down very well with everyone
who had attended.
Dave gave an update on the members who had joined the Costaleros
and of how well disciplined the Costaleros are in the way they conduct the processions,
the main event is the Procession on Good Friday followed by a barbecue which will
by all accounts finish in the early hours of Easter Saturday morning. Congratulations
to all the Extinguished Firefighters taking part this year.
Iain gave a brief resume
on the situation still on going between the FBU and the Pensions Ombudsman, and it
is hoped that a few test cases will find in favour of all retired firefighters at
home and abroad.
The April Social will be a dinner, held in Restaurante Portico de
Mar between La Mata and Guardamar just off the N332, on Saturday 10th April, any
members wishing to attend should contact Andy Colquhoun as soon as possible to book
their place andyandpamcolquhoun@hotmail.com .
Dave G suggested this years Christmas
event should be in Benidorm late November early December, with perhaps a couple of
nights stay in a quality hotel and maybe a night out at the Benidorm Palace, this
suggestion was well received and Dave was unanimously elected to organise it. Well
done Dave G
One year old in May
The Extinguished Firefighters will celebrate the first
anniversary of their coming together, with a buffet supper with entertainment to
be held in the Courtyard Bar/Restaurant in Quesada on the evening of Saturday 8th
May 2010 1930 for 2000, all members and those in the past who have attended meetings
are welcome with partners. Price to be announced shortly.
Nearly one year old the
Club has acheived a number of successes and has a good core of regular attenders
and participants in the various events being organised, more on that in May.
ALL MEMBERS
SHOULD NOTE THAT THE MAY MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT 1500HRS ON WEDNESDAY 5TH MAY
2010 AND NOT THURSDAY 6TH
4 February 2010
The monthly meeting of the Extinguished Firefighters took place in the Courtyard
on Thursday 4th February.
Once again there was a good attendance of what has settled
down to our core membership.
Dave G informed the meeting of the arrangements for registration
and training nights for those members volunteering as Costaleros, all the information
is contained in the COASTRIDER newspaper of 2nd Feb.
Iain informed the meeting that
arrangements for a fund raising event for the people of Haiti had still to be confirmed
with Emmerson.
Iain informed everyone about the forthcoming Lions Club Dinner and
Dance in the Real Golf Hotel on the Campoamor Golf Resort,on the 20th March a number
of members are going to attend with partners, any other members wishing info or tickets
can contact Iain on idsbennett@hotmail.co.uk or 966 731 495.
Dave G informed everyone
that it was his intention to have a fund raising raffle for the children of APANEE
at the Caribbean night on 20th February and asked for raffle donations from those
attending.
Dave P intimated that he was going to put aside 1 euro per week to donate
to APANEE children at the end of the year, Iain agreed that it was a good idea and
agreed to do the same.
Iain informed the group that there was still no date for the
official opening of the new Torrevieja Fire Station.
Dave D is still having some problems
with the company supplying T shirt but hopes to resolve the matter shortly.
Dave P
agreed to organise a night out at his local Chinese restaurant for members and partners
however he has since encountered a double booking in his diary and has had to postpone
the event.
The "formal" part of the meeting closed and was followed by the usual
social side of the club.
7 January 2010
Iain welcomed everyone to the meeting with New Years Greetings.
Dave and Iain brought
the meeting up to date with recent events regarding the Club.
Iain informed the meeting
that both Dave and himself had been invited by Tony Pipkin to present 300.00 euros
to APANEE in Torrevieja on behalf of Howard, Tonys` son who had last year cycled
from Aylesbury to Torrevieja raising funds for various charities.
Iain and Dave were
delighted to do this and did so just before Christmas.
Both Iain and Dave spoke about
their experience at APANEE and following some discussion it was agreed that the Club
would dedicate 2010 to raising funds for APANEE.
Social events were discussed and
Dave Daniel has agreed to organise a social event in the near future, it was also
generally agreed that in addition to our monthly "business" meeting that we should
schedule a social event every second month, accepting the fact that we cannot all
attend every event but would where possible we would all attend when we could.
Andy
Colquhoun gave an update on the ongoing issue of the inequality between commutation
figures for retired male and female firefighters, The FBU are still on the case.
Still
on the horizon is the official opening of the new Torrevieja Fire Station, Iain will
keep everyone updated regarding the opening date.
Any members who still wish to
order T/Polo Shirts or blazer badges should contact Dave Daniel as soon as possible
on davedanie@gmail.com
.......
As you are no doubt aware both Dave Daniel and myself are members of Torrevieja Costa
Lions Club, On Sunday 26th September we are holding a fund raising event for APANEE,
which coincidentally are the Charity that the Extinguished Firefighters are supporting
this year.
The event takes place at Casa La Pedrera at 1500-
During
the afternoon there will obviously be the Tea Party with the fayre, including home
made cakes and scones with home made jam, being served by characters from the original
Mad Hatters Tea Party, there will be a bar serving cold drinks, beer, wine etc. Croquet
on the lawn, games of skill with prizes to be won. The entrance fee of 5 euros admits
one adult with one child free, additional children can gain entry for 2.50 euros,
the entrance fee includes entry to a free prize draw.
Entertainment will be provided
throughout the afternoon by the JB Brass Band, the only Brass Band permanently on
the Costa Blanca.
If you and all your friends and family fancy a day out with a difference,
then this is it.
Tickets can be pre ordered from either Dave or myself at any time,
it would be great to see you all there and remember every single cent raised goes
to APANEE, the Extinguished Firefighters chosen charity.
Message from Iain
Dona Isabela Restaurant
San Miguel
Sat 11th
19.30 hrs