2010-11-20 08:58:17
Last week Bob Hamilton (VP) and I, in conjunction with the Chiclana Councillors for Culture and Foreign Residents, organised 2 special trips. The first of which was on Tuesday the 16th to the newly opened Chiclana Museum and the“Quiñones” literary foundation. This 3 hour visit was personally guided by the Councillor for Culture, Mr. Jose Luis Aragon. His knowledge of the history of Chiclana and the whole cultural experience was impressive!
The second outing was on Thursday the 18th to the “Salinas de Chiclana” salt marshes and visitor centre, where we were treated to a very interesting tour of the salt marsh and nature reserve. Our hosts, Mr. Paco Flor and Inma Salado welcomed us to an excellent representation of how the salt is collected within the unique natural environment. We saw several flamingos and a good time was had by all when we sampled the local wine and freshly caught, fried fish.
Many thanks to all of you that came along to either. Places were limited and for those of you who were unable to come on these excursions, please keep an eye on our web page for the next ones as they are “snapped up” fairly quickly!
Regarding electricity and urbanisation, I have still not had any joy from the local government, although we have been following other methods to try and push the issues forward.
After meeting with the British Ambassador to Spain, the Vice consulate in Malaga contacted me to meet with representatives from the British Consulate in Madrid and the British Government official for World Housing issues.
Mr. Alan James (ChiFRA Secretary) and I met with them on Wednesday the 17th and after a brief tour of “Pago del Humo” and “Los Llanos” (in the rain) we held an informal meeting.
Last week they visited the Costa del Sol, Chiclana, Sevilla and Almeria. Even though I couldn't get any specific information, the consensus is that each region has it's own individual issues; and although it is a very small consolation, Chiclana seems to be better off than many other areas like “Albox” etc. where demolition is a real threat.
The British officials are investigating the current situation in the whole of Spain and I hope to give our members more information as soon as they send me their report.
Keep snug this weekend!
Roger.
2010-11-11 22:03:33
I spoke with “Urbanismo” again this morning, regarding our promised meeting about electricity. I was informed that they while I was ill they had their meeting in Seville with Sevillana / Endesa and that no progress was made.
Evidently “Candida has been on the phone with them every day since, to try and persuade them to let people get their electricity back right now!
However according to the person I spoke to, the electrical company does not want to play ball!
Fingers crossed that she can get them to cooperate sooner, rather than later.
I will keep the pressure on, but it doesn’t look good at the moment…..
The only way at the moment to get electricity is to start the urbanisation process, which of course isn’t possible for everyone!
2010-11-10 22:03:51
I have spent the past few days ill with the flu, so please excuse me if the Blog has been a little bit neglected.
I met with the Andalusian minister for tourism and asked why there were less flights in Jerez and why they did not give more support to foreign tour operators in the summer months.
I also attended a council meeting for culture and asked why the local events were not publicised better.
At the moment I am trying to find out if and when we can get some information about electricity.
Local ChiFRA news is back on radio Chiclana at 107.7FM and you can download the podcast if you missed it on Monday.
Next week we are visiting the local museum and the salt marshes.
I hope to see you there!
Best,
Roger.
2010-11-01 20:49:30
Hi folks,
There was no Chiclana Radio news today due to the “fiesta”.
We were only told last night via a facebook comment!
Needless to say that we were pretty Pixxxed off!
Hope to be back on air next week.
Best,
Roger
2010-10-26 09:05:52
Yesterday (the 25th) I read the news on 107.7 FM in English and interviewed Mr. Joaquin Paez for the second time. The “Live” show starts at 5.30 pm, and I arrived there at 5.15pm. The only problem was that I had left my reading glasses in the car, which I had parked about a mile away in “Santa Ana”, just above the “Crusty Burger”.
Feeling fit, I decided to run and fetch them!
Needless to say the first bit of the news contains some heavy breathing!!
If you follow the links on our home page, or click here: http://www.ivoox.com/integra2-semanal-25-oct-2010-audios-mp3_rf_404275_1.html , you will be able to listen to a recording.
Here is a transcript of the news (not the interview), for those of you who can’t understand what I am saying as I gasp for breath “Live on Air”!
Best,
Roger.
WEEKLY INTEGRA2 - PROGRAM 17 - 2
1) The Mayor meets with the renewed neighbourhood federation committee for Chiclana North.
The Mayor met with the “Chiclana North” committee to analyze the current situation in the area. The meeting gave fruit to an agreement with the government's team. The mayor has committed to begin designing a preliminary plan for rainwater in “El Arroyo del Cercado” and to study improvements to the street lighting and traffic flow in this area.
The new president of the neighbourhood federation, Manuel Pérez, and vice-president, Joaquín Aragon, attended this meeting and the council have opened a new dialogue with the neighbours according to the City council of Chiclana.
2) The municipal government has met again, this time with the Delegation for Education and the Association for Parents and students.
The meeting took place last week and new developments were presented for the present school course. This allowed the parents and mothers to listen directly to the municipal delegation about the new workshops for reading, road safety and equality. All the workshops were directed at the parents and mothers who had already shown their interest in these courses.
The meeting was presented along with the people responsible, as well as a teacher who presented the planning for 2010 - 2011 courses.
3) Finally a date has been set for the inauguration of the civic centre located in “La Soledad”. It will be tomorrow Tuesday the 26th October.
This date was announced by the municipal government last week. The building will not only welcome the elderly community of “Mayores de Virgin de la Soledad” but also the “Fibromialgia de Chiclana” association.
The mayor of Chiclana, José María Román will perform the inauguration of the building tomorrow at six pm. The building is 519 square metres in size and has cost almost 630 thousand Euros.
4) The subject “Educating justice” has already started at four educational centres in Chiclana.
More than a hundred of students from “La Pedrera, El Picasso, Fernando Quiñones y Campano” schools are participating in this experience that could be extended to the “Instituto Huerta del Rosario” in the next course.
The students that are participating in this national pioneering educational program are all from secondary education.
After the first meeting, all the activities were planned up to the end of the school course. Amongst them, the students will get to visit the lower courts in Jerez, where they will witness real trials.
5) The inscription period opens up for all those citizens who want to be one of the “Three Kings” next Christmas.
The Municipal “Delegation for Fiestas” is searching for a new King for the “Reyes Magos Parade”. The new king will be required to distribute gifts amongst the children of Chiclana.
From last week until this Wednesday the 27th October, all people interested in being the new “King of the fiestas” in 2010-2011, will be able to present their application to the headquarters of the “Delegación Municipal de Fiestas” that is located in “La Calle La Plaza, número 23, primero F”. All applications must be presented in person.
6) The first works from the “Plan Proteja” have started in the city and involve the installation of the sanitation network in the streets of “La Janda and Aragantonio”.
The works began last Wednesday and they will be carried out by the company “Jermat Urbanizations y Construccións SLU”. The cost will be 53 thousand Euros and these improvement works will give employment to ten people.
The outlined works will avoid the floods that usually happen in the streets of “La Janda and Aragantonio” in the winter season and it will improve the sanitation network.
The mayor of Chiclana, José María Román visited these works on the first day and he said that these works are being subsidised within the “Plan Proteja”.
The Mayor CLIP…..
“We have adjudicated several works that will seek to solve problems in and around Chiclana and create jobs.
This combination of public works that include pipes and channels all over the town, in Sancti Petri and in Novo Sancti Petri, have an investment of around two and a half million Euros.
This is very important as it creates jobs and resolves problems in the city’s infrastructure caused by rain water and sewage issues.
We are also contracting special works to clean up and improve existing pipes, which will see the investment of a further 120.000 €.
All of this is very, very important and should provide a significant improvement to the town’s rain drainage and sewage systems”.
These are two of the 14 works in the “Plan Proteja” promoted by the “Junta de Andalucía”. The “Plan Proteja” will provide Chiclana with jobs for 71 workers and donate more than 760 thousand Euros to the city.
Another five works are still in the process of being awarded. When the process is completed, the investment will have provided 1,700,000 Euros.
7) Chiclana Natural starts late opening hours in January.
To start with, it will only be one day a week but if the experience is positive, then Chiclana Natural will think about enlarging the scheme.
The provisional measure is because of petitions by managers, merchants and neighbours that find the current schedule, from 9 to 1 o’clock, insufficient. It has not yet been decided which time or day of the week that Chiclana Natural will use for it’s late opening shedule.
8) “El partido andalucista”, lead by Manuel Guerrero , criticizes the education situation in Chiclana again!
The councillor poured his criticism on this matter through a press note last week.
According to Guerrero, he continues to hear about cases, of a lack of teachers in of some the classrooms at the city’s schools. The press note attributed a lack of attention by the political leaders who have their children in private schools and strongly criticised the city councillor for education.
9) The Council of the Government of the “Junta de Andalucia” awards the planning and management for the new school project in “La Banda”.
This project will attract an investment of more than 300 thousand Euros, in the elaboration of this document that contemplates an infant and primary centre in this area of the town, which could accommodate more than 400 new students.
The new centre will be built on a 12,000 square metre plot, located in sector 3 of Majadillas Bajas, which was provided by the “Mercantil Proviaf” company.
The Council has spoken on numerous occasions to the Education committee, of the need to build a new school to assist the high demand for places in this area of constant growth.
This centre will bring the amount of public centres for infant and primary education within the town of Chiclana to 18.
10) People are talking about the “Izquierda Unida” political party again. This time the news of the week is - party members dropping out voluntarily.
Or at least that is what was communicated by two of their former members, José Galván and Silvia Butrón who signed an official statement in which they assured that - the great majority of the members of Izquierda Unida party are leaving the political formation in a voluntary way." They attribute it to the current situation of the party which they say is “un-breathable -- politically speaking."
This happened last October the 1st when the members and militants of this party requested the voluntary demission by means of a fax, according to the statement indicated by Galván. In their letter they criticize the current agent and the councillor on the city council for this party, “Nadine Fernández”. In the document, the militants also announce their recent defection to the new political formation lead by José Pedro Butrón.
11) Chiclana de la Frontera has officially 80 thousand inhabitants; according to the municipal census.
This number of citizens indicates a strong growth to the city; during the last ten years - by almost 20 thousand inhabitants. In 1842, Chiclana had less than 10 thousand inhabitants and, in 2001, Chiclana had something just over 61 thousand citizens.
The real population of the town is nevertheless higher, because many residents have not bothered to register on the “Padron” census. The exact amount for this extra number is complicated, although it has been estimated to be around 10.000.
Add to this a floating population that shows an increase during the weekends and holidays, keeping in mind the wide tourist vocation of the municipality as well as the enormous quantity of second homes. In summer, in the peak times, (which is in the middle of August) the approximate number of people is estimated to be a quarter of a million inhabitants.
12) The political party “El Partido Popular de Chiclana” requests that the city council paints the city cycle routes a different colour to the rest of the roadway.
The “Partido popular” says the petition is necessary to avoid confusion and to highlight that the cycle route is not a part of the road but a route dedicated exclusively to cyclists.
They assure that the proposal seeks to improve the security of the people that use the cycle routes of Chiclana because they are currently seen to be a part of the normal road by other vehicles.
13) The Council completes the Halloween programming, with an exhibition in the “Teatro Moderno” or the “Casa De Cultura” and a party in the la Plaza de las Bodegas.
Regarding the “Teatro Moderno”, this Friday the 29th October the group “Vulcano 6” offer a predominately musical spectacular, starting at 9 pm. Also, on Saturday the 30th, the company “El callejón del trapo” brings to the “Teatro Moderno” “El Día de los Difuntos” a show that is comprised mainly of the spoken word. With the theatre in total darkness, they will be recounting and telling stories of fear!
Lastly, the cinema at the “Teatro Moderno”, from next Tuesday the 26th and until Friday November 5th, at 8 pm will be showing children’s horror movies.
These are some of the activities that will be provided to celebrate the “All Saints Day” fiesta or Halloween party, -- a great tradition in Chiclana.
2010-10-23 10:41:28
This week has been pretty hectic; in fact I just haven’t had the time to write it all down!
At the moment I am busy translating 8 pages of news, ready for Monday’s radio show on 107.7 FM and trying to do my Welsh homework, ready for Friday!
Here is a brief review of what I have been up to this week:
Monday afternoon I interviewed the Councillor for foreign residents “Mr. Joaquin Paez”, on Radio Chiclana, we ran out of time so I will be finishing it off this coming Monday the25th.
Tuesday I went to an informal chat with “Candida Verdier”, the councillor for Urban Planning. She told us that there was still no fixed date for the electricity meeting, but that “Endesa” (the electrical company) had been going round removing several meters from homes with builder’s electricity. She stated that it was not by request of the council and that she has asked for an urgent meeting with them, to put a stop to it!
She also stated that the order of “Urbanizing” parts of Chiclana was as follows – Phase 1.Avenida del Mueble (between Euroski and the BP), phase 2. Pinares de Chiclana (Rana Verde), Phase 3. Quintas Sotillo, Phase 4. Pago del Humo and phase 5. Marquesado. The logic being that they were starting from areas closest to existing infrastructure and working outwards, to keep costs to a minimum. I will be at the next ChiFRA Chat, if you want to come and ask me for more detailed information regarding the current AGB.
The rest of the week I have been visiting the councillor for social services, the councillor for culture, the councillor for international cooperation, members of the “Chiclana Brotherhood’s” and the centre for initiatives “Box”.
As a result of these meeting’s, I have managed to organise the following events for ChiFRA members, which will be free, or at a much reduced rate (thanks to the local Council).
1. A trip to the Salinas de Chiclana (salt marsh) visitor centre, to se how the local sea salt is produced and talk about the local wildlife. This will include a tour with guide, two glasses of local wine and freshly caught fish snack: - All for the modest price of 6€!
2. A free visit to the recently opened Chiclana museum, with a VIP guide who will discuss the history of Chiclana.
3. A free visit to the local “Bull fighting” museum, with guide.
4. A unique visit to see how the local Christian brotherhood’s of Chiclana get ready for Christmas and how they prepare the nativity scenes and Easter Floats, with a trip into the crypts of the Church in the Plaza Mayor, where there will be a talk about the traditions of the brotherhood’s in Chiclana.
The exact dates of all of these events are still to be confirmed.
Well, I’ve got to go now, or I’ll never get my translations finished for Monday!
Have a great weekend,
Roger.
2010-10-19 09:07:04
Yesterday Monday the 18th was the start of the new season for ChiFRA on Radio Chiclana 107.7 FM.
Dave was in the UK and Bob had family over, so I was forced to read the News in English alone!
After the news I interviewed Mr. Joaquin Paez, the Councillor for international relations.
In the interview he has offered to have the Council Web page “information section” translated to English and German.
If you want to listen to a recording of the show, please go to:
http://www.ivoox.com/otra-siesta-18-oct-2010-audios-mp3_rf_396678_1.html and click on “PLAY”. Once it has downloaded you can then click on the orange slide bar about two thirds down, at “Minute 78” and you will be able to hear the Local News and afterwards the interview with Mr. Paez.
At the end of the show there is a mention for my friends and fellow students at “Active Language” Trinity TESOL in Cadiz.
Best,
Roger.
2010-10-17 17:42:49
This Monday the 18th ChiFRA is back on the airwaves at “Radio Chiclana” 107.7 FM.
Live from the Chiclana studios every week at 5:30pm until 6pm approx.
We will be reading the local news in English and interviewing our members, residents and key figures.
This week we will be interviewing Mr Joaquin Paez, the Chiclana Councillor for international relations, foreign residents, education and youth.
Hope you had a great weekend!
P.S. You can also listen later on in the evening via the internet on www.radiochiclana.es (La Otra Siesta - Integra2)
2010-10-14 12:13:40
Yesterday morning (Wednesday 13th) I had another meeting with the Councillor for “Urbanismo” Candida Verdier.
She informed me that they are still waiting for a date to hold their special meeting in Seville about electricity.
I will continue to hold regular meetings with her until we finally get our promised ChiFRA meeting about re-connecting electricity, which affects hundreds of homes in and around Chiclana.
At lunch time I was invited by the British Ambassador to Spain, Mr. Giles Paxman LVO, to the official appointment of Mrs Alejandra Cruz-Conde Lleó, as the new Honorary British Consul in Jerez.
I was accompanied by our very able “web mistress” Yvonne Ferrier and we were fortunate enough to speak face to face with the British Ambassador, the Consulate, the Vice Consulate, the Honorary consulate and Mr. Joe Cooper, The British Director of Trade and Investment for Andalusia. All of whom seemed to be very interested in supporting ChiFRA’s efforts in Chiclana.
There were another 35 guests (approximately) including local dignitaries, the French Consulate, the head of the Civil Guard, representatives from the local Government and members of the local Press, including the former ChiFRA president Mr. Colin Wood, representing his internet radio station and popular “Baywatch” magazine.
Later on that evening I was present at the latest ChiFRA Management Committee meeting, held at the “Las Lomas” Golf Club, where we informed the committee about our encounter in Jerez.
One of the items on the agenda was an assessment of the latest financial report, submitted by our Treasure Mr, John Mills.
I am pleased to report that due to our prudent spending and close management of expenses, we will have enough money to cover 2011.
A vote was taken and it was unanimously decided continue with free membership for another year.
We also voted to continue supporting “Age Concern”, and local charities including a sponsored walk in aid of Cancer.
This Monday ChiFRA is back on the airwaves at “Radio Chiclana” 107.7 FM.
We will be reading the news in English and interviewing local residents, live from 5:30pm until 6pm approx.
Have a great weekend!
2010-10-06 20:41:10
I spoke with “Urbanismo” again this morning, regarding our promised meeting about electricity.
They informed me that they are still awaiting confirmation for the date of their forthcoming meeting in Seville.
This is very frustrating for us all, as no one wants to see their friends and neighbors in such a desperate situation for even a second longer.
Unfortunately the wheels of the machine turn very slowly, especially when you are in a rush!
I will keep up the pressure and let you know as soon as I have something.
2010-09-21 22:17:28 Don't forget to come along to the ChiFRA members Social meeting tomorrow, where we will try and give you our best understanding of what is happening in Chiclana at the moment.
I am told that I will be on the microphone around 7pm, so please try and be there a little bit before as space is limited.
For those of you who can't make it - well I’m sorry but hopefully you will be able to make it to the next one!
We do try our best to inform everyone about what we know, but remember that we have limited resources, and sometimes some people due to living in the UK or other reasons may not get the full benefit of our meeting, unless they come along and get it from the horse’s mouth!
Transcripts will probably not be published on the web page, unless one of you is feeling generous and wants to take notes.
Best,
Roger Alan
2010-09-15 20:07:19
This morning I had a long and very interesting meeting with the lord mayor of Chiclana, Don. Jose Maria Roman.
We discussed the electricity problem which is still ongoing (possible earliest date “at the moment” is around 6 to 8 months) and the issue of flooding.
I am pleased to report that Jose Maria has a meeting planned for this Friday in Pago del Humo, to announce the government approval for the imminent spending of around 22.000000 € to fix the problem. Clearing drains, widening riverbeds and opening drainage channels etc.
Chiclana Natural is also working on an assessment of the El Sotillo flooding zone which affects the Pago Melila area. They plan to raise the bridges on the road to la Barrosa and widen the mouth at Popeye restaurant, thus allowing the water to flow away much quicker.
Therefore many houses that may now be marked as flood land on the new PGOU Advance should be returned to “urbanizable” in the not too distant future.
If you want more information you can come along to the next Chifra Chat!
2010-09-13 12:00:46
This morning Les, Bob and I went to the new ChiFRA Language classes. There was a “full house” and everyone agreed (after they got their breath back) that the new classroom was great!.
Afterwards Bob and I went to “Urbanismo” and tried to get an appointment with Candida Verdier. Unfortunately her crucial meeting in Seville has been postponed, so we were unable to fix a date. I will report as soon as I have some more information.
2010-09-03 10:33:16
Yesterday I met with Candida Verdier and I asked her to give me a date for our special meeting to talk about the electricity situation.
She told me that she is awaiting the date for a crucial meeting in Seville, which should enable her to inform us about the latest advances.
I have been promised a meeting with her as soon as she returns.
On a lighter note I met with the councillor for international relations Mr. Joaquin Páez and he has invited ChiFRA members to visit the Cooperative Bodega next Friday the 10th, at 12 mid day, to see how the local Sherry is made and then have a taste of it, “straight from the barrel”!
I have also reserved the “Casa de la Cultura” for Bob and Les to introduce our next Spanish language classes to our students. Those of you who have put their name down will be contacted shortly with more details.
2010-08-27 14:46:42
My meeting with the council that was set for this Monday the 30th has been postponed.
I will let you know later on next week, when I have the new date.
2010-08-21 16:52:04
Why not come along and speak to ChiFRA "face to face". We’ll tell you exactly how we operate and how decisions are made etc.
As you may already know ChiFRA are working hard, towards re-connecting electricity and establishing some sort of legality for local home owners. We are also in favour of paying for urbanisation (only where required by the law or requested by the residents), possibly as a reduced monthly quota i.e. 60€ a month.
We will be having our next informal “ChiFRA Chat” on Wednesday August 25th from 6pm-8pm. At "Casa Curro" in Marquesado. I would be very happy to answer any of your questions regarding this or any other issue.
The ChiFRA management committee is made up of 8 volunteers from all walks of life, with differing political views and opinions. For this reason we are politically neutral in that we do not align ourselves with or support any single political party or their views. We do however encourage our members to engage in the Spanish democratic process and exercise their right as residents to vote. To assist in this we are more than happy to engage with political parties with the aim of helping our members understand their political agendas and proposals.
We are currently in the process of contacting all recognised political parties in the area (including "PVRE") with the aim of inviting each to write a short article for our web page, setting out the aims of that party and their current proposals and intended actions in respect of those issues that impact on the lives and interests of our members in the area.
Best regards,
Roger Alan Holmes ChiFRA President
P.S. Don't forget that Membership is free until the end of the year.
2010-08-08 21:35:45
All quiet on the western front!
August is the time of year when so much fun is going on, but not much else.
Sorry, but I don't have any more information regarding the new PGOU; only that the meeting I would have held on the 23rd has been moved to the 30th.
Please check out Dave's new Events Blog, to find out where you can go to have a great time at a reasonable price, to pass the time until August is over and we can get back to the serious stuff!
2010-07-31 07:53:50
I didn't sleep very well last night, as I was recently invited to attend a disturbing local community meeting, in an area that is already on the "AGB", which can best be described as a clip from the film "Poltergeist"; where a strong character was preventing the people from stepping into the light!
Concerned neighbours who suffered from flooding this winter and were hoping to be given solutions were advised not to sign up to be connected to pipes that are already sitting just feet from their doors.
The meeting was an interesting mix of facts presented in a way that would scare anyone into a panic and downright blatant lies, that were clearly politically motivated.
The finger was pointed at Candida and the present government and there was talk about a conspiracy and lost money that suddenly reappeared, that could have come from any Hollywood "who dun it" block buster. The missing money that they were talking about was never lost, it just could not be utilized until the current "AGB" plan was ratified.
I do believe that initial quotes to be "Urbanized" were far too high and unrealistic, but similar plans that were even higher were on the table under the previous government (fact).
On a lighter note, the council are currently working on drastically reducing the costs and finding better ways of financing the works. ChiFRA will continue to support its members to get the "best deal" and give factual information, regardless of what ever government is in power.
2010-07-30 15:31:59
Regarding the new PGOU, please note that not all houses or roads appear on the new map, but that does not mean that they are not included. The important thing is to make sure whether your area is inside or outside the new urban plan.
A new more detailed map will be issued once the basic map has been approved.
We recommend that everyone who finds themselves outside the urban plan to send an official allegation/letter in Spanish by Tuesday 17th August asking to have their area added.
For those of you now who find themselves amongst the hundreds of homes that were not on the previous plan, possibly without electricity or facing the risk of demolition and are now in an improved situation. It is equally very important for you to hand in an official letter, explaining that you are in favour of the new plan as you believe that your home deserves to be added (or words to the affect).
Never the less, please ask your lawer for legal advice before handing in any letter, as individual cases may vary.
2010-07-28 23:42:11
Thank you to everyone who came along this evening. Over 25 members came to the “mini ChiFRA Chat” at the “Venta Lopez” and a good time was had by all!
We attempted to answer as many members questions as possible and we had very positive feedback.
For those of you who could not make it, please keep an eye on our Web page for the next one.
If you are in the UK or abroad, we recommend that you send us an email with any questions about the new PGOU as you only have until the 17th Aug. To place any legal arguments with the council.
2010-07-24 09:10:25
The ChiFRA informative meeting on the “New PGOU” at the “Casa de la Cultura” had a good turn out. Juan Antonio from “Temple Cambria Lawyers” answered members questions and several copies of the plan were handed out on DVD ROM.
If you were not able to attend and still want a copy, you can bring a “Pen Drive” (minimum 1Giga) to the next ChiFRA chat and Dave Fisher will help you make a copy (the files are too large to send over the internet).
We are going to have an informal “Ruta de Tapa” – a get together where you can have a tapa and chat to other members; if you are interested please mail events@chifra.org and we will contact you.
2010-07-20 22:40:35
Regarding the New PGOU, I will be meeting the councillor for “Urbanismo” in the morning, in representation of the residents of “Pago Melilla”. Because I was invited to this meeting, I will be taking full advantage by bringing along members of the ChiFRA committee and our lawyers, to get an insight before our special ChiFRA meeting.
I hope to have the use of la “Casa de la Cultura” this Friday morning, so keep your calendar free.
I will be able to confirm this sometime tomorrow.
Best,
Roger..
2010-07-14 22:25:29 Sorry I have been off line for a few days. I have been having problems with my Vodafone internet connection.
The latest news is that I have asked the town hall for the use of the "Casa de la Cultura" as soon as possible, to discuss the long awaited new, new PGOU. A date and time will be published as soon as I have it.
I have noticed that there were several questions posted, while I was unavailable.
To answer most of your questions; our lawyers are studying the very large documents in detail and as soon as we know some of the answers we will let you know.
We have also asked "Urbanismo" to make the files easier to download on the internet.
Best,
Roger
2010-07-09 18:21:59
Hold on a minute. Here it is, hot off the press!
http://www.chiclana.es/Avance-Nuevo-Plan-Ge.644.0.html
We will have information on our own web page ASAP.
Regards, Roger
2010-07-09 18:10:06
I have phoned "Urbanismo" several times this week, to get a copy of the new plan.
They tell me that it is imminent and we will get a copy as soon as it is out, sometime next week.
2010-07-02 18:43:04
“Urbanismo” announced this morning on the local news, that next week new plans will be published to include many of the areas that are White/Green onto the AGB urban plan, allowing some residents to re-connect to electricity and services etc.
ChiFRA has been promised a copy ASAP.
We will have one month, from the publishing of the plan, to argue, comment, modify it, so we will be holding a special meeting in the near future.
Please keep checking with the ChiFRA web page.
Best,
Roger. (Don't go selling your house too cheaply just yet!)
2010-06-30 15:51:45
Watch the local news this Friday!
2010-06-28 22:43:54
Well, tomorrow is the big day!
So many hopes and life savings depend on the possible outcome of our meeting with "Urbanismo" tomorrow evening. We hope to have some good news to give you on Wednesday at the "Casa Blas".
I will be lucky if I can get any sleep tonight, never the less, the five hour meeting I had in the Hotel Meliá last week was very positive.
Candida is a human being (just like us) and she may or may not hold the answers and she is under a lot of pressure from everybody.
Hasta Mañana.
2010-06-24 20:59:50
Dear Members,
This morning I was at the special meeting and workshop for “Urbanismo” in Andalusia, held at the Hotel Melia in Novo Sancti Petri.
There were specialists from places such as the University of Seville, and key players including several lord-mayors from all over; including Chiclana, Mijas (in Malaga), Vejer de la Frontera and Cartaya (in Huelva).
“Grupo Jolly” (the organizers) and Chiclana Council, whom were the patrons, were also there, along with the press and the media.
I was lucky enough to speak with Candida Verdier (Chiclana Councillor for Urbanismo), who confirmed our long awaited ChiFRA management meeting with her, next Tuesday at 7pm.
Information will be put on our web page shortly afterwards.
Best,
Roger
2010-06-18 10:00:47
Update regarding the promised ChiFRA management meeting with “Urbanismo”.
Yesterday morning I met the councillor (Candida Verdier) who apologised for not returning my calls, as she was overwhelmed with work, however she did try to contact me.
She explained that she had been working hard on the extremely important issues that we will be discussing, and has been away attending several key meetings and consultations with the regional government, and could not disclose further details. She fully understood our frustration, and hopes to hold our promised meeting within a couple of weeks.
On the agenda will be issues such as easier payment and reduced costs for urbanisation, the proposed restoration of some areas on white land to their previous yellow or striped classification and the implication of the new regional law regarding re-connection of electricity to some homes.
I will inform you as soon as I have the date for the meeting.
Best,
Roger
2010-06-14 13:58:30
Because of the Chiclana “Feria” hang over, there will be no news in English today on the radio.
However, we are invited to attend the viewing of a film, titled “Home” at 7.pm in the “Casa de la Cultura” (In Spanish).
It is a film about the environment and promises to show dramatic photography of our planet, taken from space.
Entrance is free, and afterwards, we are invited to see an exposition on the same theme.
Sorry about the short notice, they only phoned me about it 5 minutes ago!
“Hasta Luego Amigos”.
2010-06-08 08:30:49
Regarding the promised meeting with “Urbanismo”.
Since our meeting was (once again) postponed last week as the councillor (Candida Verdier) had to urgently leave for Madrid on Wednesday, I have phoned her every day, at least 3 or 4 times, to no avail. She has not returned my calls, or tried to contact me (to my knowledge). Naturally this is extremely frustrating! However I am sure that she is working hard to inform us as soon as possible, regarding the issue of electricity and the possible new urban plan. But her work schedule is literally overwhelming, as she has inherited so many problems to resolve, that were no fault of her own.
On a lighter note, I spoke with Joaquín Paez, the councillor for international relations and general secretary for the PSOE (Spanish Labour Party) in Chiclana.
He asked me on behalf of the local council to welcome all ex-pats, to come along to the “Feria de San Antonio” (the local fair) and mix in with the local Spanish, as in his words, he wants us to share our cultures and hopes that we consider ourselves as fellow citizens.
The fair will be officially open this Wednesday the 9th at 10pm. Starting off with the contestants from the “Chiclanera Mayor” (Miss Chiclana) competition.
“See you there”!
2010-06-03 17:44:29
The text from Mondays radio news in English is now on the main web page, under the section “ChiFRA Radio News Podcast”. Just follow the links!
2010-05-31 09:03:40
Last Tuesday I sat on the Chiclana council committee for culture , representing ChiFRA.
We all voted in favour of a draft document that basically, gives us and other groups around one and a half months to draw up and submit plans for cultural events, programmed for the next 12 months, and we could be granted money.
There will probably be up to 25,000€ available to be shared out between local cultural associations, like us!
Language is a barrier, but we can communicate through music, food, photography, dance and many other ways.
Please send us your ideas and let us know if you are willing to lend a hand.
Best,
Roger. president@chifra.org
PS The meeting with “Urbanismo” has been postponed for a week, as they are still not ready with the details..
This is a test
This morning I had a long and very interesting meeting with the lord mayor of Chiclana, Don. Jose Maria Roman.
We discussed the electricity problem which is still ongoing (possible earliest date “at the moment” is around 6 to 8 months) and the issue of flooding.
I am pleased to report that Jose Maria has a meeting planned for this Friday in Pago del Humo, to announce the government approval for the imminent spending of around 22.000000 € to fix the problem. Clearing drains, widening riverbeds and opening drainage channels ASAP.
Chiclana Natural is also working on an assessment of the El Sotillo flooding zone which affects the Pago Melila area. They plan to raise the bridges on the road to la Barrosa and widen the mouth at Popeye restaurant, thus allowing the water to flow away much quicker. Therefore many houses that may now be marked as flood land on the new PGOU Advance should be returned to “urbanizable” in the not too distant future.
If you want more information you can come along to the next Chifra Chat!
Roger - give me a list of "channels" if you want to use them.
I have also created a list of Authors if you want to make the site appear to have a task force of people working for you.
Cool, I like the idea! Who is Pussy Galore?
Channels as in Specific blogs, or what?
Have a great W, End.
Rog..
yeah baby.
Do you need to use HTML here or just line breaks?