Informal English Speaking Group of Loja Additional Newsletter – February 2010 Meeting to Celebrate Start of The Group’s Sixth YearA sincere thank you for the wonderful turn out of over 100 members and guests who attended the meeting on the 2nd February at the Hotel Almazara, to mark the beginning of the 6th year of the Informal English Speaking Group of Loja. The last five years have been an interesting and enjoyable experience and we are both looking forward to the next five and hope that we, and the group as a whole, will be able to give support where needed and provided a source of new friendships. For those who were not able to join us, the meeting was attended by the Alcade of Loja, Miguel Castellano Gamez; the British Honorary Consul Granada, Diana Kelham; the President and members of the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer, Loja; members of the Royal British Legion, Loja Branch; members of Amigas de Casa; and representatives of the Spanish and English business community. The meeting was followed by a talk on matters of Spanish law given by Rob Westwater of De Cotta McKenna Y Santafé. The Alcade spoke of the large numbers of extranjeros who have made their home in Loja and the surrounding area. He was pleased to see so many Spanish people at the meeting and to hear of the group’s efforts to encourage integration into the Loja community. Diana Kelham thanked Peter and Patricia for all their hard work and a bouquet was presented to Patricia. Visits - Science Park in GranadaOur first visit - to the Science Park in Granada - takes place on March 23rd. Please confirm your bookings and pay at the next meeting at the very latest. . If we are to get the discounts available we have to confirm with the coach company and the Science Park before 5th March. In view of the of the time scale we would appreciate an indication of whether you intend to go on the visit by email before the next meeting. A booking form listing all of the proposed visit is attached, we would be grateful if you wish to take part in any of the visits you would download, complete the form and return it by email. Please note that this is not a commitment but to give us an indication of the viability of the visits. Carnival de Loja 2010 - 3rd February to 21st FebruaryThe Carnival is an opportunity to see the many and varied colourful groups taking part. The main parade is Saturday, 13th February leaving Plaza de la Constitución at 8:0 pm. The full programme of events can be found on the web at: http://www.carnavaldeloja.com/ Cultural Programme - Area of Cultura Ayuntamiento of Loja
"ARCO-LOJA"
 (Activity promoted and organized by the Association of Fraternities and Brotherhoods of Loja) ENTRANCE IS FREEThe exhibition will be open from 5 to 27 February. Tuesday to Friday: 6.00 pm-9.00 pm and Saturday: 11.00 am-2.00 pm
For further information: http://www.aytoloja.org/culturayocio/cultura/eventos.htm
The ARCOLOJA series of events started with the opening of the above exhibition on Friday last, showing all manner of things connected to the Semana Santa Week in Loja. I can certainly recommend a visit. When one watches the processions as they make their way around the streets of Loja it is not possible to have a clear view of everything. Just to see the wonderful garments close up, so beautifully sewn in all sorts of threads and in colours that are just as bright as when they were made many years ago and the coronas so beautifully made in various metals is quite an experience. Also included in the exhibition are items of clothing worn in older times by the young members of the orders, various designs of dress and headdresses worn by the incensarios, and the incense burners, staffs etc. carried during the processionals. Also included are some books & writings, artwork and, believe it or not, very old lottery tickets! There is also an audiovisual display showing processions that took place many years ago. It is hard to make out which part of Loja is shown, as the town has changed so much. Even my Spanish friends born in Loja had the same difficulty! Do pay this exhibition a visit and also take the opportunity to see the beautifully reformed el Posito. Peter & Patricia 7th February 2010 |