The object is two fold: to raise funds to finance the very valuable services that the volunteers provide, and to promote reading as an aid for the prevention of memory loss

The association would like to thank book publishers: Salvat, Editorial Trabe, Esediciones, Akal, Eneida and many more for their collaboration.

For any further information, please contact David Wilcox on 667 878 263 or by email: davaon.wilc@googlemail.com

It was also agreed that the annual Trafalgar Night dinner in October would also be held at this same location. An exact date for the event will be decided upon at the September meeting when attendance figures are known.

San Cristobal, west end looking east

The Town Hall has just announced that the construction companies are ‘working around the clock’ to have the two controversial underground car parks open for the end of this month.

Despite reiterated promises of having the two installations open for summer, it now appears that the San Cristóbal works won’t be concluded until the 23rd of July, with the Velilla works finally concluding on the 30th of July – with the first month of summer already gone.

San Cristobal east end looking west

Talking of blue-zone parking, the Town Hall has also announced that they are considering making El Paseo de la China into a blue zone as well, albeit, only over the summer. This is the area between Chinasol and Edifício Los Ramos, which is the last apartment block heading towards Cotoboro

On the other hand, the Town Hall appears to have backed down over their plans to extend blue zoning to just below Hotel Playacálida (Taramay). This stalled plan was highly controversial as there are no commercial premises on this dual avenue to justify blue-zoning – the concept of blue zones was to increase parking turn over in front of shops as business and thus provide greater accessibility to them, which was and is a concept that nobody disagrees with.

However, the blanket blue-zone coverage of Almuñécar and la Herradura’s beaches, from eleven in the morning to eleven at night, seven days a week, is an incredible folly, destined to provide short-term economic relief for the municipal coffers at the price of killing the goose that lays the golden eggs and turning these coastal towns into tourist-wise ghost towns.

The location is perfect, as it is nestled on what I consider one of our nicest beaches, Playa del Tesorillo. The atmosphere there is completely relaxing and the view is spectacular. I actually felt like I was on holiday as I sat there enjoying my clara under the sun and watching the activity on the beach. The owners, Rafael and Laura, are super sweet and easy-going and made me feel right at home.

The menu has plenty of options to choose from, ranging from their menu of the day, salads, fresh fish, pasta dishes and, of course (my favorite), pizza. I can highly recommend their pizza called Picante, which I devoured today. Another obvious reason I’ll be lounging out there is the giant paella and fresh-fish skewers (espetos) they will be serving on the beach all summer.

Starting July, there will be a ‘drink’ fiesta every Fri. and Sat. evening starting from 23:30 where everyone will receive a free gift when they buy the drink of the night. You’ll find me there on Mojito Night for sure. Furthermore, I was told they have an entertaining flamenco show every Thursday that starts at 10:00 p.m. It is the perfect spot to eat, relax or have fun at this summer. Tel. 629 067 284.

From your own personal taxation to company accounts, they have years of experience helping foreigners and Spanish alike with their administration needs and at reasonable prices too. They speak over seven different languages, so you can feel comfortable dealing with your personal financial affairs in your native language. They can give advice and support for all your housing needs and requirements.

For an appointment call them on 958 634 205 or email coaendu@coendu.com (MapSpot 22)

Maria Carmen and her team offer superb services for all your pets needs, including consultations, X- ray, surgery and hospitalization. She has offered a high-quality service in the area for seven years and has a great reputation within the community.

She has certainly sorted out my dog and cat problems on a number of occasions and also been incredibly sensitive to my family’s needs in times of stress.

The team speaks English, German and Spanish, so you can easily explain the ailments of your animals and fully understand the treatment process.

Clínica Mediterranea also offer a 24-hour emergency service, (Mob: 667 650 293) should you require it. Currently they have a 40% discount offer on the Elite Nutrition product line for your puppies and dogs whilst stocks last.

For an appointment call 958 634 003. Located in Almuñécar’s P-4, just down from the new post office. MapSpot 26.

For those of you who don’t know, Shantelle is a specialist in colouring and highlights and from personal experience very good. Feel free to call in and make an appointment.

I took a little wander down with my family and some friends to spend a warm Saturday afternoon passing a few hours sampling some of the very best dishes, the local restaurants prepare, and then wash it all down with a glass of vino or two. And I was not disappointed; in fact the opposite I was spoilt for choice and it took me several circuits of the feria to make my first decision. However once into the swing of it all I quickly learnt to travel from stall to stall, order my tapas and enjoy.

The food was presented beautifully and all freshly prepared. We had a great selection on our table of paella from Chambao de Joaquín , to a selection of warm meat dishes from Reina Sofia, caesar salads prepared by Los Laureles and much more.

It was early evening when we finally left and started the long walk home, which we surely needed to work off some of the calories.

(Ed.) Mari and I also descended upon the park, like a swarm of locusts and stallholders fended us off with savoury dishes to stop us nibbling at their awning canvas and leering at passers-by with plates of goodies.

Seriously though, the concept of the gastronomic fair is a brilliant one, because it allows you to combine dishes from your favourite restaurants, all in one sitting.

Some of the tasty dishes to be had over the weekend on which the fair was held were: Arbol blanco’s rabo de toro, the Mirador de Cerro Gordo’s croquetas, La Trattoria’s omni-present pizzas and Mari & Miguel’s grilled meats.