Dear Readers,
Welcome to the April edition of SG Newsletter from a once again sunny Spain. It would seem that Spring has now arrived with days getting longer, trees and plants springing back into life and birds singing.
This month Jane has written an article about some local places of interest she has recently explored. We realise, of course, that regular visitors will probably already know of these but if you are new to the area we thought it might be of interest, especially as she has included directions and advice from personal experience.
Sonya and Jane
CAFETERIA SIERRA GOLF
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Good Friday 10th April – Easter Bonnet Parade
Judging 4.00 p.m.
Karaoke 9.00 p.m.
Easter Saturday 11th April – Beach Party
Starts 8.30 p.m. Shorts, t-shirts, sunglasses – prizes to be won.
Music from 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s
Easter Sunday 12th April – 3 course lunch at a Special price of 8 euros
_ Quiz Night 8.30pm
At the moment weekend entertainment alternates between Karaoke on Friday one weekend and Live Music on Saturday the next weekend.
QUIZ NIGHT
The Quiz Night is really taking off. On Sunday 29th March eleven teams took part. The winners of the quiz were Nigel, Peter and Brian with 31 points but unfortunately they didn’t win “Play Your Cards Right” this was won by Jackie who walked away with the 35 euros pot. Altogether there were nine prizes up for grabs and a big thank you must go to Mateo who contributed 2 bottles of wine, a bottle of liquer and a bottle of whisky towards the prizes. Because there were so many prizes this week Quizmaster Ray was able to award two hard luck prizes.
The quiz and “Play Your Cards Right” was as usual followed by Card Bingo. Once again it was a good fun night so why not pop along one Sunday evening and give it a try, it really isn’t a serous event and even if you come last you stand a chance of winning a prize.
LAKEVIEW BAR & RESTAURANT
The official opening of Lakeview Bar took place on Saturday 14th March from 2.30 p.m. onwards. The first drink was free and complimentary appetisers were served throughout. It was very well attended by both residents on site and locals from Balsicas.
The next day Marion and Alan were open for their first Sunday lunch, for which they were fully booked. We have heard glowing reports about the food from many people who lunched their, just a few comments being “out of this world”, “ the roast beef was to die for”, “vegetables were just right”. A special vegetarian option was also available.
If you would like to eat at Lakeview, especially on a Sunday, we recommend that you book in advance so as not to be disappointed.
On Easter Sunday there is to be a Barbeque starting from 1.00p.m. through to about 5.00 pm. Marion would greatly appreciate bookings for this so that she can ensure she has enough provisions to cater for everyone.
POOL BAR
This is coming very close to being ready to open. Tables & chairs, refrigeration units and some barrels of beer have been delivered.
The pool has been filled and an alarm installed. Still some finishing off needed to a storeroom on the side and general tidying up etc. They have told us that they hope to open for Easter but cannot guarantee it, this depends how quickly they can finish. The name of the bar will be Anlvys del Sureste.
LADIES NIGHT
After discussion at the last ladies night it was decided that perhaps meeting every week might be too often, especially in the summer when many people have visitors, so the ladies are now meeting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at Lakeview Bar from 7.30 p.m.
The position will be reviewed again next winter when the weather and dark nights make it difficult for people to get together in large numbers.
BOOK CLUB
During Judy’s absence the March meeting of the Book Club was held at Fran’s house. The April meeting on Wednesday 8th will be at Hilary’s house. The May meting will once again be back at Judy’s.
MAIL BOXES
We have heard that there are banks of about 1000 mailboxes currently stored where the golf buggies are kept. We do not yet know when or where they are to be put up. We believe a licence is in the process of being applied for so hopefully we will soon all have our own individual mailbox and also an outgoing mail facility.
MOBILE HAIRDRESSER
We have received recommendations from residents on site who have used the services of a mobile hairdresser called “Steve’s Hair”. He is a professional hairdresser with 25 years experience and operates in Roldan and surrounding areas. He covers all aspects of hair care from cutting & styling to colouring, foils and hair extensions. He cuts ladies, gents and children hair.
For an appointment Tel. 608 162 368.
STORAGE BOXES
If you are moving out to Sierra Golf and have empty storage boxes, instead of breaking them up and putting them in the skip, please could you pass them into Mark at M14/42. Thank you.
Mark is planning a trip back to the U.K. in May, if you require anything taking over or bringing back Email jill_spain@yahoo.com or
Tel. 0034 676 643 616
SPANISH LESSONS
Laura Kelly has asked us to mention that she is shortly starting another Spanish class. If you would like to join contact her by Email at
We can highly recommend Laura as we have both been attending her classes for a while.
ICELAND
Now open in San Javier. There is a good selection of fresh and frozen foods, cleaning materials, cards etc. Prices are much cheaper for English Brands than elsewhere and, of course, they have a great selection of party nibbles that are hard to find in Spanish supermarkets.
EASTER WEEK
Easter Week in Spain is known as Semana Santa. It is the most important celebration throughout the country. Every city, town and village of any significance will have its own processions.
The biggest celebrations in our area take place in Murcia, Cartagena and Lorca. In Cartagena they start on Dolores Friday (before Palm Sunday) and run through to Easter Sunday. The most important procession is in the evening on Good Friday, it starts at Santa Maria de Gracia church.
There is a procession in BALSICAS on Good Friday starting at about 8.00/8.30 p.m. It leaves from the church and finishes back at the church. Apparently, one of the best vantage points to watch the procession from is outside of the Cinebank on the main road.
We have it on good authority that if you have the chance to watch one of the processions it is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss.
RED DAYS FOR EASTER
Thursday 9th and Friday 10th April
LOCAL AREAS OF INTEREST
Explored by Jane
We had visitors for a week and as they are keen walkers I wanted to find places to visit that could be enjoyed by walkers and strollers alike.
Here is my description of the options I discovered. The more regular visitors to the region may well know them.
SALT FLATS SAN PEDRO
Our first visit took us to the salt flats at San Pedro (a haven for birdwatchers). To get there, on the AP7 take junction 774 to the roundabout and take 2nd exit continue straight over first roundabout then you will come to a second roundabout (which has an iron art form of flamingos in the centre) take 3rd exit marked Puerto. You are now at the beginning of the salt flats. Driving down this road there are several parking spaces where you can park and walk across the boardwalks where there are preservation areas trying to reclaim the sand dunes.
If you carry on to the end of the road and take a right turn this will bring you to the marinas where you can get a drink and something to eat. Be aware that dogs are not allowed in this area.
Coming back from the marina, if you park in the first parking area you can walk through onto the beach and walking up the beach you come to a boardwalk area which circles back through the dunes to the road where you can then walk along the edge of the marshes back to the car park.
BANOS DE LODO (MUD BATHS)
Once again take junction 774 off the AP7 to the roundabout. Take 2nd exit then continue going straight over roundabouts. You will pass Thalassic on your right and urbanisations. As you are coming to the end of the road you will see a windmill to your left you will enter a one-way section go in a circle taking you past the windmill. Now find a place to park, in busy times it is as well to park on the side of the road by the urbanisations.
When you have parked, walk along the causeway by the windmill, to your left on the causeway you will see wooden platforms, which provide steps into the lake (very shallow and salty).
It can be slippery walking into the water so be careful. You will need to take a small bucket or some form of container with you to scoop mud up from the waterbed which you then proceed to paste all over you. This feels very strange and you may see the odd wriggling thing in the mud but nothing harmful. Once you are nearly covered step out with your container full to finish off on the side. Now you just have to stand or walk in the sun until the mud is dry (it feels crunchy). Once dry you need to go back into the water to wash off, the feel of your skin afterwards is incredible, the mud is a really good exfoliator and it is believed to help many skin and joint problems.
If you cross the causeway to the right hand side you can now bathe in the Mar Menor. Snorkelling you will see many different species of anemones and tiny fish.
For those wanting a small challenge there is an 11.9k walk estimated 2hrs 40 mins. There is a board at the beginning of the causeway that details the round walk, which takes you to theend of the causeway then back via the salt flats.
SIERRA ESPUNA
The Sierra Espuna National Park lies between Alhama de Murcia Pliego and Totana.
Drive to Alhama de Murcia follow signs for Aledo and La Santa that take you through Totana. There is a new bypass at the top of Totana, continue to follow signs for Aledo. The road now becomes winding, on the right you will come across a large hotel (actually called a sanctuary). You will then come to a roundabout where you turn left to go up to Lo Santa. There is a couple of parking and picnic areas at the bottom of the hill. It is a short walk up the hill to the top from where there are incredible views. At the top you will also find a large statue of Christ.
Leaving this area drive down towards Aledo (an old monastery town built on a precipice).
Pass Aledo 1.5 miles and you will see a sign to the right to the Sierra Espuna National Park.
Drive through and you will come to a log cabin restaurant bar that has tapas and menu. From this point there are maps of walks of varying distances through the park.
From here you can also drive to the top of the mountain. The road is very narrow and steep with sheer drops and no Armco barrier. Quite “hairy” to say the least! When you reach the viewing point if you can pluck up the courage to walk out to the edge the views is outstanding for miles.
The drive down the mountain is just as scary; the only difference is the people in the other side of the car get the views of the sheer drop!!!
Absolutely fabulous and well worth the visit.
CARTAGENA
An interesting military city with varying architecture and places of interest dating back to its Roman history. I haven’t had the opportunity to visit everything yet.
The Tourist Information Office can provide you with information about various sites and tours available. Also at the Tourist Information Office there is a folder of Mediterranean routes for walking. This has 8 PR and GR routes around the Cartagena area including Calblanque, Portman and Los Belones.
These are my views of some of the areas I have visited, there are many more to see yet.
JANE
GOLF NEWS
On the 1st April David Gay took over as Director of Golf for St.Just. David was formerly employed as a head professional with Crown Golf in the U.K. Alan Masters, Head Assistant, and Bob Callard assist him in the office.
Tee times are now being implemented so if you wish to play you need to book in advance in order to get a game at the time you want.
PLEASE NOTE If you want to take part in the Friday Frolic it is ESSENTIAL to put your name down on the list by WEDNESDAY EVENING at the latest because the Society will be given a block booking. No name = no game!
GREEN FEES – 9 HOLES
General Public 15 euros
Non-Resident SGS Members 13 euros
Resident SGS Members (and 10 euros
Non-resident members who
joined prior to 5/4/09)
GOLF LESSONS
David Gay is a PGA teaching professional and is available for private tuition. His fees per 30-minute lesson are: -
SGS Members 15 euros
Non-Members 20 euros
Lessons can be booked in person at the office or telephone David on 670 083 939 or
SIERRA GOLF SOCIETY
There are currently 48 members in the Society. If you would to join, membership is 25 euros, which includes a golf shirt and membership card. Contact Tony Brown SGS Secretary
SGS Committee Members
Alan Gibbs Captain
Tony Brown Secretary
Stuart Pawson Treasurer
Ron Mulligan Deputy Secretary
Barry Sherwin Deputy Treasurer
Brian Spring Vice-Captain
FRIDAY FROLIC RESULTS
Friday 6th March
The Stapleford was won by Taffy Bowen.
Runner-up was Uell who also won nearest the pin.
Friday 13th March
We had 15 turn up for this week’s frolic.
Winning the Stapleford was Denny Clarke with 18 points, 2 points deducted from his handicap for 3 plays.
Runner-up was Lorrane Taylor coming in with 17 points.
Nearest to the pin was Tony Cowdell.
Just like to mention that Lorrane set a 9-hole course record going around in 40. Well-done Lorrane and all the winners.
Friday 20th March
Our best turnout so far with 21 players turning up for a frolic.
Winning the Stapleford was Bob Elliott coming in with 18 points, 2 points deducted from your handicap for 3 plays (sorry mate).
Runners-up coming in with 17 points were Isabel Garcia and Higgy sharing the cash.
Nearest to the pin was Mike Jones.
The two’s is still a rollover, 85 euros in the kitty. Just like to thank everybody for turning up, what a great day.
Friday 27th March
We had 19 turn up for this week’s frolic.
Winning the Stapleford was Tony Brown with 18 points, 2 points deducted from handicap now playing off of 18.
Runner-up was Dave Higgins (Higgy) with 17 points.
Longest drive and nearest the pin was Peter (Bandit) Samways.
TONY BROWN (SGS SECRETARY)
In the next edition we hope to include a picture of all the members in their new golf shirts.
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We wish everyone a Happy Easter and hope you have an enjoyable break with plenty of sunshine.
DISCLAIMER: To the best of our knowledge the information given in this Newsletter is correct but we cannot accept responsibility for services or goods provided by others. The articles printed are not necessarily our personal opinions.