Costa Blanca Clubs bringing people CLOSER

The Sol Park Rangers’ End of Season Party was held on Saturday 31st May at Sol Park Tennis Club, Moraira. A splendid three course buffet was followed by the awards of Most Improved Player and Best Player of the Benjamin, Alevin and Infantil teams. The following players received trophies supplied by JMC Pools and Gardens. Most Improved Player Benjamin – Elliot Castle, Alevin – Jordan Williamson, Infantil – Mitchell Kemp Best Player Benjamin – Ben Ranby, Alevin – Philip Sim, Infantil – Liam Williamson. After the awards there was an opportunity for some of the children to show everyone their hidden talents as “Sol Park’s Got Talent” got underway. Based at Sol Park Tennis Club, Moraira, Sol Park Rangers are coached on Saturday mornings. The league on Sunday mornings has finished but there will be coaching until the end of July and they are looking for players for next season. Please contact Kevin Whybrow Tel. 659068733 if you are interested in playing.

The weather was kind to the PALS evening barbecue at Bolnuevo. The chefs, Ken, Dennis, Joe and Pat, worked hard over the three gas rings to produce the chicken, hamburgers and sausages. Marion and Maureen doled out the liquid refreshment. The total amount collected for PALS was 958€ of which 350€ came from the raffle. This money will go towards the next purchase of new medical equipment for Mazarron and local areas. For more information on PALS, call Ken Payne 626 460 465 or Pat Firth 628 879 284 and for tickets to the Evening Picnic in the Park, call Sheila 968 13 88 23 or Marion 968 13 87 25.  Visit the new web site at www.pals.com.es for a full events programme.

The SLS Spanish Club are delighted to announce that they have a lovely Spanish lady on their SLS team. Her name is Rosa and she is a journalist. If you have visited the SLS Spanish Club recently you will have noticed the messages she has posted there. Rosa has a good level of English which she is keen to practise, so do drop in and say hi to her when you get the chance.

El Rio Jucar made a lovely destination for the Gandia Area Social Club (International) for a coach full of day trippers. They went to the Ayora Valley with a tour of Ayora town, a visit to a stick making workshop (with personalised walking sticks for sale) and a boat trip from Cofrentes. They opened our doors to the other two social clubs in the area and took a coach load of happy people. Their next big event is on 10th July with the Club’s Summer Dance. This year they also have some unofficial club summer activities posted onto their website for any interested members. The Ramblers’ last walk of the season is to see caves along the Rio Jucar on June 4th. You can join the club for ten-pin bowling, flamenco classes, walking, petanca, golf (in Gandia), occasional fishing or Thursday dinners. All are welcome, members or occasional guests, young or old. Every Thursday evening the club meets for dinner at the Viva España (menu choices in advance), gathering by 8 for an 8.30pm start. Please respect the dress code (smart casual). Some nights they have dancing, quizes or other entertainment. More information from David on 96 287 8298 or on www.gandiaareasocialclub.com

On 28 June, Castle Theatre wind up this season with a Barbecue for members and their guests, please call Christine for details and to confirm your attendance.  They will need numbers for catering by mid-June! In July auditions will be held for the autumn play. Watch the local press for details of autumn fixtures, a “Welcome-Back” event in September and future exciting entertainment for the winter months’ club evenings.

Due to the great success of Careline Theatre’s last production of “Dads Army” the group has been able to donate 2000 euros to the Costa Blanca Samaritans. Everyone who took part in the production worked very hard to make this a great show. Recently Careline has also donated 500 euros to the Cancer Support Group (MABS) from their Easter show of “Nails for the Carpenter” and a new electric hospital bed has been purchased for the Fontilles Sanatorium. A big thank you must be made to their audiences who support them in what they do and always seem to leave the theatre wanting more. Their next production will be in October followed, of course by the Panto. Watch this space for more information or call 616212121 if you would like to join them.

The monthly badminton tournament held at Guardamar Badminton Club for June was won by Tony Wilson and Walt Elders. In a very competitive final they beat Keith Marsden and Lesley Galavan 21 - 18. In the semi finals Tony and Walt had beaten John and Sharon 21- 18 and Keith and Lesley beat Sue and Mark 21 - 19. Eleven pairs entered and each pair played ten games. The next tournament will be on July 4th at 10.30am prompt.

Full details about these stories and information about the clubs can be found on www.costablancaclubs.com