Happy New Year to all

Here's hoping Santa was good to you last week, and now we are looking forward to 2009 with a hope that its will be a good year for us all. To aid our wishes I thought you might wish to know how the Catalan people try to insure, good luck, health and happiness.

As I mentioned in the Christmas traditions post, firstly at the stroke of midnight on the 31st December you need to eat a grape on the chime of each bell. This tradition was said to be started in Spain because the king of Spain decided to give grapes to everybody to eat on New Year’s Eve when the harvest was a particularly big one about a hundred years ago. Others say it was the farmers’ way in Alicante to get people to eat the surplus, but who knows.

Wearing red under garments is also a hugely popular custom here, hence the reason you see so many red garments being sold at this time of year. The origins of this tradition was apparently started during the Middle Ages, when almost everything was forbidden. The colour red was always associated with the devil, blood or witchcraft. Even the planting and consumption of red crops such as tomatoes and peppers were banned. One could risk their lives dressing in red during that time. People wore red in secret because they believed red was the symbol of blood and life and that such a colour would bring them luck and fertility in the coming year. By the way, don’t get too attached to those new store bought knickers because according to tradition, you need to burn them the next day to ensure good heath, and happiness in the coming year.

Some snippets of the culture of Christmas in Catalunya

I thought you might enjoy these snippets of how the Catalan people enjoy the festive season;

• From 1st December Catalan children feed a hollow log with orange peel and bread every day without fail and they hope that on Christmas Eve the log will poo sweets for them.
• The Nativity scene is traditionally the centre of Christmas decorations in a Catalan house, and will always incorporate the pooing man in the corner of the stable.
  
• On Christmas eve it is not uncommon to see shoes outside houses in the towns and villages of Catalonia, as the children also hope these will be filled with sweets, when they go to get them of Christmas morning.
• Christmas Eve is also the time when friends get together in large numbers to celebrate with a special meal. This meal is made up of fish and seafood, cava and turron.
• Christmas Day traditionally is not celebrated in the way we do. The main meal will be family only and based around pasta.
• Mistletoe has the same meaning here as in other parts of the world, however only if it is given to you be a friend. If you buy it yourself the magic powers of the mistletoe will not work.
• The Catalan people celebrate New Years Eve with gusto holding large parties and drinking to excess. At midnight it is the tradition to go to the main village or town square and to eat one grape on the peel of each bell at midnight to give you good luck, health and happiness for the coming year. This does take place in Freginals.
• Traditionally the main celebration for the children takes place on the evening of the 6th January with the arrival of the three kings, and presents. All of the towns and villages arrange big parades for this, with the kings arriving by many means of transport such as the sea, river, and horses etc. The arrival of the kings is followed by a celebratory meal for the extended family in the home or local restaurant.
• The 7th January sees the start of the sales in the shops, which generally last for one month (credit crisis excepted)

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - Bon Nadal.

Catalan Lessons

The Catalan lessons held at the school on a Tuesday and Thursday night from 7pm have now finished for the Christmas holidays.

These will re-commence on the 8th January 2009. If you still wish to join these lessons, please attend this next lesson with your NIE number.

Update on Catalan Lessons

I now have a final confirmation of the Catalan lessons. The first lesson will take place at the ajuntament on Tuesday 16th Dec at 7pm followed by a second lesson on Thursday 18th December. There will then be a break over Christmas with the lessons recommencing on the 8th January 2009. The final lesson will be on the 2nd February 2009.

For all of those interested, please go up to the ajuntament to see Sergi with your NIE number as soon as possible to complete the application form - although I am sure you will be able to complete this on the first night also.

In summary the first lesson is at 7pm on Tuesday 16th December (next Tuesday) at the ajuntament.

Unfortunately due to the timing of these lessons now, I will not be able to attend them.

URGENT - Catalan Lessons - URGENT

Please note the Catalan lessons due to start tonight at the Ajuntament will not take place, due to a problem the Consell de Cormarc have in getting permission to hold them in the Ajuntament.

This is a temporary problem, and the lessons will be commencing shortly. please keep checking this site for the start date.

Developments for the future - Working with the Consell de Comarc

Although posting on the blog in recent weeks have not been happening, this is purely through lack of things to report. However, that does not mean I have no been working to improve our contact and knowledge of information for living here.

In the many recent meetings I have had with the Consell de Comarc de Montsia, discussions have been taking place of how to further improve communication and offer help to the local immigrant population in Freginals.

In fact over the past year, both the Consell's representative and myself have been keeping an eye on other areas in Catalunya, and how they are trying to help the local immigrant population to integrate and develop. To pick up ideas to use in Freginals.

This has resulting in us finding evidence of good practice in other Consell de Comarcs in Catalunya. Therefore the first thing we plan to develop in the new year is a 'Surgery'

This 'surgery' will allow you to take any problem connected with your life here, be it a local ajuntament problem, a problem with goods and services you have bought, or a problem with neighbours for example. In fact any problem. At the surgery you will be able to seek the advice of what you need to do, and who you need to see to sort the problem out from impartial people.

It is planned that the surgery will take place once a month in the afternoon/evening in a meeting room at the ajuntament.

On this idea I really would appreciate your feed-back - Is it something you would use? Do you think it is a good idea?

This feedback is very important as I have developed this dialogue with the Comarc de Consell for the good of the English community here in Freginals, and I need to know what you want. I do not want to discuss and develop ideas with the Consell if you do not want them, or will not use them.

Perhaps you also have a need or idea, which you would like to see go forward. Then, please let me know so I can do something about it.

We also have things we can offer in return to the village, for example I would like to hear from anyone who would be prepared possibly to give up 1/2 hour to 1 hour per week free to listen to the children of the village reading in English. So we can start a free English reading club in the new year.

So please get in touch with me. It is important for everyone to have an input here.

Thank you

Free Catalan Lessons in Freginals

On Monday 17th November, free basic Catalan lessons will start in Freginals. The lessons
will be held on a Monday and Thursday evening at 7pm in the Ajuntament.

The Consell de Comarc invites everyone to take part in these lessons. At the first lesson please bring your NIE number with you to register.

These lessons assume no prior knowledge of Catalan, and will lead through to a further course if we so wish in the new year, to build on skills acquired on this course.


I look forward to seeing you all there.

Re: Iberband

As you all know Iberband internet connection only works in part of the Freginals Valley. I have recently been in discussion with them regarding coverage for those of us which cannot get a decent internet connection as the Spanish Government is insisting on a better and greater coverage from them for the rural areas of Spain.

In the past when we inquired about Iberband service for homes without sight of Caro, we were told that 20 people needed to sign up before they would consider our request. This has now changed to 10 people. Therefore anyone without Iberband who would like it, please e-mail me as soon as possible so I can add you to the list. It this point that is all that is required.

For those of you with Iberband connections already, I also have good news, as they are shortly upgrading their speeds. So if you currently have 1mb, you will get 2mb, if you have 2mb you will get 4 mb and those of you currently with 4 mb you will get a reduced bill.

The photograph above is most recent photograph of the Iberband coverage for Freginals valley. If you are in the green area you can get coverage. In the grey - no chance at the moment, but you can e-mail me to join the scheme.

Leaving comments

On this blog you have the opportunity to leave comments to the posts. This can be done by either registering on Google, so your name appears on the comment, or not.

Since the conception of this blog I have received an number of detrimental or what I consider to be non polite comments. The latest one this morning saying - SO WHAT HAPPENED? This one refers to the the water meeting which took place yesterday. Most of you are aware I was unable to attend the meeting due to work commitments. The information was placed on the blog to allow YOU the opportunity to attend. Roger even very kindly translated the whole agenda for everyone and it was placed on here.

This blog through www.Freginals.com costs me over £100 per year to host, and it is a shame that through the actions of a few I am considering closing the blog. I do invite comments, as these can be useful to everyone. But I not expect to be called the 'mouth of Ryanair', or to receive such sharp comments like the one today - just how rude can people be.

So the choice is yours - do you want this blog or not.

Water meeting on Saturday 4th Oct - update

Roger has very kindly translated the whole of the agenda for Saturday's water meeting. Which is published below. Many thanks Roger.

AGENDA

1. Reading of the minutes of last Extraordinary General Meeting - approve if agreed.

2. Information on the operation, management and economic viability of the irrigation scheme- approve if agreed.

3. Proposal to turn off the water in the hydrants during the months of January and February to facilitate revision of the network and to avoid possible breakdowns/failures of the meters and other elements of the hydrants from freezing of water due to low temperatures. If there is any irrigators who wants to have water in January and February they should ask the Community for it but must pay for any breakdowns/failures due to freezing - approve if agreed.

4. approval of the current register of members of the Community - approve if agreed.

5. Proposal to fix a new registration subscription to the Community (600€) - approve if agreed.

6. Report on the invoicing and proposal for payment for the of irrigation service for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 - approve if agreed.

7. Economic report from June of 2005 until June of 2008 - approve if agreed.

8. Proposal of nomination of two auditors to make a kind of internal auditing of the accounts/bills of the Community of Irrigators from the beginning until January of 2009 - approve if agreed.

9. Proposal of staff expenses of secretary's office and management - approve if agreed.

10. Proposal of payment of mileages, office expenses to individuals and to members of the Executive Council and Commitee of Irrigation, always, that they are made in the performance of his/her/their functions for the Communities of Irrigators - approve if agreed.

11. Proposal of recompense for 10m³ of water without cost to all members who attend each General or Extraordinary General Meeting. This recompense does not serially accumulate in different periods of irrigation and is applied in the second or third term of each period of irrigation or natural year.

12. Report and payment of the made works: Project of conversion in irrigated land (June 2006);
Emergency work on the wells EB1, EB2 and EB3 (May 2008); Complementary project no. 1 (June 2008) - approve if agreed.

13 Report on the theft of lids of the hydrants and of other elements of the irrigation system. Solution adopted by the Management - approve if agreed.

14. Report on the complementary Project No. 2 - approve if agreed. Rural Electrification.

15. Operation of the municipal well in front of the farmyard of Pedro - approve if agreed.

16. Construction of a new well and its operation - approve if agreed.

17. Proposal of purchase or exchange of the municipal terrains where the wells and the ponds of irrigation are placed - approve if agreed.

18. Proposal to purchase of a vehicle for the management of the irrigated land - approve if agreed.

19. Proposal of purchase of furniture and a computer for the management of information and the tasks that the secretary's office manages - approve if agreed.

20. Proposal of purchase of a bench and tools for repairs of the irrigation system - approve if agreed.

21. Proposal for the creation of a web page to give information on the irrigated land and to create a database for the buying and selling of land - approve if agreed.

22. Report of the sale of 100 chairs in the Town Council of Freginals, agreed on by the Executive Council of the Community. Support on the part of the Assembly, if agreed.

23. Proposal of elections to renew half of the members of the 6 members of government of the Community - approve if agreed.

24. Any other business proposed by the members and that the Board considers important - approve if agreed.

25. Any questions.

Water Project meeting - 4th October 2008

A meeting of the water project will be held at the ajuntament at 4.30pm on Saturday 4th October. The purpose of this meeting includes amongst other items the following:-

1. Approval of previous meeting minutes
2. Information on the function and viability of the scheme
3. A proposal to close the hydrants for the whole of January and February 2009, to ensure no freezing of the equipment.
4. Propose the increase in initial subscription to new installations to 600 euros
5. Information on the bills and payment arrangements in 2009
6. Information of the rural electric project

These points seem to be the most important of the 25 items on the agenda. I do not know if an interpreter will be made available during the meeting for us.

Doctor and Nurse times 15th Sept to 3rd Oct 2008

Monday Doctor 8.30 - 10.30 am
Nurse 12.30 - 2 pm

Tuesday Doctor 3 - 5.30 pm
Nurse 12.30 - 2 pm

Wednesday Doctor 8.30 - 10.30 am
Nurse 12.30 - 2pm

Thursday Doctor 11 - 2 pm
Nurse 12.30 - 2pm

Friday Doctor 8.30 - 10.30 pm
Nurse 12.30 - 2pm

UK Photo Driving Licenses

Roger has very kindly passed this information for our attention and information. Many thanks, Roger

Photo UK driving license.

People who obtained photo licenses about 10 years ago are discovering the hard way that their licence is invalid. It is thought that there are many thousands unaware that the photo has to be renewed after 10 years and some are running into trouble with the law.

The problem seems to occur because the license states the date up to which you are qualified to drive but in the small print it says that the photo must be renewed after 10 years. Although DVLA say that they write to holders 2 months before expiry, this does not seem to be the case for many. The fee is £17.50

Regards

Roger

National Day 11th September 2008

This coming Thursday is the Catalan National Day and therefore a bank holiday.

On the Wednesday evening the Village is holding its traditional Buttifara Sopar Popular. Tickets are available from the Ajuntament from tomorrow (Monday) at a cost of 1 euro per person. Unlike the fiesta major tables and chairs are not provided for this event and you must provide your own.

On Thursday during the day there will be bouncy castles and street games for the children in the village.

Post office boxes

Just in case anyone (like me) has been away and was not told - post office boxes are now available in the ajuntment foyer.

To get a box in your name, you must see our usual postman, who is on holiday until the 15th September. He needs a copy of your NIE number (this must be a copy of your actual residency card or the A4 paper NIE notification), together with the annual fee of 59.50 in cash.

He will then issue a box in your name, and provide you with one key. Mail can then be collected from your box anytime the ajuntament is open.

In the event of you needing to sign for mail, or recieve a parcel which will not fit in the box, he will leave a note in the box asking you to call in the post office at the usual opening times to sign or collect the package.

Ebro Valley News

In the past couple of months mainly through this blog Freginals has become noticed by a wider audience - I not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but never the less it has happened.

This has resulted in the Ebro Valley News, which has undergone a re-launch for the September issue, running a one page article about Freginals, and contains an interview with Luis the Mayor and Olga the councillor responsible for social services in the Village looking at the way in which they are working with the immigrant population.

As a thank-you for us Ebro Valley News has left a number of copies of the September issue, which you can pick up free of charge from the Ajuntament. I understand they will be around the post box area just through the door. This paper normally costs 75 cents per issue.

Ebro Valley news are currently looking for somewhere local to sell their papers, and I will keep you posted on here as to where that is.

They are also looking for contributors to the paper with stories or goings on from Montsia. so if any budding journalists are out there, now is your opportunity.

E-mail your story to editor@ebrovalleynews.com

Reminder - Free Catalan lessons starting in Freginals

Just as a reminder to you the free 10 weeks of Catalan lessons will be starting in Freginals on or around the 15th September 2008. There is still a small number of places available, so if you wish to take these lessons please e-mail me as quickly as possible at laacademia@hotmail.co.uk

White 4x4 with sun on door

Some people have recently expressed their concern about the above car which has been seen in the rural valley. I have been in contact with LLuis the Major who confirmed that this man and car are employed by Freginals ajuntament to patrol the rural area around Freginals.

This patrol is for the purpose of stopping trouble with robbers and other undisirables and checking building permits and illegal building.

I made the request that if he comes across a non catalan speaker could he please speak clearly and slowly, so that we may help him with what he needs to do for his job as so far I understand he has been unable to make his purpose known to anyone who does not speak catalan.

Skeeter Syndrome - for information

Skeeter syndrome is an allergy to the saliva mossies inject when they bite. This results in a very ichy bite area which becomes progressively swollen and more itchy over a period of about 7 days, and causes a slight fever. The swelling normally lasts for about 10 days.

Most people who live in a mossie active area become less prone to the affects of mossie bites with each progressive bite. In someone with Skeeter syndrome the effects of each bite becomes progressively worse and can result in afixiation.

After five years of suffering worsening affects of mossie bites I now have been diagonised with this, and can now start to live a more normal life here in Catalunya. So what is the treatment, firstly try not to get bitten - goes without saying really.

But the best treatment is a daily antihistimine tablet which must contain 10mg of cetirizine hydrochlorine, a daily 100mg Vitamin B1 thiamin tablet, and surprisingly if the bite is itchy a small blob of hydrocortisone cream. Since starting this treatment I have received bites but no side affects or more importantly huge swellings.

If you think you may be a skeeter syndrome sufferer like me a urge you to seek medical advice. It is easily diagnosed with a blood test, and the lessening of the effects are such a pleasure.

There is also lots of web pages devoted to Skeeter syndrome on the internet, which are well worth a trawl through.

Sue

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Notes for the Fiesta Major 17th - 24th August 2008

NOTES - please note this is as sent by the Town Hall and has not been corrected or altered in any way


The town council reserves the right of altering, modifying, or suppressing the present program, if there are justified causes

The members of the municipal corporation want to thanking all the associations and entities, youth and all the neighbourhood for their collaboration in our Local Festivities.

The subscription of a table and six chairs for all the Festivities will be from 25 €

The price per night of a table and six chairs will be from 15 €

The price for ticket of the stew of beef and of the paella will be from 3 € each one.

The price for ticket of the “butifarrada” of the 10th September will be from 1 €

The exposures will be open to the public the days: Wednesday (the 20th) from 13,00 hr to 14,00 hr; Thursday (the 21st); Friday ( the 22nd) and Saturday (the 23rd) from 18:00 h. to 19:00 h.

The town council invites the neighbourhood to adorning the streets in occasion of the Local Festivity. Thank you

Recommendations for the “CORREFOC” (Run fire)

1. To take part in the “correfoc” (run fire) it is advisable that you bring leather sport shoes that take you the foot strongly

2. The best clothes to wear are that of cotton, with sleeves, and long trousers and a cloth or straw hat. You can also wear a cotton jogging suit with hoot.

3. Do not throw away water from windows and balconies. For your protection and that of your partners, do not ask for water to the neighbours, because you may provoke agglomerations and slips.
4. Don’t switch on fire and don’t smoking near the pyrotechnic material bags or containers.

5. Not parking in the streets where the “correfoc” (run fire) goes.

6. Try to have the doors and windows closed and protected, to pick up the widespread cloth and to fold the awnings.

7. Collaborate all of us taking out the obstacles from the streets: flowerpots, chairs and others.

Freginals Feista Major 17th - 24th August 2008

This is the official program of this years Feista major - tables and tickets can be purchased from the town hall.
Day 17 Sunday
At 11:00 h. Liturgical feast in honor to Saint Cristòfol. Next, blessing of the vehicles in the street by “Mossèn Miquel”
At 15:30 h. Billiards competition, at the “Bar Faro”, organized by the young people of the village.
At 18:00 h. Popular bike race through the paths of the municipal term.

Day 18 Monday
At 15:30 h. Final of the billiards competition, at the “Bar Faro”
At 18:00 h. Indoor football match, at the polysport place, organized by the young people of the village.

Day 19 Tuesday
At 15,30 h.- “Guinyot” contest at the Bar Faro, organized by the young people of the village.
At 24,00 h. – “The Enigma of Freginals”, organized by “Lo Molí”.
Ø Note: paper, pen and light have to be carried. From 12 years.
The smallest will have to go with an adult.

Day 20 Wednesday
At 12:00 h.- Chime of bells and launch of candies at Church square (Plaça de l’Esglèsia).
At 12:30 h.- At the polyvalent room of the Town Hall, inauguration of the exposure of the pictorial work of the “rapitenca” artist Rosa Gellida I Ayza, organized by the Town Council of Freginals. “Women in memory: the chronology of an effort”
At 15,30 h.- Final of the Guinyot Competition
At 22,00 h.- At the Festivities precinct, opening speech of Festivities in charge of Mrs. Assumpta Eixarch I Conesa, Technical Coordinator of the Secretary’s Office for the immigration on the lands of the Ebre, and official presentation of the “Pubilla major” (Senior Heiress) 2008 and her “Dames d’honor” (bridesmaids).
Laura Grau and Ivan Subirats, from Radio Ràpita, will present the act.
At 22,30.- At the Festivities precinct, dance session in honor to the “Pubilla major” (Heiress senior) and the “Dames d’honor” (festivities Heiresses) 2008, in charge of the Harlem’s orchestra.

Day 21 Thursday
At 10,30 h. At the “Plaça dels arbres” (Trees Square), competition of fast painting, organized by the AMPA (Association of mothers and fathers of pupils) “Joan Martí Miralles”.
At 11,30 h. At the Trees Square (Plaça dels arbres), photographic Rallye, organized by the young people from the village.
At 16,30 h. At the festivities precinct, XVII interlocal throw of “Birles”, organized by the Club of “Birles Freginals”.
At 17,00 h.- At the festivities precinct, pots turning and hot chocolate for the smallest, organized by the AMPA (Association of mothers and fathers of pupils) “Joan Martí Miralles”.
At 21,00 h.- At the festivities precinct, popular dinner of beef’s stew.
At 22,30.- Dance session in charge of the duo “Santafé”.

Day 22 Friday Homage party to the old age
At 11,00 h.- At the church square (Plaça de l’esglèsia), performance of the clown “Muniato xou”.
At 16,00 h.- III local race of the “bolidos” across the urban circuit, organized by young people from the village. Is asked not to park along the itinerary: “Pla de Corany, Nou i Ulldecona”. The use of helmet and other safety measures for the participants is recommended.
At 19,00 h.- Liturgical feast in honor of the old people from the village.
At 20,00 h.- At the festivities precinct, homage afternoon snack. The group of music and traditional dances from Mexico “Raíces mejicanas” will entertain the act. Act sponsored by “Caixa Tarragona”.
At 23,00 h.- “Correfocs” (run fire) by the group of devils “Set cervells” from Jesús.
At 01,00 h.- Young night with mobile Discotheque.

Day 23 Saturday
At 10,00 h.- Playpen at the church square (“Plaça de l’Esglèsia”) and at the principal street (“Carrer Major”)
At 13,30 h.- At the festivities precinct, monumental popular “paella”. After the lunch, will take place the traditional water war, anywhere.
At 17,30 h.- Traditional race with bikes and motorbikes at the principal street (Carrer major) and the church square (Plaça de l’Esgèsia).
At 17, 30 h.- At the town council, collection in favor of the campaign against the cancer, 2008 .
At 19, 30 h.- Holly liturgical feast
At 23, 30 h.- Dance session with the performance of “Eclipse” orchestra.

Day 24, Sunday Saint Bertomeu’s Day
At 10,15 h.- Music in the streets in charge of the Musical Band “Casal Camarlenc”
At 10,45h.- Flowers and fruits offering by the entities and associations from the village to Saint Bertomeu.
At 11,00 h.- Solemn liturgical feast in honor to our Patron “Sant Bartomeu”. Sung Liturgical feast of Pius X, sung by the Chorus “Cingles del Montsià”.
At 12,00 h.- Solemn procession trough the local streets.
The parking of vehicles is prohibited in the“carrer major (principal street), Sant Antoni, Roser, Plaça dels arbres, carrer del Forn, Pla de Corany I Verge dels Socors.
At 12, 45h.- At the Festivities precinct, vermouth concert in charge of the Musical Band “Casal Camarlenc”
At 23,30 h.- Dance session with the performance of the “Calibra” orchestra.

Change in Doctor and Nurse times until September

From the 22 July until 30 September the doctor and the nurse will not visit Tuesdays in the afternoon.

The doctor will visit from 9.00 a.m to 11.00 a.m until the 14 August and the nurse from 12.30 p.m to 14.00 p.m until the 30 September 2008

Apologies for tthe lack of content for the past two months

Please accept my sincere apologies for the lack of content on here for the past couple of months, this has been due to computer problems and work commitments, but normal service is about to resume.

Sometimes life just gets in the way of things as I am sure you all understand.

Sue
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Who is responsible for what at the Ajuntament!!

As well as Sergi the secretary and Lluis the Major, Freginals also has some Town Councillors (Regidors) who give their time for free. Each person within the Ajuntament is responsible for different areas of our lives.

Josep Lluis Fernandez Homedes - Acalde is responsible for the day to day running of the village, together with generally overseeing the whole Freginals Ajuntament area.

Olga Carceller Subirats - Regidora is responsible for the social side of the village, for example, Medical care, Social Services and the care of the elderly and young population who may need extra assistance and Education.

Jose Sosperdra Duran - Regidor is responsible for the Hidenda and special projects. The feistas, the local news bulletins, and the culture of the village.

Jose Luis Fabra Montagud - Regidor is responsible for the Youth and sport activities in the village, together with the rural land, agriculture and other rural issues.

If you wish to meet with anyone of the councillors please make an appointment through Sergi the secretary, who works with all the 4 councillors.

Services available at the Town Hall

Justice of the Peace - Avialable upon Citizens' request

Social Services - Wednesday 9am to 10.30 am

Welcome Officer - Monday 12.30 to 2.30pm, Thursday 8am to 12.30pm

Community Mediation - Available upon Citizens' request

Municipal Technician - Check with town hall, they will get in touch with him as needed

Youth Worker - Tuesday 4pm to 8pm

Municipal Water Service (Aigues de Catalunya SA) Second Friday in the month 10am - 12 noon
For water Breakdowns telephone 620 29 39 67

Bulky Household Waste collection - First Thursday of the month - You need to sign the list at the Town Hall first in order to use this service

Village Associations and Clubs

Parents Association (AMPA
Contact: Merce Accensi Subirats

Hunters Association
Contact: Josep Fabra, Telephone 977 57 27 52

Association of Retirees and Pensioners
Contact: Constantino Marti, Telephone 977 57 28 06

Ninepins Club (Birles)
Contact: Francisco Miralles, Telephone 977 57 27 01

Choir
Contact: Jose Maria Castell, Telephone 977 57 27 71

Agriculture Cooperative and Credit Section of Freginals
Contact: Rafael Espuny, Telephone 977 57 27 90

Irrigation Union Group
Contact Lluis Cortiella, Telephone 977 57 27 88

Important Village Telephone numbers

Town Hall, Carrer Major 11, Tele 977 57 27 89
Office hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 2.30pm, Tuesday and Thursday 4.30 to 8pm

CEIP Joan Marti Miralles school, Carrer Sant Antoni s/n Telehpone 977 57 27 00

CAP Healthcare, Carrer Escoles 1, Telephone 977 57 27 53
Open:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday morning, and Wednesday Afternoon

Post Office, Carrer Major 13,
Open: Monday to Friday 8.15 - 8.45 am

Chemists, Carrer del Forn 5, Telephone 977 57 28 26
Open: Usual shop hours

Welcome Letter

Following the meeting, the first thing I would like to do is publish a welcome letter from the adjuntament to us all. This was written in English and personally signed by Lluis, Jose and Olga from the ajuntament.

'Freginals is a small town of working folk located at the foot of the mountain that gives our County its name:Montsia.

We are 460 residents who work in agriculture and different jobs in the neighbouring towns (Amposta, La Senia, Tortosa), which also provide the majority of our services.

Perhaps for this reason, and because not too many years ago the residents of Freginals also set out for France and other Countries in a quest for a better life for their children, We understand the difficulties of beginning a new stage in life far from your family, friends and customs, far from the traditions and the music you used to listen to when you were young.

We are completely convinced that without respect for everyone's customs, peaceful coexistance is impossible. For this reason, we want to help you solve your minor day-to-day problems based on the respect we both ask for and offer, so that we can all together try to make this village a little smaller and all feel more at home here.

The mayor and all the town councillors are all onboard this effort.

Welcome to Freginals. We hope your stay with us will be the start of a better life for everyone.'

Signed,

Lluis, Jose, and Olga.

Today's meeting at the Ajuntament

Wow - well todays meeting at the ajuntament was very productive in opening up the dialogue with the people in the know, both in our village and the wider services avialable. So here are a few of the main points - but keep an eye on here as I have lots to tell you over the coming days - important information

1. I will now receive the bing bong information through sms messaging to allow it to be posted here.

2. Other information, including meetings at the ajuntament will be forwarded by email to me.

3. We have many people in the ajuntament to help us with any issues or problems, not just Luis and the secretary - further info will be posted shortly.

4. The village would like us to do something for the Fiesta Major which will be held this year between the 19th and 24 th August - please can I have peoples thoughts on what we might do for this. It needs an English theme.

5. I have a booklet for you all, which I will distribute asap. At the moment this is only about 6 copies, but I have been promised more next week, so if you have not got one within two weeks please contact me.

So, hopefully it looks like the days of the information black hole may be disappearing.

Lost Dogs

Good News - both dogs hae been found safe and well, and are now back with their owners. Thank you everyone for your help once again.

Missing Dogs

Two pure white japanese Akita dogs have gone missing tonight 12th May 2008. They are male and female and answer to the names of Hugo and Boss. These are very very friendly dogs and are being missed badly.

If you see them, or catch them please telephone 977053057 as soon as possible please.

These dogs are house pets which are being sadly missed.

Please pass this message on to other who may not have access to this site. Thank you

Sue

Urgent - Questions for tabling at Meeting on Friday

A meeting has been arranged for Friday 16th May between myself, the director of Immigration, and our local MP for Freginals. I need to know of any questions that you want tabling at this meeting.

Please either post a comment here, or email me on laacademia@hotmail.co.uk or telephone/text me on 652467469.

This is your opportunity to get answers to questions, and to keep the dialogue open. Please take this opportunity. I will willing table questions for you, and post the answers.

Thank you for your support

Sue

History of Freginals - part two

In that time, it was natural, for the people to walk from one village to another on foot, and they were very agile. For example, in a document of the year 1500 we are told that to walk from Ulldecona to Tortosa (some 30 kilometers) took six hours to walk.

During the 17th century, the village suffered incursions of pirates and bandits, who burned the small church. Because of that, two sentries watched from on top of Montsià Then if the alarm was raised the people could run all the way to Ulldecona Castle to take refuge. There is still a named pathway of the Bandits, ‘Camí dels Bandolers’ dating from that period today.

After the ancient church was burnt, a new one was constructed in 1742. It is the church that we see today. The façade is from late baroque style and inside is neo-Gothic. The bosses and patterns celebrate the life of Saint Bartomeu, and the local fiesta of our village is on the 24th August, in honour of the village’s patron Saint.

Also, we have another local party on the 16 of October, to remember the prayer in the Santíssim Sagrament being the one who gave Freginals a great storm and lightning on the same day of year 1831. Another important building in Freginals is the current Town hall, Which is in the former home of a village nobleman of about the same period.


On the 18th November of 1844 the emancipation of Freginals was signed. Until then the village had always been joined to Ulldecona, and it figures in the book of cups of the rents of Ulldecona (1796-1840) In the village there was also a factory of containers, a tavern of wine, a shop of oil, a factory of eau de vie and a bakery at that time . However, from 1844 we started to see the emergence of the independent village.

The History of Freginals – part one

Fregi is the name of the hedgehog of our region that wants to explain the history of Freginals village in a simple and understandable way. We will leave Fregi to explain.

Hello! I am the hedgehog Fregi, and I live in your village. Since I first moved here I liked life in the Montsià region, because it is not a very high area, where cold is hard, nor is it to low where you would not see anything. The Montsià Mountain, at its higher point, has a maximum altitude of 765 meters. From there I have seen many things.

First, let us place Freginals in the map: Freginals it is in the region of the Montsià, placed in the south of Catalonia. Freginals is 126 meters above sea level and the Montsia Mountain takes up 17'3 kilometres square in land area. The top area of the Montsià Mountain is 918'90 hectares

The most ancient settlers have left evidence of their existence in this area by painting some very beautiful figures in some caves near here. These caves are on the Sierra Godall Mountain directly in front of the Freginals railway high on the mountainside. They are the cave paintings of the tribes of the Masets and of the Llibreres. The tribe of the Masets drawing is distinguished by an archer with red paint and the tribe of the Llibreres by drawings of deer.

The same people who made these beautiful paintings, also manufactured tools to work with.

The FREGINALS word comes from the ancient Romanesque "Farraginale", that means a field of fodder, that is, that our terrain was destined long ago for fields or meadows to supply with fodder to the livestock of the region. The fodder is the sown wheat that is very dense and is reaped without ripening, in order to give the food to the livestock.

The flag of Freginals is three unripe clover leafs on a white cloth as this shows the history of ‘Farraginale’ as an area of the planting and harvesting on unripe fodder crops for the animals.

Before the year 1148, Freginals belonged to the Moorish king Taifa of Tortosa. In the year 1148, Ramon Berenguer IV conquered the kingdom of Tortosa with the help of many noblemen, among them one coming from Santa Maria de Miralles (near Igualada). In gratitude, Ramon Berenguer IV granted the Baron of Miralles the possession of the territories where now Freginals is.

On 12 March of year 1274 the hospitable command of Ulldecona, Bernat de Ribelles, started the colonization of our land around Freginals by granting an extension to the inhabitants of the land that was full of natural vegetation and developed it to the grazing for the peoples cows.

Until the year 1283 the people had to sleep within the walls of Ulldecona, but from this year, with a letter to the population conceded by the command of Cervera and Amposta, Guillem de Claramunt, it allowed them to remain living and sleeping on their land, At this time they constructed a small church for the Christian cult.

A history of Freginals

Recently The Generalitat de Catalunya, together with the director and teachers from the school in Freginals have written a history of the village of Freginals. This book is designed for the school children to learn the history of the village and has exercises in the back of the book.

After seeing the book, and the beautiful photographs of our area contained within I thought you may be interested in this. So I have started to translate the text for you with the blessing of Don Jose. But please remember this is primarily written for small children, and is based on a hedgehog called Fregi telling the story.

I hope you enjoy reading this, more will follow, as my time dictates.

Why have the Road Signs appeared in the Cami's?

I few weeks ago I was asked if I could find the answer to this question. My apologies for the length of time it has taken me.

However, I do now have a definitive answer: These are purely for the orienteering of cyclists and walkers using the green routes around our beautiful valley, as the new walking and cycling books now available have the road names marked on them for easy of reference.

Sorry if this is not quite what everyone was hoping to hear, but please do not shoot the messenger.

Free Catalan Lessons in Freginals

On the 15th September 2008 Basic Catalan classes will be starting in Freginals to be held at the school for seven weeks, twice per week for 2 hours per lesson.

These classes will assume no prior knowledge of the language, and aim to get you speaking and conversing in basic Catalan to the local community.

Places are limited to 15 and are filling fast. If you wish to partake of the classes please get in touch with me as soon as possible. I need your name, telephone number and NIE number to register you.

According to Isobel the Co-ordinator of Catalan language studies, these classes are suitable as a refresher for those who took the village classes two years ago.

You have no excuse now to learn the local language

At last some Answers to Questions

This morning I had a meeting with the Comarc de Montsia's Director of Immigration. This is the meeting I have been waiting for since January, when I started this blog. He has promised to arrange a further meeting within two weeks, with himself, myself and a number of agencies who can at last answer our enquiries and give us updated local information 'on tap'.

So at last it looks like I will have regular updates on here for you all.

Thank you all for your patience while I have sorted this out. Obviously persistence does eventually pay off here.

St Jordi

On Wednesday 23rd April the Catalan people celebrate Dia de St Jordi (St Georges Day). Like the UK St George is also the patron saint of Catalunya, this day is celebrated like St Valentines day in the UK.

But the tradition is slightly different, and personally I think better. So for you guys you need to buy your girl a single red rose, and the girls need to buy their guy a book.

There are many book markets open throughout the day, including in the school playground over the lunchtime period. But one of the main ones is in Amposta in the Castell area (old town), from 11am to 2pm then 5pm until 9pm. The roses can also be bought at the book markets - so no excuses this time guys.

I am not sure if any of the book stalls will sell books in English, but if you enjoy cooking and gardening, then you are sure to find books of interest to you, however you need to get your dictionary out as these will be in Catalan, but what better excuse do you need to improve your language skills.

Enjoy, and happy St Jordi day to you all

Driving in Spain on a UK Driving License

Over the past couple of days, I have been hearing the story of an English woman in the south of Spain being involved in a car accident, where the Police asked for her car documents, driving liecense and Spanish medical certificate, confirming she was fit to drive on Spanish roads. When she could not produce the Spanish medical certificate she was fined 5000 euros for not having one.

So, today I went to a local Gestor and asked him if this medical certificate was compulsory for driving on an English License here. His reply was that you can drive a UK or Spanish registered car on a UK Euro License quite legally here, and there is no compulsory obligation to take and pass the Spanish medical. However, he recommends that any person driving on a UK driving license takes the medical and gets the certificate which costs about 30 euros, as more and more police are requesting to see this certificate.

You will need to take your residency card or passport, two photos, and your driving license with you and the medical consists of an eye test, blood pressure check, and a perception computer based test. It takes about 15 minutes, and can obviously save you quite a few thousand euros. Amposta has two testing centres that I know of, the first is next to Mercadona and the second is GAM near to the Cafoc Ferriertia on Ave De la Rapita.

In my mind it has got to be worth it.

New Catalunya Forum

There is a new Catalunya Forum available at the link below. This has been set up by locals here in Freginals, so please take a look and join in the Forum

www.catalunyacommunity.com

Extension of El ports National Park

This afternoon two Agents Rural came up to our house, to confirm what buildings etc where on the land and to look at the forested part of our land. This is in preparation for the extension of the El Ports National Park into this valley.

They asked to see any plans of our land from Base, as well as looking around our land, and advising us that because some of our land is now forested, and has not been worked for a number of years, we would now require a license to clear it from Amposta, as the classification has changed. Any land already cleared and in production does not need this license and can be worked as normal.

We were also asked if we had added any building since the last survey, and that in future any alterations or additions will need planning permission from the local adjuntment, as the area was to become the national park and rules in national parks are very very strict.

These agents were very very nice, and offered advice and also left a phone number should we have further questions. The details they left are for Medi Ambient at c/Burgos 17, Amposta. Telephone no 977707320.

Re:Parcel

'Dad' of Freginals has now been located and will be reunited with his birthday present later today. Thank you to everyone for helping with this, especially Nigel for making us aware of the problem through the blog - Thanks Nigel.

Have you lost an expected Parcel!!

Today, at the Post Office Nigel was given a parcel addressed to 'Dad, Freginals'. Xavier the postman gave it to Nigel because he regularly receives post incorrectly addressed to him. The parcel was opened and it contains a present and a card, addressed again to Dad, and signed by two females.

If you think this parcel belongs to you, please contact Nigel directly on 977 053 057 within the next seven days, at which point if it remains unclaimed he will return it to the post office.

Please let others who may not have access to the internet, and this site know about this parcel. Thank you.

Wildfire as reported in the Local Press

The Firefighters of the Generalitat have controlled the forest fire that this Wednesday has burned at night and morning in Freginals, among six and seven hectares of thicket and olive tree
Six teams of firefighters continue to work in the tasks of extinction.
Ten teams of firefighters have been working since Wednesday at night, as they have briefed the Firefighters of the Generalitat. The fire started about ten thirty at night in the kilometer 8,9 of the road T-331. All night there have been seven teams of the firefighters and early in the morning three more have been moved there. The firefighters have considered the fire as being stabilized towards 5 in the morning and expect to be able to consider it as being controlled along the morning. The firefighters have explained that the wind hampers the tasks of extinction.

At reported in l’ebre newspaper Friday 28th March 2008
Translated using http://www.translendium.com/

Last nights wild fire

I am sure many of you witnessed last nights wild fire on the Sierra Godall. This was located on land next to James Hughes finca and became noticed at about 11pm, and the mobile tom tom drums came into action insuring everyone likely to be affected were raised from their beds and made aware of the fire.

At its height flames were estimated by the fire brigade to be approximately 40 - 50 feet high and were been whipped into whirlwinds by the high winds. A total of six fire engines attended the blaze, together with Guarda Civil and Mossas. The fire men used 2 kms of hose to reach the fire. It was decided that the water carrier helicopters could not be used in the dark and high winds

Information on residents was gathered and an evacuation plan was put in place around midnight. This plan was stood down around 1.30am when the wind changed direction taking the threat away from homes on the mountainside.

At 5.15am, 3 fire engines left the scene, together with the police. The other 3 engines remained on watch, and are still on watch as I write this this morning, together with the Agents Rural and the helicopters regularly checking the scene in daylight.

The cause of this fire was olive cuttings being left in a bonfire, which was whipped up by the wind into this wildfire. It should serve as a sharp reminder to us all living in the campo.

Our thanks must go out the the proffesionalism of the emergency services who did such a great job last night in protecting homes, people and pets and also to James Hughes who handled the situation for us by keeping us upto date with information and working with the police to identify who may have been at risk. Our thanks to you all.

Residency Certificates

For those of you who wish to get a residency certificate, below please find a link to download and print the form.

You need to complete the form and attend the Police Station in Tortosa with your passport and NIE originals and a copy of each.

I believe the process is now very simple and the certificates are issued on the same day providing you can make it to the bank on time to pay the tax for registering, and return to the Police Station to hand your form in and claim your certificate.

http://www.inlandcosta.com/information/residents-certificate-application.pdf

Security of your property reminder

This is just to serve you as a reminder, and to make those who have recently joined our local community aware.

In the past many of our properties have been 'spotted' by lookouts marking property for future burglary. This normally involves a single person riding around the area locating properties which look like they may contain goods which can be quickly desposed of, such as telephones, lap-tops and in my case and another even a washing machine.

Recently an unknown car has appeared to be making these rounds again, although this is not confirmed, but has been seen acting suspiously on a number of occasions. This 'lookout' will then use a sign to mark the property for the robbers to locate it by. This sign can include a water bottle placed on the road side, a rag or plastic bag tied into a tree or a stone marked in some way also placed on the road side. In the pass week I myself have located two of these such markers whilst travelling around the valley.

So the reminder is, please be aware of such things around the area where your land leaves the main roadways, if you see anything please remove it in order to help protect yourselves and others. As Nick Ross says, sleep well and dont have nightmares!

Ryanair officially announces 26th base at Reus Airport

Last week Ryanair made the following official announcement

Ryanair Announces 26th Base in Reus Barcelona

2 A/CRAFT ($140m) & 12 ROUTES DELIVER OVER 1M PAX P.A

Ryanair, Europe’s largest low fares airline today (12th Feb) announced its 26th European and fifth Spanish base in Reus Barcelona. From October, Ryanair will invest $140M in 2 new aircraft and 12 routes that will deliver 1,000 jobs and over 1m passengers p.a. for Tarragona.

DESTINATION Starts
Birmingham June
Dublin Operating
Frankfurt Operating
Glasgow Operating
Liverpool Operating
London (Luton) Operating
London (Stansted) Operating
Palma Oct
Paris Oct
Santander Oct
Santiago Oct
Seville Oct

In just five years, Ryanair has smashed Iberia’s high fare monopoly by guaranteeing Spanish passengers the lowest fares and no fuel surcharges ever. This has driven down the cost of travel and delivered an annual €2bn tourism spend in the Spanish regions.

Ryanair’s new base in Reus Barcelona will replicate the success of our existing bases in Alicante, Girona, Madrid and Valencia, transforming tourism to the region and saving passengers €100m p.a. compared to Iberia’s high fares and fuel surcharges.

Announcing Ryanair’s 26th European base in Reus, CEO Michael O’Leary said,

“We congratulate Reus for fighting off stiff competition from seven other airports across Europe to win this new base which guarantees over 1m passengers p.a and two new aircraft worth over $140m for 12 Ryanair routes.

“Ryanair will now develop the region’s massive untapped potential by giving the tourism industry year round low fare access to Europe’s largest cities. The 1m passengers that Ryanair delivers to/from Reus next year will generate a local visitor spend of at least €150m.

Personal Translator for when things get just to complicated

I am sure like me, many of you wish you could find a translator at times when dealing with life here. Well now we have that opportunity as Jordi Tomas Roig a local PHD student who is having to finish his PHD without funding is willing to offer this service to us all for 10 euros per hour.

Jordi speaks very good English and will more importantly give a full translation of what is being said to you, unlike some who give you an abbreviated version, or tell you what you want to hear as has happened to me in the past.

He is available to go to meetings with you, make telephone calls for you or translate documents, at a time convenient to you, although he is not available on a Monday or Tuesday due to his PHD commitments.

Jordi can be contacted by telephone on 615277133 or by email on jordibiologia@hotmail.com, or if you prefer through myself.

Calling at bikers (Motor)

Bikers meet on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 10am at the bar in Freginals for a bike meet/ride. All welcome. Contact Harry for further details 677847602

Denomination of origin protection for Freginal Olives

The European Commission has approved the inclusion of olive oil produced in this area with a denomination of origin protection (DOP), and will be added to the geographical indication protected product list (IGP).

The DOP protection protects products that shows qualities tied to their geographical location. The zone of the DOP for the area includes the following villages and towns: - Alcover, Alfara de Carles, l'Ametlla de Mar, Bot, Benifallet, Camarles, Deltebre, Paüls, the Perelló, Roquetes, Tivenys, Tortosa and Xerta, in the region of the Baix Ebre; and that of the Montsià els d'Alcanar, Amposta, Freginals, La Galera, Godall, Mas de Barberans, Masdenverge, Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Sant Jaume D'enveja, Santa Bàrbara, the Sénia, and Ulldecona.

The accepted varieties of olives are Morruda and Sevillenca. The prominent variety being Morruda, making up over half of the trees in the area. This variety produces oil from a green/yellow thorough to a gilt yellow, with a flavoursome and fruity flavour at the beginning of the season and a slighty sweet taste later on in the season.

Taken from L'Ebre newspaper Friday 8th Feb 2008
Translated using Translendium SL

Have you seen the white sticks on the side of the T331?

If so this is the explanation as published in L'ebre newspaper on Friday 25th Jan 2008

Upgrading of the T331 road from Ulldecona to Vinallop at a cost of 24 million euros, covering 21.6 kms.

The work will include the elimination of the bends and the construction of a bypass at Santa Barbara, with the goal, according to the department of Territorial Politica and Works to improve the fluid movement of traffic and the security of the road. The roadworks will take 20 months, they will run from the roundabout at Ulldecona to the intersection of the C12 at Vinallop, and they will affect the towns of Freginals, Godall, La Galera, Santa Barbara, and Masdenverge.

Town councils and institutions of the territory have for a long time requested the remodelling of the road T331 as this road constitutes one of the main avenues of communication with the inland area of the Baix Ebre and Montsia. At this time, the pavement of the road is in a poor condition in some points and the width of the road is limited in many stretches.

The works foresees the enlargement of the road to a width of 9 meters (at the moment it is between 6 to 7 meters wide). It will have two carriageways of 3.5 metres wide, with a verge on each side of 1 metre, which at present it does not have, the project will include the construction of a number of T-junctions and an underpass for pedestrians in the village of Les Ventalles.

On of the main features of this work will be the construction of a bypass in Santa Barbara of 3kms in length to take vehicles away from the urban area. The construction of three roundabouts will also take place. One at the southern end of the new bypass at Santa Barbara, one at the start of the T-350 Santa Barbara to Masdenverge road, and the final one at the exit for Vinallop. Each roundabout will be 40 metres in diameter.

The project also sees the construction of a new viaduct across the ravine of Roe near to Vinallop, at a total length of 96 metres, made up of three 32-metre spans.

Translated using Tranlendium SL

As yet I do not know how this will effect the access for people living next to the T-331. I will of course be trying to find out.

Local holidays in Catalunya for 2008

This is a list of local holiday dates for our area. Please note each town also has its own dates, so this list is not conclusive, and will not cover Vinaros area at all.

Local holidays - 2nd May
16th October (Santissim)

Catalunya holidays - 1st Jan (New Years Day)
21 st March (Good Friday)
24th March (Easter Monday)
1st May (Labour day)
24th June (St Joan)
15th August (Assumption)
11th September (National Catalunya day)
1st November (All Saints day)
6th December (Constitution day)
8th December (Immaculate Conception)
25th December (Christmas Day)
26th December (Boxing Day or locally known as St Stephens day)

Still waiting for information

It is exactly 2 weeks today since I had the meeting with the Mayor and a promise of information for this blog. To date I am still waiting to hear from him, so please continue to bear with me. I will endevour to meet him again next week, if only to jog his memory.

New Recycling Bins in Freginals

I am sure you have noticed the building work going on in the village around the big green wheelie bin locations. In line with European policy the Catalan Government are installing recycling bins throughout all areas of Catalonia. These will shortly come into use in the village.

The bins are available for plastics, paper, cardboard, glass and metal. But certain requirements of your recycleable waste is required before they can be placed in the bins.

Plastics, must have the labels removed, be washed and crushed
Metal cans, must have the label removed, be washed and crushed
Glass, must have the label removed and be washed
But I would not recommend washing the newspaper as it gets soggy

I understand that some small green wheelie bins will still be available for non recycleable waste.

A meeting will be held at the Ajuntament once the bins are operational to show how packaging can be prepared for the recycle bins, and a leaflet will be produced in English if you are unsure how to recycle.

Emergency numbers and property Identification

Following a request for this information, please note the following:-

The same number is used to contact Police, Ambulance and Fire - 122

All of the Emergency services will locate your home by the Parcela and Poligon number of your land.

This information was given and confirmed by Freginals Ajuntament

Disposal of large unwanted items

Since the closure of the local tip in Freginals the disposal of large items such as old furniture and fridges for example has become a problem. This problem has been identified by the Ajuntament who are working on a solution at the moment.

The solution is for a monthly collection from the village, however the collection point for this has still to be decided by the Ajuntament. As soon as this has been settled the Ajuntament will let me know on what date the collection will take place and the collection point.

In the meantime they ask for your help by storing any large unwanted items until such time as this is resolved.

Meeting with the Mayor

At last, I have managed to see the Mayor with regard to gaining information for dissemination to you all. Luis is extremely enthusiastic about this opportunity to share information and engage the English community more in the life of the village.

He is arranging for me to meet with a lady who is responsible for working with the immigrant population for all for the village ajuntaments in this area (I did not know she existed - did you?). In light of this, the information may be a little longer in coming through, but Luis wants this to work and therefore feels it is better to move forward slowly rather than rushing it and it not working correctly, which I also agree with.

So please continue to bear with me while we sort out the best way for information to be sent through and remember work is going on in the background to make this happen

Apologies for lack of information at the moment

Please accept my apologises for the lack of information from the ajuntament at the moment. I have attempted to see the mayor on two occasions this week without success. I will keep trying until this happens. Please bear with me on this.

I have also been made aware that a few people are having problems accessing this blog site therefore to aid access we have created a link from www.freginals.com to this blog. So please if you hear of anyone having problems i would be grateful if you could direct them to the blog through the web site.

In case you wish to leave comments or add something to the blog but not sure how to do this. you click onto the title of the post and this directs you to another page where you can post your comments.

Thank you for your support so far, and remember this blog is for the whole community.

Carnival in Freginals

Carnival is held throughout Spain as a celebration of the end of winter and the wecoming of Spring. Every year in the village the children from the primary school celebrate carnival, and chase out the bad winter devils and welcome the good spring spirits into the village by dressing up in classroom made gigantic heads and fancy dress, then parade around the whole village banging drums and tooting whistles, whilst demanding sweets from the villagers as payment for their services.

This year the celebration will take place on Monday 4th February, departing from the school at 12 noon, it lasts for about 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour and eveyone is welcome to take part or just watch the children. I am sure if you come armed with a bag of sweets the children will love you forever.

Look forward to seeing you all there

Signing at the Ajuntament for the Water

As you are all aware before Christmas we had to attend the Ajuntament to confirm our Parcela and Poligon number so the land type could be changed from dry land to land with water.

I got a telephone call from the Ajuntament last night to confirm that the papers have now arrived and we need to attend the Ajuntament again within 14 days to sign the papers. So by my reckoning that is before the 30th January 2008. Please remember the Ajuntament is not open on a Friday evening.

The sole purpose of this blog

Hello everyone and welcome to the English in Freginals blog. The sole purpose of this blog is to offer a portal for information from the village of Freginals to the English community living with the Ajuntament area.

This blog is not a place to offer goods and services for sale, but purely information from the Ajuntament, water project and other offices which affect our daily life here in Freginals. It is an information only site, and I do not make personal comments on the information posted.

If you wish to add something to the daily blogs please email me at laacademia@hotmail.co.uk or tell me if you see me around the area, and I will make sure it is added for the whole English community.

The idea of this blog has been at the back of my mind for a couple of years, and I hope through it we can foster closer relationships with our Catalan community as well as becoming better informed of local official information and news.

If there is any other information you would like to see on this blog, please let me know, as this blog belongs to us all to aid our life here in the sun.