Events Gallery – 2013

We held our biggest Christmas party ever for members and their families at Lancora Tennis Club in Javea, where we welcomed almost 30 children. Spectrum FM presenter John Migas provided the music, the children had lots of fun playing party games and there was lots of great food when the buffet was served. The most important part of the afternoon of course was the arrival of Santa, assisted by his Elf, and they distributed wonderful presents to all the children and left bottles of cava and chocolates for the parents.

Thanks to the huge efforts of Guardian Angels supporter Sue Nutbrown, this sun-blessed fundraising event was a fantastic success.  The beautiful gardens were filled with a variety of stalls and people listening to the brilliant Vikki Reynolds Tribute Show.  Many sat at the patio tables sipping cava or waiting for their turn to tour the gorgeous Paz de Palacio.  The children were kept amused by walking the dogs brought along by Costa Blanca Dog Homing charity or enjoying the bouncy castle.

Later in the day, Mark Stacey, antiques, auctioneer and TV personality, emerged from the bungalow where he had been doing valuations to conduct the auction.  This was the highlight of the day, resulting in a huge amount of money being raised for both charities.  Mark was a good sport ending up in the “stocks” and having wet sponges thrown at him to the delight of the audience.

Sue Nutbrown presented a cheque to Guardian Angels for €2552.00 which was a fantastic achievement for one event.  She has promised that it will be even bigger and better next year!

The Calendar Angels finally revealed all at the launch of their 2014 calendar at the Denia Marriott Hotel on Saturday 14th September. At least – they revealed the finished calendar, containing stunning photos of 12 members and helpers of single-parent support group Guardian Angels, who ‘bared all’ to raise money to help purchase school books for members’ children – a big, annual expense for single parents in Spain – and to increase awareness of the charity.

Javea Mayor Jose Chulvi was on hand to give the group his backing and some kind words about the good work they are doing for single parents. A message was also read out from actor and TV presenter Sir Tony Robinson. He was invited to attend the launch as he owns a villa in Javea but unfortunately he is not in Spain in September. Tony, who has written a number of children’s books, was kind enough to send Guardian Angels the following encouraging words:-

“Being a single mum or dad can be a very lonely business, particularly if you don’t have much money and aren’t surrounded by other family members. A lot of single parents struggle to find the ‘dinero’ to pay for school books and the Guardian Angels do their best to lighten that load. Please give your support by buying a calendar – then buy another one for your Granddad’s Christmas present!”

The event made the front page of the Costa Blanca News and was also featured in Female Focus and Round Town News.

This year’s Pool Day held at the villa of GA mentor Leigh Patterson and husband Caryl attracted a number of members and their children, who were soon splashing about in the pool, whilst listening to live music from the ’60s performed by local group Hot Mustard with GA’s chief mentor, Ian Coleman, on drums and Bay Radio’s John Curtis on guitar and lead vocals.

To satisfy the hungry guests there was a delicious paella, prepared by one of Lee’s neighbours, whilst Caryl cooked sausages, burgers and chicken legs on the BBQ, accompanied by salad and a cold buffet. The fabulous desserts included Celia’s delicious lemon meringue pie, jelly for the children and ‘grown-up’ vodka jellies for the adults! Later, the children were also treated to ice creams.

The afternoon was rounded off by a crazy session of throwing wet sponges at various victims who volunteered to put themselves into the stocks!

Our thanks to Lee and Caryl for working so hard to make us all feel welcome, to Hot Mustard who gave up their afternoon to entertain us and everyone else who contributed to a great event.

As expected, this was a really funny, action-packed day. The teams threw themselves into each event with great enthusiasm and managed to survive with smiles all round. The whole day was buzzing with activity. Guardian Angels team, led by the intrepid Amanda O’ Shea, came an admirable fourth and were presented with a trophy by Javea Mayor Jose Chulvi.  Proceeds raised of €700 were split with joint organisers, European Kids Association.

More than 50 friends and supporters attended the event at the Cafe del Mar, Moraira to taste no less than 8 different wines from the Simon de Montfort vineyard near Valencia. They listened to an interesting commentary by Javea-based Vicent Montfort and also enjoyed some delicious tapas.

After the wine-tasting there was a chance to bid for some great lots donated by local businesses, including spa days, meals for two, hair, beauty and foot treatments and even 10 days free parking at Alicante airport. The auctioneer, Guardian Angel Vernon Pearce, aided by organiser Gill Somers, successfully steered the bids to raise over €400, an excellent addition to the evening’s fund-raising.

Guests were then treated to great musical entertainment in the form of the Vikki Reynolds Tribute Show, with ‘personal appearances’ by musical stars such as Kylie, Adele, the Blues Brothers and even Frank Sinatra and the evening finished with a full dance floor.