Events Gallery – 2015
This year’s Christmas Party was held at Laguna Ribs in Javea, where on arrival the children were surprised to find Olaf the Snowman (aka GA mentor Leigh Patterson) was there to welcome them. Andre soon had everyone joining in the games and there were plenty of sweets and prizes. A wonderful buffet was laid out for everyone to enjoy at around 4pm and the smell of chips soon had everyone lining up with their plates! A quick game of musical chairs afterwards enabled us to prepare for the arrival of Santa (aka Caryl Patterson), who took up residence in his grotto, where Olaf the Snowman helped him distribute gifts to all the children. The mums were not forgotten and at the end of the afternoon, they were presented with chocolates and cava. In the absence of Trisha, who was in the UK attending her latest grandson’s christening, Gill and Andre did a great job organising the smooth running of the afternoon, assisted by chief mentor Becky and mentors Tracey, Celia, Ann and Vernon.
In November we held only our second-ever, fund-raising ball but this time we went upmarket and hired the ballroom at the Denia Marriott La Sella Golf Resort. Our ambitious plan, sponsored by De Vere of Spain, paid off and 200 of the charity’s helpers and supporters, dressed in their best ball gowns and dinner suits, topped off by some wonderful, colourful masks, enjoyed a great night of food, music and dancing.
Guests were welcomed with a cava reception around the hotel’s pool and entertained by saxophonist Frank Abrams. A 3-course meal with wine followed, after which the Allerton Road group helped to fill the dance floor until well after midnight. A photo booth supplied by Photopod Spain enabled everyone to capture some zany memories of the night and Andre’s heads and tails game caused great hilarity.
You can watch a slideshow of the evening here.
A fantastic €3,345 was raised
A great fund-raising event took place at the Monsoon Thai Restaurant in Javea in October with entertainers Clair Gingell Parsons and saxophonist Frank Abrams. It was a a very enjoyable evening with delicious Thai food, fantastic music and everyone on the floor dancing at the end. A huge thank you to our 2 great entertainers – our very own rock chick Clair Gingell Parsons and the talented saxophonist Frank Abrams – who gave up their evening to help us raise funds for GA.
Our annual Pool Day was enjoyed by 30 members and children, held at the beautiful villa of GA supporter Dorothy Place. It was a good opportunity for members to chat and make new friendships but also a sad day, as we said farewell to member Gary Foreman and his children, who are returning to New Zealand to start a new life later this month. Gary’s departure was celebrated with a beautiful cake made by Ann Martin and the gift of a GA plaque.
The GA Benidorm group went to Algar Waterfalls on 19th July as one of the meetings that have been organised for the summer holidays. We all had a lovely day climbing up and down the waterfalls. Then having a picnic, followed by another swim and finally ending the day under the waterfall.
On Sunday the 28th June we had our first get together of the GA Benidorm wing. It was attended by four families with children’s age ranging from 2 to 16. Everyone enjoyed a refreshing swim followed by a light lunch, which the families brought, after which some of the children played ‘Ono’ and returned later to have another dunk in the pool. We will be meeting every Sunday during the school holidays, either at Susana Cojocaru’s house for a swim or visiting an alternative venue. On the 19th July we are going to Algar Waterfalls, everyone is welcome to join us.
The annual outing for members and their children took place on Sunday 14th June. We had a lovely coach trip to Safari Aitana Safari Park which is at the top of the world (or that’s what it felt like!) Everything went like clockwork with the pickups and off we went up the mountain. It was slightly chilly up there for us 30 coastal folks but perfect for the animals. The guide provided food for the animals and the children were able to feed many of them safely, much to their delight. Many of the lions and tigers came from circuses and it was good to see them enjoying their freedom in natural surroundings. One giraffe managed to create a traffic jam to great amusement. It was wonderful to see the children having such a good time.
Lunch followed then the opportunity to wander round looking at the smaller animals in the nearby enclosure. There were many members who had not met before so they connected throughout the day and hopefully will stay in touch. Thanks to Leigh & Caryl for their food contributions and to Miguel, our guide, Monica our translator-member, and Frank our coach driver.
The popular Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir held their annual concert in the Salon de Actos in Teulada on 23rd May and donatd the proceeds to Guardian Angels. The concert also featured the Spanish L’Alfas Canta. Angel Celia, assisted by Angels Tricia and Ann and some of the choir members’ wives, ran a bar for pre-concert and interval drinks.
The evening raised over €1000 for GA funds and one of the photos shows Tricia Barr receiving the cheque from CBMVC President Mike Evans.
Another great fund-raising Wine Tasting Evening was organised on 29th May at Asador Salamandra Braseria, Moraira, by Gill Somers and raised €245. The evening featured talks about and tasting wines with Javea-based Vicent Monfort, together with some wonderful tapas prepared by the Braseria’s chefs. Thanks to Ilona Osipova for some great photos.
Another successful fundraising event was held on 29th January, when we had a fun Quiz Night at Inn on the Green in Javea. Thanks to Quiz Master Andre, who had us all in stitches. Congratulations and thanks also to our fundraiser Gill, who did a great job and raised a commendable 526€!
