Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Facebook

FOTA is now on  Facebook. We couldn't use the name 'FOTA' because the Formula One Teams Association has a million or so followers and we can't quite get that many. We are working towards it but it might take a few more weeks yet! The aim of the page is primarily to keep members of FOTA up to date with what is happening. Show Dates, Openings, Auditions, News etc. Non members are welcome and maybe will think they could join us too. The group is an open one so all can join.
it's called: Fuengirola's Theatre Friends.
I hope that you will find it both interesting and useful.

Joseph Raffle

During the run of 'Joseph' volunteers sold raffle tickets and took a total of 761 euros. Thanks to all who bought, to all who sold (horrible job!) and to the cast who kept the audience coming in for 11 shows.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

FOTA Trip to Guadix
Thursday April 15th

Guadix is an ancient pre Roman town set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Here Julius caesar mined silver to keep the Empire going, later the Visigoths ran an increasingly important Bishopric and the Moors had a culture to rival Granada.  But that isn't what it is famous for.

In the Barrio Santiago about 10000 people live in cave houses which vary enormously in luxury and style but all have in common a constant 18 to 20 C range of temperature. Perfect for the winters in the hills and the summers of inland Andalucia

In the city the newly opened Cueva Museo is sited in a series of rehabilitated cave houses and documents the reality and history of cave life using audio visual techniques and reconstructed rooms (at a much cheaper rate than being 'invited' in to look at a house.)




The town has been a bishopric since the Romans ruled Spain. For much of the Moorish period it continued but not towards the end. In the sixteenth century work began on a new Cathedral on the site of a Mosque. It took a long time and so is a mix of late Gothic and Baroque styles (with some stylistic debt due to Malaga Cathedral). The town suffered greatly in the Civil War and there is evidence in the Cathedral of vandalism and martyrdom.

As ever the trip will include a stop for tostado and coffee and lunch and will cost only 30 euros ( a saving of about 50% on commercial trips). On board will be our lovely Gina.

The desk is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for bookings.

You can book for lunch as well at casa Rustica if you fancy a convivial Thursday.

March Committee Report

Report of the last Committee meeting  March 2010

Pat Suart who has been a stalwart member of FOTA for many years and a valued member of the Board has asked for a years absence for personal reasons. We hope that all goes well and we shall see her back in a years time.
Sales of the Anniversary Booklet have gone so well that we agreed a third printing. They are on sale whenever FOTA has a desk or David is selling his cards in the foyer as well as at performances. A denuncia has been issued for the aborted initial print run and a reply received.
The lunch at Casa Rustica was a success but some organizational problems need to be addressed. 15 members turned up without making a prior booking. The booking with the restaurant and the payment go through our books and so the start of the meal was delayed. There were also problems hearing the guest speaker because the restaurant is open to the public who cannot be expected to be quiet. Nevertheless an excellent meal and a raffle which raised 70€ ensured it can be counted a success.
The trip to the Genal Valley had to be re routed because of the weather but was still a popular success. The coach went to Colmenar and the Rio Gordo. Everyone enjoyed themselves and a profit was made for FOTA’s funds.
The Treasurer reported that we had sufficient funds to hand over another 2000 euros to the theatre. This makes a total of 35,798 euros since September 2008
Finally we agreed to set up a group on Facebook to publicise our activities and inform members of events at the theatre.
The group is called Fuengirola’s Theatre Friends.  It is an open group and already has over 100 members. You are welcome to sign in.


Tuesday, March 16, 2010

March Committee news

The Anniversary Booklet goes from strength to strength and it was agreed to go into a third printing of another 200 copies. With the set up sponsorship and sales we have had a gross income of 2070 euros. The final net income figure is expected to be quite healthy. Outside sales are being made at David's Bookshop and at Woodys, both in Los Boliches.


Lunches continue to be popular but a breakdown in the booking system is causing problems. At the last Casa Rustica lunch we had 15 people 'on the door' which meant that taking the money and sorting receipts etc. delayed the lunch considerably. We shall ask members to book in advance at the desk and hope that all will do so. The speaker was enjoyed but as the restaurant is a public one some of our group couldn't hear over the noise of other diners. With the summer approaching this can only get worse so we shall have to reconsider the idea of a speaker.


The trip in February to the Genal valley had to be changed at the last moment because of weather problems but feedback has been very good and it made a profit. Nobody has sent me any pictures of the trip (hint) which actually went to Colmenar and the Rio Gordo.
Our next trip to Grazalema is booking well.


The finances were such that we were able to hand over 2000 euros to SALVA  and with this went the closing amount from our Bank Account. Since September 2008 FOTA has handed over 35,798 euros to SALVA.


Finally we agreed to set up a Facebook Group for FOTA. It is called Fuengirola's Theatre Friends. Membership of the group is open and already nearly a hundred have joined. The agreed aim was to let people know about FOTA's activities, theatre events and auditions.