Painting the Chekov

The colour scheme of the Chekov Room wasn't popular. In fact it was hated by many and a decision was taken that a repaint was needed. Of course the theatre doesn't have the money for anything as frivolous as employing a painter to come in and do it so the Committee of FOTA volunteered (or worse) and these are some pictures of the event. It is only fair to say that most of the work was done by John Pyne but I hope you'll agree that now we can score ten for artistic merit (especially the bit over the door into the balcony)









Planning the work
So the green and the orange had to go

















We've gone for plum on the bottom



John and Helen are putting white on the top of the wall























once Helen got started the wall didn't stand a chance

Come and see it soon

Planning for the Autumn

It's a bit early but thoughts of cooler days ahead are welcome at the moment. If you have left the coast to enjoy life in UK or other parts of the world it is unrelntingly hot here so what better time to get out our diaries and plan for the Autumn.
The last committee meeting decided :

Lunches: October 6th - Casa Dori
November 6th - Peppers at Dona Sofia
December 11th - Christmas lunch at El Brujo

Trips: October 23rd - Jaen and an Anise plant
November 27th - Rute or Estepa to visit a chocolate factory

Events: October 11th - Fashion Show (awaiting confirmation)
November 16th - Book Sale
December 6th - Christmas Bazaar

Of course everything is subject to change (when isn't it?) so the most important date is the first one you can make to come and say hello at the desk. We'll be there in September.

draft Minutes of the AGM

FOTA Friends of the Theatre Association

Minutes of the AGM held May 14th 2008.

The meeting was called to order on the second call at 7.30 p.m. The President thanked the 20 members for attending.

Board Members present: President David Radford, Treasurer Arthur Hill, Secretary Graham Cherry, Jaquie Brierley, Gina Foster, Lynn Halliday, Pauline Naylor, Pat Suart, Norma Wilson and Helen Young.

Apologies were received from Y.Peake, Mr and Mrs Pollard, Ted Schepers.

Minutes of the AGM held May 22nd 2007 were taken as read and there were no matters arising.

Presidents Report was read by David Radford. Copies were available for members present. He concluded by highlighting the observation that whilst the trips and the lunches had shown profits for the Association’s funds the ageing of the membership had resulted in two normally profitable events being cancelled because of the physical demands.
Acceptance of the report was proposed by Mr Harding and seconded by Mr Suart.


Treasurers Report

Copies of the report were given to members. The Treasurer made the following observations:
Income from raffles had doubled
The evening dinner had been a great success and he hoped for more
There had been the same number of trips as last year but profit had doubled.
This year there had been four events whereas the previous year there had been seven so income from events was down.
Revenue from the cards had increased by one third.
The major expenditure item had been the hard wired system at 3,748.90 euros but overall expenditure had gone down.
Current Assets totaled 17,352.60 euros
The working profit for this year was 8,616.23 euros and this compared with 5995.445 euros for last year.
The acceptance of the report was proposed by Mrs Harding and seconded by Mrs Akers.

The President commented that the figures for the coming year for profits from recycled cards would be down because stocks of blanks were low.
It was hoped to expand sales of books on the desk, an experiment currently showing success.

Election of Officers:

The post of President was vacant.
The sole nomination was David Radford. He was proposed by Mrs Harding and seconded by Mr Chalkley. He was elected unanimously for a two year term.

The retiring members of the Committee were AH. GF. JB. PN.
They were re elected unopposed and unanimously.

The President informed the meeting that Helen Tomlinson was prepared to join the committee. She was proposed by Doreen Slater and seconded by Ana Atteck.

Any Other Business:

Ana Atteck asked how funds were transferred to SALVA. It was explained that SALVA request items and then the FOTA Committee will approve the expenditure or not. Indeed last year it was decided not to fund some items on SALVA’s wishlist.
This produced a number of comments:
Gina Foster, as President of SALVA, said that bringing the building up to standards had been very expensive. At one point the authorities had closed the building for Fire Precaution work to take place and shows had been cancelled. The electrical surge had cost 100,000 euros to put right. Although audiences and cast see a ‘profitable’ show, costs had rocketed and were now running at 200,000 euros a year. Income was on target to meet this but a stringent watch had to be kept on the finances. Currently SALVA have 30,000 euros in reserve and the summer to see through.
The wishlist from SALVA this year would include items not normally within FOTA’s remit. Among them are:
Smoke Hazer
Replacing the floor at the front of the stage
4 monitor speakers
lantern replacements
new tools for the resident stage manager
recovering legs and flats
motor for the motorised lights
painting the Chekhov Room

D Slater thought the lighting in the Chekhov should be improved.
The opinion was expressed by a number of those present that the Sound Headsets paid for by FOTA were not fit for purpose. There were real problems with the lack of flexibility and trailing wires when working backstage on big musicals. Gina Foster (for SALVA) said they would be modified with longer leads this summer and Eddie Barnett (SALVA) confirmed this and said that the alternative of leadless headsets would have cost 25,000 euros. Concerns about backstage safety of cast and crew continued to be expressed.

Lynn Barnett, as a representative of SALVA, thanked FOTA for agreeing to the wishlist. She amplified the information concerning expenditure on the theatre by adding that the whole of the electrical work cost 220,000 euros. With the theatre subject to instant inspection there was no option but to keep things up to date. She confirmed that the theatre was re building its reserves.

Peter Owen asked whether air conditioning was planned. It was explained that noise, electrical interference to the sound system and the structure of the building all make anything other than the present arrangement impossible. A recent estimate, which failed to meet some of these problems, was for 42,000 euros. Even if the technical problems were overcome the cost would be prohibitive.

B Suart put on record his appreciation of the work done and funds raised by FOTA

The business meeting concluded with a presentation to Gina Foster to mark her period as President of FOTA.

The business meeting was followed by a demonstration of the potential of the sound system which was greatly appreciated.

This week's committee meeting

Let's start with the bad news. Pressure of work has meant that Sian can't run the Fashion Show for us. She has been really busy these past few weeks getting the costumes together first for the musical evening and then for the Railway Children. Anna has set this in 1940ish so there has been a great deal to do adapting and making costumes for the period and she is working hard against the deadline of tonight's final dress rehearsal. Then she has been cast in a leading part in 'Nunsense' with lots of rehearsal requirements so something had to go and, not surprisingly, it was the Fashion Show. The committee didn't express even a hint of criticism for the decision so we hope you will be just as understanding. That doesn't mean we have given up on the idea and we hope that we will be able to do something in October. If you were planning to inspect your wardrobe or thinking of helping out then go right ahead!

While we are on the subject of the Railway Children (well sort of) don't forget it opens tomorrow night for a three night run. It's a lovely show and while you will laugh during it, I am pretty sure you will come out with a cheery grin at the end. I admit to being just a bit prejudiced!

Hot Springs. The last blog covered this trip and there are still places on the coach.

Our AGM

Next Wednesday May 14th is the AGM. Not normally something members get too excited about but there a couple of reasons to come. First we are going to have a demonstration (about 20 minutes) of the sound capabilities of the systems FOTA have raised funds for. If you ever wanted to be in an airport when a helicopter landed on your head........

Then we have, hopefully, someone from SALVA coming to tell us about the theatre's current position. We have had a request for a cash grant from our funds. Our policy has always been to consider requests and buy items which enhance theatre going pleasures and not simply be a 'hand over cash' organisation. We must consider whether this should change.

Another decision we need to take is to elect a President. Leadership is an important matter and for many years it has been in Gina's capable hands. With her move to President of SALVA David Radford took over as President. He will be standing now for the next two years. At the moment he is unopposed but nominations have not closed.

Finally we have to consider next season - not necessarily at the AGM though that would be a good place to do so - and any ideas are welcome. We had an interesting one recently when the Art exhibition at Gaucin - modelled on the very successful idea of the Brighton Festival of opening artists' homes as exhibition spaces - was drawn to our attention. Too late for this year but could be an excellent idea for next. It all came as a surprise to the committee and we wonder whether there more good ideas out there that you assume we know about.

The next report will be after the AGM so if I don't see you at 'The Railway Children' I shall hope to see you there.

The Hot Springs.

Our last trip of this season is set for Thursday May 22nd when we set off for the Hot Springs and the beautiful town of Alhama de Granada.
Here water rich in sulphates and magnesium has bubbled out of the ground to the delight of mankind since pre historic times at a rate of 80 litres a second and a temperature of 47C. The Romans loved the place but the glory days were from the 12th century when the Moors built their baths - still there - and the town became the favourite of the rulers of Granada. Today the baths are still a relaxing and popular way to relieve stress and aches and pains.
The stimulating effect of the waters by the river bank has convinced the locals that swimming in the river, where it has cut a gorge and the hot water from the spring joins the cooler waters from the mountains, is a local remedy especially good for the less pleasant after effects of spending too much time in the nightclubs of the city.

But it isn't just the baths to see. One recent comment on a tavel site said of Alhama:

A magnificent Gorge that, in my opinion, rivals Ronda but without the tourists.


As usual our trip includes a break for breakfast and a lunch.

Book at the FOTA desk at the theatre Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

Fashion Show Saturday May 17th sees our fashion show on the theatre forecourt. We have been given donations already but would be delighted with more. It is being organised for us by Sian Hopkins and Liz Pollard so will be really worth going to.

Finally don't forget our AGM which is on Wednesday May 14th at 7.00.

Notice of AGM

FOTA

AGM

The Annual General Meeting of FOTA for this year will be held in the theatre on

Wednesday May 14th

First Call 7.00

Agenda:

1. Attendance and Apologies

2. Minutes of the 2007 AGM

3. Matters Arising

4. Presidents Report

5. Treasurers Report

6. Election of Officers

7. Any Other Business

Due to the resignation of the last elected President the meeting will need to elect a President. The Treasurer is also due to retire and seconded nominations for election can be left at the FOTA desk. Seconded nominations may also be made from the floor of the meeting.

Membership nominations were due on January 1^st. Outstanding subscriptions may be made on the evening of the AGM. Only paid up members can attend the meeting or submit nominations.

Genal Valley amongst other things.

The Genal Valley is our substitute for the cancelled trip to Ubeda. The area from around Ronda back towards the coast has long been famous as the 'White Villages' of Andalucia. Whatever the origen of the 'whiteness' it is now a source of fierce pride to have the village looking immaculate. Woe betide the housewife who doesn't make sure the walls are sparkling in the Andalucian sun. The villages climb up, often very steep, hills and mountains and usually possess at least a fort from Arab times. Sometimes even a picturesque castle knocked about a bit by Ferdinand and Isabella and Father Time. Some pictures to whet your appetite:


Above is Olvera. The Church and the castle dominate the town and both are worth exploring.
To the right is Algar.










This is Grazalema which has the distinction of being the wettest place in Spain. We will keep our fingers crossed no umbrellas are needed.

At the top is a picture of Sentenil de la Bodega. On our last trip to the white villages Juan, who is our usual driver, had the most incredible driving problem here. The street was very narrow and someone had parked inconsiderately (I know it is hard to believe that such things can happen in Spain) He got through with literally a centimetre to spare on either side of his coach but halfway through the manoevre most of us thought he would get stuck with us inside the coach and not enough room for even the skinniest of us to get out. I don't know who felt they deserved a drink the most when we got down the bottom. The bars here are made out of caves and so unusual we just had to go in. So, too, are many of the houses. A fascinating and very pretty town.








There may even be a Roman ruin for you to see.


As usual Gina will be stopping for a breakfast break of tostado and coffee and lunch is included. The trip is a very modest 25 euros.



Other news and plans

We have had some really successful lunches recently both in terms of the numbers of members attending and the general quality of the meal. It was especially nice that a new (to us) restaurant in the middle of Fuengirola proved to be a hit. Take a bow 'Casa Dori' and if you feel like checking them out they are just by the entrance to the underground car park opposite the Tourist Office.
Our next lunch is at the Primavera on April 3rd. Over 40 members gathered too for a great evening out at the Kon Tiki in Los Boliches. . There was general agreement that this should not be the only time we went for an evening 'do' and at the last Committee meeting we decided to investigate a beach side restaurant for early June. I have a feeling that even with so many members heading back to the rain and cold(!) we'll have a good crowd.

The trip for April will be to the Lobo (Wolf) Park. The park is just outside Antequera and we will spend some time there in this ancient and important town. Date is April 17th.




We had a FOTA trip to see the Wolves at night and hear them howling.
Absolutely fascinating.









I've told you about the Fashion Show before and now the date is definitely fixed for May 17th.
A note for your diary.

As the point of FOTA is to keep the theatre going here are some dates for you to set aside:


28th March to April 1st - An Inspector Calls

11th April to 15th April - Uncle Vanya

25th - 29th April - a Lizz Freeman Musical Revue

9th - 11th May - one for the younger members of the family - The Railway Children and note two important things here. The show finishes on Sunday so no performances on Monday or Tuesday and I'm in it.

23rd - 28th May - the final show of the year is Nunsense.

Everyone on the Committee looks forward to seeing members on the theatre terrace and we hope that will include you soon.

Saturday March 1st

The trip to Jaen has had to be cancelled. Quite simply we couldn't get the numbers needed to make it viable. To those who booked we can only say sorry. But we have fixed up a day trip to the Genal Valley and the White Villages, particularly Gaucin and Manilva for March 27th. Full details at the desk.

Thanks to those who came and bought at the booksale. It went well but we have plenty of books left for the next one!

Our trip to Jaen,Ubeda and Baeza

Let me start by saying how pleased we were with the response to the trip to Priego de Cordoba. A full coach, no less, and good weather in a bad week. Feedback so far has been good although a little disappointment was expressed by some who thought they would see glories as great as are on offer at Ubeda and Baeza. Next just a little reminder that next Tuesday February 28th we have an evening social dinner at the Kon Tiki restaurant in Los Boliches.

If you have been dithering( and don't we all) about our trip to Jaen to take in Ubeda please make your mind up soon. We are fast approaching a deadsline for confirming the trip and need to be pretty sure of the numbers. As a help here is a Youtube video of Ubeda. It's in Spanish and it's only part one but part two and other videos are on Youtube and you can get a good idea of the attractions of the town.
We will have an English speaking guide throughout the trip which will be invaluable in understanding how such beautiful towns came to exist on the edge of Andalucia.


We shall be staying in
JAEN Capital of the province of that name at the Hotel Torres 1
Villanueva del Arzobispo

Cost: 230 euros
to include coffee on the way, all meals and final lunch

Finally, our hardworking Treasurer, Arthur, had an accident last weekend and broke a bone in his foot. If you haven't seen him perform at the theatre - he was the General in 'And Then There Was None' and had only just opened as Lane in 'The Importance of Being Earnest'- then you must have met him on a Wednesday morning manning the FOTA desk at the theatre. I am sure you will join me in wishing him a speedy recovery.

Spring Programme

A busy committee meeting this week has put together some plans which move the emphasis of FOTA a little more to the social side. We hope that you will enjoy some - or all - of these events. I'll put a little more detail about them as they come up. Meanwhile if you want to come on the trip to Priego de Cordoba (see the last post) you will have to get a move on. We already have 50 booked so only a few seats left. It's great to see that FOTA members are so keen to experience the beauty of Andalucia.

Starting with our popular lunch programme. We are off to El Cisne in Fish Alley tomorrow and again we have a nice sized group of friends going. Then on March 6th we try a new venue. Members who are resident in the Pueblo Lucia area have been telling us how good a local Spanish restaurant is. Casa Dori is just off Jesus Santos Rein about halfway between the market and the horses head roundabout. After that it is back to old favourites of Primavera, Europa (now remodelled) and Antonio Videra, more later on these.

Our March trip is longer than usual. Three days two nights to Jaen,Ubeda and Baeza. I shall post this separately but for now the reason for the trip is that these towns are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built largely by a 16th century dynasty who ruled Spain in the absence of Charles V at a time when gold was flowing in from America they are regarded as jewels of the Renaissance. Dates are March 25th - 27th and the cost 230 euros.
On April 17th we are going to Antequera and then Lobo Park during daylight (we had a fantastic night time visit there a couple of years ago). I never knew that Wolves could be so interesting and so different from the stories of legend

We are trying out something new on February 26th. Large lunches are not to everyone's taste so we thought an evening social dinner might be a good idea. After every show there is a dinner for the cast and everyone who has worked on it as well as their friends. We have been told how good the Kon Tiki in Los Boliches has been so we have booked to go there.

March 1st sees the forecourt of the theatre transformed into a bookshop for our booksale. Although Gina's garage is stuffed full of books we appreciate very much anyone who makes it a bring and buy. With the exquisite taste of our members(!!!) we can ensure that it is a morning for bibliophiles.

May 3rd sees the return of the fashion show. This time in the very capable hands of Sian and Liz from the theatre's wardrobe department as Maggie is off on holiday. Some donations have been made already and I am told there is some very good stuff there.

As these events come up I'll post more details, hopefully with some pictures to break things up a bit. For now I know that the whole committee joins me in saying that we hope you will like this programme and we will look forward to seeing as many of you as can make it as often as you can make it.

Priego de Cordoba

Day Trip February 21st


Priego de Cordoba, described in one guide as 'an unmissable stop on the Caliphate Route' lies at the foot of La Tinosa, Cordoba's highest mountain.





At the centre of the town is the Ayuntamiento and everything is an easy walk from here







Priego came to prominence under the Moors who ruled from the invasion to 1225 and then from 1327 to 1340 when it became a Christian town permanently. From these times comes the splendid Moorish castle.




The layout of the town with its narrow winding streets is a reminder of these times.








The conquest did the town no favours and it became a quiet backwater until the Dukes of Medinaceli arrived in 1711. Prosperity followed based on the silk industry. The great wealth generated was spent on creating buildings in the Baroque style. Today the textile industry is no more but the Palaces and Churches remain.









This is just one interior. The guide books have a list of a dozen or so to feast the eyes. I suspect a couple will be enough!







So come with us through the Andalucian countryside to the town of Priego de Cordoba.
The trip includes lunch and a coffee break and costs 30 euros.
Book on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings between 11.30 and 1.15.

Congratulations but sadness gloom and despondency

SALVA held their AGM last night and with Elsa retiring, a new president was elected. The vote was between FOTA President Gina Foster and Geoffrey Bennets and by a narrow margin of two votes aGina was chosen. So it is congratulations to her but misery for us as Gina has to resign as our President. We have a Vice President in David Radford who will be taking over and our next committee meeting will have to decide how we re organise. Meanwhiile, of course, howver sad we feel that Gina is leaving us we are delighted for her and know that she will be totally supportive of our efforts in the future.
SALVA's AGM was also noticeable for the announcement by the Treasurer John Mack that after 18 years he will not be seeking re-election at the next AGM and would hope to help ease a successor in before then.
With Elsa retiring completely there was a vacancy on the Board and this was filled by Eddie Barnett.
There has been some uncertainty in the recent past over the lease at the theatre and the Board told us that a five year renewal had been agreed. This is a great relief after the tremendous
expenditure of the past few years particularly in getting the electrical supply sorted out. We were told that all official documentation on that is due to be completed in the next few days and with the theatre in reasonable shape and the bank acoount heading towards full health we can be confident about the immediate future.

December update

The camera is still away for the third time this year so no photos yet of the Ronda trip and there were no excuses for skiving off during the Christmas Bazaar this year to take some to put here. The Christmas Lunch is still to come this Thursday. Last chance to book is on Wednesday. We hope to have about 50 there and with both candidates for the SALVA presidential election the night before, promising to come there will be a chance to speak with the new President. Of course you may prefer the dancing girls. And I have been promised the food is good too.

There is no news yet of how much we raised last Saturday at the bazaar but I hope that I can post that soon. We were very lucky with the weather. When I got up there was a very strong wind and as I drove over the top of the A7 the gale was buffeting the traffic but somehow Fuengirola missed that and we had both calm and sunshine. There were rehearsals taking place for the panto and for 'The Importance of being Earnest' which helped swell the numbers on the forecourt so it was a nice busy morning. Many thanks to all who helped and to all who came to buy. I hope you think you got good value from the morning. To show how highly regarded we are as soon as the car got to the top of the A7 on the way home the gales started again!

We had a committee meeting last week and were able to confirm that there will be a trip to Priego de Cordoba on February 21st next year and then a three day trip to Jaen on March 25th,26th and 27th to take in the wonderful Renaissance towns of Baeza and Ubeda. I'll do a little research and post information about these towns shortly but they all figure pretty heavily in the publicity and promotion of Andalucia as they are so special.
If I don't get around to posting again beforehand the whole committee of FOTA wish you all a very Happy Christmas.

Christmas Trip on November 29th to Rute

Our last trip before Christmas is to Rute. This is a small town on the borders of Malaga and Granada famous for some lovely things you can give as Christmas presents to the friend who has everything.
Starting from outside Solbank on the Mijas Road we will head off along the motorway past Malaga and through the mountains to the plains of Antequera. It will be back into hills and mountains until Rute - stopping of course for breakfast. Rute is in the Parque natural de las Sierras Subbéticas Cordobesas, set beside a large reservoir lake and surrounded by olive orchards. Like many Andalucian towns it can trace its history back to the Romans although there is not much more than a muslim castle to show before the Christian building of the late Middle Ages. It still describes itself as a white village with its picturesque central square next to the distillery. Rute has a lot of those and that is the first idea for a Christmas present. On offer is the main product of Anis but they also make Pacharanes (haven't found a translation) Morello cherry and Rose liqueurs. Our trip includes a visit to a distillery and if it is the same one as last time you will also see a rather good Belen.
If a liqueur doesn't tempt the Santa in you we will also visit a producer of Dulces de Navidad. The region is famous for Chocolates and for Olive Oil - a good extra Virgen Olive Oil has proved an excellent present in the past and who can resist special chocolates.
We are already half way to a full coach - and the Ronda trip filled the coach completely - so if you want to go on this one the desk is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It costs 30 euros

Christmas Bazaar
If you didn't get all your presents on the trip to Rute we have our Christmas Bazaar on the forecourt on Saturday December 8th. Margaret W has been busy making Cakes etc for her stall and there will also be homemade marmalade on offer. David will be selling his Christmas Cards and there will be a Bottle stall, White Elephant, Lucky Dip and Raffle. It is always a pleasant social occasion even if you don't buy - though we hope you will.

Cards
Having mentioned David's cards just another plug. David works all year to recycle Christmas, Birthday and other cards. The result is a greener world and very reasonably priced cards for all occasions. At this time of the year you will find him every morning in the foyer.

Lunches
We have just had a very enjoyable lunch at Casa Rustica where the standard of the food and service was lauded. Our next lunch will be our Christmas lunch at El Brujo in El Coto. The price is 20 euros and after the great way we were looked after last year places are going fast.

Day Out to Ronda

I had wanted the report on our day out to Ronda to include some of the photos I took but technology doesn't always do what you want it to. They look great on the view screen on the camera but won't transfer to the computer. I guess I will have to learn how to set photos in this text if Fujifilm ever get round to replying to my e mails asking about yet another repair.
We were lucky with the weather which is a good start. The forecast had made us a bit fearful but it started well and stayed really good all day. The coach took us via an unexpected visit to La Cala de Mijas and then back through Churriana to Ardales where we stopped for coffee and a local bread with olive oil or the more English butter and jam. Ardales is a fairly typical 'white town' but the building development seen all around here is increasing its size all the time. Where the old town has a jumble appearance the new edge has the serried ranks of terrace housing . At least it is white and more or less the same size and scale as the older parts of town. We didn't go in which was just as well. Having done it previously in my small car the tiny streets are a nightmare.
Next stop was Ronda and we had a couple of hours there before lunch. It's a bit pointless commenting on the town as it is so well known and documented. The sun was out and visibility excellent so we had great views over the countryside. The local wildlife put on a good show for us with birds of prey (so I don't know whether it was a hawk or an eagle or a falcon!) circling round and disappearing back into the cliff. There wasn't enough time to do anything except wander through the town before it was back to the coach and on to lunch. The setting of the restaurant was excellent. The gardens were a little Autumnal but quite attractive and to the delight of many the trees were full of mistletoe. A little rehearsal for Christmas was considered necessary. Lunch itself was frankly a disappointment. Any further visit to Ronda will plan on having lunch in the town. There were some really nice looking restaurants in and around the town square which had a good menu del dia at moderate cost.
Then we were ready for the high spot of the day. The train is an ordinary service from Cordoba to Algeciras so nothing special there. What was very special indeed was the scenery en route. I was late on the train so finished up with my back to the engine sitting on the right hand side. Turned out to be perfect. As the train went through the mountains I could look up the valleys. By this time of the year most of Andalucia is brown even after the September rain. The valleys had their tints of brown and gold but were still mainly green except where the rock showed through which it did often. Lots of patches of cultivation and small villages or even just a Cortijo. It may not have lasted long (about one and a half hours) but I can quite see how it was included in some lists of great railway journeys of the world.
Finally on to Algeciras and home.
It would be nice to have posted some pictures. Even if I have to write to Japan I am going to get some here!

Autumn Report

Trip to Ronda is booking really well which isn't surprising as it is exceptionally good value at 35 euros to include a coffee stop at a mountain venta and lunch. As of yesterday morning there were five places left on the coach.
Lunch. Our last lunch was enjoyed by all who went so if you would like a sociable time come along to the desk on Moday, Wednesday or Friday and book for Casa Rustica on November 8th. It costs 11 euros.
Booksale: The Booksale last Saturday raised over 200 euros for the theatre. Thanks to everyone who came along and said hello and especially to those of you who either bought books or brought along new stock. There was some good stuff. Our next forecourt event will be the Christmas Bazaar on December 8th. If you can help in any way, say by producing something which you enjoy as a hobby, please come and talk to one of the Committee at the desk.
Christmas Cards. Our most successful fundraiser is David who is now selling his recycled Christmas Cards in the bar. They are very attractive and very reasonable which is an important consideration with the high postage cost of staying in touch with friends in England. He can even organise special cards and personalised ones for you but don't leave that too late.

The theatre is now in the middle of a sellout run of 'Evita' - lots of disappointed customers yesterday, when I was on the desk, who had thought it was just hype when full house for the run was posted. I was there for the first night and was delighted with a really good show. It was especially pleasing to see some new, and very good, faces in the cast. Life on the coast for thirty somethings can be hard going if you are trying to fit in rehearsals with family and work so fingers are being crossed that these performers can keep going.
The next show is 'Pack of Lies' which is performed by the Ubiquitous Theatre Company who have visited us in the past. It is the true story of the Krogers, Russian spies at the centre of the Portland spy case, and their neighbours. It is a play frequently performed around the world mainly because it is totally absorbing. Ubuquitous have well earned reputation to live up to so a good evening is in prospect. For trivia enthusiasts and Gardeners World watchers one of the central characters in the story is a young girl who grew up to be the gardening presenter Gay Search.
Don't forget we are looking forward to seeing you!

Trip to Ronda

October 25th

Our first Autumn trip takes us by coach to Ronda. We stop on the way for a breakfast break high up on the mountain and then on to one of the most beautiful cities in Andalucia. With only a short stop and with so much to do it's up to you how to spend the time. Particularly special are the bridge and the adjoining terraces for more coffee or the bullring and museum where many believe the modern corrida began. If neither appeal we'll have some other ideas for you.
Then it is lunch which is included in the price. The high point of the trip comes next with the spectacular train journey to Algeciras through the mountains and valleys, white villages and woods, a journey thought by many worthy of inclusion in the 'Great Railway Journeys of the World'.
The coach will then pick us up just outside Algeciras to bring us back to Fuengirola.

We are only charging 35 euros for all this - check commercial operators on Google and you will see that not only are you up for a fantastic day out, it is a bargain and you are helping to keep English Theatre going on the Costa del Sol.

See us Monday Wednesday or Friday on the theatre forecourt.

Autumn is almost here

It is over 30 outside my little air conditioned bubble but summer is almost over and it is time to think about the Autumn. The theatre is getting off to a 'new' start. John and Dan have been working hard to redecorate the inside and hide some of the tubes and cables that we don't want to look at when we sit there waiting for that famous announcement telling us to switch off our mobile phones. Much has also been done in that funny box on the balcony which we seldom think about and would be completely lost without, so with even better sound and lighting and visual appeal we have a good start to the season ahead. Rehearsals are well under way for Evita and the box office opens next week.

Next Monday, too, our FOTA desk opens and we will be delighted to see you.

Our first offering is a lunch at 'Antonio Verdera' on October 4th We went there last year and the reviews were unanimously good. It is important to get our lunch season off to a good start and we are confident we will.

Then on October 25th we have our first trip. We leave Fuengirola by coach for Ronda and then take the train through the countryside towards Algeciras. The journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and according to the pages I found in Google is really something special. This should take you to one of them http://www.andalucia.com/ronda/home.htm

Our remaining event for October is a Book Sale on the theatre forecourt on October 13th.

Here's to a good year

Next Season

While I was away in Santiago de Compostela (wet, since you ask) next season's programme was announced. We have two visiting productions with 'The Sunshine Boys' kicking off things in September. This was a wonderful movie with Jack Lemmon and Walter Mathau, written by Neil Simon (remember The Odd Couple?). It was originally a Broadway hit in 1972. Then there is 'Pack of Lies' by Hugh Whitmore. This is the true story of the friendship between an English couple and their neighbours - in Ruislip -who turned out to be Russian Spies. It has been a huge hit as both a stage play and a film. As someone who worked in Ruislip and was in the play in Brighton I shall look forward to it.
Then the theatres 'own' productions with 'Evita' and 'And Then There Were None'. If you haven't been back to the last two posts you have missed - well go and look. 'And Then There Were None' is an Agatha Christie and will intrigue you. Always difficult with Agatha to say very much and I can't even tell you whether I did it!!
The next biggie is really intriguing. It's 'Evita' again, this time in Spanish. With the cast being bi lingual it is both a brilliant opportunity to brush up on our Spanish and do something to entertain the locals.
Then there is the panto. This year it is 'Babes in the Wood'. With some of the musical weekenders planned as well this gives us all a lot to look forward to.
Our own FOTA programme will be announced soon and we are kicking off with a trip to Ronda and then by the special train to Algeciras. Should be a really good day out and we will look forward to seeing you on the theatre forecourt to talk about it.

The AGM (and Chita Rivera in Evita)

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The draft minutes from the AGM are done now. The meeting was very unSpanish in that it only lasted 26 minutes partly because there wasn't anything controversial. We had a good year with just over 5000 euros raised from our activities but more importantly a lot of people enjoyed themselves on the trips and at the lunches. Next week we will be having at least two meetings to discuss what the options are for spending some or all - or even maybe a little bit more - of it. The AGM came up with a couple of ideas so we'll see.
Last night there was a fiery display of Spanish dancing from Azabache, a flamenco school in Fuengirola. We kept to Spanish time - scheduled start at 9.30, actual start at 10 to 10 and finish at 12.15. It was really worth the late night and I can thoroughly recommend the show if they do it next year. The theatre was about half full and the languages in the bar showed what a mix of nationalities there are in this part of Spain.
Now to the nerve wracking bit. If you read the last post you'll know that auditions for Evita are next weekend. You will also have noted that there two posts of Antonio Banderas from the film. I don't know how I managed to get two and I couldn't find the way of deleting one of them. If you know please get in touch! Anyway here is another try. This time it is Chita Rivera singing 'Buenos Aires' from the Tony awards show in 1985.

A Special Treat

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The theatre's big musical production in the Autumn is to be EVITA . The auditions are on Saturday and Sunday June 9th and 10th and Peter Mitchell will be conducting a workshop on the Friday before, June 8th, at 7 p.m. to discuss the production, music and characters. So as a special treat here is local boy, Antonio Banderas (who unfortunately won't be in the show) singing from the film.

Trip to Nerja

May 24th we have our trip to Nerja. I've just come back from a couple of days staying there. It is very different from our part of the Coast retaining still a feeling that it really is a Spanish town with it's typical narrow streets. Spoilt a bit by far too many estate agents and restaurants clearly demonstrating that English is the local language. We walked over to Burriana Beach but the Cafe del Mar was closed up for the week. Unfortunately the weather was pretty bad so although the beach looked good it was deserted and very out of season. I am sure it will be very different at the end of May.

JUNE 7th a date for your diary. We set off for a picnic in the Lake District of Málaga Province. Away from the Coast is a whole experience quite different from the sort of thing that you think of when someone says Costa Del Sol. The coach leaves Fuengirola and next stops at Álora after passing through Orange growing country beyond Cartama and Pizzara. At Álora there is a stop for coffee and if you are lucky you can see the Ostrich farm over the road. Then via the gorge where Von Ryan's Express was filmed, to the lake where you will be able to enjoy the picnic you have brought with you (there is a restaurant if you prefer). The scenery is quite spectacular and after the recent rains the lake level should be better than it is in the photos, which were taken last September. When the reservoir is full the water should be up to tree level- not likely - but will be high enough for a refreshing dip.
Now for the bad news. Blame global warming, well everyone does, but with winter residents heading north earlier this year we couldn't get a coach together for the trip to Jaen. Everyone who booked has been told but if you are now feeling disappointed let us know and we'll rethink it for next year.
Last Saturday saw a satisfactory return on our efforts with the book sale. What was particularly nice was that so many people took the opportunity of coming to say hello, not just to us but to each other so it was a good social occasion.
Our next event is lunch on May 3rd. Come along to the desk to confirm the venue.
Finally a note for your diary. The AGM is on May 22nd. All the retiring members of the committee are willing to stand again if you want them and there will be one vacancy caused by a member of the committee 'retiring' by non attendance.

I thought that you would like this photo. it shows two of our stalwarts as they appeared in the recent production of 'The Dancing Years'. On the left is our President Gina and with her a long time member and fundraiser (remember all her fashion shows?) Maggie. More 'Dancing Years' photos are on the Salon Varities website www.salonvarietestheatre.com as will be some of 'Anne of Green Gables' which we saw this week. The audience was disappointingly small for this effort. Doubly disappointing because the cast were mostly young performers who showed a lot of promise and gave a good evening's entertainment. Let's hope that in the future we can say 'I saw ..... when they started out'!
Don't forget the trip tomorrow and the book sale a week on Saturday.
Enjoy Semana Santa

Update on programme for rest of season.

Our programme for the rest of the year was finalised at our last committee meeting (fingers crossed!) and, in the hope that there is something that you will enjoy, here it is:

March 29th a trip into Granada province to the Cueva de Ventana. With the provinces mountains rising to the highest point on the peninsula you can be assured of some spectacular scenery.
April 5th we are back to the very popular Campesino restaurant in Fuengirola for a lunch
April 14th there will be a book sale on the theatre forecourt
April 17th -19th is our postponed trip to Jaen,Ubeda and Baeza. This is a world heritage site with magnificent Renaissance squares and Palaces and some outstanding areas of great beauty on the way. a very different aspect of Spain for those of us living on the Costa del Sol.
May 3 Lunch at Antonio Videro restaurant
May 12 a fashion show on the theatre's forecourt. Bring your wallet, there has been some real bargains in the past for both sexes.
May 24th a trip to Nerja. On the way there is an outlet shopping mall - don't worry about the non shoppers, there's plenty for them to do whilst the serious business is taken in hand. Then lunch at Burriana Beach where the reataurant is run by some old friends of the theatre and an optional excursion to the famous Caves.
June 7th our popular outing to El Chorro lakes. Whenever I take visiotors out there they are amazed by an aspect of Spain so close to the beaches and so different. We usually go swimming and this year is a 'bring your own picnic' day. There is a rstaurant at the lakes if your prefer that but a picnic in the pine woods which stretch down to the water's edge sounds nicer.

Well that's our programme but don't forget the theatre has a programme too. Opening this weekend is a Peter Mitchell production, 'The Dancing Years' by Ivor Novello. Starring Sian Hopkins and Peter Height with a cast that is going to make the dressing rooms very cramped it is so large, this promises to be a very entertaining night out. Already some nights a almost fully booked so move quickly (Box Office 952 47 45 42).

We shall look forward to seeing you on the FOTA desk on Monday,Wednesday or Friday mornings.

A Good Week in Fuengirola

We have had a very good week this week. On Tuesday I went to see the Music Hall at the theatre and as it often does it got me musing on the very English concept of AmDram. The theatre was packed and the audience loved it. The audiences we get here are used to high standards for free. There are many bars you can go to where, for the price of a drink you can watch professional entertainers, many with a background of training and performing going back a long way and yet 300 people every night sat in our theatre having paid 12 euros for the privilege and thought it worth every penny. This particular show depended very heavily on one performer who was not only pivotal since he was on stage all the time but also set a standard the others had to reach if they weren't to seem, well - amateur. The Chairman wasn't the only performer on stage who has been a professional and however much it showed I have still heard, then and later, 'superior' remarks about amdram. When I last visited the States even the small towns we went through had a theatre (in the British English sense of the word) and some had several. Whether the performers were getting paid or not the description of the theatre was usually 'Community Theatre' and this is what we have in Fuengirola. The theatre is a serious community resource not just for the expat English here and the many visitors who have been attracted to Fuengirola's tourist industry but also local Spanish people who are using the theatre to improve their language skills or surprise, surprise - enjoy themselves. So if you are involved with the theatre no more negative 'amdram' comments and if you aren't then come along and find out if you agree with me. Let me know - there is a comment button.
The next bit of good news this week has been the weather (until today). I arrived at the FOTA desk on Wednesday in hot, by English standards, summer sun and was told that the trip to Motril and Salobrena was fully booked. I have put our latest programme at the end of this blog so leaving things to the last moment can be avoided. Let us hope the weather is kind to all on Thursday.
Today we had the auction on the theatre café forecourt and every seat was taken. There was some enthusiastic bidding but some incredible bargains were to be had too. All told we raised nearly 250 euros for our funds. Leaving the auction I bumped into the cast of 'The Heiress' which opens this Friday, February 23rd at 8.00. Normally a cast shows signs of quiet desperation at this stage but there was a confidence that the show will be a good one. I stayed on to sit in on a rehearsal for 'The Dancing Years' . All I can say is that I wish I could pick up a routine as quickly.
FOTA's Programme:

Here are the dates for your diary:

March 1st: Lunch at Casa Rustica

March 29th: Trip to Cuevas in Granada Province

April 5th: Lunch at Meson La Costa (just up from the Horses' head roundabout)

April 26th: Trip to Nerja, the Caves and Burriana Beach

May 1st: Lunch at Antonio Verduras

June(date TBA): Trip to the Lakes with a bring your own picnic.

We shall look forward to seeing you at the desk on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings.

Town Crier article

If you've come to us because you saw the piece in the 'Town Crier' then you are very welcome. The picture they used is a little further down the site as it was taken at the Christmas Bazaar. My camera is off to Barcelona to be repaired so no pictures of the auction this Saturday on the theatre forecourt. Join us at 12.00 and you may find a terrific bargain.
Yesterday was a good day at the theatre, not only did we have the publicity in the 'Town Crier' but also Mary Harboe at REM radio gave the current production a rave review. Tonight is the last night for this but Lizz Freeman is already working on a new show for May so watch for the latest information. The FOTA desk was busy too - and even if a lot of it was gossip that is covered by our 'social' tag! - so the coach outing next week along the coast to Motril and Salobrena is getting very full. If you've been hesitating book now as they say.
The last committee meeting decided to postpone the planned trip to Jaen but we definitely hope to do it a bit later in the year. Our other social events are now a bit up inthe air because of that but we are thinking of a 'blossom route' trip for March and a visit to Nerja and the caves for April. This would include lunch in a very nice beachside restaurant we know. Then we look forward to a picnic in a local beauty spot in June. As ever if you have any ideas let us know either here or at our desk at the theatre on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. We shall look forward to seeing you

Jaen, Ubeda and Baeza are the destinations of our three day trip scheduled for Tuesday March 27th.
Jaen was a strategic stop on the moors caravan route from Castille to Andalusia. The old part of the town has the cathedral and the Barrio San Juan with the houses of the gentry in long winding streets. Smart shops are in the city centre where the narrow streets near the Plaza de la Constución also house the tapas bars and are wonderful for people watching.
The real jewels though are Ubeda and Baeza, both World Heritage sites. Although both towns have a rich Roman, Visigoth and Moorish history (conquered by Castille in 1226) it is as Renaissance towns they they are celebrated. You will see magnificent houses, palaces and churches built with the spoils of Empire by one of Italy's greatest architects Andrés de Valdevera.
The cost of the trip will be 280 euros.

We are booking well for the trip to Motril and Salobrena which goes on February 22nd. Further details of both trips can be had from our desk.

Happy New Year

It's been a beautiful Christmas here and today the sun was out and a walk on the seafront could be done in shirtsleeves. We even saw a FOTA member off to the beach with full sunbathing gear to hand! So far Christmas at the theatre has been good too. The panto has had really good (read sell out) audiences who have joined in and made a lot of noise, the cast have enjoyed it and I am sure are looking forward with confidence to the performances commencing January 3rd. The audiences particularly fell for the kids in the cast - don't they always?, there is also a big contingent of younger cast members who are doing a terrific job so the theatres future looks promising. All we need to do now is to get them to join FOTA.
The panto finishes on January 7th and the next production at the theatre will be a the farce 'Holiday Snaps' which runs from January 19th to 24th.
The next FOTA event is on February 1st when we have a lunch at the Europa in Fish Alley and then we are off to Salobrena and Motril for a day out on February 22nd. We'll look forward to seeing you at the FOTA desk soon.

Merry Christmas

All of us at FOTA wish all members and other friends a very Merry Christmas and we hope for a very Happy New Year for all. It could get off to a good start with the panto - oh yes it could. We have had two nights so far with really enthusiastic audiences taking a full part in the show. The pre Christmas run is fully booked but we are back on January 3rd and although some nights are fully sold out there a few tickets left so if you want to come the message is book now.
The FOTA desk is open again in the New Year and we hope to see as many as possible of you then.

New programme.

The captions didn't come out quite right on the last picture blog but I'll try and work out what went wrong when I can.
In the meantime here is our forthcoming programme. We hope that there is something there you like but if not let us know. We can't rely on guesswork!

Lunches:
February 1st at the Europa
March 1st at Oscars
both of these restaurants are in 'Fish Alley' so quite close to the theatre.

Trips
February 22nd we are going along the coast to Salobrena and then inland to Motril..
March 27th - a Tuesday- we are planning a longer trip. Staying in Jaen for three nights we will be exploring Baeza and Ubeda which are both beautiful World Heritage sites.
Come and see us at the desk for more details.

Pat is getting in the mood

The cake and marmalade went well too












Every bazaar needs a well run tombola! 

Christmas bazaar

David and Arthur with the cards 

Theatre's AGM

Anyone who has ever been to a meeting in Spain will know how long they can last and how undisciplined they seem to an English eye. It is not uncommon for an owners community meeting to start at 10,break for lunch and finish at 8 with not all agenda items covered so it was rather nice to go to the AGM of the theatre and have it all over in 16 minutes. It was quite a tribute to prior organisation and communication. Important stuff covered included information on the work being carried out. Fingers crossed all the electrical work except for a minor item is going to be finished by the time the panto opens on December 21st. FOTA's contribution of 13000 euros was acknowledged. Problems still remain with the building which is getting towards the end of its life but there is now a breathing space in which the future can be considered. FOTA member Gloria Harding was elected to the board of SALVA and we all wish her well. Continuity of the theatre management was assured when the current President told us that she would be handing over the running of the theatre gradually to the Vice President, whilst still making sure the buck stopped with her.

See you at the Bazaar

We've got into a rhythmn with the Autumn programme. Tomorrow the coach trip to the white villages goes with a good number of passengers and next Tuesday we will have our final committee before the Christmas Bazaar on December 9th at the theatre. Ideas and anything we can use to raise funds are both equally welcome.
The theatre is in full swing too and it doesn't look as if it will have to close to get the final electric work done. 'Witness For The Prosecution' was a great success at the box office (and with four FOTA Committee members in the cast we hope it was a success in other ways. The audience seemed to enjoy it each night of its run). Now we look forward to Lizz Freeman's Christmas Cracker which is a mix of 'turns' and audience participation. These shows are always very popular and I am not sure which side of the curtains enjoys itself most. The panto comes next and that has an enormous cast of children and adults. Rehearsals are well under way and tickets were going well at the theatre this morning. This year it is 'Aladdin' . The script calls for some exotic locations but I can't imagine Peter Mitchell not being up to the task of making it magic.

FOTA memberships fall due in January and now is a good time to let us know what is going to make you renew your membership - or perish the thought what we are doing that means you won't renew!

Meet us at the desk

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings in the bar at the theatre FOTA has a desk where you can check out our latest trips and activities or come along for a chat. I would love to get gossip for this blog but haven't had much that is repeatable!. Here is a picture of Gina, the president of FOTA and Arthur who is the Treasurer taken last Wednesday. The coffee is mine.
Our fundraising activities include selling some home made items - there is some marmalade in the picture - but the most important homemeade fundraiser is the re cycled cards, mostly for Christmas but also birthday and general cards. The work of David who is also our Vice President. Here he is with his stand.





This week the theatre saw the end of a successful return of 'Stepping Out' and a packed house for a visit from the Risca Male Voice Choir and guest Sian Hopkins. Now work is coming to a head for 'Witness For The Prosecution' by Agatha Christie. With four members of the FOTA committee in the cast we have a strong interest in the play. Agatha Christie regarded it as her best play and it has some intriguing twists and puzzles for the audience.

November trip re arranged

Our November trip is now on 30th and will be a tour of some of Andalucia's best white villages and towns. At any time of the year they are quite stunning as they curl up mountains, usually crowned by a Moorish castle, but in both Spring and Autumn there are complimentary colours which bring out the best for the eyes and the cameras. Our trip includes a breakfast stop and lunch and is only 23 euros.
The theatre is going well despite the continuing problems. The Boyfriend has been a success and now 'Stepping Out' opened last night with advance bookings going really well. At rehearsals yesterday for 'Witness For The Prosecution' the electrics failed but the electricians rallied round and all was well by the time we had finished a line rehearsal in the bar. It's shaping up well and we hope will be another run to rebuild the coffers after the summer. Unfortunately the next show 'Abigail's Party' has had to be cancelled so that the theatre can go dark long enough for the work to be completely finalised. After that Lizz has her Christmas Show which is always a really popular and fun way to get in the mood for Christmas and the Pantomime which is now cast and will begin rehearsing soon.
Don't forget our Christmas Bazaar on December 9th. If you can help with something for it our desk will be delighted to see you. Of course we'll be delighted to see you on the day and hope that you will find something for Christmas.
If you are reading this away from the Costa del Sol just to let you know that the autumn has begun. It happens quite suddenly on the Mediterranean and we are now down to about 20C and the last week has seen a lot of cloud and some rain. Still I guess we don't suffer too much.

What a week!

Phew! it all came good this week. Our trip to the Howling was a great success although there was a problem with the cold. Here on the coast we have got used to the thermometer rarely dropping below 20 and when we set off it was shirt sleeves and summer dresses but as the sun dipped over the incredibly spectacular mountains behind Antequera the temperature went down with it. Those who had brought anoraks were OK but those of us who had wondered whether a light pullover was overdoing it, suffered. Nevertheless we had an enjoyable meal before setting off as it got dark. The wolves were beautiful and the enthusiasm of Daniel their host was infectious. We came away with a changed idea of the wolf and a respect for its place in nature.
At the theatre 'The Boyfriend' started only ten minutes behind schedule. Literally the audience could have watched the paint dry if the tabs had been open. There is still a bit of a problem with the electrics, mostly affecting the house lights but the stage was perfectly lit. First reviews in the bar on Saturday lunchtime were very enthusiastic with the youngsters dancing coming in for high praise and barely a word of criticism of the performances even from people who weren't cast!
FOTA's next big thing is the book sale on Saturday and stocks are good so come along and get prepared for the long winter evenings. Although it is still summer here with daytime temperatures reaching 29 we can't be too far away from a few wet nights when indoors is where it's at. Sale starts at 12. Looking forward to seeing you.

'Howling with the Wolves' had 35 booked by last night which is encouraging news. It means we should raise funds with the trip and, as someone who is going on it, there will be a good crowd so it should be fun. The theatre news is promising too. The Boyfriend is in the final stages of rehearsal but I hear comments that it is ready now. It opens this Friday. We are still keeping our fingers crossed that all will be well with the theatre. Yesterday evening the auditorium looked immaculate for a packed meeting of NADFAS. Rehearsals are well under way for the re run of 'Stepping Out' 'Abigails Party' and for 'Witness For the Prosecution' so the Autumn is looking pretty good.
Away from the theatre Lynn who is our Membership Secretary, took over The Gun at the Riverside (do summer holidaymakers believe it sometimes is a river?) for a special birthday and a great time was had by her friends with the singers in the party giving us a very enjoyable cabaret.
Don't forget the Book sale on October 21st.

Our next trip is Howling with the Wolves at the Lobo Park near Antequera. We leave Fuengirola at 4.30 on October 12th (next Thursday) and the trip includes a barbeque. Come and see us at the desk if you are interested.
The theatre is slowly coming together. The electrical work isn't finished yet but the crew are pretty confident that all will be well in time for 'The Boyfriend'. Sandy Wilson's hit musical opens on Friday 13th!! It's not a mindstretcher, just great fun and having been nosey when they were rehearsing it looks like a good evening.
This week will be Feria in Fuengirola so if you are able to get in but have thought it not for you give it a try. Having been to Málaga and Torremolinos Ferias this year I can say that Fuengirola is a bit different. It specialises in horse events and as it is the last Feria of the season seems to attract horsemen - and women - from far and wide. It also seems friendlier and more accessible. A real chance for the foreigners to get in touch with Spanish culture (what will they make of The Boyfriend if they come to the Salon?)

This week we had our first committee meeting of the new year and decided that the November trip - on the 23rd - will be a twist on an old favourite. We shall go to Gibraltar and include a guided visit to the defensive tunnels but with enough time left over to do a little Christmas shopping. The social event after that will be our Christmas lunch, this year at El Brujo which is in El Coto. There is a good bus service for those who don't have, or don't want to use a car. We have had really good reports of the restaurant and with a cost of only 20 euros we hope there will be a good crowd.

The theatre is still in a chaotic state just like all those ' will they be ready on time' TV shows. The bar has been repainted and is up and running, the loos are fantastic but the Chekhov is upside down and the theatre itself covered in a fine patina of dust. But the work should be finished soon and with a good vacuum we may yet have the first show of the season on time. The Board are due to confirm this tomorrow. The theatre crew have been working really long hours and we must all be really grateful to them for getting us so far so fast.

Once the Chekhov is functioning again the Theatre Library deserves your attention. Most of us have seen the bookcase and looked at the titles but did you know that you can borrow them? Just ask David Radford ( usually selling the recycled cards which raise so much for FOTA). FOTA have added to the collection by buying the books which Penny Rixon had in her library. They filled three cars and haven't been catalogued yet but I think we can be confident that there will be something inspiring in there.

The new sound desk that FOTA was buying for the theatre has turned out to be more expensive than we first thought but we have agreed that we will pay for it. We often get asked what happens to the money raised by selling re-cycled cards and organising trips so if you get a balcony seat at a show this year take a look at the sound desk!

Welcome to Fota blog for 2006 where we will try to keep all the members of FOTA up to date with our activities and the happenings at the theatre.
FOTA is a fundraising and social group for the Salon Varieties Theatre in Fuengirola on Spain's Costa del Sol. We raise funds in a number of ways. During our season (September to May) we organise trips into Andalucia and sometimes further afield, then every month we have a lunch at a local restaurant. Several times a year we use the theatre forecourt for bazaars and we also do our bit for the environment by recycling Christmas and birthday cards which are sold in the theatre's bar.
If you want to come along and join or chat to us we have a table in the bar on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11.30 to 1.15.
This year's programme kicks off with a social lunch at Ku Damm on October 5th. If you don't know this restaurant it is on the port overlooking the boats. It's a very popular restaurant and just the sort of place to get to know some fellow Fota members in a convivial atmosphere.
The first trip of the year is a return to the 'Howling of the Wolves' which was easily the most popular of the trips we did last year with nearly half a coachload of people disappointed as our one coach was full. This is on October 12th so come along and see us in the theatre forecourt as soon as you can.
Then on October 21st there is the Book sale on the theatre forecourt. This is another popular Saturday morning activity - keeping fingers crossed the autumn rains haven't arrived. It is also interactive which really just means if you have some books you have finished with that you think someone else will ennjoy then we would be happy to sell them for the theatre.
And so to the theatre. Work hasn't finished yet on the building and it is still touch and go whether the first show of the new season will go ahead. As soon as we get more news it will be posted. meanwhile rehearsals are starting for the Autumn season which will include: 'The Boy Friend' Stepping Out' Abigails Party' 'Witness for the Prosecution' and 'Grease'. More details soon or why not pick up a leaflet when you come to see us on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

There is still news even though the theatre is closed down for the summer. The builders are in and it seems almost as if we are in the middle of one of those 'will it be finished in time' reality shows. I've heard that progress is good in the bar and office area even if they look as if a bomb has hit it with plenty of rubble for souvenir collectors. Audience members will also be pleased to hear that the toilet refurbishment programme is coming along well. The bad news seems to be that the electricians still haven't started so are way behind schedule and with the reluctance of anyone to work in Andalucia in August it will be exciting times as the first production of the new season approaches. This is a visiting production so it's really important all goes well. Temperatures here are alrady approaching 30 (more if you can't find a breeze and are out in the sun) and the theatre can get very hot so it is a case of the sooner the better for the electrics and work that needs to be done on the roof.