Chairman's Blog

Edition Two, July 2022

 

Greetings from me and welcome to my second Chairman’s Blog with updates and information regarding the people, activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club and the Cartagena/Murcia region, straight to your email inbox.

Meet the staff.

This is the start of a feature called ‘meet the staff’. Each month I will feature members of our La Quinta family, (many of whom work behind the scenes) so you can get to know them a bit better.

For July I am pleased to introduce Manoli Pastor and Pedro Martinez.

 Manoli Pastor:

• Manoli has worked in the laundry at La Quinta for 31-years but sadly will be retiring next May when she is 66. She is also an excellent seamstress often repairing or altering soft furnishings, curtains etc. for the villas.
• She is married to Enrique, (who used to be our bar/restaurant manager). They have two children; Ana & María and two grandchildren; Lucas & Martina.
• Manoli was born in Casas de Don Pedro, Badajóz, but moved to La Manga when she was a teenager where she met and married Enrique and the rest as they say is history.

 

 

 

Pedro Martínez:

 

• Pedro is our head gardener. He originally started at La Quinta working for a sub contracted gardening company 31-years ago, but has been employed directly with us now for 22-years.
• He is 54-years old and is a local lad hailing from from nearby Los Belones.
• Pedro is married to one of our housekeepers, Mari Jose, who he actually met whilst working at La Quinta Club. They have two sons called Aaron & Pedro, aged 19 & 23.
• One of his hobbies is reading history books, particularly about the Roman Empire! To relax Pedro likes nothing more than eating crusty bread and Serrano Ham with an ice cold beer. A man after my own heart.

 

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A Recap of Recent Events in June 2022

 

• On Thursday 2nd June we held our hugely successful, LQC Platinum Jubilee Street Party on the terraces at La Solana. The kitchen provided the 120 members who attended with a fabulous buffet, there was drinking, singing, dancing (to our Jubilee playlist), and we even had a visit from the Queen, (AKA Sue Graves). Everyone said they thoroughly enjoyed it so thanks to those who attended and made it a great day and to the staff who did us all proud. Congratulations your majesty, 70-years….God Save the Queen!!

 

 

•  On 17th June La Manga Club opened the new La Cala Beach Club. This new facility in Cala del Barco will offer cold tapas, signature cocktails and other beverage services.

 

  

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• The Footballers Golf Classic, (which has been taking place in La Manga Club for more than two decades) was held in June with football legends like Teddy Sheringham, Gareth Barry, Paul Jewell and Pat Jennings, participating. Apparently it was a great success.

 

 

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 Summertime 2022 at La Quinta Club.

 

Swimming pool etiquette.

 

•  We are now approaching our busiest time of the year, with school holidays starting from mid July and I am pleased to report that the club is full until the end of November.

• However after some issues during May half-term in regards to pool use and sun loungers, I would like to make you aware of our new swimming pool etiquette. Spanish government regulations stipulate that the pool area has to be fully cleaned each day. So members will not be able to access the pool deck in the morning until this has been completed and all sun lounger cushions have been put out. The pool will therefore not be open until around 9am.

• Secondly is the age old problem with reserving sun loungers. To be completely fair to all members, from now on the maximum amount of loungers that a person can reserve will be four (4).

• Can I also ask that those with small children be considerate to other members and only reserve loungers they require.

• We will have lifeguards on duty during the summer months and they have been instructed to remove towels etc. that remain unused for more than 30-minutes, except during lunch time or when using la Solana.  Towels will be placed behind the pool bar for members to retrieve later.

• Invited guests or members not actually staying at the club, but wishing to use our facilities must first attend reception to register on every visit. Access to the pool area is strictly subject to the availability of sun loungers and space.A deposit will be required for any pool towels required and they must be handed back each day when leaving.

• With the exception of floating aids for toddlers, the only inflatables permitted in the pool are those supplied by LQC, which are rings of one meter in size. 

• Only food and drinks purchased at La Solana or from the pool bar may be consumed around the pool. Therefore please do not bring your own to the pool.

• Lastly children under 12 who wish to use the spa pool, must be accompanied by their parents.

• These regulations are for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. I thank you for your understanding.

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 Kids Club summer 2022

 

• As well as our children’s swing park and play area, we have ordered and await delivery of a climbing wall for the younger ones. This should be available from mid July.

• From July 1st LQC will also be running a Kids Club for children aged 5 years and above. The Club is free of charge and will be open from 2pm - 6pm Monday to Friday.

• In addition to our kids club, La Manga Club are also running a kids summer camp during the summer months for children aged 5-11 years.

• Visit Kids summer camp at La Manga Club | La Manga Club for more details.

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Summer evening events at La Quinta

 

• Our welcome drink and club dinner will continue to be held every Monday evening from 7:30pm. This year we offer two different acts, who will perform on alternate weeks. In addition to our resident band Two-Twenties, I am pleased to introduce our new and very talented solo singer called Jesus.

• Although additional events will be a challenge this year due to staff limitations, I am delighted to announce that we shall be be hosting a LQC pool party on Wednesday evenings in July and August commencing on the 13th July.

• It will be in a revised format starting at 7pm with food available such as pizza's or Tapas if you get peckish.

• So on Wednesday evenings just stay down by the pool, let the children have fun & games in the water, whilst you enjoy cocktail time at the pool bar listening to some of our great music.      

 

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Upcoming Events & Activities – July 2022

 

Night visits to the Catedral de Murcia.

 

A fabulous visit for all you culture vultures. This summer as well as being open during the day the Cathedral of Murcia will open at night. July dates are 5th, 7th, 12th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 26th and 28th. Entrance is €8, children under six years of age can enter free of charge. See: Cultural Visit - Cathedral of Murcia (catedralmurcia.com) for more info or call 968 219 713

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Moto Madness Festival 2022 1st - 2nd July

 

If you are into motorcycles, this may be for you, a 2-day festival at the Cartagena Race Circuit, Ctra. del Cto. de Velocidad, 30391, Murcia, Spain. Enjoy live music, DJ’s, stalls, food & drink, motorcycle displays, speed tests, (drag racing) and track rides. €15 pp 1 day admission. €25 pp 2 day admission. Visit: MOTO MADNESS FESTIVAL 1 & 2 July 2022 | Smooth Lines Racing for more information.

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For outdoor types and back to nature lovers:

 

‘Salto Del Usero’ a natural wonder of the Costa Calida.

 

• The Salto Del Usero is located in the town of Bullas, a natural wonder in the bed of the Mula River, where you can bathe in natural pools and appreciate the spectacular waterfalls. Walking routes with wooden walkways and discovery trails with railings help guide you through this hidden paradise.
• Free parking is available on Calle del Río, 25, 30180 Bullas, Murcia, which is about a 20 minutes walk from the Salto del Usero.

 

• For more information visit: Salto del Usero, a paradise in the middle of Murcia | A Weekend Getaway (fascinatingspain.com)

 

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Fancy an evening at the Terra Natura Zoo in Murcia?

 

• Every Friday and Saturday night during the summer, Terra Natura, Murcia are offering unique evening visits to the zoo. Enjoy the cooler temperatures by night and watch the sunset too.

 

The evening schedule is as follows:

8:00pm – Opening

8:15pm – Birds of prey show

8:45pm – Free visit to the park

9:30pm – Start dinner (optional)

11:30pm – End of the visit

 

• The entrance only price is €12 or including dinner €19 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance visit: https://murcia.terranatura.com/en/ or at the ticket office on the evening from 7:30pm to 8pm only, (subject to availability). Their phone number is: 968 368 200

 

 

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La Mar de Músicas Festival July 15th -23rd

 

• For all you music buffs, this festival is held in Cartagena and is one of the most important events in the field of World Music. 41 artists will be performing from around the world at various venues in the city.
• For full details of artists, dates and venues see: ! Murcia Today - July 15 To July 23 La Mar De Musicas International Music Festival In Cartagena

  

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Anyone for Yoga, dance, relaxation or meditation classes?

 

  

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The Racquets Club - Update

 

• A quick update on the ‘Racquets Club’. I visited in June and was given a tour by one of the owners. Every court has been fully refurbished with the addition of 9-padel courts. The fitness centre is state of the art and is across two floors with cardio on one floor and weights on the other. There is also a spin bike room with virtual programmes.

• Outside there is an area for yoga and pilates etc and a small bar and outdoor seating area. There is a brand new reception and shop with a small restaurant being constructed.

 

 

Visit www.lmctennis.com for further information.

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• So that’s it for July, and again I hope that you have found this blog useful. The next one covering August, will be published at the end of July and as always although activities and events have been checked and validated at the time of publication, please don’t blame me if they are cancelled or rescheduled.
• Also don’t forget to visit our website where we have lots of other useful information in the info+ section. See +Info (laquintaclub.com)

 

           

Thanks for reading and enjoy your summer at La Quinta Club.

Hope to see you around the pool...Mark.

 

Edition One, June 2022

 

A very warm welcome from me, your new Chairman, Mark Pugsley. In response to members requests for more information, I thought it would be great to start a ‘Chairman’s Blog’. The intention is to keep you, the members, informed and updated regarding the activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club and the Cartagena/Murcia region. Each edition will also feature an article about a different committee member or member of staff to help you get to know us better.

The blog will be sent directly to your inbox, great for those who are busy or those that don’t do social media or websites.

In this the first edition I would like to quickly introduce myself and my family. I am a retired Metropolitan Police Sergeant, having served 34-years in a variety of roles, across a number of specialist departments including royalty and diplomatic protection. I am a corporate policy developer, a vocational assessor and a health & safety advisor. After leaving the police I was employed in the debt recovery/revenue protection industry specialising in gas & electricity utilities until 2021 when I fully retired. I am married to Stephanie, who was an events/exhibition organiser for the TUC and who like me is now also retired. I have one daughter, Harriett, who studied at the University of Warwick and is now a teacher. Our hobbies are tennis, cycling, swimming, keep fit, football, F1 & gardening to name but a few. Travelling is something we love, particularly to La Quinta but also to other destinations such as southern Florida and the Keys. We live in Kent, the garden of England, a county, which we have explored extensively over the years. Having first visited La Quinta back in 1994 as guests, we fell in love with the club and have been members now for some 22 years. We own weeks in both the blue and red seasons and with the exception of 2020, have visited LQC every year. I was elected onto the committee in 2016, took over as vice chairman last year before becoming Chairman in April.

  

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A Recap of Recent Events in April/May 2022

Although the following events took place in April & May of this year, I think it’s good to recap and highlight to you some of the things that are on offer in these months for future reference.

• Early April (Holy week) saw the famous Semana Santa de Cartagena take place, which consisted of a variety of Easter processions and celebrations. Visit: https://www.murciaturistica.es/en/holy_week_cartagena/ for full information.
• The annual Cruces de Mayo, (Crosses of May) festival took place on 6th-8th May. It is a celebration and fiesta of street music, food and displays and processions of crosses made entirely of flowers. For further information visit: https://m.murciatoday.com/may-las-cruces-de-mayo-the-crosses-of-may-a-spring-fiesta-across-the-region-of-murcia_2787-a.html?search=true&subject=717&town=4&town_search=true
• On the 21^st of May the Noche De Los Museos, (Night of the Museums) was held, a special event where all the Museums in Cartagena opened for free from 7pm – 1am with guided tours and free activities. See: The Night of the Museums - Cartagena City Council for more information.
• La Quinta took part in the Los Belones/La Manga Club Ruta de la Tapa which ran from late March until the 10th April. See: The gastronomic route of La Manga Club and Los Belones (65ymas.com)
• Unlike the one we entered in 2021, this was not a competition but designed for encourage people to visit bars and restaurants and sample a variety of Tapas. It was an opportunity for those establishments to showcase their culinary skills. Our entry was El Chato Enrollado – a Murcian based pork crispy spring roll.

• In early May, LQC held a wine tasting evening in La Solana run by a local winery - Bodegas del Rosario, Bullas Bodegas del Rosario It was very successful with a selection of local wines and tapas available for sampling. Members who attended said they really enjoyed the evening. We are looking to organise further events either at the club or trips to visit the winery itself. 

 

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Upcoming Events & Activities – June 2022

Thursday June 2^nd sees LQC host our Platinum Jubilee Street Party at La Solana. A buffet including a beer, sangria or soft drink for a very reasonable €20 for adults and €15 for children. Stephanie and I have compiled a playlist of 70- songs, one from each year of the queens reign. Booking direct at the club or in advance reception@laquintaclub.com or +34 968331121

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There are many other events scheduled in the area during the month of June, these are a selection that may be of interest to you.

June 20^th - 29^th Festival of San Juan (Hogueras de San Juan’ (Bonfires of St John)

The Festival of San Juan dates back to pre-Christian times and marks the arrival of the summer solstice. It is celebrated all over Spain but especially in coastal regions, where many people head for the beach, build bonfires and party throughout the night. There are over a week of celebrations in Alicante and surrounding areas. See: Hogueras de San Juan | Bonfires of Saint John | Spanish Fiestas (spanish-fiestas.com)

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For all you rockers out there on the 24th-25th June there is a 2-day music festival called the ‘Rock Imperium’ being held at the Parque de la Cuesta del Batel, Cartagena. An impressive line up of rock acts will be playing at this event!

For more info see: Rock Imperium Festival | Rock Imperium Festival 2022 | 24·25 · Junio · 2022 · Parque El Batel · Cartagena · Spain

 

 

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Now, if you are looking for something a little bit more chilled out, why not try the ‘Festival of Soul and Motown’ at la Serena Golf Complex, Los Alcazares from 3rd-5th June. A mixture of Soul & Motown music supported by local Orihuela Costa DJ’s too.

Again for further info see: Charity Soul at La Serena Golf Complex, Murcia - Weekenders - Soul Source (soul-source.co.uk)

 

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Not just held in June but throughout the year are astronomy tours. There are a number of different activities on offer during the day or night, including a night time cruise. This could be something different to try whilst on holiday. They also have an event at their static venue called ‘Finca Astronomica’ every Saturday evening.

See: (1) Astronomy tours - Finca Astronomica | Facebook or visit: Home - Astronomy Tours

 

   

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Fancy a boat cruise from Cartagena?

Again not strictly confined to June there are two choices:

The ‘Barco Turistico’ departs hourly Tues-Sun from 11:00-16:00 daily from the port at Cartagena and explores the port, docks, castles, lighthouses etc.

Visit: Tourist Boat | Transport | Cartagena Port of Cultures for more information.

‘Flippa Boat’ offers a variety of trips every day, departing from La Manga (Club Nautico La Isleta) see: www.flippaboat.es

 

      

 

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La Manga Club - The Racquets Club

Lastly and nearer to home, just an update for those who play or are interested in tennis and/or keeping fit. The old tennis centre is now called the ‘Racquets Club’ and is being run by franchised owners. All the courts have been refurbished and seven new padel courts added. A state of the art fitness centre has been constructed along with new changing facilities and a new bar and shop.

Visit www.lmctennis.com or La Manga Club - The Racquets Club | Facebook for further information.

 

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I do hope that you have found this, my first chairman’s blog useful and perhaps interesting. Look out for edition two,(covering events in July), which will be published at the end of June. Although activities and events have been checked and validated at the time of publication, please don’t blame me if they are cancelled or rescheduled...LOL.

Also please don’t forget we have lots of other useful information on our info+ section of our website +Info (laquintaclub.com)

My best wishes to you and your families and enjoy your time at La Quinta Club

 

Mark.