Chairman's Blog

 

Chairman’s Blog – Edition Five, October 2022

 

• Seriously, where has this year gone? We are now well into the ‘ber’ months as October has arrived and although we are moving into the Spanish autumn, here in La Manga the weather is still warm and most importantly the sun is shining. Here we go again with some more updates and information for the month of October about the people, activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club and the Cartagena/Murcia regions. As always this is directly to your email inbox but it is also accessible on our website www.laquintaclub.com

• We have had a very good September and have enjoyed full occupancy levels. I am pleased to report that our Monday night dinners also continued to be really well attended and would once again like to thank our members for their support.

•  We also continue to deliver a wonderful selection of breakfast and lunchtime dishes including our daily specials.

• Although autumn is nearly upon us there is still lots to see and do at La Quinta, La Manga Club and the surrounding areas, which I have detailed below.

 

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Meet the staff

My regular feature of 'meet the staff' continues this month with a debut of two more of our La Quinta family. So please allow me to introduce Loli Exposito and Jose Ros.

Loli Exposito

• Loli has asked me to send her personal greetings to everyone at La Quinta and is delighted that members take time to read the blog. She has also said how much she enjoys working at the club and looks forward to seeing you soon.

• She is 48 years old and has been employed as a member of the housekeeping team for over 11 years. Originally with a contract company for her first 2 years, she was then made a permanent employee and has worked for us ever since.

• Loli lives in El Estrecho, a small village between La Manga and Cartagena. She has been married to Pedro for 23 years who has worked at the Príncipe Felipe hotel here at La Manga Club for 36 years.

• They have two daughters, Ana aged 21 years and Lucia aged 16.

• Loli lives a simple and quiet life spending time with her family & friends. She likes nothing more than to be surrounded by the people she loves.

• She also enjoys doing art crafts and sewing and is a big fan of shoes and handbags 😀.

 

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Jose Ros

• Jose is 55 and has worked in the maintenance department here for 23 years. He was originally contracted to cover a member of staff who was off sick but after that staff member left the following year he was made permanent.

• He lives in El Algar, has been married to María for 30- years and has a daughter aged 23 called Noelia, who is a teacher in a primary school.

• Jose plays non competitive tennis on weekly basis with friends and enjoys hiking and hillwalking. 

• However his great passion is motorbikes and his pride and joy a Honda CBR 600.

• He also owns a classic Vespa scooter that his wife bought him as a present for his 50th Birthday and at 55-years old is same age as he is 😂.

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A Recap of September Events

• As mentioned above, September has been a wonderful month but was tinged with great sadness at the death of Her Majesty the Queen. It was only in June that we held our celebratory street party for her Platinum Jubilee, but on the 8th September we lowered our flags to half mast and held a minutes silence on the 9th as signs of respect. Rest in peace your majesty, thank you for 70-years of unfaltering service, we shall never see your like again. And now have a new monarch, King Charles III. So let’s wish him all the best for the future, ‘God save the King’.

• Monday night dinners continue to be very well supported. We have received some lovely feedback from members praising the quality of the food, the wonderful service provided by our staff and the great music from our two different entertainers. See further in the blog for an article on them both.

• We started offering free try-dives in partnership with local company - Adventure Divers & Activity Center in our pool in late August and this has continued throughout September. There has been a great uptake and adults and children alike have enjoyed experiencing what it is like to wear scuba gear and to swim and breathe underwater.

• La Manga del Mar Menor celebrated it’s Fiesta’s between 7th-11th September, sadly as details weren’t available at the time of publishing, this event was not included in September’s blog. There were daily activities over the 5-days including; fairgrounds, live music, entertainers, casetas (food stalls), a local Ruta de Tapas and a motorcycle rally. These events were held in the Plaza Bohemia area. An event to put in your diaries for next year perhaps?

• I have just returned from a short visit to La Quinta for various meetings including the La Manga Club General Community Presidents meeting, which was held in La Solana. These are some of the highlights from the meeting:

• The provision of medical services Saga continues and although all parties were ready to sign off on a new contract this has been delayed due to one of the Dr’s seeking further legal advice.

• Las Lomas have formed a community group and are taking legal action against Hesperia for breach of contract. They have also instructed a new management company Christie’s, so things should hopefully improve soon in the Las Lomas area.

• Although dialogue continues, plans for Par 47 and the La Manga community swimming pool still remain uncertain at this time.

• I also met with both our new social media provider and the Editor of Murcia Today, to discuss future product marketing.

• We will be holding promotion open days at La Quinta Club on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th October.

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 Introducing our La Quinta entertainers:

Jesus (GSU)

• Jesus (GSU) started his musical career when he was 15 years old as a bass guitarist in a band that performed their own material.

• He then played in different groups also appearing on television programs until he launched his career as a solo singer.

• He later won second prize at the Benidorm song festival, and became part of a 'Grease Tribute Tour'.

• In 2002 he founded a band called La Saga. They performed throughout Spain until 2005 when they were signed by the Hyatt Hotel Group at La Manga Club as the resident band in Spike's Bar, where they sung for 2 years. Jesus continued his singing career with La Saga until eventually, they separated. 

• In 2017 he was selected for a television contest as most voted for artist by the public for his performance of Louis Armstrong and Brian Adams.

• In 2021 he began a solo project as GSU performing pop-rock songs he composed during lockdown.

• In April 2022 he was contracted by La Quinta and appears on Monday nights every other week. He has been warmly received by members.

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Two Twenties (Javier Ruiz & Eugenio Fernández)

• Javier & Eugenio have been entertainers for some 25 years.

• Javier is a singer/musician who has performed in numerous bands and orchestras, as well as being involved with music academies and artist representation.

• Eugenio is a pianist, musical producer, arranger & composer who has also worked in the world of TV as a musical director, for over a decade. He currently produces and composes albums in his studio for a number of artists.

• They have been together as a duo since 2012 working on different projects and performing a variety of songs from artists such as Sting, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Queen. They have been regularly performing at LQC as our resident band since 2017. From 2022 they now perform at the club every other week sharing their musical talent with Jesus.

 

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Upcoming Events and Activities – October 2022

 

Cabo de Palos Tour Fest - 8th October

• This is a day of cultural activities to be held on Saturday 8th October with performances by three local artists. Admission to the three concerts is free. The day will begin at 12:30 pm in Cabo port car park, with a performance by Lydia Martin.

• In the afternoon at 17:30, at entrance to the port it will be the turn of the Rio Viré group and then finally at 20:30, Jamones con Tacones will perform on the esplanade of the parking lot by the Cabo de Palos lighthouse.

• In addition to these performances, the festival will feature other entertainment, food trucks and a bar sponsored by Estrella de Levante.

• For full details see: The second edition of the Cabo de Palos Tour Fest festival presents its poster - Pledge Times

 

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The Farmfoods European Senior Masters Golf

• Between the 12-16th October, the Farmfoods European Senior Masters takes place on the South course at La Manga Club.

• This highly anticipated tournament will be hosted by Peter Baker, (a previous Ryder Cup star and three-time winner of the European Tour).

• There will be a host of players taking such as Ian Woosnam OBE, Paul Lawrie OBE, Michael Campbell, Thomas Bjorn, Barry Lane, Peter Fowler and Spanish players Miguel Angel Martin and Jose Manuel Carriles. - all hoping to take the crown from the reigning champion, Marcus Brier.
  

• La Quinta has a vested interest in the event as one of our members - Richard Hayes is taking part in the senior amateur section. So if you are at LMC during the above dates, please wander down and support Richard. We all wish him good luck. I will report back in more detail about this event in November's blog.

 

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Wine tour to Jumilla - 15th October

• Departing from either Cartagena or Murcia this 1-day tour takes you to the town of Jumilla, where you can visit the castle, museums and explore this historic town.

• Also included is a guided winery tour of the ‘Bodega Xenysel’ and lunch at the restaurant La Macarena.

• The price is €59 per person, for more info and to book see...

 https://m.murciatoday.com/october-15-wine-bus-trip-to-the-town-of-jumilla-and-a-leading-winery_1824143-a.html?search=true&subject=378&town=50&town_search=true&town_inside=1

 

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 Discover the Caves of Calasparra

• The Cueva del Puerto in Calasparra is a spectacular place to visit. The caves are part of the Sierra del Puerto mountain range, approximately 700 meters long and 50 meters deep, with much of the cave yet to be discovered. The Cueva del Puerto remains at temperature of 18 degrees all year round, which makes it an ideal place to visit during any season.

• The tour, which lasts about an hour, shows how all the different formations have been created over time. A fascinating and educational visit, with a magical atmosphere in breath-taking surroundings.

• For more information or to make bookings visit: www.cuevadelpuerto.es or call 643 70 10 56

 

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The Regional Park of Sierra Espuña

• In the west of the Region of Murcia lies the regional park of Sierra Espuña.

• It is an area protected by CETS; the European Charter of Sustainable Tourism and is ideal for all sorts of outdoor activities such as climbing, mountain biking, walking, hiking and birdwatching. There are over 100+ kms of green-ways, 11 marked paths and many other trails to explore.

• There is also an abundance of restaurants where you can sample authentic Spanish cuisine and a must visit to the thermal baths of Los Baños de Mura.

• For more information see: ! Murcia Today - Sierra Espuña, A Mecca For Nature Enthusiasts, Adventure Sports And Relaxation!

 

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LQC Halloween Party 2022

• La Quinta Club will be holding our Halloween party in La Solana on Thursday 27th October, (the last week of the half term holidays) and will be offering a special Halloween cocktail.

• So please come along and enjoy this spooktacular event!

  

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Breaking News...Plaza Bohemia

• For those of you that visit La Manga Strip. Work is due to commence on a €439K refurbishment project at Plaza Bohemia.

• This will create a new pedestrian space, green areas & a new car park with electric charging stations.

• For full information see: https://murciaplaza.com/asiseralanuevaplazabohemiadelamanga 

 

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Dish of the Month

For October I am featuring one of our specialities – Turbot with black garlic butter & lemon..

About this dish

• Turbot is a very succulent white fish which is available nationally throughout Spain.

• Without giving away our chef Adrian’s trade secrets the whole fish is cleaned, prepared and filleted. The fillets are then sealed in special bags to maintain freshness.

• How is it cooked?

• It can be either grilled or baked in Adrian’s special black garlic butter, which is absorbed by the fish to give a wonderful flavour.

• Originally only available as a special, due to it’s popularity we now offer this dish on our regular lunchtime menu.

 

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Members Photographs

• Members have begun sending in their holiday snaps, which can be viewed in the ‘members photos’ folder in our gallery on the website.

• If you haven’t already done so please email them to webmaster@laquintaclub.com and we will add them for you.

• We look forward to seeing them.

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• Well that’s October’s Blog complete. I hope you are still finding them informative.

• November’s Blog will be next, published towards the end of October. As you will appreciate, although there are still things going on in the winter months there will probably not be as much content as in the summer and as always I do check activities and events at the time of publication but please don’t blame me if they are cancelled or rescheduled 😉.

• Also don’t forget to a) visit our website where we have lots of other useful information in the info+ section (see +Info (laquintaclub.com) and b) use the members' forum where you can swap, exchange, rent or sell weeks and share information, ideas, suggestion or just ask questions. If you haven’t signed up yet, please visit: La Quinta at La Manga Club - Official Forum - Index (laquintaclub.com) to register.

• Thank you for taking the time to read my blogs and for your continued support. As always, I look forward to seeing you at La Quinta Club.

 

And…..don’t forget to submit your requests for 2023….Mark.

 

 

Edition Four, September 2022

 

• He we go with blog numero cuatro. Are you ready for some more interesting updates and exciting information regarding the people, activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club and the Cartagena/Murcia regions? Straight to your email inbox. And don’t forget that the blog is also accessible on our website www.laquintaclub.com
• Well as September has arrived, its time to reflect a little on this years wonderful summer here on the Costa Calida. Having spent nearly three weeks at the club during July & August I can report that for me personally, it has been really fantastic. It was just like old times but somehow even better. The weather has been very hot here too, but hey it is summertime in Spain after all. Thank heavens for air conditioning.
• There is a real exciting buzz at La Quinta, as members put the pandemic behind them and get on with the business of having a fabulous time. Everyone seems genuinely happy to be back and there is a real sense of togetherness. It was really busy during my stay and at all three Monday night dinners I attended, we had over 100 guests. Two-Twenties and our new solo singer Jesus provided the music and had everyone up and dancing. The service and the food at these events has been truly exceptional.
•  The new format Wednesday pool party has exceeded our expectations and has been really successful. So much so we have been starting it earlier with music from 5pm and food from 6pm. It has been great to see friends and families laughing and joining in the pool games with the rope pull being particularly popular. Drinks have been flowing at the pool bar and we having been doing an excellent trade in pizzas, chips and hot-dogs. 2022 has definitely been the year of the cocktail and long may it continue.  

 

• La Solana has also been very busy at both breakfast and lunchtimes. We served our guests with 30+ breakfasts and a staggering 170 lunches on Saturday 13^th August, (a new LQC record) and all on the hottest day of the year so far too! The quality and variety of food and the service provided has been outstanding, so I am sure you will join with me in saying a huge thank you and well done to all our kitchen and waiting staff.
• The additional 65" Smart TV in La Solana has been well received and offers more flexibility for watching sporting channels in the club house through the DAZN App.

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Meet the staff

Here are some more members of our La Quinta family that I would like to introduce to you as part of my regular feature of 'meet the staff'. So this month a warm welcome to: Maria de Guía Jódar & Isaac Lorente.

Maria de Guía Jódar 

• Maria is 33-years old and has been working with us here at the club on reception since 2015. She has a lovely personality and is always smiling. A great asset and so helpful and efficient in her role.
• She was originally from Cartagena but now lives with her partner, Pedro in El Garbanzal, La Union.
• Maria is away at the moment, on maternity leave having given birth to a health baby girl, which she has also called Maria de Guia on 14th July 2022.
• While she is currently enjoying her new baby, she also likes spending time with her family, practising aerial Yoga and continuing to improve her English.
• Since the age of 16 she has taught privately; English, French and other primary school subjects.
• She plans to return to work next spring.

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Isaac Lorente

• Isaac was born locally in La Union and he still resides there in the El Garbanzal area of the town. He is multi talented, undertaking a dual role at La Quinta. For 6-months of the year he works in maintenance and for 6-months he works in housekeeping.
• Isaac is 34-years old and has been part of the La Quinta team for 7-years having joined us in 2015.
• He has been married for 10-years to Maria Elena and they have one daughter called Elena who was born on 17^th March 2020, at the same time that Spain went into lockdown due to Covid-19.
• Outside of La Quinta Club, Isaac’s main interest is football and he is actually a qualified football coach for the local ‘La Union’ youth team. Perhaps in the future he may invite us to watch his team play.

 

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A Recap of August Events

• August has been even busier than July and as mentioned above the new format Wednesday pool party, has been a huge success and great fun, so much so we have been starting earlier.
• In general our pool etiquette seems to be working well with members following the guidelines we have introduced. Securing a sun lounger on most days this summer hasn’t been a major issue, but children using the spa pool to some extent has. May I remind parents that children under 12 are not permitted in the spa pool unless they are physically supervised.
• Our lifeguards have been a great asset and were on duty daily throughout the month of August, including assisting and joining in at our pool parties.
• Our kids club, has also been very well received by members and children alike. Both Teresa and her replacement Maria, (who were running the club) did fantastic jobs and the kids really loved them.

• Christina Conesa, (who works on reception) will sadly be leaving on 18th September to complete a PHD in sustainable development at the London School of Economics. Although only working with us for 6-months during this time she has been extremely helpful and professional. I have received glowing reports from members and I would like to personally thank her and wish her well with her studies and future career.

• Monday night dinners have been brilliantly supported by members and we have had around 100 attendees each night over the last 4-weeks.
• 2022 has been the year of the cocktail and our extensive cocktail menu seems to have gone down a treat. Just so you don’t forget, here is the cocktail menu board’ again....

 

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Free - 'Try Dives' in La Quinta Club’s Pool

• We started offering this activity on 18^th August in partnership with local company - Adventure Divers & Activity Center.
• La Quinta guests can experience what it is like to Scuba Dive in our swimming pool.
• Adventure Divers will be visiting every week so please do come along to one of these taster     try dives. They are provided free for anyone over the age of 8-years. You will be overseen by a dive instructor and will be able to see what it is like to breath underwater!
• See: Adventure Divers & Activity Center | Facebook

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Kids Climbing Wall

• Sadly although ordered in advance of the summer, we were sent the wrong type necessitating a re-order. This is designed only for our younger children.
• Anyway it arrived in early August and although it seemed we needed a degree in construction to erect it, it’s now up and running.
• Hopefully the kids will have a great time honing their future climbing or mountaineering skills.                                       

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New Feature - Dish of the Month

For the first of this new feature, I am showcasing that quintessential of Spanish dishes - Paella.

So what is Paella?

The key ingredient is rice, with a mixture of vegetables, meat, seafood and seasoning to produce a variety of flavours, which cater for different tastes and regions.

How did Paella get its name?

• Paella originated in the Valencia region of Spain and isn’t just the name of the food, it’s actually the name for the wide, shallow pan that it is traditionally cooked in. If you don’t cook it in one of these pans, its not considered proper Paella! It is likely that Paella got its name from the French word ‘paella meaning ‘frying pan’.
• Did you know at La Quinta we can offer a variety or Paella dishes cooked to your specification?
• So why not get a group together and experience one of Spain’s best culinary offerings?
• 24-hours notice is required with a minimum of 2-persons.

 

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Members Photographs 

• Don’t forget to send in your holiday photos so we can showcase them in our new members photos folder in our gallery on the website.
• Just email them to webmaster@laquintaclub.com and we will add them for you.

 

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Transport

• As mentioned in my last blog securing rental cars has been a challenge this year so early booking is essential. However many guest have been using taxi’s to and from the airport and to get around La Manga Club & the local area.
• With the police seeming to be tightening up on drinking and driving in the area the use of taxi’s when going out for the night is a sound idea. They are plentiful and reasonably priced.
• With most of the supermarkets also now providing a delivery service too, there is less onus on needing to hire a car.        
• Having said that a car does provide greater flexibility and I am sure that supply and rental prices of vehicles will be back to normal or near normal by next summer.

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Buggies 

• The use of buggies in and around La Manga Club remains a contentious issue.
• There were an inordinate amount on the roads during my visit, many being driven by young people and worryingly, some in a reckless manner.
• Here this is the latest guidance issued by the General Community in relation to their use:

 

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Upcoming Events and Activities - September 2022 

The Festival of Romans & Carthaginians

• This unique annual festival is held in Cartagena between the 16th-25th of September and attracts visitors worldwide.
• Originally started in 1990 it is a colourful and quite noisy spectacle, where locals dress in period costumes and weapons to re-enact the fierce battle that took place during the second Punic War over 2,200 years ago.
• It is well worth a visit.
• For more information visit: Carthaginians and Romans in Cartagena Spain, 16 - 25 September 2022 (allexciting.com)

 

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Rock Against Cancer Festival 9th-10th September 2022

• Want to listen to some great tribute bands whilst supporting a really good cause? Then head to at the Parque Soria, Torrevieja on the 9^th & 10^th September 2022 for this 2-day event.

• It has been organised by the Rock Against Cancer Association in support of AFECÁNCER and Alicante Para La Lucha Contra el Cáncer and features some of the best national and international tribute bands in Europe such as AC/DC, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bryan Adams and U2.

For more information and tickets visit: Rock Against Cancer Festival 2022 - Entradium

 

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Serena Soul Weekender - Los Alcazares 16th - 18th September

• La Serena Golf Resort in association with Charity Soul, (a UK based cancer charity) are hosting another Soul Weekender over the weekend of the 16th-18th September. Start time is 7pm.
• There will be an international line up of DJ’s including Keith Money, John Parker and Terry Hopkinson from the UK, Bruno Jerez from France, John Berchtold from Denmark and Mark Forrest from Germany.
• The cost is £30 for a weekend pass. To book contact terry@charitysoul.com or see their website: Charity Soul – Somebody somewhere needs you (charity-soul.co.uk)

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  Well that’s the September’s Blog done and dusted. I really hope that you have been enjoying them.
• October’s Blog will be coming to an email inbox near you at the end of September and 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 a) visit our website where we have lots of other useful information in the info+ section (see +Info (laquintaclub.com) and b) use the members forum where you can swap, exchange, rent or sell weeks and share information, ideas, suggestion or just ask questions. If you haven’t signed up yet, please visit: La Quinta at La Manga Club - Official Forum - Index (laquintaclub.com) to register.

           

Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing you at La Quinta Club.

Take care, enjoy your holidays...Mark.

Edition Three, August 2022

 

• Hola y bienvenido to my third Chairman’s Blog, which continues to provide you with updates and information regarding the people, activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club and the Cartagena/Murcia regions, straight to your email inbox. The blog is also accessible on our website.

• I can't believe it's nearly August already. Summer really is in full swing here at La Quinta ☀️

• I am currently on holiday at the club, having arrived on Saturday and I am happy to report there’s a great vibe here, it’s just like old times. Things are very busy and our members and guests seem to be really getting into the holiday spirit and enjoying themselves.

• La Solana is very busy at lunch times and the pool bar is buzzing with members having fun, enjoying the fabulous weather, eating Tapas and supping beers, wines, cocktails & Sangria. Late afternoon is particularly popular for sundowners!
• It’s been really good to meet up again with friends and members that I haven’t seen for a while.

• After the withdrawal of TV services by Sky in Spain and the resulting disappointment due to the subsequent loss of mainstream sports via Club TV, I am pleased to tell you that we have purchased and installed an additional 65" Smart TV on the wall in the raised area of La Solana. This will allow members to watch more than one sporting channel in the clubhouse through the DAZN App, or if desired, the same channel on both TV’s.

 

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Meet the staff

 

As you know our staff at LQC are more like family, so continuing with my regular feature of 'meet the staff', this month I would like to introduce: Juani Garcia & Santo Angulo.

 Juani Garcia

 

• Juani is 58-years old and works in housekeeping.

• She has been with us here at La Quinta from the very start and is one of our longest serving members of staff. She began working for us as part of a sub-contracted company back when only the front row villas had been built!

• Then in 1986 she became a full LQC employee.

• Juani is divorced, but has three children Raul (41), Quique (38) and Pedro (27). She also is the proud grandmother to Jonathan (17), Africa (15) and Juan Raúl (12).

• She was born in Cartagena, where she currently still lives.

Juani is very family orientated and most of her free time is taken up with her children and grandchildren.

  

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Santo Angulo

• Santo works as a general departmental assistant, carrying out a variety of roles across the housekeeping, cleaning and maintenance departments. Whenever you see him, he will always greet you with a ‘Hola’ and a cheery smile.
• He is 48 years old and was born in Ecuador but came to Spain some 21 years ago.
• Santo started working at La Quinta as part of a subcontracted cleaning company in 2003 but realising his potential, in 2005 we employed him directly.
• He is married to a Spanish lady called Mari Carmen and they have a son aged 15, called David.
  Santo very much enjoys his sports and participates in; Football and the martial art of Taekwondo. He also practises Krav magá, a military self defence system developed for the security forces. So clearly not someone you want to mess with 😂.

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A Recap of July events

• July has been a busy month for us and the new format Wednesday night pool party, (which started on the 13th) has been a big success and great fun. Just a reminder that this now starts at 6pm and is very casual. So just stay down at the pool, enjoy drinks and great music at the pool bar and on the terrace and don’t forget food will be available when you or the kids get peckish. 

 

  

• Our new pool etiquette seems to be working, with members following the guidelines we have introduced. There are posters with full details by the pool bar and in reception. We have had lifeguards on duty during July and they will continue throughout the month of August.

• Monday night dinners continue to be well supported and are great value for money. Don’t forget we have two different acts now. Two-Twenties will perform one week and our new singer, Jesus the other week. So if you’re here for a fortnight there’s really no excuse not to come on both nights 😂.

• Wimbledon came to LQC on the 9th & 10th July when we hosted watching the Men’s and Women’s finals on the TV’s in the clubhouse at La Solana. Tapas, Pimms & Strawberries & cream/ice cream were served. It felt just like you were in the stands on centre court....🍓🧃🍧

• Our kids club, (open 2pm-6pm) is also proving popular, giving parents time to chill out and sample our extensive cocktail menu, which includes some new additions from the Florida Keys; the ‘Rum Runner’ and the ‘Key Lime Colada’....🍹

• Lastly, huge congratulations to Maria de Guia, (reception) who gave birth to a healthy baby girl, (which she has also been called Maria), on the 14th July. Mum and baby doing well.

  

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Car Rental

• Securing rental cars has been challenging this year and prices seem very high, so I would advise early booking. There seems to be a reduced amount of hire cars globally, (which of course also affects Spain) as car hire companies struggle to obtain vehicles. This is in part due to reduced vehicle production, as a result of a scarcity of microchips that are component parts of the electronics in all new vehicles.

• Don't forget you can book with our partner car hire company, Conccord Cars, (who provide a meet & greet or delivery service), through La Quinta Club or via their website https://conccordcars.com/ They offer a discounted rate to LQC members and provide a small commission to us if you book with them through the club.

 

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Upcoming events and activities - August 2022

San Javier International Festival of Theatre, Music and Dance - something for all tastes.

• From 12th-22nd of August the San Javier International Festival of Theatre, Music and Dance takes place at Almansa Park Municipal Auditorium, in Almansa.
  

• It offers a wide ranging programme of performing arts from the world of theatre, music and dance.
  

• For further information visit: http://www.spainisculture.com/en/eventos/murcia/festival_internacional_de_teatro_musica_y_danza_de_san_javier.html

 

Cante de las Minas

• Now everyone who visits Spain must go and watch Flamenco at least once.

• So why not treat yourself to an evening at the Annual Cante de las Minas Flamenco Festival in nearby La Union?

• It takes place from 28th July-6th August and is held in the old La Unión Public Market 

• This is one of the world's most important annual flamenco festivals and includes song, dance and guitar playing with competitions taking place in all categories.
  
  See: https://www.spain.info/en/calendar/festival-cante-minas/

 

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Historic Cartagena

• If you are going to visit nearby Cartagena then why not check out the Roman Theatre, Roman Forum, Castle and Panoramic Lift?

• There are a number of different tours available to see these iconic sites with a combo ticket for around £12 per person giving you access to all four locations,

• See: CARTAGENA PUERTO DE CULTURAS | GetYourGuide Supplier for full details.

 

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Evening and night markets?

• Why not visit an arts and crafts market? There are two on this summer. One at Plaza Bohemia on La Manga strip and one at the Marina de Las Salinas in San Pedro Del Pinatar.

• They are both summer evening/night markets, Plaza Bohemia is open from 7pm until 2am every day until 15th September and Marina de Las Salinas from 6pm until late every Friday.

• For Plaza Bohemia see: ! Murcia Today - Plaza Bohemia Summer Market In La Manga Open Every Evening Until September 15 and for Marina de Las Salina see Flamenco Market Marina de las Salinas. | Facebook

 

  

 

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Who’s up for Adventure Golf?

• A great new miniature golf course is now open in Cabo de Palos. It’s called La Manga Adventure Golf and is run by a British guy called Ian and his team.

• Open from 9:30am-9:30pm every day. Booking is essential especially if you wish to play after 6pm, when it’s a bit cooler.

• The mini golf course can be found at exit 12 just off the RM12.

• For more information and reservations please call or WhatsApp on +34 693 934 381 or visit: (1) La Manga Adventure Golf | Facebook

  

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Trips Summer Club

• Trips has re-invented itself and as well as a nightclub, it now offers a variety of shows, acts, DJ’s, bands and dancing in addition to six stylish restaurants (including Undersun at La Manga Club), with food prepared by some of the most influential chefs from the region of Murcia. They have entitled this new concept....‘Tasty Trips’

• Check out their website for full details of the restaurants and upcoming events:

Trips Disco | La Manga (tripslamanga.com)

 

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New: members photographs

• Many members take lovely photographs during their stay and often ask us to share them. In answer to this we have added a new folder called ‘members photos’ in the gallery on our website. So please feel free to share your holiday experiences with us by emailing your photos to webmaster@laquintaclub.com and we will add them for you. There will also be an award for the best photo of the month, so get snapping!

 

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• That’s a wrap for the August Blog, I hope that you have been enjoying them so far. Look out for September’s Blog, which will be published towards the end of August. 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 a) visit our website where we have lots of other useful information in the info+ section (see +Info (laquintaclub.com) and b) use the members forum where you can swap, exchange, rent or sell weeks, share information, ideas, suggestion or just ask questions. If you haven’t signed up yet, please visit: La Quinta at La Manga Club - Official Forum - Index (laquintaclub.com) to register 

• Thanks for reading and I hope you have a fantastic holiday this year at La Quinta Club.

 

 See you soon at the club...Mark.

 

 

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.