New PayPal account for J.A.W.S.

JIMENA J.A.W.S., the animal charity, now has a PayPal Account where you can make donations. Using the email address available on the J.A.W.S. Facebook page, follow the steps and make your donation. However small your donation, it is always appreciated. The final step will tell you that you have donated your payment to Jimena Animal Welfare Society. We can then use this money to pay vet bills - of which there are many!! "Thank you in anticipation of your continued support and, if they could speak, the animals we help would say thank you, too!" says Val Jubb, President of J.A.W.S.

Massed J.A.W.S. tins on their way to a place near you...

JIMENA The ongoing Jimena Animal Welfare Society project is doing wonderful work (a lovely story coming up later today). Val Jubb, who does  the vast majority of the practical work (i.e. picking up dogs, delivering to vets, feeding and watering abandoned but unapproachable dogs and cats, etc. etc.), is also distributing these collection tins to the following places around Jimena: Campayo Vet Clinic (C/Sevilla, Jimena), Victor's Vet Clinic (Castellar), La Vía Restaurant (Estación de Jimena), Casa Henrietta, Mingo Restaurant, El Anon, La Estación (San Pablo) and La Viña de Liñán. Please give generously, or at least, leave your spare change. (J.A.W.S. also needs volunteers - please comment below!)

Ice-cream as an example of solidarity

ALGECIRAS / LOS BARRIOS Much as this item may seem like an advertorial, it is in fact a way to express our admiration for a business that has been setting an example for some time. A family ice-cream business based in Algeciras is an example of solidarity with the less fortunate: it donates one third of its profits and cooperates with numerous charities. So far this year Heladísimo, 'La Gourmet del Helado', has bought and distributed over four tons of food, that, as well as toys of a line that develops and encourages proper values among the young. However, that's not enough, either: they were one of the organisers of last year's Campeonísimo sports event, which they want to make an annual event. There are several other things they've organised, including charity cycling routes, help for child victims of cancer and MS. They can do with our support. In Algeciras, the Heladísimo shop is at Avenida de España, 13, in San José Artesano; in Los Barrios at Calle Plata, 24, both of which offer Italian ice-creams improved with local resources. Worth a try, right?

Ties and hats required for J.A.W.S. Racing Day

JIMENA After the fantastic success of its Ladies Spa Day, the Jimena Animal Welfare Society (soon-to-be officially known as the Sociedad de Protectora de Animales de Jimena de la Frontera - phew!) is organizing another fun event next Saturday, June 22, at Calle La Vaca, 28, from 4pm: a Racing Day. We're told it consists of buying a programme for only €2 and you place your bets. If your horse wins, you can donate some of your winnings to J.A.W.S. There will be a bar for refreshments, and a BBQ with burgers and hot dogs to buy. AND there's a dress code: ladies must wear a hat or other form of head decor, and men must wear a tie or a bow tie (preferably around their necks, says the notice) - penalties for not doing so, too! And it all goes to J.A.W.S., who need it badly.

Fantastic Ladies Spa Day in aid of J.A.W.S.

JIMENA We got a call last night to tell us excitedly that the J.A.W.S. Ladies Spa Day at Viña de Liñán had been a grand success and that €600 had been collected for the animal charity, after paying for everything. Val asked us to say that Ruth had worked very hard and it would have been impossible without her - and no doubt Ruth would say the same about Val. In any case, thanks to both of them are in order, as they are to all those who attended. Well done! (A Racing Afternoon is planned for Saturday the 22nd, from 4pm at Paul and Connie's, Calle Vaca 28 - 'boys' are welcome this time. Bar & BBQ and gaming, too, with a percentage to J.A.W.S. Programmes €2. More on that later.)

What a great day out on Saturday - and a good cause with good support

A lovely walk with lovely people, and good support, though not from expats or any representative of the Council (more on the latter later).

Saturday's charity walk

These are all the participants in Saturday's walk, though more joined us along the way (If it looks a bit fuzzy in the middle, it's only because we're trying a 'stitch' of three photos to make one - maybe we'll get it a bit better later on.). It was a walk many, including Prospero, have done plenty of times, but the difference was that every now and then, we had a little stop and a short talk on a particular place. It started at the square, down to the river for the river walk, or El Cao, along the river, up by the campsite, and down through the village with several stops. It was great couple of hours. (Do you notice any resident expats in the photo? Shame on them!) (More photos will be available later on.)

This looks like a fine walk for a good cause

Click to enlarge

JIMENA Just the other day, we posted an invitation to join us for a walk through and around Jimena this coming Saturday, June 1. Since then, we have had more information, which we translate herewith (luv that word, sounds so important!): Saturday, June 1; Meet at Plaza Constitución; Registration at 6pm; Start walk at 7pm; Difficulty: Low; Route: through the most representative spots of our village; In aid of La Estrella.

A charity walk through Jimena, next Saturday

(Photo: Paqui López / TioJimeno)

JIMENA Here is an easy and fascinating way to do some good. Next Saturday, the walkers' group, Caminete de Luna, is organizing a walk through the history and patrimony of Jimena, in and around the village. We will be gathering at the main square, Plaza de la Constitución, at 7pm on Saturday, June 1. Registration, tickets, or whatever, are only €2, which will be given entirely to the local handicapped charity La Estrella. This will be bringing together a good many people, so here's a chance to meet new friends. (Note: Anyone willing to organise a charity sponsored walk for La Estrella and/or J.A.W.S.?)

J.A.W.S. needs your help NOW

From the J.A.W.S. Facebook page: "I knew it would happen! JAWS have run out of money and I have just had a call about a Mum and 2 puppies wandering the streets desperately in need of help. I have a temporary home for them until Friday and then they will have to go to Adana - FEE WILL BE 150 EUROS! Can anyone out there help us with the fee?? Any amount - no matter how small - will help us and more importantly, give these 3 little dogs a chance in life. PLEASE contact me and SHARE this post - THANK YOU. (As we write, just had €50 from lady in Estepona)

Lacock Old Music group raise €500 for church roof

(We, too, would prefer a photo of
the concert -have you got one?)

JIMENA The concert offered last Friday by the Lacock Old Music force, hosted by Monica Becko at her magnificent home, El Antiguo Juzgado, raised a round €500 for repairs to the roof of the San Francisco church where it was held. Director Patrick Craig and the entire student body of the course -almost 40 people- were very pleased with the concert itself as well as the money raised, not to mention their delight at the village. There was standing room only at the concert, despite other activities in the village, and the audience was very appreciative of all the efforts made. (If anyone has any photos of the concert, please send them in - we were too busy to take 'em.)

Reader's Question: 'Are they still collecting clothes in Estación?'

JIMENA 'Someone just told me that the Casa de Cultura in Estación is no longer collecting clothes. Is this true do you know - and if so do you know of any other collection point please?' Our answer: 'Just spoken to Olivia, the Councillor for Estación. You're right, it has stopped because -as usual- only one or two people ended up doing all the work (shades of J.A.W.S.). Would you or any of your friends be interested in taking it over? Let me know. In the meantime, the local Cáritas chapter is taking in children's clothing ONLY, which you can leave with Isabel here at the Cámara de Comercio office (next to Nailah's Ximena English Academy) - the building is the next down from the fire station (I know you know that, Jan, but directions are for anyone else reading this).

How to donate towards Carmen Infante's wheelchair

Carmen at her benefit on Friday

JIMENA Aside from the questions appearing here and on Alberto's Facebook page, we have also had a number of enquiries about how to donate towards Carmen's vertical action wheelchair. A bank account was opened this very morning at La Caixa (Number 2100-8579-01-0100025653, name of Carmen Infante Martínez). Thanks to all who enquired, and please share this article (also on Fbook) to as many people as possible.

What happened last night at Venta Ángel?

JIMENA  The benefit event to raise funds for Carmen Infantes's wheelchair was well-attended by the local populace, many of whom were introduced to the new management at Venta Ángel (formely Las Rejas). Some €1,350 were collected, largely through tickets to the show. Carmen's whole family were there - as usual giving her their support. Onstage were a number of young talented people, plus, we're told (we had left by then), some excellent flamenco music by two well-known local artists. We were very disappointed with the turnout from local expats - we counted a mere ten, including Prospero - which is frankly shameful (tickets were €5, the equivalent of just a few of beers! And all you had to do was buy the tickets without even sitting down to listen - you could have been holding up the bar instead). Below is a slideshow of the event.

Idara has received her bottle tops, but we need more

JIMENA As we said back here, there was a request out for plastic bottle tops, which would help a little girl's family buy her a special wheelchair. Her name is Idara and she has received two enormous boxes full of plastic bottle tops, collected throughout the municipality. Idara lives in Algeciras, but there is another little girl, called Virginia, of a well-known Jimena family, who needs our help, too, this time for an important operation not available on the Spanish health system. So, collect your plastic tops and take them along to any of the places on the list below, telling them it's for Virginia's operation.>>>

Where are the charity drops in the Campo area?

Lots of people have asked us where they can drop off clothes, food or toys in the Campo area. We live in Jimena, at the top end of the Campo de Gibraltar and we can cover this area. But is there somewhere that these items can be dropped off in TARIFA, ALGECIRAS, LOS BARRIOS, SAN ROQUE, LA LÍNEA, or CASTELLAR? Please help us inform our readers. (We mean the kind of places that do NOT make a business of it, but who are genuinely for the needy of that area - we expect the number of those who need our help to increase, so PLEASE HELP us help them!)

Remember the fund raiser on Sunday

JIMENA As we told you last week, there is a major fund raiser for the needy of Jimena this Sunday. These are the 200 families of the municipality that have no income at all, whose benefits have run out and are now living on charity. Entrance to the sports pavilion is only €4, which goes straight to buying basic food for them. Donations will be gladly accepted, including if you bring some non-perishables like rice, pasta, tins of just about anything, olive or other oil, etc. The thing starts at 11 am and ends at 7pm. Throughout the day, there will be entertainment for the little ones and activities for others. It's good way to meet your neighbours and do a good turn at the same time. (We have been asked to tell you where you can donate clothes, food and toys at other times. Here's where. Watch for a link on the sidebar, too.)

Fund raising dinner is for the dogs

SOTOGRANDE The headline is confusing, isn't it? But let there be no confusion about its purpose: Spanish Stray Dogs, which runs the shelter in Los Barrios (for dogs and cats!), is holding a Gala Dinner. Sponsored by BlevinsFranks, it is scheduled for Saturday, September 22 at La Cañada Golf Club in Guadiaro. The modest price €60 includes a 3-course meal, all alcoholic drinks with the meal, entertainment by The Lola Boys, and, more importantly, the chance to help this charity that does wonderful work for the area. Tickets are available at Tiger Lily (Sotogrande), Mar y Sol Market (Saturdays at Sotogrande) and Bean & Gone Cafe (Engineer La., Gibraltar). Get 'em now, before they run out!

A romantic evening with Vivaldi's Four Seasons

Click to enlarge

SOTOGRANDE A charity concert sponsored by DFAS and the deVere Group is scheduled for September 29 in aid of the Casa Abril children's home in San Roque. The concert by The London Soloists is to be held in the gardens of a private home in Sotogrande, and included in the ticket prices is a cava reception and canapes. Please click on the image for further information on the event.In 1987, Coordinadora Abril, a charitable organization for the prevention of drug dependency, began work with the communities of Taraguilla, Miraflores and Estacion de San Roque in the province of Cádiz. Since then it has grown exponentially and is now present in many other places in the country, where children's homes, all called Casa Abril or Sol de Abril, are available for those who can't defend themselves.

Reader's Request: Don't throw your tops!

JIMENA We have been asked to ask you to collect your PLASTIC bottle tops, put 'em in a bag and take 'em to La Tasca (Calle San Sebastian, Jimena, by the main square). We are reliably informed that this is a genuine request that, having collected millions of them, will supply a special wheelchair for a child in Algeciras who needs one badly but whose parents can't afford what he needs. Other people, such as the firemen, are also collecting in the area. Any kind of PLASTIC bottle will do. Please help!