(See Rosella in the back on the left)
 

Last week, Britain’s Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall made their first official visit to Spain  (as reported in the SUR in English, April 1st - 7th). The couple had a full agenda with engagements with the Prince and Princess of Asturia as well as with businesses, the Prime Minister and representatives from the British community.  On the 30th of March, Prince Charles & Camilla attended the British community event hosted by the British Ambassador to Spain, Giles Paxman.

Our President, Rosella, was amongst the 300 guests at the reception (afternoon tea) held at the residence of the British Ambassador for representatives of organizations that work with or for the British community in Spain.   Prince Charles and Camilla made the rounds thanking volunteers of many organizations including the Royal British Legion, RAFA, Cudeca, Age Concern, Rotary Club, the Red Cross, Probus, Univ. of the Third Age, Alzheimers Assoc. and Samaritans. The English Speaking press on the Costa del Sol was also well represented.    Rosella was representing the English Cemetery Foundation of which she is 1st Vice-President and as a Warden of St. George´s Anglican Church. 

Some photos of the event are shown here. The pictures include Rosella, Joan Hunt (founder of the Cudeca Foundation), Stephen Jones (British Consul in Malaga) and Dr. Marisa Martin (Chief Medical Officer for Cudeca).

Rosella will also be attending the Royal Maundy Thursday service at Westminster Abbey with The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in attendance.    This year, the Maundy Thursday service is on 21st April and will coincide with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth’s 85th birthday. Next month, we will report on Rosella’s royal event and

hopefully, include a few royal photos. 
 

 

Dan Andia was operated on again and as far as we know, he is still in the Residencia Los Milagros in Rincon.  With a birthday on the 13th, we wish him well and a speedy recovery.   Margarita Fischer Ferrer has been having physical therapy for months and unfortunately, is still in considerable pain.     Former member from Hawaii, Claire Vossbrink and husband, Luis Herráez have moved to the U.K. to be near their daughter, Akemi, who is attending Emmanuel College, Cambridge.   Claire has just finished her Spanish teaching degree at Malaga University to validate her U.S. teaching degree in English Literature and Spanish.   Most likely, she will now get a job in the U.K.  teaching…..Spanish!  We wish her well in her new home and job.

April Luncheon - Thursday, 14th

Our April luncheon will take place at our favorite Greek Restaurant, Katogui, on the Paseo Maritimo in Rincon de la Victoria.  As a special treat, Rosella will give a brief overview of ‘Tea with Prince Charles and Camilla’.  Luncheon prices are €15 for both members and guests.  Call Rosella to make a reservation and your menu selection by Tuesday, 13th.    Time is as normal – 1:00 for 1:30 pm.

 

Greek Salad for everyone  

and

Moussaka   or  Chicken Kebabs  

and 

Desert, Wine, Water & Coffee
 

“April showers bring May flowers.” We’ve all heard this rhyme at some point, usually having been taught it at an early age by our parents or teachers. It’s a popular thing to say and hear around the springtime, but one thing you might not know is where the rhyme originated from. It can be traced back to the mid 1500s, although earlier use of “April showers bring May flowers” may have existed.

In 1557 a gentleman by the name of Thomas Tusser compiled a collection of writings he called A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry. In the April Husbandry section he wrote:  “Sweet April showers Do spring May flowers”  As you can see, the rhyme was originally a short poem. There is meaning behind the words, as well. “April showers bring May flowers” is a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things, in this case the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable things indeed – in this case, an abundance of flowers in May.

“April showers bring May flowers” is a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day.  Many of life’s greatest things come only to those who wait, and by patiently and happily enduring the clouds and damp of April you can find yourself more easily able to take in the sights and smells of May.  After all, it’s easier to love something if you begin with an optimistic outlook!

And a final quote from William Shakespeare:  “April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.”