COSTA NEWS, October 30-November 5, 2015 Page 57 Anglo Spanish Association visits Segovia, Salamanca and Ciudad Rodrigo October 4 saw 29 members of the Anglo Spanish Associ- ation led by Chairman, David Decker depart on a once in a lifetime trip to Segovia, Salamanca and Ciudad Ro- drigo Members had an opportunity to explore Segovia, the cathedral and the Roman Aqueduct before setting off for Salamanca, via Avila, stopping at a mirador outside of Avila to take photos of the magnificent battlements which completely surround the old city. As a result of this many of our members decided that on a free day in Salamanca, they would travel by train to Avila to ex- plore it further. Salamanca is a city founded in pre-Roman times, but first developed by the Romans in the first century BC. The name 'golden city' is a reference to the stone which almost every building is built from, having the same golden colour which you find in buildings in Bath They stayed at the Parador in Salamanca with many of the rooms offering spectacular uninterrupted views over the old city. The next day the guide starting at the Plaza Mayor, walked them all through the 'golden city' with the group gleaning many interesting facts about the buildings and sites. Lunch was at the delightful Res- taurant Le Sablon in the centre of the city, new small museum in the city walls, and enjoyed a talk encamped, and moved off to be attacked in the flank by They then visited the twin cathedrals, the Monastery by the curator on the history of the town and shown a the British and Portuguese Armies. Over 5,000 British de St Esteban, the Convento de las Dueñas amongst model of the fortified city where he explained how the soldiers and 13,000 French soldiers were killed or many other great sites. One interesting feature was how wall were breeched by both the French and the English wounded during the battle. Many of them must lie be- the masons on a recent renovation of the cathedral in the struggle for this strategically important city. A neath the fields of Arapiles. There is a monument, to the carved a small astronaut into one of the pilasters by the visit to the small but interesting cathedral, and an ex- battle, on the hill shown, and two poppy wreaths were door. The Astronaut - demonstrating the renovation was hibition of etchings by Goya, showing some horrific found in honour of the 200th anniversary of the battle in done by modern masons. scenes from the battles for the city were also under- 2012. The next day was the journey to Ciudad Rodrigo taken. The visit concluded with an excellent lunch at the which is a city of 14,000 people, 80kms south west from They were, to say the least, both graphic and moving. Restaurant Estoril, where Maribel the hostess and her Salamanca. It was the site of two bloody battles in the Goya did not show them until 30 years after the war. staff provided wonderful fare. Spanish War of Independence (the Peninsular War) and Some of the more athletic members ascended the hill We returned to Javea in great spirits after a very suc- was occupied by the French for 2 years. They visited the of the Greater Arapiles where the French Army were cessful trip. Strolls, stretches and scrambles This weekend there were no shortage lowed a complex route in Benialli of walk options with the Costa Blanca with no road work and some difficult Mountain Walkers. but short passages along the flanks on A convivial stroll along the Moza- both sides of the Gallinera valley. rabic trails and forest paths above Be- Walks are carefully researched nigembla attracted 14 walkers who and checked by people who are regu- afterwards enjoyed lunch at an old fa- lar walkers, love the mountains and vourite, the 'Bon Aire' restaurant. who are familiar with paths and Meanwhile, a slightly more ener- tracks in the Costa Blanca area, getic group took a picnic lunch and stretching from Alicante to Gandia explored the hills between Benissa and inland. and Gata area and were rewarded There is no charge to walk with with splendid views of both coast and the group. New walkers of all levels inland mountains. of fitness and experience are wel- Those looking for more of a chal- come. lenge, were not disappointed either. A For more information look at ridge walking, rock hopping route www.cbmwalkers.org or go along to from Adsuvia thrilled another dozen the annual open forum at mid day on walkers and a similar number fol- November 10 at El Cids, Benidoleig. Biker babe reigns supreme In 2013, Debbie Gibbons who works and At least once each year, Road Captains lives in the Moraira area signed up to have to organise a ride out for group raise money for the Children of Emaús members, plan the route, arrange visits and in return was promised a pillion ride and attractions during the ride and book on a Harley Davidson motorcycle as part a suitable restaurant to end the ride. of the Bay Radio Biker Babe Appeal. She Debbie's ride was on Sunday with over 30 was also the October pin up in the Biker bikes involved and ending at a pirate Babe 2014 Charity Calendar. These ex- themed restaurant at Denia Marina. periences saw the start of a new chapter Our photograph shows, standing left in her life. to right, holding the group flag Marisa During the past two years, Debbie has Diaz, Group Director and Peter Emmett, gained her full motorcycle licence, pur- Press Officer with kneeling group chased a Harley Davidson (named 'Black member Vicente Guardiola, dressed as Pearl') and is now the official Mascot of Jack Sparrow with a very happy Debbie the Costa Blanca Espana Group. In addi- Gibbons. tion, she is the group photographer, For further information, contact Peter translator and one of the group's elite Emmett on 966 461 039 or you can email Road Captains. [email protected] Page 58 COSTA NEWS, October 30-November 5, 2015 Costa Blanca News' regular feature supporting local writers in conjunction with WordPlay Writers' Forum. Co-Dependents Anonymous WordPlay and You perfect loaf'.) Welcome to Weekly WordPlay. Each week Once the reader is on the webpage, the ar- (CoDA) WordPlay provides news, views, and ticle must maintain the interest factor prom- Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) examples of writing by authors and poets, ised by the title. The visitor must be engaged: is a 'Twelve-Step Fellowship' of local and beyond. Founded in 2010, Word- entertain as well as inform. Use real-life men and women whose common Play's purpose is to encourage writers to stories to evidence what you are trying to say. purpose is recovery from write and then get them read. To this end we Don't be afraid to add a little humour, and co-dependence and the develop- produce a quarterly short story anthology, look for quotes that also provide examples ment and maintenance of healthy and provide the help our members need to be- that aid the thrust of the article. (A tip here is relationships. come published authors. to build up a bank of quotes that can be used Meetings in this area are held on Over the past couple of years we've helped time and again.) TUESDAYS, at 6pm on, at the Benidorm nearly two dozen writers be published for the The article must also be easy to read. Con- MABS Centre, Av Mariners de la Vila Joiosa, first time, including several whose novels and versational styles work well, and the article La Cala Finestrat (on main N332). memoirs you can find at Bookworld in Haban- must flow logically from one idea to another, For further information please contact the Helpline on eras, Torrevieja. There is never a lack of in- before reaching its conclusion. 633 452 623. spiration among WordPlay writers, because Take 5 to 10 minutes to plan an article (just (CoDA is a non-profit organisation supported by the volun- there is no such thing as writers' block, even as you would an essay). Think about how the tary contributions of attending members.) though many writers will tell you they suffer article can be divided naturally, and then con- from it. sider subtitles at these natural breaks. Break- up the page with white space, using shorter Keep Writing paragraphs, and also use numbered lists or During the course of last week, I was asked by bullet points. a friend if I could give a few tips on writing Finally, write a good ending. Link the pre- articles for her website. Readers had com- vious points together and draw a thought pro- mented that her articles were a little dull and voking conclusion. It's not always necessary didn't entice them to read on or revisit. One that this conclusion should 'draw a line under told her that her web content "reads more like the article'. It could ask a question of the an essay than an article". Her experience is reader, or provide a call to action. not isolated. Here are five things article (and Armed with these five web article writing blog) writers can do to make their words more tips, if you've got a website look at the history interesting: and see which of your articles got the biggest First, make sure that you know your target audience. Can you see the difference between reader. This will provide the clues to the tone, those and the less popular pieces? voice, and language needed, and appropriate use of words is essential to appeal to the right Be Part of It audience.