Issue 21A - Eurostar 2014 Special Edition

The Croydon Chronicle
The Newsletter of the Rotary Club of Croydon
Issue No.21A – Eurostar Edition – Roses, Spain May 2014
The Rotary Club of Croydon meets at The Croydon Masonic Halls, 73 Oakfield Road, Croydon, Surrey. CR0 2UX.
We meet on Tuesdays at 13:00.
The Club website is at www.croydonrotaryclub.org.uk






BELGIUM FRANCE GERMANY ITALY SPAIN SWITZERLAND -
Neufchateau
Roanne-Est
Koblenz Deutsches-Eck
Sondrio
Roses-Empuriabrava
Yverdon-Les-Bains
The Message from the President
EUROSTAR VISIT TO ROSAS
I was proud to attend the Eurostar weekend in Rosas, especially as we
had such a large group of our members and partners. In the previous
year, we had been the largest group, but this year we were slightly
outdone by the Swiss club from Yverdon!
The downside for the President is having to attend the joint Presidents’ meeting, and then
make a speech at the end of the Gala Dinner! However, the meeting was mercifully short, and I
have to say how impressed the others were with the multi-lingual leaflets and all the
information about the Eurostar in Croydon, that was given to them by Barbara.
With regard to the speech, I am eternally grateful to Ian and Pilar, who translated what I
wanted to say into Spanish, and then some coaching from Ian on how to pronounce it all.
Hopefully, after that, I managed to convince people that I knew what I was doing!
All of the Presidents were presented with a framed print by one of the Rosas members,
showing the beach and the seafront. It was a reminder of the fine location of the hotel, and a
souvenir of a very, very enjoyable weekend.
Kind regards,
Brian
PRESIDENT – Brian Street – 46 Birchend Close, South Croydon, Surrey. CR2 7DS.............Telephone - 020 8681 7793 ……………........ Email – [email protected]
SECRETARY – Ted Newman – 35 Whitefield Avenue, Purley, Surrey CR8 4BP.............Telephone - 020 8660 8208 ……………........ Email – [email protected]
-1-|Page
EUROSTAR TO ROSES, SPAIN. MAY 2014.
Thursday morning at five we left home with Jim and Julia to roam,
By plane across sea and land to Roses where International Rotary was planned.
The flight was fine and not too long but from Barcelona to Roses was another song!!
Across numerous roundabouts we did turn until at last the Hotel was found.
With several rooms and numerous views, we were lucky ours was good news.
Overlooking sand and sea on level four, one could not wish for more.
Welcomed by many who recognised us although older but not changed much.
A buffet dinner and wine started the evening off, with a good variety of foodstuff.
We said “Goodnight,” to those we know, eventually to bed did go.
Friday came and we awoke refreshed, to enjoy a boat trip with the rest.
The boat was driven almost into a cave, to show us how the rocks had been made,
With volcanic eruptions years ago, which looked magnificent although old.
We disembarked at a small town, to quench our thirst and look around.
Twenty minutes was the time limit, and we all managed to do it!
We then rejoined the boat to cruise again, this time to a B-B-Q and shower of rain.
Seafood kept on coming, also wine, and so we continued to dine.
Some hours later it was time for us to board the boat BUT……
It had got stuck in the sand as the tide had turned, but skilful hands
Eventually managed to get her free, and we cruised back and out to sea
Making waves until we reached the harbour, where we disembarked and went on further.
Some to a fish factory, others walked back to the hotel about a mile…….
Later that evening we were entertained by the Habanera four who reigned
In the hotel garden until nine, when yet again we dined !
Saturday was another full day. Castell de Sant Ferran was visited on the way.
Vast in size it took forty years to build, but soon faced war, so with a garrison was filled.
The Great War broke out in 1793 and Spanish troops did not go free.
The Castle housed 6,000 soldiers in its day, plus horses as well as personal array.
The fortress had long cobbled walkways and underneath 10million litres of water lay.
Lunch beckoned us away, to a catering school at mid-day,
Smartly dressed and working in pairs, young lads and lassies served with care.
A fantastic lunch with a smile, no sign of nervousness for many a mile.
Then refreshed and back to the hotel for the presidents to say
What the year 2015 would bring our way.
Croydon seemed to go down very well as general smiles and agreements were displayed.
A change of clothes and on the road once more, to the Gala evening. We wonder what’s in store?
Set in beautiful surroundings of trees and a lake, Castelle de Peralada opened its gates.
A heron’s nest ,high up in the trees,also a gentle breeze. Swans, a fountain even a rainbow took our eyes,
From the outside, now to the inside, the Church del Carme, altar painted in gold, dating from the fourteeneth century old.
Antique glass with over 2,500 objects on display from the Pharaons of Egypt in their day.
Paintings, decorative elements, furniture, ceramics too and so we continued to view.
Another room stacked on all sides with books, one hundred thousand. Where shall we start to look?
A wine museum situated on the floor below where Perelada developed his prestigious cava, The Gran Claustro.
Tables and chairs were laid out before dinner to sample wine and aperatives. (I’m no thinner)
After quite some time we were summonded to go and dine.
COLD TOMATOE SOUP on a crispy salad! I did not eat all mine!
Each countries president said a few words and then received a framed painting of
Roses coastline and a copy too, as airline rules were kept in view.
Luckily Croydon’s painting travelled by car, and arrived safely from afar.
Sunday saw the four of us drive down to Cadaques where we quenched our thirst.
Then on foot we climbed up the hill to a church quiet and still.
The silence was broken by a band followed behind by a long line of people hand in hand
Climbing the steep stony paths, young and old to a service in the Church we were told,
By an American artist who resides in Spain for six months every year then returns home again.
We made our way back to the car and decided to travel afar
-2-|Page
Along the coast to Port Lligat where on the beach we sat.
To have a picnic lunch before going up to Dahli’s door….
Sorry no tickets available, please come back. We tried many times but had no luck.
Down the steep winding roads we drove until we arrived at our hotel.
Next on the list was an evening meal as hunger made us feel
That we must replenish our strength after having had a day well spent.
The sun was setting over the town, lighting up the rooftops again and again.
A glorious sight to behold with the sea quietly ebbing to and fro.
Home to England we flew next day, only on landing confusion lay.
In the passport department. “Please come this way”
We joined the queues long and winding until we reached the desk
Where the staff were doing their best.
Some passports are electronic these days, so have to go another way.
As passengers are electronically checked before being given the O.K.
Let’s hope that next time
The passport office will be working fine!
With thanks to Jim and Julia,
Margaret and John Dale May 2014.
Eurostar visit to Rotary Club
Roses-Empuriabrava
29th May to 1st June 2014
Twenty seven of our club members, partners and guests travelled by road, train and air to the beautiful seaside town of
Roses located on the Costa Brava situated on the coast at the northern end of the Gulf of Roses in Catalonia, Spain.
As guest arrived on Thursday afternoon we were treated to a cocktail reception on the hotel terrace overlooking the sea.
The favourite drink seemed to be the Sangria, although there were other drinks also available, followed by a buffet dinner
at the hotel.
-3-|Page
Friday morning’s breakfast was tested by a boat trip around the bay of Roses heading for Cala Joncols. Along the way the
captain of the boat paused to push the bow of the boat into some tiny caves in the rocks to show the beautiful blue
seawater.
-4-|Page
Lunch was on the beach under a corrugated tin roof shelter. Typical seafood platters and paella all washed down with
local wine. There was a short Mediterranean shower which didn’t interrupt us too much. However, the table behind us
were sat under a section of roof that had a few holes and the rain managed to cause them to shift from their table. But
the fun wasn’t spoiled.
On the way back the boat stopped at Puerto Pesca de Roses where we could see the ‘catch of the day’ being landed from
the small fishing boats. Some people also visited the fish auction house.
-5-|Page
That evening we were treated to pre-dinner aperitifs and time for socialising with other club’s members followed by
Habanera music.
-6-|Page
This was followed by a speech from the President of
Roses Rotary club and a presentation to representatives
of their chosen charity FADIR (Fundació d’Ajuda al
Discapacitat de Roses).
The director of FADIR, Manuel Pons, thanked everyone
for this donation because "it represents a lot to the
community of people with disabilities and low mobility,
as these vehicles have an expiration date and must be
renewed. So this donation represents nothing less than
to give continuity to the project, which is adapted
transport”.
FADIR were presented with a Citroen Jumper van specially adapted to their needs valued at £30,000 Euros.
Saturday morning took us on a visit to Castillo de San Ferran at Figueres.
-7-|Page
This was followed by lunch at the Escuela de Hosteleria at Figueres.
This school not only teaches the culinary arts but also presentation and table service.
The photograph below shows the students being congratulated after the meal.
-8-|Page
That evening was the Gala dinner at the Castillo de Peralada.
-9-|Page
Our President, Brian, exercised his linguistic skills in giving his speech at the Gala dinner.
The Presidents exchanged gifts at the end of the dinner.
Original text and photos provided by Stephen Kirkman with thanks for other photos contributed by Graham Harker and
Ted Krol.
- 10 - | P a g e
We made a brief stop at the town of Cadaques, a favourite of both Picasso and Salvador Dalí- who were drawn to the
area's incredible light. Cadaques is the home of the Salvador Dalí House-Museum.
The town´s centre-piece is the church of Santa Maria- built in the middle of the 16th century in the late Gothic style. The
most important thing to see in the church is the 18th century Baroque altarpiece, which was designed by Jacint Moreto
and made by the sculptors Pau Costa and Joan Torres. The altarpiece is 23 meters high and is the most important
altarpiece in the area. There are nine other altarpieces that are smaller and made of gilded wood.
- 11 - | P a g e