We were super excited to pay a visit to the newly opened cafe bar in Benavista (Estepona) yesterday. It’s been much anticipated (mainly because we’ve tasted their chef’s cakes before!) and we’ve enjoyed watching the place take shape over the last few weeks.

NeliG’s Cafe Bar is a refreshingly chilled out haven for residents of El Paraiso / Benavista and, of course, visitors to the area. It serves a great selection of really delicious sandwiches, paninis, salads and lunch time meals / snacks / soups / quiches and, oh my word, a whopping great choice of cakes. Let’s gloss over the healthy stuff: yesterday among other sweet delights they were serving mouth watering millionaires shortbread, lemon drizzle cake, rocky road and beetroot cupcakes with orange cream cheese frosting. I’ll let Seb tell you about the cupcakes…

Seb enjoying his Beetroot and Orange Frosting cupcake at Neli Gs

I, on the other hand was having a holier than thou day yesterday and so resisted the cake temptation and scoffed instead a delicious prawn in pink sauce sandwich on granary.

Beautifully presented and scrummy sandwiches

I also resisted the milkshakes although I’m not sure I’ll make it throughout today without trying one. Well you can’t blame me for at least wanting to taste their Snickers milkshake, oh and the Crunchie one, and may be the Oreo one? So many to choose from! What if I limit myself to one a day, I wonder how long it will take me to sample the whole lot? And for those who like a tipple, you can add a splash of your favourite liqueur. Who needs a hip flask – you can now get away with pretending you’re enjoying an innocent milkshake!

Relaxing atmosphere at NeliGs

Terrace at NeliGs

Comfy sofas for chilling out

Cake! (And a mini kitchen for the kids’ playtime)

I’m thinking of moving the office there. Anyone want to come to work with me? There’s free wifi so you can keep up with your emails while scoffing your cake and a mini kitchen for the children to play with. Owners Lisa and Neville are more than happy for you to bring your little ones into the cafe and they’ve even been thoughtful enough to provide a bowl of water outside for hungry hounds.

That settles it then. If you need us, Bailey and I will be on the terrace at NeliG’s Cafe Bar. See you there!

For more information about NeliGs, check them out on facebook and twitter or visit their website! You can also reach them by phone on +34 952 928 576 or email yummy@neligs.com.

Charlotte's Web Spain - Professional freelance writer based on the Costa del Sol

It looks like every fashionista worth her salt is going to the forthcoming Costa Women Marbella: 50 Shades of PINK party, taking place at the celebrity hang out, SkyBar at Guey Restaurant in Nueva Andalucia on Tuesday, 5th of February.

Costa Women: 50 Shades of Pink

The party is having unprecedented support from the sponsors, guests and media, all in the name of “girls just want to have fun” and cancer charity, Positively Pink. With over 100 RSVPs and still 9 days to go, it looks like it will be more than a full house, so make sure you get your sparkling slice of this delicious action!

Positively Pink

VIP tickets are still available (just €30, all proceeds going to Positively Pink Charity, and include entry to the pre-party fun workshop “Love & Passion”, a glass of bubbly, canapés and cupcakes!).

For free entrance get there early!

The social crème de la crème of the coast will make it a resounding success. Laura Charles of Reviva Weddings will transform the Skybar into a pink wonderland, with floral creations supplied by Virginia Florista. Sweet Things By Fi will be spoiling the fun-loving ladies with their gorgeous desserts, Rob Rocks the House will be the DJ with the tunes to get the party started. There will be a fashion show with participation from A La Folie Boutique and a cocktail competition. The cherry on top will be guest appearance from MyCheekyButlerMarbella!

Rob Rocks The House

Other entertainment includes a performance from Tene Sommer, a Social Media flurry competition and a “pop-up boutique” which will incorporate some divine treats. The boutique will be open for one hour from  21.30 to 22.30, with 15% of all sales being donated to Positively Pink.

Official photographer for the night is Agata Jensen.

Behind the scenes gossip, photographs and fundraising results can be found on the dedicated 50 Shades of Pink website.

Costa Women is a social and business networking group for women living in Spain. Membership is free.

Charlotte's Web Spain - Professional freelance writer based on the Costa del Sol

I’m not a Londoner, I’m not even a southerner. I’m a Salopian (that’s someone from Shropshire for those not in the know) and have been an expat for a pretty long time. So I can be forgiven for having got totally overexcited about a trip to London last summer!

We were back in the UK for a party to celebrate my southern OH’s parents Golden Wedding anniversary. Held in a great hotel in Swindon (can hugely recommend the De Vere if anyone is passing or looking for a venue in Swindon?), the party went brilliantly. We got there early to help decorate the room and drink scrummy coffee (yes, the De Vere in Swindon has its own heavenly branch of Starbucks inside!) and then I hovered downstairs to meet and greet guests and show them to the bar. Funny when you think that it wasn’t my family and I didn’t really know many of them then – I don’t think I inadvertently invited any uninvited strangers up the stairs but you never know!

Ready for the guests!

The staff in the hotel were amazingly helpful, the family super welcoming to me and the happy couple had a great day, as did we! The OH did a super speech and his Dad entertained us also with his words and a cine film taken on their wedding day.

We raced back to the OH’s family home in Surrey that night to make sure that our flag waving arms were in the right place for the Olympic Cycle Road Race (Women) heading through the village the next morning. After a quick trip to everyone’s favourite supermarket (every little helps) to stock up on flags and inflatable hands, we donned waterproofs and baggsied our places in the village. The atmosphere was tremendously jolly with neighbours all lining the streets to get the best view. There were no barriers where we were and so we stood right on the grass verge.

The first signs that the cyclists were on their way came from the helicopters hovering over head. And then came the police, security and Olympic support cars racing through the village. Never have I seen policemen having such a jolly time! On their motorcycles they sped through, high fiving my brother in law, hand slapping the crowds, waving and one even “borrowed” a lady’s umbrella and held it over his bike for a while!

Slap hands!

The cyclists sped through in a compact group, one managing to spray my mother in law with a nearly empty bottle as she threw it into the crowd (the cyclist, not the MIL!). And then they were gone! We watched the rest of the race from the safety of the sitting room which seemed like a plan considering the pouring rain outside, met up with some very good friends in the afternoon and whiled away a few hours watching their kids at a soft play centre and before we knew it another day was gone.

To celebrate the in laws Golden anniversary, we bought us and them tickets to Billy Elliott in London for the next night. As I mentioned, I’m not from the south and have not visited London much so I was up for the full pre-theatre sightseeing works! My unusually patient OH agreed to come with me (I think his Mother threatened him) and we spent a fantastic day walking along the South Bank, visiting the Tate Modern, riding a red tour bus and even managed to fit in a quick mini river cruise!

Tower Bridge decked up with Olympic rings

I’m not completely convinced by my ability to appreciate modern art (especially when you can’t tell whether the exhibit is under construction or if that’s the art) but I was in heaven on the tour bus and boat. We saw everything that I wanted to see. I could have easily spent another day there (and a lot more money going on the wheel, visiting the Tower and so many more places I would love to have gone) but time was precious and we had a date with the in laws at Rubens Restaurant for pre-theatre dinner.

Boris’ bikes!

Lovely London

The Tower

It goes without saying that Billy Elliott was out of this world. We all sat there fidget free while they entertained us with comedy, drama, song and incredible dance moves. I particularly liked the scene where Billy danced with his older shadow. Blew me away! I was so tired when we got home but had the best time. I’m so envious that the in laws have London on their doorstep (only half an hour by train) and vowed to visit the Capital again next time we go to stay.

The Diamond Jubilee and Olympic fever created such a buzz and, although the streets were surprisingly quiet, the spirit of London was overflowing. It was oozing with patriotism, goaded by vast numbers of displays selling London and GB paraphernalia (I did leave some for everyone else but not much). Everyone seemed proud to be a Londoner, even British – something we haven’t seen for such a long time.

Our fantastic summer day as tourists in London made the decision to visit again this New Year particularly easy. However, we were on a mission to shop on this occasion, rather than sightsee. Another quick train trip into Waterloo and an underground ride up to Charing Cross left us in the ideal location to start on operation “Fill the OH’s Wardrobe for 2013″. (I hadn’t been very well over Christmas so my shopping mojo had disappeared temporarily – I was quite good at carrying his bags though!) After a cup of my favourite coffee for sustenance, we headed up to Oxford Street and he was able to visit an enormous branch of his new favourite store, Primark! We explored a few other London favourites (including a fantastic Nespresso shop on Regents Street and The Apple Store) before meeting up with the in laws for a pre theatre feast at Little Sicily in Rupert Street.

The highlight of my day, and our festive period, was War Horse. Wow. If you can get to London to see it, please do. It was an incredible show. The New London Theatre on Drury Lane is small (and very warm!) and so whatever tickets you buy, you’re never too far from the circular stage. The horses are in fact puppets, controlled by three puppeteers. When they first appeared on the stage, I confess to a moment of disillusion when I thought I would never get into the play and believe that Joey was really a horse while I could see the puppeteers but within seconds I was memorised. The very talented singers on stage narrated the story brilliantly. There is hardly any scenery that is not created by the puppeteers themselves apart from a projected scene on the back wall and, as with all good plays, moments of comedy are provided by a puppet goose – yes, you read that correctly. Who’d have thought it.

So, despite a bit of illness, a lot of trailing after him through the shops and some mighty cold temperatures, my love affair with London (and particularly, let’s face it, the outstanding selection of theatre productions) continues.

Visit London? Yes please!

London Calling!

Charlotte's Web Spain - Professional freelance writer based on the Costa del Sol

When my friend and I decided to buy Cooldeals vouchers for a new restaurant in Puerto Banus called Route 66, we didn’t know much about it. But there was a great picture of a humungous juicy steak on the website, and we thought our other halves would enjoy that!

A couple of weeks later, Route 66 was all over Facebook after Peter Crouch his girlfriend Abbey Clancy ate there with Stoke teammate Matthew Etherington and his partner Stephanie. Slightly daunted by the Puerto Banús elite who were now frequenting this new hot spot, we booked our table…

… then completely forgot about it until the day before! Having remembered that it was in the diary, I had a quick look at the Route 66 website and Facebook page. Having reassured myself that it wasn’t going to be too much of a typical Banús designer hang out where people are too thin to eat anyway, nor a place with super ironed tablecloths (which my other half would hate), I started to look forward to the evening.

We found it easily on the west side of Antonio Banderas Square in Puerto Banús. It’s right above the carpark so couldn’t be simpler to locate. The atmosphere was much more friendly than Banús with a sporting focus. The waiting staff were all super nice, very welcoming and explained anything that wasn’t clear on the menu. Our friends who used to live in Lanzarote were hugely impressed that Canarian beer was on offer – well, he was anyway!

Courtesy of www.route66marbella.com

The food was very tasty. We each ordered a starter which we shared between us, plus a main course. The portions are quite large so go hungry. Not normally a steak eater, I decided to be a carnivore for one night only and was amazed at how melt in the mouth tender the ribeye steak was (I know it sounds clichéd but it really was). We ate far too much but the tex-mex menu was so tempting that I could easily go back and eat far too much again!

Clientele wise, Route 66 seemed to appeal to a real mixed bag. There were some groups of guys and girls (probably hen and stag dos), several families, couples and smaller mixed groups. We obviously weren’t beautiful enough though as the staff keenly took photos of their customers, but we didn’t make it on to the facebook page. Perhaps my other half was pulling that face again!

I’m just glad I didn’t embarrass myself by telling the manager he sounded just like Dom Aldworth from Talk Radio Europe…

Charlotte's Web Spain - Professional freelance writer based on the Costa del Sol

Hannah Murray invited me to take part in The Book Show on Talk Radio Europe a few weeks ago, to talk about my Top Five Books of All Time. Now, when someone puts you on the spot like that, it can be difficult to remember your favourites!

I love to read and I’m not particularly fussy about what I take to bed with me, in the book department that is. I read every night without fail, whether I’m crawling into my bed at 5am or having an early night, a book is always involved. Fiction, biography, travel, lifestyle or a combination of the lot – I’m not too fussy.

We had a bit more time than Hannah had originally expected for the interview so started off with some general book related chit chat which caused me to remember lots of things I’d forgotten! Visiting the Bayston Hill library and then later on the mobile Lorry Library in Meole Brace; getting lost in Sweet Valley High, Judy Blume or Malory Towers sat in the corner of my Mum’s office – at least I didn’t confess on air to having read Sidney Sheldon’s If Tomorrow Comes while on holiday with my grandfather at the grand old age of not very old!

So what were my top five books of all time? Well, they all had a story…

Harry Potter Series

As Hannah quite rightly pointed out, this is actually seven books rather than one. If pushed, I would have to say the first one was my favourite. While J.K. Rowling’s amazing Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was fast becoming one of the best selling children’s books of all time, I was working for the publishing company which was responsible for the distribution of Bloomsbury books. Thinking it would be a fun read for my nephew who was about eight at the time, I picked up a couple of copies and we read them together. I was hooked (I’ve always loved stories centred around school days) and Thomas was too. Thrilled that the books were dragging him away from computer games, I carried on buying him the new Harry Potter books as they came out each year. If we were in the same country, we’d compare notes (and race each other to the end) and if we were apart then we’d compare notes at a later date.

J.K. Rowling claims not to have had an age range in mind when she wrote the books and Hannah and I were discussing how they crossed over into being popular with young adults and adults too. I think it has a lot to do with escapism, with adults trying to get away from everyday life by immersing themselves in a fantasy land of wizards and broomsticks. For me, it was the draw of the school environment taking me back in time (not that I ever played quidditch or walked around in a cape you understand) but I loved every chapter of each one of the books. The publishers even printed copies with more adult appropriate covers so clearly knew that adults were going to be drawn in too, especially as the later stories intrigued with their much darker story lines.

J.K. Rowling encouraged an entire generation to read with her amazing books. Another of my nephews is reading them now, having already seen most of the films. Again, he’s never been particularly into books, their static entertainment losing out to flight simulators and other wonders from the computing world. He’s really enjoying the Harry Potter stories and his mother’s over the moon that he’s reading! He did seem very focused on racing through the pages to get to the end as quickly as possible but remembered the plot lines, characters and events when quizzed so I guess he takes after me with the fast reading genes (and his Mum!).

In Arabian Nights

In Arabian Nights by Tahir Shah was my second choice of book. Regular readers of this blog may have read my review of his book The Caliph’s House which I thoroughly enjoyed while we were staying in Casablanca. In Arabian Nights chronicles Shah’s wider journeys through Morocco, seeking out examples of the stories and fables that Moroccans have traditionally related to their children.

The result is a superb journal of some of his travels around the country, being deposited by Grands Taxis in the middle of nowhere en route south and being led down winding medina streets into dark homes alive with storytelling and folklore. Into the journal he has successfully weaved examples of the Moroccans’ magical tales based down from generation to generation in such a way to help the reader understand more about Moroccan culture than any guidebook can teach.

Shah talks about the way strangers may kiss a child on the street, something that would spark outrage in the man on the Clapham Omnibus but meant we were less shocked when the man sitting next to us on the plane to Agadir kissed a random little girl walking up the aisle. Through stories he explained Moroccan generosity so when our taxi driver insisted on gifting us the CD we’d complimented in the car, we knew not to refuse too vehemently and politely accepted (and paid him a tip that more than compensated!). His observations on daily life also gave us confidence that Moroccans didn’t lie during Ramadan (I still think we may have been overcharged for the taxi ride to the airport!) and helped us to recognise gestures welcoming us into hotels and such like.

Wimberry Picking

I’ve already blogged about my third choice, Wimberry Picking by S. Alexander. I love this book and although I did confess on air that I know the author, I can’t stress enough that this has no effect on my judgement. As I mentioned in my blog, I was expecting to have to say nice things about it and instead I fell head over heels in love with the story. It’s completely absorbing, transporting you to another time and place where you can reminisce about growing up, long hot sunny days and adventures in town and country. Charming, engrossing and heart warming.

One Day

One Day by David Nicholls is another book that I’ve mentioned on here before. I’m sure most of you have read this quirky novel by now, or at least seen the film. Hannah and I talked about the merits of seeing the film before reading the book and vice versa, as well as films that have been said to have ruined a good book. I enjoyed One Day [DVD]at the cinema and although Anne Hathaway was completely slated for her accent, it was possible to tune out her mispronunciations and just enjoy the film. Some people concentrate on looking for too much to criticise! If you want to know more about this great novel, click here to read my earlier review.

A Christmas Carol

Finally, I chose A Christmas Carol (Puffin Classics) by Charles Dickens. Recently I’ve been thinking more and more that I should rewind and read some of the classics that have passed me by. I keep thinking about it; doing it is another matter although some have now been downloaded on to my kindle at least. I have managed to read a few of Dickens’ masterpieces over the years including Bleak House and Oliver Twist but A Christmas Carol (Puffin Classics) has always held a special place in my heart.

Charles Dickens performed his first ever public reading of A Christmas Carol in Shrewsbury, where I grew up so it was not surprising that one day the town would become the setting for a film adaptation of A Christmas Carol [DVD] [1984]. George C. Scott, Susannah York, Edward Woodward and Frank Finlay were just some of the stars that descended on our beautiful market town when filming took place in the summer of 1984.

Despite the time of year, the town was covered in artificial snow and Christmas cheer. Many people gave up their commercial and residential properties for filming and saw them transformed into typical Victorian London locations. It was a magical time for Shrewsbury and I particularly remember eating dinner with my parents at The Prince Rupert Hotel one evening and being in awe that George C. Scott was propping up the bar.

Dickens fever sustained Shrewsbury for many years. I was only ten when the film was made but at 18 I could be found pulling pints and collecting glasses in the Ebeneezer Pub on the town’s High Street. Those interested in Dickens trivia may also like to know that Ebeneezer Scrooge’s tombstone is still located in the cemetery behind St Chad’s Church!

Ebeneezer Scrooge’s Tombstone
Courtesy of www.shropshiregallery.co.uk

We’d love to hear about your Top 5 Books of All Time so leave a comment below to let us know your favourites. Happy reading!

Charlotte's Web Spain - Professional freelance writer based on the Costa del Sol

Valencian real estate agent, Graham Hunt, has recently introduced a brand new concept in property publications with the fantastic Spanish Property Mag – Valprop Ltd.

Spain Mag

This completely new style of publication successfully combines the latest technology with all of the benefits of traditional publishing. The Spanish Property Mag – Valprop Ltd is available only on the iPad and you can download your copy from the Newsstand App Store here:

Its creator, Graham Hunt, describes it as using “cutting edge technology to bring you a new way to view Spanish Property without a viewing trip”. The magazine is packed full with sections on lifestyle, tips on living in Spain, editorials written by English language writers and bloggers in Spain and, obviously, featured properties.

We looked at the first edition and were amazed to find so much great information that applied to the viewer, wherever in Spain he was located. There are special features on Valencia and Mijas as well as informative articles on attic living, mid range properties and bank repossessions. Get advice from the professionals on how to buy property safely in Spain, read Paddy’s Artichoke Adventures in Inland Valencia plus The Seven Steps to Spain and Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Moving To Spain. It’s a “must see” whether you’re thinking about moving to Spain, or are already here!

But you don’t just read Spanish Property Mag – Valprop Ltd. The magazine includes property descriptions plus full length videos embedded within the issue so that you can see the properties for yourself.

Subscriptions to the magazine are available with up to 40% discount on the individual price of future editions from the home screen on the app.

For more information, check out this video put together by Graham Hunt to explain his project in more detail:

Happy downloading!

Charlotte's Web Spain - Professional freelance writer based on the Costa del Sol

Guest post from Mad About Furniture, exclusive to readers of Charlotte’s Web Spain

The Spanish summer is coming to a close and it’s time to start thinking about moving from outside on the Terrace, summer BBQs and updating the home for the winter – without spending all your Christmas budget!

Fortunately, living in Marbella we still have many hours of sunshine left to enjoy in the Autumn months but now is already the time to start thinking about replacing that worn Sofa in the lounge!

Mad About Furniture is delighted to launch seven new Sofas for the Winter 2012 season. These are exclusive to the Costa del Sol and start from only 1499 Euros.

Many of our Sofas are Leather, which is great for second homes with sun-tan cream and red wine stains! We have a variety of colours available as well as different designs. All our new Sofas are in stock and available for immediate delivery.

For that special sofa we also work with the top Italian Sofa Companies and can offer you a sofa in the best of Italian Leather in, of course the style, size and colour that you need. At this level the Sofa is made for you and can take up to six weeks to arrive but at a surprisingly reasonable cost! This custom made Furniture is ideal if you are living here on the Costa del Sol, have a specific size of Sofa in mind, or, indeed, just want to treat yourself!!

As well as leather Sofas we also have a wide range of Material Sofas available to order. Due to the huge variety of Fabrics we normally suggest that you take a visit to our store in Atalaya Park, Estepona where we can guide you through the different designs available and to suit your exact requirements. Again, although the sofa is designed for you it can also be surprisingly good value and available to be delivered in as little as two weeks!

Mad About Furniture is a Full Service Furniture Store based in Atalaya Park, Isdabe, Estepona, between San Pedro and Estepona, close to the Benahavis junction of the N340. We specialise in Full Furniture Packages as well as individual items. Mad About Furniture also has a discount store in the Urb Los Hidalgos, close to Duquesa, Manilva with end of line products and savings of up to 70%.

At Mad About Furniture, they’re Mad About Sofas!

Charlotte's Web Spain - Professional freelance writer based on the Costa del Sol

So what can I say about this that hasn’t been said before. Fire Aid Concert – simply amazing!

Not that I wasn’t expecting it to be good you understand. But the organisers had only seven days to come up with everything from venue, ticketing and marketing right through to the performers!

By all accounts, they weren’t short of entertainers who wanted to be involved. It must have been a feat in itself to come up with a shortlist! How incredible that so many artists were available to give up their time at such short notice, and were begging to be involved in such a worthy cause!

The Costa del Sol came out in their finery, but more importantly in force to support the Fire Aid Concert. Marbella’s Hotel Puente Romano Andalucia Ballroom was bursting at the seams when we arrived to take our seats and it was great to see so many friendly faces who had made the effort to attend. It was quite overwhelming. Tickets sold out to such an extent that extras had to be released to cope with demand. And even more friends were spotted helping out behind the scenes and front of house. A true vision of the Costa del Sol pulling together in a time of need.

Two of those tireless helpers hidden away behind the scenes were producers Steve Shappelle and Helena Paul who were responsible for pulling all the acts together to create a variety performance worthy of honouring the Services who fought together to put out the fires and evacuate the affected areas.

We couldn’t help but remember why we were there when tenor Stephen Lloyd Morgan opened the show with a haunting rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone, accompanied by the beautiful ballerina Tania Rahmany from the Marbella Stage School. I defy anyone in the audience not to have felt a shiver trickle through their bones or goosebumps raise on their skin. It set the scene for a truly memorable evening ahead.

A video had been produced collating the various images and short films displayed on Facebook during and since the fire and this montage was played on large screens while the Fire Choir, especially formed for the concert, joined Stephen Lloyd Morgan on the stage. That was enough to quieten anyone but then came the highlight, for me at any rate. As representatives from the National Police and Local Police took to the stage with one of the Military pilots (Captain Juan Rodriguez) who had been instrumental in extinguishing the fires by risking his life flying amongst the flames and collecting water from the sea and reservoirs nearby, the audience rose as one, many fighting back the tears, to applaud their bravery. It took your breath away. Later we found out that he had a two month old baby. What a guy!

Representatives of the Red Cross regions of Marbella, Mijas and Coin were also in attendance and spoke to thank everyone for their donations of goods and money to help those caught up in the fires.

Tres Divos were the next act to perform and were as wonderful (and handsome) as they always are (I confess to probably watching and swaying with my jaw on the floor as per usual). Then came a band who were new to me, Dirty Little Secrets – why haven’t I heard them before? Everyone was soon singing along and tapping their feet to Mamma Mia, Whisky in the Jar and Purple Rain. I thoroughly enjoyed their performance (despite the really annoying woman sitting next to me dancing and singing far too enthusiastically in her seat – she’d either drunk too much Red Bull or didn’t get out much. Pet peeve of mine is when I can hear the person sitting next to me singing louder than the artist I’ve paid to see!).

Maurice Boland and his co-host Nicole King popped up occassionally between the acts and Nicole has to be especially commended for managing to interpret Maurice’s Irish paragraphs into succinct Spanish sentences! Very amusing!

The Fire Choir made a couple more appearances also – I was super excited to Jo Nugent (of Not Just Jazz with Jo) among the participants (and yes, Stephen Lloyd Morgan, we could see you grooving in the back row). It was a very diverse group of singers, most of whom probably don’t sing as a choir very often but Helena Paul had done a fantastic job of putting them all together, despite having only had six hours to do so!

The next incredibly extraordinary jaw dropping moment again came via the big screens as they showed a film showing fire planes fighting flames and pilots demonstrating awesome flying skills and courage. I’m so pleased the film was made available on Facebook a few days later so that I can share it with you here:

The dancing and singing that followed was very entertaining and even though it was a pretty long show (for a Monday night), they had a captive audience who were enjoying every single moment  (as was I since Red Bull woman moved during the interval). I particularly enjoyed the Spanish band from Malaga, Decada Pop, singing hits from across the decades in English and Spanish – something for everyone. 2 Sopranos and a Harp sang beautifully and then Madeline Bell injected some humour before silencing the audience with her soulful vocals (accompanied by the most talented pianist/songwriter I have ever seen live – after Gary Barlow!!!).

Completing the line up at this red hot Fire Aid Concert were The Four Tops (a tribute) who rushed over from their gig in Torremolinos to show the audience how to swing their arms and bodies to hits like Acapulco and Reach Out,followed by the Coast’s favourite rock ‘n roll teddy boy, Mel Williams.

This amazing feat of organisation raised in excess of €18,000 for the Málaga Province Red Cross who will use the funds to help those needing assistance in the areas worst affected by the devastating fires that torched our beautiful landscape 30th to 31st August 2012.

Co-organiser Nick Holland-Morgan said: “I remain totally overwhelmed by the massive support kindly and generously offered; and especially a massive thank you to the over 150 volunteers & over 100 artists who all worked tirelessly, as this event simply would not have happened without them. In every respect, it truly was a concert by the people for the people.”

Those who weren’t able to make it to the concert can still donate to the Cruz Roja’s appeal via their bank account at Unicaja (quote reference “llamamiento FIRE AID CONCERT”): 2103 1001 50 0030002823

Fire Aid Concert – A Resounding Success

Charlotte's Web Spain - Professional freelance writer based on the Costa del Sol

As I ploughed through the internet looking for updates on Saturday morning following the outbreak of the wildfire on the Costa del Sol, I came across two photographs that meant I could no longer sit there and do nothing. The first showed five donkeys and horses fleeing the flames; the second, the burnt face of a cat which had been too frightened to escape.

Donkeys, Mules and Horses flee flames.
Picture by Lluís Serrat. Published by El Punt

This turned out to be one of several “fake” photos being circulated that morning. In actual fact it had been taken during a fire in Catalunya. Still the sentiment is the same. The cat picture was genuine but far too distressing to publish here. I have instead included a picture of the refuge where it was living to show you the extent of the damage:

Cat refuge with severe fire damage.

It was the day after my birthday and I had received some money from family: €50 which I thought I could use to buy some water and dog food for the animal rescue shelters in need. Thinking that a few fellow animal crazy friends might want to help, I sent out a message asking if they would like me to spend €10 on their behalf. The replies came pouring in from nearly all of them wanting to contribute, having not known what they could do to help. Even people in the UK that saw my message on Facebook were pledging money! As I drove to the supermarket my phone continued to ping and by the time I arrived I had €200 to spend, plus my original €50 and a lovely trolley pushing helper too!

The day got crazier and crazier. The more I read about who needed help the more desperate I was to find a way to contribute. Luckily the money kept rolling in. By the end of Saturday between us we had bought:

82 litres water
21 kg cat food
57 kg dog food
15 litres bleach
20 litres cat litter
2 enormous bags containing food, beddings, toiletries and children’s clothes

On Sunday morning I headed over to Iceland Puerto Banus (one of the drop off points) to deliver some of our supplies. Just as I was about to go in I received a phone call from Lisa Sadleir, one of the coordinators of SOS Andalucia who was looking for someone to go to Iceland in Puerto Banus (bizarrely) to see if they needed help. So many kind people were donating bags of clothes, baby equipment, food and water – I was so impressed! That was, until I went to Iceland in Mijas where the entire pavement outside the shop was filled with the donations that had been collected that morning! What a demonstration of incredible community spirit and compassion. And that was before the horse lorry from Frigliana arrived with goodies collected from the towns East of Malaga – now that was entirely overwhelming.

Horsebox driven from Frigliana full of supplies for those in need.

I drove back from Mijas along the toll road. It was very emotional seeing the destruction particularly between the Calahonda toll and Marbella – huge swathes of land completely destroyed with remarkably clean looking apartment buildings stranded in the middle. It’s an extraordinary sight – not one that I want to see repeated.

As I was still receiving messages with financial pledges, I decided to donate €100 to the animal rescue centre that had to evacuate on the Thursday night as they needed to buy a new bowser to hold drinking water for the animals. By this time I had received €400 in total and so I bought a further €100 worth of rice, beans and juice drinks for the Red Cross to distribute amongst families now homeless from the fire. Very sobering.

By Monday a few unexpected further pledges and donations had been received including one slipped under my front door: thank you – you know who you are! The total pledged now amounts to a staggering €600!

Today I have sent a donation of €100 to the Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses who are offering temporary stabling or field turn out to owners of stables affected by the recent terrible fires. They will assist with shelter and care for burned or injured animals in their stables in Alhaurin El Grande and will visit those with animals in need to ascertain how they can best help, whether it be through providing food or veterinary treatment. I started this whole thing because of the animals and so it seemed only fitting to end it by helping them.

The remaining €100 of our €600 pledged is arriving from the UK in dribs and drabs as people head back after the summer so unless anyone has a different idea, I will collect this in and transfer it to the special Red Cross bank account which has been set up to assist those people who have lost their homes and / or possessions in the fire.

I find it incredible that a simple message led to a collection worth €600. How amazing is that! Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, compassion and sheer wonderfulness in coming together when other people, and animals, needed your help.

Costa del Sol Wildfire August 2012

A Little Help From My Friends – The Beatles

“What do I do when my love is away.
(Does it worry you to be alone)
How do I feel by the end of the day
(Are you sad because you’re on your own)
No I get by with a little help from my friends,
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends.”

(Rob was away the weekend of this mad frenzy to help people and animals so this seemed fitting!)

Charlotte's Web Spain - Professional freelance writer based on the Costa del Sol

On Monday 10th of September at 21:00hrs a Fire Aid Concert will be held at Hotel Puente Romano, Marbella in order to raise money for those who lost their homes and possessions in the devastating fires that swept the area last week.

Fire Aid Concert, Monday 10th September at Hotel Puente Romano Marbella

This event is being organised by a group of volunteers led by Nick Holland-Morgan and will take the form of a two-hour international variety show, featuring an amazing line-up of over 100 performers, including singers, dancers, bands and choirs. The show has been structured to include as many cultures as possible to reflect the very diverse communities who live in the Malaga Province.

Singers include Adele Lee Peters, Decada Pop, Dirty Little Secrets, Madeline Bell, Mayte La Negra y Rocio Madera, Mel Williams & The Rock Pack, Stephen Lloyd-Morgan, Tres Divos, 2 True, 2 Sopranos & Harp plus Tapas Gospel Choir and a choir that has been especially formed for the concert.

Dancers include Argentinian tango dancers, belly dancers, Flamenco and Irish dancers.

Produced by Steve Shappelle and Helena Paul

Tickets, which cost 15€ for a standard ticket and 25€ for a VIP entry, are available from the ICELAND stores in Fuengirola and Puerto Banús, as well as other outlets listed here. All proceeds will be donated to Cruz Roja / Red Cross.

A bank account has been set up specifically by the Red Cross to aid those areas worst affected by the recent fires in Malaga Province last week. Funds raised from the concert as well as all other donations can be paid to:

RED CROSS (UNICAJA) 2103 1001 50 0030002823 quoting the payment reference “Llamamiento FIRE AID CONCERT”

IBAN: ES1821031001500030002823 (for International Donations) SWIFT: UCJAES2M

It is VERY important to quote the payment reference to ensure monies go only to support those areas affected by the fires.

Apart from helping those who were most affected by the disaster, the Fire Aid Concert is also intended to thank the firemen who worked so tirelessly to put out the fires, risking their lives in the process. Some of these local heroes will be present at the event along with other members of the community.

Charlotte's Web Spain - Professional freelance writer based on the Costa del Sol