The association held a general meeting at las Claras, los Narejos, Los Alcázares. at the new time of 11.00 hrs. This was the first meeting since HELP has been registered and it was well attended by 51 volunteers. Many topics were discussed including the group’s new status and the fact that an office is ugently sought. Everybody agreed to be on the lookout for suitable premises for rent. The committee has investigated several places, so far without success because the rent quoted has been too high.

We have pledges amounting to 270 euros  per month for the first year towards rent and we are hopeful that the figure will increase in the near future BUT it is very disappointing that we still cannot find premises. CAN YOU SUGGEST ANYWHERE?
In the meantime we have taken advantage of the very kind offer made by Steve the Barber. We use his shop during the hours of 2-5pm, Monday to Friday to deal with enquiries and any emergency. We can be contacted there by phone on 649-592-396 during those hours and outside of those times an alternative number will be given.
The Treasurer, Daphne,reported all monies donated to HELP MURCIA MAR MENOR have been paid into the CajaMar Bank in Los Narejos.

The secretary, Barbara Holman ( known as Bea, because we have 2 Barbara’s on the committee.) asked that any information or snippets of news for the next ‘Newsletter’ should be in good time- 10 days prior to the next meeting- and she would welcome jokes, poems, recipes etc: Bea’s address is: Calle Conjunto del Abril 15, Isle de Esperdell, Pueblo Patricia. Bea also announced that a Diabetic Group is to be set up shortly under the guidance of Laurence Tysoe and this is of particular interest to her as she is diabetic. Details will be available soon but if anyone wants information they can contact Bea on 96-858-26-46.
HELP will be having a stand at the International Market to be held on Las Claras car park on Saturday 25th September at 4pm. and we look forward to meeting you there.

The committee will be selling tickets for a GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW with many wonderful prizes, donated by companies around the Mar Menor, to be won.
The draw will take place during our Celebration Christmas Lunch at the VIP Restaurant in Cartagena on Wednesday 15th December at 2pm. Transport to this event can be arranged if you require it, call to enquire.

Tickets are now available for the HOG ROAST at Murphy Sweeney Golf Complex, San Javier on Friday 1st October at 7pm. They are 10 euros each and can be purchased from a committee member or at Steve’s Barbers Shop between 2pm and 5pm Monday – Friday. Transport can be arranged for those who need it. Call to enquire.

The President, Sheila Merrett, reported that a good start has been made developing the teams of volunteers for driving, home visits and hospital visits. Several people have made use of their services already and it proves we all need HELP sometimes. The volunteer drivers and visitors have decided to meet regularly on a monthly basis and their next meeting will be on Wednesday 6th October. Venue and time will be published shortly so watch this space and maybe you would like to join them.

A list of translators has now been compiled and is available at the temporary office or from a committee member. One of our volunteers, Jan Vaca, has acted as our translator on several occasions and she has agreed to head up the new team of ‘Home and Hospital Visitors’. Jan was unable to attend the meeting today due to ill health but had agreed to be co-opted onto the committee. This was proposed by Sheila Merrett and seconded by Christine Travis. Jan can be contacted on 96-857-53-39.

The president showed the wonderful material emblem of HELP MURCIA MAR MENOR. Maggie Hogan has made the Emblem so expertly and beautifully and it will be on display at every HELP function from now on. A sincere vote of thanks to Maggie was received with an enthusiastic round of applause.
The guest speaker, Marsha Lambert from La Manga, gave a scintillating talk on ‘Scrap Booking’ for 20 minutes. She described this as a number one hobby in the USA and demonstrated how easy it is to create your own scrapbook with old and new photographs, cards, verses, cuttings from books, magazines etc: and colour coding throughtout. Marsha’s own book was a wonderful example and she intends to start classes at Las Claras in the near future. Marsha also does reflexology and she was asked to talk about that, everyone’s attention was held for a further 10 minutes. Marsha can be contacted on 628-239-978.

After the meeting 25 members and friends remained to enjoy their lunch in the Las Claras restaurant at 1.30pm. It was a very jolly affair and will be repeated next month.
The meetings will be open from 11.00am in the future with official business starting at 11.30am. This gives people the opportunity to socialise before the formal meeting.

Dates to remember:
Saturday 25thv September - International Market, Las Claras - 4pm
Friday 1st     October    - Hog Roast at Murphy Sweeney - 7p m
Tuesday 5th    Octobe     - Help Murcia Mar Menor meeting -11am
Wednesday 6th    October - Drivers and Visitors meeting  
Wednesday 15th   December - Celebration Lunch at VIP Restaurant -2pm

REMEMBER WE NEED AN OFFICE- PLEASE BE ON THE LOOKOUT!!