Age Care Association President, John Greaves, thanked Beverley Morland, Shop Manager, and all the Shop Volunteers for their dedication and hard work during 2011 and for making it the most successful charity shop on the coast.

The money raised supports Age Care all year and helped to sponsor a Christmas party for the
elderly held recently at the Tamisa Hotel in Mijas Costa.

Thanks to the hospitality of the Casablanca staff, Mark and Kim, the festivities began with an excellent traditional Christmas menu.

Entertainment was provided by Mark Anders and Gary Toone, who later had everyone dancing the night away to a selection of music from the 60’s.

A surprise visit by Santa and one of his elf helpers handed out secret Santa presents to all the volunteers. A Christmas Raffle raised the sum of 220 euro’s for the Association.

If you haven’t already found the Age care Charity shop in El Zoco Commercial Calahonda make it one of your new year resolutions to visit soon, you will not be disappointed with the selection on offer and you will be made very welcome by Beverley and all the Volunteers.

Submitted by Beverley Morland

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Sponsored by Age Care Association, through the generous donations of it’s supporters and successful charity shop revenue, they were able to provide a memorable day for their clients and many ex-pats that have no family or celebrations of their own over the holidays.

It was the biggest year yet, almost double the year before, with nearly 150 very special guests.

No detail was overlooked.

President John Greaves greeted guests at the door as they arrived and the event started with cava, hot mulled wine and canapes served to the sounds of a children’s choir from Rox Studio, bringing youthful smiles and memories to all who listened.

A delicious Christmas menu was prepared by the hotel’s premier chef, Juan Nunez, that included all the traditional trimmings, and holiday spirits to match. Christmas crackers, beautiful holiday menu cards at each table setting, Tamisa Golf Hotel created a most festive, elegant atmosphere with Christmas tree and decorations to delight.

But the best was yet to come. Father Christmas didn’t disappoint and made his appearance to present each client with a Christmas package. Special birthday bouquets and wishes went out to three beautiful ladies who recently celebrate their 90th+ birthdays.

Live music was provided by Dougie Estelle during dinner, as well as after dinner dancing rocked the dance floor. It was clear everyone was in the holiday spirit.

A big thank you goes out to Maurice Featherman, Age Care Vice-president and event coordinator, as well as President John Greaves, wife Judith, and Volunteer Gordon Cox for their hard work and excellent delivery for an unforgettable day.

Appreciation also goes to special guests, Bruce McIntyre, former British Consul and patron of Age Care along with his wife, Carol, and several Masonic lodge members for their attendance and support.

And not least, to the always elegant atmosphere with gracious and professional staff at the Tamisa Golf Hotel.

If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance, please call the helplines on: 691 761 088 or 655 903 182.

Age Care Association serves the English speaking elder community from Malaga to Marbella. Volunteers are needed all along the coast, so if you are looking for some satisfaction in helping others, Age Care is waiting to hear from you.

Happy Holidays and Good Health in the New Year to All from Age Care Association!

Picture Gallery

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AGE CARE CHARITY SHOP

Centro Comercial El Zoco, Calahonda
Monday to Friday: 10 – 4,
Saturday 10 – 2

Thursdays Open Late: 10 – 7

From Left to Right: Dr Charles Betty and John Greaves

His experience will be invaluable in the evolution of Age Care’s services on the Costa del Sol. He and his wife, Judith, have been active in Age Care on various levels, from Fundraising to Charity Shop sales.

Charles Betty and his wife, Eileen, were two of the founding members of Age Care. They have also worked with the Benalmadena branch of the Royal British Legion and have more than 20 years of charitable service in the Costa del Sol community.

Their contribution and dedication have been immeasurable through the years. Dr. Betty has agreed to continue with Age Care as Chairman/Consultant.

Age Care Association is a fully registered, non-profit organization staffed entirely by volunteers. The majority of work is helping older British people living in the Province of Malaga, but also includes other nationalities that speak English.

Welfare information, practical support, drop-in centres and two help lines are provided. Volunteers visit people at home, help facilitate hospital visits and assist with contacts to other local service providers such as Spanish Social Services, care homes and legal services.

We work closely with the British Consulate, Royal British Legion, and branches of the International Lions. Volunteers are needed, especially if transportation and knowledge of Spanish can be offered.

Some volunteers have had careers in nursing, education, psychology and other caring professions and are accustomed to listening in a sympathetic and kind manner.

If you would be interested in participating, please call our Help Line: 691761088 or 655903182.

Alternatively, stop by one of our drop-in centres to speak to someone, whether you are interesting in volunteering, are in need of assistance or a welcoming smile and a chat.

DROP-IN CENTRES

CALAHONDA: Tuesdays: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Pizzeria El Zoco

LOS BOLICHES: Thursdays: 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m.; Manila Bar, Paseo
Maritimo

BENALMADENA: Mondays: 4:00 p.m. – 6 p.m.; The Lounge, Avenida de
Bonanza, Arroyo de la Miel

Many items have never been used or are in mint condition. The proceeds from the shop sales go to support the work of Age Care Association in providing services to the English speaking elderly in the community.

AGE CARE CHARITY SHOP

Centro Comercial El Zoco, Calahonda

Monday to Friday: 10 – 4, Saturday 10 – 2, THURSDAY 10 – 7

John Greaves

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the work he has done and the dedication he has shown to Age Care over the last 10 years I am grateful that
he will continue to have an active role.

It is my intention to have a regular monthly meeting on dedicated dates with all the volunteers at the three drop in centres and the shop. Not only to fully understand the overall aims of Age Care, but for volunteers to have the op-portunity to express their opinions and concerns and in order that volunteers can meet me, the treasurer, the secre-tary and other members of the executive committee,

An immediate concern is to recruit more volunteers, not necessarily with caring qualifications but with the ability to re-late to the elderly on the coast who need the occasional helping hand and the availability of a friendly voice. If any of you have friends or acquaintances who you think might fit the bill please let us know.

I look forward to working with you all in the future in order to continue to offer our services, second to none ,to the Eng-lish speaking community in the Province of Malaga.

Regards.
John Greaves.

John Herapath

After retirement he decided to make a complete change of lifestyle. He sold his home in the UK and moved to Spain. Noticing an advert in a local newspaper asking for volunteers, John attended the ACA Benalmadena Drop-in Centre and became a welfare volunteer.

He enjoys helping people and credits volunteering for giving him opportunities to learn and meet different individuals. John’s interests are mainly of a sporting nature particularly cricket and golf. He intends to return to the UK later this year with plans to further his education.

Thank you, John, for your valuable contribution to Age Care!

As you know, at the AGM I said I intended to resign as President of Age Care Association for personal reasons. I wish this to take effect from the 1st September.

I am immensely proud of what our Association has achieved during the last ten years. We are rightly recognised as an excellent caring organisation which responds to the myriad needs of the older English speaking people in the Province of Malaga.

I wish to thank the Executive Committee, and all our volunteers for the support I have received. I am prepared to accept a different role as Chairman/Consultant.

Yours Sincerely,

Dr Charles Betty

Whole outfits, some costing as little as 15 euros for a complete ensemble of dress, shoes and handbag, were modeled by members of the Age Care shop staff and later sold to raise funds for the Association. A total of 549 euros was acquired on the day.

Following an excellent buffet, provided by Kim, Mark and the staff at Casablanca, the ‘audience’ was treated to a stunning parade of outfit after outfit. Amazingly, some well-known designer clothes such as Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Usher, Gerry Weber and numerous others, were sold at a fraction of their High Street prices.

Later, a Raffle raised the magnificent total of 250 euros which will also help the Age Care Association to assist the elderly on the Costa del Sol.

Beverley Morland, who manages the Age Care shop in the El Zoco Shopping Centre, Calahonda, would like to thank all who attended the function and those whose generous donations made everything possible. She and her staff look forward to seeing old friends, and those who, prior to the Fashion Show, were unfamiliar with all there is on offer in the shop, very soon. Located beneath the Tai Chi Restaurant, the shop is open from 10 am until 4 pm Monday to Friday and from 10 am to 2 pm each Saturday.

~ Margaret Jones

ACA Information/Helplines: 691 761 088/655 903 182

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Taking the burn out of this summer’s heat, Age Care Association celebrated an evening of Christmas cheer, food and entertainment at the Bayside Diner on the paseo maritimo in Los Boliches. Clients, volunteers and friends all joined in with song, cava, christmas crackers and christmas pudding to cool down and enjoy an entertaining evening out.

The La Cala de Mijas Lions choir provided music and group participation. Santa and Mrs Claus “wanna be”s were sighted in festive dress and generous prizes were awarded to the raffle winners. A three course Christmas dinner including all the traditional trimmings indulged the taste buds of the displaced-in-time guests. Ho, ho, ho – the Christmas spirit lives on all year round at Age Care!

For further information on the Age Care Association: Helpline/info: 691 761 088 or 655 903 182