What a Weekend – What a Walk

The Walk for Life weekend kicked of with Road Runner on the evening of the 6th of May followed by Amy’s Club, an Amy Winehouse tribute band.  This was a concert provided by Arboleas Town Hall and played to a “full house” (square).  

The day of The Walk, Saturday 7th, was compered by Almeria Radio with the incomparable Jack Savage who really made the day go with a swing. Christine Axelsen’s ever-popular Dog Show was first, with Richard Bond introducing the dogs and owners and Karen Cunningham judging.  This was followed by The Walk.  304 people from all nationalities ran or walked, some in fancy dress, some walking with friends, some pushing wheelchairs, some with family and with babies in buggies or with their dogs.  At least another 200 people were there to watch and cheer people on. There was a wonderful community atmosphere. 

In the evening, after the winners’ presentations, the crowd were entertained by Fusion Charity Band then Kayleigh Easton giving you Country, Pop and Rock ’n’ Roll and rounding the night off with The All Skas a high energy Almeria based Ska band bringing the best of Ska to Southern Spain.

Thank you to all who came along, all the companies who provided water and prizes, to Almería Radio for their help on the day and before, to all who ran or walked and to everybody who sponsored them.  On 14th May, we have raised €9613.15 but we know there is more to come in.  If you have sponsorship money to pay in you can pay it into our bank - IBAN No: ES 73 2103 5140 0600 3000 7723 - Swift BIC code UCJAES2M or email and we will arrange to meet you.

This was a weekend full of fun with two evenings of superb free entertainment but let’s not forget that this was a charity event to raise money to help people affected by cancer in your area. 

To see the photographs by Michael Holliday of GM Photography https://www.walk4lifearboleas.com/the-walk-2022-the-photos/

To see photos taken by The Walk for Life team and others https://www.walk4lifearboleas.com/more-photos-from-the-walk/

If you did The Walk or your dog was in the show your photo will be there.  If you took any photos that you would like put here email to

A good end to a recent story from Jos Biggs 

Oh me of little faith!

The sickly collar dove that had disappeared into the dense and prickly jungle that is my Mojácar palm a couple of weeks ago was obviously not well, and my best efforts to rescue it with the pool net had been unsuccessful.

I was not going into the lethal depth of the palm after it, so I decided that the best course of action was to let Nature take its course. In my experience wild birds don’t have robust recuperative powers, no sooner have you rescued them than they die.

I forgot all about it. It was a pity I couldn’t save it, but at least it must have had a peaceful end - not even the cats will go into that palm!

However

Each morning I go out with a small saucer of seed, which I sprinkle on the birdtable. I then pause awhile to watch the ridiculous antics of the recipients of my largesse.

The two resident collar doves head for the table, then at the last minute their courage will fail them, and with much flapping and little grace they will abort their planned landing, and return to the safety of the garden wall.

It is hilarious watching them; even after more than a year they cannot trust that I have not surreptitiously substituted a highly classified type of explosive bird seed for their regular Mercadona variety.

The sparrows have to wait their turn. They are no braver than the doves, though if they were they would have the pick of the day’s supply. I am surprised, I always thought sparrows were quick on the uptake and generally opportunistic.

Yet on the day in question I looked out to see three doves on the table. I looked again - one was the sickly dove. 

All doves look the same, but I knew I was not mistaken. All doves (Well all collar doves) have a collar, hence the name collar doves. Except for the sickly dove, which had no collar. So I knew it was the sickly dove.

It’s gone now. I expect the other two told it that two’s company, three’s a crowd.

But at least I know that it survived!