U3A Vall Del Pop members brave the gota fría

When all of the Costa Blanca was hunkering down to survive the worst gota fría for many years a coachload of Vall del Pop U3A members were off on a trip to Xativa and Gandia, organised by Jean Coe.

The hardy group of adventurers, with their heroic driver, set off through wind and rain to safely arrive in Xàtiva just in time for morning coffee.

The train journey up to the castle was an experience, as those trains are not built to withstand the rain that was thrown at us and most of us arrived at the castle very wet. However, after a short and interesting film about the history and the importance of the castle, the rain stopped, and we had time to walk around the impressive castle in “relative” comfort.

Back down in the town, time for a short walk around, then to find somewhere that was open for lunch. Xativa that day had chosen to close some of its cafes at lunchtime, whether because of the weather or it being the end of the season we didn’t know, but most of us managed to find somewhere to eat (or drink/or both).

Then onto Gandia. The tour and guide of the Ducal Palace was excellent, the Palace is very impressive and the history of Francis Borgia and the Borgia (or Borja) family interesting. A visit to be highly recommended to all other members who have not made the short journey to visit the Palace.

We all managed to get back on the bus for our journey home just as the Gota Fria rain started again.

All in all, a good day, enjoyed by everyone – thank you Jean.

Why not join the U3A adventurers on the next trip – we can almost certainly guarantee the weather will be better!!!

For further information on U3A Vall del Pop check our website [www.u3avalldelpop.com]. The U3A is all about enjoyment and learning, and this is particularly evident in the U3A Vall del Pop, whose members hold their General Assembly generally, fiestas and holidays permitting, on the first Thursday of each month at the Centre Polivalent in Murla, and have a diverse range of some 30 groups for the interest of the members. For details of all events and information about U3A MorairaTeulada go to the website: www.u3amoraira-teulada.org

The English Choir

The choir is now 30 strong and members meet every Thursday from 3.30pm until 5.30pm in the Pensionista Suite Teulada to rehearse.

Under the mighty baton of new musical director Jan Gardner Brown accompanied by Heather Butcher on the piano the choir cover an ever expanding programme of diverse musical genres .

Since its inception the choir have raised many thousands of euros for charitable causes.

If you want more information about joining the choir or would like to hear about future events being planned please telephone President Susan 00 44 - 794 954 0501 or Secretary Dianne LearyEmail di.leary@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.theenglishchoir teulada.com or Facebook: EnglishChoir Teulada

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