U3A gala evening

The Keynote speech was given by British Vice Consul from Alicante, Lloyd Milen

Over two hundred members of the U3A made a show of it on Thursday evening, dressing up to the nines to celebrate their fifth anniversary since their formation in 2006 at a special Gala evening that took place at the Palacio de la Music in Torrevieja. A packed café below the auditorium was the setting for the pre-show presentation of anniversary cake where more 200 guests managed to cram themselves into, at one time or another. Unfortunately, British Consul in Alicante, Mr Paul Rodwell was unable to attend due to his being on call as his wife is expecting at any moment but his place was ably filled by British Vice Consul from Alicante, Lloyd Milen who performed the opening toast to celebrate their fifth anniversary and helped cut the cake.

The Mayor of Torrevieja, Don Eduardo Dolón Sanchez was invited to attend along with other Ayuntamiento dignitaries which included Rosario Martínez Chazarra, Councillor for Foreigners and Inmaculada Montesinos Pérez, Councilor for the Third Age and Graham Knight the Director of the Foreign Residents Office. Rosario, Inmaculada, Graham and Chairman of the U3A Mr Bob Hill, made a ceremonial cut into their celebration cake with the help of the Vice Consul before every one entered the theatre for the evening’s activities.

The Keynote speech was given by British Vice Consul from Alicante, Lloyd Milen on behalf of British Consul, Mr Paul Rodwell who sent his apologies while one and all of the U3A whished Paul and his wife all the very best on the birth of their new baby. After a few words from Councilors and Chairman Bob Hill words of thanks were passed to and fro and a traditional Salt Boat presented to  British Vice Consul from Alicante, Lloyd Milen to make the occasion.

After a short intermission,  La Orquesta de Aspirantes de la Asociación Musical y Cultural Ars Aetheria de Torrevieja performed to the delight of the assembly in a program of music from the Director of La Orquesta de Aspirantes, Adolfo Arronis Ruiz, ranging from classical to modern film music with some of pieces chosen specially for the occasion by the U3A. This particular concert will be repeated on November 6th with more details in the Cultural Program. The U3A meet every Thursday at La Rustika Restaurant (Los Arcos) in Torrevieja and for more information and details, please visit their website on www.torreviejau3a.org

Keith Nicol