The first ever public meeting of AVEA took place on 9th May and was chaired by its president, Claire Barrett who reported that we now have over 107 members!
The objective of this informal gathering, where new members were welcomed, was to exchange ideas and to help set the priorities for the committee.
A diverse number of topics were discussed such as rubbish collection, roads, the need for more information regarding recycling, Albox Cinema, promoting special interest groups such as Bee Keepers and Ham Radio, how to get an Ambulance to your door etc.
In her introductory speech Claire explained that the aims of the association were to provide an organised line of communication between its members and the town hall of Albox channelling issues and suggestions on behalf of members as well as helping to disseminate information from the town hall. The association also aims to perform a similar role with other bodies such as the Consorsio de Basura (Rubbish collection) and the Punto Limpio (Recycling Centre) .
In addition, the association wish to bring people together to create a sense of community, to pursue common interests and to promote integration into Spanish life.
Claire emphasised that her aim as president was to promote a positive ethos in the association. "Its not all about channelling complaints" she said. "Its about participating in our community in positive ways and I agreed to chair this association on that basis".
There was also massive consensus among those present that the association must be open to all foreign residents, not just British residents, with an effort to be made to communicate in languages other than English to promote a sense of inclusion and community.
And finally, it was most definitely agreed that members came to Albox because they wished to live in a Spanish community and any efforts by the committee to turn the town into 'Little Britain' would be met with resistance!
Want to join us ?? It's FREE! Here's how Membership
