Cantarrijan limits cars again just as the central government has been improving the access to the naturist beach and laying out a new parking area at the top, as you come off the N340. This preparation (information booth and barrier) and work on the road (reinforcing the many bends) has involved an investment of some 330,000 Euros by the government. This is the second year that the number of cars has been restricted to no more than 100 vehicles down in the car park beside the beach bars La Barracca and Bola Marina. Last year, visitors were expected either to walk down or take the shuttle bus and pay in order to get to the beach, once the quota of cars had been filled. The bus will once again be working throughout the day from 9am through to 8.30pm. This system is set to be in operation throughout the summer, until 30 September and the defence from the government is still that there primary objective is to ensure public safety (what would we do if there were a bush fire with all those people down there?) as well as preserving the natural park itself from fumes and general wear and tear from the many vehicles.

African police see migration from the other side as the Guardia Civil shares a series of awareness days. Approximately 20 officials from seven different countries participated together with the Guardia Civil responsible for La Herradura, in a course based in the Civic Centre at the end of May. Involving representatives from Morrocco, Senegal, Mauritius, Cabo Verde, Mali, Guinea Bissau and Guinea Conakry, the focus was on the controls in place guarding movement between Spain and the different African nations, including Gambia. During the course, the participants talked through the current maritime routes people are taking, the risks in what materials are being brought through and the technology that can be used to search out these migrants in double bottom cargo holds, or hidden spaces. Importantly, members of the Red Cross were also present to speak of the Human Rights issues and the treatment of refugees, both in Europe and on the African continent.

The Guardia Civil were only too happy to share information about the control methods they have in place, including their Integrated System of External Vigilance (SIVE), operational in Granada, Motril port and the port and airport of Malaga. The entire session is part of an initiative backed by the Ministry of the Interior, ‘Project Seahorse’, seeking to facilitate co-operation and communication between authorities here and on mainland Africa, with all parties present aiming to save lives by reducing (and hopefully some day eliminating) the illegal immigration of youths to Europe.

First major fire of the year hits entrance to La Herradura. Affecting nearly a hectare of land and perilously close to the village, La Cañada hill was burnt in a fire thought to be started by a faulty electrical cable. Fortunately the N340 formed a natural barrier to the fire spreading to dwellings, but it certainly was no small flame, frightening neighbours and producing some serious smoke. Commencing at 4.30pm, the fire was brought under control by the firemen from Almuñécar in approximately two hours, using helicopters, fire trucks and with the support of retén from Infoca, Civil Protection unit, local police and Guardia Civil.

Guardia Civil destroys cocaine racket from South America, arresting 19 people, nine of whom were based in La Herradura. Importing the cocaine from the Dominican Republic and Argentina, the organisation used drug runners, who brought the substances in packages (introduced internally). The operation was apparently being run from Granada and Madrid, with over 20 bank accounts laundering the money through a textiles company. The operation, named ‘Jate’, first started to unravel the drug trafficking six months ago and the first vehicle transporting some 450 grammes of narcotics, was intercepted in La Herradura in April. Then the laboratory where the cocaine was being mixed was uncovered in Madrid, with at least one kilogramme of the drug on the premises. The lucky strike for the police at that point was also finding the contact points of several of the people involved, with mobile numbers and personal documentation to work with. Out of the 19 people arrested, the court found 13 directly guilty of crimes against public health, as well as money laundering, with appropriate prison sentences. The remaining six detainees were placed under constant surveillance, in case further collaborators are uncovered.

Jail inmates share their experiences with students from the local high school in Villanueva. Four inmates from the Granada jail Albolote (incarcerated because of drug crimes or abuse against their partners), were accompanied by volunteers and educators of the Penitentiary. Apart from relating their own history, the inmates explained about how it felt to be deprived of their freedom as punishment for their crimes, as well as answering specific questions from the students and teachers of the high school. According to the Penitentiary educators, they’re hoping to repeat this experience twice a week in different high schools throughout the province. The session, which lasted over an hour, was well received by both the school and the prison representatives and other schools are keen to become involved in the project.

24-year-old man from Torrox Costa was arrested by the judicial arm of the Guardia Civil in Almuñécar for alleged indecent exposure before a group of minors. The man was driving his car around the Calle Real in La Herradura when he approached a group of young girls and adolescents and began masturbating. The youths took down the details of his car registration and their parents followed up with a formal complaint that led to his detainment. This also follows reports that the same man was allegedly performing similar dastardly acts within the grounds of the nursery beside the local primary school Las Gaviotas. Thankfully, the situation seems to be under control now.

Big motorbike meet was held along La Herradura beachfront at the beginning of June, with a stunning collection of bikes and exemplary behaviour. These were no Hell’s Angels, but as one reader commented, “they came to the village, spent money and probably even left the beach tidier than it was before!” More of the quality of tourists we need, I say.

Armed hold-up in the village centre as La Herradura’s main tobacconist is robbed. The dirty deed took place around 12 midday on the 26th June , just around the corner from Maria Karcher and La Toscana. The protagonist appeared wearing a cap but with his face uncovered and he asked for some cigarettes. He then managed to lock up the manager plus two other customers and a child in the shop, grabbing the manager with some force and leaving a mark from the pistol around his neck. Whilst the victims were tucked away, one of the ladies used her mobile to alert a colleague who turned up very soon to let out ‘the prisoners’ but not before the thief continued about his business, lifting money from the till. The thief per se seemed to be working with an accomplice in a red car. It’s by no means the only such attack that has occurred along the coast in recent weeks, with a pharmacy in Salobreña also falling victim to this kind of robbery. Thankfully, it seems, no-one has been badly hurt so far. The reality is that, it being the summer with lots more people coming through and an increased potential for crime, we all need to take more care and keep aware.

Families from more than 25 countries celebrate local primary school’s very own gastronomic fair. Divided amongst five continents (is this an Olympic year or what?), adorned with all sorts of items, including images, flags, outfits and paraphernalia from nations throughout the world, the school yard at Las Gaviotas looked more like a meeting of the UN than an actual playing field! A huge variety of food, enormous enthusiasm and a display of Flamenco from the local dancing academy together with Tai Chi from Jorge Wu of the China stand, reinforces yet again what a cosmopolitan part of the world this unique bay represents.

You know it’s end of the school year by the number of performances and concerts where local children get to show off what they’ve been learning this year. This is where the Civic Centre really comes into its own, with the auditorium put to best use. Certainly, the theatre groups and the music association have ensured that every parent has picked up their video camera to record their child’s performance for the ‘nth’ time! Also, there are more activities planned during the summer to make greater use of this generously proportioned (if in some places, a little unusually designed) public building.

New book released by Annie Sloan is now available in both La Herradura (Annie Sloan) and Almuñécar (Indigo) for € 20. Creating the French Look by Annie Sloan, is French style in a way you haven't seen before. The French look is simple but the influences are many. Greys, whites and linens with toile de Jouy is the most well known look but we also have chic and quirky Parisian influence as well as the sunny and bright look from the south. In this book Annie uses her experience as an interior designer to combine the use of paint colour and fabrics to create the French look with 25 easy to follow step by steps.

The first morning session of the English Library in the new Civic Centre took place on a Wednesday in June. Approximately 25-30 people came to take out books, most of whom reached the 3rd floor via the lifts, including Mike Rainbow whose motorised scooter fitted in the lift neatly. Ann Maxwell and the team, together with members were asked to use the corridor space outside the library, which unfortunately was bathed in sunshine, making things a bit hot and sticky. They were, unsurprisingly, welcomed by Juan de Haro and generally everybody was happy to have the library operating again, even though managing without a table proved difficult and a lack of chairs didn't help. The team of dedicated librarians continues to work behind the scenes to pursue the outstanding shelving units with a view eventually to becoming a legitimate facility within the ‘biblioteca’. Just a quick reminder that during July and August the ‘biblioteca’ becomes crowded with Spanish students, so that the team will probably have to suspend their activities until September.

Valeria’s Clinica Dental opens new premises in the eastern corner of the Plaza de Independencia (old premises of Alsur). With the growth of her practice, Valeria now needs this bigger clinic, specifically designed to deal with emergency visits, since there are now two comfortable surgeries with lots of light and right up to the minute technology. Valeria has also introduced more flexible opening hours on Fridays 10am – 5pm without any break for a siesta, for those who find it difficult to fit dental visits into their busy schedule. Together with Dani’s orthodontic surgery on Saturdays, this busy team is particularly tuned in to making patients feel at ease, especially children. Perhaps it’s Valeria’s friendly and reassuring manner, or it could even be the years she spent teaching at the University of Buenos Aires, where she gained her own qualifications. The point is that for any patient who dreads the thought of having their teeth sorted out, Valeria carefully explains every step of the procedure so that even her paediatric patients feel more in control! For appointments, call 958 82 77 98 and if you’re on holiday here and have a dental emergency (Valeria can communicate in English) you can call 24 hours a day on 658 357 398.

Wondering how to fill the summer?

Sometimes you just want something a little different to lying on the beach and tucking away the ‘sangria’. Here are a couple of ideas locally to keep you and the children busy and happy.

Horse riding with the La Herradura Riding Centre has early morning breakfast rides or sundowner rides for the coolest parts of the day. These are a wonderful way to explore this naturally beautiful area and Karen has many trails marked out, depending on how long you want to be out. A chance to do something active, whilst improving your riding skills under the attentive eye of Karen Marshall, trained to very high standards in Britain, with over 20 years of experience. And the good news is that the riding is not just for adults, or even individuals, but children and groups can be accommodated as well. Not forgetting that not everyone in a group necessarily has the same skill or confidence. Once again, Karen’s Riding Centre behind La Mezquita (5 minutes from the N340) can set you up with the correct horse and level of ride. Phone 660 231 325.

At Art Gallery Felicia Hall from 28th June – 27th July, there will be a collective exhibition with an impressive variety of artists and styles. These include Andrea Auer with her water colours, Pep Canet with his oils, Jackie Hollingsbee with her oils and Pura Varela with a selection of unique pastels. Commencing 2nd August, once again there is a collective exhibition. This time, it includes Francisco Navas with his oils, Magdalena Romero with her water colours, the acrylics of Willy Riesen, plus the sculpture and oil painting of Salvador Fábreqas. Don’t forget that the Gallery is located in the same block as Bonache, but to the rear on the return flow road. Opening times for the gallery are 11am – 2pm Tuesday to Sunday and 5pm – 9pm Tuesday to Saturday.

At the Civic Centre there will be an exhibition of the works of Maria Victoria Gonzales, called ‘Escalada Dias’ from the 14th – 21st July.

On the 12 July, the local choir ‘Coro de Bahía de La Herradura’ will be performing at 8.30pm. Finally, during August there will be an exhibition of the oils and water colours of artist D.Francisco Caro Estudiblo.

Little remains but to wish you all a wonderful summer with a chance to make the most of what we each came here to experience. Thank you for all your support and for goodness’ sake, don’t forget to have fun!