jueves, 7 de diciembre de 2023

A Touching Christmas Gift

A remarkable couple, Graham and Susana decided to  retire in San Sebastian De Los Reyes. They spread good cheer wherever they went and not just during the season of good cheer that is Christmas, but all year round.



Graham came to one of our gatherings quite recently. He was not quite sure what to expect of us, but he introduced himself to the group. Soon the conversation flowed and he regaled us with lots of stories. 

He had been  looking forward to discussing Oscar Wilde as his students of English had performed The Importance Of Being Earnest in Nebrija University in the Nineties and it was warmly received. We did, in fact, start reading Wilde's clever play the following week.

Graham met Susana in Sweden where both worked as professors of Hispanic studies. Graham, an English gentleman and Susana, an extrovert Argentinian lady from  Mendoza, the land of  sunshine and good wine got to know one another at the meetings of mother language teachers in Sweden. 

Here in San Sebasián De los Reyes they  joined local cultural associations including the French workshops of la Universidad Popular.

Graham wrote a beautiful short story that recounted his commitment to Spain and its democracy. He entered it in the Certamen de Relato Corto Sobre Memoria Histórica Democrática where he won the Accésit award.

Sadly, Graham passed away on the 7th October this year at the age of 87.

Susana, who reads in Spanish, Swedish and French offered to donate his superb collection of books in English to this association.

We are tremendously happy and proud to accept her generous offer and to be able to take care of and share them with you, our good friends.

 

IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, PLAY ON.

The opening lines of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

Leonard Cohen singing Anthem

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic2CySkEAlg

Van Morrison singing Days like this. Backing vocals Brian Kennedy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UUWkr4FUlo

Just sharing some music from a recent get together

 

jueves, 23 de noviembre de 2023

The Planet First

 Nobody’s problem

Carl Sagan talks about the greenhouse effect in 1985!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MResexA9Rg

Many thanks to Belino who shared this video and reminded us of the COP28 climate change summit that will be held from November 30th to December 12th in  the United Arab Emirates.

In 1985 Carl Sagan said the only way forward was together through amity and consensus. Thirty eight years later at least the fact that 198 states and parties are taking part indicates a measure of interest, which is just as well. Time is running out. 

As Greta Thornburg says, ‘Our house is on fire!’

To attend our conversations you  can contact us at asedow@gmail.com

miércoles, 15 de noviembre de 2023

November 15th

 BBC Learning English - 6 Minute English / Plants fighting pollution

Today we will be looking at nature to help us solve the big issues of waste and pollution.

Thanks for the suggestion, Mayca. 


martes, 26 de septiembre de 2023

September 27th 2023

 Happily, we have  just received confirmation that we will have the use of the same room on the first floor in La Universidad Popular,  Av Bauatal 18, San Sebastián De Los Reyes, Metro Baunatal.

There we await you on Wednesdays at 18:30.

If you are looking for a place to have a conversation in English in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere while improving your listening and speaking skills, please come along. Bring your ideas and we will be happy to accommodate them.

See you there.

miércoles, 2 de agosto de 2023

A quote from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

 “What's in a name? that which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet.” 

We also  use the adage: A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.  


The Rainbow comes and goes, And lovely is the Rose


jueves, 29 de junio de 2023

Being free to be yourself

 A person who does not feel safe is not free. The world is very diverse, thank goodness and one day we will stop using labels but in the year 2023 the   LGTBIQ+ community still has to struggle despite the enormous and invaluable contribution to to the arts, music, fun, literature, life and colour.

And so to celebrate gay pride day here is the chance to listen and see this wonderful song from Queen to all of us. I want to break free. 😊💝

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4Mc-NYPHaQ

lunes, 26 de junio de 2023

Have a good summer!

 Hi ,

We will be back in September 2023.

Enjoy the holidays!

Contact us at asedow@gmail.com


Here is a quote from Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice

'All that glisters is not gold.'

Over time the saying has been changed to 'All that glitters is not gold.' 


But here is another version of the saying along with a message of hope eternal.



sábado, 10 de junio de 2023

TIMELINE

After lockdown MAY   2020

  This beautiful  pine tree thrived while we were confined to our houses.

 

      

 JANUARY 2021  Madrid

The big pine tree broke under the heavy snowfall and had to be cut down.


 

  • JUNE 2023
  • This baby pine stands near the fallen tree. It has been planted to replace its beautiful predecessor and role model

    martes, 9 de mayo de 2023

    It all began in 1950


    Today is May 9th and it is European Day.

    The French Minister of Foreign Affairs promoted the idea of bi lateral trade agreements between Germany and France in order to make the idea of war unrealistic and unlikely. It was basically a peace agreement.

    Now we can travel freely through the twenty seven countries of the E.U. 

    Detractors say there is too much bureaucracy, too much red tape.

    The E.U. promotes social cohesion so that no country is left behind.

    We have seen that locally through the reforestation of wasteland here in San Sebastián De Los Reyes thanks to European funds.

    Cultural participation and supporting the role of culture is declared by the European Commission to be an ideal means of facilitating social cohesion.


    martes, 25 de abril de 2023

    Join the conversation

     The fifteen minute city.

    Proponents of the fifteen minute city suggest that people could have all the necessary amenities in their neighbourhood within a fifteen minute walking or cycling distance. Each neighbourhood would be like a small village in a big city. Basically it reverses the tendency of the supermalls and encourages neighbourhoods to go back to the days when you could find a pharmacy, schools, cafés, shops, entertainment, sports and cultural facilities all relatively close to your home.

    This will build a sense of community but will it work?

    Will residential areas benefit while poorer areas lose out because of lack of investment in their neighbourhoods?

    Will the economy suffer downtown if people stay at home?

    This is the talking point we have on Belino's suggestion for tomorrow. 

    First floor. Universidad Popular. Av Baunatal 18

    26th April 2023 18:30h

    sábado, 15 de abril de 2023

    LIFE

    There’s a chance peace will come

    In your life, please buy one.

    There’s a chance peace will come

    In your life, please buy one.

     

    This chant was sung a long time ago by a singer called Melanie.

    Twenty five years after the Good Friday Agreement GFA, and thanks to the tenacity of those involved, we can celebrate normality, being able to live normal lives in Northern Ireland. This is their greatest legacy and our greatest inheritance. Thanks to the Good Friday Agreement and all those who took the chance.  A million thanks.

    A film has just been released starring Brian Kennedy called So What If It Rains.

    The film says it all.

    Singer Brian Kennedy on celebrating 'multicultural Belfast' with film debut - The Irish News

    Brian sang at the SOMA Festival, a giant music and cultural festival bringing people together in the beautiful town of Castlewellan under one banner – music.


    martes, 21 de marzo de 2023

    LA UNIVERSIDAD POPULAR SANSE

     Monnet, one of the founders of the European Union, was asked if, on looking back, there was anything he would change. His reply was .'Yes. I would begin with culture.'

    In San Sebastián De Los Reyes La Universidad Popular did just that. They began with culture.

    Last week our UNIVERSIDAD POPULAR paid tribute to one of its founders.

    https://canalnorte.org/videos/emotivo-tributo-en-memoria-de-pepe-garcia-rayo-fundador-de-la-universidad-popular-jose-hierro/

    Thanks to people like Pepe and Pablo we have access to the best culture for free. A case in point are  the concerts at Los Viernes De La Tradición which are held on Fridays at 19h .

     DÜO KRUPOVES LOZANO brought us music and ballads from Eastern and Western Europe, from Ukraine to Cataluña, sung in Spanish, Polish, Breton, Catalán, Russian, French, Bosnian. Beautiful voices accompanied by a spell binding guitar and a wonderful chance to see and hear the incredible hurdy gurdy.

    Our association has a space in La Universidad Popular too where we share books and thoughts.

    You can find us at 18  Av Baunatal, Wednesdays18:30h.

    ACT TWO

     The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

    The Second Act

    SCENE: Garden at the Manor House. A flight of stone steps leads up to the house. The garden, an old-fashioned one full of roses. Time of year, July.  Basket chairs, and a table covered with books, are set under a large yew tree. MISS PRISM is discovered seated at the table. CECILY is at the back watering flowers

    https://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm#chap02

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdk2u0G-APE 

    Take time to read or view and enjoy the company!

    martes, 14 de marzo de 2023

    Metro Madrid celebrates with Ireland

    Metro Madrid  is joining in the international celebrations of St Patrick's Day by adding the name of San Patricio to one of its stations.

    San Bernardo will be San Patricio for a few days, even coloring the emblematic metro logo to green.

    Here is the programme of this lively celebration of cultural awareness.







    An Irish Goodbye

     An Irish Goodbye director Ross White described James Martin as the beating heart of the film on receiving the Oscar for the best live action short film and said that he would love to use the rest of the time of his acceptance speech to sing to James. And so the biggest stars in Hollywood happily sang Happy Birthday to James who turned 31 that same day March 12th 2023. Dreams really do come true.

    It was a great moment for Northern Ireland's burgeoning film and television industry and for Templepatrick, Saintfield and The Sperrins (lovely names) where An Irish Goodbye was filmed highlighting the beauty of its landscape and the talent of its people. Artists are leading  the way to a brighter future for beautiful Northern Ireland.

    domingo, 5 de marzo de 2023

    March 8th 2023

     


    International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in society. 

    We all have influential and inspiring the women in our lives.

    Who do you owe a debt of gratitude to?

     Wednesday at 18:30h

    asedow@gmail.com

    martes, 21 de febrero de 2023

    Everything under the sun

    Join our lively discussions. And if you enjoy them, become a member of this assocation that brings people together from all walks of life.

    Wednesdays at 18:30h.

    Av Baunatal 18, San Sebastián  De Los Reyes.

    Irish Shamrock

     We were always told that shamrock only grows in Ireland.

    It is a tiny plant, much smaller than clover.

    There are no white specks on shamrock.

    Of course the name itself actually means young clover. This is early spring after all.  

    Each leaf is shaped like a heart. With three heart shaped leaves this makes it the perfect plant for St Patrick to illustrate the mysteries of faith, three Gods in one.

    Three hearts in one.

    St Patrick’s Day is March 17th and there will be shamrock everywhere.





    lunes, 13 de febrero de 2023

    'I hear her hair has turned quite gold from grief.'

     Last week on Antonio's suggestion we decided to see the really good BBC version of Oscar Wilde's play The Importance Of Being Earnest, before discussing it together in our weekly talks.

    The Importance Of Being Earnest BBC

    As we had copies of the first act from our shared readings a few years ago at the local library here in San Sebastán De Los Reyes, we read it out loud together. We were lucky enough to have my niece Josephine Oliva  to read  for us the part of Jack/John/  Ernest and Antonio who did an excellent reading of Algy's part. It went smoothly and  we were actually laughing out loud proving that Wilde's witty play stands the test of time.

    This is an initiative that we might follow up in our association. It could be once monthly if we were able to rope in more Wilde enthusiasts.

    If you are interested, you can contact us at asedow@gmail.com

    jueves, 2 de febrero de 2023

    Lá Fhéile Bríde St Brigid's Day in Madrid February 1st

     Here are some pictures of the St Brigid's Day celebration held in Madrid. Laura, Sammé and I were lucky enough to have tickets to hear the uilleann pipes played by the gifted musician Louise Mulcahy, of the highly acclaimed Mulcahy family from Limerick in Ireland accompanied by beautiful dancing from Irish Treble. Music and dancing that would carry you magically to Ireland. It was a privilege to hear such a prestigious musician play her own composition St Brigid's jig. 

    The event was hosted by the Irish Embassy in Madrid to celebrate this new national holiday in Ireland that marks the contribution of women today, in the past and in the future of Ireland. St Brigid's Day will be a bank holiday, which means that the day off will  be on the nearest Monday or a Friday.

    The long walk from the Atocha train staion to the venue in the Retiro Park took us past the lake which was beautiful in the dark with the shimmering lights and as we were taking the train back from Recoletos station, we popped into the nearby Irish bar for a celebratory drink.

    There is also a photo  of crosses which  are made from reeds on this day and put over doorways to protect all who enter. 




                               


    jueves, 19 de enero de 2023

    martes, 10 de enero de 2023

    2023

     Our weekly get - togethers begin again tomorrow 11th January 2023.

    We will catch up on our own news and talk about the recent headlines. 


    viernes, 6 de enero de 2023

    On The Day Of The Three Kings - A Wish

     Peace and goodwill always.

    Paz y buena vountad siempre.


    We had a briliant Christmas Parade yesterday in San Sebastián De Los Reyes Magos:)