This is not a group that will have a fixed membership. All Javea U3A members are welcome to come along to any of the events that interest them. At the moment this is a pilot scheme to see if there is enough interest in the things we do to gain sufficient support to allow Avinença to progress in its aim, which is to form a “National Trust of Valencia.

The main aim of Friends of Avinença is to introduce folk from the expat communities to aspects of Valencian life and culture which may be unknown to us.

Most of the talks that will be given will be ‘on the hoof’. For example we will be going to a vulture re-introduction centre, to archaeological sites, trips around farms and estates that have particular ecological importance, forests, landscapes, towns to learn about their special histories and similar places. Explanations of what we see will be in English.

Wherever possible we will be looking at things from the ‘other side’ - our visit to the Fiesta Museum in Alcoi will look at the Moor’s civilization before the ‘Reconquest’, our visit to the Civil War Museum will look at that conflict from the Republican viewpoint. For our walk ‘In the footsteps of Hannibal’ we will be lead by a specialist in the study of the period, also accompanying us we hope to have a geologist to talk about the surrounding rock formations. We will be looking at sustainable farming as being practiced here in our area, at ways of reducing coastal erosion, at ways of preserving the natural flora of the area, and preserving land from being over developed.

This new group is linked with others in this area, and will be taking part in joint outings with them. If you would like to know more about the planned activities of Friends of Avinença keep an eye on this webpage or, to have advance knowledge of the events we plan, contact Paul Pruden at the email address above.

Forthcoming Events

Details of the May to October events planned for, and by, Friends of Avinenca. If you wish to join any of these trips please contact us at the email address above.

September

Wednesday 8th September - visit to the Fiesta at Algamesi.

This Fiesta claims to be the origin of the practice of men building Human Towers, subsequently claimed to have been started in Barcelona & Tarragona. We have enlisted the aid of the former Town Historian to tell us about the origins of the Fiesta and to explain the significance of the various activities. We will also be shown the best places to witness these spectacular activities. Cost €20 per person, packed lunch advised. Tickets can be reserved by email to address above, or purchased at the June Monthly Meeting. These Friends of Avinença excursions are open to all U3A Members.

It is well worth being there for the moment on 8 September at midday, when the ´Mother of God´ enters the church, and everyone takes part, dancing and playing their respective music all at the same time. The ´Mother of God´ enters and comes out of the church several times, while fireworks are set off, and various ´towers´ of people surround her and guard her. So this is the building of human towers as seen in Catalonia.

October

Tuesday 19th October - visit to Jucar River Valley to learn about the water distribution to the Valencian region.

This will not be a trip in a boat. The River Jucar is one of the most important rivers in the Valencian Community. Although its source is in another community (Cuenca) most of its length runs through Valencian territory. For many centuries it has been the river that has possibly most influenced the landscape of our territory, and it is extremely important, for agriculture, and as a water supply for the villages and towns along its banks. The frequent growth and floods of the river generated the coastal plain from Valencia to Oliva, and washed out to sea sufficient sediment to create magnificent beaches. However, these floods have sometimes caused disasters in the towns along its banks. Man has therefore tried to tame the River Jucar throughout history. Dams have been constructed, to avoid floods, but structures to take advantage of its water have also been made. During the excursion we will visit different parts of the river Jucar, using maps to understand the different courses that it has taken throughout history. We will meet a group of volunteers who regularly test the quality of its water, we will visit the members of the tribunal of the water (the people who have the privilege of controlling the use of the water and who resolve conflicts between users), and we will discover the fabulous history of how hydraulic systems several centuries old have permitted the cultivation of thousands of hectares of oranges, thousands of hectares of rice, and even changed the Albufera of Valencia (the biggest lake in the Valencian Community) from being a salt water lake to a fresh water one. Finally, we will understand that the whole landscape from Valencia to La Marina is the result of the force and character of this river.

Cost €20 per person, packed lunch advised. Tickets can be reserved by email at the address above or purchased at the June Monthly Meeting. These Friends of Avinença excursions are open to all U3A Members.

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