Good Morning from Vienna,
This newsletter is a bit later then usual. Because I went to the Bosnian pyramids. I had a very good time there and flying home this afternoon.
A lot of things are happening in Charco at the moment. This is an impression from the work that is done in October. Hope you will cooperate with us the coming months to create together a more beautiful Charco.
Greetings Tineke
CHARCO NEWS
October was a sunny month, with many familiar faces returning to Charco. Many volunteers worked hard to restore the duck pool. Many thanks for that.
Charco has always been a village where the residents did a lot themselves, each using their own talents. In recent years, things have become more difficult because some very talented people are no longer with us or are ageing a little. Many attempts were made to have the municipality take care of the maintenance, but somehow that does not really work. Fortunately, there are positive developments. Johnny Skold is now promoted as the village engineer. He has developed a plan for a major renovation of the duck pool. Work began in the weekend of October12/13. The municipality is pleased with the plan and supports with the needed building material.
THE DUCK POOL RENOVATION
There is alot of overdue maintenance, so there is a lot to do. A plan has been drawn up for a complete renovation. However, there are many steps to be taken.
Step 1: The initial work began during the weekend of October 11-12. Tons of sand and stones were removed, and the walls were cleaned.
Step 2: Seawater is entering through cracks in the bottom, which needs to be repaired with special cement. The holes in the walls will also be repaired before painting can begin. Information is currently sought from specialized companies on how to address this.
Next steps:
*A 6 cm layer of special maritime concrete will be applied to the cracked platform at the entrance to the pool.
*Stairs will be constructed and new railings will be installed.
*The surrounding seating areas will be restored.
*The path from the monkey rock to the pool will be repaired.
It was special to witness the group effort and enthusiasm of the many volunteers. Many more hands will be needed over the coming period. If you can and would like to volunteer for the heavier work, please let Johnny know.
WhatsApp: 0047 46806404
The fish have been saved.
Many hands make light work.
Delicious catering nourishes the inner person
RESTORATION TO FORMER GLORIE
The plan is to restore the seating areas to their former glory, with palm leaves as roofs to prevent them from blowing away in storms.
CREATING A COMMUNITY
Celebrating and working together creates a much stronger sense of community among residents and tourists, but there are other ways to do this. For example, playing darts, table tennis, or pétanque together. A website will be launched listing all the possibilities and activities.
LA COSTA PROTECTS OUR SHORES
Along the Canary Island coastlines, the organisation known as ‘La Costa’ keeps a close eye on what happens at the seashore .Since the tsunamis a few years ago, coastal protection has become very strict —no one can build or make changes near the shore without permission.
Recently, representatives from the Coastal Authority visited the natural pool in Charco to check the ongoing work. Repairs and maintenance are always fine, but creating something new is not allowed. They have no complaints only a permit is nessesary
A few years ago, the protected coastal zone was extended further inland. For now, existing houses can stay, otherwise many holiday homes in Charco, Punta Mujeres, Arrieta and other coastal villages would have to be removed.
Good to know that our coast remains in safe hands.
BE ALERT AND TAKE PHOTOS
Late report. French fish hunters have been spotted near the monkey rock. They killed an angel shark with a harpoon. The police have been called but can’t do anything without photo evidence. They are harmless protected animals, and hunting with a harpoon is also dangerous for swimmers. If you see anything, take photos. And call the police.
A big hug from a nice warm Charco. Hope to see you soon.
