This year’s Playa Arena to Puerto Santiago swimming competition, which was the 15th organised by the local council, attracted over 300 competitors.

First place in the men’s race was claimed by Francisco Javier Perez with a finishing time of 12 minutes and 51 seconds. Second place went to Jose Carlos Baez Gonzalez with a time of 12 minutes and 54 seconds and third place went to Ciro Ascanio Gutierrez with a time of 13 minutes and 59 seconds.

In the women’s race first over the finish line was Design Escatllar with a time of 15 minutes 28 seconds, second place was Usoa Gala Arocena with a time of 15 minutes and 29 seconds while third place went to Carmen Elsa Dominguez with a time of 15 minutes and 50 seconds.

There was also prizes for locals who entered. In the men’s category first place went to José Juan Casañas with a time of 16 minutes and 47 seconds, second place went to Thomas Jonay Glez Garcia with a time of 18 minutes and 13 seconds and third place went to Javier Diaz Linares with a time of 18 minutes and 15 seconds.

Local women’s category was as follows: first Dácil Hernandez finished, using a time of 21 minutes and 21 seconds, second place went to Vanessa Sanchez with a time of 23 minutes and 52 seconds, while the Third place went to Ana Belén Socas with a time of 27 minutes and 9 seconds.

This year’s swimming race from Playa de La Arena to Puerto de Santiago takes place at 18:00 hours on 10th July 2010 entries will be accepted up to July 6th.

The race covers 950 meters. The start line is at Playa de La Arena and the finish line is the beach at El Bajio in Puerto de Santiago.

The race is organized by the Department of Sports Hall of the Historic Village of Santiago del Teide, with the collaboration of the Federation Swimming Insular de Tenerife, Tenerife Referees Committee, Mar Red Cross, Civil Protection, Volunteer Fire Santiago del Teide and the Ad Hoc Underwater Civil Guard.

Entries may be made on website www.loscabosos.com and the municipal website www.santiagodelteide.es. Or for more information call 922-86-81-08, lines open from 08:00 to 15:00.

The categories are female and male, divided into groups according to age. Entry fee is Euros 5.

The “Acantilado de Los Gigantes”, fifth annual underwater photographic competition, sponsored by the City Council of the Historic Village of Santiago del Teide, with the collaboration of the Tenerife Cabildo, will take place from July 3rd – 10th 2010.

The amazing volcanic rock formations, caves, tunnels and arches plus the amazing diversity of marine live in the Los Gigantes area make it an ideal location for the competition.

The Digital Underwater Photography Contest “Cliffs Los Gigantes” is open to all underwater photographers who wish to take part. (Subject to the number of places and compliance with the rules of the competition).

For more info visit www.fotosubtenerife.com
Entry fee is € 150 for Category A and 120 € for Category B. This fee includes participation rights in the contest and a place on four boat dives departing from Los Gigantes Marina.

The awards for “Category A” are:

1. First place: trophy and 2,500 euros.

2. Second place: trophy and 1,500 euros.

3. Third place: Trophy and $ 1,000.

The awards for “Category B” are:

1. First place: trophy and 1,000 euros.

2. Second place: Barbolight LED Flashlight.

The Santiago del Teide Branch of Asociación San Francisco de los Animales are holding a Fun Dog Show for Pedigree and Non Pedigree dogs, on Sunday, 10th January 2010. This will be held behind the Los Gigantes Hotel, Los Gigantes, Santiago del Teide. It is open to dogs from anywhere on the island.

Entries for the show will be taken at 10.30 a.m. There will be 4 classes for conformation for both pedigree and non pedigree dogs. The rest of the classes will be fun ones open to all dogs. Amongst these will be an Obedience and Fancy Dress - for the dog! Winners of each class will receive prizes and the first four placements in each class will receive rosettes. Certificates will be awarded to the top scoring Pedigree and Non Pedigree dogs.

All puppies entered must be not less than 4 months old and fully vaccinated.

There will be a Refreshment Stall selling food and drinks. Why not have a fun day out with your pooch and support our animal charity at the same time?

A full list of classes is as follows:-

Pedigree

Puppy (4 to 9 months) Pedigree not required
Junior (9 to 18 months) ” ” ”
Open (18 months to 8 years) ” ” ”
Veteran (8 years & over) ” ” ”

Mixed
Puppy (up to 9 months)
Junior (9 to 18 months)
Open (18 months to 8 years)
Veteran (8 years & over)

All
Obedience
Best Dog with Children
Dog most like the owner
Handsomest Dog
Prettiest Bitch
Best Six Legs (dog & owner)
Best Condition
Best Abandoned Dog which has been homed
Fancy Dress (the dog)

On Saturday 5th December the local Mayor switched on the illuminations in the Plaza in Los Gigantes.

Among those lights was an artificial Christmas Tree, which the Santiago Del Teide Lions Club annually commemorate for their good causes. In previous years they have raised money for the Sight First Appeal, which was sent to enable those with treatable blindness maladies be restored to a life with vision.

This year, the buckets went round for the ‘Sweet Lucy’ fund. The young lady in question is an 8 year old with a genetic disorder called Sensory Neuropathy Atoxia (S.N.A.) which prevents the brains’ messages to the limbs being properly sent. Thus everyday activities such as catching a ball or even walking, are denied her.

The evening raised 520.00 euros which will be placed in her ‘Fund’ which is husbanded by the Lions Club, and has so far reached over 4,600.00 euros. Of this 2,600.00 euros will be spent on a special electric wheelchair for her.

The account for her is at the Banco March, and should anyone care to donate, the number is IBAN ES 39 0061 0215 140119520111.

Santiago del Teide council are organising a Christmas concert on Saturday 19 December, It will be held in the square of Los Gigantes.

Taking part will be Folk Groups “Brisas” of Arguayo, “Taym” of Tamaimo, and Cultural Association Folk Roots of Santiago del Teide, the Municipal School of Folklore and the Municipal Band.

Tipsy Terrace Telegraph
NEWSFLASH!!
‘WITCH SIGHTINGS’

Concerns are mounting following reports that a strange “Flash of Bright Green” has been spotted in the sky at various times of the day and night over the village of Los Gigantes and the surrounding areas.

Residents and holiday makers alike are toiled and troubled that the dark object with flourecent green hair and matching accessories could belong to that of a witch.

Neighbourhood watch in both Jazmin and Hibisco I and II first noticed the unusual object on Monday.

Experts suggest that the recent introduction of Halloween decorations at Tipsy Terrace Bar & Bistro have increased the curiosity of what could be the return of The Wicked Witch of the West.

Also, the arrival of Wanda the Witch; the oh-so-ugly but oh-so-very friendly new member of Team Tipsy, could have sparked deep rooted jealousy and drawn the bad witch closer to the village than ever known before.

The Policía Local have put this down to nothing more than rumours from a leaky couldron but Team Tipsy would be grateful if any further sightings could be reported to the bar as soon as possible.

Thousands have heard them sing in international competitions and at private functions, and now they are coming to Tenerife.

The , based in Wrexham, North Wales, are to sing in Spain for the very first time.
The choir has about 30 members and a lively repertoire of popular music that includes well known songs from the 40’s right up to music from more modern shows and films.

For one night only they will be performing at El Marques in Puerto Santiago on Saturday 7th September starting at 7pm.

The evening in association with the Santiago del Teide Lions Club, will be supported by the local singer Ian Anderson with dancing until late.

A full, sit down buffet is included in the ticket price. Places are limited so early booking is recommended.

Tickets are Euros 20
Available from El Marques reception, MDI Alcala, Megatone in El Varadero, Paul Ruane in Los Gigantes.

Today saw the re opening of Tipsy Terrace Sports and garden crazy golf. The all new synthetic grass surfaces gives it a great new feel.

Sally and Sarah have been working feverishly with paint brushes in hand to give the course a makeover. Not without its setbacks, when the supplier of the new grass discovered that the shipment had gone astray. However, many frantic phone calls and overnight delivery ensured that it was open on time by councillor for tourism Germán Jiménez and Councillor Stephen Gerald.

It’s not just crazy golf that Tipsy Terrace Sports and Garden centre have to offer, their tennis courts, pool, bar and restaurant are open 7 days a week.

Check out their special evenings and events on our “what’s on locally” page (make a note of Mon Aug 17th “A dash of ABBA”) or check out TipsyTerrace web site for more news and information about their facilities.

Santiago Del Teide Lions Club held their President’s Night Celebrations on July 4th, at El Marques, Los Gigantes.

In her address, retiring President Mary Thompson, thanked the Club Members for all their hard work, over the last twelve months, and the general public for all their support. Of the organisations that have received assistance from the Club over the last year, she highlighted the Bomberos, the Orabal special needs and family centre, and the completion of the ‘Computer Project’, which is to place, in 19 of the local junior schools, a new computer suite. This was funded by Jens Fulda a local businessman.

She gave special thanks to Secretary Jon Thornley and Treasurer Steve Gilbert. The Club’s internal award, by popular vote as ‘Lion of the Year’ went to Lizzie Herrick.

As Mary was about to hand-over her status as President, the next surprise was for her. Recognising her 14 years of fund raising work, capped by two consecutive years as President, she was awarded the prestigious Lion award, a Melvin Jones Fellowship. (Melvin Jones was the Founder of Lions Clubs International)

Incoming President Richard Dobinson thanked all present for supporting the evening, and promised a continuation of the Lions’ work in the future.

After an excellent buffet prepared by the El Marques staff, the evening continued with entertainment from ‘Extreme’ Carla and Michell’s Speciality Show. The icing on the cake for the whole night was supplied by another super performance from ‘Glam Slam’ the top 70’s rock tribute band.

Thanks go to Rick Porter for his support role, and to Maggie Porter and Denise Bell of Viana Shows for organising the evening’s entertainment.

Written by Ken Ward

Once again it’s time to blow the dust off those dancing shoes and get down to some real fiestering at the Puerto Santiago Fiesta which starts tomorrow and runs until 16th July. The famous firework display is Sat 11th July.

Click this link for full programme of events http://www.losgigantes.com/evenings.htm

The 14th annual swimming race from Playa De La Arena beach to Puerto de Santiago beach takes place on July 12th at 10am. The distance is aprox 950 mts.

If you would like to participate then call 922 868108 or 922 868041 between 08:00 to 15:00 hours, for more information.

Helen Dickson Pryde, from Los Gigantes, (pic left at Burn’s night in the Bamboo Bar) is through to the finals in this year’s “Tenerif’s Got Talent “competition.

Helen together with the other hopeful winners, Alexander McRae, Becky Mallone, Jason, Hollie Bourne, The Glitter Show and Jordana will be battling it out on Sunday 14th June at 1 pm at the THE THEATRE BAR in San Eugenio.

Three winners from the show will go through to the grand finale with other finalists on July 26th at the Anthelia Hotel in Fañabe.

The overall winner walks away with a Blackpool contract from HRH entertainments.
Good luck Helen from the losgigantes.com team

More info on http://www.tenerifesgottalent.com/1.html

The carnival commission of Los Gigantes would like to thank all those who attended the Canarian Day Dinner Dance in the plaza on Friday 29th May.

A great night was had by all and the commission, with your help, raised over €1800 towards next year’s 30th anniversary of Los Gigantes Carnival.

Los Gigantes Carnival dates are Feb 26th – March 1st 2010 the theme of the carnival will be announced soon.

Los Gigantes carnival 2009 was celebrated from 5th – 9th March. The event was 5 evenings of fun and laughter for the many hundreds of residents and visitors of the area.

The photos can be viewed in our photo gallery

A short video of each event has now been uploaded to our video page (allow a few seconds to load) the events are:-

The election of the Carnival Queen
Children’s Fancy Dress
Masked ball
Grand Parade
Burial of the Sardine

A souvenir DVD is available to purchase for €10 + p&p. For more information email enquiries@losgigantes.com or collect a copy from our office in El Varadero (next to Sunflower restaurant) Tel 922 862713

Sponsored Fun Walk

Asociacíon de San Francisco de los Animales

With or without dogs - Suitable for all ages

Sunday

15th March, 2009

Commencing

9.30 a.m. at the Gran Melia Palacio De Isora
(new hotel in Alcalá)

to

Pilgrims Bar in Playa de la Arena

For further information & sponsorship forms
Contact Allison on 617697761

Sponsorship forms also available at
Simple Simons & Ocean Drive in Los Gigantes and the Custom Built Computers/losgigantes.com office in El Varadero.

Sandwiches for walkers kindly sponsored by
Pilgrims Bar

All monies raised will be used for the benefit of stray & abandoned animals within the
Municipality of Santiago del Teide

An exhibition of paintings by artist Heide Marie Fahl “Rumors of Color” will be on display in the Fisherman’s museum in Puerto Santiago from 6th to 28th of February.

The official opening of will be on Friday, February 6th, at 20:00 am with folk group “Grupo Miguel and his friends.”

The exhibition will be open Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 13:00 hours and from 16:00 to 19:00 hours.

By: Roger Diss ( Roger said he didn’t want credit for this story but I didn’t want anyone to think I was into female legs!)

They came in all shapes, colours and sizes but there was no doubting the big hit at the second annual Asociación San Francisco de los Animales dog show – among the male onlookers, at any rate.
Xena, a golden retriever, was the dog in question but most male eyes were turned to her owner, Sabrina Biagini, whose long and shapely legs made the pair firm favorites to win the fun class, Best Six Legs, in the competition. Read Full Story » »

The Santiago del Teide Branch of Asociación San Francisco de los Animales are holding a Fun Dog Show for Pedigree and Non Pedigree dogs, on Sunday, 25th January 2009. This will be held behind the Los Gigantes Hotel, Los Gigantes, Santiago del Teide. It is open to dogs from anywhere on the island.

Entries for the show will be taken at 10.30 a.m. The judging will commence at 11.00 a.m. There will be 4 classes for conformation for both pedigree and non pedigree dogs. The rest of the classes will be fun ones open to all dogs. Amongst these will be an Obedience and Fancy Dress - for the dog! Winners of each class will receive prizes and the first four placements in each class will receive rosettes and certificates. Trophies will be awarded to the top scoring Pedigree and Non Pedigree dogs.

All puppies entered must be not less that 4 months old and fully vaccinated.

There will be a Refreshment Stall selling food and drinks. Why not have a fun day out with your pooch and support our animal charity at the same time?

A full list of classes is as follows:-

Pedigree
Puppy (4 to 9 months) Pedigree not required
Junior (9 to 18 months) ” ” ”
Open (18 months to 8 years) ” ” ”
Veteran (8 years & over) ” ” ”

Mixed
Puppy (up to 9 months)
Junior (9 to 18 months)
Open (18 months to 8 years)
Veteran (8 years & over)

All
Obedience
Best Dog with Children
Dog most like the owner
Handsomest Dog
Prettiest Bitch
Best Six Legs (dog & owner)
Best Condition
Best Abandoned Dog which has been homed
Fancy Dress (the dog)

To speed up registration on the day entry forms will be available for completion in advance from Simple Simons and Ocean Drive in Los Gigantes and the Custom Built Computers/losgigantes.com office in El Varadero.

Please Note Entry fees will be payable on the day.

For more information contact Judith on 922864102

Lions Christmas fund raising took off with a good start last Saturday night in the plaza Los Gigantes. The tree of lights was switched on by the Mayor, Damian Gorrín Juan Ramos, pictured right with Lions President Mary Thomson and lion member Sheila Widdrington.

Each light on tree of lights can be sponsored in memory of a loved one and the funds raised, together with the funds raised from the Grand Christmas raffle, is going toward funding a mini bus for the Santiago del Teide handicapped centres.

A very enjoyable evening of entertainment was provided by:-
Asociación Cultural y Folklórica Tayme.
Asociación Cultural y Folklórica Brisas de Arguayo.
Asociación Cultural y Folklórica El Bajío.
Escuela Municipal de Folklore de Santiago del Teide.
La Banda Municipal de Música de Santiago del Teide.

Mary Thomson, Lions President, would like to thank all the entertainers and organisers of the evening and to the many generous people who donated to the cause.

The annual Lions carol singing walkabout last night ended in the Los Gigantes Plaza with mulled wine for singers and the drawing of the Grand Christmas raffle

1st prize of €500 was won by Dorothy of MDI 07855
2nd prize of €300 was won by Sylvia of Sunflower restaurant 1168
3rd prize of €200 was won by Mrs Brown 8081 (now in the UK. She has been contacted and her winnings will be transferred to her)

Total funds raised - TBA

If you live in the area then can’t have missed the publicity. The Hollywood Motor Show starts today in Puerto Santiago.

The show has been a huge success in Santa Cruz, San Isidro and Granadilla and will be in Los Cristianos from 25th Dec to 6th Jan

David Stey, representative of the show, confirmed that the show comes with more than 400 tons of material on wheels and 15 trucks for assembly. There will be 90 minutes filled with tension and risk with stunt drivers deliberately rolling their cars. There are also motorcycles, quads, tractors and an authentic American Monster truck which will flatten anything in its way.

The show takes place at Calle Lajial, near the new Costa Los Gigantes Hotel. The road will be closed to through traffic.

Show times are:-
Friday 19th 20:00
Sat 20th 12:30 & 18:00
Sun 21st 12:30 & 18:00
Adults €15 Children under 14 €10

According to comments on local news blogs the show is well worth a visit.
“We went to the motor show tonight and was very impressed. As the missus thought the stunts etc were brilliant for all the family boys and girls alike. Well worth the money when you consider how much it would cost to put on this sort of thing”.

The organisers of the Rod Stewart concert which is scheduled for May 16th 2009 at the Adeje Golf Course have announced that tickets are now on sale.

More information about the concert, purchase of tickets, flight and hotel packages can be obtained from web site www.canaryfestival.com Ticket prices range from €50 if you don’t mind standing, up to €175 for a front row seat.

After the successful Sir Elton John concert , and the confirmation of Rod Stewart, Canaries Sun Live Festival are working on the production of shows from three other great artists for 2009, a project that has already been submitted to different governmental authorities.

For the first time ever the Santiago del Teide Lions Club, the Asociacion de San Francisco de Los Animales – Santiago del Teide branch and the San Juan Asociacion got together and organised the biggest Christmas fair Los Gigantes has ever seen.

There was tombola, cakes, bric brac, crafts, clothes and many games to occupy the children as well as the Carnival bar raising funds for next year’s carnival.

The biggest problem all the organisers had to cope with were the dozens of people who could not wait for opening time, they all wanted to be first in the queue for a bargain.

Lion President Mary Thomson opened the fair and over the next two hours, despite the concern over looming of black clouds and a few spots of rain, the various charities raised over €3000 between them for their various causes.

Then in the evening the fund raising continued when the Lions kicked off their Grand Christmas raffle. There are cash prizes of 1st €500 2nd €300 and 3rd €200 to be drawn in the Los Gigantes Plaza on 23rd Dec in the Los Gigantes square after their walk about carol singing. To assist with the fund raising Santiago del Teide Council organised various superb entertainers in the church square for the early part of the evening then from 10pm – 2am Viana Shows took over and hosted an amazing variety of acts, including Hot Ice, Scheherazade, Ian Anderson, Glam Slam and Helen Dixon – Pride, who kept the audience glued to their seats, until they could resist no longer and had to get up and join in the dancing.

For the first time ever the whole show went live via Power FM radio to all seven Canary Islands, as well as being broadcasted worldwide on their web site.

During the show Lions members Mary, Lizzy, Sheila and Monica, in their superb outfits, raised over €1000 in raffle ticket sales and donations.

If you didn’t get your ticket there’s still plenty time. They can be purchased from any Lion member. They are on sale at MDI in Alcala and also in the losgigantes.com office in El Varadero and the ladies will be calling into many bars during the run up to the draw.

There are many more photos, in two files, one of the daytime fair and the other of the evening entertainment, in the photo galleries. Click this link. http://www.losgigantes.com/pictures/

Sometimes it is not all doom and gloom, and this morning my day was suddenly enlightened when I heard that my teenage heart throb Rod Stewart is to perform in Adeje, next May.

It brings back memories of being a teenager in trouble with parents for sticking his posters all over my newly papered bedroom wall. I did win this argument because removing them would have ruined the wallpaper, I remember being grounded for a weekend for the offence, but it was well worth it.

The concert date is set for 16th May 2009 and is being organising by “Sun Live Canarias”, the same company who organised the Elton John concert last January.

A press conference is being held in the next few days to confirm the venue and ticket arrangements and a spokesman from the company says further superstar concerts are in the pipeline for Adeje.

Watch this space for more info – but I’m first in the queue for a ticket!

“I’ve tickets here for the fun scrabble night on Nov 10th, you two will want tickets – won’t you”? It was John Broadhurst from The Asociacíon San Francisco de los Animales. Well, neither of us stood a chance of winning. We’d never played scrabble in years and without Microsoft Word and spell check there was no hope for us.

However, it was for a good cause as all the proceeds would be used for the benefit of stray and abandoned animals. As I am currently looking after a Mum and 5 kittens which were abandoned near me several weeks ago, and they all need to be neutered, we happily bought the tickets and joined in the fun.

Read the full story on their web site