Winter 2007

REFLECTION ON THE YEAR

Time for us at the Society to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas period and a very good 2008. On reflection, this year has been very rewarding for the Society. We have been of service to NATO, a choir from the USA, a descendant of a Marine who served under Nelson. The International New Comers, Madrid branch again. Eighty-four of their members enjoyed the Talk from our Chairman last Valentine's Day....fittingly titled, 'A SINGULAR HISTORY OF SPANISH ROMANCE'

ANNIVERSARY 1808-2008

We now look forward to 2008 and a special interest on the 200th anniversary of the Peninsular War. Our Editor, Bruce, in Boston, USA, is going to have his work cut out as he has to design new pages for coming events to celebrate the 2nd of May Uprising and the great battles that followed. As from 9 December the Society will be taking a well earned rest but activities will begin as from 24 January.

Summer 2007

NATO & The SOCIETY

Our Newsletter is taken up mostly with activities related to when NATO contacted us regarding a two day lecture and field visits to the nearby famous Battle of Salamanca. Our Chairman fairly glowed with the prospects of delivering a Talk to 100 NATO officers representing twelve countries. The Talk was at the Military HQ in Salamanca followed at noon with trips to the battlefield, situated 8kms south of the university city. With our Chairman in the Staff car, six Generals in limos and coaches to take the officers, the convoy was led by Civil Guard motor-bike out-riders. "Thrilled!" was the comment from Stephen on his return to Madrid. Another highlight was at the end when the senior General presented him with plaque from NATO Headquarters with Stephen Drake-Jones enscribed on it.

TRAFALGAR

Once again the Society sent the Chairman & Connie off to the south of Spain and to take a descendant of one of Admiral Nelson's Marines to Cape Trafalgar. This touching event included a boat trip to the site where the great naval battle took place. A prayer & scattering of flowers on the rolling Atlantic sea followed.

Spring 2007

VISITING LONDON

The Wellington Society was asked to do a one week tour of London for a fine group of Members, nine in all, from Canada. Our Chairman was very happy to oblige as he had done such tours for USA study abroad students in Madrid flying over to England for four night visits in the past. Such was the success that we are going to feature a page on our web site for those visiting London and wishing to have a private historian cum guide in the form of our Chairman.  Such in-depth tours of the Tower of London, British Museum, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral and the lesser known sites will undoubtedly enhance members or future members visits to the great capital of England without having to join masses of tourists.

MADRID & THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR

This new Theme Tour has really taken off and we are all amazed and happy that so many are signing up for the five mile tour (it was measured by a lady recently with her fancy gadget!)....with two excellent tavern stops in between. We are also offering a combination of this tour & part of the Hemingway tour for those who want the War through the eyes of Don Ernesto during his stay in the Spanish capital in 1937.

WINES OF SPAIN

Members can now email Connie Drake-Jones for a list of her favorite Spanish wines from around the regions. From those rich Rioja to the darker full-bodied Toro reds. The excellent Rueda whites and those before dinner sherries.