PALMERAS AND PUSSY CATS ON THE PROWL
August, 4 2015.- Sunday 2nd August 2015, slightly overcast, chance of rain. I should have known better, just seeing our beautiful Jaguars out on the road makes any day full of sunshine, the clouds dispersed and a glorious summers day welcomed us all. Before I start this report, I must tell you, we have something special planned for our next meeting so do not miss it, check out the details on our web site.
This time we made a return visit to Las Palmeras, hotel and restaurant in Crevillente and we were not disappointed. I have to say. Las Palmeras is a little lacking as far as “kerb appeal” is concerned but the restaurant, function rooms and the terrace and pool areas are stunning. On top of that, there are plenty of parking spaces for our beloved Jaguars.
On arrival, most people congregated around the pool terrace, a few G&T’s, a beer or two, coke of course for us drivers, or just a tonic, slice of lemon! Great to meet our old friends again. We sat down for lunch just before 2:00pm in a private function room overlooking the pool, very nice. Hot bread, garlic and tomato to start, a plate of succulent ham and Manchego cheese then a choice of starters, I had the “health conscious” tuna salad presented in the “deconstructed style”. Flavoursome vegetable soup was also an option. Fish, lamb chops or pork for the main course or for a small supplement a solomillo which was my choice, delightful. I have to compliment the staff at Las Palmeras, the service was absolutely spot on. Wine flowed freely during all the courses. Desserts, coffee’s and a small brandy, well, not so small actually, fabulous. Too hot to sit on the terrace for a little more light refreshment. Las Palmeras brought us all complimentary cava or liqueurs, very civilised.
May I take this opportunity to thank all the members that attended especially the new members and the members that bought guests, bringing the total to 54 people and 20 cars. I am pleased to say, among the attendees were many of the old favourites and some new member’s cars as well. I have to say, when you looked at them all lined up it was a fabulous sight to behold. An art show in steel and leather which included some of the most iconic example of automotive art ever made. The meeting also held a few surprises, our good friend Brian Patterson’s XJ8 won the “Ladies Choice” well actually is was the choice of a young couple from America who were visiting. As usual a big thank you to Ian McMenemy our Events Director for his sterling work organising the event. To show our gratitude to Las Palmeras, Ian presented a trophy to the Restaurant Manager.
Satisfied and satiated, some members started to depart just before 5:00pm however some of us were still there at 6:00pm – what a great day. Our next meeting is something a little special, our “Summer Breeze Drive” up to the Santa Eulalia Monastery in the Sierra De Espuna mountains in Murcia for a rather special lunch with an optional overnight stay on Sunday the 6th September. This is one not to be missed. If you own a Jaguar in Spain, come and join us.
The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is the largest of the worlds Jaguar Clubs, apart from joining in the fun at the meetings, full members also benefit from a glossy 132 page A4 monthly magazine, Jaguar spares department and a technical advice service second to none. If you live in Spain and own a Jaguar you should be a member of The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club. The JEC in Spain is organised by Eric Arnold and Ian McMenemy. Eric can be contacted by email or by phone on 609931647 or alternatively check out our web or the JEC main web site. Our Events director, Ian McMenemy can be contacted by email. Not forgetting David Shea who looks after our Facebook identity.
Text and photographs by Eric Arnold
