JAGUARS – BIG CATS IN HEREDADES!
March 1, 2016.- Sunday 28th February 2016, slightly overcast, windy and a chance of rain. One of the rare days we did not get perfect weather for the meeting of the Big Cats. Before I start this report, I must tell you, we have something special planned for our next meeting in April so do not miss it, a two day visit (4th to 6th April) to a Spa Resort in Archena, check out the details on our web site www.jec-spain.com//specialevents If you are quick I can still fit you in.
This time we visited somewhere new, Casa Antonio in Heredades. Located at the back of an industrial estate it’s not easy to find so Ian arranged a meeting point just off the motorway which made things much easier. Casa Antonio had reserved special undercover parking for us which was great for the cars but lousy for my photographs, never mind I will know better next time.
On arrival, most people congregated in the conservatory 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 1:30pm in an area of the dining room that had been partitioned off especially for us. Hot bread, garlic and tomato to start, a plate of succulent ham and Manchego cheese, a prawn and vegetable puff pastry slice, beautiful tender deep fried squid rings then a tuna salad. A choice Salmon, Dorada, Pork loin or Pig Cheeks for the main, I had the pork with a pepper sauce, very nice, my wife had the Dorada, I have to say not the best fish she has ever had. Wine flowed freely during all the courses. A selection of desserts and coffee’s finished the day off nicely, must have been a good day as we were still there at 6:00 pm.
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 45 people and 18 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 Colin Stickland won the 2015 Character of the year award, for his enthusiasm and support of the club. We found out some time ago that Hans Nilsson is addicted to M&M’s so just for a little humour we rewarded Hans with two bags of M&M’s for supporting the British confectionary industry. To show our gratitude to Restaurant Casa Antonio Ian presented a trophy to the Restaurant Manager.
Satisfied and satiated, some members started to depart just before 5:30pm however some of us were still there at 6:00pm – what a great day. Our next meeting is something a little special, our Spa Break – Pamper yourself at Balneario De Archena Spa Resort. 2 days and nights at this luxurious spa, superior rooms and a special deal. Arrive Monday 4th April and depart Wednesday 6th April 2016. If you own a Jaguar in Spain, come and join us. Details can be found on our web.
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 140 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 at 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
