Getting To Know You was set up because I had found myself very isolated. I felt, even with joining the RBL, that I was always on my own within a large group of people. It was a bit cleeky (you know people with their partners, or in set groups, and the scenario when you go to sit down...."Oh sorry this seat is for my friend!" which is very offputting and can make you feel even more isolated. It is geared towards people or couples who find themselves on their own coming here and not knowing the system, or whom to contact, or when to present things to the Ayuntamiento, the the MOT, the regulations, the tax. We exchange all this information. If someone needs to go to hospital and dont want to go on their own, we will try to have someone within the group to go with them. To visit hospitalised members, how to get a doctor, all these things can be made so much easier if they know where, to whom, when etc.

Anyway, I wanted to meet people who were not out to search for a man/woman, but would like to meet and make friends, have a chat, exchange information which could be helpful. I researched a lot of info to pass on and each week we meet at Aguamania on a Friday afternoon after the market.

AFter being ripped off so many times I started a T.T.T. list within and for the benefit of the group. Tried, Tested and Trusted. The recommendee to be named against the referral. this has proved very successful for both sides as we are now not being ripped off and we are calling on them specifically if we need respective work done. We take their name, what they can do, give their contact numbers and its up to the members to contact them should they need anything done.

If someone needs to know about something, we will find out about it and report back.

We also give feedback on these jobs to buld confidence within our member group. We are not an official group and not large at this stage. We take an "donation" because as an official group we would need bookkeepers and have tax complications etc., so we take a "donation! of ten euros which covers for the initial advertising that I did, the weekly newsletter, the photocopying, researching of information, phone calls, printing etc. Because we now have a small hardcore group who all get on very well, we are being offered discounts from the farmers market on things our members use, ie bedding, cards, skincare products, treatments. We have a vote as to any suggestions that are tabled, we have BBQ's and pay 5Euros per head, we dine once a month at a different venue and everyone pays for their own food and drink and no one falls foul of heavy drinking costs., etc. cinema, trips, we share books, ideas, crafts and utilise the talents of our members which involve, upholstery, painting, gift making, ironwork, computers, knitted garments for children and adults, not to mention the T.T.T. recommendees. We buy and sell within the group anything and everything. Pretty much what groups do but we have been lucky in grouping together a real nice bunch of people.

We hold a weekly raffle, and have prizes for our monthly photo competition.

Our latest thing is the I.C.E. card which is a card with your name, NIE, blood group, Allergies and a list of contacts In Case of Emergencies. I know people put these on mobiles but in the event of an emergency and you dont get a signal or are unable to phone, then if anyone goes through your bag or wallet the information is there!

Sadly I have lots of experiences since coming to Spain that have been stressful but would benefit many others if they are aware the pitfalls when moving here which I am more than happy to share.

If you would like to know more please contact me at gettingtoknowyou@inmalagatoday.com

Kind Regards

Juliette