Girona Grapevine

QROPS Advice

2008-08-19T18:47:00.001+02:00

QROPS Advice
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Legislation introduced in April 2006 gave the ability for a UK pension to be transfered to an overseas pension PROVIDING it meet certain qualifying rules. These rules were to ensure the overseas pension broadly followed the UK legislation. This obeyance to the UK rules was seen as a justification for having given UK tax relief on payments into the pension scheme in the first place.QROPS or Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension schemes can give several benefits to the individual expat. For the first 5 years of the new pension the trustees of the new pension scheme have to report once a year to the UK Inland Revenue to confirm continuing qualification with the rules. After 5 years the reporting requirement falls away and if the pension is then moved there is no requiremen to report to the UK and no loss of UK tax relief. It is therefore possible to transfer your fund to another investment which does not require you to purchase an annuity.Why is not purchasing a pension annuity a good idea?A pension annuity means that you give your capital, the amount that you have built up in your pension less any tax free cash you are allowed to tax, to an annuity provider who will guarantee you a lifetime income (your pension), no matter how long you live. There are pros and cons to this. You know how much income you are going to get and you know you will get this for life. Unfortunately, the amount of interest you get reflects interest rates. The current low levels of interest rates have meant many people have had smaller pensions than they might have hoped for.The thing that people hate about annuitiesUnfortunately, when you buy an annuity your capital is gone for ever. This is the trade off for getting a lifetime income. It is why pensions are given tax relief because the State (applies to many countries, not just the UK) know that you cannot "squander" your hard earnt pension fund, you have to be given an income. This helps reduce your dependency on the State.Is this why QROPS are so popular?After 5 years of membership of the scheme it is possible to move your pension fund into an alternative investment where you do not have to buy an annuity. The example below shows why QROPS are so popular with people.UK Pension Post QROPSPension Fund 250,000€ 250,000€Annuity Purchase 250,000€ NilOn Death, amount left for family Nil 250,000€This is a very simplified example. There are many more factors to take into account yet it does show that it is possible to leave a significant legagcy to one's family with this option. It is also no coincidence that all the great families, be they British, Catalan or Spanish, take into account "family" financial planning to leave as much as possible to their heirs. This includes, unsurprisingly, many families of politicians!Careful QROPSThis is a specialist type of planning and should not be entered into lightly. Advice from a suitably qualified adviser is essential. You should also be aware that the take up of this type of planning has probably exceed the UK Revenue's expectations and therefore further changes and restrictions are possible in the near future to this type of planning. The withdrawal of all Singapore based schemes by the UK Revenue on 27th May 2008 is an example of possible change. As the original legislation contained some ambiguity, it may well be that the UK Revenue can effectively change the rules without needing to change the legislation.QROPS - The 5 Year Rule, A warningIn the legislation that introduced QROPS there were two qualifying conditions, both having a 5 year requirement. One requirement was for a person to be non UK resident for 5 years before they could make changes to the QROPS and either take the cash or move it to a non annuity requirement investment. The other requirement was for the trustees of a scheme to report to the UK Revenue for a period of 5 years during which time the scheme must stay as a qualifying scheme.We admit there is some ambiguity in the legislation. However, some people are using the 5 year non residency basis as the controlling rule. For example, someone who has been non resident for 4 years is entering a QROPS and taking the money out as cash after a further year, ie after 5 years non residency.Do not do this OR join any QROPS scheme that is doing this. IF, and again it is accepted that it is an IF, the ambiguity is decided in favor of the 5 year scheme reporting requirement (and not the 5 year non residency) the consequences for your pension are dire. You will suffer UK tax (even though you do not live in the UK any more) of between 40 to 55%. In the above example, on a pension fund of 250,000€ this will cost you up to 137,500€. Err on the side of caution and expect to have to keep your QROPS for at least 5 years from the date of entry.For more information on QROPS please click here

Get Ready for THE QUIZ

2008-08-09T15:37:00.004+02:00

Hello friends
Just thought I'd let you all know that I am enjoying a typical British summer. After all those months without rain in Girona the wet stuff is most welcome. Contrary to what you might have heard, GB (Poole at least) has had quite a few good days - warm and blue skies etc.

The Treasure Hunt is now a distant memory, but once I am back I hope to start registering teams for the next social - THE Quiz! Use those lazy days on the beach to clue up on Catalunya and popular culture.... not to mention thinking up REALLY silly names for your team. This time we hope to welcome an even wider group of people. Each team will need a mixture of locals and English speakers (4 per team).

Enjoy the rest of the summer and see you at coffee in September!
Barbara Leonard (BIL)

Exhibition of Art Work - Roy Stonebridge

2008-06-17T08:45:00.003+02:00

After many years of inspiration from the fantastic Catalan coast and countryside I have finally got together an exhibition of my art work. It will be on display at El Celler de Triton, C/St Ramon 5 Sant Feliu de Guixols from 21st June to 27th july 2008. There is an opening event on 23rd June at 16:00 hours to which you are all invited. For more info contact me on roys@artright.co.uk

CHOIR WANTING TO VISIT GIRONA

2008-05-16T08:12:00.003+02:00

My brother and sister-in-law sing in a choir in West London called the Addison Singers:
http://www.addison-singers.org.uk/index.htm
They want to organise a trip to Girona in May 2009 and are looking for a choir here to link up with. Thay have sung abroad in previous trips, both in concert halls and churches. I can recommend them - they are good! Any suggestions for contacts here?
Contact Barbara Leonard: bil@arthurfoster.com or catch me at Wednesday coffee.
BIL - still signing in as Sue...

U3A membership and Girona

2008-05-11T14:58:00.002+02:00

Dear Members
After a visit to the U3A at Torroella and Peter Whitehead the President's visit to Girona a couple of weeks ago, there is, it would seem, a demand for some U3A groups based in Girona. As a city it has good communications for members and many facilities to help nourish further growth eg museums,libraries,concerts,exhibitions and galleries. There is a speaker Belinda Parris ( regidora) at Torroella on 3rd June in the morning and it would be nice to have a trip to see her from Girona. But any interested need to join ( only 14€ for anyone over 50 pa).
Get in touch if you want to come and also take a look at the U3A website Costa Brava to see what is on offer.
We already have the following Girona proposals:- Railway Enthusiasts Group
( Ross,Peter,Andrew)
Bridge (Sue/Lana)

Cross Stitch and Book reading groups ( Barbara)

German ( Helge)

The groups must have a minimum of 4 and it would be best for us to offer different activities to what is already available.
Take a look at the websit ( www.u3acostabrava.org)

TREASURE HUNT - EOI GIRONA / CARITAS / GIRONA GRAPEVINE

2008-04-25T22:50:00.003+02:00

The start of the Treasure Hunt with people finding the meeting point by looking for the Welsh flag.
Barbara Leonard in the centre of the group.

2008-04-25T22:47:00.000+02:00

Avril and Carlos

2008-04-25T22:42:00.000+02:00

Sue and Dolors

2008-04-25T22:39:00.001+02:00

Peter Foremski with son and Encarnació and Laia

2008-04-25T22:35:00.002+02:00

At Caritas headquarters with Salvador Maneu and Barbara thanking everyone for their efforts.

285.-€ were raised!!!

Books! From 50centimes

2008-04-22T10:07:00.003+02:00

Books for St Jordi Day

Second hand English Books from 50 centimes Bring and Buy Books 2 €

Girona Books
C/Rutlla 22

There is a very good selection of used books at the back of Patrick's English language Bookshop. We have many different types fiction and non-fiction all in good condition.

A free magazine for all purchases.

It is 5 minutes from the Hotel Carlemany

Why not make it a stop when looking for presents tomorrow

THANK YOU FOLKS!

2008-04-20T19:10:00.001+02:00

I'd just like to say a big THANK YOU to all those folk who turned out to take part in, and support the first ever EOI/Caritas/Girona Grapevine Treasure Hunt on Saturday 19th. Judging from your Tea Time Quiz sheets you all seemed to enjoy it, and I have got some good ideas for more events in the future.We donated over 200 Euros to Caritas - well done team.
Barbara Leonard - using Sue's sign in

Funcionary

2008-03-14T12:12:00.001+01:00

Here's a hilarious clip (from Basque TV) which anyone who's ever had a brush with Spanish or Catalan bureaucracy can relate to. Don't miss it. We split our sides. We've provided a transcript of the Spanish and an English translation.

www.inthegarlic.wordpress.com

Hope you enjoy it as much we did.

Have a great Semana Santa and see you soon.

Valerie

What Makes Catalunya Tick

2008-03-11T23:53:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone

This is just to tell you that I've updated the blog I write for the Barcelona Women's Network website. This blog is specifically devoted to Barcelona and Catalunya so I hope you'll find it relevant and enjoyable.

It's at http://www.bcnwomensnetwork.com/index.php/site/bwn_blog/

I'm giving a talk at the U3A in Torroella on 1 April. My plan is to stay over in Girona that night and join you at the coffee morning on the Wednesday. I'll let you know when the arrangements are finalised.

Best
Valerie

To rent a Room in a flat.

2008-03-05T22:37:00.000+01:00

3 minutes from Plaça Catalunya (carrer Muntanya)
room with a little balcony and internet possibilities. Little equipped kitchen, toilet and living room.
290 € including expenses (water, gas and electricity).
To see the flat please call to Montse 657885017 or send email monei_l@yahoo.com

Drawing classes

2008-03-05T22:29:00.002+01:00

Let's draw Girona - in the open air!

Learn to draw our city with a professional artist to help you.

A city full of artistic interest - light, space, textures, outlines of buildings, trees, bridges, river - and the movement too. And you will develop your own creativity and personal interpretation of what you see.

Where?
The classes will be held in various locations in the "Barri Vell" - the Old Town , in Girona. (Cold winter days inside)

When?
Every Wednesday from 9:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.

What to bring?
A drawing block with a rigid support
Drawing pencils with different hardness
A rubber
Later, I will advise you about other materials - such as charcoal, crayons, oils, etc. to suit your wishes - and help you buy them.

Contact
Montse Lopez - Professional Artist
Mobil 65 7885017 or e-mail: monei_l@yahoo.com

TREASURE HUNT 19th APRIL

2008-02-27T20:09:00.002+01:00

Hi Folks. Just a quick reminder that it would be VERY helpful to have your details (and the 5 euros)if you can help the group to wave the flag on Saturday 19th (10am-1pm). All you need is English as a first language, a pen or pencil and a desire to have fun. You will meet local people who are learning English. If you have visitors or kids they can come too.It all happens in central Girona so no cars required and not an excessive amount of shoe leather either.Email me at bil@arthurfoster.com for more details or see me at coffee on Wednesday 6th March. Barbara Leonard

IN THE GARLIC

2008-02-22T12:22:00.003+01:00

Val Collins, the author of this very funny and informative guide to surviving life in your new home, will be at coffee and lunch on Wednesday 27th February. It is packed with information on how to understand some of the stranger customs you may come across, and how to survive your encounters with paper-pushing 'funcionarios'. If you don't want to put your foot in it and don't yet know the difference between your cojones, cojines and cajones - this is the book for you! Come along, meet Val and purchase a copy! BIL on behalf of Sue

BUNK/SOFA-BED - FREE -

2008-02-16T15:14:00.001+01:00

Bunk/Sofa-bed Free. Silver metal. Top single bed, bottom sofa which converts to a double bed. Currently dismantled. Very good condition -used five times.
Contact: linnjohn@telefonica.net

Catalan Classes every Wednesday

2008-02-14T11:45:00.003+01:00

Every Wednesday morning Sandra from Escola Oficial (in a private capacity) is holding a Catalan conversation class in Debra's flat in Girona. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn Catalan in a small class. Anyone, who has struggled in the large classes ( dominated by spanish speakers at the Casa de Culturas ), will realise this is a chance which may not be available in the future.Debra's email for more information is debra@foremski.com

The Resident magazine will be left at the window in El Pati Verd

2007-11-29T10:02:00.000+01:00

Jane Makepeace a Grapevine member (who works for the Resident magazine), and who comes along on a Wednesday, has now organised that there will be a pile of the magazines left on the window shelf in El Pati Verd at the beginning of each month. ( Helga has kindly collected them before from the Tourist information ).

Coffee at 11.30 onwards Pati Verd Girona every Wednesday

2007-08-21T08:57:00.000+02:00

We are still regularly meeting every Wednesday for coffee, so see you there. All newcomers welcome. You may have to listen carefully for English but you should find us. Helge has been every Wednesday during the summer but not very many came. But as you return from your holidays, you may want to come along and tell us about your trip.

Coffee tickets in the Pati Verd Coffee bar

2006-12-12T08:41:00.000+01:00

You can buy tickets for 10 coffees from the counter. This will give you a reduction each time. ( This covers normal, tallat, amb llet ). Maybe worth it for those who like coffee.

Bookshop - Opening Hours

2006-09-15T16:14:00.000+02:00

Girona Books ( Carrer Rutlla 22 ) has our Bring and Buy Books Section. It is at the back of the shop - but please ask Patrick the owner , or Marie-Angels his assistant. We have about 6 shelves of books both fiction and non-fiction. On the main shelves you need to bring 1 and then you can purchase 2. Most of the books are 2 € and there are many of the latest publications in good condition. We also have a sale section where the books are 50cents at the moment!
For these, you don't have to bring any.
We also have many children's books and magazines ( 1€).

The opening hours of the shop are 9.00 - 13.00 and 16.00 - 20.00

Make sure you have a look at what is available. Patrick's shop also has many many language books, ( games, CDs etc.) both for teachers and students.If you want to find out more the phone number is 972 224612

Montse Lopez - new social secretary

2006-06-09T20:15:00.000+02:00

Dear friends
Hope you read my piece in the last newsletter. I will be arranging lunches and some evening events soon. I would like to get going with a lunch on Friday 30th June. Is anybody interested in joining me? Please let me know.
Post a comment here.
Look forward to seeing you.
Montse

How to post a new BLog

2006-01-26T17:53:00.000+01:00

Please see the information on the October archives from Steve about how to post a new piece of information on to the Blog site. If you have trouble actually enrolling and following the invitation to join, contact Steve again at the email contact address at end of this site. It is simple once you have done it once and as quick as an email.

Reduced fares for over 60s on Trains

2006-01-19T14:55:00.000+01:00

Take your Residence Card to a 'RENFE' ticket window (when few are queueing!). Pay only 3 euros. You will be given, there and then, a 'Tajeta Dorada' (Gold Card). This gets you about a THIRD off local trains, and about a QUARTER off 'Talgo', 'AVE/TAV/TGV' trains, etc.. Lasts for 12 months from date obtained. Ross Hill (amic de ferrocarril!).

University of Third Age in Estartit

2005-11-30T10:12:00.000+01:00

Some of the slighly older members may be interested to know about the U3A in Estartit. The web site is www.u3acostabrava.org ( not com) as advertised in The Resident magazine. It has interesting courses ( walking, birdwatching,creative writing etc.) meetings once a month and 14€s for the year's membership.It is linked to the network of U3As which has now grown worldwide.I have written about our group and they have put details and a link on their site.

Books and more Books!!

2005-11-21T12:58:00.001+01:00

Second Hand English Books at Girona Books
For members now, the main shelves offer a very wide selection of all types, including some children's books.You are able to purchase these when you bring in one other. There are also 100 sale books now on the rack, togethere with magazines. These are all only 1 € and open to anyone.
Maybe you need some new reading material for those winter evenings!

Books and more Books!!

2005-11-21T12:58:00.000+01:00

Best service at best prices

2005-11-17T22:38:00.000+01:00

After reading the following advert in the local newspaper "Diari de Girona" I had my teeth cleaned there
satisfactorily at a good price. English spoken by some of the staff.

io institutsodontològics (DENTIST)
Girona
c. de la Rutlla, 49-51 Tel.: 972 426 400
www.ioa.es

First visit, consultation, check up ......... free
X-ray inside the mouth ............................ free
teeth cleaning ............................................ 20 €
Rest of the treatments .............................. 20% discount

Happy smile!!!
Helge

What about YOU?

2005-11-16T16:50:00.000+01:00

On the Blog you can type up something about yourself in the profile. I think it would be a good idea if all members had a go and typed up a bit about themselves as a way of introducing themselves to the group etc.( See what Steve and I have put in our profiles). That way, you may find you have a lot in common with others in the group whom you may never see ( as they can't make it to coffee etc.). What do you think? Hope you agree and ger blogging. By making it work for us the web site and Blog will be more useful.

Posting to the Blog

2005-10-12T11:21:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone

As i commented on the 're-birth of the blog' post best if everyone can create their own posts when saying something 'new' rather than commenting on the same post. Comments are very easy - i think everyone knows how to do that - simply click on add comment and make sure you're signed in to publish, but creating posts from scratch is a bit different. Here's a quick guide:

1) Go to www.blogger.com and sign in using the name and password you created when accepting the invitation to join.

2) You will then come to the 'dashboard' showing the name of the blog and 2 options. There is a plus (+) sign that will allow you to create posts, and a change settings option which should be blanked out (as you are not administrators).

3) Click on the plus (+) sign and away you go!

4) After creating your post, click on the PUBLISH POST button at the bottom. Alternatively, you can SAVE AS DRAFT to finish later.

5) Finally, you need to re-publish the Blog which will make sure your changes are visible on the Blog.

Any questions? add a comment here if anything is unclear. Give it a go!

Steven

Re-birth of the blog!

2005-10-07T17:16:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone

All members should now have received an invitation to join. These were sent by me, Steven, and not Sue. Hope the explanation in the e-mail was clear enough - you either create a post or add a comment to an existing post.

What can posts be? anything! questions, thoughts, requests, announcements, opinions the lot!

cheers

Steven