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Christmas season in Anguilla is for children. . . .
2004/01/04 - Click to enlarge pictures

Pictures by Janine Edwards and Mimi Gratton.

Tennis Academy

December 8, 2003 to January 4, 2004

Sunday, January 04, 2004

December AARF Newsletter

This issue contains the following: Cruise Raffle Update, Recent Spay/Neuter clinic, Puppies to New Hampshire, Animals in Foster Care Seeking Homes.
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New web site for Harbour Villas

These resort apartments are located in the village of Island Harbour.
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New Luxury Villa with Tennis Court on Shoal Bay

Beachcourt Villa on Shoal Bay the most recent addition to Anguilla's selection of luxury villas, opens for vacation rentals in January 2004. This tropical villa is set on the tranquil western end of Shoal Bay East, one of the finest beaches in the world. This residence has a refeshingly open design capturing the best of the stunning ocean views and tradewinds.


Beachcourt features a large private lap pool and a private tennis court, along with all the conveniences of a modern vacation home. Main house features master suite and another bedroom on the second floor and the west wing hosts four additional bedrooms. Enquiries: [email protected]. Cell. 264-235-3666.
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Real Estate for sale on Anguilla

Last Minute Special Offer

Tropical private villa with pool located in tranquil setting with pleasant views of the ocean and St Maarten. Refreshing open design and optimal privacy. Feels like your home away from home. Stay at Splash Villa anytime between January 15 and 31, 2004 and get a complimentary jeep rental for your entire stay. Minimum stay: 5 nights.
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Groundbreaking for Tennis Facility

The Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) world class facility to be built at Blowing Point is a dream of Mitchelle Lake. Chairing the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility on Monday December 29, Brent Davis referred to the "power of a dream" and Lake's ability with his charm and persuasiveness to see it through.

Click the link above to read about the ground breaking ceremony.

More big news from the Anguilla Tennis Academy:

National Bank of Anguilla pledged US$75,000 towards the construction of a tennis court

Caribbean Commercial Bank pledged US$85,000 towards the construction of Center Court.

Anguilla Social Security pledged US$75,000 towards the construction of a tennis court.
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Anguilla Female Football Team

On Sunday, January 11, the Anguilla Female U-19 Football Team, the Fire Ants, will start their quest for the U-19 FIFA world championship in a qualifying match with St. Lucia. This first round match will take place at Ronald Webster Park at 3 p.m.

The team will then travel to St. Lucia on the weekend of Jan 24th for the return match. The winner of the series advances to the next round in Trinidad.

This is an historic event in that it is the first entry by a female team from Anguilla into sanctioned international competition. All football fans and supporters of the development of women's sports in Anguilla are welcome to come out and enjoy the match. More info: [email protected]
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New to Anguilla? Tips

Ballet/Dance for Children at Body & Soul in Sandy Ground starting soon.

The classes will be held on Thursdays at 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.. First class will be on Thursday, January 8th, 2004 for all kids who are interested. Age 4+, level : beginners and advanced. Info: 235 8399 or 497 8363 Email: [email protected]
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Tuesday, December 30, 2003

Le Grands Vins de France Ltd

This shop carries a wide selection of French wines, with some wines from the USA, Italy and Australia. Also Armangac and Cognac. Located in the South Hill Plaza, which is near Anguilla Trading.

Tel: 264.497.6498. Fax: 264.497.6152. Cel: 264.235.6498. Email: [email protected] and


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Wednesday, December 24, 2003

Jan 3: The Emerald Singers of Montserrat

The Emerald Singers of Montserrat will be performing in Anguilla on Saturday evening, January 3, 2004 at 7:30 pm. Their first performance in Anguilla will be at the Stoney Ground Primary School. The show is guaranteed to make the audience laugh, cry, cheer and stomp their feet. This touring group is a little over 30 years old and is recognised as the leading folk singing group in the region.

The Emerald Singers have toured extensively in Britain, the USA, South America and the Caribbean and has performed at music festivals all over the hemisphere. They have sung in all the leading hotels in the region including the Four Seasons Resort in Nevis and have performed on a wide number of cruise ships. Richard Aspin, the group�s leader, says �The Singers are excited about the opportunity to perform in Anguilla for we feel a strong affiliation with the Anguillian people. We have performed on many stages and in many locations, and welcome this opportunity to perform on the island of Anguilla where many of our members have relatives and friends.�

Tickets for the show are US$10.00 and are availed at All Island Cable and Joe�s Ice Cream, and will be available at the door.
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Anguilla Forums: Anguilla Forum Carib On-line

AHTA Auction #10

You can bid now on a 7 night stay in Bellavista villa (3 bd, pool, views). There is already one bid of $325 (with 3 couples that works out to about $15 per couple per night!!
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New: Christine's Art Gallery

Anguilla...home to a rich community of artists and galleries, welcomed another Art Gallery to her shores. Recently opened Christine's Art Gallery is located on the Blowing Point Road. Christine represents Loic Madec at the Art Gallery in Anguilla.

Madec was born in France and lived in Tahiti where he began painting. Backed by formal art training, Loic travels widely to various places and experiences different cultures which provides food for his brush. He works with various mediums and often depicts dynamic scenes. He has exhibited all over the globe including Hong Kong, China, Europe and the United States.

Opening hours: 11am - 6pm daily EXCEPT Mondays. Tel./Fax 264-497-8107. Email: [email protected]

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New Gallery Opens at Wallblake House

A new gallery opened last weekend in the historical Wallblake House (next door to the Catholic Church, near the airport).

Many artists were on hand, as well as Jo-Anne Mason who was signing copies of her new book, "Paddy The Goat", published by MacMillan.

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Internet Yellow Pages: All known Anguilla sites.

New Years at Sapphire Restaurant

Good view of fireworks on Anguilla and St. Maarten. All you can eat and drink for $60 pp. Dance the year away with music by "Front Line". 498-8000
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L'Indigo New Year's Eve Menu

Marinated fresh conch in olive oil, lemon and herbs. Crayfish salad with orange and vanilla dressing. Grilled filet of snapper, fresh asparagus topped with hollondaise sauce of gratin. Beef tournedos, mushrooms and foie gras in a crispy dough, black peppercorn or redwine source. Sauteed strawberries in a vanilla caramel served with champagne ad light whipped cream. $70 pp plus 15% service charge. One complimentary glass of champagne at midnight.
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Tuesday, December 23, 2003

Bread from a Stone Oven

I had the pleasure of seeing the workings of one of the Caribbean's dying traditions in the village of North Hill...baking bread in a stone oven.

The stone oven is the predecessor of today's gas/electric oven, often cooking bread just as quickly (in 45 minutes to an hour) and definitely with more flavour. This stone oven is constructed of a thick layer of cement blocks and mortar on the exterior and bricks on the interior. The oven has a hole on the side which is lightly covered on the outside by some galvanized tin held up by sticks.

Wood is placed in the oven and lit and allowed to burn for some time...usually a couple of hours. Then after the oven is hot enough, the burning coals are discarded of through the hole on the side. The cleaning effort is done with pointed sticks of different lengths, dipped in water just before and just after pushing the coal out.

The oven needs to be clear of burning wood before the bread is put in or else this would lead to buring of the bread. The bread is placed in on flattened wood sticks, with the larger loaves set at the back, the part that retains the most heat. After the loaves are in, the front of the oven is shut with a piece of galvanized tin held up by pieces of wood on the exterior. An hour or so later, delicious loaves will make a treat for the baker's family and friends. (Not for sale commercially.)

Story and pictures by Janine Edwards.
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Friday, December 19, 2003

New Gallery
For Lynne Bernbaum

Lynne Bernbaum Art Studio has found a new and spacious location at George Hill Landing. The gallery is fresh and open and Lynne is showcasing her Domino paintings on large colorful canvases and in petite sepia tone watercolors.

Market and Umbrella series continue along with new works of French Gardens.

Open hours are 11:00 to 5:00, Monday through Saturday at 264-497-5211, email:[email protected], website: www.lynnebernbaum.com
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New URL for Travel Light

A firm that will rent you baby carriages, etc. while you are in Anguilla. New address is www.web.ai/travellight
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Hibernia Restaurant

The Hibernia web site has been updated with:
New Starters menu
New Main courses menu
New Dessert menu
Additions to their art gallery
New Years Eve special menu
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Submit an Anguilla News Tip

Cross Channel Express

Don Fleming (497-4295, 772-6893) and Michel Edwards (497-8016, 772-3381, 011-5995-5-22079) offer a St. Martin shopping service. Minimum charge US $25.
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Villas on Shoal Bay, Anguilla: Villa La Vanda

Night Ferry to St Martin

From the Anguilla Forum: "The night ferry has been reinstated between Anguilla and St. Martin." The Hotel Association notes: The Government of Anguilla has negotiated with the French Authorities a reinstatement of the night ferry service between Anguilla and St. Martin. The new service will begin as of January 1st, 2004. Hours of operation will be as follows:

Depart Anguilla (Blowing Point Ferry Terminal) at 9:20PM
Depart St. Martin (Marigot Ferry Terminal) at 10:00PM.

Cost per passenger will be US$25.00 one way, tax included. Please note that the regular daytime ferry schedule remains unchanged. The Government and other Tourism Officials are pleased with this development, as it will address several opportunities: 1. Late connections for passengers traveling to Anguilla via St. Maarten. 2 Dining and other excursions for guests on Anguilla, St. Barths and St. Maarten/St. Martin. 3. Increased commuter service for locals.
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Tuesday, December 16, 2003

Chamber of Commerce News

The Chamber has established a communications center where members and community leaders can meet and discuss business matters. They have also started a program to actually measure the needs of their business members. The Chamber in association with the ATHA is also conducting interviews of members to find out what matters most to them. The interviews will be conducted by KIim Strauginb and Wilma Vanterpool, guided by Melinda Goddard a customer satisfaction consultant who lives on Anguilla.
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Anguilla Beaches: Over 30 Anguilla beaches.

New Years at Hibernia

Hibernia Restaurant has posted their "degustation menu" for New Years. It sounds great.
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Update: Pitch and Put Golf

Anguilla's new short course in Sandy Ground is getting better all the time. The artificial turf to finish the greens should arrive in Anguilla this week. The location and layout is great and this course has promise for the future. Still a bit rough so far with rocks and weeds, but already a fun lark for the family!


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Gossip and the Boys

Live music on Sundays again at Gwen's Reggae Grill on Shoal Bay (started last weekend).
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Anguilla Villas: Private villas for rent.

Overlook Happy Hour

I heard a rumor last night that the Thursday Happy Hour at Overlook includes dinner entrees at $11.50 - sounds great.
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Breakfast

Roadwell Cafe in Sandy Ground is now open for breakfast from 8am (closed Monday). And L'Indigo on Meads Bay has discontinued breakfast service (open for lunch and dinner).
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Monday, December 15, 2003

Upgrades at Lloyds

The interior at Lloyds Guest House on Crocus Hill has undergone a transformation: new colors, beautiful new floor tiles, new mural on the wall, new furniture, and some refurbished rooms!


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Sunset Entertainment Hall

Review by Connor Armstrong

This past weekend my friends and I went to a movie and had some treats. Although this was not unusual, what was different is that we didn't have to take the ferry, a cab and stay at a hotel overnight in St. Martin just to see a movie. Instead we just had to go to the Rainbow Isle Center on the Long Path.

The new theatre was much better than I expected, in fact it was very cool! It has a snack bar with a popcorn machine, drink cooler, and a four drawer clear box filled with gums, chocolate bars, sweets and grain bars. It also had posters up for upcoming movies such as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Seabiscuit, Freaky Friday and Rugrats Go Wild.

Inside the theatre room there were lots of clean blue velvet covered seats, a nice sized theater screen and a blue carpet. It also had a nicely placed air conditioner that didn't blow directly on you and left the room not too hot and not too cold, like it sometimes was in St. Martin.

Although I was treated, I think that the price was reasonable and won't strain my allowance in the future as it was only $3 US for kids and $6 US for adults. All in all my friends and I are really happy to have a movie theatre to go to on island.

Two thumbs up!!
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Anguilla Restaurants: All the restaurants and lots of menus.

Dinner Recommendation: E's Oven

Last night, five of us had dinner at E's Oven in South Hill. We called ahead and reserved a table on the porch (nice breeze and views of the garden). Everything was extremely tasty, beautifully presented and reasonably priced, including our entrees (Half-Backed Chicken, Pan-seared Yellow Tail and Seafood pasta. We split two desserts among the five of us: Mango Lemon Mouse and Rasberry Swirl Cheese cake. We can recommend all the items we tried!
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Christmas Lights

The lights have been lit on Coronation Blvd in The Valley - even better than last year.
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Christmas Cheer at the Governor's House

The Governor Peter Johnstone and his wife Diane hosted an unusual cocktail party last weekend. In order to attend, you needed to bring a wrapped children's gift with you, marked as to suitable sex and age. The gifts will be distributed to children in Anguilla for Christmas.

Picture to the right are the Governor and his wife, and below are party guests.


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Sunday, December 14, 2003

Art Festival Raffle

Preparations continue for the 4th international art festival in Anguilla, which will be Dec 1-8, 2004 (next year). To raise funds for the festival, there is a raffle of a trip for two to Anguilla (air, hotel, meals, and gifts!). Tickets are only $20US. The drawing will be on April 19, 2004, so get your tickets now. Tel: 264.497.2949 or email [email protected]
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Friday, December 12, 2003

Overlook Website

Deon's web site has the menus too!
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New Art Galllery Opening

The Wallblake Plantation House Gallery is opening December 20th with a gala celebration and book signing. Everyone on the island is welcome to attend. Refreshments wil be served from 3:00-7:00. The art gallery will also conduct tours of Wallblake house and grounds. Open daily except Sunday. (info via AnguillaGuide)
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Thursday, December 11, 2003

Horseback Riding!

We went riding with Tonia yesterday and it was great. Especially taking the horses out in the ocean! Who knew there were so many rural areas in Anguilla.

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Anguilla Questions? Email the Tourist Board at [email protected] or the Hotel Association at [email protected]

Grand Opening: Fran's Ice Cream

Fran's Ice Cream Parlour, Blowing Point. Saturday 13 December, 2003. From 12 noon to 5:00pm. There will be lots of free gifts, free rides for kids, special discounts. Tel. 772-0210.
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Tuesday, December 09, 2003

Radio Anguilla Daily News

Radio Anguilla is now posting news items on the internet daily. For example, today they report about an injury to Anguillian Cricket standout Omari Banks.
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Moonsplash: April 1-4

From the Anguilla Forum: "As passed on by an Anguillian connection (many thanks to the person who did some on-site research, and they know who they are), and confirmed in an e-mail received from the Anguillian Tourist Board , the dates for Moonsplash, 2004 are April 1-4. "
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Build A Tropic Villa: Beachshack

Hotels.ai Updated

We have updated our hotel directory with current prices, phone numbers, email addresses and removed dead web links. Next,we will be adding a couple of places that we overlooked and adding what on-line hotel reviews we can find.
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Pictures from the Soroptomist Christmas Fair

The fair was held last Saturday on the grounds of the Governor's residence in Old Ta.


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Santa at Ripples.

Santa Claus is coming to Sandy Ground. As always, he will be in *Ripples* between 5:30 and 7pm on Wednesday Dec 24, 2003. All children will get a free photo and a gift from Santa. If you pull his beard gently, he will say "Ho! Ho! Ho!" Don't be late.
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