A beautiful Mediterranean dawn.

At each end of the gardens chunky, modern and stylish signs robustly identify the community of Panorama Park. This style of sign will be used to uniformly identify the other communities throughout Señorio de Punta Prima.

A unique photograph of Punta Prima and Rocio del Mar (taken by owner John Upham from a light aircraft) showing the progress at Señorio de Punta Prima with Panorama Park and La Entrada in the top-left corner. The beach and exact point, lending the name to the area of Punta Prima, is at the bottom right, and is the first projecting headland south of Torrevieja.

Another splendid arial picture again courtesy of John Upham shows Torrevieja Harbour with the International Marina (top right) and the new fishing fleet wharf along the southern breakwater. Half-way along the wharf is the home of Pascual Flores a grand fishing vessel built on nearby Acequion beach, seen on the left of the harbour.

Several beach bars (or chirunguitas) have opened for business alongside the new promenade to 'compete' with the popular Nautilus Restaurant on Avenida de las Olas. By the way, Nautilus means submarine - but did you know that the sea off Punta Prima is part of the Spanish Armada submarine training area?.

Beyond the new Pitch 'n Putt, the race is on! An 'armada' of small yachts with young people taking part in a regular weekend racing regatta.

The beach bar, sunbeds and parasols ready for business, and finally, an early morning walk along Punta Prima beach.

Installation of the CCTV scheme at Panorama Park is complete and became fully operational in June 2007. The system consists of 32 high fidelity cameras mounted on the existing lamp standards in strategic positions to give complete coverage of the perimeter boundary. The infrastructure required laying nearly 5,000 metres of underground cables, ducting and optic fibre communications in trenches.

The system is linked to a control centre, currently shared with La Entrada, La Recoleta and Recoleta Parque and connected to a 'state of the art' digital recording system with split-screen colour monitors. Each camera will capture 25 images per minute with those positioned in more vulnerable areas individually set to take pictures more frequently; allowing the recordings to be stored for 21 days.

The contract with Falcon Security is not simply for CCTV monitoring. The arrangement includes provision of specially trained, uniformed and equipped Vigilante patrols, an 'Auxiliar' to monitor the screens giving views of the Community from every camera angle, whilst the Vigilante gets on with the job of patrolling the grounds. As the Beach Front development of Señorio de Punta Prima - the 'bigger picture' nears completion a permanent control centre will be constructed to house the technical equipment and provide a base for up to seven security personnel. The aim is to provide 24/7 protection to the whole of the resort.

Pictured here, Senior Falcon Vigilante Vincente Munoz Gutierrez introduces new patrol Vigilante Alberto to Panorama Park in the early morning sun. Auxiliar de Seguridad Conchi Perez Ramirez has the duty of monitoring the screens, operating the recording equipment and keeping radio communication with the Vigilante Patrols. Vincente Munoz Gutierrez makes radio contact alongside his patrol vehicle outside Panorama Park.

Planning for overall security at Panorama Park included installation of the three metre high fencing along the whole of the southern boundary. This single feature has provided significant and robust perimeter control and protection from potential intruders. Intensive planting of bourganville, plumbago and other Mediterranean plants has been completed. This work coincided with increased effort by the gardeners to bring up to standard the whole of this area including the emergency roadway and repair the unavoidable damaged caused during camera installation. The plants have grown to 'soften' the fencing and now provide a riot of colour in this sunny part of our gardens.

Combination locks have been fitted to all entrance gates to deter uninvited visitors to the grounds. All owners have been advised of the combination key that will give access to all gates but if a reminder is required it can be number can be found in 'Chalkboard' under the 'Information' tab.

The CCTV hardware investment has cost the community some 86,000 euro. It provides a high level of security and give peace of mind to owners and guests, whilst protecting the value of our investment. Importantly, Panorama Park is a founder member and major contributor to the main security provision for the resort and as such we will provide our input to ensure continued good management of the scheme. Owners can invest in a personal alarm system connected directly to the control centre and monitored by the Vigilante Service at no additional cost. The CCTV cameras and high visibility warning signs placed at strategic points represent an effective deterent against unwanted intrusion. Panorama Park has not experienced any significant incident or criminal activity in the Community since the CCTV patrol system was introduced.

The cleanliness of all internal communal areas has been entrusted to a new company, Servicios Auxiliares, Costa Blanca S.L.. under the direction of Nancy Arias Gonzalez, 'Jefe de Servicios'. Nancy is originally from Pereira, Columbia but has been resident in Spain for about eight years during which time she has developed her small company. She is rightly proud of the fact that her company provides cleaning services for Panorama Park and all our neighbouring communities.

Here is Magdalena our new cleaner at work. Magdalena is from Cale, a beautiful City in Colombia, South America, and in her spare time enjoys music and dancing, especially the Salsa! Mmm...

Alix Martin of Crista Pools is responsible for maintaining the pools in crystal-clear condition throughout the year. Alix is originally from Swindon but now lives with his family in Dolores.

Jose Francisco is our general gardening manager responsible for scheduling work, supervision of staff and ensuring the gardens remain in prime condition throughout the year. Jose Francisco is an ardent fan of Atletico Madrid.

The 'buck stops here'! Jose Manuel Cayuelas Espuch is contracted to maintain, develop and cultivate the sub-tropical gardens at Panorama Park. Owners, rightly expect a good deal from him. Jose Manuel has recently won the contract for garden maintenance at our neighbours, La Entrada.

Our gardener, Jose Alveiro, was born in Colombia but has lived with his family in Spain for some eight years. He has considerable experience in the cultivation of Mediterranean gardens and clearly enjoys his work here at Panorama Park. In his spare time his passion is football and is an 'oficionado' of Real Madrid.

Our Administrator Jose Ramon Morato of Gesfinsl has a new modern office located adjacent to the N332 at La Zenia. To reach the premises follow the N332 to the roundabout at La Zenia and turn right - and immediately right again along Calle Alhambra to Edificio Torregrosa on the right hand side. Access to the office is from the pathway on the left side of the building. There is plenty of onstreet parking nearby.

Hardly to be described as a 'key worker' but Roy Aldington was the first president at Panorama Park and now keeps an eye on proceedings from the sidelines. He is the originator, developer and administrator of the community website.

Our President for 2012/2013 is Lawrence Keegan who hails from Horwich, near Bolton in Lancashire but is now permanently resident at Panorama Park. Lawrence is retired from employment with a large publishing house in the UK where his specialism was in the installation of major computer systems. Lawrence was first made President in 2011 and re-elected unapposed at the Annual General Meeting in March 2012. He has pledged another 12 months in office so will bring welcome continuity to the management of Panorama Park.

Vice-President is John MacNamara who was born in Dublin, Ireland and retired to Spain following a long career as an information technology manager for the banking industry in London. John was previously president and vice-president and guided the community through several difficult years. John's accountancy skills are invaluable in tracking and balancing our budgetary outcomes. John's commitment, dedication and enthusiasm for the well-being of our community over many years is greatly appreciated by everyone.

Permanent resident Desmond Kent (elected member) hails from Market Deeping, a very pretty market town on the north bank of the River Welland in Lincolnshire. Des is a retired senior sales manager for a Swedish company supplying state of the art robots for the motor manufacturing industry - remember the 'Picasso' adverts on TV? He brings business acumen and 'savvy' to the Team and has been tasked to oversee our security arrangements.

Peter Sjögren (elected member) was born in Denmark and lived in the Copenhagen area for about 25 years. Peter has been an owner at Panorama Park since 2002 and became resident here in May, 2008. He is a skilled cabinet maker by profession. Peter speaks fluent English and quite a bit of German. Although he doesn't speak Norwegian or Swedish he can easily communicate with Scandinavian owners in his native Danish. Peter is eagerly looking forward his third year contributing to the management of the Community and will be responsible for the maintenance of our beautiful gardens.

Our Administrator, Jose Ramon Morato, of Gesfin Property Management, hard at work at his La Zenia office. Jose was appointed as our administrator on 1st January 2011 and his re-appointment was unanimous at the AGM in March 2012. He is an established member of the College of Administracion de Fincas Urbanas. Jose speaks fluent English and has been the administrator to the Communities of La Entrada, La Recoleta and Parque Recoleta since they were inaugurated. Gesfin deal with six other similar sized complexes and additionally, Jose has considerable experience in the Spanish Civil Service and in the Telecom industry.

Paulina is Secretary to Jose and his company Gesfin Property Management S.L. at their offices in La Zenia, Orihuela Costa (see 'Contact Us' for full details). Paulina is from Poland but has lived and worked in Spain for nine years. Clever girl, she is fluent in Spanish, English and Russian so she can communicate effectively with all our owners at Panorama Park.

Susan Turner is another valued member of "Team Gesfin", and her professional contribution is much needed and appreciated as the business steadily expands. Susan is originally from Manchester, England, but has lived and worked in Spain for over 24 years, so she is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to Spanish customs. She lives locally with her grown up children, who are both in full-time studies.

Many of us with internet access will be aware of the excellent Google Earth application that enables high quality imaging of the earth's surface, including Punta Prima! If you are not familiar with this FREE download from Google do consider it now. And when you zoom into Spain, the Costa Blanca, Torrevieja, Punta Prima and, well, Panorama Park - enjoy the incredible views. Look at some of the photographs of familiar places and sights - and, maybe, upload some of your own favourite photo's. Can you find where the first photo in this section was taken?

Torrevieja's landmark walkway, Vista Alegre, has reopened for the summer season after a 3.1 million euro refit. Part of the improvement includes the installation of pergolas to give shade, bench seating along both sides and improved lighting.

Major work to prevent coastal erosion between the promenade and the Nautilus Restaurant at the end of Avenida de las Olas is complete. Huge granite blocks have been imported to keep the sea at bay and the popular vista point has been refurbished with new seating, paving, flag poles and lighting. The length of the promenade has stylish high level street lights and chunky, modern benches on which to perch and admire the views. The beach has also been developed and improved and now has toilets and resident Cruz Roja First Aid base.

MV Atlantic Sun registered in Limassol, loads with salt at the Muelle de Sal. This fine grade salt has travelled one kilometre by conveyor-belt from the Torrevieja salt lakes and is probably destined, not to season food dishes but to de-ice winter roads in northern Europe.

The community is home to four healthy and active cats each wearing a distinctive collar and the responsibility of dedicated residents. All vet's bills are paid by the community as reward for their mousing skills and dealing with the odd snake or two. This then, is 'boss-cat' Marmalade a ginger tom who specializes in 'peeing' on everything and everybody, animal, vegetable or mineral - alive or dead - he doesn't much care!

For the eighth consecutive year a pair of Lesser-Kestrels have returned to nest and breed at Panorama Park. This is excellent news because these hunting birds not only efficiently keep rodents under control but do a terrific job in detering pidgeons from colonising the buildings. Watch out community 'moggies'!

The extensive gardens and walkway located between Panorama Park and the Don Quixote commercial area have been completely refurbished and enhanced to great effect. The work has been carried out over several months by a group of supervised young people who have repaid a debt to society following court sentencing for various misdemeanours. The area is much improved as a result.

Ryan 'Skipper' Jolliffe demonstrating the art of water skiing outside the Harbour of Torrevieja - in January! Brrr!

We are blessed with a beautiful coastline and many superb blue flag beaches close to Punta Prima. Most are safe to swim from - for most of the time. Always be aware of the possibility of currents at your local beach. Be very aware that in certain conditions there are dangerous 'rips'. Rips are strong currents which can easily pull strong and experienced swimmers from shallow waters out to sea. Rips are responsible for many drownings on the Costa Blanca every summer. Together with 'CoastRider', the following good advice is offered...

Be Safe...Don't swim too far out of your depth...Always keep children under supervision...Try not to swim alone. If you are planning to swim alone always let someone know when you plan to return. If in doubt about prevailing conditions, ask the lifeguard or Cruz Roja (Red Cross) member on duty.

Many of our beaches have Lifeguards or Cruz Roja volunteer members from 1st July until October and Torrevieja Council is investing nearly 750,000 euros in the service. Always observe the safety signs and follow lifeguard instructions. The young man pictured here is Alex, one of many Cruz Roja (Red Cross) volunteers who patrol, observe and provide valuable life saving and first aid facilities on our busy beaches. Muchas Gracias Alex and friends!

Spotting a Rip Current... Look out for brown or discoloured water - this is caused by sand being stirred up from the sea bed..Look out for foam on the surface of the water...Watch for debris floating out to sea...Be aware of a rippled patch of sea, when all the water around is generally calm.

If you get caught in a rip current...Try to remain calm and don't panic...Don't fight the current-you will tire out before it does...signal to people on the beach by raising your hand and shouting "Socorro" (Spanish for "Help")...Try to swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the rip current-then try to get to shore.

Did you know that man-made structures can be very dangerous for swimmers? Harbour walls, jetties and piers can cause large breaking waves and unpredictable undertows.

Be especially aware of currents ,when the wind is blowing strongly from the land.

Hot weather and a warmer sea in July and August will herald the start of the Jellyfish season. Last year record numbers of jellyfish were sighted all around the coast of Spain and Portugal. Mediterranean jellyfish, which are 95% water, do not have lethal or powerful stings. However, some people could suffer a powerful allergic reaction and should seek immediate medical help. The treatment for most people who have been stung is to wash the wound with salty water and cool the area with ice in a plastic bag.This should reduce any pain from the sting.

EMERGENCY NUMBER: 112

Remember: On beaches where flags are flying..

RED Flag means DO NOT ENTER THE SEA. Swimming is prohibited.

The YELLOW Flag means that bathers should take CARE and be aware of changing conditions.

The GREEN Flag indicates that conditions are considered safe.

Children on Beaches.

In another new initiative parents with small children on our beaches can register their details with the duty Cruz Roja patrols, a scheme aimed at identifying lost children.

Each child will be given a bracelet with a unique identifying number. Parents will naturally keep a close watch on their children but If the child does get lost the parent or carer will be telephoned by the Cruz Roja beach staff. This service is extended to elderly and disabled people.

The Community has a long established plan for the maintenance, cultivation and improvement of our gardens. The aim is to keep the gardens in Mediterranean style, with trees, shrubs and plants indigenous to the region. The President and the Management Team will direct and oversee the work and liaise closely with the gardening contractor in order to keep the momentum for progress going.

In this section we will look at various parts of the garden throughout the seasons and highlight some of our many beautiful plants and trees. The first picture shows two of our several Lion trees, native of Tenerife, the specimen on the right in full flower. These particular examples are valued in thousands of euro each so derserve professional care and attention.

Late June and two of our many Cycad shrubs (these are Mexican cycads) are in bloom for the first time in six years! One of our gardeners, Emmanuelle, shows the male and female versions. They bloom only in five or six year cycles and, of course, it is important to synchronize this event. The female will eventually deliver violet coloured fertile seeds.

The next picture catches a beautiful Stephanosis floribunda, originally from Madagascar, climbing the pergola between Portals 10 and 11, with an abundance of exquisite, large creamy white trumpet shaped blooms. In the evening the aroma is wonderful.

Early September and a freak hailstorm has left the pitch 'n putt course, and everywhere else, snow-white (photo Martyn Currie). Sudden 'Gota Fria' (cold-drop) rain-storms also flooded the area but the storm drain along the southern boundary performed well, directing the rainwater towards the sea.

Winter spectacular! A rainbow at the bottom of the garden.

Autumn and all our high palms and trees have been vigorously cut back for 'cosmetic' purposes but, more especially, to ready them to withstand the winter storms and coastal winds. This work is traditionally carried out at this time of the year by specialist tree surgeons and will prevent costly damage to these mature specimens.