Pieve di Monte di Villa records

Posted on June 11, 2023 by Debra Kolkka

Ann Barsi and a wonderful group of people have got together to digitise the records of the Church of Pieve di Monte di Villa.

This is the first step in a multi-year project that will culminate in family trees for all of the families in the parish going back to the 1500s. If you have ancestors from the parish, and would like to follow the progress, contact Ann to be put on her email list….abarsi@verizon.net

Other parishes already completed are Pieve di Controne and Monte di Villa. There is an Italian/English book available for Pieve di Controne (€25) edited by Ann.

An English booklet compiled by Graham Bracci for the Parish of Monte di Villa is available for €7.50 (€25 if a family tree with your ancestors is possible).

All proceeds go to the respective parishes for much needed repairs and restoration. This year, it is exciting to note, that the money from book sales at Pieve di Controne was used to purchase a new small organ for the parish.

For more information contact Ann at abarsi@verizon.net.

Community centre open in Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on June 4, 2023 by Debra Kolkka

The Community Centre was opened yesterday in the old theatre in Ponte a Serraglio.

There lots of books, activities, computers and more…all done by a team from Auser and the Comune.

A lot of work has been done to set up the room.

For the next couple of weeks there will be art by 2 local artists on display. Open in the afternoon from 5.00 for a couple of hours.

There is something for everyone here. I hope lots of people visit. Formal hours are still being worked out.

Auser has a group of excellent shops nearby..preloved home wares. It looks like a well set up antique shop.

There is a preloved clothing shop.

There is also a place where you can have alterations done or use a sewing machine.

Well done Auser on the latest venture.

Motogiro D’Italia in Montefegatesi

Posted on May 28, 2023 by Debra Kolkka

The 23rd edition of the Motogiro d’Italia happened over the last week. 200 riders joined the historical re-enactment of the oldest and most prestigious motorcycle race. It is done in stages on vintage motorcycles.

On the final day riders stopped in Montefegatesi before heading down to Circolo dei Forestieri for lunch.

Here are some photos Mateo has kindly shared with us.

Montefegatesi had a fun day.

Ponte flowers

Posted on May 14, 2023 by Debra Kolkka

The lovely pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio are almost at the end. Some seem to be still flourishing while others have died. The weather has been strange to say the least.

I have begun planting yellow marigolds in the place of the dead pansies. They will all be planted over the next couple of weeks.
As usual, I will be returning to Australia in early June. If anyone is interested in helping to water the flowers when I leave please leave a message below.

A night at the casino

Posted on April 30, 2023 by Debra Kolkka

The casino in Ponte a Serraglio was full of people last night. It is great to see that beautiful building open and full of life. There was delicious food with games to follow.

Annalisa and her crew from Bar Italia did a wonderful job with feeding the crowd who came along to support a great cause and have a fun evening.

Where would we be without Virgilio on an evening like this? He had some help with the games.

Money raised from the event will go to making improvements in the Ponte a Serraglio area.

This is an excellent initiative, well done to all those involved. There will be another chance to attend on 20th May. Keep the date free.

Back in Bagni di Lucca

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Debra Kolkka

I have returned to beautiful Bagni di Lucca after being away for almost 4 months. I love the winter here, especially the view from my balcony in Ponte a Serraglio.

Time for a walk to see familiar things.

Spring will be here soon, I love that too.

It is good to be back in bella Bagni di Lucca.

Photos from the Montefegatesi chestnut festival

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Debra Kolkka

I wasn’t able to attend the recent festival in Montefegatesi, but friend Matteo Offe was there and took some great photos of what looked like a fun day. Montefegatesi has a great community spirit and it is excellent to see people come together and enjoy themselves.

Thank you Matteo for sharing a great day with us.

Pansies on the bridge

Posted on March 6, 2022 by Debra Kolkka

I braved the freezing wind today to plant pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio. The bridge will be closed for a week from tomorrow so I wanted to get them in first.

The magnolia tree in the background will be in bloom soon.

I am expecting several plants to be stolen, it happens every year. Last week a miserable grub chopped off some lovely little daffodils and placed them carefully in the pot.

Anyway, I love to see flowers on the bridge…spring is on the way.