Abruzzo News: 8 October 1999

The 16th beginner's course in Speleology will be held by the Chieti Speleo Club and directed by Michele Bucciarelli from 8 November to 12 December. On Mondays and Thursdays theory, on Sundays visits to the most intriguing grottos in Abruzzo (for information e-mail:larovere@pe.abol.it).

A bronze statue to thank the Canadian nation for the sacrifice of many of its children will be presented today. The work of Canadian sculptor Robert Surette, the statue was financed by the Canadian people. Last 24 December Canadian and German veterans who fought against each other at the Ortona Battle had a reconciliation dinner together in Santa Maria di Costantinopoli. The basement prepared in Ortona for the statue is made with fragments from the ruins of the city after the heavy bombing.

A special biking lane will be built in the territory of Pratola Peligna, Roccacasale, Corfinio, Raiano and Vittorito, which will connect the northern part of the valley to the Park and the railway. The mayors are to meet shortly to discuss the technical and financial matters involved.

The province of Chieti, in order to promote culture, art, gastronomy abroad, has invited a number of Australian operators for an Education tour which will take them to L'Aquila and the Gran Sasso on the first day, the Parco nazionale d'Abruzzo, Civitella Alfedena and Scanno on the second day, Valle del Sangro, Fara San Martino, Lanciano and Ortona on the third and finally the Museo Capitolare di Atri.