The ‘Aste e Bilancieri’ club from Bitonto, which meticulously took care of every aspect, from tourism and leisure to cultural, did not neglect a moment of reflection and study regarding the no less important “…Women’s question”.
As many as 25 drivers in the squad gathered last Saturday morning at the ‘La Fajette’ hotel in Giovinazzo, a beautiful structure directly on the Adriatic sea and, after the usual formalities, the delivery of the gadgets and the official greetings from the organizers and the ASI delegate Carla Galli, the group left for the Sassi di Matera, a world heritage site.
To welcome the ladies at the wheel there could only be a representation of the Municipal Administration of Matera, with the very welcome presence, all in pink, of Councilor Lucianna Stigliani and Councilor Angela Mazzone; after the welcome “ritual photo” with the drivers, everyone on a tour through the streets of the Sassi to visit the ‘Museum of Rural Civilization’ and the ‘Historic House’. Not far away, a lunch based on typical Lucanian products awaited her, at the renowned Osteria Pico.
Returning to Bitonto in the afternoon in the elegant Hall of Mirrors of the Municipality, the awaited conference entitled: “…It is never an isolated issue” was held.
The “works” opened with the welcome and greetings of the entire Administration, the Mayor Francesco Paolo Ricci and the Councilor for Equal Opportunities Marianna Legista. This was followed by the screening of the short film on Bertha Benz, a true “pioneer” of women behind the wheel. Her courageous feat of driving the first woman in the world, a “motor carriage” in 1888 was the prelude to the topics covered in the conference, with a well-defined message: “only with determination and courage can all obstacles be overcome” . The lawyer Isabella Acquaviva who moderated the meeting in the Hall of Mirrors packed with the public, gave the floor to Francesca Spaccavento, Antonia Murgolo and Carmen Martorana who told their stories of successful life and professional experiences, transmitting the best sensations of positivity to everyone present. The conference ended with the delivery of themed gadgets specially created for the occasion.
The cars, previously parked and on display in the nearby Villa Comunale di Bitonto, were able to parade out in front of the large crowd of citizens, performing a nice and original test of precision “… between posts”. The winner, with just a few centimeters of penalty, was Patrizia Romano, aboard a 1959 Fiat 600.
The intense day on Saturday ended with the gala dinner in the Hotel, in the company of the sweet voice of Annalisa Marella, recently returned from Rai2 who performed famous themed songs such as, among others, ‘Solo tu nell’Universo’ by Mia Martini and the much acclaimed ‘Adagio’ by Lara Fabian.
Sunday 12 May, not surprisingly Mother’s Day, was dedicated entirely to the territory of Andria, with a first stop in the historic center and a visit to Giovanni Mucci’s historic Confetto Museum. After a short journey, there followed a guided tour of the still “mysterious” Federician manor of Castel del Monte, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History tells that in 1231 Frederick II of Swabia was the first to dictate rules against violence against women, with the ‘Constitutions of Melfi’ of 1231.
The reception by the Municipal Administration of Andria was also impeccable with the intervention and greetings of the Councilor for Youth Policies Viviana Di Leo.
Lunch at the Taverna Sforza 1910 at the foot of Castel del Monte concluded the event with warm greetings from the organizers and a goodbye to the next edition of Donne e Motori.
Of note is the participation of five crews from Campania, a crew from Lazio and a beautiful young Spanish driver from the city of Marbella.
The Telenorba crew followed the entire event which had the privilege of hosting driver Carla De Girolamo and co-driver Mayra Pietracola, well-known actresses and television program hosts.
Sincere words of appreciation from Carla Galli, Commissioner delegated by ASI for the Event, who in addition to having admired the cities and sites visited, was able to observe the organization and efficient team work of the all-female “staff” of the Auctions and Balancers Club, chaired by ASI Federal Councilor Leonardo Greco.
