The Almeria Focus – July 2023

The Almería Focus

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A Hot Summer

Meteorologists are forecasting a hot summer in Spain with the possibility of storms and higher than normal humidity. Fortunately, in coastal areas this will not be as bad as inland. Looking at records that began to be kept in 1980, they state that the hot summer season is getting longer, increasing by nine days every decade, now totalling an extra five weeks. Experts consider that the ideal temperatures for sleeping in the summer are between 18-21 degrees but this year they expect more “tropical nights” when the temperature stays at above 20 degrees.

The large and streamlined Almería city IKEA store opens on July 5th with 200 employees and 7,950m2 direct sales areas. We have more details in our “In the News” section.

Spaniards go to the polls on Sunday, July 23rd when there is a General Election, called by the P.S.O.E. in power (roughly a Socialist party) after poor results in the municipal elections. Only Spanish nationals can vote but there will be posters put up and meetings organised.

Prediction for the period from July to September are that there will be 9,300 more jobs in our province, the majority in the hotel industry, followed by bars and restaurants and tourist related activities. A survey of the number of beds for tourists in hotels, hostals, rural accommodation, tourist registered apartments and camping in our area concludes that Mojácar is absolutely unique, in that there are about 18,300 beds available with a normal population of just over 7,500 with 4,500 people living in the beach area. Highest numbers in other places include Vera and Vera Playa, who have accommodation for 12,000 people, but 18,000 residents. Passenger numbers at Almería airport of 245,000 in May were 18% up on May 2022, but 16% less than in May 2019. Travellers from the UK were just over 30,000, the highest number of international visitors.

Almería University have opened a large Natural History Museum that is open until July 30th free

of charge, and we have details in our “In the News” section. The visitors centre at the Los Millares Bronze Age archaeological site near Almería city is being expanded with better facilities.

Forthcoming music events include the Villaricos Dreambeach festival now back in August this year on 9th-13th, when they hope to attract 150,000 visitors once again, and the Cooltural Fest event in Almería city from August 16th-20th. The Maestro Padilla concert / performance venue in Almería city, owned by the Almería council, is temporarily shut for major work costing 600,000 euros. 75 solar panels are being installed on the roof and the air-conditioning is being replaced along with the lighting. 80% of the cost is coming from EU ‘FEDER’ funding. Many performances of different types now move to the open air and at the end of August, Almería city hold their annual ‘Feria’ at the Recinto Ferial with other events in the city and promenade.

July 16th, a Sunday this year, is the fiesta day of the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of the sea and fishermen, celebrated in coastal areas. Following a special religious mass, large statues are taken out to sea on decorated fishing boats including in Garrucha.

Tuesday, August 15th is a major national religious fiesta day and Monday, August 28th is the fiesta of San Agustin, patron saint of Mojácar.

Editors note: As in other years there will not be a Focus magazine in August, but we return in September.

In the News

IKEA Opening

It has been announced that the new IKEA store in Almeria city will open on July 5th, and Mónica Martín who has worked for IKEA for 12 years will be in charge. The store has cost 45 million euros and covers 14,000m2 of which 7,950 are direct sales areas, with over 5,000 products. In keeping with all their stores there is a restaurant. Their “Order and Collect” service allows people to order items in the store and return to collect them the next day, or have them delivered. The online “Click and Collect” service is for people who can order goods from the IKEA website or mobile phone app. There are 200 employees and 80 of these have moved from other stores to share their expertise. Opening hours are from 10am-10pm, Mondays to Saturdays, and 10am-7pm on Sundays (to be confirmed).

More AVE News

The AVE (High speed train) can only arrive in Almería city when all the sections between there and Murcia city have been completed. ‘ADIF’, the Spanish rail authority have announced that the last section that has so far not be authorised, the underground section in Lorca, is now ready for tenders. Of the 3.2km, 2.9km is underground and the budget price is 360 million euros. The construction time is 32 months that will start in the first quarter of 2024. The “post recovery” EU grants are available until the end of 2026, and the intention is that the funding will pay for all the present work, but the big question is “will it be finished?” When it is completed there will be protracted testing that in other parts of Spain has taken more than 12 months. Work has started near Níjar on installing the enormous reinforced concrete sections that go between each upright on a viaduct over the Rambla del Maltés (a dry river bed). Each of the sections for the 525m long viaduct are 40m long and weight 230 tonnes and have been fabricated close to the line.

Airport Numbers Going Up

Up to the end of May, passengers using Almería airport totalled 245,000 which is 18% better than in 2022, but still 16% less than in 2019. During

May there were 86,000 passengers, up 13% from May last year. Of these, 35,263 went to or from a Spanish city, whilst 49,996 came from abroad, up by 8.2%. International traffic contributed 58.6% of the airport’s activity, and the UK accounted for 30,127 passengers followed by Belgium (6,229), Ireland (3,193), Holland (3,070), France (2,896), Poland (1,757) and Luxembourg (1,755).

A New Almería City Museum

The Rector of Almería University, Carmelo Rodríguez, opened a large Natural History Pavilion on June 9th, alongside the botanical gardens on the university campus. The exhibits include a stuffed tiger, vultures, eagles, bones, fossils, minerals and native plants. One of the crowning items will be the skeleton of a large whale suspended from the ceiling, but it was not there at the opening ceremony. It is intended that apart from a tourist attraction, the museum will become a teaching centre for children and a Research Centre for Scientific Collections. More than 50 staff and researchers from six areas of study: Zoology, Genetics, Botany, Didactics of Experimental Sciences, Soil Science and Plant Physiology have been involved in the creation of the museum and the 1,500 exhibits. The museum covers 868m2 on two floors and has taken four years to open from the initial plans, at a cost of 1.28 million euros. It is at the Edificio Científico Técnico V , Ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120 La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería, tel: 950 214 751. (On the coast not too far from the airport). The museum is open from July 3rd until the end of July, from 10am-2pm, Monday to Friday, with no charge for admission. It reopens September 11th with the same hours but with a ticket price of 3 euros, with no charge for children under the age of 12. It is intended that groups can book guided tours by emailing cecoual@ual.es.

Still Reduced ‘IVA’ (VAT)

The scrapping or reduction in IVA that applies to food products was set to run out on June 30th. The Spanish Finance Ministry have announced that “at present” it will continue to remain in

In the News

force. There have been requests that the reduced IVA should apply to meat and fish, but the authorities state that this is not necessary. One of the theories put forward for the reductions continuing is the date of the General Elections in Spain on July 23rd. The existing government don’t want to lose votes by alienating the general public!

The Bank Windfall Tax

When excess profits were forecast from banks in Spain, mostly because the ‘Euribor’ (interbank lending rate) started to go up by a significant percentage, a windfall tax on their income was announced. An unforeseen profit is known in Spain as having “fallen from the sky” and a windfall tax of 4.8% was levied on bank commissions and interest, payable in 2023 and 2024. Banks immediately claimed that this was not fair and made their calculations on how much they would have to pay with loud complaints. There has been some creative accounting, and in practically all cases they have excluded the commissions and interest that is generated outside Spain, although it appears on their balance sheets here. The Spanish Finance Minister, María Jesús Montero, has been in consultation with the Spanish Treasury but at the moment they seem to consider that the banks may have a valid argument. The total target for 2023 was to generate 1.5 billion euros that was later amended to 1.3 billion, and the first of the two payments the banks had to make by February 20th brought in 637 million euros. With the banks excluding commissions and interest from outside Spain, they have adjusted their initial estimates. CaixaBank has forecast a tax payable in 2023 of 373 million euros instead of their initial estimate of 400-450 million, Sabadell forecasting 157 instead of 170, Bankinter 77 instead of 80100 and BBVA is forecasting 225 million, similar to their prediction as they do not have major business outside Spain. Santander, with a much greater external income than BBVA, has estimated their tax to be less at 224 million. As the Euribor went up to 4% in June, with a possible further rise, bank profits will go up. When the second payment has to be made in September it will in

all likelihood be close to, or more, than the total initial target for 2023 of 1.5 billion euros! Last month, we commented on the salaries and perks of the heads of the four largest banks in Spain that were in 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th place as regards the income of the heads of other major banks in the EU. They are not exactly feeling the pinch that many of their customers are experiencing.

Still Forging Ahead

As regards the number of people paying into the Social Security system, so employed or selfemployed, the numbers for our province are much higher than the national average. During May, not normally a very buoyant month, the total went up to 322,000 which is 8,000 more than in May last year. As we are coming up to the summer season with more people employed in the tourist industry, there are high expectations that the numbers will continue to rise. Unions put the rise in May down to good export figures, particularly in the agricultural sector where more workers have been needed, and good pay in general. 53,621 people were registered as being unemployed in May which is just under 6,000 fewer people than May 2022. In all of Spain the number of unemployed persons is 2.7 million which is the lowest number in May since 2008. The total of employed persons has gone up to 20.8 million, the highest number ever, and it will almost certainly rise during July.

Not Wearing Helmets

People on scooters and motorbikes (including passengers) have to wear helmets, and if they do not they face a fine of 200 euros and a loss of four points. Also, a helmet is now mandatory for people using the new electric “personal mobility” scooters, and if not they can be fined 100 euros. A study by the ‘Mapfre’ insurance company has concluded that 10% of traffic sanctions in Spain relate to not wearing a helmet, or not having it properly fastened, which is the third most common road traffic offence. 35% of accidents involve a motorbike or a normal scooter but wearing a helmet gives a 30% less chance of serious injury or death. Sadly, up to the end of May 86 people had

In the News

died in accidents involving a motorbike or scooter in Spain, which is 20% of all road traffic deaths. It is quite obvious that a large number of people using electric scooters either do not know they have to wear a helmet, or have chosen not too, and accidents can result in severe injury or even death.

Endesa Fine Confirmed

On March 25th, 2014, a fire at the Sierra de Gádor (the mountainous area in the southwest of our province) burnt 3,200 hectares. Fire investigators traced the cause of the fire to a short-circuit causing sparks from overhead electricity cables that belonged to Endesa, the power company. It was determined that there had been insufficient maintenance, and a court in Almería city fined the company 8.4 million euros. The court case went to appeal, with the same findings, and then to the Supreme Court. Endesa have been claiming that the overhead cables were damaged by a ‘JCB’ or similar machine with a high reach bucket, but there were none being used in the area at the time, and a nearby farm only had tractors. In the initial court case, it was ruled that Endesa had to inspect power lines in forest areas every year, and they hadn’t done this. The Supreme Court confirmed the sentences of the previous courts, and Endesa have to pay the Junta de Andalucía (who put the fire out eventually) the 8.4 million euros plus court costs since the first appeal.

Exports to “Down-Under”

In 2022 products from Almería province to Australia amounted to 36 million euros, 20.3% of exports from Andalucía that has a 10% share in the market there. Olive oil accounts for 50% of imports, followed by stone, plaster and cement, prepared fruit and vegetables, and appliances. An Andalucía Trade delegation has been set up in Sydney as Australia is considered to be a country with high purchasing power and a very stable economy with 25 million inhabitants. Additionally, Australia is undertaking a rapid investment in infrastructure, and several Spanish companies have won multi-million contracts including Navantia, Acciona and Ferrovial.

Los Millares Expansion

Los Millares in Santa Fe de Mondújar, 22km from Almería city, is one of the best examples in Europe of fortified buildings, workshops, and a graveyard, from the Bronze Age. The Junta de Andalucía have put out to tender a new visitor and information centre of 1,859m2 with a budget price of 2.4 million euros, 75% financed from EU funds. The centre will have a space for 120 people to have conferences, a reception area, exhibition area, café, a shop and toilets. An outside covered area with tables and seating is for visiting school children and there will be a parking area for bicycles. Up to the end of March there have been 3,500 visitors.

General Elections In July

The P.S.O.E. political party (roughly a labour party) are in power in the Spanish Parliament, helped by a coalition with the left-wing Podemos party. The results of the municipal elections on May 28th were not as good as had been expected, so almost as soon as the results were known, the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, called for new General Elections on Sunday, July 23rd. He became Prime Minister in June 2018 when a noconfidence vote in parliament ousted the previous P.P. (roughly a conservative party) Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy and his party, and this was the first successful no-confidence vote in Spain ever. There had been no indications that this would be the case, and Pedro Sánchez was relatively unknown. Because many people will be on holiday

In the News

on election day there was an immediate surge in applications for postal votes that could be applied for from May 30th, of more than 100,000 per day in the first 10 days. The rules regarding returning completed postal votes to the post office have been amended following a big scandal in Melilla (The Spanish enclave near Morroco). 11,700 people, 21% of the voting population, applied for a postal vote, an indication of massive vote rigging as the normal national average is 3% - 4%, so the rules were changed. Under the existing rules any person could take a completed postal vote application into any post office in Spain without needing ID. The new regulation was that all completed postal vote applications in Melilla had to be taken to the main central post office with photo ID, and at all post offices in Spain receiving votes destined for Melilla the person had to produce photo ID there. Following the rule change, only 49% of the people who had applied for a postal vote did so! This slightly amended new rule is now in place for the General Elections. The Director General of the Post Office has announced that they will temporarily employ 20,000 extra staff, or more if this proves necessary. Only Spanish nationals can vote in these elections.

Grants for Performance Centres

The Andalusian Agency of Cultural Institutions that comes under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, has announced grants for performance centres, totalling 1 million euros, paid for by the EU ‘Next generation’ funding. Various municipalities will receive the money that is a grant towards the cost of existing projects or to fund new ones, and some of them have been announced. Others are in the course of being approved and include Mojácar (24,247 euros), Arboleas (62,409 euros), Huércal-Overa (55,286 euros), Cuevas del Almanzora (66,974 euros) and Vera (27,956 euros). The grants awarded focus on projects for the modernisation of audio systems and network communications, digital lighting systems, digital video systems, and digital management of stage machinery, as well as digital tools and systems for artistic management and the production of shows.

Private Solar Installations

Endesa, the electricity supply company, has stated that self-consumption solar installations for homes and businesses, up to the end of June, are double that in all of 2022 and three times more than in 2021. There were 115,000 new installations in 2022 and calculations are that this year they will exceed 200,000. 86% are in Andalucía and have a maximum output of 1,215 MW (1 MW is 1 million watts, so 1.215 million watts). 99% of installations have a surplus amount of electricity produced that can be sold back to Endesa, but FACUA ,the consumer organisation, say that this is a bad deal. A new alternative is that the surplus energy is calculated and available to be used on cloudy days, or at night time. José Manual Revuelta, the director general of Endesa, states that the paperwork is too complicated, with multiple agencies involved. He states that Endesa will work to simplify this and have better contact with individuals and installers. As we mentioned last month, solar energy and wind farms that supply energy to ‘Red Electrica’ (the Spanish National Grid) had an output that was more than the amount that was being used by consumers for 9 hours on the weekday May 16th from 10am until 7pm.

COVID-19 In Almería

The pandemic has not gone away, but numbers are going down, and in our province we have the “best” numbers in Andalucía. In the second half of June there was one death, taking the total since March 2020 up to 1,400 but in the same two weeks throughout Andalucía there were 64 deaths. Throughout the three hospitals in our province there were four people who had been admitted but none in intensive care. Confirmed cases in people over the age of 60 are dropping and the numbers went down to 35 per 100,000 having fallen from 73 per 100,000 in May. During the first fortnight in June, 109 people contracted COVID-19 and tested positive. Wearing masks in hospitals, health centres, dental centres and farmacias is still a requirement but was being revised at the end of June by the Health Department. Starting in October, people over the age of 80

In the News

and health workers will receive the approved vaccine made by the Spanish ‘Hypra’ company.

Roquetas de Mar Grand Plaza Centre

From June 21st until the end of September, the shopping centre in Roquetas de Mar will be open every day of the week including any fiesta days. There are 125 shops, 20 restaurants and 3,500 parking places with the shopping centre covering 65.000m2.

Mojácar Residential Home

“Jardines de Mojácar”, the new Residential Home is now open for the registration process for people who would like to stay there. The home is close to the sea on a large plot of land and has 26 double and six single rooms. In regards to healthcare professionals, it has a medical service, technical healthcare assistant, physiotherapist, social worker, psychologist and occupational therapist, as well as extensive areas for activities and multisensory therapies, leisure and the promotion of personal autonomy. There is a large kitchen, two dining rooms and a gymnasium for rehabilitation sessions. The gardens have a walking and rest area and there is private parking.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in men after lung cancer and colon cancer. 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with it, 90% being over the age of 65, and the average age when diagnosed is 75. June 11th was World Prostate Cancer Day and the Spanish Association Against Cancer puts the number diagnosed last year at 36,000 with 478 in our province. Fortunately, the treatment is very successful, and the death rate is only 0.13%. To some extent prostate cancer is genetic, in about 10% of cases, but the exact cause is still not fully understood. Caucasian men develop the cancer about 10 years after the black race population, and Asians are about in the middle, but the reason for this is not totally clear either. Other factors are a poor diet with too much fatty food, smoking and to some extent alcohol consumption. ‘PSA’ (prostate-specific antigen)

tests carried out on a blood sample are the ones that show the disease and these indicate a normal, medium or excessive level. Digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography, and tissue diagnosis (a biopsy) may be necessary that will indicate the most effective treatment which may be radiation therapy or surgery.

The New Film Museum

The Cortijo del Fraile in Níjar, in the Cabo de Gata natural park, is a famous building that goes back to the 18th century when it was a farmhouse built by Dominican Friars. It has inspired many writers, and the most famous is the “Bodas de Sangre” (Blood Weddings) by Federico Garcia Lorca. This is based on how, in 1928, Francisca Cañadas Morales, a 27-year-old woman who lived in the farmhouse was forced to marry Casimiro Pérez Pinos, aged 30, in a convenience wedding. However, on the day of her wedding, she decided to elope with her true love, who turned out to be her cousin, Paco Montes. Finding out what had happened, the intended groom’s brother decided to wait for the escaping couple to pass by, and murdered her lover. His body was found next to Francisca’s wounded body, but she survived the attack. The brother was caught and sentenced to eight years in prison and Francisca lived to the age of 84 but always refused to discuss what had happened, deciding that she had brought shame on her family. It has also been the backdrop for films for many years, and in 2015, “La Novia”, starring Inma Cuesta, was a film version of the events in 1928. It was in private ownership for many years and was starting to fall down. The owners were required to make repairs in 2011 when it was declared to be a ruin, but finally the Almería council, backed up by the Junta de Andalucía, stepped in and bought it and surrounding land for 1.95 million euros. The Ministry of Culture have approved the plans to turn it into a provincial film museum and a spokesperson from the council has stated, “We are initiating the procedures for hiring a consultant for the design of the spaces and the determination of the different uses of the property.” It is hoped that 3 million euros from the EU ‘Next Generation’ funding will be made available.

In the News

9,300 Summer Jobs

‘Randstad’, the human resources agency, has calculated that in our province some 9,300 people will be taken on during the summer, and this is 5% more than in 2022. The jobs are predicted to be in commerce, transport, tourism, hotels, restaurants and leisure activities. The company estimate that as regards the increase in numbers from 2022, the hotel trade will see the largest increase, followed by leisure and sport activities, and then restaurants.

Good House Sales in Andalucía

Figures relating to house sales in 2022 show that in Andalucía they were more than the national average. 80%, 107,000 properties, were second hand, with 26,000 new ones. Sales in Granada and Almeria provinces were up 15% on 2021 figures with an average price of 128,000 euros in Granada and 108,000 euros in our province. The cheapest province in Andalucía was Jaen where the average price was only 80,000 euros. Figures for 2023 so far are that sales are still going up along with the prices although inflation and high mortgage costs are slowing purchases down slightly. The subsidies for young people buying a property will probably help the numbers to rise.

Cosentino to Open US Factory

The Cosentino company with their headquarters in Cantoria have signed an agreement with the authorities in Jacksonville in Florida to build a factory there to produce their worktops and other products. The proposed factory will cover 130 hectares (0.5 square miles) and will be 30 minutes from the Jacksonville port and alongside the major Interstate 10 highway. The cost is put at 250 million euros with a probable opening date of 2028, and there will be 180 direct employees in the first phase. A sister company ‘Cosentino North America’ was formed in 1997, and sales to the US and Canada last year were 59% of turnover. Employees in the US at present total 1,400 and the head office is in Miami. Worldwide, Cosentino have 45 centres / warehouses, 10 major showrooms and 5 distribution hubs. Apart from clients in the US and Canada, the new factory will provide products for

Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska. Eduardo Cosentino is the CEO of Cosentino North America and states that the new factory will greatly improve their efficiency to service customers and will cut down their carbon footprint. The mayor of Jacksonville, Lenny Curry, has stated that they are delighted to welcome Cosentino to their area, which is the ideal place to work, live and enjoy leisure activities.

Too Many Seagulls

Almería city is experiencing a large increase in the number of seagulls, and this is put down partly to the availability of food from garbage dumps and landfills, and a large nesting area. They are becoming a real nuisance and there are complaints about the noise they make at night with their continual vocal calls. Their excrement litters the streets and covers cars and buildings. The city council is proposing “non-lethal” methods to combat this and a contract has been given to the company ‘Andaluza Tratamientos de Higiene’. There will also be a campaign to manage the presence of food in garbage dumps.

Overtaking Cyclists

There are many deaths and injuries in accidents between cyclists, motorbike and scooter riders (including the new personal mobility electric scooters) and vehicles. Recently, the Guardia Civil traffic police have been reminding people of the current laws. In March 2021 the ‘DGT’ (The Spanish traffic authority) proposed changes that are normally rubber stamped in parliament. The existing law was that vehicles passing a cyclist

In the News

had to give them a minimum distance of 1.5m on conventional roads with traffic coming from both directions with a single carriageway on both sides. If necessary, a vehicle could cross a solid white line, providing this did not put oncoming traffic or another cyclist in danger. The DGT proposed increasing this distance to 2m and increasing the loss of driver points. Another proposal was that the speed when passing a cyclist had to be reduced by 20km/h below the existing speed limit. When the new proposed regulations were debated in parliament and passed in March 2022, the 1.5m distance separation was kept in place on normal carriageways, but on a dual carriageway a vehicle is obliged to completely change lanes when overtaking and a vehicle cannot be in the same lane. The points lost for not observing the new regulations, or putting the riders at a severe risk of an accident, were increased to six, with the same fine as before of 200 euros. The 20km/h drop in speed was amended to be that a vehicle had to reduce speed to a “safe speed” when overtaking. When there are a group of cyclists they can ride two abreast, but not when visibility is reduced such as on bends or curves, or adverse weather conditions, when they have to be in single file. This also applies if a group of cyclists are causing a traffic bottleneck. Cyclists are liable to the same alcohol and drug limits, except that for minors on electric scooters, the alcohol limit (and drug limit) is nil.

Retirement Pensions

People receiving Spanish retirement pensions are paid the monthly amount 14 times a year. They receive twice the monthly amount on about June 25th (sometimes this is not paid until July1st or 2nd) and November 25th, intended to help with summer holidays and Christmas expenses. A Focus magazine reader contacted us following an item in our May magazine regarding income tax allowances as it was slightly ambiguous. The Spanish pension and a UK state pension paid into bank accounts in Spain in euros, are liable for income tax as they are taxed the same as earned income. There is a flat rate allowance of 2,000 euros and an age allowance of 6,700 euros from age 65-74 and 8,100 euros over

the age of 75. The balance of any taxable income is subject to income tax of 19% for an amount up to 12,450 euros and 24% from 12,451 to 21,200 euros. The government are intending to put retirement pensions up each year from 2024-2027 by a total of 22%. The Spanish Organization of Consumers and Users, ‘OCU’, has surveyed bank accounts that they recommend for pensioners and the ‘CaixaBank’ is the one that they highlight. They have a current account for pensioners with no opening charge and no commission, providing a monthly pension is paid in of a minimum of 300 euros, and some bills are paid out through direct debit. There is a free credit card with some use required, and they have 13,000 ATMs. If one of their bank machines is out of action, they will refund any charge levied from using another ATM. Also, the account can be managed fully digitally.

The British Teacher in Roquetas de Mar

We have previously commented on the 11-year prison sentence handed down to a former British teacher at the private St. George’s school in Roquetas de Mar, for having full sexual relations with a pupil who was under age when it started. Part of the sentence was for taking indecent photographs and videos of the girl in sexual acts. His sentence was increased by 12 months for following the girl and her mother to Germany where they had gone to live, to try to get them to withdraw their complaint, in breach of a ban from contacting her and leaving Spain. He has now had another two years added on, convicted of inappropriate sexual contact with her cousin, after he had plied her with alcohol. The total sentence is now 15 years.

Road Accidents Involving Animals

The Spanish RAC (RACE) has published guidelines relating to the danger of road accidents with large animals. Their first item of advice is to take note of road signs that warn of the possibility of animals such as deer or goats crossing the road. The vehicle speed should be reduced with a greater distance between them. If you are travelling at 80km/h, heavy braking will usually stop an accident from an animal 60m away, but at 100km/h the stopping distance is not sufficient. You shouldn’t

In the News

take evasive action that can cause your vehicle to cross into the path of other vehicles or leave the road, with the likelihood of serious injuries. Motorists should not sound or lean on their horns, as this may cause animals such as a wild boar and their young ones to scatter, making them more difficult to avoid. If it is at night time, switch from main beam headlights to dipped ones, so as not to dazzle them. If you see one animal, there may well be more of them! If you do have a collision, put the vehicle warning lights on, a reflective jacket if you get out, and put out warning triangles, or the new ‘Helpflash’ lights that can be put on the roof without getting out. Motorists should not get close to an animal that appears to be dead, as if it is only injured it still can be dangerous. If you are certain that it is dead, don’t touch it! Ring the emergency services, and when they arrive, tell them the direction an injured animal has taken. Most insurance policies will cover any vehicle damage.

The 50th Newspaper Anniversary

The ‘Ideal’ newspaper, the first private newspaper in our province, recently hosted a gala concert in Almería city to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The concert was performed by the Almería City Orchestra and soloists, conducted by Michael Thomas who has been their conductor for a number of years. The newspaper now publishes editions in Almería, Granada, El Ejido and Jaén.

Transplant Figures Back to Pre-Pandemic

Francisco Guerrero is the transplant co-ordinator at the Torrécardenas hospital in Almería city, and on the National Day of Organ and Tissue Donation, he gave a summary of organ donations and transplants in 2022 and this year. Figures are back to pre-pandemic ones with double the number in 2022 than in 2021, and up to May 31st this year there were 22 more donations than the same period in 2022. There were 66 donation procedures including organs, corneas and skin tissue, and 26 people donated 70 organs between them. This helped with the 900 transplants in Andalucía during 2022. Apart from organs there were 62 cornea donations and 12 of joint tissue. In

2022 there was the first donation of organs from a person who had been approved to undertake euthanasia. The number of people in Andalucía with kidney transplants is now 20% more than people on dialysis. Francisco Guerrero thanked the families who had agreed to organ donation which was 96% of the ones who were approached following a death in hospital, and the age of the donors was from a two-year-old to a person aged 84. Flowers were laid at the base of a statue outside the hospital in memory of organ donors.

A Hot Summer

The Spanish Meteorological office are forecasting a hot summer for the three months starting on July 1st, although there will be some rain. They give a 50%-70% chance of it being one of the five highest summer temperatures experienced between 1993 and 2016. Spring this year has seen the highest temperatures with an average of 14.2 degrees, the hottest since 1997.

The New Electricity Tariff

Some months ago, when the cost of electricity had gone up alarmingly, Sara Aagesen, the Spanish Secretary of State for Energy, announced that the method of calculating the P.V.P.C. tariff would be totally revised. 40% of the population have this tariff and the cost is calculated every hour. The cost has gone down substantially, and at the end of May it was 72 euros per MW/h (1 million watts per hour) compared to 187 euros in May last year. The new calculation will be based on the anticipated cost in the medium and long term, and was expected to be introduced during July. The aim is that the present daily fluctuation that is an average of 27% will be reduced to 17%, and the monthly fluctuation over one year will be reduced from 23% to 16%. What has happened is that Teresa Ribera, Minister for the Ecological Transition, has announced further talks with interested parties. The cost of electricity has come down, and people in hardship on the P.V.P.C. tariff can claim the ‘bono social’ that gives them a discount. It is now probable that the new tariff will not be introduced until the start

In the News

of 2024. Along with many other proposals, the General Elections on July 23rd affect imminent announcements. Nevertheless, Spain has to reform the tariff which is a requirement from the EU.

A Population Decrease

The life expectancy in Spain in 2023 according to the United Nations is age 83.99, going up every year, and in 2020 it was 83.61. This means that the number of people retiring, and being paid a state pension will go up, and in an ideal world an increase in people in work and paying Social Security will balance this out. In our province however, up to May from the beginning of the year, there were 2,222 births and 2,422 deaths, so 202 more deaths. These numbers come from the Spanish Institute of Statistics and there is a very slow increase in deaths in Spain, but more pronounced here. In an article we comment on assisted reproduction being necessary for many women starting a family later in life than in previous years, and most births have occurred in women between 35 and 39 years (a total of 769). The next oldest age group with the most births is with mothers between 40 and 44 years old (a total of 501). From 45 to 49 years old (a total of 23) births and one to a mother aged over 50. As regards deaths, the highest age is over 90 (a total of 514), then age 85-89 (a total of 449). In another news item we comment on current COVID-19 figures and since 2020 Almería province has recorded 1,400 deaths, so this has to be taken into account. All economic growth models underline that there has to be more births than deaths.

Record Results For ‘Inditex’

The ‘Inditex’ fashion group comprising Zara, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Pull&Bear and Stradivarius is owned by the Ortega family and last year they replaced their CEO with Marta Ortega, one of the daughters. Their share price went down whilst financial experts took note of the new CEO and, as we mentioned in an article dealing with the effect of the war with Ukraine, they had to sell 502 shops in Russia, employing 9,000 people, which had been 5% of their total turnover. This

year, all these problems have been overcome and at the end of May the share price went up from 25 euros to 32 euros, and the Citigroup bank forecast a price of 35 euros. This meant that their value on the Spanish Ibex stock exchange went up to just over 100 billion euros, and the ‘Ibex-35’ overall value also went up as a result.

The Bob Dylan Tour

During June, Bob Dylan was touring Spain with mixed reactions. Fans complained that he was very unfriendly, didn’t say hello or goodbye, and sheltered behind his piano which was a long way from the front of the stage. His songs didn’t include many of his best known songs, but nevertheless, fans considered that at least it was an opportunity to go to a concert by the 82-year-old who has become a recluse. Any photos, even by the press, were banned and all mobile phones had to be put in special bags with an electronic lock. If someone did want to respond to their vibrating phone, they had to go outside to a special area. Tickets for the 11 dates of his tour, with an average audience of 2,000, cost 120 euros and the concerts started at 9.45pm and finished promptly at 11.30pm.

Municipal Elections

Following the elections on May 28th, in most of the 8,100 municipalities there was an overwhelmingly clear margin of votes, so the political party that won, who then had a mayor or mayoress appointed, was evident. In some municipalities there was a less clear result but the list of councillors and the mayor or mayoress was supposed to be decided 20 days afterwards,

In the News

so Saturday, June 17th, so this year on Friday, June 16th instead. If there were still negotiations ongoing, the date becomes July 7th which is 40 days after the elections. This applied to Mojácar and Carboneras whilst allegations of vote rigging were being investigated. In Arboleas, by June 16th, it was agreed that there would be a mayor for two years and a mayoress for the other two. In Albox, the Con Andalucía party with 6 councillors joined forces with the P.S.O.E. party who had 3 councillors, which stopped the P.P. with 8 councillors having a majority. A similar coalition was formed in Turre, always a multi-party council. There was a unique situation in Fiñana near Tabernas, as there was a mix up and one voter who had gone to the wrong room consequently put their vote in the wrong ballot box, which should have been spotted before it happened, not immediately afterwards. To try and correct this, before counting began, one voting envelope was taken out of the ballot box in the room with the extra vote and it was destroyed.

Unfortunately, the P.S.O.E. party had a majority of just one vote when the counting and recounting finished. The election authorities ruled that the voter should have been identified as being in the wrong room straight away, which was the whole point of having a census list to cross their names off, and destroying a random vote was not the correct procedure at all and quite unnecessary. Also, as it was completely unknown who the person who had their vote destroyed would have voted for, the elections were null and void. New elections will be called at some future date. The P.S.O.E. with the one vote majority considered that they should take charge in the municipal council until then, but this was disputed of course! Rarely, after recounts, there are exactly the same number of votes for two parties, and if there is not a third party who can form a coalition with one of them, a representative from the electoral authorities comes and tosses a coin. This happened in 2019 in one municipality in our province.

A Bad Season for Mosquitoes

Heavyrainfall and high temperatures have resulted in an unusually high number of mosquitoes, particularly in coastal areas. Emilio González, president of the Society for the Study and Recovery of Almeria Biodiversity (Serbal), points out that these weather conditions are the perfect cocktail for mosquitoes to proliferate.

Operatives from specialised companies try to combat these with sprays that come from backpacks, identical to types used to treat COVID-19, or cannons that are mounted on vehicles. They can be successful in limiting the growth of mosquitoes but can’t eradicate them.

Having a mosquito buzzing round you whilst you are in bed is extremely annoying. Do you get up, switch on the lights, track it down, throw something at it, or find a spray, or just pull the covers up higher and hope it goes away? Mosquitoes like to choose bodies with higher temperatures, so you may be bitten, but not your partner. When one does bite you, the consequent itching is really annoying and creams take some time to work.

Places such as Roquetas de Mar and Las Salinas are where a special type of mosquito is found that lives on saline water marshes, but they don’t come into houses. The common urban type (Culicidae), love water that is stagnant and is very common in gardens or communities. A pool that is empty except for rainwater is a haven, along with a pool that is poorly maintained. Pool covers in place for a period of time are not helpful, as their design is intended to keep the water temperature higher and therefore breed more mosquitoes. Mosquitoes love water in any container, and rainwater pools where it has not drained away. Expert advice is to regularly check your garden areas and roof terraces, private ones as well as community ones.

The other type of mosquito prevalent for a few years now is the Tiger or Asian mosquito (Aedes albopictus). They have a white stripe on the head, white spots on their body and white bands on their legs. Because they are a relative newcomer

the bites are more painful, as our immune system is less efficient. These are not good news as they can spread Yellow fever, Dengue fever and Chikungunya, and they bite during the day, not just at night. Usually, a common mosquito will bite the upper part of the body, but tiger mosquitoes fly lower and choose lower body areas.

The Spanish Ministry of Health has a National Plan for the Surveillance and Control of VectorBorne Diseases and their director stresses that “the tiger mosquito right now is the main threat in Spain because it has already invaded the entire Mediterranean basin.”

They have introduced the “mosquito alert” app that can be downloaded from Google Play or iTunes to be able to chart the progress of the mosquito and develop plans to combat it, considered to be an essential Public Health task. The app has four buttons. The first one is to take a photo of a mosquito, then experts using artificial and human analysis will identify the species, which will be sent to your phone. The second button has a body shape to indicate where a bite has occurred as this also helps identify the type. The third button is to identify breeding areas in public spaces (not private areas). The fourth button has a map to confirm the location and any notifications.

The app does not include an ability to take a photograph of a bite, because this varies greatly with individuals.

A tiger mosquito

So Now You Know...

The First Rabies Vaccine

The French microbiologists Louis Pasteur and Emile Roux developed the first rabies vaccine in 1884. Louis Pasteur first used it to treat a nine-year-old boy, Joseph Meister, on July 6th, 1885. Joseph had been bitten by a rabid dog and almost everybody infected with rabies died. The treatment started with a subcutaneous injection on July 6th, 1885, at 8pm, which was followed by 12 additional doses administered over the following 10 days. The first injection was derived from the spinal cord of an inoculated rabbit which had died of rabies 15 days earlier. Fortunately, the injections were successful and Joseph survived and fully recovered.

International Tiger Day

Also known as Global Tiger Day, this takes place every year on July 29th. The aim is to spread the word that tigers need to be protected, and existing numbers allowed to increase by the conservation of their natural habitat. The date was created in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia as the number of tigers had fallen by 95% since the beginning of the 20th century. Tigers can live in a wide variety of natural habitats, from forested habitats, grasslands and mangrove swamps to harsh, snowy forests of the Russian Far East. Unfortunately, tigers are thought to be extinct in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Bastille Day

Bastille Day, or French National Day, is on July 14th and is the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789. The Bastille was a military fortress and prison that was considered to be the prime example of the tyranny and power of the French Monarchy. The uprising by Parisian revolutionaries was in response to a famine, extreme economic hardship, and class tensions. The French Revolution lasted from 1789-1799 and led to the end of the French monarchy. It put forward the ideas of freedom and liberty that extended to other parts of Europe, and it completely changed the political structure in France.

Gingersnaps

July 1st is the US ‘National Gingersnap Day’, although they are popular in many countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and to a lesser extent in the UK. They are usually called “cookies” or “biscuits” and most recipes use molasses and brown sugar as sweeteners, and some add maple syrup to the mix. Garnishing with seeds and nuts makes these cookies even more delectable, and ginger gives a combination of a sweet and sour taste. They tend to be dry and hard, so people in the UK like dunking them in a cup of tea. Ginger is one of the first spices to have been exported from Asia that arrived in Europe.

The Space Race

July was an important time for the space race of the 1960s. The first crewed mission to the moon, the Apollo 11 Mission, was launched on July 16th, 1969. Four days later, on July 20th, Neil Armstrong made history by taking the first step on the moon whilst declaring, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind!” The lunar module had landed on a lava flow christened “the sea of tranquillity”, and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin joined him 19 minutes later. They walked round for three hours, collected rock samples and planted a US flag. A TV camera sent images back to the mission control centre at Houston.

International Justice Day

July 17th is International Justice Day, also known as the Day of International Criminal Justice. It recognises the importance of an international code of justice ,and the first World Day for International Justice was celebrated on 17 July, 1998. On this day the Statute of Rome was signed which marks the creation of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC is the first permanent and independent international judicial institution capable of trying individuals accused of the most serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, including the crimes of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Assisted Reproduction

In1998, the Virgen del Mar private hospital in Almería city opened their Assisted Reproduction Unit, so this year is their 25th anniversary. José Luis Castillo is in charge of the department, and the number of babies born since it was set up is just over 1,000. The hospital is now owned by the ‘Vithas Group’ with 35 centres in 13 provinces and 12,500 employees.

Calculations reveal that up to 20% of couples in Spain have some problems with infertility. Problems increase with age, and the average age for a woman having her first child in Almería province was 27.9 in 2020, 30.2 in 2021, and 31.5 last year, partly because during the COVID-19 pandemic more women waited until it was over to start a family. A woman aged 30 has a 50% less chance of becoming pregnant compared to women between the ages of 20-24, and this is even greater over the age of 35. Over the age of 41, 50% of women trying to conceive will have to have use assisted reproduction.

For reasons that are not entirely clear, the World Health Organisation has pointed out that the sperm count in men also decreases with age, but this is much higher than expected. Since 1973 when records were kept, the quality and concentration of sperm has gone down by 51%, dropping each year, but more so recently since the year 2000. A man is considered to have fertility problems if their sperm count is only 40 million per millilitre and if it goes down to 15 million per millilitre, they are considered to be infertile. This has become a feature of sperm donation and is very worrying. In the last five years, the 15% of potential sperm donors who were judged to have a sufficient concentration has now dropped to 8%. This is also very worrying because the average age of a potential sperm donor is younger than age 35.

The large Bernabeu Institute in Alicante that analyses fertility problems and offers treatment, states that the success rate for assisted reproduction in Spain is very good. For this reason, many women from other countries come to their

clinic, making up 55% of the people they treat, and arriving from 137 countries.

In 2017, a Dutchman, Jonathon Meijer aged 41, revealed that he had fathered over 100 children after giving sperm in Dutch clinics, and he was banned from doing this any more. However, he continued to offer his services abroad, including at a sperm bank in Denmark, and advertised his willingness to donate sperm on social media sites, where he often used different names. He boasted that in all, he had fathered over 600 children. A court in the Hague has now banned him from giving sperm worldwide, with a fine of up to 100,000 euros per donation, if he continues to do so. The court stated that when these children became able to have their own sexual relationships and a woman becomes pregnant naturally, there could be hidden problems. This was considered to be against the right of these people to have a fully private life. The court underlined that there was a real danger that if a couple both born through artificial insemination then found out who was their biological father, and in both cases it was Jonathon Meijer, they would be directly related.

The court has ordered him to reveal all the clinics where he has provided sperm and they will be contacted, and asked to destroy any of his sperm donations that still exist.

The Virgen del Mar Hospital

Your Dirty Mobile Phone

Usinga mobile phone is now an activity that applies to over 95% of the population of the Western World. It is fully accepted that they can be a major cause of traffic accidents, and in most countries including Spain, it is an offence to use them whilst driving. They can also become addictive, coining the word “nomophobia” if a person does not have their mobile phone close by.

A new study by scientists at Leicester University has revealed that mobile phones are a real health hazard. Their findings relate to the UK, but apply worldwide. A large number of people take their mobiles into the toilet when they are not just urinating, and excrement present on a person’s hand can easily lead to E-coli if it is transferred. E-coli can cause diarrhoea, mild or severe, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. Most people wash their hands after going to the bathroom, before or after cooking, cleaning and gardening, but almost never after using a mobile phone.

Giving children your mobile phone is common, partly to keep them occupied, but children’s hands are rarely completely clean. People also use them whilst eating outside the home which can transfer food particles that generate microbes, and put them on a table that is not germ free. Where they are put in the home can also be very unhygienic.

Apart from E-Coli, infected phones can lead to a skin infection from Staphylococcus, Actinobacteria that can cause tuberculosis, Citrobacter that can lead to painful urinary infections, and Enterococcus that is known to cause meningitis. The research study found that pathogens found on phones may be ones that are becoming resistant to antibiotics, causing respiratory infections that are very difficult to treat and can be life-threatening. COVID-19 transferred to the plastic surface of a phone will be present for several days, and during the pandemic the US Centre For Disease Control stressed that cleaning a mobile phone in a hospital or health centre was as important as cleaning lift buttons, door handles and equipment. The

same precautions should be taken at work, public transport and schools as COVID-19 has not yet gone away.

The US Federal Communication Commission recommended cleaning mobile phones daily, which almost no-one does, and using at least a 70% alcohol wipe or spray. Sprays should be put on kitchen roll or a tissue, not directly on the surface, and never near connection points open to the air. The sides, backs, edges and the touch screen all have to be wiped. Bleach will kill germs but should never be used to clean phones. Having done this, wash your hands well!

Advice when out of the house is that phones are best kept in a pocket or bag and the 70% wipes should be used frequently. On public transport where a person occupies a seat that someone else has vacated, this is particularly important. If a person has nothing more than a slight cold, they should still not share their phone with other people, and phones used by children should be wiped afterwards.

If you want your mobile phone beside you constantly (and everybody does!) the advice is that it should be kept closed in a cover, not always open to the air. Good advice if you want your phone beside you all through the night, is to put it in your bedside cabinet. Mobile phones used in vehicles to give GPS directions, or to play music, should also be cleaned regularly as well as any brackets if you use them. Finally, your phone chargers needs a clean as well!

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Community News

Do You Need Help Transporting Your Much Loved Dog Between Spain and the UK?

We are AA Dog Rescue, a fully registered charity (CIF No: G01720309) in Spain and we drive our own vehicles and rescue dogs to their new homes every month. We often have space to transport a few private pets. We will treat your dog as one of our own ensuring that whilst in our care they are well looked after, kept safe, loved, fed and watered. We truly love, care about and understand dogs as it’s our vocation to help them in rescue. In fact we love all animals and can also safely transport cats & ferrets!

We can take away the headache of getting all the necessary paperwork together for the journeywe do it for our own rescue dogs so it’s second nature for us and one less thing less for you to worry about. We drive in fully UK & EU authorised and DEFRA approved vehicles.

Our collections & pick-ups are: IN FRANCE: Calais

IN THE UK: Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Berkshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Kent, Sussex, London, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk & Hampshire

SPAIN: Anywhere on route on the AP7 from La Jonquera to Valencia, E-15/A-7 and then down as far as Baza & surrounding towns.

We can help you but you will also be helping other rescue dogs as all profit from the transport fee will go towards the welfare and up keep of other rescue dogs in our care. So your dog will be helping another homeless dog who is not as lucky as them! For this reason our transport costs are very competitive.

Please call us to chat about your requirements on +44 7779 588735 (UK mobile or by WhatsApp) or emailcharley@aadogrescue.org.uk if you think we can help each other.

PAWS-PATAS Bringing a Pet to You

By: Chrissie Cremore

The saying is “raining cats and dogs” but PAWSPATAS are offering more of a trickle at their forthcoming events. Make a note in your diary to come along and see some of the puppies and kittens currently looking for their “furever homes”.

PAWS-PATAS Outlet in Turre: Saturday, 1st July10:30 - 13:30

PAWS-PATAS Outlet in Las Buganvillas: Saturday, 22nd July - 10:30 - 13:30

Not only will there be some gorgeous fluffy bundles of love but also tea, coffee, cakes and homemade preserves. Various stalls, Tombola plus an amazing choice of fabulous summer clothing and more on offer in the outlets.

PAWS-PATAS animal shelter is brimming with happy, healthy pets and they would be ecstatic if they were adopted into a loving, secure home. What are the benefits of having a pet? It has shown to be psychologically, emotionally and physically beneficial. Caring for a companion animal can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment and lesson feelings of loneliness and isolation in all age groups. When you adopt a pet, PAWS-PATAS ensures that they are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and have a passport. You will get a new best friend In the bargain and receive unconditional love, companionship and lots of happiness for many years to come.

However, “Fostering” is also another option. PAWS-

Community News

PATAS relies heavily on the generosity of people who are prepared to offer a temporary home to one (or more) of the animals in our care. Many of the animals taken in, due to various personal problems by their owners or those who have simply been abandoned. Living with a “Foster Family” helps them adjust and socialise; allowing them to build up their confidence and get used to a normal lifestyle. The charity will provide bedding, food, medication if required and all the practical help you need.

If you are not a position to adopt or foster, then just come along and talk to the volunteers about all the other areas you can get involved with. Walking the dogs, socialising with both cats and dogs. Helping with “vet runs” or in the outlets. If you want to get involved with this marvellous animal shelter who have been saving lives and finding homes since 1989...they look forward to welcoming you! For further information about the animals...email: dogs@paws-patas.org or cats@paws-patas.org. Also visit their website: www.paws-patas.org

came home with six age group trophies, which were individually made at one of the local potteries. As a team (4 fastest runners) we finished 9th and one a prize for being the 3rd best represented club.

The winner finished in a speedy 32:01, with the first lady in 39:29. 182 runners crossed the finish line. Trophies were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each age group as well as to the overall winners.

Los Bandidos results (position, name, time and age group prizes) 108

Los Bandidos Race in Sorbas

Thirteen Los Bandidos runners took on the fifth race in the Circuito de Carreras Populares Diputación de Almeria 2023 in Sorbas on Saturday, 17th June. The 9k race started at 19:30, with the temperature still tipping 30 degrees! The hilly route, leaving the sports centre straight up a hill, went through the town, along a rambla, avoiding a few muddy puddles, then a long steady climb, followed by a steep downhill, with the final sprint up hill to the finish line. We won one raffle prize and the ladies

182

In the Sub-14 category Guillermo Moscardo Cherel ran 1k and finished in 5th place in a time of 05:32.

Full results: https://www.cruzandolameta.es/clasificaciones/v2/sorbas-circuito-de-carreras-populares-diputacion-de-almeria-2023---1814/#clasificaciones

Los Bandidos is a local group, set up by Kevin Rowe in June 2018. The group started with a small number of regulars and has grown with runners, joggers and walkers, from permanent residents to regular visitors and holiday makers, covering the 5k Mojácar Paseo. All ages, nationalities and speeds are welcome! We also have a road cycling group, a triathlon group and a group of sea swimmers.

If you would like more information please contact Kevin on ironmankev08@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ groups/490933409244200.

What’s On

Almería

The 56th Almería Flamenco and Dance Festival continues until July 22nd. Young performers such as Israel Fernández and Mercedes Luján join forces with José Torres ‘Tomatito’, Sonia Miranda, Farruguito, Vincente Soto ‘Sordera’ and Belén López. The performances take place in various locations including the Maestro Padilla Auditorio, the Guitar Museum, Almería Castle and the Cathedral Cloister. Many performances are free but there is a charge for some of them. The Farruguito concert on July 7th at 9.30 is at the auditorio and tickets are 25 & 30 euros. The Bélen López concert is on July 10th at 9.30pm at the Alcazaba castle and tickets are 15 euros.

Sonia Miranda, Rancapino Chico & Vincenti Soto perform on July 19th at 9pm (tickets are 20 euros)

Israel Fernandéz on July 20th at 9pm (tickets are 25 euros), Mercedes Luján on July 21st at 9.30pm (tickets are 20 euros) and Tomatitio closes the cycle on July 22nd at 9.30pm (tickets are 25 euros). The 19th-22nd concerts take place in the Cathedral cloister.

The Grand Chinese Acrobatic Circus comes to Teatro Cervantes, Almería city, on Thursday, July 27th & Friday 28th, at 9pm. Tickets are 30 euros.

The musical Chicago comes to Teatro Cervantes, Almería city, on Saturday, July 8th at 10pm. Tickets are 10 euros.

The Onbeat company bring El Musical de Los 80s and 90s performed by Spanish artists, following excellent reviews in Madrid, to Teatro Cervantes, Almería city, on Saturday, July 29th at 10.30pm. Tickets are 18 euros.

What’s On

Garrucha & Vera Cinemas

The annual ‘Cooltural Fest’ music festival in Almería city takes place from Wednesday August 16th – Sunday August 20th and the location is just off the beach and promenade at Calle Argentinia at the Nueva Almería area. Over 60 musicians and DJs will be performing and Wednesday is the Cooltural Fest Kids event, followed by the opening on Thursday 17th. The main concerts at the Recinto Principal are on the Friday and on Saturday and Sunday there is a beach event. Admission is free on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and for the Friday and Saturday events the cost of a ticket for both days is 65,90 euros, from www.coolturalfest. com.

Tickets for Teatro Cervantes, Almería city, from box office at Calle del Poeta Villaspesa,1. Open Mon-Fri, 11am-1pm & 4pm-7pm, Saturday from 11am-2pm, or 1hr before performances, or from www.todaslasentradas.com

Tickets for concerts in Almería (except Teatro Cervantes) available from the ticket office in the Teatro Apolo, 25 Rambla Obispo Orberá, Almería , tel: 950 230 922. Mon- Fri, 10.30am-1.30pm

The open-air summer cinemas in Garrucha and Vera have started and run until the first week in September. There are a variety of Spanish films that change every 3-4 days. The screens are 13.5m x 5.5m with Dolby sound with an audience capacity of 500-600 people and all the films start at 10pm. Admission is 5,50 euros. The organisers state that in 2022 after a stop because of the

pandemic, Garrucha attracted more cinemagoers than Vera. In Vera the films are shown at the municipal pavilion, next door to the Reyes Católicos school on Calle Antonio de Torres, with parking. In Garrucha the Cine Tenis cinema is on Calle Tenis, near Mercadona. At both locations there is a variety of hot and cold food and drinks that can be purchased. Films and dates for Garrucha can be seen at www. veracines.es/cartelera-garrucha and for Vera the same website with vera instead of garrucha.

What’s On

Open Mic Night every Thursday at Miraflores, Los Gallardos, kick off at 8pm. Everyone welcome.

PAWS-PATAS The secondhand book sale at Scotty’s El Tropico is held on the second Tuesday of the month, 10.30am - 1pm. All proceeds to stray cat neutering.

Send details of your events to almeriafocus@gmail.com or WhatsApp 667 80 11 40

Villaricos

Dreambeach 2023 Villaricos music festival takes place on August 9th-13th. Tickets are available for individual days or the whole event, with or without VIP or camping, from www.dreambeach. es. See the website for all the information and prices.

Miscellaneous

MACS Celebration of Life event is on Saturday, July 8th from 7pm-11pm, at Finca Morena, Los Gallardos. There is food included, live music from Jack Law & Lady Ellen, and people are invited to bring their own bottle. Tickets are 13 euros, call Shannon on 681 664 808.

Age Support Summer Funfest

Saturday, 15th July at Arboleas Community Centre.

Trips by Carlos

August 1st, trip to Alicante to see Tom Jones. Coach, 1 night in a 3* hotel and ticket 180 euros. For bookings ring Carlos: 610 681 068.

What’s On

Market Days

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Huércal-Overa, Antas, Berja

Albox, Los Gallardos, Cuevas del Almanzora

Mojácar, Bédar, Lubrin, Vélez Blanco, Palomares, Tabernas

Cuevas del Almanzora, Olula del Río, Carboneras, Sorbas

Garrucha, Turre, Zurgena

Aguilas, Vera, Arboleas, Vélez Rubio

Sunday: Rastros, Car Boot Sales, etc.

Villaricos, Purias, San Juan de los Terreros, Fines

Saturday:

Sunday:

Los Llanos, between Arboleas & Albox

Bédar, 2nd Saturday of the month

Chiringuito Extreme, Hostal Rural, Turre Plaza del Rey, Velez Rubio

Mojácar Rastro, Multiple Use Centre

Activities - Clubs - Associations

Clubs, Societies & Activities

Free Spanish and English Lessons

Available in some municipalities. Enquire at your local town hall.

Almanzora Group of Friends

Library and Information Centre, Tues - Fri, 10am-1pm, Plaza San Antonia, Barrio Alto, Albox. Extensive English Library, DVDs and talking books, monthly magazine, monthly quiz, trips. www.almanzoragof.org or Facebook: Almanzora Group of Friends. Tel: 602 495 306

Almeria Link Friendship Group

Membership is free and open to all. We meet at weekends in the Mojacar area to enjoy dining experiences and form friendships. New members are always welcome. Please contact Bob on 950472551

WOW Women on Wednesday Scotty’s, Mojácar Playa, 2pm. Get together, buy, sell, swap, meet new people.

Dames in Huércal Overa

3rd Wed. of the month, 10.30am, Tennis Club, Huércal Overa. All welcome. Tel. Jan Oliver 642 413 945.

Dames in Turre

Monthly lunches and trips. New members welcome. Chairman, Barbara Wardley, casaroojo@hotmail.co.uk. Secretary, Moira Armatage +34 711 007 192, mogsy2009@ live.com

Flamenco Forum for English

Speakers on Facebook. Information and events. Tel: 687 480 694

The Royal British Legion - Zurgena & District Branch

La Parrilla, Albox, first Thursday of the month, 11am. Email zurgenaRBLsecretary @yahoo.co.uk. See www.britishlegion.org/ branches/zurgena

Indalo Hash House Harriers

Meet 2nd and 4th Sunday, 11am, various locations. www.indaloh3.com

Mojácar Bridge Club

Contact Les Brice 697 297 991 or Ron Hounsell 711 064 726. www.bridgewebs. com/mojacar/

Vera & District Lions Club

We meet regularly including social events. For more information please email veralionssecretary@gmail.com or contact President Zoe Rylett on zoerylett@gmail. com - 639 036 051. All items gratefully received at The Lions Charity Shop in Turre. Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10:00-14:00. Mobility equipment available. Donations and Standing Orders to Vera And District Lions Fundraising. ES19 3058 0186 3527 2000 7801

The Royal British Legion, Mojácar

First and third Thursday of every month (except July and August) at 11am, coffee and chat at Cokkia Restaurant (opposite Neptuno). Ex-Forces and non-Service people all welcome. We hold lunches and other events which we publicise at the coffee mornings and on local media. For welfare advice and help for the exForces community in need of support email SpainNorthCommunitySupport@rbl. community. If you wish to hold an event in aid of the Poppy Appeal or help at our collection points in October and November please email Mojacar.Committee1@rbl. community or ring 699 953 222. We are now on Facebook, click on Groups and search for Royal British Legion Mojacar Branch.

Psychic Development Circle

Various classes at different times. Everyone welcome. Tel: Barbara 637 469 937 barbaramoonlight@gmail.com

Vera Photo Club

First Sunday of month, Bar La Pará, Turre (opposite the Vet), 10am - 12.30pm. Presentations by invited speakers, field trips, instruction, studio photography, monthly assignments and exhibitions. All levels welcome. Phone Sarah 670003717 or Claus 628585538.

Freemasons in the Province of Almeria

Craft & Chapter. 661 026 912 or 670 27 27 37

Freemasons – The Side Degrees

Mark, RAM, RSM, OSM & Allied. 678 574 579

Albox Computer Club

Hotel La Parrilla, Albox. Fri, 10am. All levels of experience are welcomed. www. alboxcc.com

Traditional Japanese Reiki and Gendai Reiki Ho

Classes, workshops, and Reiki shares in Mojacar. Tel: 634 347 930, website: www. gendaireikispain.com

Ancestry Club for Beginners & Intermediate

Tel. 634 309 590

Mojácar Community Library

Multi-Use centre. Mon, Wed and Fri, 11am - 1pm .

Activities - Clubs - Associations

Clubs, Societies & Activities continued

Amigos de los Coches Clasicos

Local multi-national group of classic car enthusiasts. Meetings the first Thursday of the month, 3pm, Hotel Rural Miguel Rosi, junction 559 E15/A7. www.a-c-c.es, email: info@a-c-c.es, tel. David 630740502

Antas 1/10 Scale RC Club

Thursdays 10.00am at RC Circuito, Antas. Ring Chris on 634328059 for more details.

Model Aero Flying Club, Cortijo Grande

Sun. & Wed., 10.30am. Contact Jeff on 950 469304 or Colin on 666 982186

Aeroclub ULM Günter (Vera)

Tel: 607 316 553

Pita Escuela Agave School of Río Aguas. A multicultural, environmental and musical project, specialized on the integral usage of the agave plant and the processing of its wood.Tel 630 66 18 65 (Timbe) pitaescuela@hotmail.com

Sunseed

A hands-on practical centre for low-impact living and environmental education in Los Molinos del Rio Aguas near Sorbas. Free tours at 4pm. www.sunseed.org.uk Tel: 950 525 770

Religious Groups & Churches

Church of England (Anglican Services)

Mojácar, Sundays, 11am; Llanos Del Peral, Sundays,11am; Aljambra Chapel Albox, 2nd Thursday monthly at 11am. For directions, details and all church activities please see www.almeriaanglican.com or contact Tony Noble on 634303807. Also available Funerals, Wedding Blessings, Wedding Vow renewals and Baptisms.

Kingdom Hall, Jehovah’s Witnesses

Tues 7:30pm & Sun 10.00am. Poligono Aljoroque - C/El Cajete 6, Antas. Contact: 652 293 269

Turre Evangelical Church

Sundays at 10.30 – worship, a not too long talk from the Bible, coffee and cake. Welcoming and relaxed – all welcome. Find us on Turre’s main street, Avenida de Almeria, corner of C/Alberquillca. Email: contact@turrechurch.es Tel: (0034) 711 035 486 Web: turrechurch.es

New Life Church, Huercal-Overa

We are a Jesus centred church family learning to love one another. Sunday service at 11 am, www.newlifechurch.eu tel. 685 628 184

Living Water Church Mojacar Playa

Opposite Red Cross Centre and Salas Farmacia. Sunday Service 11am. Bible study, Tuesday 10am. Prayer, Tuesday, 12:30pm. Cafe Church, Thursday 11am to 1pm. See FaceBook or visit www. livingwaterchurchmojacar.com

Aguaviva Evangelical Church

Near the health Centre, opposite BiciBox, Albox. Tel: Rod Southwood, 687 560 544

Roman Catholic Masses

These can be found on www.misas.org for most places.

Support Groups & Charities

MACS Cancer Support Group

General Enquiries call 634 328 334 10am to 4pm. 24/7 Careline: 634 656 555. Fully Spanish registered charity. Shops in Mojácar, Turre, Albox and Huercal-Overa open Mon-Fri, 10-2pm www.macscancersu pport.com Email: macscancersupport@ live.co.uk

Stepping Stones Carers Support Group

Turre Evangelical Hall, Thurs, 11am-2pm. Tel 950 472 822 or 677 683 385 www. steppingstones.group

Age Support Almanzora

Shop and welfare office near Peugeot garage, Albox, open Mon-Fri, 10:00-13:45. Lunch club, bereavement group, equipment loan, befrienders. Helpline 642 045 210.

A.A. Alcoholics Anonymous

Mojacar Area Meetings:- Monday 6pm, Turre Evangelical Church (Avenida de Almeria, Turre). Friday, 6pm, Living Water Church, Mojacar Playa (opposite Red Cross building). Tel: 634 300 364 or email aaspain@gmail.com

Al-Anon Family Groups for people whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking. Meetings Mondays, 4:45 - 5:45 at Turre Evangelical Church. Tel: 698460801 or email AlAnon. LaAlfoquia@gmail.com

Universal Wonderful Street Academy

NGO that supports street children in Accra (Ghana). Registered charity. www. universalwonderfulstreetacademy.org. Beatriz: 617 182 154

Harmony Community Support

Providing assistance to those in need. Tel. 634 339 192 Mon - Fri, 11:00 - 14:00 help@harmonycharity.com

Walk for Life Arboleas

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer and need help or support contact our welfare team. Email irenewalk4life@icloud.com Tel. 643 63 81 77. To volunteer to help at any of our events and become a Friend of Walk for Life email claire.walk4life@gmail.com Tel 644602249.

Activities - Clubs - Associations

Music & Drama Groups

Open Mic Night

Every Thursday, 8pm, at Miraflores, Los Gallardos, 8pm. Everyone welcome.

Indalo Players

Well established drama group always looking for new members to act or help back stage. Contact Jennifer Jordan email jenniferjanejordan@gmail.com/ phone 34 722 860 085.

Independent Theatre Group

Always looking for new people, novices & full blown Thesbians. Call Ian Jones on 950 436 581 or 666 375 688 or e-mail independenttheatre@hotmail.com

The Luvvies

New members always welcome for acting or work behind the scenes etc. Tel. 634 346 309 or e-mail theluvvies@hotmail.com

Jacqueline Welby Productions

New members always needed to act or work back stage or with any other activities. Tel. Jacqueline Morris Welby 634 313 531

Orquesta Ciudad de Vera

A friendly group of musicians of various ages and levels. All newcomers welcome, only requirement is to play an orchestral instrument and read music. Rehearsals Vera Auditorio on Saturday mornings. See www. ocv.org.es for details.

Vera Voces

A friendly choir singing classical music, directed by pianist, singer and director, Barry Jobling. All welcome, no auditions. Rehearsals Mondays, 5-7pm, at Vera Auditorio. Facebook: Vera Voces. Contact veravoces1@gmail.com

All Aloud Community Choir meet every Tuesday at Charlotte’s Bar and Grill, formerly Chapman’s Bar, Albox, from 2.45 pm until 4.45 pm. All Welcome.

Albox Ukebox

A friendly group that meets weekly on Tuesday afternoons in Charlotte’s Bar (formerly Chapman’s) in Albox to learn and sing songs with the ukulele. All welcome. For details tel. Chris on 634 375 471.

Yoga

Sol Yoga Centre, Arboleas Tel: 686 400331

VaVa Yoga Studio, Vera. Tel: 642 314 316

Yoga Therapy with Portia Oliver. Tel: 681301474 www. portiaoliver.es

Arts & Crafts

Sewing Group, Mojacar

We meet at Scotty’s el Tropico bar for sewing, knitting, crochet etc. Weds.

10.30 to 12.30. Tel. Brenda 634 34 34 92. We are a friendly group meeting for coffee and chat.

Ladies Sewing Circle

Evangelical Church, Turre, Wednesday

10.30 – 12.30 Tel: 667 702 774

Picante Quilting Club

Scotty’s El Tropico, Mojacar. First Thurs of the month, 10am-12.30pm. Beginners welcome. For more details or to book your place, please email Jo at jogibson787@yahoo.co.uk

Cloud Zebra Craft Workshops & Clubs

In Almanzora and Oria, Tues 10-2, Thurs and Fri, 10.30 -2.30. Call 744 60 96 30. No experience needed.

Bedar Arts Centre

Ceramic classes, Mondays and Wednesdays. Painting classes Tuesday 10:301330. For info, call 664 896 555

Dance

Strictly Line Dancing

Salon de Actos, Centro de Usos

Multiples, Mojacar. Fridays, 4–7pm. Beginners welcome. Contact: Glynis 648217503 or Mary Beth 661671526 or strictlylinedancingmojacar@gmail.com

Eleanor & Gilly’s Line Dance Class

Chapman’s Bar, Albox, 2pm- 3-45pm, Mondays. All levels welcome. 950439003.

Step2It - Line Dancing

Arboleas. Weds: 6.45 p.m-7.30 p.m, First Steps/Intro. 7.30 p.m-10.30, Beginners / Improvers /Intermediate. Carrie Ann 627279584 www.carrieanngreen.com

Almeria Line Dancers

Julie - 634304625 / 950110433

Ceroc Dancing

Artisan Centre, Mojacar, Tues 8.15pm Beginners/Improvers/Advanced. All welcome. Contact Tracey 687251799

Belly Dancing

Mojácar, Garrucha & Huércal-Overa. Contact Fatima: 610 472 596

Bellydance Classes

Mojácar, Turre, Palomares. Call 639 724 521

Dance Classes with Hollie Newell Ballet, tap, contemporary, modern, jazz, lyrical, zumba and more. Based in Turre. Tel: 634 317 391

Performing Arts Centre DanZaVera

54 Verasol, Vera. Royal Academy Ballet, Imperial Society Modern, Tap and Jazz. Also Hip-Hop, Oriental Dance, Spanish Classical. Tel Anita: 670 715 787

Complete Beginners Flamenco Mojácar. No specialist shoes or equipment required, friendly hour long class. Email info@lagitanainglesa.com

VaVa Yoga Danza (Spanish)

With Barbarito. Cuban & Latin Salsa, Bachata & Merengue. Tel: 642 314 316

Send details of your group to almeriafocus@gmail.com

WhatsApp: 667 80 11 40

Activities - Clubs - Associations

Sports

Almería Lawn Bowling Club

Contact Shirley: 679 970 399

Bowling Club de Zurgena Friendly, social and competitive bowling, all levels & standards. zurgenabc@gmail. com. www.zurgenabc.com

Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club www.cabreralbc.com

Indalo Lawn Bowling Club

First class facilities with all levels of bowling catered for. Visit our website http://www. indalobowlingclub.org

Mojacar Bowls Club

Behind Marina Mar Hotel. Everybody welcome - Tues, Thurs and Sat starting with coffee at 9:30. Contact Janet 627204422, janlawspain@yahoo.co.uk

Aguilón Amigos Golf Club

Aguilon Golf Course on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays teeing off just before 9am. If you would like to play email aguilonamigos2021@gmail.com

Badgers Golf Society Mojácar

We play every Wednesday and alternate Saturdays. All are welcome. Contact Paul Cunningham on (0044)7775837453 WhatsApp or badgersmojacar@mail.com

Boxers Golf Society Albox

All welcome to join us as members or guests. Call in at the Why Not bar in Albox on Saturday mornings or email peterstooks@avired.com

Forum Golf Society

Plays friendly events at local courses twice a month. Richard Price. Telephone 850993073 or rfp53@yahoo.co.uk. www.forumgolfsociety.webs.com

Golfing Guapas Society

We are a group of ladies of all nationalities meeting one Friday in the month...golf followed by lunch and prizes. All welcome. Call Vivienne 683 558 696.

Valle del Este Golf Society.

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays. Contact Alan Townsend Tel. 690 090 982

Almería Golf League

Contact Les on 950 619 273.

Marina Phoenix Golf Society

Visitors welcome Mondays and Thursdays. Tel Don Atkins 605 051 238. Email marinaphoenixgs@gmail.com

Huzzah Golf Society

Friendly group of all abilities, playing Aguilon golf course each Monday and local courses. All welcome. Call Eric & WhatsApp 643 04 96 96. Fb: Huzzah Golf Society. Email: huzzahgs@gmail.com

Albox Club de Tenis

Sun & Thurs mornings, Tues afternoons. Tel Sue: 950 064 369 Fb: Albox Club de Tenis

Cabrera Tennis Club

Contact info@ cabreratennisclub.com www.cabreratennisclub.com

Club de Tenis y Padel Indalo Vera. Tel: 950 59 28 77 - 608 250 607

Tennis Coach

Diego Rodriguez Tel: 689 688 226

Padel tennis lessons

At home. Tel: Ulises Gutiérrez, 606 902 691

PartyLevante Sailing Club

Initiation for children from 7 yrs in small groups. Email info@partylevante.com or call 680942141 www.partylevante.com

Santa Irene Sailing Club

Come and join us out on the watersailing or crewing our safety boat. Every Sunday at 10:30 in the boat park at the north end of Garrucha harbour. Email info@santaireneclubdevela.com www. santaireneclubdevela.com

Adelante Gimnasia Artìstica

Huercal-Overa.Classes for fun gymnastics, competitive levels, pre school and adults. Fully qualified coach. From 2 years. Tel 622 129 702 or info@adelanteartisitca.es www. adelanteartistica.es Facebook Adelante Gimnasia artistica.

Walking Football Club

Turre football ground, 9.30am, Monday, for training, exercise & playing. www. fclosamigos.com

Los Bandidos

Run, jog, walk a 5km route along the Paseo. Free to all. See Facebook. Contact Kevin on ironmankev08@gmail.com

Arboleas Table Tennis Club

Mon/Wed/Fri, 9.30 - 10.30 am, building with blue door next to swimming pool bar, Arboleas. Beginners welcome. Contact Chairperson - Keith tel 634 326 350.

Fitness & Martial Arts

Girasol, Albox

Pilates, children’s karate & Tai-chi. Tel 639 089 170

Aerobics or Pilates

Campo de Futbol, Turre. Contact Vicki 650 764 623 or vicki.lynch@live.co.uk

Slimming Group

Sophia Wellness Centre Arboleas, Thurs

12.30pm, Contact Vicki 650 764 623 or vicki.lynch@live.co.uk

Mojácar Taekwondo

5 years to adults. Various classes & times. Contact Serge 646844708. Facebook GTF Spain

Sophia Wellness Centre, Arboleas Various activities. Tel. 950 449 451.

Fitness with Alison, Mojácar

Full Body Workout, Pilates, AquaZumba, Zumba, Step Aerobics, Total Toning, AeroFit. Tel 666 273 168.

Hollie Newell Zumba Almeria

Turre, Los Gallardos, Arboleas and San Juan. Contact: 634 317 391

Jova Gym, Mojácar

Various activities. www.jovasport.es 671 247 035. See facebook.

Qigong

Group courses and personal training. Partaloa and Albox area. Contact Ilse +32 497451953 or +34 643489975

https://ilsevanbrabant.com/en/course/

Qigong Classes

Mojácar & Lubrín. Call 711 096 381.

Mojácar Qigong/Taijiquan

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11.00am. Samsara Beach Club (Opposite Lua) monjchalao@gmail.com. See Facebook gusfit.es

Send details of your group to almeriafocus@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 667 80 11 40

Coffee Break

Jokes of the Month

The Note

A father was walking past his son’s bedroom one day and happened to look in. He was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up off the floor. Then he saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to ‘Dad.’ Fearing the worst, he opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.

It said:

Dear Dad,

It is with great regret and sadness that I’m writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you. I have been finding real passion with Susie and she is so nice. But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am. But it’s not only the passion, she’s pregnant. Don’t worry though, Susie said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood enough for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children. Susie has also opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn’t really hurt anyone. We’ll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy. In the meantime, we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so that Susie can get better. She deserves it. Don’t worry Dad. I’m 15 and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I’m sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren.

Love, Your son Tim.

P.S. Dad, none of the above is true. I’m over at Jimmy’s house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the lousy report card …that’s in my desk drawer. I love you Dad.

The Recipes

Two confirmed bachelors sat talking and their conversation drifted from politics to cooking. “I bought a cook book once,” said the first bachelor, “but I could never cook anything from it.” “Far too complicated recipes, eh?” said his friend. The other man said, “You got it. Every one of the recipes started the same way - ‘Take a clean dish’.”

The Flight Time

Two blondes are going to California for a summer holiday. About two hours into the flight the pilot gets on the intercom and says, “We just lost an engine, but it’s OK, we still have three more, but it will take us an hour longer.” Another half hour goes by and he gets on the intercom again and says, “We just lost another engine, but it’s OK, we still have two more, but the flight time has just gone up by another hour.” One of the blondes says to her friend, “If we lose the last two engines, we will be up here all day!”

Fluffy The Rabbit

A guy comes home from work one day and finds his dog is holding the neighbour’s pet rabbit in his mouth, that is definitely dead. He thinks the neighbour will hate him forever if he finds out his dog has killed their rabbit, so he gets it off the dog and takes it indoors. He gives it a bath to get all the dirt off it, blow dries his fur and that night he puts the rabbit back in his cage in their garden. He hopes they will think it died in the night from natural causes. A few days later, his neighbour sees him over the garden fence and says, “Did you hear that Fluffy died?”. The guy says, “Um ….er…no, what happened?” The neighbour replies, “We just found him dead in his cage one day, he was quite old. But the really weird thing was that after we had buried him in the garden, we went outside, someone had dug him up, looks like they gave him a bath and brushed his fur, and then put him back in his cage! There are some really sick people out there.”

The Book

A man is walking through his local mall and notices a Mexican bookstore. He decides to go in because he has never seen a Mexican bookstore before. He browses through the store and finally asks the clerk, “Do you have the book on Donald Trump’s foreign policies with regard to Mexico?” The clerk replies, “F*ck you, get out, stay out!” The man replies, “Yeah, that’s the one!”

Billing Hours

Dave the lawyer dies suddenly at the age of 45. He got to the pearly gates and an angel said to him, “We’ve been waiting a long time for you.”

“What do you mean?” Dave asked, “I’m in the prime of my life, only 45, why did I have to die now in a car crash?” The angel replied, “45? You’re not 45, you’re 82.” Dave replied, “Wait a minute, if you think I’m 82 you have got completely muddled up, I can show you my birth certificate.” “Hold on” replied the angel, “Let me go and check our records” and off he went. After about ten minutes he came back. “I’m sorry, but by our calculations you are 82. We checked all the hours you have billed your clients, and you definitely have to be 82!”

The Ducks

These three guys die together in a tragic accident and they all go to heaven. When they get there, St. Peter greets them and tells them, “We only have one rule here in heaven. Don’t step on the ducks.” So, they enter heaven and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place. It’s almost impossible not to step on a duck there’s so many, and though they try their utmost to avoid standing on them, the first guy soon accidentally steps on one. St. Peter then appears with the ugliest woman the guy had ever seen. St. Peter chains the woman to the guy and says to him, “Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this ugly woman!”

The next day, the second guy also accidentally steps on a duck. Once again, St. Peter shows up and with him is another extremely ugly woman. He chains the woman to the second guy saying, “Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this ugly woman!”

The third guy has observed all this and as he really doesn’t want to be chained to an ugly woman for eternity, he’s extremely careful where he steps. Indeed, he manages to go months without stepping on any ducks. One day though, St. Peter appears with the most gorgeous woman the guy has ever laid eyes on. She’s tall, curvaceous, tanned and extremely sexy. Without a word, St. Peter chains the woman to the third guy. The guy happily says to the woman, “I wonder what I did to deserve being chained to you for all eternity?” The woman replies, “I don’t know about you, but I stepped on a duck.”

The School Run

I was gutted this afternoon when my wife told me my 6 year old son wasn’t actually mine. She then said I need to pay more attention picking up at the school.

Your Stars

Mar. 21

- April 20

Talking to those you trust and respect will help you sort out any problems. Problems with skin, bones, or teeth may mess up your schedule. Try to curb overindulgence this month. Your uncanny insight will help you make the right choices. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

Sept. 24

- Oct. 23

You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections. You have to believe in yourself and your talents. You can meet a new romantic partner or secure the love connection you already have by going out and entertaining yourself. It may not be the best time to socialise with clients or colleagues this month. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

Apr. 21

- May 21

Your outgoing nature will surprise others this month. Friendships will be ruined if you let too many people get involved in any disputes. You need an outlet that will not only stimulate you but also challenge your intelligence as well. You must not let others talk you into doing things that will probably limit you financially at a later date. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

Oct. 24

- Nov. 22

Try not to make waves. Your talents are likely to be discovered. Someone you least expect could be trying to make you look bad. You can make changes to your living quarters, but not everyone will be pleased with your efforts. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

May 22

- June 21

Jealous attitudes may lead you astray. Female colleagues may be able to help you get the job done. Put your efforts into making constructive improvements to your environment and to your state of mind. Socialising will be more than just entertaining. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Nov. 23

- Dec. 21

Expect to experience a sudden reversal of fortune. You need a break from your daily routine. This is a wonderful day to look into courses or hobbies that interest you. Knowledge can be acquired if you listen. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

June 22 - July 22

You will make new friends through physical activities. If you can include them in your plans, do so. Your home may be in an uproar and you are best to stay out of the line of fire if at all possible. Someone may try to damage your reputation. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

Your moneymaking opportunities will flourish. Romance will be on your mind, and chances for ideal connections are in the works. Put your time and energy into travel, philosophy, and soul-searching. Direct your energy into physical exertion. Residential moves will be favourable. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

Dec. 22

- Jan. 20

Voice your opinions and contribute to the de bate. Be prepared to make changes to your personal documents. Your temper may get the better of you if a colleague has tried to ruin your reputation. Changes in your domestic scene are evident. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

Jan. 21

- Feb. 19

Opportunities for romance will develop through activities with large groups. You will be in a high cycle regarding work. You should be looking into making changes around the house. Advancement can be yours if you are assertive in your approach. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Aug. 23 - Sept. 23

Your lover may cost you financially. You can make rewarding connections through the organized groups you associate with. You may have a hard time relating to children this month. Secret affairs will eventually backfire on you. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Feb. 20

- Mar. 20

Be prepared to make changes to your personal documents. You may have major blowups with someone you love if you don’t back down. Look into any educational activities involving the whole family. You can pick up wonderful buys if you really look hard this month. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday