The Almeria Focus - December 2017 by The Almeria Focus

Introduction & Contents

elcome to the Almería Focus Magazine and really useful A-Z Directory for the Levante area, with more than 2000 entries and contact numbers! View it online at www.almeriafocus.com. The Focus is free every month and distributed from Mojácar to San Juan de los Terroros on the coast and inland as far as Albox and Huércal Overa.

Contents Christmas Soon ..................................................................…...10 In the News ........…................…………................................…….12 So Now You Know ..........................................................................48 A Puppy for Christmas ........................................................50 Tighten Up .................................................................................52 El Gordo ........................................................................................54 Away from Home .........................................................................56 Now Even Better .......................................................................58 What Happens Next? ......................................................................60 Catering for the Chinese .................................................................62 Useful Numbers ..................................................................66 A-Z Directory ……………….......……................................................68 Community News ............................................................................112 What’s On ..................................................................................113 Activities, Clubs and Associations ........................................119 Your Stars …..........…………......……........................................…123 Jokes of the Month ………………............................................124 Coffee Break …………………….............................................…126 For general enquiries, call Clare on 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com For advertising enquiries, call Rob on 619 833 041.

The copy deadline for the February issue is January 18th

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Christmas Soon

he worries in Catalonia regarding the independence attempt continue. Apart from the politics, this is having a severe economic impact, and we comment on the current situation in an article, and in our “In the News” section. An election forced by central government will take place on December 21st. The ousted president of Catalonia and some of his ministers fled to Brussels to avoid being arrested. Because of this none of them can vote in the elections. As Spaniards in another country they had to register to vote by November 21st. As this involved going to the Spanish Embassy in Brussels, they decided not to as they were certain to be arrested!

letters to their favourite king, and on the day before there are processions when the kings appear on different floats in all their regalia. Garrucha is a very good example of this. Sweets rain down, and school children will have been given a present at a special town hall ceremony. December 31st, New Year’s Eve (‘Noche Vieja’) is when twelve grapes are eaten at midnight, one on every stroke of the clock in the main square in the centre of Madrid. Television channels show this taking place. Adoration of the Shepherds by Murillo.

The elections on December 21st will be properly run with no chance of multiple votes being cast, and only those people properly eligible to vote can do so. There are already some cracks in the independence movement as the idea of an independent Catalonia is very different in practice from in theory. We reminded our readers last month that it is the time of year when anti-’flu vaccinations are available at medical centres. It is still not too late to do this, Apart from Christmas Day and January 6th being and the peak dates for victims who succumb to national fiesta days, December 6th is another the flu are normally in January. national fiesta and is very important this year. It is “Constitution Day” as the written Spanish In the run up to Christmas there are many carol constitution was signed on this day in 1978. This concerts and events for children. We list some of year there will be a big show of solidarity because these in our “What’s On” section. In Spain, December of the events in Catalonia. There are very large 24th (‘Noche Buena’) is very important and there processions in Madrid and other main cities, and is an evening meal. People try to get together with some celebrations at town halls. School children in their family, and in an article we explain why this is previous years were often given a copy of the not possible for some pensioners. Christmas Day constitution. December 8th is a religious fiesta (‘Natividad del Señor’) is a “red” fiesta day, but in relating to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. the past children only received a token present. Some years ago the water company ‘Galasa’ decided As with other years, there will be no January edition that this was a very good day to carry out essential of the Focus magazine. We return in February, and maintenance, and Mojácar was without water for wish all our readers a happy Christmas, and our most of the day! advertisers a prosperous 2018. “Felices Fiestas” is the traditional Spanish greeting at this time of year. January 6th is the day when the Three Kings are The current and previous editions of the Focus said to have arrived in Bethlehem, and this is the magazine are always available to view in an easy day when children are given presents. They write format via almeriafocus.com.

In the News Illegal Taxi Clampdown

vehicles to follow the lorry on various journeys. The Apart from the complaints from taxi drivers, the combined investigation with UK and Spanish drug police in Almería mount regular campaigns to catch police started in 2016. illegal taxis at the airport and the bus station. A recent operation over one week resulted in 11 people A Major Exit being identified as being illegal. Plain clothes police Last month we reported on how many companies stopped various vehicles and apart from taking action in Catalonia were moving their head offices and fiscal against the driver they pointed out to passengers bases to other parts of Spain. The fear was that if that they were not covered by any insurance in the the independence attempt became a reality, heavy event of an accident. If the insurance is the most taxes may well have to be put in place, and any EU basic type, with no cover for civil responsibility either, protection would be lost. Up to November 9th, 2,400 the fine is 800 Euros. The law was changed in 2014 companies had moved their registered offices out to give it more teeth and fines go up to 4,000 Euros. of Catalonia. 22% of companies in Catalonia stated The vehicles are confiscated until any smaller fines that their income had been badly affected, 21% had are paid, or more usually until a case comes to court. suffered to some extent, and another 20% had seen Often the owners /drivers do not get them back. some drop in income. 65% of restaurants said they One of the drivers stopped had no points left on his were suffering, partly from fewer tourists, and licence so he will be prosecuted for this as well. hotels said their bookings and income were down Genuine taxis and registered drivers who are allowed 54%. Even if stability returns to Catalonia and the to offer transport are regularly inspected, and this independence attempt is abandoned after the December 21st elections, the companies who have amounted to 3,500 vehicles in 2016. moved their fiscal base out of Catalonia are unlikely to return. Companies in Catalonia are also reporting Brits & Cocaine One of the largest seizures of cocaine ever made in a boycott of their products in some parts of Spain. Spain recently took place in Granada province. Three Brits were arrested and 531 kg of cocaine were seized in 483 1.1 kg packets, along with a large lorry. The cocaine was more than 80% pure, and when sold the percentage would only be between 40 50% to middle men, and in some cases no more than 8% at street level. If broken down into small packets the total value was put at 48 million Euros. All the packets had the letter “W” on them that showed they had come from Bolivia. One of the men arrested was a professional lorry driver who regularly travelled to the UK where it is alleged that some of the drugs were taken, along with places in Murcia, Valencia, Castilla León and the Costa del Sol. Equipment to pack the drugs was found in a warehouse along with heavy goods used to pack the drugs inside. The investigations in Almuñécar led to another seizure of 678 kg from Bolivia buried under soil at a location in Pais Vasco. A further two men were arrested there. It appears that the cocaine was taken from there to Almuñécar. The lorry only travelled on secondary roads with a car in front to spot any police checks. The police used 60 officers and 27 different

Not Standing Down The mayor of Partaloa, Antonio Peñuela (who should be the ex-mayor) is refusing to stand down. Last April after a court case, he was banned from holding public office for seven years, and this sentence has now been ratified. It related to him sacking the council secretary in 2011 which a mayor is not empowered to do. Opposition councillors claim that he has been collecting signatures for a pardon and have denounced this (made an official complaint). They also claim that the list of signatures is fraudulent. Another allegation is that he illegally used communal land where 29 houses were built and then sold them to Brits. John Hillen (associated with AUAN) is stating that because of this and a further disbarment the council may finish up with a Dutch mayor and three British councillors, a first for Almería province. A similar situation exists in Lucainena where the mayor Juan Herrera has had his ban on holding office for three years confirmed by a court. Rogelio Mena, ex-mayor of Albox, was convicted of refusing to give opposition councillors information they were

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In the News entitled to see and Juan Herrera did the same thing. improvement, and this drink should be taken daily. He also gave people jobs with no adjudication process This has been confirmed by the head of the and illegally used a town hall credit card. Neurology Department at a large Madrid hospital. The results have been published in ‘The Lancet Caso Poniente Neurology’ journal. After a long investigation, hordes of police raided El Ejido town hall and other premises in 2009. All papers relating to a major fraud have now been supplied to a court in Almería that will hear the case. A multi service company, ‘Elsur’, was created that carried out all and every work needed (or not) by the council, and various companies invoiced extremely inflated amounts of money. It is alleged that 71 million Euros was siphoned off between 2002 and 2009 and tax evasion totalled another 30 million Euros. 50 people will be in court and the prosecution is asking for a total of 1,500 years of prison and 99 years ban on holding public office, where town hall employees were involved. The two main people behind the fraud are stated to be the ex-mayor Juan IKEA in Almería City Enciso and the ‘interventor municipal’ (finance The final paperwork relating to the new IKEA store controller) José Alemán. Prison terms of 64 years just outside Almería city has now been processed. are being requested for these two people. Tax The land where the store will be built covers 27,000 experts state that in one case 557,000 Euros was m2 with the store taking up 20,000 m2 along with paid over in tax when the actual amount should have parking for 800 vehicles. The opening date is stated been 14.4 million, and 251,000 Euros in IVA (VAT) to be in 2020 at the latest. instead of 2.7 million. Various people including many family members were remanded in custody whilst Good News for Banks the complex investigations proceeded. Juan Enciso Following the financial crisis, many Spanish banks spent 236 days in prison before he was released. were in dire trouble. Income was hardly sufficient to meet running expenses, and banks had “toxic Combating Dementia and Alzheimer’s “debts, where the money they had lent out on Scientists are stating that a combination of important mortgages to construction companies or individuals behaviour patterns can help to combat degenerative was never going to be repaid. Various banks joined brain diseases. These include an adequate diet, forces, an extremely large number of branches were exercise, using the brain for activities such as learning closed, and bank employees drastically reduced. Now, to play an instrument or do puzzles, and the the situation is much better. Despite very low interest monitoring of cardiac activity which can all help delay rates, and the Euribor (interbank lending rate) still the onset. The EU decided some time ago to finance being negative at -0.18%, the six largest Spanish investigation by the ‘LipiDiDiet’ company to find the banks have seen their profits rise by 16% compared best diet. They have come up with a drink called to 2016, totalling 11.8 billion Euros. The exception is Souvenaid (also called Fortasyn Connect) that has Bankinter that needed a large injection of cash. Their been shown to help the connexions between neurons 2017 figures are 6% less than in 2016 and a merger and to conserve brain tissue. The cocktail of is on the cards. Bankia needed a huge amount of ingredients include various vitamins and omega-3. money pumped in by the Central European Bank A blind test over two years, with two groups of 382 funds given to Spain, and it is effectively state persons who had slight dementia showed an owned. If their figures improve, the Ministry of the

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In the News Economy is hoping to sell some of their stake, but Bankia only returned a 1% increase this year. Banco Popular ceased to exist as a separate entity when it was sold to Banco Santander for 1 Euro (they did assume the debts) in the early hours of June 7th. Various shareholders who lost their money are clubbing together and going to court to try and recoup some of their investment. Banco Santander, despite merging with Banco Popular, has recorded a 10% increase to 5 billion Euros, nearly 50% of the total profit of all the six largest banks. Plans announced to merge the two banks are that 1,580 Banco Popular staff will lose their jobs (some will take early retirement) along with another 580 who work in the technology and computer information departments. As part of a slimming down process, Banco Popular dispensed with 2,500 employees before they were taken over. The new fixed rate mortgages that are now available have an interest rate not connected to the Euribor, so these are good news for banks as the interest rate is much better for them. If the Central European Bank decides to put their rates up, this will help as well.

with a 70,000 Euros grant. It has 12 consulting rooms for adults and two for children, along with other specialist facilities and a meeting room. Cristóbal García has stated that there were many difficulties that had to be overcome to arrive at the completed project, but there had been an intense interest all the way along the line, and patience and determination had ensured that it was built.

The World Travel Market

Experts from the Junta de Andalucía including a group from the Almería Tourist board, recently travelled to London to take part in the prestigious World Travel Market event. 650 companies were present including ABTA and the very large Elite Travel Group. Nikki White, the head of ABTA, stated that there was still a very large interest in Spain as a destination, as tourism to Turkey and Egypt was still suffering from problems of safety. Dates have already been fixed for the event next year which will take place in Seville at one of their large conference centres. This is considered very important prior to ‘Brexit’. UK tourists accounted for 7 million nights’ stay in Andalucía in 2016; 26% Instant Transfers of all tourists. The Elite Travel Group will come to ‘Target Instant Payment Settlement’ is an EU system Granada next year for another conference with 150 where, after a transfer has been made from one EU delegates. bank to another one, it will show in seconds. It relates to transfers of less than 15,000 Euros (or the Training For Drug Tests equivalent) and should have come into force on Policía Local (town hall police) recently attended a November 21st. Pilot transfers are still being made, course in Almería city to familiarise themselves with to iron out any problems, and the general system the portable drug testing equipment carried by will not now start until January 1st (probably). Part roadside police. Officers from Mojácar and Vera of the problem is the difference in time between were there, and they will now be authorized to carry EU countries, and banking hours. The new scheme out drug tests themselves. The Guardia Civil police is an extension of the introduction of the European carried out 783 drug tests on motorists in a special ‘SEPA’ bank identification scheme. Whether this crackdown during 2016, and 455, some 58%, were instant transfer will be free depends on the banks positive. These figures are seen as being truly that will operate it. alarming and heavy penalties follow. The proposal that anyone with drugs in their system automatically Arboleas Medical Centre loses their licence as being medically unfit to drive The mayor of Arboleas, Cristóbal García, has handed is quite possibly to become law. over the new medical centre to the Health Department of the Junta de Andalucía. It has areas A Solution in Zurgena totalling 2,000 m2, designed for a potential rise in In 2012, heavy rain caused a landslide in Zurgena, inhabitants of up to 5,000. The majority of the and various persons had to leave their homes or money needed has come from the town hall, along businesses including Seth Pitman who has the

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In the News High Court has now ruled that these agreements (often with a clause that is designed to stop clients going to court) do not stop a client changing their minds. They are now free to pursue their claim if they want to, in the special courts that have been set up. Another Spanish court ruling has been that if a client goes to court and wins their case, the Irregularities in Pay mortgage provider has to pay all of the court costs, With the problems in Catalonia, large numbers of including the cost of expert assessment of the actual police were drafted in from other areas, including amount owing. 50 Guardia Civil and Policía Nacional (anti-disturbance police) from Almería city. The 10,000 extra police Cuevas del Almanzora were mainly billeted in three Italian cruise ships, with Access to the industrial estate “Los Pocios” in Cuevas two in Barcelona and one in Tarragon. In the interior has always been very bad, and 5,000 vehicles per of Catalonia large numbers stayed in hotels. It has day (many of them heavy lorries) use the A-332 road emerged that there is a large difference in pay. The from San Juan de los Terreros. A major road Policía Nacional claim that their gross wage per month improvement scheme has been announced that will for ordinary officers is 1,800 Euros, but the cost 1 million Euros and should be completed by Catalonian police known as ‘Mossos d’Esquadra’ are next summer. Amongst other improvements, two paid 2,300 Euros. These police come under the major roundabouts are being constructed. Once the jurisdiction of the Catalonia autonomous regional work is done it is expected that new companies will government. In the case of a retirement pension, take space in the industrial estate, bringing more the Guardia Civil police receive 1,250 Euros per income to this region. The money for the work is month, the Policía Nacional 1,300, and the Mossos coming from the EU ‘Feder’ grants for essential from 2,000 to 2,100. An association of police forces infrastructure projects. (but not the autonomous police) has been formed called “Jusapol”, to try and sort out the problem. A New Home for the Elderly They have 30,000 members with 500 in Almería Garrucha town hall are going ahead with their plans province. The Policía Local (Local police) are employed for a home for the elderly that they state is severely by individual town halls for a variety of functions, overdue. There will be two floors on a building that but the salaries vary here as well. The Spanish Minister covers 3,500 m2, with room for 20 day residents, of the Interior accepts that there should not be 24 double rooms and 11 single rooms. A contract these differences in pay, and they need to be will be signed by the successful company who bids harmonized. to build the home, with a long term licence to run it. Apart from the normal requirement of a kitchen, Still Possible laundry, adapted loos, and rest rooms, it will have a Banks have been dealing with claims relation to the nursing station, physical rehabilitation room and a “Floor rates” (Cláusulas suelos) where banks had a doctor’s office. The build time is given as two years. minimum rate of interest in their mortgages that didn’t reflect the fact that the Euribor (interbank Extra Holidays for Non-Smokers lending rate) had fallen. For some time now the A Japanese company has allowed workers who don’t Euribor has been negative and is -0.18% at present. smoke to have 6 days extra holiday a year. The These artificial interest rates were declared illegal marketing consultancy company received an by the EU in 2013, and the Spanish courts. Many anonymous letter in their “suggestions box” from a mortgage clients have come to an agreement with non-smoking employee who pointed out that to get their banks that they receive a certain amount of down to ground level from the 29th floor, have a refund, or are given other bank products. The Spanish cigarette and go back up, took at least 15 minutes electronic repair shop with a large amount of equipment. It has now been announced that the Almería Diputación (county council) will give the town hall 100,000 Euros to solve the problem and stop further slippage. It is intended that once a contractor has been given the job it will start shortly.

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In the News applies to Almería province in particular at this time. 98% of all ecologically grown produce is exported to EU countries, but exports to the US have quadrupled in the last decade. Exports to Asia have also increased dramatically. The arrival of the ‘AVE’ (High speed train) is considered vital for this sector Diabetes Type 1 of the market and many others. It will dramatically In Spain, a survey has revealed that there are 29,000 reduce transport costs. The “official” date when the children who suffer from diabetes type 1, the most AVE arrives at Almería city is 2021. serious form of this disease. Treatment is necessary as soon as a diagnosis has been given and a device about the size of a mobile phone dispenses quantities of insulin to ensure a normal life. Parents need to carry this round with them at all times. Many parents, when their children are diagnosed, reproach themselves for giving their children sweets and high sugar content products, but this is not the cause at all! The exact reason why people suffer from diabetes type 1 is not fully understood, but sugar intake in the early years plays no part. It is difficult to detect in very young children, but having to pee a lot and the need to drink large quantities of water are one sign. Children may have breathing difficulties from hyper-glucose levels, and if a child is taken to a doctor or a hospital this may be another indication that diabetes is the cause. Emotions that a person goes through also have an effect. High and low levels of sugar level may be quite common, and parents have Bad Grape Weather to monitor this and treat their children with the In Spain it is expected that grapes to produce wine, insulin dispenser to remedy the high levels. With which have suffered badly from the weather in 2017, correct treatment diabetes 1 sufferers of all ages will be 15% less than last year. There has been less rain, a long dry spell and freezing conditions last can lead a normal life. April. On April 28th in Castilla y León temperatures Ecologically Grown Produce fell to -9 degrees and -3.4 in La Rioja, a major In the last two years, the amount of ecologically producer of wine. In Galicia, another major wine grown products in Almería province has increase by producing area, the freezing temperatures continued 68%. This applies to 2,700 hectares (10 square miles) for several nights. In many parts of Spain there were which is the largest amount in all of Andalucía. hail storms in July and August as well. These Biological control of unwanted insects is made by meteorology problems had the same effect in France introducing other “good” insects that eat the bad and Italy. The overriding cause of these unusual ones, and this method is very prevalent in our weather conditions is attributed to climate change, province. Growers can buy insects they need from which will probably get worse. specialist growers. Growing produce in the plastic greenhouses saves 40% of the water needed in open A Lot Fewer! air growing, so this reduces the cost and is very eco- Barcelona and Catalonia receive the most tourists friendly. This factor is also important when the in Spain, which in 2016 amounted to 18 million visitors. amount of water from reservoirs is reduced, which Since the middle of September, because of the that was lost work time. It is hoped that employees who smoke will give up, as Japan has been getting very strict. Smoking will be banned in all public places during the Summer Olympics in 2020. Only 18% of the population are smokers.

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In the News independence referendum and uncertainty, number are falling off dramatically. Their Minister for Tourism, Álvaro Nadal, is reporting that hotel bookings in the next few months (that includes Christmas of course) are down 40-50% compared to last year, and many international tourists are cancelling their bookings. The UK Foreign Office guidelines are that tourists should stay away from any areas where demonstrations are taking place. These are usually in the Barcelona city centre, so bookings are definitely down in surrounding hotels. American Airlines recommended to their customers that they should avoid flying to Barcelona from October 1st-13th. The numbers of cruise ship passengers (and Barcelona is the largest Spanish port by far for these tourists) are also down. The other side of the coin is that with all the worries, this is affecting consumer confidence. Sales of luxury items are much reduced, and car sales outlets state that there is a 20% drop in sales. This could have an effect on the 700,000 employees in the luxury sector. One real worry is that overall tourism to Spain as a country may suffer as well.

Dogs Allowed In Portugal during October the law was changed to allow dogs in bars or restaurants if the establishment owners permit this. This followed a modification in the law that classified dogs as “living animals”, not “things”. In Spain, an Animal Protection law of 2003 prohibits dogs being allowed into places where food is being prepared, which includes some bars and all restaurants. In reality, this is then the responsibility of the autonomous communities (in our case Andalucía), and town halls can amend the regulations to some extent. On outside terraces there is normally no problem and bowls of water may be available. There are 5 million registered dogs in Spain, calculated from town halls where registration is compulsory, or from vet statistics, and 49% of homes have a dog. At the ‘El Secreto de Soto’ restaurant in Madrid they serve four varieties of dog food costing 3 Euros. The kitchen staff have no contact with this food as clients are given a plate and a tin that they open themselves in two air-conditioned terraces. This makes it legal (just!). The exception within Spain applies to guide dogs for the blind that can virtually

be taken anywhere. Many special beach areas allow dogs, but in some cases it is restricted to times of the year (not in high season) or laid down hours. This summer, the Junta de Andalucía had a purge and shut down 14 beaches in Málaga province for having no licences.

The 2018 Budget The budget for 2018 in Andalucía amounts to 34 billion Euros, up 4% from this year, and overtakes the budget for 2009 which was 33.7 billion. Since 2009, with the financial crisis, the annual budgets started to decrease. Estimates for next year are that the ‘PIB’ (GNP) in the region will improve by 2.6%, with 80,000 new jobs. The health budget has gone up by 5% to a total of 9.8 billion Euros that includes 1,500 new employees in primary health care. Money for schools and universities has gone up by 4%, and money to create employment and encourage small businesses has risen to 1.5 billion Euros, an increase of 3.5%. 239 million Euros is earmarked for training for the unemployed to get them back into work. María Jesús Montero is the Minister for the Hacienda (tax department) and Public Administration. She considers that the increases in spending show the stability in Andalucía that will increase in 2018. As with any other predictions for growth within Spain, it is “fingers crossed” that the situation in Catalonia returns to normal.

‘Sareb’ When the banks were weighed down with toxic debts from mortgages for building that had no prospect of being repaid, the entity ‘Sareb’ was formed. They took over these properties, and the idea was that some with minimal construction were demolished, other nearly finished ones were finished, and sales of whole swathes of these properties would be sold to investors who were prepared to take the long term view that prices would rise eventually. This also applies to land and industrial units. Figures for Almería province reveal that there are 1,000 assorted dwellings, land and units, of which 428 are houses or apartments. The vast majority are in Vicar, Almería city and Roquetas, with 52 in Pulpí and some in Cuevas. There are 64 areas of land, 34 uncompleted urbanizations, and 500 garages or other small units.

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In the News Sareb have a limited amount of properties in Almería in a special sale up to December 15th and will pay the cost of the escritura (title deed). The properties will normally be with no more than 3 bedrooms and with a garage in some cases. The properties can be seen on www.sareb.es with a section for Almería province and one or two can be rented. Their campaign throughout Spain includes 4.900 one or two bedroom properties in 32 provinces spread over 15 autonomous communities. Recently, they sold a major skyscraper, ‘In Tiempo’, in Benidorm that is unfinished since 2014 with a mortgage of 108 million Euros, to the investment company SVP Global. When finished (it is 80% completed), it will have a total of 269 apartments. It appears that the total debt was 120 million Euros when it was transferred to Sareb, so this is a really good deal! It is intended that by 2027 Sareb will have disposed of the whole of their portfolio. Hopefully!

A Bit of a Row Roquetas de Mar town hall has announced that all tickets for performances at their auditorio (concert and theatre hall) have to be paid for with a debit or credit card. This has not gone down very well! Tickets can be bought from www.teatroauditorio roquetas.org or the ticket office. People are complaining that this is stupid, as many events for children have a nominal ticket cost of 1 or 2 Euros. Tickets for an event aimed at children on November 2nd cost 5 Euros. Critics say that grandparents who take their grandchildren to an event may well not have a plastic card to pay with.

No Dice A Moroccan man in Roquetas was refused Spanish nationality as in 2009 he was detained for being in possession of a large amount of fake CDs and DVDs. He was not actually taken to court as it was not a very serious offence, and he was given a warning. The man appealed this refusal to a court in Madrid, who ruled his behaviour in 2009 was not “good civil conduct”. They ruled that whilst he was not prosecuted, the offences caused prejudice to the original copyright holders of the CDs and DVDs as they were clearly illegal copies. They considered that a lack of any conviction did not excuse his actions.

They also stated that apart from this he did not show enough knowledge of basic information relating to politics in Spain, geography, culture, or traditional customs. The court denied his appeal.

Mental Health The World Health Organization is reporting that 25% of inhabitants suffer from some sort of mental health issue during their lives. 2.5 million people in Spain have suffered from depression since 2015, and 21,333 persons have died. Suicides (for any reason) were the largest total of deaths in 2016 in Spain, with 152 minors included in the figure. 2,800 people died from accidents at work or in the home, and 2,700 from suffocation or drowning. 1,900 people lost their lives on the roads. Gloria Bellido, a clinical psychologist at a large hospital in Madrid, complains that there are not enough qualified professionals in this sector of health care. It takes four years for people to qualify in the Spanish hospital system to go on to deal with mental health problems. Fortunately, this worry is shared by Ana Pastor who is President of the Spanish Parliament. She was formerly Spanish Minister for Health and is a doctor in her own right. She agrees that more money has to be spent, and that health cover for mental health issues is not standard throughout Spain.

Still No More Money The very famous orchestra from Almería known as ‘OCAL’, with a subsidiary orchestra and choir for young people, are still only being paid peanuts by the Cultural Department of the Junta de Andalucía. They consider it is a “private orchestra”, and the grant for 2018 is 60,000 Euros to “defray expenses”. The Almería diputación (county council) give a grant of 100,000 Euros, and the “Association of Friends” of the orchestra, who are a charity, raise money themselves. All this was supposed to have been sorted out with a change in the way the orchestra and choirs are formed by modifying the statutes. The Symphonic Orchestra from Seville receive 3 million Euros, the one in Málaga receives 2.4 million, and over 1 million is given to the orchestras in Granada and Córdoba. All these orchestras are considered to be public entities.

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In the News Good Wine The Bodega Fuente Victoria in Las Alpujarras is becoming renowned for their fine wines. Set up in 2004, they export wine to the UK, USA, Holland, Denmark, and South Africa. Their total capacity is 200,000 litres annually. The bodega is run and owned by the Suárez family, and people in the Mojácar and surrounding area will know Pedro Suárez who previously installed and maintained swimming pools for many years. The bodega offers pre-booked guided tours to small groups of people.

changes in times or destinations. The average daily amount of conversations with clients from the website amounts to 4,500. Some queries have related to the time in various parts of the world and the words to songs, and one person even asked for help on the explanation of the String Theory! They take all of this in their stride! Their website has 1.4 million monthly visits from Andalucía, in third place after Madrid and Barcelona, and 4% of all visits come from Seville where the ‘AVE’ high speed train has been in operation for many years.

Back to Work?

No Co-operation

Spanish driving examiners have been on a partial strike for over four months over pay and working conditions. This has had a severe effect on driving schools that cannot make enough appointments. One driving school boss in Almería city went on a hunger strike in the middle of November, as he considered the situation was so dire. The ‘DGT’ (Spanish traffic police authority), who employ the examiners, have now offered better terms. There are 19 driving schools in Almería province and their association states that lost income is over 1 million Euros. .

When the Catalonia referendum took place on October 1st there was a great difference in how the “Mossos”, autonomous police and the Guardia Civil police dealt with this. There are 16,000 Mossos police in Catalonia, and 4,000 extra Guardia Civil police were drafted in, along with 6,000 National anti-disturbance (riot) police. The Mossos police had been instructed to “passively” stop people entering polling stations, but in the main they didn’t and just watched people going in. Their boss, Josep Lluís Trapero, was summoned to a court in Madrid to explain his instructions and actions, and was released on bail pending possible charges. The Guardia Civil have lodged their own complaint with the courts that runs to 300 pages, with numerous photographs showing inaction or obstruction from the Mossos police. They claim that Josep Trapero encouraged the referendum to take place by inaction, which was in defiance of the instructions from the Barcelona High Court. When article 155 of the Spanish Constitution was made operative, Josep Trapero was replaced.

A Large Number In the third quarter of 2010, 1.9 billion Euros were spent in Spain on online purchases, but in the same period last year this was 6.7 billion. 42% of these transactions were for travel agents, transport companies, and accommodation. The train company ‘Renfe’ have a website Renfe.com, and 45% of ticket sales are made online. Last year they dealt with the largest number of 2.5 million customers, followed by the airline company Vueling with 1.6 million, Ryanair (bookings from Spain) at 1.4 million, and 1 million bookings on the long distance coach company Alsa. Google state that 84% of people in Spain use a mobile phone or tablet for these transactions, rather than a computer, and Renfe state that 53% of their bookings are from smartphones. Because of this, the websites have to be adapted for “small screen” viewing. Dealing with online queries is very important, and at Renfe.com a large number of staff responds to diverse topics such as confirmation of bookings, timetables and prices, refunds, and

Learning to Read & Write In years gone by it was common for some Spanish children to have only a minimal period in school. They often had to get work to help with the family finances. Calculations are that 670,000 people in Spain over the age of 16 cannot read or write, with no mathematical ability either. 400,000 of these are over the age of 70. Many universities or other organizations run classes for these people, and 25,000 men and women are being taught in universities on a daily basis. Apart from this, many

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In the News universities offer classes known as “Experience Classrooms” where they can learn about History, Literature, Art, Music, Health, and nowadays computer lessons.

No Weight Gain Spanish experts in nutrition have listed the five fruits and vegetables that are very beneficial, but should not add even 1 gram of bodyweight. Blueberries are highly recommended as they are rich in antioxidants and fibre, amounting to 14% of the recommended daily dose. A cupful of blackberries contains only 85 calories. Palm hearts are good and a normal portion is only 31 calories. They have protein, riboflavin and potassium, and are a very good source of fibre, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Most types of lettuce contain no more than 10-20 calories. They don’t contribute any large amount of protein, but contain the vitamins A and C and iron. Cauliflowers are highly recommended as they have antioxidants and folic acid, which help to combat chronic illnesses. They are rich in vitamins K & C, and a normal portion has only 25 calories. Broccoli is very good, either raw or lightly cooked (preferably steamed) and has anti-carcinogens that fortify our bodily resistance to diseases. It provides 20% of our recommended fibre intake from one portion, and has vitamins A, C, E, K, B1 & B6, omega3 fatty acids, calcium, and iron.

The airline Iberia considers that male cabin crew should have a height of 174 cm, and 164 for women. The idea is that their cabin crew have to be able to undertake emergency evacuation procedures, and their physical strength is associated with height. Air Nostrum dictate that cabin crew of either sex have to have a minimum height of 165 cm and a maximum of 180 cm. In the last 100 years, Spanish people have grown much taller. In 1912, the average height for men was 162 cm and 151 cm for women. Men are now 14 cm taller at a height of 176 cm, and women 12 cm taller at 163 cm. The tallest men come from Holland where a 30 year old man averages about 182 cm. Belgian men are about one cm shorter. The average height at this age for a woman in the Philippines is 150 cm.

Not Tall Enough! The European Court of Justice has ruled against a regulation in Greece that to become a police officer, men and women had to be 170 cm tall. The court stated that this was unfair discrimination against women. The head of the Association of Policía Local in Spain states that the main requirements are that their police are polite, can deal with all sorts of social issues apart from crime, and are intelligent, with “some” appropriate language skills in large tourist centres. It is considered that height is a factor as well, but with no strict rules. Some years ago in Spain a general rule was that men in police forces were 170 cm in height, and women 165 cm, but this height requirement has now been reduced. This applied in particular to members of the Policía Nacional, the Guardia Civil police, and the Mossos police in Catalonia.

Postponed The extension of the paseo (promenade) in Mojácar from the Red Cross to the camping site has been put on hold. This is due to a delay in the procedure between when it was published in the official bulletin and its final approval. The mayoress has stated that it will go ahead as planned with a few months delay.

Lit Up A plan to drastically improve the lighting at the Almería Alcazaba castle has been put out to tender. The first phase is to carry out a complete overhaul of the lighting systems inside the castle, with more efficient lights and energy saving. This work has a

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In the News budget price of just over 700,000 Euros. The SevillaEndesa Foundation will improve the external illumination at night, with particular attention to illuminating the walls and towers. A side benefit is that the nearby Pescadería- La Chanca area will have much better lighting. This will help to combat robberies and vandalism that exist at present, with the current poor lighting in this district that goes back to the 1970s.

September this year, 658 signed up, 15% more than in the same period in 2016. The overall target in Spain was to attract 400,000 registered donors by 2020, but it seems certain that this number will be reached in 2018. Some months ago we mentioned the young man Pablo Ráez from Málaga, who was very active on social media. One bone marrow transplant was rejected, and he died before a second suitable donor could be found. Young people flocked to be on the register as a result, and young people 18,000 Euros are very important as they will stay on the registers In a follow-up court case, the ‘Hotel & Spa Cabo- for a much longer period of time. 70% of persons Gata Plaza Suites’ at El Toyo on the coast near needing a bone marrow transplant need a non-family Retamar, has been fined 18,000 Euros. In 2013, the donor. hotel refused accommodation to a Down’s syndrome association of 14 people and two staff, on the Marble & Stone Exports grounds that they did not allow “mentally During the construction crisis from 2011, sales of handicapped” persons to stay in the hotel. They went marble and stone from the companies mostly in the on to say that persons in this category were an Macael area of Almería province fell off steeply. For annoyance to other guests, and this was a hotel the first time, the production and exports have policy. The association promptly complained. Last recently exceeded the 2008 amounts. Exports May the hotel manager was prohibited from holding improved from 2014 and in 2016 sales were 368 any position in the hotel or leisure industry for 15 million Euros out of total sales of 671 million. The months, for totally unfair discrimination. The Almería principal market is the US, and as with many other Delegation of Culture, Tourism and Sport embarked countries, the sales of the ‘Consentino’ group have on the prosecution of the hotel on the grounds that helped to swell the numbers. The UK, Australia and their action was clearly illegal. Russia buy the most amounts after the US, followed by EU countries. From 2008-2012, a total of 1,700 More Controllers employees were laid off, but nearly 1,000 of these With the large increase in flights to Spain, the aviation now have their jobs back. This August the total authorities are looking to recruit 130 new staff for number of direct employees reached 3,900, and 460 the control towers by August next year. In 2016, work at the marble and stone mines. The number another 106 were set on as part of a plan named of indirect employees has seen a similar increase. ‘Vuelo 2020’. Part of the reason they need so many is that the average age has gone up from 45 to 50, Not the Worst! and 20% are over 60 so will soon retire. At the end The Almería rail pressure group ‘Mesa del Tren’ is of 2016 there were just less than 2,000 air traffic continually campaigning for better rail services in controllers throughout Spain. At the San Javier the province, and an end to the tortuous journey airport in Murcia, the controllers all belong to the from Almería to Seville that involves two trains and Spanish Air Force as it is a major airport for the two intermediate bus journeys. This is because of military that control their own and passenger flights the electrification of the lines for the ‘AVE’ high speed train on sections near Granada. They are also Registered Bone Marrow Donors pressurizing central government to amend the 4,100 people are on the register of potential bone projected time of 2021 for the AVE to come from marrow donors in Almería province. In 2013 a special Murcia to Almería. A recent answer to a tabled program was put in place to encourage people to question in the Spanish Parliament has revealed that go on the register, and between January to the worst train journeys are in Extremadura which

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In the News butts up to Portugal, including trains from Madrid. Up to mid-July this year there were 506 “incidents” out of a total of 5,000 train journeys with at least a 30 minute delay. This worked out as a breakdown every 11 hours. In some places the maximum speed over long sections is only 50k/h and some of the track dates back to 1878 and 1884! Critics say that the line has three speeds, “Slow, very slow, and stop”. The problems are not just due to the lines and rolling stock. Recently, as a train pulled out of Badajoz, one of the main stations, the recorded announcement was “Next stop Badajoz” which was greeted with hilarity, but wrong announcements are common. The locals don’t mind but tourists find it confusing! The extremely old diesel trains from Madrid to Badajoz take 5hrs 22 minutes with 11 stops to travel the 460 km, and the pre-booked cost is 41 Euros. Passengers say that this ticket cost is outrageous with the terrible service. In contrast, and not on the AVE trains, the 560 km journey from Madrid to San Sebastián with 7 stops takes 5hrs 23 minutes.

51% ‘CaixaBank’ have settled just over half of all the claims made against them relating to the illegal “floor rates” (Cláusulas suelo) where banks charge too much interest on mortgages by setting a lowest possible rate despite market forces. 48,000 mortgage holders have been paid back a total of 210 million Euros, and 94,000 claims were received up to the end of October. CaixaBank had expected that the total pay-out might be 625 million Euros, but the likely cost will be much less. The bank merged with the Portuguese bank BPI last February and their profit margin has consequently risen by 180 million Euros. Less ‘IVA” (VAT) Spain has an official organization called ‘El Defensor del Pueblo’ that deals with complaints at local level up to national level. They have “teeth” that can compel organizations such as town halls to change practices that are considered illegal or abusive. As a national body they can make recommendations to central government. Recently, Fernández Marugán, their national President, has written to

the Minister for Taxes and requested that the IVA rate on electricity bills is reduced from 21% to 4%. The “super-reduced” 4% rate applies to milk, bread, vegetables and medicines, amongst others. These items are considered to be essential basic needs. Fernández considers that electricity is indispensable for a dignified living and human rights. He has pointed out that EU law allows for a super-reduced rate for natural gas, electricity and urban heating. He states that the number of complains handled by all the ‘Defensor’ offices in Spain relating to the cost of electricity are extremely high. Recently, (and we mention this in another section) the cost to the consumer has risen dramatically.

‘Dekton’ Award The revolutionary ‘Dekton’ product from the ‘Cosentino’ company based in Cantoria, continues to win prestigious awards. The product can be used for flooring and exterior wall cladding, and in the home in bathrooms and kitchens. Their latest ‘Dekton Trillium’ product is made with 80% recycled material, and comes in various grey and black colours. The German Design Awards are made annually and for the 2018 awards there were 1,500 products put forward. ‘Dekton Trillium’ won the top award in the materials and surfaces category. A panel of experts make the awards for outstanding innovation and technical characteristics. The ‘Dekton’ material took four years of research that cost 90 million Euros.

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In the News More Promenade Since 2005, Garrucha town hall has been working to extend their maritime promenade past the castle to the boundary with Mojácar. One of the problems was negotiations with the private owners of land that was needed. This has finally been resolved, and the ‘Costas’ (Beach and coast) authority has given them the go-ahead. In 2013, the Almería Diputación (County council) ceded them the road from the castle to the boundary. Apart from the promenade there will be car parking, leisure facilities, green areas and an amphitheatre. Talks are going on with the authorities in Madrid with the aim of obtaining grants to help with cost. It is considered that the work will help to attract more tourists. Back Together? The European Court of Human Rights has made strong recommendations to Spain that directly affect a mother and her four year old daughter. They both arrived as “boat people” immigrants, but not on the same one, and since then have been separated at different centres. The daughter arrived in May with her aunt and was on a craft that was taken to Mellila. The young child was placed in a centre solely for children. The mother did not have enough money to pay to the “mafia” who charge large amounts of money to put people on a boat or raft. When she was able to follow, her craft was intercepted off Algerciras and she was taken to a centre in Jeréz. The European court has advised Spain that there has to be visits or telephone contact between the mother and daughter, whilst DNA tests are carried out to prove the relationship. The court has asked the Spanish authorities to disclose “exactly” why this has not been done up to date, and what “concrete steps” they will take to reunite them if the relationship is proven. Spain has been given a fixed time period to respond. The charitable association Women’s Link Worldwide took the case to the European court. Special Mint Edition King Felipe VI of Spain turns 50 next January 30th. To celebrate this event, the Spanish mint is releasing a special 30 Euros coin in the first quarter of 2018.

The coins are 30 mm in diameter and weigh 18 grams. The distribution period may be increased if demand is high, and the expectation is that 1 million coins will be issued. They are not legal tender for purchases, but if a person wishes to take the coins back to Banco de España branches they can obtain a refund. Any person who still has peseta notes (in circulation before the Euro) can redeem these at the same bank. There are 15 branches in cities throughout Spain, and the nearest to Almería are in Murcia, Alicante, and Málaga.

The IKEA ‘Malm’ Furniture In 2011 IKEA started marketing the bedroom furniture range ‘Malm’. This includes drawer units from 3-6 drawers that currently sell for about 49119 Euros in Spain, and the equivalent price in the UK. They are now withdrawing and recalling 8 million sets of these drawers in the US following five young children being killed when the drawers tipped forward. They have paid $50 million in compensation to the parents of three of the children, and the last one, who was two years old, died this May. The problem is that if the top or top two drawers are pulled out with a certain weight inside, they can tip over. IKEA state that there are two metal pieces included with the packs now so that the drawers can be fixed at the top to a wall, and people have to use them. IKEA have also recalled 21 million other sets of drawers that do not comply with a voluntary specification from the US furniture industry. This states that furniture like the Malm range should not be more than 60 cm tall if used for children and 72 cm for adults. In Europe (including Spain) the range of drawers is still being sold, but any purchaser can return them for a full refund. Some people don’t want to have to screw something to the wall! IKEA is mounting a campaign in Europe entitled “Fix it to the wall”, with videos, and information on their web pages. All staff at their stores are obliged to tell purchasers that they have to use the fixings. If a customer asks for a fixing kit because they do not know what they did with the first set, they are supplied with another one free of charge. If professional installers (only available in areas near stores) are arriving with these drawers

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In the News and other furniture they are instructed to refuse to leave the drawers there if the client won’t agree to the wall fixing. IKEA also stress that items like flat screen TV’s should not be put on top of these drawers, and anything heavy must be put in the lowest drawer. IKEA had to stop serving up their famous meat balls in the Czech Republic for a while when they were found to contain horse meat! The ‘Kinder’ company sell 1.5 billion of their eggs every year, with a figure inside. These are completely banned in the US as a 1938 regulation is that for edible food, no non-edible items can be placed inside. This is designed to stop children putting things like the Kinder figures in their mouths and choking.

More Expense! The cost of electricity for the 11.5 million users whose consumption is calculated daily has continued to rise, and the supply companies state that during winter, costs will remain high. The cost at present is 37% more than last March. They estimate the cost in January 2018 to be 58.9 Euros per Megawatt/hr. This is equivalent to 1,000 electric water heaters with a 1,000 watt element, switched on for 1 hour. In February 2014 a megawatt/hour cost 17 Euros, 24 in August 2016 (rain topped up the reservoirs that produced hydro-electricity) and in January this year it zoomed up to 71 Euros due to a cold spell, lack of rain, and gas prices going up. On October 13th this year, for two hours the cost was 57 Euros as the “pool” costs where energy companies pre-buy their fuel costs was very high. All consumers with the “intelligent” meters are charged a different rate for every hour of the day, and the cost for the next 24hrs is given the day before on www.tarifaluzhora.es. People with a “split tariff” pay the same amount for the 10 hours overnight and up to midday when it is 50% cheaper. The “official “reasons for the high cost at present are given as being the lack of rain and lack of wind. Power stations that burn coal (such as the one at Carboneras), or a coal and gas mix, have to provide for the increased demand. At present they are supplying 40% of the energy needed, compared to 20% on average in the same period of 2016.

Government and the CNMC, who monitor anticompetitive prices, are continually suspecting that some of the costs are a fix! The Spanish Minister for Energy has stated that his department will be closely observing the cost over the next few weeks to see if there are abnormal rises in price. The CNMC fined the electricity companies in 2013 for forming a cartel with artificially high prices. Any consumer can apply to have a split tariff by going into their ‘Endesa’ office, or using a qualified registered electrician to do this for them. The daytime cost is only marginally more expensive.

House Buying At present there is some hesitation in taking out mortgages in Catalonia as residents are concerned about the future. In other parts of Spain there is a growing market. Between January 1st to August 31st, 4,939 mortgages were taken out, 15% more than the same period in 2016. Almería is the second province in Andalucía to achieve this number, after Granada province which recorded a 22% rise. This is put down to more consumer confidence, a decrease in unemployment, and the increased willingness of banks to give mortgages. On average, the amount of money being lent is 45% more than last year. Banks are now dipping their toes into fixed rate mortgages, not available in the past. A borrower may pay slightly more than a variable interest rate mortgage at present, but they have the peace of mind that their monthly payment is fixed for the entire loan period. Much Better In 2012, the automobile market in Spain was experiencing major difficulties, so the government introduced the ‘PIVE’ schemes where they and the manufacturer went 50/50 with a 1,000 Euro discount each when an old car was scrapped. This was concluded in 2017 when the eighth ‘PIVE’ scheme came to an end. It was considered that the automobile market was now able to “go it alone”. With the latest figures up to the end of this year being an unknown factor ‘Seat’ have announced that sales are up 20% with respect to 2016, and they are the market leader in vehicles sold (and

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In the News solely manufactured in Spain). Sales of their hybrid and electrically powered vehicles have gone up by 6%, but their Director General, Mikel Palomera, considered that the lack of charging points for electric vehicles is a major problem. He also considers that until these vehicles can travel 500 km on a single charge (and charging needs to be much quicker) this sector will not show a significant improvement in sales. Their model ‘Ateca’ has been very well received, and in 2018 their slightly smaller version will come onto the market. In a competition by members of the public to give this model a name, one of the most popular ones was “Alboran” relating to the sea off the coast of Almería. Finally, the name “Arona” received the most votes. Asked whether cars that semi-drove themselves would be introduced by Seat, Mikel Palomera states that there needs to be more advances in technology for them to be completely safe and reliable.

and Bankinter received a B score, Banco BBVA a C, and Banco Sabadell a D. Bank transport and supply companies are included in the evaluation.

‘Tesla’ in Almería? The giant US electric vehicle company ‘Tesla’ is in talks with the Diputacíon Provincial de Almería (county council) regarding the possibility of an enormous factory coming here. They intend to open three factories in Europe, with one in Spain. Part of the interest in Almería province is the 1977 Tabernas solar investigation park, wind farms in the province, and the very large natural gas pipeline from Algeria to Almería. The company consider that opening an electrically propelled car factory alongside these is a logical idea. There is also the ‘PITA’ centre, part of Almería University, which is a high technology investigation scientific park.

Chinese Mafia Over 100 specialized police and tax inspectors recently raided a unit in an industrial estate in Madrid, along with several houses, in an operation christened “Operation Shopping”. It was alleged that there was a contraband and money laundering scheme relating to Chinese goods that were being sold at “1 Euro” establishments. 70 people were arrested, and police stated this number might well increase with further investigation at other homes in 11 provinces. The operation went on for several days and copious documentation was seized. Less Money The communication company ‘Telefónica’ have A ‘Cajamar’ Award published their financial state up to the end of The banking group Cajamar has been awarded an September this year. They have reduced their debts “A” classification for their work to minimise their from borrowing money by 5% down to 47 billion carbon footprint. Awards are made from the Euros, and now have 69% of the 4G and fibre optic organisation ‘Carbon Disclosure Project’ who analyse market. Communication companies have been trying the efforts made to reduce carbon and CO2 to put off the abolition of roaming charges, but emissions. As an example, the Almería headquarters now this has come into place. Telefónica states that have 100% of their energy requirements from this has cost them 70 million Euros in lost income. renewable energy sources. The organization surveyed Their overall profit was 9.6% at 2.4 billion Euros 3,000 companies worldwide and rank them as “A” despite this. Their investment in new technology (Leadership)” going down to “D (disclosure)”. Other was slightly down on the same period in 2016, at Spanish banks to be rated were Caixabank and Bankia 6 billion Euros. Total billing for all the services they with an A rating. Banco Santander, Banco Popular offer was 38 billion Euros, just under 2% more.

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In the News your Spanish is not sufficient you can ask a Spanish A manager of a Lidl supermarket in Barcelona was speaking friend to help. Delivery is stated to be 7 given his marching orders last June for “habitually days from the order. arriving 50-90 minutes” before the shop opened. Dual Tracks Needed Security cameras showed him getting the shop ready. Lidl stated that employees were paid for Representatives of industry from agriculture and every minute of their regulated working day and marble companies, and the hotel trade, are when the manager came in early he was effectively pressurizing the Ministry of Transport to abandon falsifying productivity! In court, after the manager the planned single track when further work is appealed against his dismissal he stated there was started on the ‘AVE’ (High speed train) from Murcia a restructuring of the store and the extra time he to Almeria. From Lorca, the current plans are that worked was exceptional and not normal. He also the single track goes the whole length of the line, stated that he was under pressure to achieve except for the double track already laid down from targets. Officials from the Spanish ‘CCOO’ union near Garrucha to Sorbas. There are also plans for told the court that they had negotiated working a major logistic centre in Níjar and another in Pulpí. conditions for the 12,500 staff in their 540 The one at Pulpí is seen as being essential for the supermarkets. They stated that many employees transport of fruit and veg, and these businesses worked extra hours without being paid, and in some have suggested that they would pay the 40 million cases persons on a 25 hour week contract worked Euros needed to put it in operation. This centre 40 hours, and it was inconceivable that the manager would be situated only 100 metres from the railway had been sacked. A motion before the Spanish and the A-7 motorway. It is considered that there Parliament recently put forward by the PSOE party would be enough merchandise for four trains every will come into force shortly and is related to actual day apart from marble being loaded. At Níjar, a “dry hours worked. It will compel employers to officially port” has been given the green light that would record the exact daily hours of work. The old load and unload lorry transport onto and off the fashioned time clocks in factories and large stores trains. It is not very far from the motorway again, and not a long way from Carboneras and the port, recorded the exact time worked. and the completion date is 2020. Calculations are that from both Níjar and Pulpí there would be “Como Tú” How would you feel about ordering a doll 33 cm enough goods moved to need 20 trains each day. high with the exact facial features of your young As regards tourists, it is estimated that there could son or daughter? The local Spanish newspaper ‘Ideal’ be a 60% rise from Madrid, Valencia and Alicante is offering just such dolls for 69 Euros IVA included, and the demand for houses, or second houses stated to be a discount on the normal price of 99 would go up as well, apart from hotel occupancy. Euros. Photographs have to be taken of full face Studies for the single line track and cost are and side face with good lighting from a distance underway, and the promise is that many of the of 2 metres showing the hair style and a smile. This sections will be started in 2019. All the previous is then used to make a 3D image using Hewlett studies and costing for a double track are now Packard scanning and image forming equipment. scrap paper, unless the Ministry of Transport can The dolls are dressed in pink for a girl and blue for be made to think again.

Working Too Hard

a boy. Parents can choose from a variety of hair colours, skin colours and eye colour. To order such dolls parents have to ring 958 809 809 extensions 1 or 2, or email: distribution@ideal.es giving their telephone contact number. They will then receive a call back. Details have to be supplied of the name and age of the child and parents or guardians. If

Water Improvements Last December, the water supplier ‘Galasa’ was within days of declaring bankruptcy with enormous debts. The Almería Diputación (County Council) is the main shareholder, and after a lot of discussions and arguments it was bailed out. 50% of the water

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In the News that Galasa buy is lost in leaks, and the way they paid people to fix these was highly criticised. The diputación has unveiled a 4.2 million Euro repair package that applies to 18 town halls in this Levante region. This is going hand in hand with another project that will cost 3.6 million Euros, so a major expense. From 2018, municipalities with less than 1,000 inhabitants will have 60,000 Euros allocated, and up to 500,000 Euros for the largest ones. If all the leaks can be stopped, the saving in water purchased by Galasa will be 3 million Euros. There is still a large debate regarding this plan as the amount of money allocated will be more than is needed in some municipalities, and not enough for other ones. So will water bills come down? Don’t hold your breath.

Caught! Mafia type organisations charge enormous amount of money to people who opt to travel in assorted craft (often very unsuitable) to gain access to Spain. Three people who took the money, mainly for children, have now been arrested. In the middle of September a dinghy was intercepted in the Straits of Gibraltar with six Moroccans on board, and four of them were young children. They had all paid 4,000 Euros for their “ticket”. It turned out that they had first been put aboard a fishing boat and then transferred to the dinghy. A month later another large boat was intercepted with 27 Moroccans, of which 24 were children. Some people had not been able to come up with the 4,000 Euros, and only had 3,000 or more. One of them was threatened with a knife, and the departure was delayed. Because of this the coastguards intercepted this boat soon after it left. Three of the “passengers” were part of a gang that charged for the voyage but claimed they were immigrants. Interviews with the other boat people established that this was not the case. Courts invariably hand down prison terms when traffickers are discovered. Rescues off the Spanish coast, including off Almería, are co-ordinated from a centre in Italy. On various occasions they have been informed that immigrants are on the high seas by the traffickers themselves. They know a rescue will follow.

Defacing the Castle In June 2016, an event was put on at Almería castle as part of the ‘Teatro del Siglo de Oro’ series of events. Staging was erected for lighting gantries and 20 holes were made in the castle walls. In recent verbal testimony in front of a judge it was accepted that the director of the castle did not know that this was being done. The artistic director of the event, the boss of the firm that staged it, and an employee of the Junta de Andalucía who was the technical director, were also summoned to court. The company who staged the event told the court that the gantries had been installed by a subcontractor, but the judge determined that representatives of the main company were present when the holes were made. The judge ruled that the person from the Junta de Andalucía Agency of Cultural Institutions also knew what was being done. A security guard alerted the castle director as to what had happened and the holes were repaired, but she later resigned. The “Friends of Almería Castle” made the complaint and stipulated that the work to properly repair the holes was 3,000 Euros, but they had been patched up instead. The ‘Fiscalía’ (prosecution service) stated that the holes were a clear breach of cultural regulations and came under the jurisdiction of article 332 of the Spanish Penal Code. They are asking for prison terms of between six months to two years, but these would be “suspended” sentences. The judge accepted that considerable damage had been done, and the case will now proceed in court. Shut Down When the Spanish Government invoked article 155 of the Constitution, the heads of the government in Catalonia were relieved of their positions, and central government took over. One of the following decisions was that the so called “Catalonian embassies” in various countries were shut down. This applied to the offices in France, the UK, Ireland, Germany, the US, Canada, Mexico, Austria, Italy, Portugal, Poland and Denmark. It was claimed that these “embassies” were clearly promoting the Catalan Independence movement, which was illegal. One of the people affected is Francesca Guardiola,

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In the News who is the sister of the Manchester City football trainer, Pep Guardiola. She has only been working in Copenhagen for a few months after being appointed in August. A delegation is still open in Brussels, but the director has been replaced.

Spanish nationals. Thieves very commonly “bump” a lock, and they have special keys for locks that have pins or tumblers. These are cut with all the “hills & valleys” of the key the same height, and quickly inserting the key gives a momentary “bump” to all the pins. This only takes about 20 seconds. The only way to defeat this is to fit high quality locks that may have a special pin inside, or other security features. If you ask a qualified locksmith to come to your house and survey your safety rating this may well result in different locks providing more security. Wall or floor safes are a good idea as a thief will not want to spend too long inside your house. If they are built into the wall or floor it takes a long time to prise them out, with a lot of noise. Of course, you can employ a security company to fit anti-theft devices that are triggered, or set off an alarm, if a person gains access. Prevention is always better than the expensive experience of being robbed.

Reduce The Debt! The EU is pressurizing Spain to reduce the public debt in 2018. They accept that the problems with Catalonia may affect this, and that the Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, only has a very small minority in Parliament. In 2017, the public debt was 3.1%, and in 2018 the target is that it is below the psychological figure of 3%. The Spanish Minister for the Economy, Luis de Guindos, is claiming that the debt may be brought down to 2.2% in 2018. In October the government sent off their projected budget for 2018, but this has not yet been passed in parliament. The EU gurus have given Spain until January 3rd next year to comply. They are still recommending that all the IVA (VAT) rates need to go up, even the 21% band. Luis de Guindos is still Net Worth strenuously opposed to this. Every year the Spanish Department of Statistics calculates the net worth of citizens, usually looking A Big Drop at tax returns. They work out the net income in The Policía Nacional and the Guardia Civil police in 7,600 municipalities with more than 1,000 residents. Almería city have been waging war against The average working resident of Almería province burglaries, and these have reduced by 60% since has an income of 1,100 Euros a month, with either 2012 when there were 780. In 2016 there were 14 payments a year (the extra two are at Christmas only 290 reported burglaries. They have issued and summer) or the 14 payments are split into 12 guidelines for residents that apply to the whole of equal amounts. This works out as an annual income Almería province, not just the city. They point out of 16,500 Euros. People in Almería city have the that burglars target properties where they think biggest family income with annual income from there will be valuables, and the most popular time working members, at 20,000 Euros. Carboneras is is weekday mornings when people are at work or next on the list followed by Huércal de Almería. The out. They are looking for portable valuables including average income in Mojácar is 17,400, and 17,200 in jewellery, money, and small electronic equipment. Vera. For residents of Huércal-Overa it is 15,900. Access by the first floor of a property may well be Albox clocks in at 15,300 the same as Garrucha, and easier than at street level if windows are not shut, 14,700 in Pulpí. The income in Los Gallardos is 14,300, or sliding doors are not locked. Last August, a gang in Cantoria 14,200 and in Zurgena 13,900 the same of three young women were arrested after 11 as in Antas. Turre income is 13,400 and 13,100 in burglaries in Almería city and many others in five Arboleas. The income in Lubrín is the second lowest different provinces. They reasoned (correctly until in the province at 11,800 Euros. In Pozuelo de they were caught) that women seen in front of a Alarcón (Madrid) the income is just over 50,000 door, or a block of apartments, were less suspicious Euros, along with Sant Fruitós de Bages (Barcelona). than men. They were all aged 20-22 and were not Perhaps we should move there!

Continued ....

So Now You Know... Christmas Holly In olden days, holly was associated with the winter solstice that occurs about December 21st. The days then become longer and it was considered that the “Holly King” had triumphed over his brother who had made all other trees shed their leaves. The sharp pointed leaves were taken indoors to deter evil spirits entering, but good luck fairies were able to shelter behind the leaves. The Romans decorated statues of Satan with holly, and there was considerable opposition by Christian leaders when it became associated with Christmas. Eventually it was accepted as being “lucky” when used as a Christmas decoration. Christmas Carols The English word “carol” comes from a medieval French word, “carole”. It was a song sung whilst dancing round in a circle. From about 1350 they started to be associated with religious events. An English court song book from 1480 had a section for carols with various verses and a chorus. The practice then seems to have died out until the 18th century when most of the traditional carols that we know today were written and associated exclusively with Christmas. Carol singing then became an outdoor activity with dancing round a religious statue or around a Christmas tree. Going “carol singing” became very popular. Christmas Cards John Calcott Horsley was a British printer who produced the first Christmas card in 1843. The idea came from Sir Henry Cole who decided sending cards to his friends was a really good plan. The main picture on the card showed a typical Victorian family enjoying their winter holiday round a table with glasses of wine. Either side there were pictures of people being charitable to the poor. There were 1,000 cards printed and John sold the ones that Sir Henry didn’t want for 1 shilling each. In today’s currency, 1 shilling is about 10 pounds sterling! At an auction in 2001 one of the cards was sold for 20,000 pounds.

Christmas Tree Lights The Puritans banned Christmas celebrations altogether, but it was slowly reinstated. The young Queen Victoria was encouraged to decorate a Christmas tree by Prince Albert, as this was a tradition in Germany. In 1882, a worker employed by Thomas Edison invented lights that were waterproof and using these to decorate large Christmas trees in towns and cities became very popular. The first large outdoor Christmas tree to be decorated with lights was probably one erected in Boston in the USA in 1912. People flocked to see these trees as the lights were a focal point in stark contrast to drab winter days and darkness. Mistletoe Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that only grows on other trees. Legend has it that Balder, the son of Frigga, the goddess of beauty, was killed with an arrow dipped in mistletoe poison. Frigga was very distraught, and her copious tears are said to have changed the red berries to white ones. The Gods then made Balder alive again. The Druids believed that mistletoe cured diseases, and in Europe and Asia it was considered that an extract from the berries cured arthritis, rheumatism, hyper tension and epilepsy. Where kissing under a sprig of mistletoe originated is not at all clear. Removing one berry allowed young men one kiss. The 12 Days of Christmas The 12 days of Christmas start on December 26th and continue until January 6th. 12th night is the evening of January 5th.These 12 days are the last six of the old year, and the first six of the New Year. It was believed that it took the Three Kings this long to find baby Jesus. This period was a time for general festivities, but it did not start on Christmas Day as this day was considered too holy. Agricultural workers were allowed to take this time off work as long as any animals were fed. A Yule log with a candle was lit on the first day, and it was considered very bad luck if it went out before the 12 days finished.

A Puppy for Christmas

hristmas is traditionally a time when families get together and eat too much and children dream of being given expensive presents. A puppy may seem the ideal gift, but in many cases, if bought from companies described as “mafia dealers” they may well die before the New Year. As a nation, Spanish people like pets but, like other nationalities, are often very lax in checking if a puppy comes from a registered dealer. Buying puppies on the internet is becoming more popular, but in many cases puppies only a few weeks old are transported from Hungary, Slovakia and other countries in the Eastern bloc. It is estimated that 90% of puppies purchased in Spain originate from these countries. Very young puppies are sold by breeders to the large companies that offer them for sale and transport them hundreds or thousands of miles. Documentation (if it exists at all) is often forged. At these “puppy factories”, puppies are born very regularly in terrible conditions. They will be taken from their mother extremely early, not vaccinated, not micro-chipped, and often with fleas or a serious illness. Their life expectancy is no more than a few weeks. This trade in puppies is very big business, and the breeder may be paid the equivalent of 100 Euros for every puppy handed over. They are then sold on for anything from 400-900 Euros depending on the breed. The Spanish Guardia Civil Police have a department known as ‘Seprona’ who specialise in the illegal sale of young cats and dogs, sales of exotic pets or birds banned in Spain, and animal welfare in general. Statistics in Europe indicate that only 45% of puppies purchased are fully legal as regards their age and transport method. Unfortunately, Spain is one of the countries where a large majority of the illegal puppies are purchased. A typical example occurred when a woman in Granada province purchased a puppy for her young children. She bought it on the internet from a company with a Madrid address for 450

Euros, and it was delivered to her house by a courier service. It was stated to be four months old with all the necessary vaccinations. When it arrived it was obvious it was badly dehydrated and flea ridden. The minimal documentation revealed it had come from Slovakia, not from a breeder in Madrid. She contacted the dealer who told her to send it back for an exchange with another puppy, but she didn’t think it would survive the journey. It died five days later and an autopsy carried out by a vet revealed it was between the ages of six to eight weeks, completely unvaccinated and very ill. A puppy cannot be legally sold in Spain until it is over the age of three months, when it is required to have been given an anti-rabies injection. Puppies purchased from EU companies sent to another EU country have to have been inspected by an authorized vet 24 hours before the journey.

Matilde Cubillo, from an animal charity in Madrid, works closely with the Seprona police. She stresses that if you do decide to buy a puppy you must use a registered shop or dealer. Alternatively, if you want a dog at any time that is guaranteed to be healthy and have all their injections, then visit your local animal rescue kennels. They will have a variety of dogs who will adopt you in the wag of a tail, and their full history will be available. An ill puppy that dies within a few days is a very bad Christmas present!

Tighten Up!

yber attacks that shut down huge numbers of computers and the associated services of businesses and individuals are increasing on an almost daily basis. They range from causing temporary blocking of information for particular companies to severe attacks worldwide, including Spain. A major task force is being set up with multiagencies involved including the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, the CNI (secret service) and the Cyber Security Department. Once it is in operation it will have “teeth” so that “digital audits” can be made of major enterprises and, if needed, increased cyber security will have to be put in place.

shown pushing back a group of people waving the Catalonian independence flag, but the flag had been “photoshopped” onto an old photograph. One photograph with the caption “Spanish police attacking Catalan voters” showed a boy with blood running down his face. The photo dated from November 2012 at a demonstration outside the El Corte Inglés store in Tarragon. Another photograph of a bloody bearded man being attended to by ambulance staff was from July 2017, at a demonstration march by miners in Madrid.

The ‘WannaCry’ virus last May took down the giant Telefónica organization in Madrid which was considered to be “truly alarming”. The Microsoft patch to block any virus had been available to everybody in March, but in many cases hadn’t been installed. On June 27th , the ‘Petya’ malware virus attack wreaked havoc in many countries including Spain. Amongst others, the Spanish logistic centre of the giant Maersk shipping company was blocked. At the time of the referendum in Catalonia on October 1st, there were no attacks to shut down information services, but there was a lot of “fake news” and “fake images”, particularly from Russian websites. Officially, the Kremlin stated that the referendum was an internal affair for Spain, but the Russian RT agency was very active. US experts in cyber-attacks and interference in the US elections state that this is definitely controlled and financed by the Kremlin. In the 48 hours up to 6pm on October 1st there were 808 pro-referendum tweets posted with their origins in Russia. They continually stated that Spain would be expelled from the EU for the “appalling violence against human rights”, and that the EU had agreed to welcome Catalonia as a separate state “with open arms”. Backed up with court orders, webservers in the EU (particularly in Europe) will take down websites when asked, but there is no such co-operation in Russia.

In the early hours of October 26th, hackers shut down the Spanish newspaper ‘El País’ online service for several hours with sustained attacks. An unsuccessful attack on the official website of the Spanish Monarchy took place at the same time, and the Policía Nacional (National Police Force) was also targeted. All these were considered to be attempts to disrupt critical points of view relating to the Catalan independence movement. The early hours of the morning are the favourite time for attacks to take place as experts on cyber security have to be roused from their beds.

The aim of the Spanish task force is firstly to protect essential services such as energy providers, air transport, health services, the police and the financial sector. This “tighten up” endeavour is seen as the only way to give the best possible shield. Large companies who are attacked (successfully or not) will have to notify the task force. Adequate Many photographic images were manipulated by prevention is far better than trying to come up both Russians and others. Guardia Civil Police were with a cure afterwards!

El Gordo

he Spanish lottery “El Gordo” (The fat one) takes place just before Christmas on December 22nd. Many Spaniards and other residents consider it essential that they buy one ticket, or share the cost of several with family or work colleagues. Strictly speaking, the lottery is called the “Lotería de Navidad” and first started up in 1892. It has always been run by a Spanish State organization now known as ‘Loterías y Apuestas del Estado’. As measured by the total prize pay-out it is the biggest lottery in the world. The name “El Gordo”, in reality, only applies to the enormous first prize. Since 2011, a five digit number is drawn, one digit at a time, and this number is associated with a prize amount that is drawn as well. Ticket holders match their tickets with the same ones drawn. If all five numbers are the same, and they have been associated with the first prize of El Gordo they have won a fortune! Ticket numbers range from 00000 to 99999 so there are 100,000 unique numbers. These unique numbers are printed with “series” numbers that change slightly every year. In 2017 there are 170 series numbers, so one five digit number is common to 170 series or sheets of numbers. A perforated sheet can be split into 10 individual tickets. These are known as “décimos” (tenths) and from a lottery office they cost 20 Euros each, or 200 Euros for the whole sheet. In 2017, if all the tickets have been sold, the money paid over amounts to 3.4 billion Euros. 70% is paid back in prizes to a maximum of 2.38 billion Euros. If your last ticket number includes just one of the five numbers of the first prize, you get your 20 Euros back. Many associations buy tickets from lottery offices and sell them on at 22-23 Euros for each décimo and large numbers are sold in bars or from the association. You can support the organizations by paying the extra Euros.

sheets of the same number, or however many they want. When various series have been bought at different lottery offices any prizes are won in those regions. In 2017, if your décimo is the same as the five digit El Gordo number you win 400,000 Euros. Second prize is 125,000 Euros, third prize is 50,000 Euros, fourth prize is 20,000 Euros, fifth prize is 6,000 Euros, and there is host of other smaller prizes. In 2016, the winning El Gordo number was 66513, and all the 165 sheets of ten décimos had been bought and sold by the same lottery office in a modest area of Madrid. 1,650 people with a one décimo ticket won 400,000 Euros each.

Many people buy special numbers from lottery offices via the internet, available from early July to December 21st. This year the number 00155 was extremely popular, as article 155 of the Spanish constitution is being enforced in Catalonia! Lottery offices quickly sold out of all the décimos they had. 11017 (October 1st 2017), the date of the referendum, is very popular as well. The sought after macabre number 17817 is the date of the Barcelona massacre.

The chance of getting your 20 Euros back is 1 in Individual lottery offices can buy various numbers, 10, and a larger prize is 1 in 53. Winning El Gordo and if they are very big undertakings in places like is 1 in 100,000, but winning the Euro Millions first Madrid or Barcelona, they may buy all the available prize is 1 in 139 million!

Away from Home

or Spaniards, Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is the time when families aim to get together even if some family members live elsewhere, and they have a special evening meal. For this reason, Spanish restaurants are normally shut after lunch until they re-open on Christmas Day. With the tight family unit in Spain there will normally be grandparents present. A relatively new phenomenon is that for some of these grandparents they cannot attend because they are in prison. In June this year there were 1,900 men and 140 women in Spanish prisons between the ages of 65 - 80, with 50 over the age of 80. special training it is extremely difficult for his officers to distinguish between old age, senility Prison terms for elderly people are often given and psychological problems. The Alcázar de San for serious drug related reasons, classified as Juan prison in Ciudad Real caters for elderly “offences against the public health”. Some mafia prisoners and has being modified to suit. Of the gangs started using elderly people as couriers as 100 prisoners there, 20 are over the age of 65 they considered they were less likely to be stopped and 10 over the age of 80. Work at other prisons and searched. Currently this applies to 600 in both the UK and in Spain has started, but more convicted pensioners in Spanish prisons. Another funding is needed. As with any accommodation sector has been convicted of serious homicides, for the elderly, there has to be special facilities and some are there because of sentences relating such as the least number of stairs, aids in to major corruption or fraud. This is not unique bathrooms that have to be nearby, wheelchair to Spain and published statistics in the UK in 2016 access, and ground floor cells in multi-level prisons. were that there were 100 prisoners over the age The cost of looking after elderly prisoners is stated of 80 and five over the age of 90! Three of the to be three times that of younger prisoners. A men convicted of the Hatton Garden burglary in complication is that some of these prisoners are the UK were aged 67 - 76. In Germany, a gang in high security accommodation. carried out 14 bank raids and had racked up a total of just over 1 million Euros. When police One of the things that often happens with elderly caught up with them the three men were aged prisoners is that other inmates help out. For some 64 - 74. In Japan, one out of every four people of the elderly, carrying plates of food is not easy, convicted of robbery is aged over 65. and they may need help with simple things such as changing channels on their TV. If they have Elderly prisoners often need facilities quite someone who “looks after them” this is fine, but different to other prisoners because of illness, the reverse side of the coin is that less friendly physical handicaps, and other requirements for prisoners may take advantage and steal from geriatrics. In the UK and Spain this is not always them which can go completely unnoticed. straightforward. Not many prison officers have special training how to deal with these people, In Spain, prisoners can have conjugal visits in and there are not enough doctors, medical special private rooms where intercourse can take specialists, or the programs that are needed. One place. Many elderly prisoners request that they Spanish prison governor complains that without can take advantage of these.

Now Even Better

utonomous communities (in our case Andalucía) can set their own regulations for inheritance and gift tax. For many years, taxes have been very high in Andalucía compared to other parts of Spain. Persons who are inheritors can legally refuse the inheritance if the tax bill is extremely high, but in these cases the inheritance reverts to the Junta de Andalucía who then appropriates the money. This has been rightly considered very unfair! The high taxes became known as “el impuesto de la muerte”, “death tax”. In 2016, the P.S.O.E. party in the Andalucían parliament led by Susana Diáz, needed the backing of the Ciudadanos party to obtain a majority, so there was some horse trading before this alliance was agreed. Prior to January 1st, 2017, the tax free allowance for main inheritors was only 175,000 Euros. A hefty tax came into place if the inheritance was 175,001 Euros or more, on the total amount. After pressure from the Ciudadanos party this 175,000 Euros was raised to 200,000 Euros in 2017 with tax only payable on the difference between 200,000 Euros up to a maximum of 320,000 Euros. Tax on the maximum allowance went down 77% to 13,000 Euros. There was a condition that the person receiving the inheritance had to have a prior maximum “net worth” of no more than 450,000 Euros.

inheritance laws, and Susana Díaz needs her 2018 budget approved. This September, the Ciudadanos party, who still hold the balance of power, decided that to have their support they were going to insist on the inheritance laws being amended once again. Faced with this condition (one of many) Susana Díaz gave in and it seems certain that the modifications will go through.

The relationship of inheritors is classified into groups with children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents and spouses in groups I & II. Siblings, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and step children are in group III. From January 1st, 2018, the proposal is that inheritors in groups I & II now have a tax free limit of 1 million Euros. The prior “net worth” for these inheritors has also been raised to 1 million Euros. 95% of inheritors in Andalucía should now pay no tax at all. Gift tax goes hand in hand with inheritance tax, and parents will be able to give their children 1 million Euros tax free, providing it is to create employees for their existing businesses, start a new business, or for an injection of capital. Susana Díaz is now in the situation where the 2018 budget should be approved.

A married couple or a “pareja de hecho” (registered partnership) that each owned 50% of a property, was now able to inherit 280,000 Euros each tax free. Previously, if the 50% inherited share had been 280,000 Euros the tax bill was a hefty 20,000 Euros. Close relatives or people over the age of 65 who had lived in the family home for two years were now able to inherit part of the property worth 242,000 Euros with 95% tax relief. Prior to 2017, persons inheriting part of a family home had to keep it for 10 years before a sale could take place, Inheritance laws for non-Spanish persons have but in 2017 the time period was reduced to two various differences to those for Spaniards. Advice years. from professional tax advisors or solicitors is essential to make sure that your wishes can be The PP-A party (in opposition) in the Andalucían incorporated into a suitable will with maximum tax parliament have been pushing for even better benefits.

What Happens Next?

he short answer, regarding Catalonia, is elections on December 21st. Following the October 1st referendum for independence (we explained last month how this was highly flawed), the President of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, dithered for a long time without actually stating they were going for a declaration of independence. One hard independence group of 10 MPs soon fell out with him because of this. Finally, on the afternoon of October 27th a letter was signed by 70 of the 135 MPs that independence was going to take place. The Spanish Parliament had suggested he came to Madrid to have a hearing (he didn’t), withdraw the independence declaration (he didn’t), and immediately call for elections in Catalonia which would be a true reflection of the wishes of the total population (he refused to do this). Consequently, the Government in Madrid invoked article 155 of the 1978 constitution on the evening of October 27th that gave them the right to take over the direct running of Catalonia. Carles Puigdemont, the vice president and all the ministers in the Catalonia parliament were removed from office, and parliament was dissolved. The head of the 15,000 Mossos autonomous police in Catalonia was also replaced. We mention in an “In the News” item that all the Catalonia delegations in foreign countries were disbanded, except for one in Brussels. The three main political parties in the Spanish Parliament who often don’t agree on legislation joined forces, and voted by 214 against 47 to invoke article 155, and elections were immediately announced for December 21st. From the announcement of any elections there is a period of 54 days before they take place. General, autonomous community and local elections always take place on a Sunday in Spain. Because of the speed of the elections being announced, the 54 days expires on a Thursday, but people at work are allowed time off to vote. The next stage was that all the Catalonian government ministers were summoned to the High Court in Madrid to face charges of “rebellion, sedition, misuse of public funds” and “disobedience” for ignoring instruction from the High Court in Barcelona

banning the referendum. This immediately applied to 14 MPs, and a further five people who ran the parliament. Carles Puigdemont and five ex-ministers then slipped away quietly, travelled to Marseille, and then flew to Brussels. It was stated that they might seek political asylum.

Carles Puigdemont

After an extremely long day in court on November 3rd, the ex-vice president and seven ex-ministers were remanded in custody and sent to prison. Arrest warrants were issued for the ex-president and the other MPs in Brussels. It soon became apparent that they had not been welcomed with open arms. Carles Puigdemont had hoped that he would be received as being the President of Catalonia and could give an address in the European Parliament. The reaction from the Belgian authorities was that he and the others were merely people who were entitled to come to Belgium if they wished to do so. The MPs found a lawyer to help them fight extradition. The Parliamentary President and five other officials were in court on November 9th. Carme Forcadell, the president, was released on bail, except she spent one night in prison before the 150,000 Euros was paid into court, and four others came up with bail amounts of 25,000 Euros, and one person was released. Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish Prime Minister, is convinced that the elections in Catalonia will “restore order”, and from Brussels, Carles Puigdemont has now stated that there might be “another way” to resolve this!

Catering for the Chinese

he World Organization of Tourism state that in 2016 a total of 135 million tourists came from China, which is more than the amount from any other country, and they spent the equivalent of 240 billion Euros worldwide. The small number of Chinese tourists coming to Spain spent an average of 2,500 Euros per person, 250% more than the average of 1,000 Euros from all the other tourists. Unfortunately, only 500,000 chose Spain, and Europe in general was not the preferred choice. Carlos Sentís, the founder and director of the consultancy company ‘Henkuai’ in Madrid, complains that Spain has not made enough effort to attract Chinese tourists and does not understand what they want. He considers that Spain has become too fixated in “low-cost” tourism that made up a large percentage of the 75.6 million tourists who came to Spain in 2016. He points out that Chinese tourists are often considered to be very difficult to accommodate, and have a mentality that is very different from other tourists. He states that this is not true, and when they do have special requirements these have to be understood. If not, Spain will continue to lose out. Carlos Sentís is also leading an organization called ‘Spain China Project’ that they hope will attract more Chinese. They stress that there are many “niche” markets that will attract them, but the numbers of visitors can be enormous. Eduardo Santander, the President of the European Tourist Commission, feels the same way. He states that Chinese people like coastal resorts but lying on the beach in the height of summer is not popular because having a sun tan is considered very lower class. He points out that Germans are the most interested in winter sports and winter holidays, and 14 million of them choose this time of year. Only 1% of Chinese tourists want to travel to winter sports resorts, but this is 1.35 million!

website), guided tours of cities, and trying local food. Some Chinese tourists want to stay in different cities, or even different countries during their holidays, but only want 4* hotels or 5*. Eduardo Santander considers that this type of tourist, similar to many US tourists, do not readily find these sorts of holiday in Spain, or Europe in general. Many Chinese tourists like “themed” holidays including a whole series of museums and art galleries, castles, or bird watching. When on tours of various sorts they like to have translators with them, but more and more speak English.

Young Chinese tourists quite often travel in small groups of perhaps four or six persons, and they like buying luxury goods in cities. Older Chinese tourists prefer larger groups and are much more likely to choose coach tours or organized trips in cities. They are not interested in staying in hotels where there are a lot of other Chinese; they are happier being in the group they are travelling with. The World Organization of Tourism calculates that by 2030 there may be 200 million Chinese tourists. Thailand is popular because they have adapted to their needs quicker than other countries, and 8.7 million tourists went there in 2016.

Carlos Sentís states that Chinese tourists expect hotels and their staff to listen to any complaints and rectify problems, but they do this quite Chinese people like museums (the Almería museum patiently. They will never occupy a room that has is on a list of “must see” places on one Chinese a “four” in the number as this signifies “death”.

Useful Telephone Numbers Emergencies (Multi-lingual)...................112 Health Emergencies: Life Threatening .........................................061 Other Health Emergencies...........902505061

HACIENDA (TAX OFFICE) Huércal Overa .......................950 470209 / 950 471013

FUNERAL DIRECTOR Albox (Funerarias Teruel) .......................................950 430122 Guardia Civil ..................................................062 Huércal Overa (Colly Fer) ...............................950 616161 Local Police ....................................................092 Garrucha (Funerarias Funerga) ..............................950 460295 Coast Guard .................................900 202 202 Mojácar (Funeraria Pérez) ...................................950 478102 Vera (Funeraria Ntra. Sra. de las Angustias) ..950 390884 AIRPORTS Almeria airport .....…..............…902 404 704 / 950 213 700 HOSPITALS Huércal-Overa, Alicante airport ….............………913 211 000 / 966 919 000 Hospital La Inmaculada..................................................950 029000 San Javier airport ……...……….902 404 704 / 968 172 000 Almería Torrecárdenas............................................950 016000 Almería,Virgen del Mar (Private).....................950 217100 BRITISH EMBASSY Virgen del Mar Emergencies:............................950 217240 Madrid ......................................................................917 146300 LOCAL POLICE BRITISH CONSULATE Albox ...............................................................................950 121080 Málaga (for this area) ................................................952 352300 Carboneras .................................................................950 136136 Cuevas del Almanzora ................................................950 548700 UK PASSPORT INFORMATION Garrucha ............................................................................950 460002 www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports Huércal-Overa ..............................................................950 470585 Mojácar ...........................................................................950 472000 EMERGENCY UK PASSPORTS Pulpi ……………......................................................................950 465049 www.gov.uk/emergency-travel-document Vera .................................................................................950 390010 CREDIT CARDS 24hr EMERGENCIES 4B(Visa/Mastercard) …..902 114400 / 913 626200 American Express …...................................................900 814500 Diners Club …..........................................................902 401112 Mastercard …..........................................................900 971231 Servired (Visa/Mastercard) …............................902 192100 Visa …..........................................................................900 991124

TOWN HALLS Albox ....................................................................................950 120908 Antas ............................................................................950 619015 Arboleas .............................................................................950 449430 Cuevas del Almanzora .................................................950 456488 Los Gallardos ....................................................................950 469000 Garrucha ...............................................................................950 460058 Huércal-Overa ...............................................................950 134900 Mojácar ...........................................................................950 615009 ELECTRICITY Sevillana Endesa Enquiries: ..................(free).800 760333 Turre ..................................................................................950 479011 Breakdowns:.........................(free).900 850840 Vera .....................................................................................950 393016 WATER Galasa Enquiries: ..................................................950 391200 TELEPHONE (Telefonica) Breakdowns: ...........................................902 355575 Normal Operator ..................................................................1004 Gestagua (Albox) ....................................................950 120649 Faults Operator ....................................................................1002 International Operator ......................................................11825 GAS Speaking Clock .........................................................................093 Cepsa (Silver bottles) Leaks ….......................902 100224 Cepsa, information …......................................902 416416 TAXIS See Directory pages Repsol (Red bottles) Leaks .......................901 121212 Repsol, information .........................................901 100100 MOBILES LOST OR STOLEN (From any 'phone) ITV (Spanish M.O.T. Centres) Orange …........................................................................656 001470 Vera, Albox, Veléz Rubio Telefónica Movistar …............................................095 702611 Central number ……………........................................959 999999 Vodafone …....................................................................607 123000 Yoigo …..................................................................................622 622622 TRAINS Renfe www.horarios.renfe.es ……..........…….902 240202

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For a free directory entry, call 670 84 92 65 or e-mail almeriafocus@gmail.com Keep this magazine in your office, by your 'phone, in the car or beside your bed! It's unique and updated every month. Red line entries signify that there is a display advert for that advertiser.

ACCOUNTING Asesoría Forte (Vera) ..........................950 395778 / 682 372196

Asesoría López (Vera) ……...................................….950 393071 Asesoría Torres (Mojácar) .........................................950 472748 Asesoría Sánchez Moral (Mojácar) ...........................670 099726 Barbara Caparros Ridao (Vera) …..........................950 390427 CG Legal & Financial (Mojácar Playa) ..950 472504 / 670 215926 Cazorla Martinez (Turre) .........................................950 479137 Cervantes Alarcon Consulting (Garrucha) 950 106490 / 647 863787

Flores Montoya Asesoria S.L. (Garrucha) ..................950 132577 Gecko Legal Services S.L. (Mojácar) 950 475949 / 638 264621 Gestoría Salvador (Mojácar Playa) ................................950 473 192 Mayor Consulting S.L.(Mojácar) .................................950 615185 Mojácar Playa Asesores ……................…….…………950 472710 Sintra Consultores (Vera) …......................................950 393815 Vera Advisors (Vera) ………………..................………950 390621 Villalba Asesores (Albox) ..........................................950 431720

ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture Antonio Herrero ......................................670 099725

AIR CONDITIONING ABC (A Better Climate) (See p.23)...647 247494 / 950 092604 Cool Solutions ...........................................................600 621436 DCM Digitek Comms (Mojácar) (See p.19) .950 472947 / 670 084438 Digital Vision (See p.59) ...................950 472081 / 645 294064 Electrotorres ........................................950 472898 / 610 750771 MD Air Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.607 364917 / 950 432110 Richard Hayes ...........................................................603 567676 Solo Satellite & Air-Con. (See p.55)...950 398146 / 699 909737 Concepción Rivas Gil (Arboleas) ….....950 438092 / 647 577716 Williams Electrical (Andy)........................................…..677 741366

To place a box advert or ask for prices, call Rob on 619 833 041

Free directory entries.

Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Angel Pardo (Técnico) .......................950 121960 / 687 939315 Antonio Martinez de la Casa .....................................950 092094 Blas Haro Morales ...................................................950 615345 Daniel González Aranda (Vera) ......................................686 846 624 Elena Acebo Architects (Huércal-Overa) .669 680098 / 950 134976 Paula Puente (Mojácar) .............................................610 433001

ART & ARTISTS Adolfo Prado ...............................................................950 472668 Alexis Shillinglaw ....................................................642 107453 Alison .......................................................................630 833873 Caz (art classes) ………................................……….607 444034 Dee Butler (Albox) ................................................….663 341904 Delfos Gallery (Mojácar) …........................................647 163681 Evie Fox ................................................................ 603 493163 Isabel Raths (Bedar) ................................................677 034957 Jeremy Fox-Rayner ...................................................653 714767 Jill Bennett (Mojácar) ............................950 478383 / 600 070188 Living Design (Albox) ...............................................678 308073 MarianMay Simpson …...........................………..……629 113436 Melanie .....................................................................638 495784 Miki ...........................................................................628 458491 Roberto Lombardi ................................950 930757 / 671 800317 The Gallery (La Concepción) ..................................607 146352

AIRPORT PARKING

AA Parking (Almería, Murcia, Alicante) ......................639 081067 AUCTIONS Aqua-Car (Alicante) ……………........................................966 790 011 Coastline Alicante Airport Parking .............................661 517890 A & A Auctions (Albox) ………..............950 064576 / 661 759882 Plane Parking S.L. …………............................................966 840 289 ...............(24hrs Alicante) 656 532725, (24hrs Murcia) 656 532724 Seguro Parking (San Jávier – Murcia) ……............622 062115 Victoria Parking (Alicante).................................................965 830 254

ALARMS AC Security ........................................950 387822 / 657 AXA .........................................................................950 CD Electrical Services ......................662 414043 / 617 Safes & Security (Dean)...........................................666 Prosegur Alarms .........................................................608

397218 478763 410534 949213 825509

AIRPORT TRANSFERS (LEGAL) Auction Subasta SL (Zurgena) ...........622 288750 / 681 095096 Exclusive Airport Shuttles (See p.61) .........................950 092602 Location Warehousing S.L. (Antas El Real) ..............950 528565 IndaTravel .....................................................................950 149539 AUTOMATIC DOORS & GATES

ANTIQUES

The Metal Works (Albox).......................950 930520 / 638 900949

Delfos (Mojácar) ......................................................647 163681

ARCHITECTS

AWNINGS & BLINDS Curtains with Style (Interior blinds) ...950 069032 / 678 811125 Costasol S.L. (Lloyd Dean) (See cover)...........................667 652 888 Coverbox (Albox) …................................................…615 992007 Cristalería Omega (Mojácar) …..........950 478137 / 670 500711 Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196 PersiVera 2005 S.L. ..................................................627 978635 Sol Shaders S.L. (See p.7).....................................627 907207 Speedyfit (See p.17) ..................................................600 006032 Toldos Farrago (Vera) ...............................................667 567564

BABY See Children & Baby To place a box advert or ask for prices, call Rob on 619 833 041

Free directory entries.

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Cafeteria Bellagio .......................................…………950 472323 BAKERIES Cornish Pride (Albox) …................................………666 618933 Cafetería Dolce …….................................................950 475178 Cafetería Pizzería Alcazaba ………...........................645 414793 BARS & CAFES Café Latino ...............................................................626 717323 Captain's Tapas Bar & Restaurant...............................617 477797 See also Restaurants Cave Bar ...............................................................…..950 478799 Albox Delfos .......................................................................647 163681 Bar Lepanto ................................................................642 906638 Dolce Vita ................................................................950 478476 Cafe-Bar Oasis ………......................................…....669 242166 El Ángel (Mojácar Pueblo) ..................950 478343 / 607 537101 Chapman’s ...............................................................642 447663 El Antler ………...........................................................600 540661 Cornish Pride ...................................................………666 618933 El Barrio Libre .............................................................950 475739 La Palmera ….............................................................950 430993 El Deseo ....................................................................670 018035 Maloan’s Bar ….........................................................850 993205 El Toro .....................................................................622 456560 The Travellers Inn, Los Marcelinos ...........................642 011900 Enrico ...................................................950 472995 / 642 514738 Alfaix Fany …………...........................................………….634 312820 La Venta de Alfaix .....................................................671 272464 Jazz Life Café (Mojácar Pueblo) ........................…….647 724367 Antas Koi ….........................................................................950 615452 Bar Gloria ...................................…….950 453150 / 625 668613 Kukis ........................................................................686 038259 La Cantina (Mexican) ................................................950 478941 Arboleas Hotel Rural Azabache ...............................................690 258813 La Parata (See p.7).....................................................950 478186 Humbugs Cafe …......................................643 123253 / 643 075387 La Piká .....................................................................950 930744 La Taberna (Mojácar Pueblo) ....................................647 724367 Bédar El Paso ...................................................................678 868963 Los Amigos .......................................…………………950 478489 Mesón Felipe San Bernabé ................950 475966 / 631 301368 Cerro Gordo Mesón Mémé ……………...........……….674 141159 / 647 954405 Bistro Bonita .......................................650 599739 / 950 930169 Mimi’s Bar ..................................................................651 872604 Cortijo Grande Moca Cafe Bar …......................................................950 452885 Casa Los Pinos …............................................…….950 468236 No 353 (Mojácar)..................................950 104937 / 662 164424 Cucador Rincon de Zahorí ................................630 314400 / 625 103672 La Vida .....................................................................950 634562 Rose & Crown (See p.15)........................................634 796884 Rusty Nail …………....................................................950 472786 El Campico (Bédar-Lubrin) La Montaña .............................................................670 589788 San Pedro Belgian Bar .............................................722 485340 Scotty's …...................................................................687 382540 Huércal-Overa El Capricho …..........................................................697 297235 The Elephant Club .................................................673 195872 The Hub ......…………….....................................……950 135039 The Emerald Isle (See p.41)....................................950 475391 The Irish Rover ........................................................950 473135 La Alfoquía Bar La Unión ...........................................................642 008003 The Lemon Lounge .............................................….950 472659 Bar Los Mellizos ……….........................................…667 919025 The Loft …..........................................950 472432 / 690 756196 Cielos …...................................................................634 393235 The Roof Garden .................................................674 113218 El Local ……......................................950 634449 / 633 684855 Trufibar ....................................................................664 103611 Twister (Mojácar Playa) ........................………………950 472357 Las Buganvillas Valery Music ..............................................................950 615537 Gnomo Feliz II ..........................................................950 132350 Wine Not? ............................................................... 950 100077 La Colonial ……………….........................................….636 140307

Los Gallardos Apolo ……………................................................……600 495182 Meson Verfran ………...................................................637 810143

Mojácar Bar Alizee ...............................................................950 091810 Bar Esencial ...............................................................618 826092 Bar Luz .................................................................654 866110 Beachcomber (See p.57)............................................634 339216 Beauchelles En El Sol ..............................................950 472288 Big Fat Momma’s .......................................................634 315720 Burladero ……..........................................................950 615041

To place a box advert or ask for prices, call Rob on 619 833 041

Free directory entries.

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Hola Ola (Mojácar) ..................................................664 Lola Bbme (Palomares) ……………….634 062350 / 657 Los Tarahis (Agua Amarga) .......................................950 Mandala Beach Club (Mojácar) ................................902 Maui (Mojácar) ……...................................................950 Neptuno (Mojácar) ..................................................…616 Piedra Amarilla, Partaloa Playa Blanca (Mojácar) .....................950 473001 / 639 Yellow Stone Bar ......................................................634 332178 Sol y Arena (Mojácar) ..............................................950 Pueblo Laguna / Vera Beach Tito’s (Mojácar) ..........................................................950 Pub Millionaire ....................................950 617467 / 637 255978 Trufibar ....................................................................664

Palomares

102 Tapas Bar …………...........................……………..615 157905. The Oasis Bar ....................................950 467381 / 676 365010 Centro Plaza ................................................................950 618614 La Dulce Casa ….................................................…….950 467768

097279 303043 138235 442420 478722 005387 507520 478308 615030 103611

BATHROOMS & SHOWERS 24hr Casaserve ...................................950 466438 / 676 306269 ABS Advanced Building Services ..............................687 846016 Cerrajería Jara (Las Buganvillas) ……………………..950 109986 Cristalería Omega (Mojácar) …..........950 478137 / 670 500711 Diamond Bathrooms ..................................................671 717149 Dorothy Bathrooms (Albox) .........................................661 463842 Enrique Aguirre S.L. (Garrucha) .................................950 460028 Mojácar Home Improvements..............950 473104 / 689 296432 Restaurante Tibu .....................................................950 133747

San Juan de los Terreros Mi Cortijo ………......................................................…950 466323

Turre Alice’s Bar ………......................................................620 Chili ...................................................950 468425 / 608 La Pará ……………............................................……637 Vinilo Bar ................................................................629

876485 802227 545590 657402

Valle del Este Hole in One Karen’s Bar ......................950 461068 / 677 655790

Shower Master screens ...........................................677 604497 SpeedyFit (Screens) (See p.17)....................................600 006032 Casa de la Vega ......................................................950 391208 Toldos Farrago (Screens)(Vera) ................................667 567564 La Amistad …………….…......................................…666 622085

Vera

Vera Playa Bar La Reva .................................634 398465 / 618 El Balconcito .............................................................635 Frankie’s Bar .....................................950 467541 / 622 La Buena Mesa ……............................950 467222 / 610 La Peperina .............................................................677 The Blue Parrot ......................................................950

541115 589909 649469 356387 420243 467682

Villaricos Bar Genesis ………………................................…….647 Bar La Plaza Villaricos .........................................…950 El Galeon ……...................................................……600 La Casa del Siret ....................................................950 Los Conteros .....................................950 618629 / 699

073598 467590 559379 467777 010705

BEAUTY See Hair, Health & Beauty BED & BREAKFAST Casa Barranca (Huercal Overa) ....... 95 0952947 / 648 250699 Casa Jasmine (La Alfoquía) ......................................950 449513 Casa Montes Guesthouse (Arboleas) ..................... 686 400331 Las Persianas Azules (Velez Rubio) ..950 068054 / 630 149622 Hostal La Parata (Mojácar) ........................................950 472670 The Palms (Urcal) …………......................................678 832036

BEDS & BEDDING

BARS (BEACH BARS) Aku Aku (Mojácar) ..............................950 478981 / 607 347612 Alma (Mojácar) …......................................................950 805928 Chiringuito Manacá (Mojácar) .....................................600 045599 Costa Tranquila (San Juan de los Terreros)..664701457 El Cid (Mojácar) ...................................950 472063 / 696 056128 El Patio (Mojácar) ........................................................629 287265

To place a box advert or ask for prices, call Rob on 619 833 041

Free directory entries.

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Furniture Plus (Puerto de Mazarron)...968 153907 / 678 083491 Sanyfer (Antas El Real) ………....................................950 459082 Me & Mrs Jones (Los Llanos market) (See p.13) ..0044 07850 840288 VeraSur SL (Vera) ....................................................950 393028 Sleepcentre (Albox) (See p.3) ..........868 931872 / 671 715294

BUILDING SERVICES

BICYCLE HIRE Aguila Bike (Las Buganvillas) ........................................950 133063 BiciStar (Vera) ……............................................……667 024001 BikeRun Sport (Albox) …………………950 930190 / 678 166252 Ciclos Mountain Bike Aguilas …..........................……968 413984 Dazzlem (Vera Playa) ...........................627 818719 / 673 589874 Doltcini (Mojácar) ................................950 092600 / 658 028646 Lufran Bike Sport …………....................................….607 074753 Mountain Biking Spain …...............……637 831509 / 661 178656 Rodeca Bike Zone ..................................................950 132525 Weekend Sport (Las Buganvillas) .........................950 460738

24hr Casaserve ..................................950 466438 / 676 ABS Advanced Building Services ..............................687 Adam's Building Services .............................………..600 Alan Barker ........................................950 099913 / 600 AlmeriaBuilders.com ……......................659 685133 / 950

306269 846016 041820 268176 930520

BICYCLE SALES, MAINTENANCE & CLOTHING Aguila Bike (Las Buganvillas) ........................................950 133063 BikeRun Sport (Albox) …………………950 930190 / 678 166252 Doltcini (Clothing) (Mojácar) ..............950 092600 / 658 028646 Lufran Bike Sport …………....................................….607 074753 Rodeca Bike Zone ..................................................950 132525 Weekend Sport (Las Buganvillas) ............................950 460738

BLINDS see Awnings & Blinds BOATS & NAUTICAL Veramotor S.A. ............................................................950 392552

BOAT TRIPS Glass Bottom Boat (Villaricos port) ….......................662 Orca Steve (Mojacar, Garrucha) ..............................634 Partylevante (Puerto Deportivo Garrucha) .................680 Red Line Coast Tours ….....................950 133082 / 687

604456 352873 942141 189230

Andalucian Con Co Print .................................….…..628 408197 Andaluz Building Services.......................................…950 439094 Antas Building Company …..........…..........................661 075802 Arboleas Building ………........……….950 930536 / 634 306690 Armadillo ........................................…......................950 528128 Ben Foster Building Services ...................................642 471236 CES Builders (Paul) ................................................685 017178 Charlie Fyre ..............................................................686 833444 Construction & Plastering ....................634 327201 / 661 129028 Construcciones DISACA (Mojácar) ...........................639 817778 Constructions Martinez Moreno (Rambla de Oria) ….696 052044 Cutler’s Carpentry .................................................697 907708 Daniel ……………..................................................….642 236810

BOOKS Librería Nobel (Vera) ................................................950 392642 Tabernas Books …..............................663 121256 / 676 256083 The Book Box (Albox) ……................................…….662 585098 The Book People Almería …........……686 817945 / 626 578164 Total Entertainment (Turre) .........................................950 468295

BOOK PUBLISHING Costa Books ............................................................634 304344

BOWLING CENTRES (10 pin) Almería Ten Pin Bowling (Arboleas) …...................….950 439013 Ozone Bowling Mojácar ............................................950 473073

BUILDING MATERIALS (& Sanitary Ware, Tiles etc) Aridos Mojácar S.L. ……..........................................650 914257 Brico Depôt (Huércal de Almería) …........…………….950 625652 Casa Conchillo (Albox) …..........................................950 430740 Contrucciones Angel Oller (Albox) ...........................950 431453 Comercial Vera (Vera) ........................902 112236 / 950 393329 Enrique Aguirre S.L. (Garrucha) .................................950 460028 Leroy Merlin, Gran Plaza (Roquetas) ….................……950 339800

To place a box advert or ask for prices, call Rob on 619 833 041

Free directory entries.

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DAGA Construction ……...................................……686 846624 David Croft (Urcal) ………....................................……661 148067 David Pritchard Construcciones ................................617 698418 Deco-house (Ismael) …………....................................670 596085 Diamond Plastering and Building Services .................671 717149 Elegant Homes S.L. ..............................950 092603 / 687 629777 Garden Works ...........................................................666 847583 Genco Construction ...................................................607 271869 Hire a Husband …………............……..677 557 190 / 950 930596 J B General Builder ................................................. 687 024884 Jasmine Construction C.B ...................................... 659 185189

Mat Murray ...............................................................647 841750 MD Building Services ..........................628 414861 / 628 414862 Nash Groundworks (See p.51)...................................722 546192 P & S Building Services ……...….…….950 449639 / 671 318982 PR Building Services ................................................662 422170 Paul Acreman (General Builder) ..............……………607 196779 Professional Bricklayer ……………........................…..626 730764 Saxon’s Complete Building Services ....618 920126 / 968 485729 Valley Construction ..............…………..665 517643 / 610 905173 Valoser Obras .........................................................642 016954 Vision Design and Build ........................950 459523 / 600 985583

BUTCHERS Ávila (Vera) …….................................................……663 126062 Casa Jose (Garrucha) ..............................................950 132573 Juan’s Carniceria (Mojácar Playa) ….............………950 478409

CAKES TO ORDER Crazy Cakes Almeria .......................634 335821 / 634 Joan's Cakes & Bakes (Albox) ..................................678 Moca Cafe Bar (Mojácar).........................................950 No 353 (Mojácar)..................................950 104937 / 662 Occasion Cupcakes (Velez Rubio) ............................634

345558 166272 452885 164424 329403

CAMPSITES Camping el Cantal (Mojacar) ................................... 950 478204 Camping Los Gallardos .............................................679 970399 Campsite Marion (Vera) .............................................607 316553

CAR HIRE Al Andalus Car Hire ...................................................664 269440 Auto Corner (Limousines) .....................950 069198 / 667 439671 Caracola (Mojácar) .............................950 473157 / 637 545814 Costa Coches (Mojácar) ........................950 459208 / 950 069272 Europcar ............................................950 615101 / 654 297681 Mo-Car (Mojácar) ................................950 478307 / 626 976973

To place a box advert or ask for prices, call Rob on 619 833 041

Free directory entries.

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Solvi Car (Mojácar) …………....................................950 478151 SRS Vehicle Services ................................................950 449095 Tikka RentaCar (Mojácar) ............................................950 472662

CAR WASH & VALETING Autos Gowi (Garrucha) ........................950 806066 / 607 863939 Integral Autos (El Real) ...........................................950 459304 Jones’s Mobile Valeting ............................................661 571939

Khaled - Valeting (Mojácar) ......................................671 715285

CARD SHOPS C.A.T. Services (La Alfoquía) (See p.31).950 634388 / 627 635514

To place a box advert or ask for prices, call Rob on 619 833 041

Free directory entries.

Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Funky Monkeys, Pre school Group (Mojácar) .....……697 264179 Smartie Pants the Clown ............................................617 815221 The Baby Hire Centre ..............................................615 806126

CHIMNEY SWEEPING & REPAIRS Paul the Chimney Sweep …………..617 150300 / 850 993057 Sammy Sweep ..........…............................…………..619 070839

CHINESE & ASIAN RESTAURANTS

Colin the Card (Albox) (See next page)..................…..650 600032 Forget Me Not (Las Buganvillas) (See next page)...663 302740 Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051 Total Entertainment (Mojácar) ……….................……950 615596 Total Entertainment (Turre) .........................................950 468295

Casa Sun (Mojácar Playa) ......................................950 099914 Chino Peking (Garrucha) .............................................950 132948 China Town (Aguilas) ................................................968 414786 Chino Tsing-Tao (Aguilas) ........................…...............968 448548 Dragon Chino (Las Buganvillas) ..................................950 133226 Gran Muralla (Albox) ................................................950 120166 Gran Muralla (Turre) ……............................................950 618880 Palacio Imperial Marina (Mojácar Playa) ….................950 472208 Restaurante Asia - Maribo Kitchen ...........................950 110420

CHIROPODIST & PODIATRISTS

CARPENTRY

Alexandra Coll (Clinic Reverdy-Coll) ......................616 A.N.S.T.E.Y - Carpentry & Joinery ………...............687 251629 Clinica Podológica (Garrucha) ..................................950 Cutler’s Carpentry .................................................697 907708 Fit Feet (Ann-Marie) .................................................647 Kim White (Vera Playa) ………...................................637

673116 132768 415848 149659

CHIROPRACTOR Maximilian Bolté (Garrucha)

.............950 133515 / 650 700783

CIVIL ENGINEERS Isabel Morales ........................................................617 749105

Inspired Timberwork ..................................................610 988371 Simon the Woodworker .............................................667 989270 TJ Carpentry (Albox) …….....………….619 584405 / 635 979829 Unicraft …..............................................................…692 176069 Vision Design and Build ........................950 459523 / 600 985583

CARPET CLEANING Jones’s Mobile Valeting ............................................661 571939

CATERING / EVENTS See also Wedding & Party Planning Cortijo de la Media Luna ....................950 478813 / 659 Elite Cuisine ..........................................................610 Hog Roasts .............................................................671 La Capilla Restaurant (Las Alparatas, Mojácar) .......950 The Whole Hog / Hog Roast parties ....968 485729 / 618 Soft Ice Cream and Frozen Yoghurt Machines............600

198424 994435 851135 479305 920126 006032

CATTERY see Kennels CHILDREN & BABY Baby Basics (Equipment Hire, Albox) ........................950 Mobility Almería (Mojácar Playa) ..............................634 Meditania, Children’s Activity Centre (Turre) ...........661 Menudo Park (Mojácar) ............................................627

CLAIRVOYANCY / PSYCHIC READINGS

104345 Anna (Tarot) ……….........................................………670 897832 322475 Chrissie Cremore ....................................................634 349638 751244 Psychic Karen (Turre) …..........................................678 118108 830499

To place a box advert or ask for prices, call Rob on 619 833 041

Free directory entries.

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CLEANING SERVICES A1 Cleaning ..............................................................666 Amba Cleaners ........................................................697 Chris .......................................................................627 Clean Sweep ………..........................950 469345 / 662 Clean Team …………..............………850 993202 / 694

340190 516955 565049 390453 440184

Cherie's Ironing & Cleaning (Mojácar) ............………634 301389 Crystal Clear ............................................................637 229464 Daisy Proaño Alcivar (Contract & private) ……...….663 538596 Elite Cleaning Agency ........................629 113860 / 699 699617 Freshclean …………….........................659 353708 / 638 272482 Idea (Mojácar) .. ......................................................605 162709 Jone’s Upholstery & Rug cleaning ….........…………661 571939 Limpiezas Cristina ….............................................…660 306695. Limpiezas Maxlim (Palomares) ……...678 567783 / 629 680161 Upholstery & Leather Cleaning ...................................636 193256

CLOTHING (Personalized) AdverTees (Mojácar Playa) ......................................634 336789

Rascals Designs ............................... 950 064665 / 686 582140 Tikka Uniforms (Mojácar) ….......................................667 479903

COMPUTERS Advance Digital ........................................................616 506569 Beep (Garrucha) ……………..................................….950 133059 Compleo Personal I.T. Centre .................................….950 393689 Computer Care (Nick) ...............................................600 070075 Computer Services (Dani) ..................678 490639 / 630 007430 Connexions (Turre) (See front cover).......................950 479502 C.Y.G. Vera ...........................................................950 393350 Don Robinson .........................................................646 587746 Dynos Informatica (Albox) …………...................……..950 430806 First Call Computer Solutions …......618 539500 / 628 251399 George Boricean .....................................................661 375489

To place a box advert or ask for prices, call Rob on 619 833 041

Free directory entries.

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IKamale-on ……………...............................................950 616521 Mark Adamou (Mojácar) ........................634 324918 / 634 306799 Mi PC (Almeria) …..............................................….950 633015 Mr. Micro (Turre) ....................................................950 479502 Palomares Computer Services ..................................659 353708 PC Playa (Mojácar) ......................................................634 356498 PC-Solutions (Mojácar) ..............................................637 459293 PhonePC (Garrucha) .................................................950 133502 PuntoMatica ................................................................950 133908 PRYS Informatica (Antas) ........................................617 382511

Sue Osman (Healer) ………...............950 473021 / 600 847964

CONSERVATORIES

CURRENCY

COURIER DELIVERIES Nacex (Mojácar) ………..................................……….950 472940 Offex Spain ................................…….......................966 765950 Spanish Property Choice (Easypost) ..950 615388 / 635 722290

CRAFTS Elaine's Wools (Arboleas) ........................................667 273889 Serendipity (Albox) ................................................617 699624 Simply Art (Albox) …...................................................662 443095

Screenmasters (See p.47)......….…..680 777789 / 677 152911 Currencies Direct (Mojácar) ...............950 478914 / 626 916443 SpeedyFit (See p.17)..........................950 472357 / 600 006032 Eurochange (Mojácar) ................................................615 403877 Global Currency Exchange (Mojácar Playa) ..............950 615319

COUNSELLING / HEALING

Acupuncture & Massage ...........................................637 120429 CURTAINS & SOFT FURNISHINGS Barbara Clarke ...........................................................637 469937 Curtains with Style (See p.21)...........950 069032 / 678 811125 Chrissie Cremore (Reiki)............................................634 349638 Cristina Ballesteros (Transcendental Meditation) .....622 903600 Donald Mackinnon (Hypnotherapist) ........................628 651022 Emotional Freedom Technique/Healer …....................645 290728 Eve Morgan .............................................................647 203652 Fred Smithers (Acupuncture) ...............950 930456 / 618 107351 Gill Ballard (Healer/Counsellor) ...............................663 336655 Heaven Scent Holistics ...........................................663 923733 Hypnotherapy (Karen) ............................................678 118108 Dr. Jane Thompson (Psychotherapy)...968 485729 / 618 920126 Curtainsandthings.................................................……678 684564 Solo Style ………...............................950 528334 / 626 319907 Unicraft Upholstery ...................................................692 176069

CYBERCAFES Can Connect (Albox) …........................................…..950 The Hub (Huércal-Overa) …............…………………..950 Servidea 2020 (Mojácar Playa) .................................950 Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 Kate Roberts ...........................................................950 469540 Total Entertainment (Turre) ........................................950 Lucy Lovejoy (CraneoSacral Therapist) .....................647 045919 Total Entertainment (Mojácar) …….............................950 Malcolm Forrest-Hazell (Counsellor/Psychotherapist) ...693 489725 Norman & Carole Monro ..........................................950 439205 DAMP PROOFING Sara Vigar (Aromatherapy) .......................................665 334895 Southern Spain Damp Proofing .................................652 Shiatsu (Wendy) ....................................................671 851135

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121149 135039 399726 121318 009051 468295 615596 358672

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Pampered Pooches (All areas)..................................662 344734 Centro Dental Dr. Cremades (Vera) ........................950 390655 SoloPerros (Turre) ..................................................674 509382 Ulti-Mutt .....................................+44 7894747657 / 634 332578 Clinica Dental (Aguilas) ….........................................968 449121 Clinica Dental (Albox) ..............................................950 120732 Clinica Dental, Multicentro (Mojácar) ........................950 478989 Clinica Dental Palomares .....................950 109710 / 670 878427

DENTISTS / DENTAL TREATMENT

Clinica Dental, Parque Comercial (Mojácar) .............950 478534 Clinica Dental Saludent (Huércal-Overa) ……………..950 135672 Dental Clinic Belen Oliver (Olula del Río) ................950 443265 Dentalbox (Albox) .........................................................950 121284 Nadal Pérez, M A (Turre) .........................................950 479444 Odonto Stetic (Los Gallardos) ...........722 706732 / 950 398993 Puerta de Vera (Vera) ........................................950395319 Valero Martinez (Garrucha) ………............................950 132047

DOG TRAINING

DIET PLANS & WEIGHT LOSS

Didi Arias (Mojácar) ……............................................639 724521

Image (Helen) ........................950 930192 / 665178326 Issysweigh (Albox) ...................................................600 334318 DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS Pam (Turre) ..............................................................639 465631 Rod Bridges ……........................……..950 473035 / 687 261280 Vicki (Turre) .............................................................650 764623

DOORS See Windows & Doors DRY CLEANERS

DIGGER HIRE Antas Mini Diggers .............................950 069288 / 650 906114 Aridos Mojácar S.L. (Vera) .....................................650 914257 Bob (Mini digger) (Albox) ..........................................642 392922 Diego Ramos S.L. (Los Gallardos) ……..............…..647 841750 Elite Plant Hire (JCB) ………….................................636 092632 Lubrin Plant Hire (Mini and Micro) .......950 592922 / 664 327898 Mick (Mini Digger) .....................................................634 375428 Nash Groundworks (See p.51)...................................722 546192 Paco .................................................................................637 777 238 Tropicana Mini Digger ………………650 906114 / 950 069288

DIVING See Scuba Diving DOCTORS & CLINICS (Private) Centro Médico Mojácar ...............................................950 475105 Clinica Medica Garrucha ……...........950 133157 / 617 404500 Dr. Maria Rose (Garrucha) ..........................................950 132803 Euroclinicas (Vera) ........................................................950 391300

DOG GROOMING Anita (5 Bone Kennels) …………......................……662 Brigbe’s Dog Grooming ...........................................630 Elite Dog Grooming (Albox) …….…..617 313587 / 647 Luis (Clinica Veterinaria Garrucha) ....950 132200 / 628 Lulu’s (Albox) ...........................................................600

344734 557123 897533 663616 046557

City Sec (Vera) .........................................................950 390255

DVD & VIDEO The Hub (Huércal-Overa) ….........................………..950 135039 Cinebank (Turre) .......................................................627 738957 Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051 Total Entertainment (Turre) ...950 468295 ...(Mojácar) 950 615596 VHS to DVD conversion .. ........................................647 202599

ELECTRICAL GOODS Centro Comercial Almanzora (Olula del Rio) .............950 442012 Centro Ferretería Lopez Mojácar ...........................950 473111 De Pablo S.L. (Vera) ..............................................950 390129 Electro Ahorro (Albox) .............................................950 121069 Electro Hogar Rodriguez S.L. (Garrucha)..................950 460832 Economesticos La Juaida (Viator) ……………………..950 315560 Euronics .............. (Albox) 950 430702 (Garrucha) 950 460832

ELECTRICIANS A1 Services ………..............................635 810941 / 679 Abbott Electrical ….............................638 010691 / 950 Andrew Morrison .....................................................627 Anglo Electrical ........................................................671

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631458 137208 250204 948213

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Andy …..............................…................950 438237 / 679 656450 Baltasar .....................................................................655 691107 Charlie Fyre ................................................................686 833444 Connexions (Turre) ……..............................………….950 479502 DJT Electrical Services (Vera) .............686 817945 / 626 578164 ElectroTorres .....................................950 472898 / 610 750771 EMI Electrical Installations .......................................673 502867 Fernando (Huércal Overa)...........................................677 549247 Francisco Montoya (Mojácar) .........................……….687 466352 InstalRep ................................................................651 130059

José Cortés Electrical ……................950 363751 / 619 881325 N.E.Electrics (Arboleas)...........................................634 358777 Peace of Mind 24/7 ............................................... 637 974662 Williams Electrical (Andy)......................................…..677 741366

ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES Voluta's Place (Parque Comercial Mojácar Playa) ….699 975552

ENTERTAINERS Abbie Lou (Female vocalist) .......................................687 340544 Amy Amy Amy Tribute Band ....................................645 886919 Ashley Cathcart .......................................................693 486788 Bass Player with Vocals .........................................681 286291 Belly Dancer & Fire Eater ....................................... 680 124159 Blues Brothers ........................................................680 355376 Bob Management .......................................................666 310251 Brendan O'Dee (Singer/Guitarist) ..............................610 855964 Brian Dee ………........................................................647 897533 Carmen Yuste GR ...................................................675 101355 Carol George (Female Vocalist) ............................634 285009 Catchlove Music (Varied styles duo)…..950 634402 / 678 397536 Chris (Solo Guitarist) .................................................950 437606 Darren Antony (Vocalist) ......................................... 672 112933 DJ Digit-Al ...............................................................634 338014 Dominic Doolittle ..........................................................681 339778 Don Tadeo ..................................................................670 860386 Driftwood …….............................................................687 672028 Dynamite International Rock Band ............................666 310251 EMI Electrical Services ............................................673 502867 Flamenco Dancer (English speaking) ...............687480694 Francisco J. ‘Pasus’ ..........................950 397401 / 699 510966 Georges Femenias (vocalist/guitar) ……...…………….634 300356 Good stand in drummer ...........................................648 699733 Graham D.(Mobile) Karaoke ......................................662 480966 Infinity (Vocal duo & tributes) ..................................678 821330 Jazz Flautist .............................................................634 326672

Jill Farmiloe (Female vocalist) .................................607 443908 Jim Mackie (Piano Man) ..........................................651 751629 Johnny Slade (DJ Extraordinaire) ............................ 647 202599 JuJu Entertainment ............................950 950797 / 697 462746 Kay Frances (Vocalist) ........................950 069288 / 689 404244 Kev Moore .............................................................600 762856 Kim Allen .................................................................699 950257 Kris Kelly (Female Vocalist) .................................. 634 374525 Lady Ellen Sings .............................673 459331 / 677 475268 Legend DJ (Ian) ………….....................................…634 313796 M Soul & Motown (all music styles) ........................634 340409 Marcela (Belly Dancing) ..............................................666 952089 Maurice Casanove ....................................................671 386947 Maximum Output Karaoke /Disco ............................697 317557 Mel J (Female Vocalist) ........................................664 111990 Melodee (Duo) ................................610 855964 / 664 111990 Melodeemusic (Backing Tracks & Recording Studio).....610 855 964 Menta & Canela Duo ..............................................645 886919 North South Country Boys ........................................634 332135 Northern Lights Karaoke …...............................……..697 500673 Phil and The Invisibles ..................... 950 475752 / 651 045120 Ratatouilles .............................................................638 391975 Red (Female Vocalist) .............................................628 149340 Replay Duo ..............................................................950 124154 Richard Hill ..............................................................670 243461 Robin Lamble ..........................................................602 469425 Rocio Starry (Vocalist) .............................................645 886919 Sabrina Lloyd .............................................................661 055440 Shirin (bellydancer) .................................................607 805367 Short-Fuse Blues Band...............................................651 610189 Smartie Pants the Clown ............................................617 815221 Solo Simon ...............................................................667 989270 Spotlight Entertainment (Karaole, disco etc.) .............634 311652 Starry Jazz trio/quintet .............................................645 886919 Sue Moretta .............................................................672 148730 The Fat Lizard Band .....(English) 651 045120 (Esp) 617 464728 The Jaguars ............................................................634 397513 The Opium Buddhas ………………….687 033106 / 667 989270 The Twilight Shadows (Duo) ....................................950 437606 Tom Lee ……............................................................671 754851 Tony Matthews (Quiz organiser) ..............................634 391414 Tony Justice ……….............................950 950797 / 637 159249 Trio Chaos ................................................................687 361440 Triple Trouble Blues Band ........................................671 754851

ESTATE AGENTS Alhambra Holdings (Mojácar)...............950 475199 / 629 673450 AlmeríaCasas ...........................................................950 387852 Almería Homes ................................0044 1273 929286 / 950 930 259 Almería Property Agency (Arboleas) ..850 993099 / 628 872334 Almeria Property Finder (Albox) ................................950 431624 Almería Prop. Investments (Las Buganvillas).950 460874 / 666 260792 Angel Property (Palomares) .....................................950 618054 Antonio Martinez de la Casa (Energy certs)..............950 092094 Arboleas Property Shop .................…....................…958 003391 BMS Huerta Nueva ............................950 615035 / 669 355914 Calida Homes (Arboleas)......................950 430763 / 634 302801

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Casas Almería (Huércal Overa) ..........950 134434 / 649 777218 Casas y Sol (Aguilas) …........................................…..968 446663 Citrus Homes ...........................................................638 849254 Cole's of Andalucia ...............................950 469592 / 697 640681 Complete Holiday Care .......................950 478612 / 610 808631

Multicasa Aguilas .................................................... 968 493009 New Horizon Villas (Zurgena) ..................................950 438221 New One Stop (Mojácar) ..........................................950 473040 New Wave Villas (Mojácar) (See back cover).950 475800 / 607 146352 Cortijos Almería …………............……........................676 916088 Next Stop Almería (See p.27)..............950 617518 / 678 034651 Destination Spain Property Services .........................672 668803 Nicla Property Consultancy S.L. ............950 133508 / 628 585538 Euroxan (Vera) .........................................................699 067922 Fincas Vera Playa ..............................950 460670 / 639 314767 Find Me A Home .................................951 914195 / 636 266641 FW Properties ................................634 325152 / 634 352285 Gogo Estates (Aguilas) ........................968 414459 / 615 282151 Grupo Platinum Estates (San Juan)....950 466122 / 666 687251

Homes of Spain (Huércal Overa).........950 616516 / 616 Indal-futur S.L. (Mojácar) ……............950 615156 / 609 Indalo Real Estate ...........................950 091137 / 616 Indasol Mojácar S.L. .................................................950 Inmobiliaria Almanzora ..................... 9501 20406 / 637 InmoTerreros (San Juan) ...............950 096180 / 666 K7 Mojácar ...............................................................950 Linnitt Properties (Turre).............................................950 Mojácar Estates (See p.45)......................................950

562447 026526 760409 472200 251238 255765 478555 479054 478935

Okisur (Mojácar) .........................................................950 478386 Olive Property Sales (Bédar)(See cover) .950 469624 / 687 938466 Polansky and Associates ..........................................950 478086 Price Brown Partnership (Mojácar) (See p.64/65)....950 478915 Property Floor Plans ................................................619 672431 Realtors MB Spain (See p.84) ................................678 347125 Rural Almería (Mojácar Playa) ................................…950 472200 Santiburi Properties (Cabrera & Mojácar) 694 404971 / 647 901478 Sol y Mar (Albox) ...............................950 064584 / 635 979829 Sonia Cantalejo Bueno (Energy Certs.)......................608 147640 Spanish Estate Agents (Albox) ………950 431855 / 661 143871 Spanish Hideaways (Oria) ....................634 366672 / 676 604008 Spain Assured (See front cover)............950 469622 / 634 300020

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Spain Property Finder …..............……........................686 878789 Spanish Property Choice (Mojácar Playa)...................950 615388 Sun Med Properties (Vera Playa) ............................…..950 618209 Vaitier SL (Cabrera) .....................................................609 626140 Veritas Homes (Mojácar) ............................950 472430 / 610 053563 VIP Almería (Mojácar Playa) (See back)..950 472524 / 617 587903 Voss Homes (Huercal-Overa) ...................667 891 741 / 950 616 827

WPMS Inmobiliario (Villaricos) ..........678 321111 / 950 618697

EVENT MANAGEMENT See also Wedding and Party Planning JuJu Entertainment .............................950 950797 / 697 462746

EXCURSIONS

Palme (Mojácar Playa) ............................................950 472813 Prins Vitali (Mojacar) ….............................................950 478690

Andinas Buggy Treks ..............................................645 984122 C.A.T. Services (La Alfoquía) (See p.31).950 634388 / 627 635514 Costa Almería Tours ..................................................646 760389 Day Tours Almería ............................651 592836 / 645 253155 Indalo Quads (Mojácar) ...........................................634 315074 Rancho Luz del Sol (Partaloa) ………...……………..678 838547

FABRICS Curtains with Style (See p.21)...........950 069032 / 678 811125

FASHION Bella Donna (Turre) ................................................642 434862 Dandara (Garrucha) ................................................950 617013 Garabatis (Children's) Mojacar Playa …..........………670 035630 Glad Rags (Albox) ……….........................................634 313071 H & R Men's Fashion (Albox) …................................692 682164 Jules Clothing .........................................................633 640918 Liz Fashion Accessories (Garrucha) .627 970819 / 607 511179 Manumaga (Mojacar Playa) …………..........................659 884479 Modern Times (Mojácar Playa) …..........…………….950 475207 Oasis Fashions (Mojácar Playa) (See p.2)...............950 473222

Saga Boutique (Mojácar) .........................................950 475258

FENCING Chain Link Almanzora ………...................................697 801875

FINANCIAL SERVICES AMASS ……......................................................……..678 035992 Blacktower (See p.127) .........................................657 684094 CG Legal & Financial (Mojácar Playa) ..950 472504 / 670 215926

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Currencies Direct (Mojácar) …....…...…950 478914 / 626 916443 Indalo Partners .............................................................950 472242

Lotus Integral Yoga Centre (Mojácar) ........................617 719913 Pam - Fitness & Slimming .........................................639 465631 Sansonora (Mojácar Playa) .....................................630 688615 Sierra Club Desert Springs .......................................687 599115 Sol Yoga Centre (Arboleas) .....................................686 400331 Sophia Wellness Centre (Arboleas) .........................950 449451 Valle Del Este Spa & Health Centre ..........................950 548600 Vicki’s Fitness & Slimming (Turre) .........................650 764623

FLORISTS Hortiflor (Mojácar) ....................................................950 478985 Persa Floristas (Albox) …….......................................950 120211

FLY SCREENS

Kennedy Financial Services .........................................678 035992 AA Window Doctor ..............…………630 231644 / 636 838484 Offshore Money Management .............952 830916 / 950 398078 Armadillo …......................................…950 528128 / 663 303350 Bugs ...........................................................................600 049515 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Coastal Mosquitoes ...........................606 040462 / 610 000700 Aero Extinción S.L. (Almería) …............………………..950 263565 Extin-Torres S.L. (Mojácar) ............................................950 475067

FIREPLACES Chimeneas Mojácar S.L. (Mojácar Playa) ..............950 472135 Tabika (Vera) …...........................……950 390110 / 950 390635

FISH & CHIPS The Chippy (La Alfoquía) ........................................634 324484

FISHING Orca Steve Sea Fishing (Mojacar/Garrucha) ……… 634 352873 Pete Fishing Trips (Mojácar/Garrucha) …..................634 379173 Rio 600 Boat Fishing (Sid &Graham)………. 647 020929 / 647 803030

FITNESS See also Activities-Clubs-Associations Alison .....................................................................666 273168 Aqua Aerobics - Marianne (Arboleas) .......................637 435864 Club Deportivo Puerto Rey ......................................950 460545 Betsy Fox Zumba ....................................................603 493163 Debbie James (Personal training) (Mojácar) ...........687 619239 Dorothy Rowntree, personal trainer (Mojácar)..........666 815838 Entrenador Personal I.F.B.B. …….....................……..676 871950 Fitness For All (Bédar) ………..........…………………..647 593323 Gimnasio Formas (Turre) .............................................950 468065 GymXtreme Yoga (Vera) ..........................................643 102335 Indigo Gym (Mojácar Playa) ...........................................950 475 403 Javi Orta, personal trainer (Mojácar) .........................651 693681 Jova Sport Center (Mojácar Playa) …………………..950 473137

Curtains with Style (See p.21).........950 069032 / 678 811125 Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196 SpeedyFit (See p.17)...........................950 472357 / 600 006032 Toldos Farrago (Vera) ...............................................667 567564 Tony Justice ...................................…..950 950797 / 637 159249

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Ventanas y Puertas Mojacar S.L. ......................…….950 473104

FUNERAL COMPANIES

FOOD SHOPS

CollyFer (Huércal Overa) …….............617 456259 / 617 456335

Arkrites (Roquetas) ................................................. 950 334081 Catch of the Day UK Fishmonger ........634 301490 / 634 304288 Centro Comercial Almanzora (Olula del Rio) …..........950 442012 Eurowise (Albox) ……………….............................…..950 439801 Gastronomía (Delicatessen) (Las Buganvillas) .......950 132048 Home Sweet Home (Turre) ...............................……..950 479487 La Maruja (Mojácar) (See p.29) ................................664 647171 La Venta de Alfaix Minimarket (Alfaix) ..........................950 469660 Las Buganvillas Minimarket ………........................…..635 036408 Manoli (Arboleas) …...................................................627 941654 Price Busters (Albox) .................................................950 951494 Sol Supermercado (Albox) ….......................................950 430043 Funeral Homes Robles (Cuevas) ..............................657 921383 Spar Supermarket (Huércal-Overa) ...........…………..950 135222 Funeraria Ntra. Sra. de las Angustias (Vera) 950 390884 / 607 705672 Spices n' Herbs in Spain (Albox)...............................689 482694 Super Corner (Turre)..........................950 468303 / 637 016107 The Corner Shop (Albox) ………………950 930539 / 680 776791

FOOD SUPPLIERS Food4 .............................................................618875394 Fresh Herbs ............................................................695 941724 King’s Foods ...........................................................606 437683

FUNCTION VENUES La Capilla (Las Alparatas, Mojácar) .........................950 479305 Miraflores Restaurant (Camping Los Gallardos) .........650 418954 The Palms (Urcal) ………...................950 958167 / 678 832036 Funeraria Pérez (Mojácar) ........................................950 478102

FUNERAL PLANS Avalon Europe S.L. ............................950 069012 / 634 321296 Golden Leaves Funeral Plans (Benitachell)............. 966 493082 Iberian Funeral Plans (See p.35)...........951 203994 / 965 993498

FURNITURE PACKAGES Furniture Plus (Puerto de Mazarron)...968 153907 / 678 083491 Homes & Beyond (Garrucha) ....................................950 132458

FURNITURE, RUSTIC/HANDMADE Andinas (Antas, El Real) ...........................................950 Artisanos (Antas) …...…….......................................…696 Casa Nativa (Valle del Este) …….............................629 El Pinar (Los Carasoles) ....................950 104272 / 670 La Buena Artesania (Mojácar) ....................................950 Soluciones Rusticas (Carboneras) …950 364835 / 646 The Furniture Doctor .............................................667

459128 431510 624286 845498 475508 821821 989270

FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS Abodes (Mojácar Playa) ...............................................647 901478 Brian’s Furniture & Removals (Mojácar Playa) .........674 280268 Casa Carma (Turre) ...................................................645 080310

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Casas Nativa (Valle del Este) ..................................629 624286 Continental Descanso (Antas) 950 459011 (Albox) ...950 633288 El Pinar (Los Carasoles) ……......................…………950 104272 El Rincón de Mueble (See p.57)(Vera)950 460867 (Antas) 950 459071 Elleann’s Homestyle .................................................674 514999 Embargos Bestiales (Antas El Real) ......................950 105711 Furniture Plus (Puerto de Mazarron)(See p.4).968 153907 / 678 083491

Agave …….................................................................617 826334 Cedar Landscapes …….............……....................…620 112193 Clare’s Hanging Baskets …………...............………….634 331440 Clean Team …………..............………850 993202 / 694 440184 Garden Works ..............................…..950 132518 / 666 847583 Inspired (Furniture & BBQs) (El Real, Antas) (See p.11) 950 147763 Jardin Natural ............................................................685 478187 L & M Landscapes .................................................670 409538 Lady Muck Gardening .............................................697 317557 Madera Mania (Garden Supplies) ….........................667 562872 Mediterranean Gardens …….................................. 661 577019 Mobile Shredder & Mulch Garden Service .............687 024884 Nash Groundworks (See p.51)...................................722 546192 Potty Finca Services ..................……..950 163930 / 616 855294 Riegos y Conducciones (Antas, El Real) .................950 459146

GAS INSTALLATION & REPAIRS Smith Plumbing (Spanish Authorised).........................950 468041 Homecentre (Albox) (See p.3)............868 931872 / 671 715294 Homes & Beyond (Garrucha) ..................................950 132458 Ideas del Mueble (Antas) ...........................................950 452816 Inspired (Furniture & BBQs) (El Real, Antas) (See p.11) 950 147763 Koala Furniture (Antas) (See p.39).................….........950 392307 La Lonja (Lorca) (See p.6) ........................................968 443322 Linea Nueva (Arboleas) ……………….620 237529 / 950 120630 Me & Mrs Jones (Los Llanos market) (See p.13) ..0044 07850 840288 Muebles Rodríguez (Los Llanos, Arboleas) …...........950 430778 Sofa & Sofa (Las Buganvillas) ................654 596247 / 654 596220 Unicraft (Upholstery) ..................................................692 176069

GAS SUPPLIERS Gas Alboran ..........................................656 662000 / 950 259382

GEO-TECHNICAL SOIL REPORTS Sonia Cantalejo Bueno ............................................608 147640

GLASS CURTAINS Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196 SpeedyFit (See p.17)..........................950 472357 / 600 006032 Toldos Farrago (Vera) ...............................................667 567564

GLAZING (Supply & Repair) AA Window Doctor ......................…630 231644 / 950 091128 Cristalería Mojácar …............................................…..950 475376 Cristalería Omega (Mojácar) …..........950 478137 / 670 500711 Cristalería Rubi (Vera) ………......................................950 390546 SpeedyFit (See p.17)..........................950 472357 / 600 006032

GOLF COURSES

GARDENS

Aguilon Golf (Pulpi) ......................................………..672 Cortijo Grande ..........................................................950 Desert Springs ........................................................637 Macenas Beach Golf ...................…....................…..950 Marina Golf ..............................................................950 Valle del Este ...........................................................950

655600 479176 861591 548240 133230 398743

GOLF TUITION 24hr Casaserve ..................................950 466438 / 676 306269 Gareth Edwards (Cortijo Grande) …...........................950 479176 Acer Garden Services ..............................................697 618320 Marcus (Mojácar) .....................................................610 526671 To place a box advert or ask for prices, call Rob on 619 833 041

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Neil Evans (Desert Springs Golf Resort) ............... 638 531821 Euphoria Hair & Beauty (Esparragal) ...868 188706 / 657 713571 Valle del Este (Vera) ...............................................676 256923 Farrow's Hair Design (Arboleas) .................................950 634346 Favola (Las Buganvillas) (See p.5)...........................675 622216 GRASS, ARTIFICIAL Grass 4 U .................................................................638 574145 Heaven Scent (Huércal-Overa) ……....................…..663 923733 Greenfingers Arboleas S.L. ..........……......……………629 947633 Hollywood Beauty & Hair ..............................................965 326082 Inspired (El Real, Antas) (See p.11) .................... 950 147763 IIsabel Castaño (Hairdresser, Bédar) ..666 045552 / 950 469462 Nash Groundworks (See p.51)...................................722 546192 Jax Hair & Beauty (Albox) …..................………………645 560367 Tiger Turf ............................................950 431624 / 635 652745 Jean & Co.(Mojácar Playa) ……..............................…950 615094 Jing (at Pascal Chevallier Emporium) ......................622 251432 GUTTERING Julie Rodriguez .......................................................634 338017 Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196 Kim White (Beauty)(Vera & Mobile) ………...……….637 149659 Kuts 2 (mobile) ..........................................................662 094372 HAIR, HEALTH & BEAUTY LAB (Hair & Beauty) (Mojácar) ..............................950 473110 Affinity Beauty Treatments (Arboleas/La Alfoquia) ......678 992093 Loulou’s (Albox) …..............................850 993141 / 642 015920 Anavi Estillistas (Palomares) .......................................670 094722 LU & NA (Valle del Este) …….............................…950 461113 Avon Co-ordinator (Jane) ……...................................670 722705 Marcela Torres (Manicure & Pedicure) .....................697 421672 Avon Cosmetics (Arboleas) ………........................….691 987454 Naturalmente Mediterraneo (Skin care) (Garrucha) …655 299494 Avon Cosmetics (Bedar) ...........................................950 398980 Oceanic Massage Therapies (Mojácar)...666 710964 / 687 619239 Avon Cosmetics (Húercal Overa) …....647 092010 / 950 137208 Opulence (La Alfoquía) …...........................................619 467295 Avon Cosmetics (Los Gallardos) .............................687 960362 Pascal Chevallier Emporium (Mojácar) .........................950 472790 Avon Cosmetics (Los Gallardos camping ) ..............950 469684 Pampered Beauty Centre (Palomares) (See p.39).......950 618129 Avon (Total Entertainment, Albox) .............................950 121318 Phoebe (at Pampered) .............................................662 573939 Avon (Total Entertainment, Arboleas) ........................678 009051 Pure Natural Deodorant ...........................................950 066163 Beauty by Marilyn ....................................................950 398852 R retreat (Cucador) ……...........…...............................626 144680 Beauty Center (Mojácar) (See p.37)..........................687 480694 Room 97 (La Alfoquia) .............................................683 479261 Bonita Hair & Beauty Salon (Mojácar) .........................950 473159 Salon de Peluqueria y Estetica (Garrucha) ...............950 133162 Sarah Noble (mobile hairdresser) ...........................692 195500 Shiatsu Centro de Terapia (Huércal Overa) .............671 851135 Sophia Wellness Centre (Arboleas) ...........................950 449451 Stella’s Hair & Beauty (Las Buganvillas) ..................950 699973 Studio 201 (Mojácar Playa) ................950 096189 / 634 329247 Sunlight Spain (Herbal Products) (See p.33) .............684 212474 The Spanish Beauty Club (Mojácar / Vera) ..............637 149659 Wacky Barber & Hairdresser (Mojácar) ....................667 961645

Centro Estética (Mojácar Playa) …..................………950 472680 Cutting Edge (Hair & Beauty) (Albox) .........................950 633086 Dave Eccles (Mobile Hairdresser) ......950 525790 / 687 033106 Donna's (Albox)..................................950 930167 / 628 669456 El Rincon de Mary (Mojácar) ................................... 663 561521 El Rincon de Mary (Mojácar) Yasmin .....................656 646257

Elegance (Turre) ......................................................634 308877 Etticut (Turre) .............................................................667 971960

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Wavelengths (Albox) ………….................................…950 120309

HARDWARE OUTLETS Enrique Aguirre S.L. (Garrucha) .................................950 460028 Ferretería Gonzalez (Mojácar) ……….........................666 471384 Ferretería López (Mojácar) ……..................................950 615026 Ferretería Longo (Albox) ……....................................950 430064 Ferretería Soler (Garrucha) ……..................................950 460073

HEALTH FOODS Girasol (Albox) ….......................................................639 089170

HOME CARERS see also Nursing Almería Angels ..........................................................902 026468 Committed2ucommunitycare ......................................684 333442

HORSE RIDING Centro Hipico Valle del Almanzora .........................691 Didi Arias (Mojácar) ...............................................639 Media Legua Equestrian Centre (Vera) ..............……667 Rancho Luz del Sol (Partaloa) ...................................678 Sanctuary Limaria .....................................................628

241878 724521 243561 838547 239696

Home Sweet Home (Turre) ..............................……..950 479487 HOTELS & HOSTALS La Maruja (Mojácar) (See p.29) ................................664 647171 Casona Granado (Nr Lubrin) ...................................950 069077 Las Hierbas de Maria (Mojácar) ..............…………….657 513990 Hostal El Olivar (Mojácar Pueblo) .........950 472022 / 672 019767 Hotel Al Sur (Calabardina) .........................................968 419466 HEATING Hotel Cala Real (Aguilas) ..........................................968 414562 ABC (A Better Climate) (See p.23).....647 247494 / 950 092604 Hotel Carlos 111 (Aguilas) ......................................968 411650 Andrew Morrison (Econo-Heat)..................................627 250204 Barry & Graham (oil heating) ………........................620 112193 Hotel Carmona (Vera) ..............................................950 390760 Mike Lacey ..........................................950 069073 / 636 407543 Hotel - Casa Rural, Cortijo de la Media Luna (Mojácar) 950 478813 Neater Heater ………...................................………….634 312171 Hotel El Paso (Aguilas) ……......................................968 447125 Hotel Family (Agua Amarga) ......................................950 138014 HIRE Hotel Madrid (Aguilas) ................................................968 411109 Baby Basics (Equipment Hire) ...................................950 104345 Hotel Mamabel's (Mojacar Pueblo) .....950 472448 / 663 700542 Mobility Almería (Mojácar Playa) .............................634 322475 Hotel Mayari (Calabardina) .................620 629508 / 968 409338 Expecting a Baby (Almanzora Valley) ....950 436581 / 666 375688 Hotel Puntazo (Mojácar) ...........................950 478265 / 950 478 229 Nursery Hire (San Juan de los Terreros) ….............666 255765 Hotel Rural Azabache (Arboleas)..................................690 258813 The Baby Hire Centre ................................................615 806126 Hotel Mexico (Puerto Rey) ......................................950 132061 Hotel Salinas (Cabo de Gata) .....................................950 370103 Hotel & Spa Don Juan (Aguilas) ................................968 493493 To advertise your business, Hotel Tikar (Garrucha) ..............................................950 617131 Hotel Valhalla (Carboneras) ......................................950 130444 call Rob on 619 833 041, Hotel Valle del Este ...................................................950 398743 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Hotel Virgen del Mar (Mojácar) ..................................902 472222 Las Colinas Suitotel (San Juan de Los Terreros) .........950 466353

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Parador de Mojácar ...................................................950 478250 Gestoría Salvador (Mojácar Playa) ..........................950 473192 Grupo Catalana Occidente (Mojácar Pueblo) 950 478061 / 653 806 908 HOUSE & PET SITTING Ibex Insurance Services Ltd (Mojácar & Albox) ........902 105499 David .............................................................................. 950 099905 Linda Pettit .............................................................642 016954 Sharon Presley ..........................................................648 069200

HOUSE CLEARANCE Items For Sale Mojácar .......................694 439275 / 950 478753 The Attic (Cucador) ..…….…................672 184354 / 648 250699

HOUSEHOLD GOODS Home Store ........………..............………850 993202 / 694 440184 Home Sweet Home (Turre) ................................……..950 479487 Simone Senft (Tupperware) .................950 068181 / 676 308217 Liberty Seguros (Turre) ….................950 479568 / 620 179206 HYGIENE & FOOD HANDLING Grupo Sedesa (Vera) ...............................................950 390990 Liberty Seguros .......................................................902 444311 Linea Directa ………....................................................902 123248 ICE CREAM PARLOURS Mapfre (Mojácar) ...950 478151 (Garrucha)................950 617376 Bontá (Mojácar Playa) ..............................................950 472939 Maxine Morgan Liberty Seguros (Las Buganvillas) ........669 074 996 Twister (Mojácar Playa) ........................………………950 472357 Mojácar Insurance (SDee p.53) .............................634 323399 Sol y Mar (Albox) ……….....................950 064584 / 654 590258 INSURANCE Sol Insure ………..........................................………..950 472098 Adeslas ............................................950 472701 / 633 431900 Victoria Insurance ..........................................………950 475241 Albox Insurance .......................................................950 121943 Alhambra Holdings (Mojácar)...............950 475199 / 629 673450 INTERIOR DESIGN Evie Fox-Rayner ................................603 493163 / 653 714767 Curtains with Style (See p.21) ..........950 069032 / 678 811125 Deco-house (Ann) .....................................................666 260792 Essential Solutions …….............................................627 245658 Light & Luz (Vera) ...................................................686 457714 Lola Barranco ………..........................950 086116 / 691 261818

INTERNET CAFES see Cybercafes INTERNET PROVIDERS Albox Online ...........................................................950 091111 ASSSA Seguros (Vera) (See p.31)..............……………950 392487 Asisa (Vera) ................................................................950 391950 Axa .....................................................950 478763 / 609 667333 BWI Bryan White Insurance (Mojácar) ......................950 472098

Connexions (Turre) ……..............................…………..950 479502 Next .............................................................................950 479369 GSF Communications ..........................................950 473102 Satcomms ..............................................951 406556 / 622 524335 Catalana Occidente (Palomares) ..............................950 Catalana Occidente (Mojácar Playa) .........................950 Edward William (Marine Insurance) ……………….….952 García & Trinidad (Albox) …….............950 120340 / 620

INTERNET TV

618054 Connexions (Turre) (See front cover).......................950 479502 478307 476090 DCM Digitek Comms (Mojácar) (See p.19) .950 472947 / 670 084438 240563 Europa digital (See p.63)..................950 133233 / 678 332815 Ezetv .......................................................................950 091112

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GSF Communications .............................................950 473102 IPTV Spain UKTV ...............................619 893214 / 699 386277 S E Android Systems ...............................................697 780499

INTERPRETING/TRANSLATIONS 1-2-1 Translations (Spanish, English, Norwegian)......662 390453 4wayconnections .....................................................646 844708 Alpha Interpreting and Translation .......950 133508 / 677 530690 Andrés Mojácar) ........................................................679 932632 Antonio García Russell (Mojácar) ..............................606 198958 C.A.T. Services (La Alfoquía) (See p.31).950 634388 / 627 635514 Carolyn (Mojácar area) ........................950 132905 / 608 692545 Cristina …….......................................................…..626 741386 Clara Mata ..............................................................629 132529 Starena (Vera Playa) ............................................672 668803 Donna González-Linnitt ...........................................699 067922 Elizabeth ..................................................................662 504734 Espanglish Translation & Interpreters . 950 390037 / 950 392876 Hind (Mojácar - French, Arabic, English) .................616 605341 Joanne Tissington ……………...................................637 267150 Kathryn Jones .........................................................629 931125 Laberinto (Spanish, English, French, Dutch) .............609 781438 Marcela Chávez Riveros (Mojácar) .......................... 676 951352 Marguerite ……....................................................…..687 814157 Marisa .....................................................................636 179128 Michaela Talbot .........................................................608 626708 Milena (Albox) ………....................……654 359607 / 711 794366 Paul Jessop (Aguilas) .............................................626 421623 Simply Solved ………............................................….617 882689 Solutions Almería ......................................................687 632435 Susi ..................................................................................617 920 190 Tom Jones .................................................................608 721334 Traducciones Levante ..............................................606 953775 Wendy Interpreter/Translator ................................. 661 194278 Yamile (Written Translations) ....................................626 207575

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Pet Sitting in Your Home ………….......................…….637 061482 IRONING Cherie's Ironing & Cleaning (Mojácar) ............………634 301389 Sharon Presley ..........................................................648 069200 Clean Team …………..............………850 993202 / 694 440184 Sleepy Hollow (Huércal-Overa) ….............................617 313587 The Hilton Cattery ............................950 163489 / 664565479 JET WASHING Woodhouse Boarding Kennels/Cattery (Arboleas)….950 930585 Aguaclean …………….........................950 064608 / 697 559395 KEY CUTTING Mobile Jet Washing ………..................950 069121 / 605 376873

JEWELLERY Jewellery Paula (Albox) ...........................................960 Joyería Pérez (Garrucha) ........................................950 La Luna (Garrucha) .................................................950 Serendipity (Albox) .................................................617

430871 460636 132543 699624

KENNELS, CATTERIES & PET SITTING Animal Hotel (Águilas) ..............................................639 722197 Berben petsitting (Velez Rubio) ..................................658 087966 Boarding Kennels Los Llanos de Rosa (cats & dogs) ..629 448073 Country Kennel (Turre) .........................950 473011 / 627 564640 KITCHENS Dog & Cat Sitter Service …………………..................676 389592 24hr Casaserve .................................950 466438 / 676 306269 Gail .....................................................693 769079 / 697 500673 Artizan (Vera) ................................…950 390635 / 661 985310 Five Bone Hotel (Turre) ............................................630 234556

Gatotel

.....................................................................634 678852

Cocinas Puntocom (Huércal-Overa) ...950 921975 / 722 136950 Harlequin Kitchens (Albox) ……........………………….619 584405 J.B. Kitchen Fitters (Turre) .......................................687 024884 KDI Kitchens .............................................................605 163613 La Lonja (Lorca) (See p.23) ........................................968 443322 Mojácar Home Improvements ...........950 473104 / 689 296432

Home from Home ...................................950 069010 / 677 382713 Horse & Dog sitting …………..............................……607 554984 Kareclif Cattery (Albox) ...........................................677 791165 Kit Cat Luxury Cat Suites (Los Gallardos) ..............674 113217 Louise ....................................................................... 680 124159 LANDSCAPING My Place or Yours ....................................................607 554984 Palomino Kennels & Cattery …………........................950 093087 Nash Groundworks (See p.51)...................................722 546192 Paws*A*While (Nr Albox) …....................................…696 562662 LAUNDERETTES Personal Pets (sitter/ walker) ….................................634 378193 Bish’s (Mojácar Playa) ...........................................639 161725 Pet Hotel (Los Gallardos) ........................................634 312821

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LAUNDRIES City Sec (Vera) .........................................................950 Clean Team Laundry Service ...................................634 Costa-Azul (Aguilas) ……..........................................968 Ivi's Lavanderia (Las Buganvillas) ............................950

Vera Advisors (Vera) .................................................950 390621 390255 MS Legal ..............................................950 479613 / 634 322827 332502 Villalba Asesores (Albox) ..............................................950 431720 414327 LEISURE ACTIVITIES 132657

see also EXCURSIONS and TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

LEGAL SERVICES See also Solicitors 4wayconnections ...................................................646 844708 ALO Services (Zurgena) ......................950 449179 / 667 994682 Asesoría Sánchez Moral (Mojácar) ...........................670 099726 Barbara Caparros Ridao (Vera) …..........................950 390427 CG Legal & Financial (Mojácar Playa) ..950 472504 / 670 215926

Almería Ten Pin Bowling (Arboleas) …...................….950 439013 Extreme Adventure Mojácar ......................................687 919840 Indalo Bowling Mojácar ............................................950 473073 Karting (Garrucha) ….........................................……950 460207 Nautarum Sea Museum (Garrucha) ………........…..950 139554 Paintball Almanzor (nr. Arboleas) ..................………..619 559261 Paragliding ………................................635 243539 / 680 358549 Sol-Aero (Vera) ..................................609 685132 / 661 985358 Water Park (Vera Playa) …...................................…..902 361294

LIGHTING Light & Luz (Vera) ...............................950 391804 / 697 643653

LINGERIE & UNDERWEAR Bras Etcetera …………...............................................950 Corpore (Garrucha) ………….....................................950 Lunas (Turre) ………................................................661 Manuelas Lenceria (Mojácar) ..................................626 Mya (Huércal Overa) .................................................950

121909 132253 642341 730088 135742

LOCKSMITHS 24hr Locksmith (See next page)..........950 472982 / 658 828560 Guzman Seguridad (Albox) ................950 431497 / 674 141559 Locksmith (Dean) ....................................................666 949213

Cam Concepts S.L. (Huércal-Overa) …......…………. 950 471357 Cervantes Alarcon Consulting (Garrucha) 950 106490 / 647 863787 English Wills Spain …......................…...................607 646027 Gecko Legal Services S.L. (Mojácar) 950 475949 / 638 264621 Phil the Pick 24hr (Arboleas) …................……………..697 243181

LOGS FOR SALE Antonio Diaz .............................................................689 127535 Colin & Carlos ....................................660 903158 / 630 455328 Leña Ramos (Arboleas) …...............….630 356095 / 616 044719 Lee (Arboleas) …………………....................................636 092632 Levante Logs ............................................................670 243724 Log-On-Tommy ……............................................……619 070839 Logs for Sale ..............................................................687 314775 Gestoría Salvador (Mojácar Playa) ........................950 473192 Mr. Leña & Logs (See p.51) .................................622 883072 Gestoría Soria Bonilla (Mojácar) ................................950 478420 Phil (Arboleas) ………………….....................................634 328779 Kim Clark UK Benefit advice ……..….950 169729 / 663 297568 Potty Finca Services .........................950 163930 / 616 855294 Mayor Consulting (Mojácar & Garrucha) ...................950 615185 MARKETING (SOCIAL MEDIA) Mojácar Playa Asesores ……........……………………950 472710 Pilar Pérez Gestión S.L. (Mojácar) ............................950 478863 Edela Media (Moácar) ...............................................607 146352

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MASSAGE Acupuncture & Massage ..........................................637 Holistic Massage, Lorraine ................950 064484 / 687 Alternativa (Jessica Rippin) ......................................676 Oceanic Therapies (Mojácar) ......................................687 Ray Daniel (Sports massage)………...........................617

MOBILE HOMES & CARAVANS 120429 569113 284170 619239 741564

MEALS ON WHEELS Committed2ucommunitycare ......................................684 333442

Camping Los Gallardos .............................................679 970399 Caravan Storage (Antas) …….............................….661 508776 Casa Móviles .....................................637 418906 / 951 161348 Cherribar Park Homes ............…………950 396908 / 629 688153 Flor de Vida (Aguilas) ..........................968 438535 / 660 329907 Hispavan (See next page)...........................................687 845730 Veramotor S.A. ...........................................................950 392552

MOBILE PHONES See Telecommunications MOTORCYCLES & QUADS

METAL WORK Angel Welding …………............................................610 601524 Carpentería Metalica Chacón (Albox) …................950 431738 Cerrajería Jara (Las Buganvillas) …............………….950 109986 Coastal Rejas ...........................................................610 000700 FS Fabrications …..............…………..627 167167 / 671 424558 Ideal Metal Designs ...................................................656 834064 Metalbox (Albox) .......................................................950 633090 P & D Metals ............................................................638 707406 Speedy Fit Security Grilles ....................................600 006032 The Metal Works ..............................950 930520 / 638 900949

D Perez Motor (Antas) ...............................................950 069022 Harley Dees …………................................................600 685550 Indalo Quads (Guided treks) ..................................634 315074 Montoya Motos (Garrucha) …...............................…..950 133033 Nafta Custom (Antas) ………...............950 619293 / 615 938352

Find the Almeria Focus online via www.almeriafocus.com - Great for when you haven’t got your copy to hand! If you want to advertise your business, just call Rob on 619 833 041, Clara (español) on 670 849 265 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com

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NEWSAGENTS Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051

ONLINE MARKETING Donna González Linnitt .............................................699 067922

OPTICIANS Federopticos (Aguilas) ……........................................968 414468 Federopticas Diaz (Albox) ..........................................950 121122 MultiOpticas (Mojácar) ..............................................950 472285 MultiOpticas (Garrucha) ...........................................950 460665 MultiOpticas (Carboneras) .....................................950 130707 Natural Optics (Garrucha) .........................................950 133921 Óptica Albox …………….......................................…..950 121991 Optica Mahis (Vera) ………...................................…..950 390777 Optica Orbera (Huércal Overa) ....................................950 135596 Optica Orbera (Albox) .....................................950430101 NURSING see also Home Carers Opticalia M&G (Albox) ................................................950 121084 Almería Angels ..........................................................902 026468 Primera Opticos (Aguilas) .........................................968 493482 Committed2ucommunitycare ......................................684 333442 Salas (Huércal Overa) ................................................950 135081 + Visión (Aguilas) …....................................................968 414279 NUTRITION Villazar (Mojácar Playa) …....................................….950 472783 Alternativa (Anne-Marie Pichon) ...............................666 966573

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Free directory entries.

Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Euro Painters Spain …………….......................………677 Futura España ..........................................................950 Grupo Brideca (shop) (Huércal-Overa) 950 471045 / 950 IPB Painting ........................................661 184848 / 622 JPM ...........................................................................627 Metalwork Painting ………………………699 246932 / 659 Mode Services ...................................950 525790 / 687 Paint Magic ..............................................................617 Paul ...........................................................................649 Phil the Painter ……..............................................…671 S.O.S. Painting ……………........................................651 SWH Painting Services .......................622 899167 / 683 Susana's Painting Services ….............................……649 The Fast Brush .........................................................950

557190 615338 135881 524335 090422 185039 033106 904774 186107 227259 500670 479261 759053 472668

PATIO & POOL ENCLOSURES See Screened Patio & Pool Enclosures

PERFUMES & COSMETICS Son d’Aromas (Mojácar Playa) ..................................666 348253

PEST CONTROL Jason …….........................................950 064015 / 680 903609 Sedesa (Vera) …………............................................950 390990

OSTEOPATHS Alice Bellot (Mojacar & Arboleas) ….................………633 352259 Centro Physis (Olula del Rio) .................................695 355381 Enrique Arias (Mojácar) .........................950 472974 / 629 289385 Hector Gutiérrez (Vera Playa) ............607 479379 / 950 132765 Yannick Reverdy (Clinic Reverdy-Coll) ...................616 673116

PAINTING & DECORATING ABS Advanced Building Services ..............................687 846016 A.J. Painting & Decorating .......................................687 024884 Alan Barker ......................................950 099913 / 600 268176 Antonio Perez (Mojácar) ………........................…….691 240495 Borders Painting ………..........................................…687 661807 Cabrera Painting and Decoration Works ...................637 524709 Casanove Interiors ......................................................680 836166 C.I.S Services (Arboleas) ........................................634 621747 Curtis Helm Multiservices .........................................610 394815 Daniel ……………..................................................….642 236810 Darpa S.L. ..................................................................691 055726 Darren Hargreaves ...................................................626 855483

Day’s Painting Services ..............................................634 365553 Eurodec ……..........................................................…667 238273

PET SHOPS & TRANSPORT InterZoo (Vera) .......................................................950 390075 Madera Mania (Los Gallardos) …..................……….667 562872 Shift My Pets Transport (Spain/UK) …….........………634 368430 Tucano Mascotas (Vera) ....................950 392617 / 650 292670 Union Jack (Pet Transportation) ...........………………….902 109560

PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES 20seven photography ................................................633 773563 Almería-Fotografía .....................................................663 627942 Bluwater Photography ….........…………………………616 189002 Chincheto (Mojácar) ....................................................687 489182 Fotomicar (Lyle Mallen) .............................................620 786914 Fotos Fabrega (Albox) ………...........……………………950 430223 Indigo Photography & Video ...................................637 974793 Omar De La Cruz ………..........………950 460213 / 609 284852 Professional Video Services ......................................647 202599 Rod Westwood ………........................950 472321 / 609 611207 The Image Suite …….............................…........................647 918 848 Toros Bravos ............................................................607 117174

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PHOTOCOPIES & SCANS

Diamond Plastering and Building Services ...............665 706880

C.A.T. Services (La Alfoquía) (See p.31).950 634388 / 627 635514 neö-cöpy (Vera) …...................………..950 390424 / 622 262100 Pronto Printing (La Buganvillas) (See cover).............950 133492 Servidea 2020 (Mojácar Playa) .................................950 399726 Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051

24hr Casaserve ..............................................950 466438 / 676 3062699 A-Z Plumbing & Heating …………..….616 888058 / 662 342669 A1 Services ………..............................635 810941 / 679 631458 Andy (Mojácar) ........................................................697 302039

PLUMBERS

PHYSIOTHERAPY Centro Physis (Olula del Rio) ......................................695 355381 Fisiomar Physiotherapy Centre (Albox) ....................667 425197 Fisioterapia Vera-Salud (Vera Playa) ...607 479379 / 950 132765 Ignacio López de la Fuente (Mojácar) ......................627 244730 Physiotherapy Centre (Albox) ...........950 431463 / 657 516247 Remedio clinic (Mojacar) ....................950 472980 / 617 741564 Vitea Fisioterapia (Vera) ...................950 390655 / 663 024255

PIANO TUNER Terry …...................................................................…662 517106 Armadillo ….........................................................…950 528128 Ashley Reliable Plumbing (Albox area)......................610 052407 PICTURE FRAMING Barry H ..................................………........................667 853062 Casa de Cabra (Albox) ........................................ 633 364329 Blocked DrainsRUs ............................950 091109 / 648 768587 Charlie Fyre ..............................................................686 833444 PIZZERIAS Antonella (Mojácar Playa) ................................……..950 450215 Carlos (Saliente) Plumbing & Heating ..950 930900 / 620 742954 BiancoRossi (Mojácar Playa) ...................................950 472682 Cosy Casa Plumbing (Albox) ……............................950 425049 Bocapizza (Albox) ......................................................950 120506 Curtis Helm Multiservices .........................................610 394815 Cafetería Levante (Mojácar) .....................................950 615224 Graham ....................................................................620 112193 Cafetería Pizzería Alcazaba (Mojácar Playa) ............645 414793 InstalRep ................................................................651 130059 Centro Plaza (Palomares) …...............................…..950 618614 Knowles ….........................................950 137197 / 606 807797 Chili (Turre) ................................................................950 468425 Fernando (Huércal Overa)...........................................677 549247 El Ángel (Mojácar Pueblo) ...................950 478343 / 607 537101 Francisco Montoya (Mojacar) …............………………..687 466352 El Gaucho (Mojácar Playa) ....................................950 478846 Mike Lacey ..........................................950 069073 / 636 407543 El Sitio (Los Gallardos) ….................................……950 398799 Smith Plumbing S.L. ..................................................950 468041 Enrico (Mojácar Playa) ......................950 472995 / 642 514738 PODIATRISTS Meson Felipe San Bernabé (Mojácar Playa) ..…….950 475966 Imperial (Mojácar Playa) ......................................….950 478098 See Chiropodists & Podiatrists Indalo Burger (Mojácar Playa) ...............................950 099119 POOL COVERS La Góndola (Garrucha) ..............................................950 133928 La Muralla (Mojácar Pueblo) .......................................950 472928 1 Stop Pool Shop ...............................950 104345 / 637 582696 Little Italy II (Garrucha) …………...........………………950 133802 Coverbox (Albox) …….................................................615 992007 Enclose My Pool ..................................606 040462 / 670 510097 Osteria (Mojácar) (See p.46).........................................950 615151 Ottocento (Mojácar Playa) .........................................950 615100 Hispavan pool covers ........................950 047033 / 687 845730 Real Covers (Mojácar) ........................950 478763 / 609 667333 Pizzeria Gallo (Aguilas) …...........................................968 447862 Pizzeria D'Angelo (Mojácar Playa) .................................950 478517 POOLS & POOL MAINTENANCE Pizzeria El Desvío (Turre) ............................................607 804488 1 Stop Pool Shop ...............................950 104345 / 637 582696 Pizzeria Portofino (Mojácar) .......................................950 472809 24hr Casaserve .................................950 466438 / 676 306269 Pizzeria-Restaurante Mari Cruz (Turre) …...........…….950 479646 Aguafer Piscinas S.L. ................................................950 617064 Pizzería Quick (Garrucha) .............................................950 132305 Aguagéstion Cantoria (Maintenance) ……….............653 078040 Provenzal (Mojácar Playa) ..........................................950 478308 Alloa Pool Care (Albox) ………….................…………..650 244018 Pulcinella (Mojácar Pueblo) .......................................950 478401 Aquazul Piscinas ….....................................................647 841750 Samz (Los Gallardos) ..................................................950 398981 Clean Pool Service (Arboleas) ...................................606 654389 Sottocasa (Mojácar Playa) ....................................950 093075 D & J Pritchard Construcciones ................................617 698418 Daniel ……………..................................................….642 236810 Exclusive Holiday Villas ..................................................950 092 602 David Pritchard Construcciones ................................617 698418 Guardian Angels (Pool Cleaning) …...950 466396 / 600 470778 Paul Morrison ..............................…….634 327201 / 661 129028 Heat My Pool ....................................950 528128 / 663 303350

PLASTERERS

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Hidro-Sport S.L. (Pebbletec) .................................…950 581407 IndalPool (Albox) …………...............................……..950 431859 Mat Murray ...............................................................647 841750 Oasis Pool Cleaning Services ............634 332170 / 634 332178 Piscinas Miguel (Maintenance) .............950 478652 / 607 480865 Pools & Piscinas (Cleaning - Bedar) ..........................637 915898 Pool Medics ……………...................................……….634 353525 Procare Pools (Arboleas) ..........................................642 370681 Proyectados Pool Sureste ............................................630 810299 Reflections Pool Services ........................................642 341603 Salvador (Pool Maintenance) ......................................696 426523 Sparkling Pools (Pool Cleaning) ….......................…….600 386437 Sundance Spas - Pool Maintenance S.L. ....................950 472845 Tanby Piscinas ............……….............950 468230 / 609 888549 The Property Shop Pool Maintenance …...............….950 475241 Triton Pool Cleaning ...............................................634 326322 Tropicana Swimming Pool Construction 650 906114 / 689 404244 True Blue Pools & Spas ..............................................661 148998 Underwater Pool Services …….....................................628 662582

POSTAL SERVICES

Mode Services ...................................950 525790 / 687 033106 Mojacar Estates ..........................................................950 478935 Procare Property Service (Arboleas) .......................642 370681 Triton Property Maintenance ...................................634 326322

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & RENTALS Alhambra Holdings (Mojácar)...................950 475199 / 629 673450 Almería Property Agency (Arboleas) …..850 993099 / 606 281865 Almería Property Services .....................950 060135 / 660 734323 Almeria Rentals ................................. 650 764623 / 648 523073 Apartamentos Torrelaguna (Las Buganvillas) .............950 132580 APT Lets (Valle del Este) ….................950 619227 / 626 578164 Blaumar (Huercal Overa) .....................950 135512 / 670 869533 Blue Sea Villas (Mojácar) (See front cover).............….950 478643 Casa Benedict Rentals (Turre) …...………....…………616 189002 C.A.T. Services (La Alfoquía) (See p.26).950 634388 / 627 635514 Citrus Homes ...............................……......................638 849254 Coastal Properties (Mojácar) ........................................950 475235 Complete Holiday Care ....………...........950 478612 / 610 808631

Can Connect (Albox) …….........................................950 121149 C.A.T. Services (La Alfoquía) (See p.26).950 634388 / 627 635514 Connexions (Turre) ..................................................950 479502 Forget-me-not (Las Buganvillas) ....................………..663 302740 Frankie’s Bar (Vera Playa) .........................................662 474861 Mail Boxes Etc (Vera) ................................................950 393835 Offex Spain ................................……..966 765950 / 661 386942 Spanish Property Choice (Easypost) ..950 615388 / 635 722290 The Post Shop (Albox) ………..............950 064584 / 635 979829 Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051 Total Entertainment (Turre) .........................................950 468295

PRINTING & GRAPHIC DESIGN A1 Cheapest Print ….....................................………622 493499 AdverGraf & AdverTees ..........................................634 336789 Idea (Huércal Overa) ...............................................605 162709 Mail Boxes Etc (Vera) ............................................950 393835 neö-cöpy (Vera) …...................………..950 390424 / 622 262100 Pronto Printing (La Buganvillas) (See cover).............950 133492 Ultimate Print & Design (Mojácar) ..............................950 473102

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE D & D Property Care & Rentals .........643 335386 / 643 337063 24hr Casaserve .....................................950 466438 / 676 306269 Destination Spain Property Services .........................678 203143 ABS Advanced Building Services ..............................687 846016 Arboleas Builders ………...............……950 930536 / 634 306690 Can I Help You (Vera) ………..................................691 662267 Curtis Helm Multiservices .........................................610 394815 D & D Property Care & Rentals ........ 643 335386 / 643 337063 Destination Spain Property Services .........................672 668803 Exclusive Holiday Villas ............................................950 092602 Hire a Hubby …………........................950 436679 / 619 066022 IDP Services …………................................................608 238775 Indalfutur S.L. (Mojácar) ……........….950 615156 / 609 026526 J & J Property Care ....…….................950 452106 / 617 657414 Jasmine Construction C.B ..........................................659 185189 To place a box advert or ask for prices, call Rob on 619 833 041

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E-Property Almería ...................................................677 146592 Exclusive Holiday Villas ..........................................950 092602 Findmeahome ....................................951 914195 / 636 266641 Holiday Home Europe .........................950 120210 / 654 590258 Holiday Letting Service ........................950 472903 / 627 565049 Homes of Spain (Huércal Overa).........950 616516 / 616 562447 Indalfutur S.L. (Mojácar) ……........….950 615156 / 609 026526 Indalo Real Estate .............................950 091137 / 616 760409 Indasol Mojácar S.L. ..................……....................….950 472200 Inmoterreros ...................................................................666 255 765 KJ Property Maintenance (Albox /Arboleas) ............608 625675 KW Resorts Holiday Rentals ......................0044 (0)1293 863320

Loufa S.L.(Mojácar Pueblo) …..........................……..950 472773 Mojácar Estates ........................................................950 478935 Mojácar Holiday Services .................950 699947 / 634 972377 Mojácar Long Term Rentals …........................………950 475 891 Mojácar Property Maintenance & Decorators ………..649 304441 New Wave Villas (Mojácar) ................950 475800 / 607 146352 Noble Services ...................................................... 692 188200 Next Stop Almería ................................950 617518 / 678 034651 Price Brown Partnership (Mojácar) ............................950 478915 Rent Mojácar ............................................................950 615042

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Santiburi Properties (Cabrera & Mojácar) 694 404971 / 647 901478 Sierra property Rentals (Bédar) ...............................678 587007 Spanish Property Choice (Mojacar) ..... 950 475823 / 634 351562 Sunshine Villas............................………850 993202 / 694 440184 Susana's Property Services ......................................649 759053 The Property Shop (Mojácar) ..................................950 475241 Triton Property Services ..........................................634 326322 Vera Holiday Rentals .............................................634 347109 Voss Homes (Huercal-Overa) ...................667 891 741 / 950 616 827 Year Round Holiday Rentals .............950 619178 / 627 763052

PROPERTY PROMOTERS Almanzora S.L. (Desert Springs) ...............................950 467104 BMS Huerta Nueva ............................950 615035 / 669 355914 Elegant Homes S.L. ............................950 092603 / 687 629777 Elide Group S.L. …............….............950 390009 / 950 615076 El Pinar de Bédar ......................................................950 469496 GM Associates (Mojácar) ……….........……..............…950 475225 Miramar (Marina Golf) ................................................950 397060 New Villas (Albox) ………………........………..............…950 121036 Nicla Property Consultancy S.L. .................................950 133508 Polansky and Associates ..........................................950 478086 Promobys …………….................................................950 618889

PROPERTY VALUATIONS Philip Chesler (Chartered Valuer) …................………687 814369

PSYCHOLOGIST Dr. Jane Thompson ............................968 485729 / 618 920126

QUAD BIKES see Motorcycles RADIO STATIONS Cadena Ser Levante (Spanish, local and national) ....950 Onda Aguilas (100.1) ….............................................968 Plusfm ……….................................….609 818283 / 617 Smooth FM online (89.8)....................627 767254 / 634 Spectrum FM (96.1) .................................................950

615006 447864 528121 357868 615142

REFRIGERATION MD Air Conditioning & Refrigeration SL .607 364917 / 607 366040 Thermotech …………….....................…950 069637 / 699 856372

REMOVALS & STORAGE See also Van & Man Hire Amanda’s (Lubrin) ............................950 069682 / 634 310512 Andy (Trailer hire/drive) (Mojácar) ……...........…………..600 225 929 Brian’s Furniture & Removals (Mojácar Playa) .........674 280268

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100

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Countdown Removals (UK/Spain/UK) ..................…678 855994 Dave’s Transport (International / Local)....................620 049524 De Lima’s International Removals ........................+44 7467341106 English Move (Tony) ….............................................699 819213 Eurozone Removals UK(0034) 7786945300 Spain (0034) 662 569138 Indalo Transport .......................................................634 336468 Items For Sale Mojácar .......................694 439275 / 950 478753

Alfaix La Venta de Alfaix .....................................................671 272464

Antas Asador Gloria …..............................…...950 453150 / 625 Cortijo Carlotta ......................................950 619226 / 638 El Fogon, Asador Argentino ........................................950 Mi Casa .................................................950 453007 / 950

668613 549646 459081 453048

Arboleas El Mirador …………….............................................…678 Happy Garden .........................................................950 Hostal Meson ………..........................950 430137 / 635 Hotel Rural Azabache ............................................690

160806 120851 612738 258813

Bédar El Paso ...................................................................678 La Fuente .................................................................950 Malcolm’s Restaurant ..............................................634 Miramar .....................................................................950

868963 469185 318633 469308

Cabrera J & B Removals (Albox) …......…………...................616 888058 Location Warehousing S.L. (Antas) .............................950 391412 Me & Mrs Jones (Los Llanos market) (See p.13) ..0044 07850 840288 Moves2Spain (Antas) ..........................950 452869 / 661 969393 Orange Box ...........................................................610 887757 Reliable Removals (Albox) .UK 0044 1942 418951 Spain 664 857920 Speedlink Logistics (Garrucha) ...................................637 011686 Sprinter Services (Vera Playa) .............605 376873 / 950 609121 St. George’s European …UK 0044 207 193 5984 / 952 485984 Storage Solutions (Arboleas) ................950 930316 / 671 220105 Union Jack Removals (International) ….......………….902 109560 Swift Transport (Arboleas) ........................................618 511234

Los Pastores .............................................................950 468002

Cerro Gordo Bistro Bonita .......................................650 599739 / 950 930169

Cortijo Grande Casa Los Pinos ……......................…..950 468236 / 619 136877 Finca Listonero (See p.31)...........................................950 982045

Cucador La Vida

……….................................….........……….950 634562

Desert Springs Resort El Torrente Restaurant …....................................……637 861590 The Crocodile Club ...................................................678 746706

El Campico (Bédar-Lubrin)

RESTAURANTS See also Chinese Restaurants & Pizzerias

La Montaña ................................................................670 589788

El Marchal

Agua Amarga

El Paniajo ................................................................950 477202

Aguilas

Garrucha

La Chumbera ............................................................950 168321 El Pilar de Lubrin Restaurant Family ......................................................950 138014 Restaurante Albar ....................................................950 069077 Carlos III ..................................................................968 411650 El Faro .....................................................................968 412883 El Guacamole (Mexican) ...........................................968 413491 Hotel El Paso ...........................................................968 447125 La Calica (Hotel Cala Real) .....................................968 414562 La Vía ........................................................................646 430496 Piccolo Mondo ............................................................968 411946

Albox Club de Tenis …….....................................…………..667 671578 El Gallego ...........................................950 120590 / 615 717978 La Cena ……........................................……………..950 430930 La Parrilla ................................................................950 430024 Little India (Albox) ….................................................632 454505 Maloan’s Bar ….........................................................634 300752 Mesón de Irene ………........................647 730103 / 950 430145 Oliver’s Bar …............................................................950 930988 Paché ….....................................................................950 431659 The New Delhi (Indian) ……...........….950 431705 / 639 231507

Angus & Hereford .....................................................950 Casa Adriana ...........................................................950 Góndola ....................................................................950 La Plazoleta ……….........................................…….666 Nautico …................................................................622 Restaurante Andalucia ..............................................950 Restaurante Azul, Hotel Tikar ...................................950 Rincón del Puerto …….......................950 133042 / 950

460588 133154 133928 711997 451935 460604 617131 133043

Huércal-Overa El Capricho …........................................................697 297235

Las Alparatas (Mojácar) La Capilla ......................................................................950 479305

La Alfoquía Bar La Unión ...........................................................642 Cielos …..................................................................634 El Local ……......................................950 634449 / 633 Los Mellízos …………................................……………667

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101

008003 393235 684855 919025

Free directory entries.

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Lijar Mesón La Hoya ........................................................638 298507

Limaria Welcome Stranger …........................………...........….950 432719

Los Carasoles Restaurante Kalevala ...............................................607 484414

Los Castaños Cortijo Las Piezas ........................……..950 951498 / 634 780943

Los Gallardos Apolo ……...................................................…………..600 495182 Delfín Dorado......................................950 475212 / 645 Dolce Vita ................................................................950 El Deseo .................................................................670 El Gaucho ................................................................950 El Sitio ....................................................................950 Enrico (Italian)......................................950 472995 / 642

220095 478476 018035 478846 615411 514738

La Ambrosia ..............................................................950 093086 Meson Verfran ....................................................………637 810143 Miraflores ...........................................679 970399 / 609 506869

Lucainena de Las Torres Venta el Museo ........................................................950 364200

Mojácar See also Mojácar Pueblo Al Punto (Brazilian) .................................................950 Antonella (Italian) .............................................……..950 Azeefa (Indian) ...................................950 109758 / 660 Badgers ...................................................................950

475899 450215 173987 478525

Bar Alizee ...............................................................950 091810 Beachcomber (See p.57)..........................................634 339216 Beauchelles En El Sol ..............................................950 472288 Bellavista ..................................................................950 478800 Botaniq ...................................................................696 809035 Bowen Resto Bar .............................. 666 406203 / 634 357654 Burladero ...................................................................950 615041 Cafetería Pizzería Alcazaba ………...........................645 414793 Captain’s Tapas Bar & Restaurant ...........................617 477797 Casa Egea .................................................................950 472190 Cortijo de la Media Luna .....................950 478813 / 659 198424 d’Angelo .....................................................................950 478517

Imperial (Italian) .......................................................950 478098 Imperial Playa (Italian) ..............................................950 475360 Indalo Restaurante....................................................950 472994 Indian Curry House ...........................632 416554 / 632 711667 Kukis ........................................................................686 038259 La Cabaña ................................................................950 615179 La Cantina (Mexican) ................................................950 478941 La Caracola .............................................................622 520925 La Cometa ...............................................................950 615209 La Estancia …….............................................………654 562396 La Gaviota ……………...............................................950 472117 La Parata (See p.7)..............................................…950 478186 La Piká ....................................................................950 930744 La Posada …............................................................661 595845 La Table de Cathy (French) …..............…………….650 745807 Los Amigos ......................................…………………950 478489

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102

Free directory entries.

Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Parador de Mojácar ...................................................950 478250 Playa Blanca ...........................................................950 473001 Restaurante Asiatico Yao …......................................686 998409 Restaurante Martín Morales (See p.25)................950 478812 Restaurante Mediterráneo ..........................................950 472268 Sal Marina .................................................................950 472405 Sensations ................................................................950 472057 Sottocasa (Italian) .....................................................950 093075 The Irish Rover .......................................................950 473135 The Lemon ....................……...............................…….950 472659 The Roof Garden .....................................................674 113218 Torre Bahía ...............................................................950 478651 Trufibar ....................................................................664 103611

Mojácar Pueblo Arlequíno ..........................................950 478037 / 649 337781 Casa Minguito ………...............................................950 478614 El Ángel ..........................................950 478343 / 607 537101 El Antler ……....................................................……600 540661 El Reclamo …….......................................................950 472881 La Candela …...........................................................647 724367 Pulcinella (Italian) .....................................................950 478401 Restaurante Aires del Sur ..................606 061811 / 950 478014 Restaurante Calima ………………........................….663 286962 Restaurante Mamabel's ....................... 663 700542 / 950 472448 Rincón de Embrujo …....................…………………….600 531270 Rincon de Zahorí ................................630 314400 / 625 103672

Palomares The Oasis Bar ...................................950 467381 / 676 365010

Partaloa Mis Amigos ..............................................…………….671 608498

Pueblo Laguna Bistro .......................................................................950 132022 Mesón Felipe San Bernabé ...................…………….950 Meson Mémé …........…………………..674 141159 / 647 Mandala Beach Club ................................................902 Meson de Perico ....................................................950 Mountains of the Moon (Indian) ........950 472002 / 637

475966 954405 442420 615582 914632

Dalí ............................................................................950 132345 Restaurant Laguna …………….........................……..950 132566

San Juan de Los Terreros Mi Cortijo …………......................................................950 466323

Turre Mont Martre (French) ..............................................634 388867 Neptuno ................................................................…616 005387 Omega ........................................................................950 475317 Ostería Ristorante Italiano (See p.46)......................950 615151 Ottocento (Italian).......................................................950 615100 Palacio Imperial Marina (Thai, Japanese, Chinese) ...950 472208

Chili .................................................608 802227 / 950 468425 Hostal Rural .............................................................950 478806 La Pará …………………….................................…….637 545590 Pizzeria El Desvío (Turre) ........................................607 804488 Pizzeria-Restaurante Mari Cruz ……....................…..950 479646 Taj (Indian) ..................................................................950 479607

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Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196 The Palms …………...............................950 958167 / 678 832036 Screenmasters (See p.47)......….…..680 777789 / 677 152911 Sol Shaders S.L. (See p.7)........................................627 907207

Urcal Vera

Casa de la Vega ......................................................950 391208 Cortijo Albari ..............................................................950 391706 El Paseo de Oscar ...................................................950 392496 Gran Muralla (Wok Buffet) ..........................................950 391691 Terraza Carmona ...................................................950 390760

SCUBA DIVING Buceo (Aguilas) ……………......................................968 Buceo Mojácar ..................................950 472760 / 629 Molasub (Villaricos) ............................950 467572 / 675 SES (Aguilas) ………..................................................669

Villaricos

493215 049229 321404 040963

SECOND HAND

Don Tadeo ..................................................................670 Goah ........................................................................950 La Esperanza ............................................................625 Los Conteros ....................................950 618629 / 699

860386 Amanda’s (Lubrin) ............................950 069682 / 634 310512 467030 Brian’s Furniture & Removals (Mojácar Playa) .........674 280268 737025 Designer Thrift (Albox) ...........................................950 064576 010705 Merka Recycla (Huércal Overa) .........950 616683 / 666 577006 Vera Playa Second Time Around (Albox) .......................................950 431871 b2 Mohana (Argentinean) ........................................678 642856 The Attic (Cucador) ..…….…................672 184354 / 648 250699 El Balconcito .............................................................635 589909 Buy Buy Auctions (Los Carasoles) ......681 095096 / 679 207545 Gateway to India (Indian) ...........................................950 923994 The Treasure Trove (Turre) ……….................………..666 281316 La Buena Mesa …………..…................950 467222 / 610 356387 SECURITY & SAFES See Alarms La Pampa (Argentinean Grill) ……….950 397702 / 671 653116 Lua (Italian) ...............................................................950 478202 SEPTIC TANK SERVICE Restaurante Tibu ......................................................950 133747 Drainage Solutions …...........………….616 531283 / 670 088966 Taj Mahal (Indian) …............…………950 618691 / 671 231465 Blocked DrainsRUs ............................950 091109 / 648 768587 The Blue Parrot ......................................................950 467682 Ginés Millán (All areas) ……….............(after 4pm) 607 366355

Zurgena

Lymasur (Vera) ……..........................950 390732 / 609 442695 Tiger Bar (Indian) …..................................................950 449000 Sepserve (All areas) …..............................................675 838808 Septic Tanks Cleaned ……….....................…………..675 838808

RETRACTABLE ROOF SYSTEMS

Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196

ROOFING Ark Roofing ...............................................................634 379173

RUGS & CARPETS Albox Rugs (Albox) ...........................607 375697 / 950 633149 P & R Rugs (Los Llanos de Aroleas) .......................665 258680 Sleepcentre (Albox) (See p.25)..........868 931872 / 671 715294

RURAL TOURISM

SEWING Alice .........................................................................620 876485 Coser y Planchar (Vera) .........................................689 303765 Alexis Shillinglaw .....................................................642 107453 J.F.M. Modas Sedal (Turre) ..............950 468031 / 606 945502 Lola Alterations & Repairs (Mojácar Playa) .950 475994 / 637 963835 Nicky (Mojacar) ..................................................... 667 479903 Solo Style .............................................950 528334 / 626 319907 Sew n Sew Susie (Albox area) ..........950 930643 / 633 683872 The Sewing Room ....................................................607 375697

2 Poplars (Velez Blanco) ……...............................….670 Cortijo Pocio de la Nava (Mojácar) ............................670 Finca Arboleda (Vera) ..............................................678 Mi Abuela Maria (Mojácar) ……..........................……659

243856 SHOE REPAIRS 777752 Keys Copy Centre (Mojácar Playa) ..........................950 027656 SIGNS (Shop & Vehicle) 198424 Ian (Hand Painted) …………….....................………..634 SATELLITE TV Idea (Huércal Overa) ...............................................605 ABC (A Better Climate) (See p.23).....647 247494 / 950 092604 Pronto Printing (La Buganvillas) (See cover).............950 Cuevasat ...........................................950 523740 / 628 153340 SKIN TREATMENTS DCM Digitek Comms (Mojácar) (See p.19) .950 472947 / 670 084438 Francesca Herman (See p.37)....….......................….687 Digital Vision (See p.59)......................950 472081 / 645 294064 Europa digital .(See p.63).................950 133233 / 678 332815 SKIP HIRE GBTV (Albox and Mojácar) ..............616 888058 / 634 337210 Aridos Mojácar S.L. .................................................650 GSF Communications (Mojácar) ...............................950 473102 Servacon .................................................................950 Solo Satellite & Air-Con. (See p.55) ......950 398146 / 699 909737

472982 313796 162709 133492 480694 914257 475853

SNOOKER HALLS

SCREENED PATIO & POOL ENCLOSURES

CD Snooker Mojácar ............................634 364311 / 609 026526

Enclose My Pool ...............................606 040462 / 670 510097 Inside Out In Europe S.L. .................677 114576 / 695 118960

SOLAR ENERGY See also Alternative Energy

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AVSA Lawyers (Aguilas) ..........................................968 446576 Babelia (Mojácar) ……..........…........635 577562 / 950 397114 C & P Solicitors (Mojácar) ….....…………950 460731 / 675 383 160 Casas Almería (Huércal Overa) .................................950 134434 Davies Solicitors (Mojácar) ........................................950 472775 EuroAbogados (Vera) .................................................950 617017 Javier Loustau (Mojácar) .........................................950 475086 SOLICITORS Alonso & Garrido (Albox) ...........................................950 121040 José Francisco López Molina .............950 133607 / 635 189986 Alonso & Haro (Vera) ..............................................950 392208 Lopez & León Solicitors (Garrucha) ..950 888314 / 666 513917 AM & RG (Mojácar) ………….............950 478984 / 649 286437 Mario Redondo (Albox) ….................950 430222 / 626 389322 Miguel Angel Rojas Benitez .......................................950 615404 Pablo Suarez (Purchena) ..........................................610 014680 Leticia Moreno-Torres Camy (Vera) (See p.46)..950 391249 / 607 840182 Mundi Abogados (Las Buganvillas) ........................950 460999 Ramírez Abogados (Vera) (See p.41) ...................950 391171 Ross Legal Services (Aguilas) .................................968 412321 Ruiz Orozco (Vera) ..................................................950 390282 Saugar Abogados (Mojácar) ......................................950 615038 DCM Digitek Comms (Mojácar) (See page 19)...........950 Ecocorp (See p.43).....................................................671 Hi-Tec Solar (Turre) ............................609 888549 / 950 Hispavan Solar ..................................950 047033 / 687 Solartech (Las Buganvillas) …..............................….950 Sunergy Almeria ........................................................636

472947 716597 468230 845730 139568 261240

SPAS IndalOcio (Arboleas) ................................................850 993090 Sundance Spas (Mojácar) ......................................950 472845

SPA SERVICING & CLEANING True Blue Pools & Spas ..........................................661 148998

STAINED GLASS Janet Broady ….............................…........................950 130627

SURVEYORS Philip Chesler (Chartered Surveyor).............................687 814369 Survey Andalucía (Architect Daniel González) ............686 846624 Sapphire Surveyors ………...................950 064725 / 671 208782

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS La Maruja (Mojácar) (See p.29) ................................664 647171

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Arboleas Paving ……………...............................…….636 092632 SWEET SHOPS Forget Me Not (Las Buganvillas)..............................663 302740 Borders .....................................................................647 803030 C.I.S Services (Arboleas) ........................................619 693118 Curtis Helm Multiservices .........................................610 394815 TAKEAWAYS Diamond Plastering and Building Services ..............671 717149 See also Chinese Restaurants, Fish Elegant Homes S.L. ..............................950 092603 / 687 629777 & Chips & Pizzerias Garden Works .....................................950 132518 / 666 847583 Azeefa (Indian, Mojácar Playa) .............950 109758 / 660 173987 Mode Services ...................................950 525790 / 687 033106 BiancoRossi (Mojácar Playa) ...................................950 472682 Saxon’s Complete Building Services ......618 920126 / 686 377172 Cornish Pride (Albox) …....................................………666 618933 Steve Holman .......................................................... 697 678708 d’Angelo (Mojácar Playa) ..............................................950 478517 United Tile ................................................................667 702817 Enrico (Mojácar Playa) ..........................950 472995 / 642 514738 Vision Design & Build ...............................................672 153298 Estambul Döner Kebab (Albox) …..............................630 427599

TIMBER SUPPLIERS

TATTOO ARTISTS

Wood2Go ..............................................950 614050 / 606 156151

Body-Zone Tattoo (Mojácar) ……………......................634 336789 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Classic Tattoo (Mojácar Playa) .................................605 611782 Lisa V Tattoos (Cantoria) ....................634 362737 / 642 024810 Almería Castle ………............................................…950 271617 Oscar (Mojácar Pueblo) …................................…….629 944374 Almería Solar Centre ( Nr.Tabernas) ....950 387990 / 670 866122 Aquavera Water Park (Vera Playa) ...........................950 467337 TAXIS (Legal) Aquarium (Roquetas de Mar) ...................................950 160036 Levante Radio Taxis (all areas)................................950 888111 Camelus (Mojácar Camel Rides) ………663 930272 / 950 100076 Exclusive Shuttles pre-booked airport taxis (office hours).950 092602 Fort Bravo – Western theme park (Tabernas) .....….950 165405 Taxi Emilia (Arboleas) ..............................................618 968497 Nautarium (Sea Museum) (Garrucha) ………………….950 139554 Nijar Butterfly Farm .................................................617 692778 TELECOMMUNICATIONS Albox-Online ………..............................…………….950 091111 Oasys Western Park & Zoo (Tabernas) ….............….950 365236 AlmeriNet-Cheap Calls .........................950 479517 / 627 027758 Western Leone Theme park (Tabernas) …............…950 165405 Euphony Mojacar .........................................................677 146592 Connexions (Turre) (See front cover)..........................950 479502 Indalphone .............................(Mojácar) 950 475784 / 622 455 608 Indalphone ...........................................(Huércal-Overa) 950 471470

TRANSLATING - see Interpreters TRANSPORT - see Removals TRAVEL Autocares Rodriguez (Coaches) ...............................950 469061 Halcón Viajes (Vera) ................................................950 393472 Exclusive Airport Shuttles (See p.2)........................950 092602 Inda Travel (Mojácar) ..............................................950 472431 Levante Travel (Garrucha) ...................950 132258 / 628 604752 Mojácar Tour (Mojácar Playa) (See cover)..........…..950 475757 Viajes Yedra Tours (Aguilas) ...................................968 412498 Viajes Zafiro Tours (Aguilas) ....................................968 410197 Zafiro Tours (Albox) ………..................................……950 121021

TUITION GSF Communications (Mojácar) ..................................950 473102 Maso Telefonia (Albox) ……..............................………….950 121279 MaxiMovil – Plus S.L. Orange ....................................950 393538 Next .............................................................................950 479369 Phone@ Mojacar …….............……....950 882222 / 607 885522 Servcom (Turre) ........................................................902 023268 Telitec Connections S.L. ..............……902 889070 / 965 743473 The Phone House (Albox) …………….950 121045 / 670 359698 WiFi Internet .............................................................950 615156

Computer Training & Tuition Call Out (Dani) ...........678 490639 Dave Eccles (Drum lessons) ..............950 525790 / 687 033106 ELC Education & Language Centre .........................950 615489 Espanglish .........................................950 390037 / 950 392876 Girasol, Albox (Spanish) ..........................................639 089170 Guillermo (Spanish conversation, Antas)...................647 525639 Guitar Lessons ………….....................................…..667 989270 Guitar Lessons (Chris Pottle) ................................950 437606 Hind (French & Arabic, Mojácar) ...............................616 605341 Jane Catchlove (Piano/keyboards/violin A.R.C.M) ...950 634402 TILING & PATIO WORK Jose (Spanish Lessons) ..........................................667 303376 1 Stop Paving (Albox) ………................................…634 313939 Kinder Garrucha (Bilingual Education Centre)..950 047026 / 671 608519 ABS Advanced Building Services ..............................687 846016 La Galeria Art Classes (Albox) …..............................663 341904 A.J.B. Tiling Services ...............................................687 024884 Laberinto (Spanish, English, French, Dutch) .............609 781438 Andalucian Con Co Print .........................................628 408197

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Leticia (Spanish Conversation) ……......................…950 615566 Marcela Chávez (Spanish-English school support)....676 951352 Native Spanish Teacher (All levels) ………………….670 619017 Native Spanish Tuition ..............................................661 654812 Pencils English Academy (Garrucha)..........................634 314110 Penny Baltrus (Piano) ...............................................662 517106 Piano (Mojácar) …………............……950 069803 / 667 408941 Piano tuition. Terry Peace (Limaria/Albox.) ...............868 931815 Professional Writing Services …..........………………..662 067490 Sam Catchlove (Professional drum/latin percussion) ..950 634402 Sarah Dyson (Computer tuition) …....................……687 632435 Simon Farmiloe (Spanish & English)(Albox/Mojacar) 647 677097 Tennis Coach (Diego Rodriguez) ........950 393851 / 607 021280 The I.T.Teacher (Computer Tuition)...............................695 280699

Albox Rugs (upholstery cleaning) .............................950 633149 Curtains with Style (Fabrics) ............ 950 069032 / 678 811125 Jone’s Mobile (Upholstery cleaning) …....……………661 571939 Unicraft (Upholstery) .................................................692 176069 Upholstery & Leather Cleaning ......................................636 193256 Upholstery Larios (Cuevas del Almanzora) 950 465 364 / 651 998738

VAN & MAN HIRE See also Removals & Storage

Amanda’s (Lubrin) ............................950 069682 / 634 310512 Andy (Trailer hire/drive) (Mojácar) ……...........…………..600 225 929 IDP Services ……........................................................608 238775 Indalo Transport .......................................................634 336468 Mal Van Man ............................................................662 569138 Storage Solutions (Arboleas) ................950 930316 / 671 220105 TV & AUDIO REPAIRS Ponce S.L. (Garrucha) ..............................................950 617181 Way 2 Go (UK/Spain) ……UK 0044 208 0904292 / 965 794682 Seth Pittham (Zurgena).......................950 634477 / 666 826886

VEHICLE IMPORTATION

Car Check Spain (Andy) ............................................618 043186 Hispavan vehicle importation ..............950 047033 / 687 845730 Talleres Daydo (Antas Real) ….……….950 459116 / 607 373298

VEHICLE REPAIRS Auto Corner (Turre/Los Gallardos) ….950 069198 / 667 Auto Shine Body Repairs ………........607 324623 / 607 CostaCoches ...........................................................950 Gómez Motor (Huércal-Overa) ............662 502895 / 950 Mojácar Motor (Mojácar Playa) ……..950 478335 / 950 Reparbox (DIY) (Antas El Real) .........687 879744 / 628 SRS Vehicle Services ................................................950 Taller Daydo (El Real) .........................950 459116 / 607 Talleres Azor ..(Mojácar) 950 478519 ..............(Vera) 950 Talleres Fad (Aguilas) …...........................................968 Talleres Vizcaino (Mojácar) ........................................950

UNIFORMS Tikka Uniforms & Shoes (Mojácar) …..........................667 479903 Uniformes de Levante (Los Gallardos & Vera) ..........902 110218

UPHOLSTERY

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107

439671 324624 459209 471250 475776 648131 449095 373298 391400 447565 472104

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The Car Surgery ...................................................666 272792 The Garage (Llanos de Arboleas) .......950 930922 / 616 453813 Tyre King (El Real) ................................................950 459253

VEHICLE REPAIRS (MOBILE) Albox Service Centre S.L. …....................................662 Auto Frio .............................................950 104488 / 600 Cool Air (Air Conditioning) .......................................673 Veloc Tuning ECU Remapping Services ..................600

093051 827517 195872 827517

VEHICLE SALES Auto Corner (Turre/Los Gallardos) ….950 069198 / 667 439671 AutoFex (Albox & Antas El Real) ............................950 431861 Automobiles Bajuma S.L. (Antas) .............................662 167758 Automobiles Playcar SLU ...................950 459302 / 672 737663 CostaCoches (Antas, El Real).....................................950 459209 Mojácar Motors ...950 472056 ................(Workshop) 950 478335 Nissan (Albox) ………..................................................950 430856 Pit Stop (Oria) ……………....................................…..950 124828 Que Coches Almería (Antas) …...................................627 423675 SRS Vehicle Services ................................................950 449095 Talleres Azor ...............(Mojácar) 950 478519 (Vera) 950 391400

Javier .............(Garrucha) 950 132200 Emergencies: 619 236059 NEXO (Albox) …...............950 430814 Emergencies: 617 305784 Veravet (Vera Town) …............…............................….667 304876 Veterinary Centre (Huércal-Overa) …........................950 616781

WATER (Tanker Delivery) Sierra Cabrera Water ...................…………………….693 866558

WATER PARK Aquavera (Vera Playa) ....................................................950 467337

WATER TREATMENTS

VEHICLE SHIPPING

Car Shipping ………………UK 0044 1704 575983 / 671 101220 Ashley Reliable Plumbing ………..........................…..610 052407 Healthy H2O ..............................................968 437270 / 666 302 987 VETS JF Supplies Albox ……….................….950 064315 / 660 350246 Animal Care (La Alfoqúia) …....................................950 449064 Water Filters ……................................................…….600 063303 Astrid (Mojácar) ..............950 472252 Emergencies: 629 099920 Clinica (Albox) ...............950 430814 Emergencies: 617 305784 WEB SERVICES Clinica Huellas (Aguilas) ...968 447877 Emergencies 629 445327 Divine Logix ...........................................................617 401332 CliniVet (Turre) …..........................…..950 069780 / 626 171999 Image Suite ………........................................................647 918 848 Costa Indalo (Mojácar) ....950 475213 Emergencies: 659 957942 MODS ........................................................................600 284975 Egesta Centro Vetinario (Vélez Rubio) ..950 411208 / 608 438683 Paginasweb .......................................902 005799 / 911 011505 Europa (Mojácar) .................950472262 Emergencies: 629 099921 WebFaze .................................................................601 628137

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WEDDING & PARTY PLANNING Weddings in Spain .....................................................950 475826

WEIGHT LOSS See Diet Plans & Weight Loss WINDOW CLEANING Clean Team …………..............………850 993202 / 694 440184 Cristal Clear Windows (Mojácar) …..........……………634 347193 Don (Mojacar) .........................................................666 814913 Idea (Mojácar) ...................................................……..605 162709 J&A Window Cleaning Services ..........950 122452 / 689 548824 James .......................................................................678 988812 Lady Jane Window Cleaning (Arboleas) ...................634 255373 Mick ...........................................................................634 327075 Teresa Jimenéz …………….............................……..636 119538 Window Panes ..................................633 814809 / 677 689077 Woody the Window Cleaner (Almanzora Valley) .......634 349665

WINDOWS & DOORS AA Window Doctor .............................630 231644 / 636 838484 David A. Pritchard Construcciones ............................617 698418 Direct Trade Windows ............................................. 662 118785 Enrique Aguirre S.L. (Garrucha) .................................950 460028 Interglaze ……..............................….950 121909 / 680 743311 Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196 Mojácar Home Improvements .............950 473104 / 689 296432

Planet Windows …...............................950 449639 / 664 327863 Plas-Tech Windows ...................................................600 320761 Speedyfit (See p.17)..................................950 439228 / 600 006032 Standard Windows (Antas) ........................................950 393121

WINES Bodega Gran Baco (Aguilas) .............................…..968 Enoteca Tikar (Garrucha) ……..............................….950 Isalva (Palomares) ………..........................................615 Wine Not? (Mojácar Playa) ....................................950

411538 617131 265092 100077

WOOD & PELLET STOVES Chimeneas Acar (Albox) ...........................................950 120077 Chimeneas Mojácar S.L. (Mojácar Playa) ..............950 472135 Enrique Aguirre S.L. (Garrucha) .................................950 460028

ZOO & PARK

Ortega Windows & Doors .......................................950 393305 Oasys (Tabernas) ....................................................950 365236

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109

Community News Vera Orphanage Roof Appeal. The total raised by the Mojácar restaurant La Paratá appeal will pay in full the 22,000 Euros needed for the work at the orphanage.

orphanage Casa Hogar in the centre of Vera. Shea Fox commented, “Thanks to the efforts of Mojácar residents, the people of Almeria and those from other areas and nations, we have been able to guarantee and maintain a safe and healthy environment for those who live and work in the On 6th November, over 100 people attended a orphanage. Personally, I am immensely proud to fundraising event at Shea’s Restaurant La Paratá. have joined the contribution of all who have made Donations to the appeal were made through an the effort to support this essential cause.” auction, raffle and other activities. Restaurant proprietor Shea Fox made a generous contribution Casa Hogar has been open since 1872 and has a and an earlier anonymous donation of over 4,000 capacity to care for 24 children up to 18 years of Euros was most gratefully received before the age – providing care, comfort and encouragement fundraising event. Entertainment was provided to orphans and underprivileged and, occasionally, by the brilliant Ashley and Dainius and ace crooner abused children and young adults. The orphanage Jack Law. The event was compèred by Paratá belongs to the Company of the Daughters of resident and Wannabee front man Paul Burt. A Charity of St. Vincent de Paul and is dedicated to total of over 11,000 Euros was raised on the day. serving the most disadvantaged groups of society through planned and comprehensive social action. At the presentation on November 24th of a During its life it has served social, welfare and cheque for the funds raised at Shea’s Restaurant educational requirements including nursery La Paratá, chief fundraiser Keith Holland and Shea facilities for infants, a hospital and a school house. Fox were proud to announce that a further, anonymous, donation of 10,000 Euros had been received. With this extraordinary gift, the target of 22,000 Euros was met and will cover the cost of much needed repair to the roof at the

The cheque for 22,000 Euros is presented by Shea Fox and the fundraising team from Restaurant La Paratá, to Hermana Antonia (centre of photograph), who manages Casa Hogar, the orphanage in Vera, in response to an appeal for funds to repair the roof.

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Community News Almeria 74), supported by other officers and members. Also presented to the charity was an electronic tablet which will be used to further enhance learning and enjoyment for the young special needs students. Various dignitaries from Los Gallardos town hall and the association attended the event. The presentation took place at the Colegio Público Juan XXIII.

APSA

Price Brown Fundraising Inge Brown, the Company Director/Accountant at Price Brown Estate Agents in Mojácar came up with a wonderful idea at the beginning of the year which has helped all local charities. In their advertisement with ‘Euro Weekly News’, they kindly offered to donate 50 euros from each property listed with them during the month of October to help PawsPatas. Chrissie Cremore (Communications Officer) and Kris Wessels-Coles (Acting Treasurer) gratefully received a wonderful donation of 500 Euros. The shelter requires a great deal of vital repairs and the 500 Euros will help buy much needed fencing for the dog kennels. So a big barking thank you to Inge and everyone at Price Brown. This is the first year that they have raised money from this inspirational idea, and they have also supported MACS, Asprodalba, and in November raised money for the Vera Orphanage roof appeal. What a truly fantastic idea...and perhaps a seed to be sown for other local businesses to follow suit and help local charities.

Donation to ASDADIS The Lodge of Almeria 74 Mojácar Masons had great pleasure on November 9th in once again supporting the local charity ASADIS (a small charity supporting seven local special needs children in the Los Gallardos area). A cheque for 500 Euros was handed to Cati Flores Morales (President of ASADIS) by Victor Childe (Immediate Past Master of Lodge

Chapman’s in Albox held their first ever Christmas Fayre recently and donated 60 Euros to APSA, the animal charity based in Albox. The bar is handily across the road from the shop so the volunteers were able to take clothes and bric-a-brac there and they made 120 Euros. Hilary, one of the volunteers, said that the best sellers had been the sparkly evening wear as everyone is now planning their Christmas wardrobes. APSA would like to thank the staff of Chapman’s for being so hospitable and providing such good food, all the stall holders, and to everyone who came to support the event. Maloan’s recently hosted a Christmas Craft Fete in Albox, with 24 stalls and Santa came along. It was organized by Leanne Plant who presented 167 Euros to APSA. Thank you to Maloan’s for being such wonderful hosts, all the stall holders, prize-donors, and especially those who supported the event.

Boxers Bequest to ‘Walk For Life’ Boxers Golf Society was the very first in the Albox area, founded in 2004 by golfers Les Ashton and Allan Hay. It soon had over 50 members. When Allan died suddenly in 2011, his partner Trudy Sailes, also a golfer, presented a trophy to Boxers to be played for every year on Captain’s Day, and the final holder is Tony Horrobin. For Boxers, the last drive has been driven. After 13 years, falling membership and difficulty recruiting people to organise it, has caused it to close. The Society has decided to donate all its remaining funds to the cancer support charity ‘Walk for Life Arboleas’, that Trudy is so involved in. Boxers’ Captain George Miller and President Tony Hammond presented Trudy and their Vice President, Jean Bircher, with 520 Euros. To find out more go to walk4lifearboleas.com.

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What’s On Almería City Concerts Guitar Concert To mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the guitar maker Antonio Torres, David Martínez gives an acoustic guitar recital on Saturday, December 16th at 8.30pm, Museo de la Guitarra, Almería city. Admission is free. The museum is at Ronda del Beato Diego Ventaja. Mike Gibbs & The Clasijazz Big Band concert is now on December 10th at 7pm, Teatro Apolo, Almería city. Tickets 15 Euros. The concert celebrates Mike Gibbs’ 80th birthday. Grease El Musical performed by the Aedea Teatro company comes to the Auditorio Maestro Padilla, Almería city, on December 8th at 9pm. Tickets are 10 Euros. This is a benefit concert for the association ANDA that helps physically challenged children in Almería city.

The Alabama Gospel Choir bring their gospel and spirituals show “Oh, Happy Day”, with songs from the 19th century, to Teatro Cervantes, Almería city, on Monday, December 25th at 8pm, as part of their 19th world tour. Tickets are 25 Euros. The Grupo Almenara choir and musicians from Almería perform their Christmas concert on December 27th at 8.30pm, Auditorio Maestro Padilla, Almería city. Tickets are 10 Euros to support local charities. The José Balastegui sextet perform a concert in homage to Cole Porter on December 7th at 9pm, Teatro Cervantes Almería city. Tickets are 10 Euros in advance or 12 on the door. “Al Aire” is a concert celebrating the best of pop music from the 70s-90s, at Teatro Cervantes Almería city, on December 13th at 9.30pm. Tickets are 10 Euros in advance or 12 on the door. The World Queen Tribute Band perform “The Show Must Go on” on March 15th, 2018, Teatro Cervantes, Almería city. The band has been highly acclaimed, and the ticket price is 30 Euros.

Ballet

on Ice

The Moscow Ballet Company on Ice present “La Reina de Los Nieves” (Queen of the Snows) at Auditorio Maestro Padilla, Almería city, on December 30th at 6pm & 9pm. Tickets are 20 & 25 Euros.

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Dance El Cascanueces (The nutcracker) ballet com posed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, with libretto by Earnst Hoffmann, is performed by the Russian National Ballet Company on December 3rd at 7pm, Auditorio Maestro Padilla, Almería city. Tickets are 22 & 24 Euros. The Strauss Festival Orchestra & Ballet Ensemble comes to Teatro Cervantes, Almería city, on December 29th at 9pm. This is a Johann Strauss New Year concert and is part of their European tour. Tickets are 30 Euros. The orchestra was formed 27 years ago, and 5 million people have been to their concerts. El Lago de Los Cisnes (Swan Lake) is performed by the Bolshoi and Moscow State Ballet Company and the Russian State Symphony Orchestra, Teatro Cervantes, Almería city, on January 18th at 9pm. Tickets are 30 Euros. Tickets for concerts in Almería available from the ticket office in the Teatro Apolo, 25 Rambla Obispo Orberá, Almería , tel: 950 230 922. Mon- Fri, 10.30am-1.30pm & 68pm, or Sat, 11am-1pm. Also from 2hrs before performances at the venue or from www.ticketmaster.es or call Ticketmaster: 902 1500 25. Main branches of ‘CaixaBank’ have machines which issue tickets; including Vera near the church square. Teatro Cervantes, Almería city. Calle del Poeta Villaespesa, 1. Tickets from box office, Monday – Friday, 11am-1pm & 4pm-7pm, Saturday, 11am-2pm or 1 hr before performance, or www.todas lasentradas.com

What’s On Águilas Auditorio A strings concert takes place on December 15th at 9pm, Águilas auditorio, when Carl Von Weber’s quintet for clarinet and strings opus 84 is performed, & Felix Mendelssohn’s octet opus 20. Tickets are 15 Euros. The Deutsche Rhein P h i l h a r m o n i c O r c h e s t ra , conducted by Desar Sulejmani perform a New Year Gala “lollipop” concert with waltzes, polkas, and marches, on January 2nd at 9pm. The Region of Murcia Symphonic Orchestra conducted by Virginia Martínez are in concert on February 2nd, 2018 at 9pm. They perform Schuman’s piano concerto opus 54, and Johannes Brahms’s symphony no. 1 opus 68. The piano soloist is Hyumn Hutterman. Tickets are 15 Euros. Águilas Events Tickets from Viajes Almeida 968 410 828; Museo Arqueológico; www.redentradas .com; www.auditorio-aguilas.org; or from two hours before performances at box office.

Roquetas de Mar tickets The box office at the auditorio is open 11am-1pm & 6pm-8pm, or tel: 950 328759, or from the website www.teatro auditorioroquetas.org.

Huércal-Overa The musical ‘The Sleeping Beauty’, staged by the Fábula theatre company, comes to Teatro Villa Huércal-Overa on December 16th at 7.30pm. The production is

for persons of all ages, and tickets are 12 Euros in advance or 15 on the door. ‘El Rey León’ (Lion King) tribute musical comes to Teatro Villa Huércal-Overa on January 3rd at 6pm. It is performed by La Compañia Fiestasur, and is on tour after a season in Madrid. The production is for persons of all ages, and tickets are 10 Euros in advance or 15 on the door.

Mojácar Christmas Flamenco Gala On Friday December 8th we will present (in colaboration with Mojácar Town Hall) a Christmas Flamenco Gala. This will showcase a large cast of top flamenco performers from Granada who will offer us a traditional lively Granadino Christmas Fiesta. Tickets on sale from Tourist Office Mojácar Pueblo and the N ew s p a p e r K i o s k, P a r q u e Comercial. Price 15 euros. For more info email info@lagitanainglesa .com

Roquetas de Mar Peter Pan the Musical is performed on December 23rd at 5pm & 7.30pm, Roquetas de Mar auditorio. The production has been on various world tours with critical acclaim. Tickets are 25 Euros. The Film Symphony Orchestra comes to Roquetas auditorio as part of the ‘FSO’ 2017 Tour, on January 13th at 9.30pm. Tickets are 30, 35, & 40 Euros.

114

What’s On

Vera “Felíz Navibrass” is a Christmas concert by the Bel Cantus Brass Quintet, Auditorio Ciudad de Vera, on December 22nd at 9pm. Tickets are 5 Euros in advance from Convento de la Victoria, or the box office on the night. A New Year’s Eve children’s event takes place on Dec. 31st from 10am-1pm, at Plaza Mayor in Vera city. There will be artificial snow, bouncy castles, trampolines, and other entertainment. Bells will sound at 12 noon.

Exhibitions Almería Castle, La Alcazaba, has an extensive exhibition of ítems relating to films made in the province, organized by the association ‘Almeríacine’. The exhibition can be seen until January 28th, 2018, and normal admission fees to the castle apply.

Inner Condition is an exhibition by the very famous photographer Nadav Kander, now based in London, and is a collection of his photographs of the human nude body. It can be seen until February 4th, at “El Centro Andaluz de la Fotografia” (‘CAF’) in Almería city. The centre is at number 9, Calle Pintor Díaz Molina and is open from 11am-2pm & 5.30pm-9.30pm. An exhibition of posters has gone on display relating to the 25th anniversary of the very important Centro Andalúz de la Fotografía. The 80 posters on display have been chosen from a total of 300 since the centre opened in November 1992. The exhibition can be seen until December 28th at the Escuela de Artes Plásticas y Diseño de Almería, in Almería city. Admission is free from 8am-10pm, Mondays-Fridays.

Maestro Alemanes Contemporáneos is an exhibition of 45 paintings by 15 German artists from 1870-2015. It can be seen at the ‘Espacio 2’ area at the Museo de Arte de Almería until Dec. 3rd.

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Mojácar Town Hall: Christmas & New Year Events (Unless otherwise stated, all activities at Centro de Usos M ú l t i p l e s , A r t i s a n C e n t re ) December 4th: Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. Mojácar village church, 8pm December 6th: Annual Carol concert by Dames in Spain, 11am. Tercera Edad room “One Child, a Thousand Illusions” 11.30am by AEEC Mojácar, raffle and bar December 8th: Flamenco performance (see main section) December 15th: Christmas recital, Mojácar school of music, 6pm December 16th: Christmas concert with dance & music, 8pm December 20th: Children’s activities, 6pm December 22nd: Christmas carol concert by school children, 10am. Sports pavilion near the school. 9pm, Christmas concert by town band. January 2nd: Children’s musical “Teo y el Mago”, 6pm January 5th: Three King’s procession, 5.30pm, from village to Centro de Usos Múltiples Church Services: December 24th: Midnight mass, 11.30pm, Mojácar parish church. Christmas Day, mass, 11.30am. January 1st, New Year mass, 11.30am. January 6th, King’s Mass, with choir, 11.30am

What’s On Trips by Carlos Seville trip. Cirque du Soleil. February 5th-7th, 2018, to see “Totem”. Inclusive cost 270 Euros with 3 days & 2 nights half board in a 4* hotel. For info & bookings call Carlos on 610 681 068 or 950 525 761. Trip to Teatro Cervantes, Almería, January 18th, to see ‘El Lago de Los Cisnes’ (Swan Lake), performed by the Bolshoi and Moscow State Ballet Company and the Russian State Symphony Orchestra. Coach & ticket 62 Euros.

Miscellaneous The 2018 PAWS / PATAS Calendars, for only 8 Euros, are now available from our shops in Mojácar, Turre and Las Buganvillas. Printed in both English & Spanish, the calendar features photographs of cats and dogs in our shelter ...plus lots of information about the charity: what we do, aim for, and achieve. The perfect gift for anyone, whatever age!

The Indalo Players hold their final performance of ‘The Speakeasy Murder’ on December 5th at Kukis restaurant, Mojácar Playa. Tickets are 15 Euros each which includes your meal and can be obtained from Kukis. The meals are served at 7.30pm with the show starting at 8.00pm. The play is set in a sleazy speakeasy in 1920’s Chicago, a time of jazz, Charleston, molls, gangsters and guns. Although it’s not obligatory, we encourage our audience to come dressed for the occasion. There are prizes, not just for those who guess the murderer, but also for best dressed gangster and moll. This year we are supporting Vera Orphanage and MACS. Dames in Turre would like to remind everyone of their biggest fund raising event of the year THE CHRISTMAS MARKET on Saturday, December 9th from 10am – 1pm at the Plaza de Constitution (Turre Square). All monies raised are donated to local charities. It is not too late if you would like Cirque du Soleil - Totem

to run a stall. Please contact Soo Wallace email: sillyboo59@yahoo. co.uk or by mobile 677 362 713. Come along and do some Christmas shopping. There will be plenty of stalls to purchase some lovely items, try your luck on the Tombola Stall, win a super prize in the Big Raffle, sample the mulled wine with a mince pie, and much more. We do value everyone's support so let us make this our best year ever. See you there. Dames in Turre will not be holding a meeting in December because of Christmas, so our next meeting will be on Monday, January 29th at 11am at the Hostal Rural in Turre. Our speaker will be Lenox Napier. Lenox will be sharing local knowledge, history and culture so do come along as I am sure it will be very interesting. Dames in Turre is a Friendship Group raising monies for local charities, and we always welcome new guests. For more information please contact our President, Lesley Barlow, tel: 661 085 551 or Membership Secretary, Eileen McGill, tel: 652 208 072. Dames in Turre would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and Good Health in 2018.

PAWS-PATAS is in desperate need of volunteers to work at the shelter. Even if you can only spare one day a week to help care for the dogs please contact us on 678 490 217. For all other enquiries and information please see our website: www.paws-patas.org

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What’s On Anglican Churches of Costa Almeria and Costa Calida, Christmas Services: Monday, December 4th, 8pm. Joint carol service, Roman Catholic church, Mojácar Pueblo. Tuesday, December 12th, 6pm. Carols by Candlelight, Llanos del Peral Church. Wednesday, December 13th, 5pm. Christingle Service, Mojácar Anglican Church. Saturday, December 16th, 11am.Carols at the Parque Comerciál, Mojácar. Sunday, December 17th, December, 6pm. Nine Lessons and Carols, Aljambra Chapel Albox. Sunday, December 24th, 11.30pm. Midnight Mass, Mojácar Anglican Church. Monday, December 25th, 11am. Christmas Day Eucharist, Mojácar Anglican Church. PAWS/PATAS The Beachcomber book sale is Tuesday December 19th, 10.30am - 1pm.

Age Support, the charity based in Arboleas, has launched its “Guess the Weight of the Christmas Cake Competition” for 2017. The fruit cake, made and beautifully iced by a friend of the charity, was weighed at the local supermarket by Lola from Coviran and Cathy, chair of Age Support, looking on. The weight is now a closely guarded secret! You can view the cake and guess the weight, for 1 Euro, in the Age Support shop in the Placeta Padre Arias in Arboleas; near the bakers

Mojácar Community Library stocks a wide variety of English Language books, as well fiction & non-fiction books on Spain. Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am to 1pm in the lower floor of the Municipal Centro de Usos Multiples (formerly the Artisan Centre),near Mojácar Fuente. Yearly contribution is 12 euros per household. Good quality books donations (including audio) as well as new volunteers are always welcomed.

and hairdressers, and where the Saturday market is held. Will you be the lucky person to win this gorgeous cake for just 1 Euro? The winner will be announced by midDecember in the local press, Smooth FM and the shop. The Age Support shop will also be holding a Christmas raffle. If you have any special items you could donate, please take them to the shop in Arboleas which is open 10am - Send details of your events to almeriafocus@gmail.com 1.30pm, Mondays to Saturdays. or call 670 84 92 65

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What’s On Market Days Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:

Huércal-Overa, Antas, Berja Albox, Los Gallardos, Cuevas del Almanzora Mojácar, Bédar, Lubrin, Vélez Blanco, Palomares Cuevas del Almanzora, Olula del Río, Carboneras, Sorbas Garrucha, Turre, Zurgena Aguilas, Vera, Arboleas, Vélez Rubio Villaricos, Purias

Rastros, Car Boot Sales, etc. Saturday: Rastro, Mojácar Playa, opp. Red Cross, 9am - 1pm Saturday: Los Llanos, between Arboleas & Albox Sunday morning: Los Gallardos Campsite Sunday morning: Multiple Use Centre (Artisan Centre), Mojácar Village 1st Sun of the month: Casa Lorenza, Las Menas, Sª Maria de Nieve, 4.30pm 2nd Sunday of the month: Bédar, from 9am Last Sunday of the month: Velez Rubio on Industrial estate

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Activities - Clubs - Associations Clubs, Societies & Activities

The Royal British Legion, Mojácar Branch, The Artisan Centre, 1st and 3rd Thurs. of each month, 11:15am. All welcome inc. non-services personnel. Almanzora Group of Friends Library and Information Centre, Tues, For enquiries & Welfare call 950 066053 Thurs, Fri & Sat, 10am–1pm . Avda. http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/ Lepanto, Albox (near Chapman’s). branches/mojacar/news-events/ Extensive English Library, DVD’s and The Royal British Legion - Albox Talking Books. Trips, monthly quiz and Everyone welcome. Monthly meeting other social events. Tel: 634 343 147 3rd Thursday of every month, La Parrilla, www.almanzoragof.org or see Facebook Albox, 11am. Coffee morning 1st Thursday of every month, Oasis Cafe Almería Link Friendship Group Meetings Wednesdays, 8pm, Marina Bar, 11.30am. For info contact chairman Playa Hotel between Mojácar and Ken Matthews, email ken.matthews10 Garrucha. For information contact Bob @gmail.com. For support, Filip Ostrowski (Chairman) 950 472 551 or Cynthia on 950066037. http://counties.british legion.org.uk/branches/albox (Secretary) 950 472 699. Living Alone in Spain? We are a 60+ group of friends who meet for lunch every Wednesday in the Mojácar area. Tel: 667 303 788

The Royal British Legion - Zurgena & District Branch Bar Latinos, C/ Granada, La Alfoquia, every first Thursday of the month at 11a.m. Email zurgenaRBLsecretary @yahoo.co.uk. See www.britishlegion. org.uk/branches/zurgena

WOW Women on Wednesday Beauchelles, Mojácar Playa, from 1.30pm. Get together, buy, sell, swap, Psychic Development Circle meet new people. Various classes at different times. Dames in Huércal Overa Everyone welcome. Tel: Barbara 637 3rd Wed. of the month, 10.30am, Tennis 469 937 barbaramoonlight@gmail.com Club. All welcome. Tel. Carolyn 637 798 AUAN - Abusos Urbanisticos 494 Almanzora No. Dames in Spain Association campaigning for the 3rd Monday of the month, 11 am, legalisation of homes in the Almanzora Sensations Restaurant, Mojacar. Valley built without proper authority. Chairman Myra Holmes, 950475491; Meeings on 3rd Sat. of every other Secretary Iris Hamilton 666 107 364. month, 11am, La Parrilla, Albox. Tel: 617 Guests welcome. 118 209 www.almanzora-au.org Dames in Turre The Divine Life Society, Almeria 11am, last Mon in the month, Hostal Branch Rural, Turre. Talks, trips, support for Lotus Yoga Centre, Mojácar. Evening local charities. Guests welcome. Tel: of Meditation and a talk, 1st Fri of the Membership Secretary Eileen McGill 652 month, 7.30pm. Spiritual Cinema, 3rd 208 072 or President Lesley Barlow Fri of the month, 7.30pm. Meditation 950 478 633 and Yoga classes. Tel Sharon 950 469122 or 672 061 048 or omsharon50 Mojácar Community Library Multi-Use centre. Mon, Wed and Fri, @gmail.com 11am - 1pm . Vera & District Lions Club. 5.00pm on the first Wednesday of the Mojácar Walking Group Walks of different levels. Tues & Thurs. month at El Gnomo Feliz restaurant, www.mojacarwalkinggroup.com or tel: Vera. Telephone Sandie Tinkham on 950 439324 or Pam Mattioli on 950069249 950 467 679 for more information. Mojácar Bridge Club Monday and Thursdays, 7pm. Marina Flamenco Forum for English Playa Hotel. Contact Les 950 437 100 Speakers / 634 219 174 Facebook: Mojácar Bridge on Facebook. Information and events. Tel: 687 480 694 Club

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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. Mojacar Photo Group Contact Lyle Mallen: 620 786 914 Ancestry Club for Beginners & Intermediate Piedra Amarilla. Wednesdays, 2pm-4pm. 5 euros per week. Tel. 634 309 590 Betty's Garden Club 11.30 for 12 noon, 2nd Monday of the month at Miraflores Restaurant, Camping Los Gallardos except in July & August. All welcome. Tel: 603 587 805 Mojacar Computer & Electronics Club Saturdays, Beachcomber, Mojácar. 10 – 12 noon, Laptops. 12 noon – 1pm, smart phones, tablets, cameras, etc 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. 694 44 43 61 Cabrera Music Club For info call Richard: 666 274 861 cabreramusicclub@albox-online.net Albox Computer Club Hotel La Parrilla, Albox. Fri, 10am. All levels of experience are welcomed. www.alboxcc.com alboxcc@gmail.com Jeff Brown 659 558 091 Indalo Hash House Harriers Meet 2nd and 4th Sunday, 11am, various l o c a t i o n s . w w w. i n d a l o h 3 . c o m Mojácar Angling Club Tel. John (Beachcomber): 950 473 099 Traditional Japanese Reiki and Gendai Reiki Ho Classes, workshops, and Reiki shares in Mojacar. Tel: 634 347 930, website: www.gendaireikispain.com

Send details of your club, society or activity to almeriafocus@gmail.com Tel: 670 849 265

Activities - Clubs - Associations Clubs, Societies & Activities continued

Living Water Church Mojacar Playa Opp. Red Cross and Salas Farmacia, Amigos del Coches Clasicos Sunday Service 4pm. Bible Study Tuesday Local, multi-national group of classic car 11am. Cafe Church, Weds & Thurs 11am. enthusiasts. Meetings first Thursday of Come for a chat and coffee. Contact month, 3pm, Hotel Overa, jn 547 of Pastors Dave 697522521 or John E15/A7. www.a-c-c.es, email: info@a-c- 634254781. See FaceBook or visit c.es, tel. David 950 412 165 www.livingwaterchurchmojacar.com Cabrera Slot Car Club The Evangelical Church, Turre Thursdays, 4.30-6pm. Richard 950 970 Avda de Almeria on the corner of 869. Call to check if on first. C/Alberquillica . Sunday 10.30am. Tuesday 3pm Bible Studying. Midweek Model Aero Flying Club, Cortijo Grande prayer meeting. Tel. 950 617549 or 950 Sun. & Wed., 10.30am. Contact Johnny 47 2 3 4 9 . w w w . t u r r e c h u r c h . c o m Hayes: 634 346 762 or 980 099 930 Kingdom Hall, Jehovah's Witnesses 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 lowimpact 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 Costa Calida and Costa Almeria Mojacar: Eucharist, Sunday, 11am, at the church of San Pascual, Agua de Enmedio. Albox: Eucharist, 2nd & last Thurs in month, 11am. Evensong, second Sun in month, 6pm. Comunity Hall Aljambra. Llanos del Peral, nr El Cucador: Eucharist or morning worship, Sundays, 11am.at Village Church and Community Hall. Roquetas: Eucharist, 3rd Thursday of the month, at noon at Burty´s Bar. Details: Church Wardens, Pam Carter, 667947573 & Tony Noble 950092096 or 634301873 www.mojacarchurch.org

A.A. Alcoholics Anonymous Mojacar area Meetings –Tuesday, 6pm, Artisan Centre, Mojacar Fuente - Friday & Wednesday, 6pm, Living Water Church, Mojácar Playa (opposite Red Cross building). Tel: 634 320 262 or 661 078 864 or email mike@aaspain.org On Public Holidays when the Artisan Centre is closed, the Tuesday meeting will be at the Living Water Church. Ostomist Support For Expats Call Dee 950 064 322 in confidence.

Age Support Almanzora Information Centre. Avda Lepanto, near Total Entertainment. Tues - Fri, 10a.m. Tues 7:30pm & Sun 10.00am. Poligono to 2 p.m. Welcomes anyone who has Aljoroque - C/El Cajete 6, Antas. Contact: concerns about an older person who is 652 293 269 in need of support. Tel: 634 333 544 or email welfareteam.asa@gmail.com Aguaviva Evangelical Church Near the health Centre, opposite Bici- Shop, Plaza Padre Arias in Arboleas village Box, Albox. Tel: Rod Southwood, 687 (the square with the bakery and hairdresser) six days a week 10-1.30. Tel: 560 544 634333544, Puerto Lumbreras Christian Universal Wonderful Street Fellowship Every 1st and 3rd Sunday each month Academy at 11.00 am. Phone for exact location NGO that supports street children in (now at their house) Tel 619453283 or Accra (Ghana). Registered charity. 968 018 228 Paul and Sandra www.universalwonderfulstreetacadem y.org. Beatriz: 617 182 154 Santa Cruz Christian Fellowship Sundays and midweek in Albox and FACE surrounding areas. Contact 677 087 (Fundraising in Arboleas, Caring for 257 or santacruzalbox@gmail.com E ve r yo n e ) . Re g i s te r e d c h a r i t y. face.charity@hotmail.com www.face -charity.com

Support Groups & Charities

The Helping Hands Support for Animals and People alike. Registered charity. Tel: 968 48 29 48

Parkinson's Disease Support Contact Joyce Boxall (Santa Maria de Nieva, Huércal-Overa), tel 677 688037

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

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.macscancersupport.com Email: macscancersuppor t@live.co.uk

Stepping Stones Carers Support Group Turre Evangelical Hall, Thurs, 11am-2pm. Tel 950 472822 or 677 683385 Turre Evangelical Church Services in English, Sundays, 10.30am. www.steppingstonescarersgroup.wee Everyone welcome. 950 617 549 bly.com

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Send details of your group to almeriafocus@gmail.com Tel: 670 849 265

Activities - Clubs - Associations Music & Drama Groups

Dance

Arts & Crafts

Indalo Players Well established drama group always looking for new members to act or help back stage. Tel. Bill White on 671 81 08 19 or email williamwhite9552@aol.com

Line Dancing Hotel el Puntazo, Mojacar. Fridays, 7.–10pm. Beginners welcome. Contact: Glynis 648217503 or Mary Beth 661671526 or strictlylinedancing mojacar@gmail.com

Sewing Group, Mojacar Meet at Dolce Vita for sewing, knitting etc. Weds 10.30 - 12.30. Tel: Brenda 634 34 34 92 or Sylvia 628 006 197.

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 Maloan’s Bar, Arboleas. New members always welcome for acting or work behind the scenes etc. Contact us via www.theluvvies.com, tel. 634 346 309 or e-mail info@theluvvies.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 Almeria Strings Folk Club Third Thursday of the month, 8pm, Turre. Free admission. For location and other events, see www.almeriastrings.org or call 634 347 930 The Rose Singers Small ladies choir singing a variety of musical genres in aid of local charities. 45 performances a year. Rehearsals Friday mornings, Los Gallardos. New singers always welcome. Call Alison on 667 408 941 or see us on Facebook. The Incognito Singers A mixed voice group performing a varied repertoire of songs to a high standard. Rehearsals Wednesday evening in Arboleas. www.theincognitosingers.com, Facebook, theincognitosingers@gmail.com Sing Sing Sing A mixed informal singing group, singing all types of music, for the fun of it, and to be able to perform a few charity events. Everyone welcome, Rehearsal Tuesday 6pm Villaricos Social Centre. For info. ring Janet on 617856680. Cariatiz Community Orchestra All welcome, any age, any level, only requirement is to read music. Rehearsals Sundays 6-7pm, Cariatiz (between Los Gallardos and Sorbas). Contact Emma, emma.v.randle@gmail.com 654 164 293

Eleanor & Gilly's Line Dance Class Maloan's Bar, Albox, 2-30pm- 4-30pm, Mondays. All levels welcome. Eleanor Tolman 950 439 003. Step2It - Line Dancing Maloan’s, Albox. Weds: 6.45 p.m 7.30 p.m, First Steps/Introduction. 7.30 p.m - 10.30, Beginners / Improvers /Intermediate. Contact: C a r r i e A n n 6 2727 9 5 84 www.carrieanngreen.com Line Dancing Beachcomber Restaurant, Mojácar. Beginners/Improvers. Mondays, 4pm. Contact John 666 200 579

Ladies Sewing Circle Evangelical Church, Turre, Wednesday 10.30 – 12.30 667 702 774 Glass Bead Making La Cueva del Pájaro, Carboneras. Call 950 130 627 Ladies Pottery Painting Parties Albox - every 2nd Thursday, 6 - 9pm. SimplyArt 662 443 095 Art Classes All levels. Thurs, 11-1pm, Miraflores Campsite. Fridays, 10.30am - 12:30pm. kukis Bar, Mojácar. Tel: 653 714 767 Girasol, Albox Art & painting. Tues, 10-1pm. Mosaic classes. Thurs 3-5.Tel 639 089 170

Line Dancing La Vida, Cucador. Tuesday 5pm

Sophia Wellness Centre, Arboleas Art classes. Tel. 950 449 451.

Pro Danza Nicky Mainstone Royal Academy Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Dance fit fusion. Children & Adults. Mojacar & Los Gallardos. T. 667479903

Yoga

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 Oriental and Middle Eastern Folklore dancing classes Tues at Vera, Wed at Turre. Shirin, 607805367, gytanshark@yahoo.es Dance Classes with Hollie Newell Ballet, tap, contemporary, modern, jazz, lyrical, zumba and more. Based in Turre. Tel: 634 317 391 Flamenco Dance Workshops Beginners level. Tel:687480694 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

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Lotus Yoga Centre, Mojácar Mondays. Contact Sharon - 950 469 122 or 672 061 048 or omsharon50 @gmail.com L.O.T.U.S Integral Yoga Centre Mojácar. Yoga all levels/gentle yoga. Weds, Fri, Sun. Tel. Parvathi: 636063560 Sansonora, Mojacar Wednesday, 2.30pm. All levels, visitors welcome. Sharon 672061048 Sol Yoga Centre, Arboleas Tel: 686 400331 Girasol, Albox Call 639 089 170 Cortijo El Saltador Lucainena de las Torres. Mon, 5:30pm. Tel: Brahmani on 600 34 91 51 Yoga with Ashlí Talita Kim Studio, Turre. Wed & Fri, 9.4511.00am. Beginners & restorative yoga. GymXtreme,Vera. Wed & Fri, 8.30pm. Beginners & relaxation yoga. All ages & levels welcome. Ashlí - 643 102 335

Activities - Clubs - Associations Sports Almería Lawn Bowling Club Contact Shirley: 679 970 399

Tennis & Padel Tennis Sierra Club Desert Springs. Tel: 687599115

Body Control Pilates. Classes or private. Sharon 638 487 314

Tennis Coach Diego Rodriguez Tel: 950 393 851 and 607 021 280

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

Bowling Club de Zurgena Friendly, social and competitive bowling, Padel tennis lessons all levels and standards. Contact Keith: At home. Tel: Ulises Gutiérrez, 606 902 634 335 988 or zurgenabc@gmail.com. 691 www.zurgenabc.com Albox Sub-Aqua Club Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club Wed, 8pm, Travellers Inn (7Km from Contact Mrs Lynne Hughes-Jones Albox on Taberno Road). lynne@genesis-cs.com Tel: 617 830 660 Mojácar Sailing Club Indalo Lawn Bowling Club Sunday afternoons, Playa Cantal, near Contact Toni: 950 468 165 or 647 703 Trufi Bar. All ages welcome for crewing 393 wattsmyt@gmail.com or social membership. Contact George Mojacar Bowls Club on 950 475 428. Behind Marina Mar Hotel. Everybody PartyLevante Sailing Club welcome - Tues, Thurs and Sat starting Initiation for children from 7 yrs in small with coffee at 9:30. Contact Verna 610 groups. Email info@partylevante.com 838 644. or call 680942141 www.partylevante Badgers Golf Society .com Mojacar, play Wednesday and Saturday. Everyone always welcome. Contact Santa Irene Sailing Club Duncan Smart on 634 331 059 or Meets Sundays at 10:30 at the boat park badgersmojacar@gmail.com of the New Marina, Garrucha, with a presail coffee at café La Oficina virtually Boxers Golf Society Albox All welcome to join us as members or opposite at 11:00. Contact Ian via info@ guests. Call in at the Why Not bar in santaireneclubdevela.com or call 671 Albox on Saturday mornings or email 474 385. See www.santaireneclub devela.com peterstooks@avired.com Garrucha Table Tennis Club Forum Golf Society Plays friendly events at local courses Tel Barry on 677 174 430 twice a month. Richard Price. Telephone Cazadores de Turre Cricket Club. 850993073 or rfp53@yahoo.co.uk. Welcome new members of all ages and www.forumgolfsociety.webs.com experience. Contact Sam Lewis on 663 132 487 or Derek Larkins 634 361 941 Marina Phoenix Golf Society Visitors welcome Mondays and Adelante Gimnasia Artìstica Thursdays. Tel Don Atkins 605 051 238. Classes for fun gymnastics , competitive Email marinaphoenixgolfsociety levels, pre school and adults. Fully @gmail.com qualified coach. From 2 years. Tel 622 129 702 or info@adelanteartisitca.es Valle del Este Golf Society. Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays. Contact www.adelanteartistica.es Facebook Alan Townsend Tel. 690 090 982 Adelante Gimnasia artistica. Almería Golf League Contact Les on 950 619 273 Albox Club de Tenis Sun & Thurs mornings, Tues afternoons. Tel Sue: 950 064 369 Cabrera Tennis Club Email: cabreratennis@gmail.com www.facebook.com/cabrera.tennis Club de Tenis y Padel Indalo Vera. Tel: 608 250 607 - 950 59 28 77 www.tenisypadelindalo.com

Walking Football Club Campo De Football, Los Gallardos, Monday mornings. Secretar y peter@multigrate.com. Call 0044 7545 321 233. www.fclosamigos.com

Fitness & Martial Arts Girasol, Albox Pilates, children’s karate & gymastics, advanced gymnastics, Tai-chi. Tel 639 089 170

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Slimming Groups Casa Pepa, Turre, Weds 10 am, Hostal Meson (Kubatin) Arboleas, Thurs 1pm, Rose & Crown, Mojácar, Fri 11.30 Contact Vicki 650 764 623 or vicki.lynch @live.co.uk Slimming & Fitness with Pam Various locations. Tel: 639 465 631 pamsslimming@gmail.com Martial Arts Academy Seidokan Scientific Karate & Taiji-Qigong, Vera. Call John Watson 950 453 681 Performing Arts Centre DanZaVera Almeria. 54 Verasol, Vera. Martial Arts, Karate, Tai ji qigong, ancient weapons including Sword, Self Defence, Tactical Gymnastics, Yoga and ageless mobility. Tel Anita: 670 715 787 Mojácar Taekwondo 5 years to adults. Various classes & times. Contact Serge 646844708. Facebook GTF Spain Sophia Wellness Centre, Arboleas Gym, Toning tables, Kickboxing, Cross fit, Boot camp, Boxing, Salsacise, Zumba, Step Aerobics, Body Pump. Tel. 950 449 451. Fitness with Alison, Mojácar Full Body Workout, Pilates, AquaZumba, Zumba, Step Aerobics, Total Toning, AeroFit. Tel 666 273 168. Sansonora, Mojácar Qi Gong, Pilates, Dance. Contact Elena, 630 688 615 or elenasansonora @gmail.com Hollie Newell Zumba Almeria Turre, Los Gallardos, Arboleas and San Juan. Contact: 634 317 391 Fitness with Pam Aerobics, Jane Fonda workout, Gentle Cardio/Pilates, Hits/Circuit, Limited Mobility. Various locations. Tel: 639 465 631 Zumba, La Vida Cucador Fridays 10am.

Your Stars

(Mar. 21- April 20)

Be prepared to encounter new friendships that will provide you with valuable information. You should focus on moneymaking matters and stay away from emotional disputes. You will be full of energy and you need to find something constructive to do. Your ability to help others will win you points. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Don't expect support from your mate. Try to channel your energy into physical work. Children will keep you busy. Older members of your family may try to take advantage of you. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

(Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) You may want to have a heart-to-heart talk with a close and trusted friend. You need to concentrate on solving existing problems. You are best to avoid confrontations. You could have a tendency to spend too much on your home or entertainment. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

Lending and borrowing may be a problem. You could be blind to the defects of those you love. Your interests could lead you down avenues you never realized existed. Real estate investments will be extremely profitable in the long run. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday. (Apr. 21- May 21)

(Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You can come into money that you don't necessarily work for. Listen and formulate your course of action. You will be indecisive. Strong willpower will come to your rescue. Bring work home if it will help you get caught up. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

(May 22 - June 21)

Make changes regarding your friendships. You can't live your life for others. You need to get involved in groups that offer physical activities. Relatives will be happy that you dropped by. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

(Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Spend some time with the one you love. Pleasure trips will be satisfying. Take your time. Curb your mood swings; they could result in loneliness. Don't spend more than is necessary on travel or friends. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

(June 22 - July 22)

(July 23 - Aug. 22)

Don't overspend on luxury items. Find out all the facts before you jump to conclusions. Make changes to your living quarters that will please the whole family. Try to control your irritability if you're experiencing emotional problems with your partner. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday. (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20)

Your sensitive, affectionate nature will capture the heart of anyone you are attracted to. You may meet that special person if you attend fundraising functions. You will learn a great deal from the foreigners you meet. You should get involved with activities that can be enjoyed by both young and old alike. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Real estate should be lucrative for you. You will be looking for creative ways to make a little extra cash. Find a quiet spot where you can work diligently and stay out of the way. You can handle situations that require contact with institutions or large corporations. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. (Jan. 21- Feb. 19) Take positive action. If you act with anger you may blow the relationship. Based on your excitement, serious-minded individuals will be more than interested in backing your ideas. You have so much to offer; open up and let your thoughts be known. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

This is a great day to spend with family. Curb your mood swings; they could result in loneliness. Don't be too eager to cut those who have disappointed you from your life. Don't count on correspondence to clear up major problems. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23)

(Feb. 20 - Mar. 20)

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Jokes of the Month The Golf Shot

The Ransom

A golfer stands over his tee for what seems an eternity. He keeps looking up, looking down, mentally calculating the distance and the wind speed. His exasperated partner finally yells, “Take the damn shot! Just hit the bastard ball!” The reply is, “My wife is over there, standing just in front of the clubhouse, I want to make this a perfect shot”. His partner says, “Forget it man, you’ll never be able to hit her from here!”

A blonde is really down on her luck and very short of money. She lives near a playground and decides that if she kidnapped a young child she could demand a ransom. She picked a young girl at random, walked her behind a small shed and said, “I’ve kidnapped you”. She then wrote a note that read, “I have kidnapped your child, and I want 10,000 dollars in ransom money in cash. Tomorrow morning, before 10 o’clock, you have to leave the money in an envelope in the wastepaper bin near the swings”. She signs the note, “A blonde”, and tells the child to go home and give the note to her mother. Next morning at 10 o’clock, she goes to the playground and looks in the wastepaper basket. She finds an envelope and inside is 10,000 dollars. There is a note with the money and it reads, “How could you do this to a fellow blonde? I thought blondes were supposed to look after each other!”

Dreams Jemima was taking an afternoon nap on New Year's Eve before the festivities. After she woke up, she confided to Max, her husband, “I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond necklace for a New Year's present. What do you think it means?” “You’ll know tonight”, answered Max smiling broadly. At midnight, as the New Year was chiming, Max approached Jemima and handed her a small package. Delighted and excited she quickly opened it. There in her hand, rested a book entitled: “The Meaning of Dreams.”

Stamps Mary went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. “What denomination?” asked the postmaster. “Oh! Good heavens! Have we come to this?” Mary said, “Well give me 50 Methodist and 50 Church of England ones please.”

Dollars An honest politician, a hard-working civil servant and Santa Claus find a 100 dollar bill. Who gets to keep it? Santa does; the other two are creatures of myth and legend and don’t exist.

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The Solution A woman goes to the doctor all black and blue. Doctor: What happened? Woman: Doctor, I don't know what to do. Every time my husband comes home drunk on Bud Light he beats me up. Doctor: I have a real good medicine for that. When your husband comes home drunk on Bud Light, just take a glass of sweet tea and start swishing it in your mouth but don't swallow. Just keep swishing and swishing until he goes to bed in his Bud Light stupor. Two weeks later the woman comes back to the doctor looking fresh and reborn. Woman: Doctor that was a brilliant idea. Every time my husband came home drunk on Bud Light, I swished with sweet tea. I swished and s w i s h e d , a n d h e d i d n ' t to u ch m e ! Doctor: You see how much keeping your mouth shut helps?

...and next... Don’t Drink & Drive On New Year's Eve, Pete was in no shape to drive, so he sensibly left his van in the pub car park and walked home. As he was wobbling along, he was stopped by a policeman. “What are you doing out here at four o'clock in the morning?” he asked. “I'm on my way to a lecture,” answered Pete. “And who on earth, in their right mind, is going to give a lecture at this time of the morning on New Year's Day?” enquired the police officer sarcastically. Pete said grimly, “My wife!”

A Special Gift

The Paint Job

A couple have not been getting along for years, so the husband thinks, "I'll buy my wife a cemetery plot for Christmas." Well, you can imagine her disappointment. The next year, Christmas rolls around again and this time he doesn't get her anything. She says, "Why didn't you get me a Christmas present!? "He replies, "You didn't make any use of what I got you last year!"

While her husband was at work on Christmas Eve, a blonde decided to paint their living room. After her husband arrives home, he finds his wife laying on the floor in a pool of sweat, wearing a fur coat and over that a parka. He asked her what she was doing. She said, "I wanted to prove to you that not all blonde women are dumb, and I wanted to do it by painting the living room." He says he was impressed at the good job she had done, but asked, "Why are you wearing a fur coat and a parka?” She replied, "I read the directions on the paint tin, and they said, ''For best results, put on two coats!"

The Genie Finding a bottle on the beach, Jake uncorks it and releases a genie. "Ah, now you get three wishes," says the genie. "Great!" Jake replies. "First, I want one billion dollars." Poof! There's a flash, and a paper with Swiss bank account numbers appears in Jake's hand. "Next, I want a nice ocean-side house in Hawaii." Poof! Another flash, and he is holding the deed to an ocean side property in Hawaii. "Finally," Jake says, "I want to be irresistible to women." Poof! There's another blinding flash ...and Jake turns into a box of chocolates.

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New Year’s Eve On New Year's Eve, Marilyn stood up in the local pub and said that it was time to get ready. At the stroke of midnight, she wanted every husband to be standing next to the one person who made his life worth living. Well, it was kind of embarrassing! As the clock struck twelve, the attractive girl behind the bar was almost crushed to death.

Coffee Break

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