The Almeria Focus - July 2015

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Introduction & Contents

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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 Aguilas on the coast and inland as far as Albox and Huércal Overa.

Contents Under the Sky! ................................................................…...10 Focus on Local News …................…………................................…….12 So Now You Know ..................................................................................38 The Changing Face of Banking .............................................40 Chaos ......................................................................................................42 Chinese Protocol .......................................................................44 A Deadly Disease ..........................................................................46 So Why All the Fuss? .................................................................50 Protecting Your Skin ......................................................................52 Checkmate? ...............................................................................54 Useful Numbers ...............................................................................58 A-Z Directory ……………….......……................................................60 What’s On ..................................................................................119 Activities, Clubs and Associations ........................................107 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 September issue is August 18th

www.almeriafocus.com The Almería Focus is an independent publication produced and printed in Almería. We cannot be responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor errors in advertisements caused by poor quality submissions. Neither are we responsible for any loss or damage resulting from any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advert. Copyright exists throughout this publication. The purchase of advertising space does not give the advertiser ownership of any advert, unless supplied to us as finished artwork or via a design agency. Adverts designed by the Almeria Focus Layout Department, including its photos, logos and specialised fonts remain the property of the Almería Focus magazine and cannot be scanned, partially or fully reproduced, or proofs supplied to other publications. Action will be taken against persons, companies, publishers, printers or distributors who infringe this copyright.

Deposito Legal: AL-956-2008 Nº 72.

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Under the Sky!

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tarting with the recent celebrations and bonfires on the beaches to celebrate San Juan, a great many outdoor events of all descriptions will now be in the open air. The biggest event is the 2015 “Dreambeach Villaricos” music festival on August 7th & 8th. There is a camp-site that can be booked, open from August 6th. Last year the festival was awarded the accolade of “Winner: Best music festival of 2014”. If anybody still wants to obtain tickets, or book space in the camp-site, go to www.dreambeach.es.

Just as we were preparing to send this magazine to the printer, people started going to doctor's surgeries or health centres complaining of skin irritations, coughs, running noses, sneezing, giddiness and headaches. Medical staff quickly realised that all these people had been on beaches at Villaricos, Palomares, and that end of Vera Playa.

The provincial health department announced that no swimming could take place, and also a ban on being within 50 metres of the sea edge. Cuevas town hall took immediate action, put up red flags on the beaches and warning signs, and civil defence personnel toured the beaches. The prohibition was widely broadcast in the press and social media sites.

Tests of sea water showed that a natural toxin called “polytoxin” had developed from an algae known as “ostreopsis”. Nutrients in the water, affected by sunlight, are the cause of the problem.

Health officials undertook twice-daily sea samples to monitor the situation. As this is a phenomenon from nature, it was not clear how long it would last.

Coming back to normal activities this time of the year, the “Diputación” (county council), and the Junta de Andalucía (the governing body for Almería province), organise musical, theatre, and street entertainment, available to towns and villages that apply to be included, and films are also shown in village squares. There are flamenco performances on offer, and jazz events. All these travelling events will continue throughout August. Many town hall websites are not up to date with activities, as following the municipal elections there are many

new councillors in charge of the culture departments, and still getting into their stride.

July 16th is an important fiesta in coastal areas, to celebrate the festival of the Virgin (Mary) of Carmen who is the patron saint of the sea. Statues of her are taken down to ports and put on fishing boats who take them out to sea, along with members of the public. This is to ask for protection from bad weather and storms in the coming year, and good catches of fish. A few years ago the numbers of the public that were allowed on the fishing boats were very haphazard. Nowadays, fishing boats that do this have to have special licences, with the number of people specified. In the evening there are often food and drink events, concerts, and fireworks. Garrucha has a fair in mid August.

August 15th is a “red” religious fiesta date throughout Spain, with the usual official bodies and some offices shut. Almería have their “feria” following this with something for everybody, and bullfights. Mojácar has a three day event at the end of August, to celebrate San Agustin, one of their patron saints.

The Virgen del Carmen sets sail

Editor's note: As in other years, there is no issue of the Focus magazine in August, but it will be back in September. We would like to thank all our advertisers for their support over the years, and our readers for picking up the 5,000 copies we distribute every month. This edition of the magazine is our number 100. Incredible!

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Focus on Local News A Better Service 'Movistar' have announced that they have made a substantial investment in their telecoms and internet availability, particularly 4G. This is to cope with places in Almería province where the number of tourists during the summer increases the population in these places by three or four times.

They intend that no customer will be unable to have coverage and full operating capacity, particularly with smart phones and tablets. The increased capacity will remain in place after the summer months.

normal trains as well for most of the day, on a shuttle service. The total cost of his generous holiday was given as 13 million euros. The French Minister of Internal Affairs Laurent Fabius welcomed the visitors in a large stadium rented for the occasion.

The Worst in Spain During May, in the 50 provinces and two autonomous cities in Spain, unemployment figures improved. The only place where they didn’t was Almería province. Despite church first communions for children, weddings following Easter, some tourists, and a slight revival in the construction industry, some 95 additional persons went onto the unemployment register. The grand total now stands at 77,800. This increase in unemployment figures is largely thought to be the result of something of a lull in the agricultural industries, typical for this time of year, and the lack of many new jobs in the restaurant, hotel, and leisure sector just yet. Throughout Spain, some 118,000 people came off the unemployment register during May, but the unemployment total is still 4.2 million people.

A Joint Exercise The Spanish legionnaire base, Álvarez de Sotomayor, at Viator just off the A-7 motorway at the A-92 Granada junction, has highly trained units that practice all types of fast response military action, and is already in place in various trouble spots. For ten days in June they joined together with the US military to practice a response to a possible event in northern Africa that might lead to instability, or involving a large number of refugees. An evacuation exercise was practised in Tabernas near one of the film sets for the film “Exodus”. The 200 Spanish legionnaires France Not Spain and the 150 US troops then assumed that there Li Jinyuan is the multi-millionaire owner of a was a problem with terrorists, and “rescued” an company that produces traditional Chinese ambassador and his staff, and various prisoners. medicinal and diet products, and the company The exercise “Africacom” was considered a success. recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Li Jinyuan decided to treat his 6,400 workers to a holiday. Not 102 – 103 80 aircraft collected his employees from his The town of Balanegra near Berja, has become companies in China, Russia and Kenya and an independent municipality, taking the numbers transported them to 140 hotels in Paris and 79 in Almería province up to 103. This change has split between Cannes and Monaco. 146 buses took been a long time coming, as the administrative his employers on various trips, as well as a trip on procedure has taken years. It was finally put in a high speed train to the Riviera. Two extra trains the “Boletín Official” (official announcements) of had to be laid on for the event that filled all the the Junta de Andalucía just before the mayoress

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Focus on Local News Nuria Rodríguez took office on July 13th. The new him becoming mayor, but without a majority. municipality has 2,835 official inhabitants, and There was a lot of opposition to this from other the numbers in Berja have gone down accordingly. councillors and the public, and the investiture had to be suspended on various occasions. A man The Pulpí to Cuevas “AVE” aged 61 collapsed, but luckily another councillor Last year the Spanish Minister for Transport, Ana Toñi Fernandez is a nurse. She gave the man CPR Pastor, announced that a twelve kilometre section as she recognized he was having a heart attack. of the “AVE” (High speed train), the first stretch An ambulance quickly arrived and took him to in Almería province from Pulpí to Cuevas where hospital. After this she resumed her place in the the Murcia line will join up, would be authorised council chamber! “soon”. This is no more than a political sop, thrown to the politicians and Almería Chamber of Trade, who had been vigorously demanding action. The section in question connects to no other section in Almería province, nor on the Murcia side, and no money has been spent on the Murcia to Almeria line in Almería province in the last four years.

Cynics say Ana Pastor was thinking ahead to the municipal elections, and hoped to gain some brownie points. This section was put out to tender in March, and all bids were examined by “ADIF” the Spanish rail authority on June 23rd. In the normal course of events, from choosing the winning bid and authorizing the work, nothing else will happen Longer Hours until after the summer. This is not long before Until September 15th, visitors to the archaeological the Spanish General elections to be held in section of Almería museum can go there from November, or more unlikely December. It is thought 7pm-10pm on Thursdays to Saturdays. The large that the Minister of Transport would love to have exhibition of relics from the time of the Moors her photograph taken beside the first earth continues to be displayed until October with over moving bulldozer, before the national elections. 350 items, many of them not put on public display The next stretch in Almería province would be before. The normal morning/afternoon hours are Cuevas to Vera. The long running changes in design the same from 9am-3.30pm, Tuesdays to Sundays. regarding the Vera station (assuming it is still on Almería castle, La Alcazaba, is also open in the the cards), would have to be resolved first. No evening. other sections on the Murcia side have been announced either. The Pulpí to Cuevas link has Three Square Meals been promised to be double track width, with one During the school holidays that started on June rail line only. Studies are still under way to see if 22nd, 668 children from poor areas in Almería just one track (and width) is sufficient for the city returned to school during normal hours and expected traffic to Almería city. are being fed breakfast, lunch, and a prepared meal to be taken home in the afternoon. There Serious Stuff will be activities, some light education, hygiene The previous mayor of Roquetas for 20 years was lessons, and advice on matters of health. The cost eventually made mayor again on June 13th. Elected of this initiative is 250,000 euros, and over 140 councillors from the “Ciudadanos” party supported professionals will be at the schools from a number

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Focus on Local News of associations for the months of July & August.

Many of the children are considered to be from families who are part of the lowest sector of society as regards money, resources, and living standards.

meeting, and her “P.P.” majority of councillors voted it through, although the payments did not take place. A court hearing is set for September 1st after Jessica Simpson laid an official complaint.

Apart from the mayoress, the council “interventor” (treasurer), who has to advise when expenditure Out then In! is illegal, has been told he is a party to the court One of the big surprises in the May municipal case. Apart from being illegal, Jessica claimed elections was that the “P.P.” (centre-right) party that this was a blatant pre-election gambit. lost their majority in Almería city that they had held for 12 years. The mayor before the elections, Luis Rogelio Rodríguez Comendador, started talks with new “Ciudadanos” (centre-right) party, to form an alliance. Talks also started between the “P.S.O.E.” (centre-left) party and “Ciudadanos” as well. June 13th is the day when all the coalitions are supposed to have been sorted out and the new mayors and mayoresses are voted in and take over. In Almería city it was a cliff-hanger until the actual day. “Ciudadanos” and another councillor joined forces with the “P.S.O.E.” party, forcing the “P.P.” and Rodríguez Comendador into being opposition councillors; no salary, no perks.

“Ciudadanos” stated that they had rejected a deal with the “P.P.” because of the allegations of fraud in the postal votes, now being investigated by a Chocolate is Good! criminal court judge. In the early hours of Saturday A study of 25,000 people living in Norfolk has June 13th the “Ciudadanos” national party leaders been published in the medical journal “Heart”. The in Barcelona instructed their three councillors people were tracked and monitored for a period that they had to abstain from voting. Rodríguez of ten years, and a control group ate a minimum Comendador, who had cleared his office out the of 100 grammes of dark chocolate every day. The previous day, was then elected mayor again! We conclusion is that it appears that dark chocolate highlight postal vote fraud in an article. eaters suffer less heart problems, high cholesterol, and strokes. The investigators also claim that there Mojácar Court Case is less obesity, a more active life, general health In early 2014, the mayoress of Mojácar announced improves, and that this group were more inclined that a special bonus was to be paid to all town to take part in sport activities. Other nutritional hall employees for “hard work”. Full-time employees experts have hailed the report as “interesting”, were to receive 1,000 euros, and those part-time but say that in a study like this it is very difficult 500 euros, amounting to 138,000 euros. Jessica to draw firm conclusions. No doubt “chocoholics” Simpson, an opposition councillor and leader of will be delighted! the “Mojácar Positiva Se Mueve” political party took legal advice, and this special payment was Postponed ruled illegal. Nevertheless, despite knowing this, The fitting of “e-call” equipment in all new vehicles the mayoress put this to the vote at a council in EU states has now been postponed from autumn

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Focus on Local News this year to March 31st , 2018. The e-call equipment makes an automatic call to emergency services via the 112 emergency number in the event of an accident. It gives the exact location, fuel type, model of vehicle, and number of passengers. The information is to help the emergency services quickly decide their response, save lives, and reduce traffic tail-backs. The time extension has been made so that vehicle manufacturers can dispose of their present stocks and allow more time for the infrastructure to be put in place by October 2017. The cost of the devices has to be absorbed by the vehicle manufacturers, and not passed on to purchasers.

An Unfortunate Problem An international conference between oncologists (cancer treatment) and heart specialists took place in Madrid in June. The topic was the link between chemotherapy cancer treatment and subsequent heart problems. It has been known for a long time that some chemotherapy chemicals can damage the heart and can cause subsequent death. The first combined oncology & cardiac department in Spain is at La Paz hospital in Madrid. Pilar Zamora, in charge of the breast cancer treatment unit at the hospital, stated that the current chemotherapy used had the potential for all women treated to suffer heart problems, and regarding other cancers from 25-30%. Juan Carlos Plana, a specialist in heart imaging from a large Houston hospital explained how heart imaging, an ecograph, and blood tests could show patients who might be at risk. A combined oncology and heart department can monitor both aspects of chemotherapy and amend the treatment if necessary. In other hospitals with the combined specialists, one in six patients had their treatment modified.

Another UK Councillor We feature some amazing recent events regarding Albox town hall in an article. Maura Hillen, well known for her work with the “illegal houses” pressure group, A.U.A.N., is now the councillor for tourism and international relations. If the mayor

of Albox is forced to stand down as mayor and councillor (see article), Maura Hillen (number two on the list of candidates) will not become mayoress.

There are already other Spanish councillors lined up, one of whom would take over. Maura Hillen can be contacted by email: Maura.Hillen@yahoo.com, or via her blog: MauraHillenAlbox.blogspot.com, or “Maura Hillen” on facebook.

Game of Thrones Almería has almost certainly been chosen as one of the locations for filming the sixth “Game of Thrones” series, along with Peñísoca and Girona in Spain. The first few days in July have been given as a possible date for casting to take place, with the filming probably taking place in September.

The filing is scheduled to start in July in Belfast.

The film “Santia Apóstal” has recently been shot in Almería province using some of the sets from “Exodus”. Another film about Afghanistan with a Dutch producer is also scheduled for the coming weeks. It is thought that “The Legend of Conan” will also come to Almería with some of the original cast from 34 years ago. Arnold Schwarzegger brought the film director here when he received an award in the “Land of Film” presentations. The Italian film director Enzo G. Castellari is also looking at Almería province as a location for a westerntype film. Almería province is certainly on the map again of locations for many films.

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Focus on Local News Official Opening The new Doña Pakyta museum in Almería city was officially opened on in early June. Up to this date, following the opening to the public on May 5th, 13,000 visitors have flocked to see the large array of paintings and other artistic mediums by artists from Almería province, from 1880-1970. The seven artists known as “The Indalico movement”, whose work covered the years 1940s & 1950s are particularly represented. Phase two of the project to open up new areas of the museum are under way. The museum is situated in the “rambla” (river bed) area of Almería city at Plaza Emilio Pérez, number 2.

Caused by a Spark The mid-May fire near the Cuevas reservoir affected 18 hectares initially and then another 27 when high winds fanned the flames and started another fire. Investigators from the forest fire department of the Junta de Andalucía determined that a subcontractor was using machinery to clean the electricity cables on pylons belonging to the supply company 'Endesa'. A spark caused the forest fire that was classed as “accidental”, as the investigators concluded that the normal safety procedure to guard against sparks was being followed at the time.

are made, or the “Q” for quality awards. Watersport activities have to be separated from areas for bathing and access for disabled persons published on a national website.

A New Vinyl Age Many music lovers and audiophiles have always considered that vinyl records (particularly 12 inch LP's) were recorded much better than the modern CDs. One of the benefits of good vinyl recordings is the “dynamic range”, the difference between loud and quiet passages. CDs often compress this range. In the UK last year, record companies released vintage recordings on LPs and singles, and sold 1.29 million records, as opposed to 1 million in 1966. Sales are expected to rise by 70% this year, and UK charts now list the most popular vinyl records sold per week. In Spain last year some 260,000 records were purchased, again with an expectation that this will rise by 85% this year.

The wide range of titles includes “Future hearts” from the US punk band 'All Times Low', along with the album “Undertow” from 'Drenge'. 'Surfjan Stevens' “Carrie & Lowell” is also a big seller. “Baby wants to ride” is a very popular single from 'Underwood vs. Heller & Farley', and “To my brother” by 'Birmingham Swing Deep'. The most popular album is “Chasing yesterday” by Noel Gallagher's 'High flying birds'.

OK Sea Samples Health Department inspectors have taken 364 seawater samples at coastal areas in Almería province, and pronounced all except one to be of adequate standards. At the El Playazo beach in Rodalquilar the level of algae was too high.

Andalucía has the longest coastal areas in Spain, with 76 kilometres in Almería province. The testing procedure measures microbiological levels, water clearness, mineral oils, persistent foam, and floating solids. Town halls have a responsibility to regularly inspect beaches, put up full information boards, provide lifesaving equipment or personnel, and monitor any area where discharge into the Summer Heat sea can cause a problem. Many of these tests and A national alert for the dangers of summer heat facilities are monitored when the “Blue flag” awards is now in place until September 15th, or a month

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Focus on Local News longer if this is merited. The principle problem is seen as affecting old persons, children, the chronically ill, and persons engaging in hard physical exercise in the open air. There are various recommendations, such as drinking water or nonalcoholic drinks regularly, even if not particularly thirsty, and cutting down on large quantities of alcohol, caffeine and high-sugar drinks. The high risk groups are more liable to feel the stress and this can affect their hearts. They recommend keeping in the shade or with air-conditioning where possible. Energetic sports activities in the open air should not take place between noon and 7pm, and loose light-weight clothing is recommended for everyone. They stress that no person, particularly in the risk groups, should be left in a vehicle in the sun. Keeping medicines in a cool place is also necessary, as extreme heat may alter their composition. Salads, fruit, vegetables, and natural fruit drinks help to replace lost salt. Four levels of heat and risk will be published in newspapers, radio and TV. Green is the lowest risk, and signifies that no change in normal summer temperature is predicted in the next five days (in Almería province between 26-36 degrees). Level 1 yellow alert is that within the next two days, higher temperatures may be expected. Level 2 orange alert is that for three or four days, the temperature will exceed the yellow level, so is medium risk. Level 3 red alert is when high temperatures are forecast for every day, for five days. 2015 temperatures are expected to be above those of 2014, and April was the hottest month since 1961 with almost no rain. Mid-May saw isolated peaks of 40 degrees in parts of Andalucía.

No red level 3 alerts were made in our region in 2014, and hardly any orange level 2 ones. July 16th-18th were the hottest days.

At Last!

Susana Diáz, leader of the P.S.O.E. (centre-left) party in the Andalucían parliamentary elections last March 22nd, obtained 47 of the seats but not a majority. In the previous parliament she formed an alliance with another party. For her to be

officially elected as president she needed 56 votes.

At the first vote on May 5th, and subsequent ones, all other parties blocked this. If she was not president by July 5th, new elections had to take place. After the municipal election results new talks took place, and she gave a deadline for the last vote. The “Ciudadanos” (centre-right) party had driven a very hard bargain to support her but finally added their vote to hers on June 12th when she agreed to the vast majority of their requests.

This ended the 83 days of her being presidentelect and able to propose legislation, but not be actual president. Being elected as president with the help of another political party is not the same thing as forming a long term coalition. She will shortly be away on maternity leave as she is expecting a baby boy.

Retamar A Dangerous Place In early June, the coastguards were called out to rescue a man in a kayak who the wind had driven out to sea, off the coast of Retamar. Exactly the same thing had happened in mid May. In the same stretch of sea, a bather died in 2013, and one of a group of three young people out in a boat. The coastguards are advising all people who take to the sea that they should exercise extreme care in this area, particularly in poor visibility, or at night. Their strong advice is that more than one person should set off in kayaks, keep well within 6 nautical miles off the coast, and remember that hypothermia can kill. They stress that this applies to other areas as well.

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Focus on Local News continued A Real Victory The Spanish senate (upper parliament) voted on June 25th whether home owners who bought in good faith should not face demolition orders until compensation had been made. The P.P. government agreed to an amendment put forward by the P.S.O.E senators that reversed a previous refusal to pass the necessary legislation. This followed firm steady pressure from a number of associations including A.U.A.N. It is now accepted that home owners who bought in good faith, should not face demolition orders without compensation. Various amendments to existing legislation will now be made. Helen and Len Prior from Vera, the first couple to have their villa demolished in 2008, went to the senate to add their voices to the proposed amendments along with Maura Hillen and the lawyer who has represented A.U.A.N. in their endeavours. There will still be cases where a demolition order may be granted and carried out, where houses have been built on areas of special importance environmentally, or in river beds, or unstable land.

These types of properties can never be “regularized”.

employment. The IMF also wants Spain to bring pressure on employers to take people on with an indefinite contract, not a temporary one. If an indefinite contract is in force, and people are laid off, they receive 33 days pay for each year worked.

Temporary employees only receive 12 days. The governor of the Bank of Spain received a 6% pay rise in 2014, to 176,000 euros, and his deputy a 4% rise to 203,000 euros. This has not gone down well with the general population, when the average rise in wages was less than 1%!

Still Pressure The International Monetary Fund is still putting pressure on Spain to put forward legislation to increase taxes. They do agree that Spain is making good progress, but keep coming back to their proposal that many of the items in the 4% and 10% bands of IVA(VAT) are put up to 21%. Spain is very reluctant to do this, particularly as the General Elections are scheduled for November, and the “P.P.” (centre-right) party in national government received a mauling in the municipal elections. Another IMF proposal is that the duty on items such as tobacco, alcohol, and fuel is increased. Unemployment is still a very major worry for Spain and the IMF. It has fallen slightly, but still remains at 23% of the population, and 50% of young people, the 2nd highest in all EU states. Proposals are that much more effort has to be put into job training to get people back in

The Macael Fountain Workers have concluded the erection of a carboncopy of the “Fuente de los Leones” (fountain of the lions) at the Alhambra palace in Granada, in the town hall square at Macael. The twelve sided fountain has twelve lions underneath that provide an additional water feature to the main fountain jets. The original fountain at the Alhambra palace was recently renovated using the same “marmol blanco” (white marble) from Macael that was used for the original fountain in Granada. The company 'Mármoles Camar' carved the replica fountain with a grant from the Almería county council. Macael now has a centre for visitors dedicated to the marble industry with guided tours, the very large marble pestle & mortar sculpture that is now in the Guinness book of records, and the new fountain. Their mayor Raúl Martínez is convinced that the replica fountain will bring even more

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Focus on Local News tourists to Macael. Before the fountain was completed, a monthly average of 600 tourists have been recorded. The finished fountain has now been officially unveiled.

The Top Spot The World Economic Forum study world trends and have put Spain at the top of the list for tourism achievements and ranking, with 5.31 points out of a maximum of 7. This puts Spain ahead of France, Germany, America, and the UK. The 61 million tourists that came to Spain during 2014 were only exceeded by France and the US. The survey takes into account infrastructure such as roads and airports, and here Spain was in second place. For leisure activities including gastronomy and night-life, Spain was in fourth place. One of the only criticisms concerned the legal system that was rated as being inefficient, and unnecessary bureaucracy.

A Mojácar Mass Exodus The number of the inhabitants in all municipalities in Spain, listed on the “padrón” (the official list of registered inhabitants) as of January 1st 2015, was published at the end of February. In our region the registered inhabitants had mostly gone up steadily in previous years. Taking Los Gallardos as an example, their inhabitants went up by 10% during 2014, and in Albox 13%. Arboleas lost just 15 people during 2014, and Garrucha 31. Turre resident numbers climbed steadily to 3,960 during 2013, but fell 10% in 2014 according to their town hall figures. The tremendous change was in Mojácar. In 2010, there were 7,745 residents, rising every year to 8,360 at the end of 2013, but the final number for 2014 was 6,838, an 18% drop of 1,522 people. This is almost the same number as the 6,805 inhabitants in 2008. If 300 newcomers had been put on the “padrón” during 2014, then 1,822 had gone off it. Town halls are allowed to make a review now and then, but this is an enormous decrease, and non-Spanish inhabitants are down to 54%. Anybody that did leave Mojácar is highly unlikely to have de-registered themselves

off the “padrón”! This is also very serious for Mojácar financially. A town hall receives just under 200 euros a year in direct grants for each inhabitant, so in 2015 Mojácar will lose 293,000 euros. As regards voters for the May 24th municipal elections, any person who voted in 2011 was automatically on the voter's list for 2015, as long as they were still on the padrón. Opposition councillors in Mojacar claim that this overall drop of 1,522 people was a deliberate tactic to affect the subsequent register of voters. There was also an allegation prior to the elections that Arturo Grima the former mayor of Turre, was also manipulating the number of voters, and official complaints were made to the electoral authorities from Mojácar and Turre.

Garage Workshops Garage workshops that carry out repairs have to comply with various regulations and be legal.

Inspectors from the Ministry of Transport and the Guardia Civil police force have fined 163 workshops and shut down 11 in Almería province following their latest inspections, code named “Talleres Mechánicos”. In all of Andalucía, some 1,462 garages have been inspected with irregularities found in 344. 110 garages in Almería province were not complying with regulations

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Focus on Local News regarding the disposal of items such as used oil, hydraulic fluids, and tyres, and 32 had no licence to operate from town halls. Inspectors say that this black economy in Almería province amounts to 1.1 million euros. It is also estimated that “low cost” illegal garage workshops in Spain during 2014, resulted in a loss of 3.5 billion euros, to legal normal price workshops.

software that controls the engines. It appears that after the engines had been switched to idle, as part of the test-flight, three of the four engines could not be brought back to full power. Four members of the military crew employed by 'Airbus Military' in Seville died. This project for the manufacture of the aircraft in Seville is very important in economic terms for Andalucía. Some 300 additional engineers and designers are to be transferred from Toulouse to Seville in the coming months. An A400M was delivered to France in mid-June (their 7th) and also one for the RAF. Airbus says that their planned delivery of between 13 and17 during 2015 is still realistic.

Not Good News!

An EU survey entitled “At risk of poverty or social exclusion” has published some disturbing statistics for Spain. They state that 29% of the inhabitants are on the borderline of poverty. These people are defined as not being able to afford a holiday, eat meat, fish or chicken every two days, cannot heat their homes, have no washing machine or telephone (including mobiles), and less than 650 euros a month to meet essential expenses. 22% live on an income of less than 8,000 euros per year, and 30% of young people are in this category.

The minimum amount to survive is calculated to be 17,000 euros in a home with two adults and two children. 16% of these families only meet their monthly expenses “with great difficulty”.

Regional variations on the 29% are Murcia (37%) and Andalucía (24%). 10% of inhabitants are unable to meet monthly mortgage or rental payments, gas and electricity bills, or community fees.

Pensioners are the category with the minimum problems, with only 11% on the breadline, but there are warnings that the very small increases in state pension amounts every year will increase School Ages The Spanish Depar tment of Education this number if inflation rises. commissioned a survey some years ago regarding The A400M school age. Other survey results were included as In our June magazine we highlighted the crash of well, from different bodies, some national, some an A400M military plane at Seville airport, with international. The considered opinion is that multiple orders placed for the aircraft throughout starting school at the age of two for all children Europe. We erroneously stated that this was a has distinct benefits in later life. It is claimed that final test flight before the plane was delivered to academic progress through school is improved, the Turkish air force. In fact, it was the maiden absenteeism reduces, there is less petty crime in test flight that only lasted for 15 minutes. young adults, and this group earn more money Provisional information from the crash when employed. It is also claimed that maths ability investigators has blamed a fault on the computer increases by 6%, and reading skills by 5%. Time at

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Focus on Local News by 1.9% in the same period. Notary figures where “escrituras” (house deeds) are signed, recorded 1,709 transactions in the 1st quarter of 2015, compared to 1,723 in 2014. 1,314 changes of ownership were for second-hand properties, and just 356 for new properties. The average sale price recorded was 107,000 euros, again lower than the average price in Andalucía and Spain.

20% of all sales were to non-Spanish purchasers.

These figures are applicable to Almería province Changing Energy Providers as a whole, and estate agents in our part of the Since about 18 months ago, domestic consumers province are more optimistic as regards actual of electricity and gas can choose to change their sales and prospects. energy provider. 'Eres Energía' is a company in El Ejido who has satisfied all the requirement to offer this change in provider. In the official Spanish government energy comparison site they recently were in first place as regards the “off-peak” electricity night-time tariff, and in second place in the day-time tariff. The changes in supply that they offer is not just for Almería province, but country wide. The official comparison site can be consulted at www.comparadorofertasenergia .cnme.es, where interested parties can enter their postcode, their contracted supply of electricity at present (such as 5.5kw) and an estimated amount of their annual consumption. You can then see the league table of offers. The company in El Ejido have a website: www.eresenergia.com. or tel: 950 481 836. There is no special fee to change to this company, or special premium in Mortgage Rates year one. Their current offer is for a period of The vast majority of mortgages in Spain have an two years. Neither website has an English language interest rate that is the interest charged by the option but the details you need to enter are fairly bank or lender, plus the 'Euribor' rate, an interest simple, or ask someone to help you obtain the rate between banks. At the end of May, the comparison. Changes in energy suppliers are purely 'Euribor' rate fell again to 0.16%. This means more administrative, there is no question of losing your savings for mortgage holders, reducing a supply (gas or electricity) for even a few seconds. mortgage of 120,000 euros over 20 years by 280 euros per year. The 'Euribor' rate has fallen by Overall, Still Not Good 70% in the last year. People wanting a mortgage In the last 12 months of April 2014-May 2015, will find that the interest they have to pay on house prices obtained in all the autonomous variable-rate mortgages is also at an all-time low, communities in Spain (we are in the community until the 'Euribor' goes up again. Banks in Spain of Andalucía), rose slightly. Almería province was are now keen to lend money again, to suitable the only one in Andalucía where sales went down applicants. A loan of 70-80% of the purchase or a nursery for two-year old children also had benefits, but not as much as school time. At present, children in Spanish schools usually start between the ages of three to five, with 95% aged three, but only 35% aged two. Education is not compulsory until a child is six. There is a big difference nationally. In País Vasco, 95% of children aged two are at school, but only 16% in the Canary Islands.

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Focus on Local News difficulties. A German doctor in the intensive care unit was the first one to suspect the child had diphtheria. Diphtheria is usually caught from airborne particles, similar to the 'flu. Over 150 tests of children from his school, families, and health workers exposed to him when first admitted to hospital, found that eight other children and a Just a Clear-out! parent carried the bacteria, but were not affected A large open-back lorry was loaded with large as they had all been vaccinated. We feature this piles of documents, folders and files, at the town event in an article. hall in Almería city, just days after the “P.P.” party lost their majority in the municipal elections. The “P.P.” have held a majority there for 12 years.

Another political party that held the balance of power, photographed the lorry and cargo, asking where the documents had come from? The reply was that this was a “routine” clear-out, of duplicated documents, and planning permission applications that were now out of date, and the lorry was going to a re-cycling plant. There was no covered tarpaulin or net, and opposition councillors said some of the documents could easily have blown away, and their rapid removal was very suspicious! valuation figure is common. Spanish banks have just started copying the American system where the interest rates can be fixed for the whole of the mortgage. Typical rates are around 3%. To benefit from these low rates, the lender has various conditions. We enlarge on this in an article.

Good for Fruit and Veg It is now ten years since desalinated water was available to growers of fruit and veg in Níjar. At a recent conference of growers throughout Almería province, it was stated that this water was responsible for an increase of 40-100% of kilos, depending on the product being grown, compared to the water used previously that came from wells. Níjar growers have given the University of Almería a grant of 5,000 euros to continue studies as to how to obtain the best yields using desalinated water. Almería university undertake major research and development for the agricultural industry.

A Major Panic The first case of diphtheria in Spain since 1986 was diagnosed in Olot, near Barcelona when a boy aged six was admitted to hospital in late May, after suffering a severe fever and breathing

US Base at Morón

Quid Pro Quo The US Morón base near Seville has had military forces there since 2013 on a temporary basis.

This permission was extended in 2014. The US military have now been given permanent permission to increase their troops to 2,200 with 500 civilians and 26 aircraft. Morón is seen as a vital base for a quick strike force near to North Africa. The dollar equivalent of 26 million euros will be spent, with work for the local Spanish trades people. John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, was due to travel to Spain recently to thank the Spanish Prime Minister for this permission, and discuss “related topics”. High on this list was the removal of radioactive waste from Palomares when an American bomber with nuclear weapons crashed there in 1966. John Kerry is a fanatical cyclist, and his bikes have to be transported wherever he goes. He broke his leg whilst in France and the Madrid trip was cancelled. Hilary Clinton

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Focus on Local News promised that the contaminated soil containing plutonium would be removed “before Barack Obama left office”. This was during his first term of being president, not this one, when she came to Spain in 2011!

of the total of 2.64 million euros remained unpaid at the end of the year.

Still Really Good!

Figures for June are not available yet, but during May the sales of new low emission vehicles in Almería province where an old car is scrapped, under the “P.I.V.E.” schemes reached 790. In May 2014 sales were 676 vehicles. Since the start of 2015, including May, sales were up 27% on 2014, and these figures are considered excellent by the dealers. The national association of car dealers “Anfac” say the average sales in Spain during May were 400 per day. For those who have work, and currently save on mortgage costs, there seems to be a much greater willingness to buy new vehicles, and from companies as well.

Better Check!

The “padrón” is the official list of inhabitants of any age in a municipality. Final figures for 2014 had to be notified to the Office of National Statistics (INE) on January 1st 2015. In Mojácar the town hall stated that the amended total at the end of 2014 was 6,838, a net loss of 1,522 inhabitants, compared to the total of 8,390 in 2013. This was a drop of 18%, with the percentage of non-Spanish inhabitants down to 54%. In the new year, the mayoress Rosa María Cano put a notice for several weeks in a local English newspaper, advising that an inscription on the “padrón” had to be renewed every five years. This is not a requirement nationally, in Andalucía, or Almería province. A listing on the “padrón” only has one expiry date of two years, applicable to non-EU residents. Regulations state that the town hall has a “duty of care” to make sure these people are advised in advance that they need to register again. For citizens, being on the “padrón” has many advantages, or is necessary for some administrative purposes. It would seem highly advantageous that ex-pats should go to Mojácar town hall, check if they have been removed from Mariano Rajoy the “padrón”, and if so re-register. You can also apply to be put on the voting list for municipal Pretty Low! elections in 2019!

Surveys are undertaken in Spain asking the general populations how they rate the Prime Minister. The Lots of Money last socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Almería city traffic police have special patrol cars Zapatero started out with a rating of 5.9 out of that film traffic violations of all types. In 2014 10 when he was first elected in 2008. His popularity they issued fines or sanctions to the value of 4.2 drifted from 4.9 to 5.6 during 2007-2009, then million euros. This was 70% more than the amount 3.5 in 2010, with a low of 3.1 as the next general of 2.5 million euros in the town hall budget for elections were announced. Mariano Rajoy, the 2014. Fines to the value of 70,000 euros were present conservative Prime Minister took office cancelled after appeals, but only 35% of the 4.2 then, and in the first months when he had to deal million euros had been collected by December with the banking crisis, his rating dropped from 31st. This is about the same as in 2013, when 60% 4.6 to 2.8. When all the corruption scandals started

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Focus on Local News coming out that went to the top of the government in 2013, his rating fell to 2.3. Since then, he has got back to 2.5 this year, after starting off at 2.2. These popularity ratings are the lowest ever! No-one else since 1979 has ever approached even the 3.1 when the last Prime Minister left office. There will be new General Elections in Spain this year, almost certainly in November.

blood from 600 people in Peru, America, Thailand, and South Africa, it was found that an average of ten different viruses were revealed, some relating to previous illnesses.

Definitive Decision in September A judge from the Spanish Supreme court recently visited Almería as part of a major conference between judicial court and architectural bodies, who discussed the problem of “illegal” houses.

Rafael Fernández said that during September the whole question regarding El Algarrobico hotel at Carboneras would be studied, and a definite answer given. He stated that the court would rule on whether the hotel was illegal, or could be finished and opened. The Junta de Andalucía Environmental Agency (the governing body for Almería province) and the ecologists, are mounting this last ditch Thumbs Up for E-cigs appeal, after the Andalucían high court confirmed A major investigation in Spain regarding e-cigarettes an earlier decision that the hotel was legal. has decided that even in confined spaces their vapour, if inhaled by other people, has nil risk.

Diluted Fuel Valencia university undertook the study, along The major petrol and diesel companies in Spain, with a Spanish chemical analysis company. They Repsol, Cepsa, Shell, BP, Galp & Saras have issued found that the only similarity with normal cigarettes a joint warning. They claim that many minor was that most liquids contained some nicotine, suppliers of fuel are diluting the petrol and diesel but this was 450-700% less in e-cigs. The vapour to give competitive pricing. Their claim is that cloud was measured as containing 95 nano-grams agricultural or heating oil is being added, as the of nicotine, whereas cigarette smoke contained taxes on these fuels is cheaper. They also warn up to 670 nano-grams. The investigation revealed that adulterated fuel can cause damage to modern that even if an e-cig user took three puffs of vehicles, whose engines can be severely affected. between 4-5 seconds rapidly, there was only 8 nano-grams emitted at a distance of one Just One Drop centimetre, so statistically infinitesimal. The Spanish medical researchers, working in an investigation concluded that the principle problem international team have perfected a blood testing for people in the vicinity with normal cigarettes process called “VirScan”. One drop of blood can was the passive smoke inhalation from the be scanned for any of the 206 known viruses, at combustion process, not present in e-cigs. Some the same time. The cost will be about 22 euros, health bodies in the US do maintain that upper much cheaper than multiple tests done at present. respiratory problems can result from excessive It takes 2-3 days, although the investigators hope use. Bans on e-cigs being sold to minors is solely to speed up the testing time. In an analysis of because this may lead to normal cigarette smoking.

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So Now You Know...

Ties The terracotta army discovered in China has soldiers with a wrapped neck cloth, thought to denote rank.

Emperor Trajan ruled the Roman army from 98117AD, and soldiers in carvings again have similar neck items. In 1630, Croatian soldiers who had supported France were paraded before Louis XIV and all wore colourful neck ties. The 18th-19th industrial revolution resulted in ties almost as we know them today. “White collar” workers used a knot and the two ends hanging down, a better way of keeping it in place whilst working. In the 1920s, a US tie maker, Jesse Langdorf, cut his tie fabric at a 45% angle, and used a three-part sewing technique to stop twisting and make it hang down straighter, still used today.

The Game of Draughts “Checkers” in the US, and “Draughts” in the UK, have evolved from many board games, the common factor being “jumping”. The first version “Alquerque”, is a board game played in Egypt about 600 BC. Carvings on temple walls depict round flat pieces of light and dark colours. In the 12th century in France, the number of squares was made the same as a chess board, and called “Fierges”, the name for the queen in chess. The oldest known instructions on how to play modern draughts were published in Spain in 1547. Federick the Great, Louis XIV, Edgar Allen Poe, Garibaldi, and Andrew Carnegie, are all famous draughts players. The US General Grant claimed draughts improved his war strategies.

Breast Implants From the first half of the 20th century, physicians offered breast implants using ivory, glass balls, ground rubber and ox-cartilage. Between 1945 & 1950, surgeons rotated the chest wall to augment breast size. Silicone injections then became popular and in 1961, two American plastic surgeons started using silicon breast implants developed by the Dow Corning Corporation. During the 1990s improvements in the silicone and shape stopped filler leakage that was a problem, and a textured surface stopped the implant rotating in the envelope cavity. Recently, many famous women have gone back to their plastic surgeons and had their implants reduced in size. It has become fashionable that the “ideal” breast size is smaller.

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Umbrellas The earliest examples of umbrellas were palm leaves.

In Egypt, parasols were used to protect white skin from sunlight but not against rain, and this idea was copied in Greece and Rome. By the 11th century BC, Chinese versions made of leather had become waterproof as well, and being highly expensive, only for royalty and the nobility. In Europe, after trade routes were developed, umbrellas were seen as “feminine” by the male population. In the 16th century in Italy, France, and the UK, umbrellas were accepted as a useful item for women. By the 18th century, sturdy versions for men were introduced and used by a famous Englishman, Jonas Hanway. It took another 30 years before they were generally accepted.

Hearing Aids During the 17th century, hearing aid “trumpets” became popular. They were wide at one end and narrow enough at the narrow end to fit into the ear.

They were made of animal horns, large sea shells or glass, and later copper and brass. The German composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, who became quite deaf used various versions. During the 18th century, “bone conduction” was discovered, and hearing aids became fan shaped, fitted behind the ear. In the 19th century they were often sewn onto cloth collars, or for women disguised as large earrings. Hard-of-hearing royalty had them fixed into their thrones. In the 20th century, cumbersome devices were worn round the neck with a battery, and a carbon microphone.

Cornish Pasties In the 13th century, royalty and rich people in England ate lavish pasties filled with venison, lamb, beef, and eels. In the 17th & 18th century, Cornish miners started taking pasties down the mines, as a tasty and sustaining meal while they worked. The thick crust was to prevent dirty hands from touching the meat, and also keep arsenic from the tin ore contaminating it. Early Cornish pasties contained a lot more vegetables than today, and the raw ingredients were put inside the uncooked pasty. Many mines had stoves to bake the pasties in bulk, and the “Oggie, Oggie, Oggie” and reply “Oi! Oi! Oi!” came from the Cornish word for a pasty “Hoggan”. It was shouted down the mine shaft when the pasties were ready.

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The Changing Face of Banking

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ntil very recently, if you were a banker at a drinks party, and were asked what you did for a living, the last thing you would admit to being was a banker. This profession is still seen as being the equivalent of a leper, whose institutions have gaily squandered our hard earned savings.

Now, banks have a slightly better image, unless you are one of the unfortunate people that face having your home taken away because you can't pay the mortgage any more, and this still happens in Spain every day. In the banking crisis, Spain had 100 billion euros set aside by the Central European Bank bail-out fund to cover bad debts, but Spain only needed 36 billion with 22 billion for 'Bankia'.

Drastic cuts followed with many banks disappearing entirely, or a very large closing of branches, and huge cuts in staff.

Mortgages almost completely dried up but now banks are keen to lend again and there is competition to capture new clients. The vast majority of loans for property in Spain are based on a variable rate. The bank tells you how much they want in interest and then add the 'Euribor', an interbank loan rate. This 'Euribor' rate has plummeted in recent years, and now stands at 0.16% at the end of May. At the start of 2015 it was 0.3%, and in May 2014 it was 0.6%. In July 2008, as millions of mortgage holders will remember with horror, it was 5.4%! Current low interest rates from banks reflect the low 'Euribor' rate. Typical bank interest on a variable mortgage is between 1% and 2%, plus the 'Euribor'.

Very recently, Spanish banks have copied the American system and are offering mortgages at a fixed rate of interest, over the entire 20-30 year term, with lending of between 70-80% of a valuation or price of the property. If you want to pay a fixed amount every month for the whole term of the mortgage, many banks now offer a rate that is about 3%. This is very attractive if you can afford the initial payments for a few years. In return, the banks drive a bargain with

you. As a minimum, you have to take out a life insurance policy, and property insurance. Then you have to pay your wages each month into a current a/c, perhaps set up direct debits to pay regular bills such as electricity and water, and sometimes a credit card (often with a minimum spend every quarter or year). If the fixed rate is very low, additionally you may have to join a pension scheme, again with minimum yearly payments. The banks hope the money flowing through the current a/c will offset the fixed mortgage rate. If you are interested in one of these “tipo fijo” mortgages, you must shop around carefully.

Danish bank notes, not welcome

In Denmark, and particularly Copenhagen, many traders are thinking that they may put up signs reading, “no cash”. Danes use credit cards in the newsagents when they buy a paper and tobacco, for their morning coffee and bun, taxis, and every other transaction. Credit cards from a company called 'Dankord' are used almost exclusively. These are debit cards, and the customer pays no charge at all. The trader pays a small fixed rate on a sliding scale of transactions. Traders in Denmark don't like accepting “foreign” cards, and tourists may be told to use a cash machine and come back.

Although Denmark is an EU member, they opted to keep their own “Kroner” currency, not the Euro.

No cash? An interesting idea!

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Chaos

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week is a long time in politics even in our neck of the woods, but the prize for the most dramatic changes certainly went to Albox from June 8th-13th, by a long way.

The P.S.O.E. provincial party leader declined to comment but by resigning from their party, Rogelio Mena will not get the backing normally given to their councils.

On Monday, June 8th, Rogelio Mena was still officially the mayor of Albox. As in all municipalities in Spain, the former council members were still in office until the new councils elected on May 24th were officially installed on June 13th.

On Saturday, June 13th he was invested as mayor, backed by his other councillors. There were fierce reproaches from the opposition councillors and the P.P. leader said, “Go! And serve your sentence!” Local police were ordered to eject all the opposition councillors from the council chamber! Other unhappy spectators were parents who wanted to know why the School of Music was being evicted on June 25th for unpaid town hall rent since 2010 totalling 500,000 euros.

On Tuesday, June 9th, a judge in Almería city ruled on a court case from June 2nd. Rogelio Mena had been accused of systematically obstructing opposition councillors for a long period by refusing to supply information (mostly financial) after numerous official requests. The judge decreed the case proved beyond doubt, and also agreed the sentence requested by the “Fiscalia” (crown prosecution service) of a 30 months ban on holding public office; so no longer a councillor or mayor. The speed of this decision reflected the forthcoming date of June 13th. Rogelio Mena and his candidate list for the May 24th municipal elections stood as P.S.O.E. (centre-left) party members, and the official complaints were from the P.P. (centre-right) opposition leader. Rogelio Mena mayor-elect, with eight other councillors, were voted in again.

Later the same day, the provincial leader of the P.S.O.E. party in Almería city asked him to stand down as mayor-elect and a councillor, in view of the court decision. Rogelio Mena refused point blank, saying he was entirely innocent and an appeal he was making would prove this. The sentence from the judge was extremely detailed and forthright, and any appeal looks doomed. Normally this might take a year or two, but a judicial statement is that it will be “reasonably rapid”. The provincial party leader then told him that if he did not stand down he would be expelled from the P.S.O.E. party, along with his other councillors, if they supported him. Faced with this ultimatum, Rogelio Mena resigned from the P.S.O.E. party on Wednesday afternoon, June 10th, and took the other seven P.S.O.E. councillors with him! (Maura Hillen was standing and elected as an independent person.) He then formed a non-aligned independent group.

It is really difficult to control a large town like Albox if the mayor and council are independents. Serious financial problems are likely. Rogelio Mena is noted for being very headstrong, one Spanish newspaper said pig-headed! He is always sniping at the P.P. led Diputación (county council) despite their grants. They set up a biomass-treatment centre in Albox and Rogelio Mena announced on May 29th that he was fining them 14,500 euros for not obtaining a building licence! When an application to have the June 2nd court hearing suspended was refused by a judge in Huércal-Overa, he alleged (to the press), it was because the sister of the judge worked at the P.P. run Roquetas town hall. Their father is a very respected high court judge, so none of them were at all amused! Albox residents may well suffer from his actions.

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Chinese Protocol

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orld tourists from China, mostly younger people, now totals 100 million per year.

Numbers coming to Spain went up 55% in 2012, another 35% in 2013, and 14% in 2014, just 300,000 in total. They usually prefer cities, designer shops, culture, and 4* hotels. There may not be a rush of them coming to Almería province, but city hotels are learning what these tourists want.

David Ferrán, the tourism head of the Spanish embassy in Peking, says that the Chinese love Spain’s culture, colourful fiestas, regional cuisine and tapas, and have a high spending ability. A company “Chinese Friendly” run by Jingru Bai, has been set up in Spain to educate hotels and tourist boards as to what they need to do. Many hotels in Spain now consider that they meet all the requirements.

Some of the things are just technical. Chinese tourists want to watch the 'CCTV' television channel, and pay their bills using 'UnionPay' credit cards. They fully expect that hotels have information sheets, menus, and tourist attraction details in Chinese, and that dedicated staff have at least a basic command of the Chinese language.

Reception staff should give them their room keys/ key cards using both hands, reverently, and without sustained eye contact, as keys have special significance. They like trying Spanish food, particularly paella and rice dishes, seafood, snails, and most types of meat dishes. They expect noodle soup to be available at breakfast, Chinese cocktail drinks in their mini-bar, and want a kettle in their room to prepare drinks or hot snacks. They also like trying Spanish wines, and think them excellent. Ángel Díaz, the manager of one of the largest hotels in Bilbao, says that these requirements are as important as European tourists expecting to find soap in a bathroom.

A golden rule is never put Chinese visitors in any room number that includes four. This number is associated with death in Chinese culture. One hotel manager put two tourist in room number “404”.

They didn't ask for a change of room but only stayed one night when they had booked for two weeks! A fellow Chinese tourist explained why they had left. Another hotel manager agrees that what they expect is very important, but says Chinese people do not like to make a fuss. They are not a type of tourist that continually asks for different things from reception. Bea Ponce has set up a company called 'Nihao & You' that offers guided tours for the Chinese in the Valencia region, and advises hotels there of the Chinese expectations.

She says that there is a contradiction with them; they love designer shops and spend lavishly on clothes and perfumes, but choose 4* hotels rather than 5*. They often query the prices of very small items, when tourists of other nationalities don't.

Some Chinese tourists want to experience a lot in a short time period, so may choose coach holidays that offer “ten European cities in twelve days”, but they find such holidays very tiring. The continual bombardment of different languages, money, and changing hotels, is not something they like. If they have signed up to “quicky” tours of several countries from a Chinese tour operator, they will probably choose just one European country on their next holiday. Bea Ponce says that the Chinese are interested in everything: the names of trees, fruit, types of fish, vegetables, cheeses, fiestas, and customs! They appreciate sun and beach time, but to have a tan is considered a sign of a poor upbringing and a lack of education!

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A Deadly Disease

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ast May 27th, a six year old boy was admitted to a children's ward at the Sant Jaume de Olot hospital in Girona near Barcelona, with a high fever and breathing difficulties. A German specialist, Stephen Schneider, tentatively put forward the correct diagnosis that the child had diphtheria, the first case of this deadly disease in Spain since 1986.

He was quickly transferred to the Vall d'Hebron hospital in Barcelona.

The doctor's grandfather had caught diphtheria as a child resulting in an underdeveloped heart and stunted height and two of his grandfather's brothers died of the disease. Stephen Schneider knew the symptoms from his grandfather and the small boy had a typical thickening of the throat wall, liver, kidney, and heart problems. Diphtheria causes death in between 10-15% of the sufferers, and 20% in children under five. An antidote exists, but Spain had none, and ones in France, Germany, and Switzerland, were out of date. An appeal to the World Health Organization led to the antidote being urgently flown here from Russia. In 1994-1995, after vaccinations for diphtheria had been discontinued in the former Soviet Union, 48,000 cases swept through their various states with 7,000 deaths.

School classmates in Olot and family members were quickly tested along with hospital staff who had looked after the small boy before the diagnosis was confirmed. Diphtheria is spread by air-borne droplets, the same way people catch the 'flu, but occasionally from contaminated objects such as toys. Eight children were found to be carrying the bacteria and one parent, but at no risk to themselves as they had all been vaccinated. Persons who had not been vaccinated could catch the disease from them, so they were treated with antibiotics and confined indoors, until a second test proved they were clear.

Vaccinations in Spain, as in the UK, are freely available.

In the UK, a five-in-one vaccination that includes diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and a form of meningitis, is highly recommended, at ages of 2 ,3, and 4 months, a four-in-one booster at the

age of 3 before school-age, and a three-in-one booster between the ages of 13-18. Vaccinations for adults are recommended every 10 years. In Spain, the vaccination (DTaP) comprises diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, recommended at the ages of 2, 4, 6 & 12-15 months, age 4, and a booster age 12. These multiple vaccinations in Spain are included on a calender of vaccinations, but parents can decide for themselves. Some parents think diphtheria and whooping cough are almost extinct (not in Girona!), or exercise their “free choice” to not have the vaccinations given to their children, or worry that there may be serious side effects.

There may well be some side-effects for a few days, only extremely rarely serious ones, and in Girona there is a rush of all ages to have the vaccination. The gravely ill little boy had not been vaccinated, and a heart transplant may be done.

Barcelona health officials say that some 2.5% of children are not vaccinated.

The “patient zero”, who passed on the bacteria first, either to the nine vaccinated people, or the little boy Pau, has not yet been found. Parents of children at schools in the area are being asked not to let them take part in group activities at present, and are asking people who arrange trips or summer schools to ask for a certificate that the children have been vaccinated. Any case of diphtheria is “notifiable” and has to be reported to the World Health Organization. Are you or your children vaccinated against diphtheria?

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So Why All the Fuss?

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here has been a tremendous outcry regarding the number of postal votes cast in the municipal elections on May 24th for the “P.P.” party in Almería city and Mojácar. Unfortunately, postal vote fraud is not too difficult.

Anyone who asked to vote had to be on the “padrón” (the official list of inhabitants) as of December 30th, 2014. In Almería city, the claim is that the “P.P.” councillors and militants paid individuals to come up with the full identity details of between 25-30 people. These were then entered on the voter's register, sometimes to vacant properties if they lived elsewhere, and this happened in Mojácar in 2011. “P.S.O.E.” party canvassers in Almería city allege that 53 people there were registered to one vacant property! A corrupt political party make threats or bribes to obtain their votes.

The normal percentage of people who ask to have a postal vote is about 3.3%. This is where people are away on election day, or working outside the municipality. Any large deviations are considered highly suspect. To apply for a postal vote you get a form from a post office. Once filled in, you take it back in person with photo ID. The application is checked by the census office and they post a letter back to be signed for with ID again. It goes to your house address, or (ideal for fraudsters) to your workplace. It contains a certificate that you are entitled to vote, copies of all the lists of candidates, and an envelope addressed to the polling station. You put your chosen list in and write your name and address on the back of the polling station envelope. Then anyone can take it back to the post office. All postal votes are delivered to the polling station on election day.

A post office will give one person two or three application forms, but not fifty! In Melilla in 2007, the P.P targeted the immigrant population. After putting people on the voters list (without them knowing!), a printer ran off 1,000 counterfeit

forms. Persons were told there would be work, or favours, and the P.P filled in their application forms. These hopefuls took them to the post office, got the return envelope, took it back to the P.P, who put their candidate list inside it. The P.P. then took them back to the post office in wodges! The P.P. mayor of Turre was reported to the authorities when he took 80 postal votes to the Mojácar post office on May 20th. In 2008, a judge in Melilla decided that a minimum of 230 application forms had been handwritten by just five people! This May there was an enormous outcry that the postal vote of 10% was “clearly fraudulent” again. In Almería city, the outcry is because the postal vote was 4.5%, but in Mojácar this time, the postal votes were 16.8%. On election day a judge decreed that all the postal votes outer envelopes (with handwritten names and addresses) were kept. The P.P. obtained a new majority on the Mojácar council by 304 votes out of 2,921.

The official complaint is that the vast majority of the 491 postal votes were for the P.P, and may be fraudulent. A “normal” 3.3% postal vote total of all votes cast in Mojácar would be 96.

Trouble outside Melilla Post Office

Justice does triumph-eventually. In 2013, two P.P councillors were imprisoned, fined, and banned from holding public office for 8 years. They had hired a mini-bus and fraudulently obtained 19 postal votes from elderly pensioners in a residential home.

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Protecting Your Skin

L

ying on the beach, frolicking in the sea, or stretching out at home on a sun bed, are all activities that many people indulge in during the summer. The Spanish Academy of Dermatology published various guidelines on June 13th, World Skin Cancer day. Skin cancers are going up in Spain, almost 10% a year, and in Europe it has become the ninth most common cancer. But there are many ways of ensuring we have done all we can to avoid it.

Many people are more likely to burn in the sun so must take extra care to minimise their exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Amongst this category are people with very white skin, a history of sunburns, having had indoor tanning treatments, having blonde or red hair, freckles, blue or green eyes, and various moles. The good news is that skin cancer is visible, and with correct diagnosis there is a 90% cure. Sunburn and potential skin cancer, is when the natural ability of the skin to repair damage is overcome by the high levels of UV exposure of two types; UVA & UVB. The UVA rays have a longer wavelength and penetrate deeper into skin or water. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths, and these burn the outer skin. The layer just under the skin, when exposed to UVA rays produces melanin, the pigment that colours skin. It moves to the outer skin, and this is called a tan. Unfortunately, if you are a dermatologist, a “good” tan does not indicate good health! The skin has been injured by the UV rays, and is producing too much pigment.

If you live in a normally sunny place, UV rays are present all year as well as in the summer months.

They can penetrate cloud and haze; and water, sand, and snow reflect them back. General advice to prevent UV damage centres round skin protection aids. These include creams and lotions that have to be regularly applied over the whole of the unprotected skin. Specialists say that putting sun protection under clothes or swimming/sun bathing items is still necessary. There is more protection using the higher “SPF” factor numbers,

so factors 30-50 are good. An SPF factor above 50 is banned from sale in some European countries as it gives false security. Any cream used should be applied lavishly, with someone else covering areas you cannot reach. A generous covering of sun cream does not mean you can spend a much longer time in the sun,without more cream, and the most dangerous period in general in Spain, is 11am-5pm. Apart from using sun cream, long sleeved shirts, loose trousers and skirts give protection if the weave is not too big, and sun shades do this of course, if not made of thin straw! Wide brimmed hats help a lot, are absolutely essential for young children, along with sunglasses (the wrap-around sort are best). Baseball caps do not protect the back of your neck, unless you wear them back to front, and then your forehead is not protected!

The essential thing is that if you find any scabby spots that ooze or don't heal, or become irregular in colour, or expand in size larger than 6 millimetres in diameter, or have an irregular shape, they should be checked. Only 13% of people in Spain regularly examine their body for tell-tale signs. Someone else has to carefully inspect areas of skin you cannot see yourself. Go and see your doctor if you have these signs; it may be nothing, but get it checked out!

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Checkmate?

O

ccasionally, all members of the Spanish House of Commons, “Congreso de los Diputados”, agree on a proposal, whatever their political party. Currently, with accusation and counter accusation from all the parties prior to the 2015 national elections, such an agreement is even more surprising.

This proposal is part of the educational plans for schools in Spain, and would affect all the schools in Almería province, providing the Junta de Andalucía agree. Alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic from primary school level, the proposal is that every pupil should be taught to play chess, as part of normal lessons, not just as an “out of school” pursuit.

In September 2011 the EU recommended exactly this proposal. Garry Kasparov, the world’s most legendary chess player and chairman of the “Kasparov Chess Foundation Europe”, and Silvio Danailov, President of the “European Chess Union”, presented the program “Chess in European Schools”. It is designed to promote chess in schools throughout Europe by offering a chess curriculum, chess materials, chess teachers, and communication material, to encourage and motivate children to discover and learn the game.

Throughout Spain at present there are over 1,000 schools where chess is taught outside normal hours, and about 300 private schools where chess is already part of normal lessons, some with end of term exams, and their progress featured on their school reports. Countries such as Holland and Greece have already made chess a normal subject, and schools in the US embraced this idea many years ago.

Thousands of pupils in the US with specialist chess teachers have been taught under a scheme known as “Chess-in-the-schools”. To happen in Spain, a plan such as this would have to be approved not only at national level, but also by the autonomous communities, and schools.

The benefits of learning chess are stated to be an improvement in analysis, making logical choices, and improved concentration. The claim is made that pupils who play chess improve their mathematical skills, and also their reading ability. Spanish Universities

in Girona and Lleida say that maths and reading are the two subjects where pupils are most likely to achieve poor marks in exams, and pupils who learnt chess got better marks in both these subjects.

Another study in Germany substituted one hour of maths for chess in one group of children, whilst another group had the normal hours of maths, but no chess lessons. They claim that over a four year period, those children playing chess greatly improved their maths ability, much more than the classes with just maths.

José Miguel Fernandéz is the under-18 chess champion in Spain, and the head of his secondary school says that he was a “difficult” pupil, inattentive in class, rebellious, and always a poor achiever. It is claimed that once he started learning chess he became more focused, soon caught up with the abilities of other pupils, and enjoyed his general lessons. His chess ability is considered to be outstanding.

In other countries, chess sets for schools are provided by education authorities free of charge, and special large electronic chess boards are used in the classroom like whiteboards. Moves and strategies are displayed on the large chess board. Teachers are needed of course, and these are sometimes approved by a regional federation of chess players. In large schools this means a dedicated teacher, just for chess.

During the last “cold war”, (not this one), the defeat of the Russian chess champion Boris Spassky by the American Bobby Fischer, was hailed as a tremendous triumph! So chess taught in all schools in Almería province one day? It's a possibility.

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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 Mojácar (Funeraria Pérez) ...................................950 478102 Coast Guard .........................900 202 202 Vera (Funeraria Ntra. Sra. de las Angustias) ..950 390884 AIRPORTS HOSPITALS Almería ..................................................................950 213700 Alicante ...................................................................966 919000 Huércal-Overa, San Javier, Murcia ............................................968 172000 Hospital La Inmaculada..................................................950 029000 Almería Torrecárdenas............................................950 016000 Almería,Virgen del Mar (Private).....................950 217100 BRITISH EMBASSY Madrid ..................................................................917 146300 Virgen del Mar Emergencies:............................950 217240 LOCAL POLICE BRITISH CONSULATE Enquiries, all areas, 24hrs .........................................902 109 356 Albox ...............................................................................950 121080 Carboneras .................................................................950 136136 UK PASSPORT INFORMATION Cuevas del Almanzora ................................................950 548700 www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports Garrucha ............................................................................950 460002 Huércal-Overa ..............................................................950 470585 EMERGENCY UK PASSPORTS Mojácar ...........................................................................950 472000 www.gov.uk/emergency-travel-document Pulpi ……………......................................................................950 465049 Vera .................................................................................950 390010 CREDIT CARDS 24hr EMERGENCIES 4B(Visa/Mastercard) …..........................................902 114400 TOWN HALLS American Express …...................................................900 814500 Albox ....................................................................................950 120908 Diners Club …..............................................................900 801331 Antas ............................................................................950 619015 Mastercard …..........................................................900 971231 Arboleas .............................................................................950 449430 Servired (Visa/Mastercard) …............................902 192100 Cuevas del Almanzora .................................................950 456488 Visa …..........................................................................900 991124 Los Gallardos ....................................................................950 469000 Garrucha ...............................................................................950 460058 Huércal-Overa ...............................................................950 134900 ELECTRICITY Sevillana Endesa Enquiries: ..................(free).800 760333 Mojácar ...........................................................................950 615009 Breakdowns:.........................(free).900 850840 Turre ..................................................................................950 479011 Vera .....................................................................................950 393016 WATER Galasa Enquiries: ..................................................950 391200 Breakdowns: ...........................................902 355575 TELEPHONE (Telefonica) Gestagua (Albox) ....................................................950 120649 Normal Operator ..................................................................1004 Faults Operator ....................................................................1002 International Operator ......................................................11825 Gas Cepsa (Silver bottles) Leaks ….......................902 100224 Speaking Clock .........................................................................093 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) Vera, Albox, Veléz Rubio Orange …........................................................................656 001470 Central number ……………........................................902 575757 Telefónica Movistar …............................................095 702611 Vodafone …....................................................................607 123000 TRAINS Renfe www.horarios.renfe.es ……..........…….902 240202 Yoigo …..................................................................................622 622622

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Gestoría Salvador (Mojácar Playa) ................................950 473 192 ACCOUNTING Asesoría Forte (Vera) ..........................950 395778 / 682 372196 Mayor Consulting S.L.(Mojácar) .................................950 615185 Mojácar Playa Asesores ……................…….…………950 472710 Sarah Trevorrow (Albox) ...........................................634 748701 Sintra Consultores (Vera) …......................................950 393815 Vera Advisors (Vera) ………………..................………950 390621

Asesoría López (Vera) ……...................................….950 393071 Asesoría Torres (Mojácar) .........................................950 472748 Barbara Caparros Ridao (Vera) …..........................950 390427 CG Legal & Financial (Mojácar Playa) ..950 472504 / 670 215926 Cazorla Martinez (Turre) .........................................950 479137 Villalba Asesores (Albox) ..........................................950 431720 Concepción Rivas Gil (Arboleas) ….....950 438092 / 647 577716 AIR CONDITIONING Flores Montoya Asesoria S.L. (Garrucha) ..................950 132577 ABC (A Better Climate) .......................647 247494 / 950 092604 Fox Financial Spain (Mojácar) ….........…...............…..950 478617 CD Electrical Services ........................662 414043 / 617 410534 Gecko Legal Services S.L. (Mojácar) 950 475949 / 617 611140

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Cool Solutions ...........................................................600 621436 Total Digital Security (CCTV) ...................................622 717133 DCM Digitek Comms (Mojácar) (See p.59) .950 472947 / 670 084438 AIRPORT TRANSFERS (LEGAL) Digital Vision (See p.49) ..................950 472081 / 645 294064 DJT Air Conditioning (Vera) ..................686 817945 / 626 578164 Exclusive Airport Shuttles (See p.56)....950 092602 / 634 317666 Electrotorres ........................................950 472898 / 610 750771 ALCOHOL & DRUG ADDICTION MD Air Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.607 364917 / 950 432110 Serenity House ………..........................……..(24hr) 956 127371 Richard Hayes ...........................................................603 567676 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY Solo Satellite & Air-Con. (See p.47)......950 528334 / 699 909737 Williams Electrical (Andy)........................................…..677 741366

See also Solar

AIRPORT PARKING

Almería Green Energy (Arboleas) …...958 003391 / 628 872334 AA Parking (Almería, Murcia, Alicante) 950 290651 / 639 081067 Biomass Pellets ...................................950 452919 / 673 784050 Aqua-Car (Alicante) ……………..................................606 389550 Simón (Recycling Cooking Oils) ……………............….697 126083 Park and Fly (Alicante) ....................902 887306 / 661 517890 AMUSEMENT and GAMBLING Plane Parking S.L. ………….......................................968 566410 MACHINES ...............(24hrs Alicante) 656 532725, (24hrs Murcia) 656 532724 Cafeteria Bellagio (Mojácar Playa) ...........………….. 950 472323 Seguro Parking (San Jávier – Murcia) ……............622 062115 ARCHITECTS Victoria Parking (Alicante)........................................670 059809 Angel Pardo (Técnico) .......................950 121960 / 687 939315 ALARMS Antonio Martinez de la Casa ............678 347125 / 950 092094 AXA .........................................................................950 478763 Blas Haro Morales ...................................................950 615345 CD Electrical Services ......................662 414043 / 617 410534 Elena Acebo Architects (Huércal-Overa) .669 680098 / 950 134976 Safes & Security (Lee/Dean).....................................666 949213 Federico Aranda Martín (Mojácar Playa) ..................607 983810 Securitas Direct .........................................................699 355056 Paula Puente (Mojácar) .............................................610 433001

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ART & ARTISTS Adolfo Prado, Pictures & Murals ..............................950 472668 Alison (portraits & other commissions) .......................630 833873 Caz (art classes) ………................................……….607 444034 Dee Butler (Albox) ................................................….663 341904 Jeremy Fox-Rayner (Art Tutor) ..................................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) ..................................636 411540

AUCTIONS A & A Auctions (Albox) ………..............950 064576 / 661 759882

Cornish Pride ...................................................………666 618933 Jack’s Bar .........................................950 120718 / 610 641567 TCs Cafe Bar ...............................................................663 327840 The Travellers Inn, Los Marcelinos ...........................642 011900

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

Antas Bar Gloria ...................................…….950 453150 / 625 668613 Bar Restaurante Angela ...........................................664 279626

Arboleas El Mirador .......................................................................687 160 806 Hotel Rural Azabache ...............................................690 258813 Humbugs Salon de Té .......................958 003391 / 676 604008 La Marmita ..............................................................950 449655

Bédar El Paso ...................................................................678 868963

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

Cortijo Grande Casa Los Pinos …............................................…….950 468236

Desert Springs Crocodile Pool Bar ….................................................678 746706

El Campico (Bédar-Lubrin) La Montaña .............................................................670 589788

El Pinar Ebay Auction Site. (Brian) ........................................664 853580 Bar El Pinar ........................................634 363834 / 634 397559 Location Warehousing S.L. (Antas El Real) ..............950 391412 Huércal-Overa i-Café Bar ……………….....................................……950 135039

AUTOMATIC DOORS & GATES

The Metal Works (Arboleas) …….......950 930520 / 638 900949

La Alfoquía

Bar La Unión ...........................................................642 008003 Bar Trabalon .......................................................….687 098959 Alan Barker ........................................950 450174 / 600 268176 Bar Los Mellizos ……….........................................…667 919025 Curtains with Style (Sail shades) .......950 069032 / 678 811125 Cielos …...................................................................634 393235 Costasol S.L. (Lloyd Dean) (See cover)...........................667 652 888 El Local ……......................................950 634449 / 633 684855 Coverbox (Albox) …................................................…615 992007 La Hortichuela Cristalería Omega (Mojácar) …..........950 478137 / 670 500711 Sopranos (formerly Divas) .................620 166719 / 657 443791 Elper Alutol S.L. .......................................................639 212220 Las Buganvillas PersiVera 2005 S.L. ..................................................627 978635 Gnomo Feliz II ..........................................................950 132350 Plisse Blind Repairs (Mark) …….............……………..673 411362 La Colonial ……………….........................................….636 140307 Sol Shaders S.L. ...............................627 907207 / 634 319882 Speedyfit (See p.4) ..................................................600 006032 Los Gallardos Toldos Farrago (Vera) ...............................................667 567564 Apolo ……………................................................……600 495182 El Naranjo (See p.66)........................................……950 398799 BABY See Children & Baby Meson Verfran ………...................................................637 810143

AWNINGS & BLINDS

BAKERIES

Mojácar

Cornish Pride (Albox) …................................………666 618933 Arriba ................................................950 615591 / 654 595826 Badger’s ....................................................................950 478525 BARS & CAFES Bar Alizee ...............................................................950 091810 Bar Esencial ...............................................................618 826092 See also Restaurants Bar Med ...................................................................666 140901 Albox Beachcomber ..............................................................950 473099 Bar Lepanto ................................................................642 906638 Big Fat Momma’s .......................................................634 315720 Belgian Beer Bar (formerly Bar International) …………..622 188294 Burladero ……..........................................................950 615041 Cafe Azafran ............................................................677 655049 Cafeteria Bellagio .......................................…………950 472323 Cafe-Bar Oasis ………......................................…....669 242166 Cafetería Dolce …….................................................950 475178

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Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Mana del Cielo ....................................950 472154 / 697 225625 Mesón Felipe San Bernabé ...........950 475966 / 631 301368 Mesón Mémé ……………...........……….674 141159 / 647 954405 Playa Macenas Bar Terraza …..................……………626 165107 Rincon de Zahorí ................................630 314400 / 625 103672 Rusty Nail …………....................................................950 472786 San Pedro Belgian Bar ........................................722 485340 Scotty's …...................................................................687 382540 The Emerald Isle ....................................................652 105827 The Irish Rover ......................................................950 473135 The Kimrick ……….......…...................................……950 475198 The Lemon Lounge .............................................….950 472659 The Loft …..........................................950 472432 / 690 756196 The Phoenician Golf .................................................603 279612 The Roof Garden (See p.29)....................................674 113218 Trufibar ....................................................................664 103611 Valery Music ..............................................................950 615537

Palomares 102 Tapas Bar …………...........................……………..615 157905.

The Oasis Bar ....................................950 467381 / 676 365010 Centro Plaza ................................................................950 618614 La Dulce Casa ….................................................…….950 467768 Cafetería Pizzería Alcazaba ………...........................645 414793 Café Latino ...............................................................626 717323 Cantina Don Pancho ................................................950 472543 Capri ........................................................................950 615067 Captain's Tapas Bar & Restaurant...............................617 477797 Cave Bar ...............................................................…..950 478799 Dolce Vita (See p.17)................................................950 478476 El Ángel (Mojácar Pueblo) ..................950 478343 / 607 537101 El Antler ………...........................................................600 540661 El Barrio Libre .............................................................950 475739 El Deseo ....................................................................670 018035 El Sitio ....................................................................950 615411 El Toro .....................................................................622 456560 Enrico ...................................................950 472995 / 634 899515 Fany …………...........................................………….634 312820 San Pedro …...................................………………….722 485340 Jazz Life Café (Mojácar Pueblo) ........................…….647 724367 Koi ….........................................................................950 615452 La Cantina (Mexican) ................................................950 478941 La Parata (See p.7).....................................................950 478186 La Taberna (Mojácar Pueblo) ....................................647 724367 Los Amigos ………….....................................……….950 478489

Partoloa Mis Amigos …….................................................…….671 608498

Piedra Amarilla, Partaloa Yellow Stone Bar ......................................................634 332178

Pueblo Laguna / Vera Beach Bar Dolar ....................................................................950 132015 Millionaire Sports Bar ……...................950 617467 / 637 255978

Restaurante Tibu (See p.53)......................................950 133747

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

Seron Sam's Bar ……...................................................…….610 044516

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

Vera Casa de la Vega ......................................................950 391208

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La Amistad …………….….......................................…666 622085 La Casa del Siret ....................................................950 467777 Los Angeles ..............................................................617 952760 Vera Playa El Balconcito .............................................................635 589909 Los Conteros ......................................950 618629 / 699 010705 La Buena Mesa ……............................950 467222 / 610 356387 BARS (BEACH BARS) La Peperina ................................................................677 420243 Aku Aku (Mojácar) ...............................950 478981 / 607 347612 The Blue Parrot ......................................................950 467682 Ankara (Mojácar) ......................................................950 473042 Villaricos Chiringuito Manacá (Mojácar) .....................................600 045599 Bar Genesis ………………................................…….647 073598 Costa Tranquila (San Juan de los Terreros)..664701457 El Galeon ……...................................................……600 559379 El Cid (Mojácar) ...................................950 472063 / 696 056128 Bar La Plaza Villaricos ............................................…950 467590 El Patio (Mojácar) ........................................................629 287265

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Enrique Aguirre S.L. (Garrucha) .................................950 460028 Mojácar Kitchens & Bathrooms .......950 473104 / 669143036

Hola Ola (Mojácar) ..................................................664 097279 Lola Bbme (Mojácar) ……………………950 472121 / 622 484580 Lola Bbme (Palomares) ……………….634 062350 / 657 303043 Los Tarahis (Agua Amarga) .......................................950 138235 Mandala Beach Club (Mojácar) ........902 442420 / 950 437131 Maui (Mojácar) ……...................................................950 478722 Neo Beach Club (Mojácar) ..........................………..950 473006 Neptuno Beach Club (Mojácar) (See p.19)..............…616 005387 Playa Blanca (Mojácar) (See p.33)......950 473001 / 639 507520 Shambala (Mojácar) …..............................................950 399728 Sol y Arena (Mojácar) ..............................................950 478308 Tito’s (Mojácar) ..........................................................950 615030 Trufibar ....................................................................664 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 Elper Alutol S.L. .........................................................639 212220

Sanyfer (Antas El Real) ………....................................950 459082 Shower Master screens ...........................................677 604497 Speedy Fit (Screens) ...............................................600 006032 Toldos Farrago (Screens)(Vera) ................................667 567564

BEAUTY See Hair, Health & Beauty BEDROOMS Artizan (Vera) .............................……..950 390635 / 661 985310 Sleepcentre (Albox) ............................673 088476 / 868 931872

BED & BREAKFAST Casa Barranca (Huercal Overa) ....... 95 0952947 / 648 250699 Casa Blanca (Ogarite/Oria) ………..............................639 269216 Casa Jasmine (La Alfoquía) ......................................950 449513 Casa Jessica (Turrillas) .................... 697 623201 / 666 394707 Casas Limaria (Arboleas) ..................675 378291 / 950 930190 Casa Los Arcos (Mojácar) …….................................950 473165 Casa Montes Guesthouse (Arboleas) ..................... 686 400331 Dave & Gilly's B & B (Vera Town) …..........................950 391660 Las Persianas Azules (Velez Rubio) ..950 068054 / 630 149622

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Hostal La Parata (Mojácar) ..................950 472670 / 637 733272 The Palms (Urcal) …………......................................678 832036 Villa Janian (Lijar) ..............................950 064259 / 626 328274

BICYCLE HIRE Aguila Bike (Las Buganvillas) ........................................950 133063 BiciStar (Vera) ……............................................……667 024001 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 Weekend Sport (Las Buganvillas) .....950 460738 / 654 596247

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

BOAT TRIPS Orca Steve (Mojacar, Garrucha) ..............................634 352873 Red Line Coast Tours ….....................950 133082 / 687 189230

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

BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE Mojácar Events

........................................................669 434766

BOWLING CENTRES (10 pin) Amigos Bowling Centre (Arboleas Ind. Estate) …….950 120269 Ozone Bowling Mojácar ............................................950 473073

BUILDING MATERIALS (& Sanitary Ware, Tiles etc)

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 Weekend Sport (Las Buganvillas) .....950 460738 / 654 596247

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 Sanyfer (Antas El Real) ………....................................950 459082 VeraSur SL (Vera) ....................................................950 393028

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BUILDING SERVICES 24hr Casaserve ..................................950 466438 / 676 5* Patio …………................................................…..677 A1 Multiservices Costel …….……….....................…617 A1 Services ………..............................635 810941 / 679 ABS Advanced Building Services ..............................687 Adam's Building Services .............................………..600 Alan Barker ........................................950 450174 / 600 AlmeriaBuilders.com ……......................659 685133 / 950

306269 152911 119995 631458 846016 041820 268176 930520

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

Andalucian Con Co Print .................................….…..628 408197 Andaluz Building Services........... ……950 439094 / 664 025044 Andy the Builder (Mojácar) .................................... 634 348567 Antas Building Company …..........…..661 075802 / 655 772127 Arboleas Building ………........……….950 930536 / 634 306690 Armadillo ........................................…950 528128 / 663 303350 Charlie Fyre ..............................................................686 833444 Construction & Plastering (See p.7)........634 327201 / 661 129028 Construcciones DISACA (Mojácar) ...........................639 817778 Constructions Martinez Moreno (Rambla de Oria) ….696 052044 Daniel ……………..................................................….642 236810 DAGA Construction ……...................................……686 846624

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MD Building Services ..........................628 414861 / 628 414862 CAMPSITES Nash Construction ..................................................661 793418 Camping Los Gallardos .............................................679 970399 P & S Building Services ……...….…….950 449639 / 671 318982 Campsite Marion (Vera) .............................................607 316553 PR Building Services ............................608 673681 / 662 422170

CAR HIRE

1car1 UK car rental …….........................................…902 Al Andalus Car Hire ...................................................664 Auto Corner (Limousines) .....................950 069198 / 667 Caracola (Mojácar) .............................950 473157 / 637

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 Vision Design and Build ........................950 459523 / 600 985583

BUTCHERS Ávila (Vera) …….................................................……663 British butcher (Gastronomía-Las Buganvillas) 950 132048 / 603 Casa Jose (Garrucha) ..............................................950 Juan’s Carniceria (Mojácar Playa) ….............………950

Costa Coches (Mojácar) ........................950 459208 / 950 069272 Crown Rent A Car S.L. .......................950 478976 / 686 929861

126062 431220 132573 478409

CAKES TO ORDER Cafeteria Dolce (Mojácar Playa) ………................….950 Cafeteria Pasteleria Romantic (Mojácar) ..................950 Crazy Cakes Almeria .......................634 335821 / 634 Joan's Cakes & Bakes (Albox) ..................................678 Mana del Cielo (Mojácar).....................950 472154 / 697 Occasion Cupcakes (Velez Rubio) ............................634

654452 269440 439671 545814

475178 615344 345558 166272 225625 329403

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CARD SHOPS Colin the Card (Albox) ……...................................…..650 600032 Forget Me Not (Las Buganvillas)..............................663 302740

Occasions (Mojácar Playa) .......................................950 478539

Europcar ............................................950 615101 / 654 297681 Mo-Car (Mojácar) ................................950 478307 / 626 976973 Solvi Car (Mojácar) …………....................................950 478151 SRS Vehicle Services ................................................950 449095 Tikka RentaCar (Mojácar) ............................................950 472662 Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051 CAR WASH & VALETING Autos Gowi (Garrucha) ........................950 806066 / 607 863939 Total Entertainment (Mojácar) ……….................……950 615596 Integral Autos (El Real) ...........................................950 459304 Total Entertainment (Turre) .........................................950 468295

CARPENTRY

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

A.N.S.T.E.Y - Carpentry & Joinery ………950 619178 / 687 251629 Barry Welsh (Turre) ....................................................646 101712 Inspired Timberwork ...........................950 528779 / 610 988371 James Wildwood ..........................................................634 328574 Justin's Carpentry & Joinery ………..........................627 907207 Simon’s Carpentry & Joinery ......................................681 109237 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

Khaled - Valeting (Mojácar) ......................................671 715285 Jones’s Mobile Valeting ............................................661 571939 Speedy Fit (Cucador) ............................950 438228 / 600 006032

CATERING / EVENTS

The Almería Focus is the magazine that everyone keeps 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

See also Wedding & Party Planning Elite Cuisine ..........................................................610 La Capilla Restaurant (Las Alparatas, Mojácar) .......950 The Whole Hog / Hog Roast parties ...968 485729 / 618 Soft Ice Cream and Frozen Yoghurt Machines............600

994435 479305 920126 006032

CATTERY see Kennels CHILDREN & BABY Auntie Lorna (Children’s Parties) .........950 619178 / 627 763052

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Baby Basics (Equipment Hire, Albox) ........................950 Meditania, Children’s Activity Centre (Turre) ...........661 FiFi Flowers (Baby gifts) ...........................................677 Funky Monkeys, Pre school Group (Mojácar) .....……697 Mobility Matters (Hire) (Mojácar) ..............................950 The Baby Hire Centre ..............................................615

104345 751244 146592 264179 615432 806126

CHIMNEY SWEEPING & REPAIRS

Jone’s Upholstery & Rug cleaning ….........…………661 571939 Limpiezas Cristina ….............................................…660 306695.

Limpiezas Maxlim (Palomares) ……...678 567783 / 629 680161 New Pin Services ....................................................678 875508 Upholstery & Leather Cleaning ...................................636 193256

CLOTHING (Personalized)

Rascals Designs ............................... 950 064665 / 686 582140 Paul The Chimney Sweep …………..617 150300 / 850 993057 Tikka Uniforms (Mojácar) ….......................................950 472662 Sammy Sweep ..........…............................…………..619 070839

CHINESE & ASIAN RESTAURANTS

COMPUTERS

Advance Digital ........................................................616 506569 Chino Peking (Garrucha) .............................................950 132948 Beep (Garrucha) ……………..................................….950 133059 China Town (Aguilas) ................................................968 414786 Compleo Personal I.T. Centre .................................….950 393689 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 Asiatico Yao (Mojácar Playa) 950 472570 / 686 998409

CHIROPODIST Fit Feet (Ann-Marie) .................................................647 415848 Kim White (Vera Playa) ………...................................637 149659 Mobile Chiropodist (Albox area) .................................637 209607 Computer Care (Nick) ...............................................600 070075 CHIROPRACTOR Maximilian Bolté (Garrucha) .............950 133515 / 650 700783 Computer Services (Dani) ........................................678 490639 Paul Jensen ...............................................................950 460953

CLAIRVOYANCY / PSYCHIC READINGS Anna (Tarot) ……….........................................………670 897832 Gill Ballard …………………….............................…….663 336655 Psychic Karen (Turre) ….........................................678 118108

CLEANING SERVICES A1 Cleaning ..............................................................666 Amba Cleaners ........................................................697 Chris .......................................................................627 Clean Sweep ………..........................950 469345 / 662 Clean Team …………..............………950 930652 / 634

340190 516955 565049 390453 Computer Support Services .......................................604 189367 332502

Crystal Clear ............................................................637 Daisy Proaño Alcivar (Contract & private) ……...….663 Elite Cleaning Agency ........................629 113860 / 699 Freshclean …………….........................659 353708 / 638 Idea (Mojácar) .. ......................................................605

229464 538596 699617 272482 162709

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

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Ink Cartridge Solutions (Albox) ……….................…….650 557428 Informatica-NV (Vera) ..................................................665 334991 Kamale-on ……………...............................................950 616521 Mi PC (Almeria) …..............................................….950 633015 Mr. Micro (Turre) ....................................................950 479502 Palomares Computer Services ..................................659 353708 PC Playa C.B. (Mojácar) …….....................................950 475712

Eve Morgan .............................................................647 203652 Fred Smithers (Acupuncture) ...............950 930456 / 618 107351 Gill Ballard (Healer/Counsellor) ...............................663 336655 Heaven Scent Holistics ...........................................663 923733 Dr. Jane Thompson (Psychotherapy)...968 485729 / 618 920126 Kate Roberts ...........................................................950 469540 Lucy Lovejoy (CraneoSacral Therapist) .....................647 045919 Norman & Carole Monro ..........................................950 439205 Reiki by Lynn …………......................950 473110 / 600 821871 Sara Vigar (Aromatherapy) .......................................665 334895 Shiatsu (Wendy) ....................................................671 851135 Sue Osman (Healer) ………...............950 473021 / 600 847964

COURIER DELIVERIES Mail Boxes Etc (Vera) ............................................950 Nacex (Mojácar) ………..................................……….950 Offex Spain ................................…….......................966 Spanish Property Choice (Easypost) ..950 615388 / 635

390920 472940 765950 722290

CRAFTS Elaine's Wools (Arboleas) ........................................667 273889 Serendipity (Albox) ................................................634 338832 Simply Art (Albox) …...................................................662 443095

CURRENCY Currencies Direct (Mojácar) ...............950 478914 / 626 916443 Eurochange (Mojácar) ................................................615 403877 Global Currency Exchange (Mojácar Playa) ..............950 615319

PC-Solutions ...............................................................637 459293 CURTAINS & SOFT FURNISHINGS Phoenix Computers (Albox) ................950 523214 / 644 125615 See also Sewing PhonePC (Garrucha) .................................................950 133502 Curtains with Style (See p.21)...........950 069032 / 678 811125 PuntoMatica ................................................................950 133908 PRYS Informatica (Antas) ........................................617 382511 Sol Computers …...................................................…677 874645

CONSERVATORIES Screenmasters (See p.43)......….…..680 777789 / 677 152911 Speedy Fit (See p.4)..........................950 472451 / 600 006032

COUNSELLING / HEALING Acupuncture & Massage ..........................................637 120429 Barbara Clarke ...........................................................637 469937 Cristina Ballesteros (Transcendental Meditation) ............622 903 600 Emotional Freedom Technique/Healer …......................645 290728 Curtainsandthings.................................................……678 684564

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Solo Style ………...............................950 528334 / 626 319907

DOCTORS & CLINICS (Private)

CYBERCAFES

Centro Médico Mojácar ...............................................950 475105 Can Connect (Albox) …........................................…..950 121149 Clinica Medica Garrucha ……...........950 133157 / 617 404500 i-Cafebar (Huércal-Overa) …............…………………..950 135039 Dr. Maria Rose (Garrucha) ..........................................950 132803 Euroclinicas (Vera) ........................................................950 391300 Servidea 2020 (Mojácar Playa) .................................950 399726

DOG GROOMING Anita (Mobile & Vets) ……………......................……662 344734 Brigbe’s Dog Grooming ...........................................630 557123 Elite Dog Grooming (Albox) …….…..617 313587 / 647 897533 Luis (Clinica Veterinaria Garrucha) ....950 132200 / 628 663616 Lulu’s (Albox) ...........................................................600 046557 Maddy Mobile Dog Grooming ……...............………….627 644266 Pampered Pooches (All areas)..................................662 344734 Solo Perros (CliniVet, Turre) ......................................674 509382

DOG TRAINING Total Total Total Total

Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 Entertainment (Turre) ........................................950 Entertainment (Mojácar) …….............................950

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

121318 009051 DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS 468295 Rod Bridges ……........................……..950 473035 / 687 261280 615596

DAMP PROOFING Southern Spain Damp Proofing ..............950 436430 / 652 358672

DENTISTS / DENTAL TREATMENT Centro Dental Vivadent (Vera) ..................................950 390655 Clinica Dental (Aguilas) ….........................................968 449121 Clinica Dental (Albox) ..............................................950 120732 Clinica Dental, Multicentro (Mojácar) ........................950 478989 Clinica Dental, Parque Comercial (Mojácar) .............950 478534 Clinica Dental Saludent (Huércal-Overa) ……………..950 135672 Dental Clinic Belen Oliver (Olula del Río) ................950 443265 DOORS See Windows & Doors Dentalbox (Albox) .........................................................950 121284 Nadal Pérez, M A (Turre) .........................................950 479444 DRY CLEANERS Odonto Stetic (Los Gallardos) .............662 121165 / 950 398993 City Sec (Vera) .........................................................950 390255 Puerta de Vera (Vera) ........................................950395319 DVD & VIDEO HIRE Valero Martinez (Garrucha) ………............................950 132047 iCafe (Huércal-Overa) …...............................………..950 135039 Cinebank (Turre) .......................................................627 738957 DIET PLANS & WEIGHT LOSS Image (Helen) ........................950 930192 / 665178326 Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 Issysweigh (Albox) ...................................................600 334318 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051 Pam (Turre) ..............................................................639 465631 Total Entertainment (Turre) ...950 468295 ...(Mojácar) 950 615596 Vicki (Turre) .............................................................650 764623

DIGGER HIRE

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

Antas Mini Diggers .............................950 069288 / 650 906114 Aridos Mojácar S.L. (Vera) .....................................650 914257 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 Construction ..................................................661 793418 ELECTRICIANS Paco .................................................................................637 777 238 A1 Services ………..............................635 810941 / 679 Tropicana Mini Digger ………………650 906114 / 950 069288 Abbott Electrical ….............................638 010691 / 950 Andrew Morrison .....................................................627 DIVING See Scuba Diving Anglo Electrical ........................................................671

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Andy …..............................…................950 438237 / 679 Baltasar .....................................................................655 Charlie Fyre ................................................................686 CD Electrical Services .........................662 414043 / 617

656450 691107 833444 410534

Connexions & Mr Micro (Turre) ……..............………….950 479502 DJT Electrical Services (Vera) .............686 817945 / 626 578164 ElectroTorres ......................................950 472898 / 610 750771 Fernando (Huércal Overa)...........................................677 549247 Francisco Montoya (Mojácar) .........................……….687 466352 José Cortés Electrical ……................950 363751 / 619 881325 Neil Godwin (Turre) ......................................................... 687 245 569

Peace of Mind 24/ 7 ............................................... 637 974662 Rod Bridges (Domestic Appliances) ….687 261280 / 950 473035 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 Auntie Lorna (Children’s Parties) .........950 619178 / 627 763052 Bass Player with Vocals .........................................681 286291 Belly Dancer & Fire Eater ....................................... 680 124159 Blues Brothers ........................................................680 355376 Bob Management .......................................................666 310251 Brendan O'Dee .....................................................950 069101 Brian Dee ………........................................................647 897533 Captain Sunshine …..........................950 618034 / 669 214545 Carmen Yuste GR ...................................................675 101355 Catchlove Music (Varied styles duo)…..950 634402 / 678 397536 Chris (Solo Guitarist - pop, classical, jazz) ................950 437606 Clive Sarstedt ….............................................…...…..950 398825 Darren Antony (Vocalist) ......................................... 672 112933

Dee Sharp Duo ……..............………..647 897533 / 659 022604 DJ Digit-Al ...............................................................634 338014 Dominic Doolittle (Blues/Jazz) .................................681 339778 Driftwood …….............................................................687 672028 Dynamite International Rock Band ............................666 310251 Flamenco Dancer (English speaking) ...............687480694 Francisco J. ‘Pasus’ ..........................950 397401 / 699 510966 Gary Williamson (DJ, Presenter, Host) .....................628 834798 Georges Femenias (vocalist/guitar) ……...…………….634 300356 Good stand in drummer ...........................................648 699733 Graham D.(Mobile) Karaoke ......................................662 480966 Head Band (Country/Folk/Blues) ..............................634 397513 Infinity (Vocal duo & tributes) ..................................678 821330 Jake Bourke (Vocalist/Musician) ...............................634 397513 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 Martyn Thompson (saxophonist) .............................648 683090 Maurice Casanove ....................................................671 386947 Mel J ……...........................................664111990 / 950 069101 Menta & Canela Duo (International & Spanish Dancehall)645 886919 More Than Two (Más Que Dos) ...............................678 752178 Don Tadeo ..................................................................670 860386 North South Country Boys(Classic / Modern Country) 634 332135.

Northern Lights Karaoke …...............................……..697 500673 Obsession Duo (female sax & guitarist) ...................693 796628 Phil and The Invisibles ..................... 959 475752 / 664 772720 Ratatouilles .............................................................638 391975 Red (Female Vocalist) .............................................628 149340 Replay Duo ..............................................................950 124154 Richard Hill ..............................................................670 243461 Rocio Starry (Jazz Soul Vocalist) ............................645 886919 Sabrina Lloyd .............................................................661 055440 Shirin (bellydancer) .................................................607 805367 Short-Fuse Blues Band...............................................651 610189 Snakebyte ................................................................634 397513 Solo Simon ...............................................................667 989270 Spotlight Entertainment (Karaoke, Disco etc) ............664 540957 Starry Jazz trio/quintet .............................................645 886919 Steve King (Mobile DJ) ......................950 137177 / 680 272822 Sue Moretta …….............................…......................672 148730 The Jaguars ............................................................634 397513 The Opium Buddhas ………………….687 033106 / 667 989270 The Twilight Shadows ( 60's & 70's Duo) ................950 437606 Tom Lee ……............................................................671 754851 Tony Matthews (Quiz organiser) ..............................634 391414

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Tony Justice ……….............................950 950797 / 637 159249 Trio Chaos (Soft music)..............................................687 361440 Wind Instruments .....................................................659 022604

ESTATE AGENTS Alhambra Holdings (Mojácar)...............950 475199 / 629 673450 Almería Homes ................................0044 1273 929286 / 950 930 259 Almería Property Agency (Arboleas) ..850 993099 / 628 872334 Almería Prop. Investments (Las Buganvillas).950 460874 / 666 260792

Angel Property (Palomares) .....................................950 618054 Antonio Martinez de la Casa (Energy certs)..678 347125 / 950 092094 Find Me A Home .................................951 914195 / 636 266641 Gogo Estates (Aguilas) ........................968 414459 / 615 282151 Homes of Spain .......(Huércal Overa).950 616516 / 616 562447 Indal-futur S.L. (Mojácar) ……............950 615156 / 609 026526 Indalo Real Estate ...........................950 091137 / 616 760409 Indasol Mojácar S.L. .................................................950 472200 Inmobiliaria Almanzora ....................... 950120406 / 637 251238 Inmoterreros ...................................................................666 255 765 Isabel Morales (Civil Engineer) ..................................617 749105

Arboleas Property Shop .................…....................…958 003391 BMS Huerta Nueva ............................950 615035 / 669 355914 Calida Homes Property Consultancy ....950 430763 / 634 302801 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 Cortijos Almería …………............……........................676 916088 Daniel González Aranda ...................................................686 846 624 Euroxan (Vera) .........................................................699 067922 K7 Mojácar ................................................................950 478555 Fincas Vera Playa ..............................950 460670 / 639 314767 Linnitt Properties (Turre).............................................950 479054

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Mojácar Estates (See p.45)......................................950 478935 Multicasa Aguilas .................................................... 968 493009 New Horizon Villas (Zurgena) ..................................950 438221 New One Stop (Mojácar) (See p.13).........................950 473040 New Wave Villas (Mojácar) (See back cover).950 475800 / 607 146352 Next Stop Almería ................................950 617518 / 678 034651 Nicla Property Consultancy S.L. ............950 133508 / 628 585538

Vaitier SL (Cabrera) .....................................................609 626140 Veritas Homes (Mojácar) (See p.25)............950 472430 / 610 053563

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.56/57).....950 478915 Realtors MB Spain ...................................................678 347125

Rural Almería (Mojácar Playa) ................................…950 472200 Santiburi Properties (Cabrera & Mojácar) 694 404971 / 647 901478 Sol y Mar (Albox) ...............................950 064584 / 635 979829 Spanish Estate Agents (Albox) ………950 431855 / 661 143871 Spanish Hideaways (Oria) ....................634 366672 / 676 604008 Spain Assured (See front cover)............950 469622 / 634 300020 Spain Property Finder …..............……........................686 878789 Spanish Property Choice (Mojácar Playa)(See p.64).950 615388 Sun Med Properties (Vera Playa) ............................…..950 618209

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 4 x 4 Off Road Events ………….................………630 211453

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Almeriaspanish ........................................................608 Andinas Buggy Treks ..............................................645 Costa Almería Tours ..................................................646 Indalo Quads (Mojácar) …...........……617 637359 / 950 Rancho Luz del Sol (Partaloa) ………...……………..678 Scorpion Trails (David) .............................................674

638403 984122 760389 450343 838547 514999

Fox Financial Spain S.L. (Mojácar) ……...............…..950 478617 Grupo Platinum Estates .........................666 687251 / 950 889853 Kennedy Financial Services .........................................678 035992 Totus Wealth Management .....................................…950 472242 Offshore Money Management .............952 830916 / 950 398078

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

FABRICS

Aero Extinción S.L. (Almería) …............………………..950 263565 Curtains with Style (See p.21)...........950 069032 / 678 811125 Extin-Torres S.L. (Mojácar) ............................................950 475067

FASHION Charlotte’s Island Secrets ........................................600 691685 Donna’s Boutique (Turre) (See p.15)..........................677 542931 Forward A Dress (Albox) …………............……………637 546738 Garabatis (Children's) Mojacar Playa …..........………670 035630 Gill’s Fashions (Mojácar) ..........................................950 472835 Glad Rags (Albox) ……….........................................634 313071 H & R Men's Fashion (Albox) …................................692 682164 Liz Fashion Accessories (Mojácar) .627 970819 / 607 511179 Manumaga (Mojacar Playa) …………..........................659 884479 Modern Times (Mojácar Playa) …..........…………….950 475207 Oasis Fashions (Mojácar Playa) (See p.5)...............950 473222 Party Plan Fashions …………..............……………….659 185039 Prins Vitali (Mojacar) ….............................................950 472958 Saga Boutique (Mojácar) .........................................950 475258 Simply The Best (Albox) …………..............................659 185039 Wailaky (Alfoquía) ……........................................….634 896975

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES AMASS ……......................................................……..678 035992 Blevins Franks (Neil) ................................................965 705502 CG Legal & Financial (Mojácar Playa) ..950 472504 / 670 215926 Currencies Direct (Mojácar) …....…...…950 478914 / 626 916443

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-ClubsAssociations 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 Indigo Gym (Mojácar Playa) ...........................................950 475 403 Jova Sport Center (Mojácar Playa) …………………..950 473137 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 Andalucian Glass C.B. ................…………630 231644 / 636 838484 Armadillo …......................................…950 528128 / 663 303350 Bugs ...........................................................................600 049515 Coastal Mosquitoes ..................................................610 000700 Coopermatic Fly Spray ............................................659 089658 Curtains with Style (See p.21).........950 069032 / 678 811125 Elper Alutol S.L. …………….................................…..639 212220 Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196 Sol Shaders S.L. .................................627 907207 / 634 319882 Speedy Fit (See p.4)...........................950 472451 / 600 006032

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Free directory entries.

Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Las Buganvillas Minimarket ………........................…..635 036408 Manoli (Arboleas) ….................................................627 941654 Price Busters (Albox) ...................................................950 951494 Spar Supermarket (Huércal-Overa) ...........…………..950 135222 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

FOR SALE

Toldos Farrago (Vera) ...............................................667 567564 Tony Justice ...................................…..950 950797 / 637 159249 Ventanas y Puertas Mojacar S.L. ......................…….950 473104

FOOD SHOPS Arkrites (Roquetas) ................................................. 950 334081 Catch of the Day UK Fishmonger ........634 301490 / 634 304288

FUNCTION VENUES El Naranjo (Los Gallardos) .......................................950 The Kimrick (Mojácar Playa) .......……......................950 La Capilla (Las Alparatas, Mojácar) .........................950 Centro Comercial Almanzora (Olula del Rio) …..........950 442012 Miraflores Restaurant (Camping Los Gallardos) .........650 Eurowise (Albox) ……………….............................…..950 439801 The Palms (Urcal) ………...................950 958167 / 678 Frutas Márquez (Mojácar) ........................................675 155184 FUNERAL COMPANIES Gastronomía (Delicatessen) (Las Buganvillas) .......950 132048 Home Sweet Home (Turre) ...............................……..950 479487 CollyFer (Huércal Overa) ……....................................617

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398799 475198 479305 418954 832036 456335

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Funeral Homes Robles (Cuevas) ..............................657 921383 The Furniture Doctor .............................................667 989270 Funeraria Ntra. Sra. de las Angustias (Vera) 950 390884 / 607 705672 FURNITURE SHOPS Funeraria Pérez (Mojácar) ........................................950 478102 Casas Nativa (Valle del Este) ..................................629 624286 Continental Descanso (Antas) 950 459011 (Albox) ...950 633288 De Lima’s Used Furniture (Mojácar Playa)..950 615364 / 674 280268 Furniture Plus (Puerto de Mazarron)...968 153907 / 678 083491

FUNERAL PLANS Avalon Europe S.L. .................................................966 799070 Avalon Europe (Local rep. Peter Brown) ...................634 306864 Avalon Europe (Peter McArdle) (See cover) ...............663 558148 Homes & Beyond (Garrucha) ..................................950 132458 EJQ Services (Golden Leaves)(Mojácar) ..................666 273047 Golden Leaves Funeral Plans (Benitachell)............. 966 493082 Ideas del Mueble (Antas) ...........................................950 452816 Iberian Funeral Plans (See p.49).......951 203994 / 965 993498 Inspired (Albox) (See p.6)........................................950 091153 Koala Furniture (Antas) (See p.57)..............….........950 392307 Linea Nueva (Arboleas) ……………….620 237529 / 950 120630 El Pinar (Los Carasoles) ……......................…………950 104272 El Rincón de Mueble (Vera) ......950 460867 (Antas) 950 459071 Selecciones (Turre) ...................................................634 347295 Sleepcentre (Albox) ...................................................673 088476 Sofa & Sofa (Las Buganvillas) ................654 596247 / 654 596220 Unicraft (Upholstery) ..................................................692 176069

GAMES/DVDs/MUSIC Instock Vera .............................................................600 115339

GAS INSTALLATION & REPAIRS Smith Plumbing S.L (Spanish Authorised)...................950 468041

FURNITURE PACKAGES

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

FURNITURE, RUSTIC/HANDMADE Andinas (Antas, El Real) ...........................................950 459128 Antiques Palaces (La Concepción) ......664 619819 / 686 697665 Artisanos (Antas) …...…….......................................…696 431510 Casa Nativa (Valle del Este) …….............................629 624286 El Pinar (Los Carasoles) ....................950 104272 / 670 845498 La Buena Artesania (Mojácar) ....................................950 475508 Martin & Leah Hurst, Casa Piña (Turre) ......................652 299576 Soluciones Rusticas (Carboneras) …950 364835 / 646 821821

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GARDENS

Avon Co-ordinator (Jane) ……...................................670 722705 Avon Cosmetics (Arboleas) ………........................….691 987454 Avon Cosmetics (Bedar) ...........................................950 398980 Avon Cosmetics (Húercal Overa) …....647 092010 / 950 137208 Avon Cosmetics (Los Gallardos) .............................687 960362 Avon Cosmetics (Los Gallardos camping ) ..............950 469684 Avon (Total Entertainment, Albox) .............................950 121318 Avon (Total Entertainment, Arboleas) ........................678 009051 Beauty by Marilyn ....................................................950 398852 Beauty by Sharon (Emporium, Mojácar) ....................687 389925 Beauty Center (Mojácar) (See p.37)..........................687 480694 Beauty Therapist (at La Mirage) ................................662 695469 Bonita Hair & Beauty Salon (Mojácar) .......................950 473159 Cambridge 800. (Ann) .............................................660 681166 Centro Estética (Mojácar Playa) …..................………657 982878 Colores Peluquería Unisex (Mojácar Playa) ............665 540201 Cutting Edge (Hair & Beauty) (Albox) .........................950 633086 Dave Eccles (Mobile Hairdresser) ......950 525790 / 687 033106 GLASS CURTAINS Donna's (Albox)..................................950 930167 / 628 669456 Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196 Elegance (Turre) ......................................................634 308877 Speedy Fit (See p.4)..........................950 472451 / 600 006032 Toldos Farrago (Vera) ...............................................667 567564 24hr Casaserve ..................................950 466438 / 676 306269 Acer Garden Services ..............................................697 618320 Agave …….................................................................617 826334 Cedar Landscapes …….............……....................…620 112193 Clare’s Hanging Baskets …………...............………….634 331440 Garden Works ..............................…..950 132518 / 666 847583 Indal Ocio (Furniture & BBQs) (See p.41)..............850 993090 Jardin Natural ............................................................685 478187 L & M Landscapes .................................................670 409538 Madera Mania (Garden Supplies) ….........................667 562872 Lady Muck Gardening .............................................697 317557 Mediterranean Gardens …….................................. 661 577019 Mobile Shredder & Mulch Garden Service .............687 024884 Nash Construction (Landscaping)...............................661 793418 Potty Finca Services ..................……..950 163930 / 616 855294 Riegos y Conducciones (Antas, El Real) .................950 459146

GLAZING (Supply & Repair) Andalucian Glass C.B. ...................…630 231644 / 950 091128 Cristalería Mojácar …............................................…..950 475376 Cristalería Omega (Mojácar) …..........950 478137 / 670 500711 Cristalería Rubi (Vera) ………......................................950 390546 Speedy Fit (See p.4)..........................950 472451 / 600 006032

GOLF COURSES 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 HOLIDAYS Emerald Golf Breaks (Mojácar) 610 526351 / UK 0044 (0) 7865 990578 Sunshine Fairway Golf Breaks ................................669 704581

GOLF TUITION Gareth Edwards (Cortijo Grande) …...........................950 Marcus (Mojácar) .....................................................610 Neil Evans (Desert Springs Golf Resort) ............... 638 Valle del Este (Vera) ...............................................676

479176 526671 531821 256923

GRASS, ARTIFICIAL Grass 4 U .................................................................638 574145 Greenfingers Arboleas S.L. ..........……......……………629 947633 Tiger Turf ............................................950 431624 / 635 652745

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

HAIR, HEALTH & BEAUTY Affinity Beauty Treatments (Arboleas/La Alfoquia) ......678 992093 Anavi Estillistas (Palomares) .......................................670 094722

Etticut (Turre) .............................................................667 971960 Euphoria Hair & Beauty (Esparragal) ...868 188706 / 657 713571 Farrow's Hair Design (Arboleas) .................................950 634346 Favola (Las Buganvillas) (See p.31).........................675 622216 Hair Design Mojácar (See front cover)..950 475452 / 666 299714 Heaven Scent (Huércal-Overa) ……....................…..663 923733 Hollywood Beauty & Hair ..............................................965 326082 IIsabel Castaño (Hairdresser, Bédar) ..666 045552 / 950 469462 Jax Hair & Beauty (Albox) …..................………………645 560367 Jean & Co.(Mojácar Playa) ……..............................…950 615094 Jing (at Pascal Chevallier Emporium) (See p.53).........622 251432 Kim White (Beauty)(Vera & Mobile) ………...……….637 149659 Kuts 2 (mobile) ..........................................................662 094372 LU & NA (Valle del Este) …….............................…950 461113 LAB (Hair & Beauty) (Mojácar) See p.23)...................950 473110 Marcela Torres (Manicure & Pedicure) .....................697 421672 Naturalmente Mediterraneo (Skin care) (Garrucha) …655 299494 Oceanic Massage Therapies (Mojácar)........................687 619239 Pascal Chevallier Emporium (Mojácar) .........................950 472790 Pampered Beauty Centre (Palomares) (See p.35).......950 618129 Phoebe (at Pampered) ...............................................662 573939 Pure Natural Deodorant ...........................................950 066163 R retreat (Cucador) ……...........…...............................626 144680 Room 97 (La Alfoquia) .............................................683 479261

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Salon de Peluqueria y Estetica (Garrucha) ...............950 Sarah Noble (mobile hairdresser) ...........................692 Sophia Wellness Centre (Arboleas) ...........................950 Stella’s (Las Buganvillas) .........................................664 The Spanish Beauty Club (Mojácar / Vera) ..............637 Wacky Barber & Hairdresser (Mojácar) ....................667

133162 Nursery Hire (San Juan de los Terreros) ….666 255765 / 950 466472 195500 The Baby Hire Centre ................................................615 806126 449451 HOLIDAY / CONFERENCE CENTRES 138837 Cortijo El Saltador, Lucainena de las Torres ............676 437128 149659 961645 HOME CARERS see also Nursing Almería Angels ..........................................................902 026468 Care Fusion ..............................................................674 509382 CostaCare Services.....................................................674 509789 Delbelle ……………....................................................693 796937 Louise, personal carer ...............................................680 124159

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

241878 724521 243561 838547 239696

HOTELS & HOSTALS Hostal El Olivar (Mojácar Pueblo) .........950 472022 / 672 019767

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

HEATING ABC (A Better Climate) .......................647 247494 / 950 Andrew Morrison (Econo-Heat)..................................627 Barry & Graham (oil heating) ………........................620 Mike Lacey ..........................................950 069073 / 636 Neater Heater ………...................................………….634

092604 250204 112193 407543 312171

HEALTH FOODS Girasol (Albox) ….......................................................639 HerbalAlmeria, Herbalife Independent Distributor .....634 Hierbabuena (Aguilas) ……........................................968 Home Sweet Home (Turre) ..............................……..950 Las Hierbas de Maria (Mojácar) ..............…………….657

HIRE

089170 392198 448445 479487 513990

Hotel Al Sur (Calabardina) .........................................968 419466 Hotel Cala Real (Aguilas) ..........................................968 414562 Hotel Carlos 111 (Aguilas) ......................................968 411650 Hotel Carmona (Vera) ..............................................950 390760 Hotel - Casa Rural, Cortijo de la Media Luna (Mojácar) 950 478813 Hotel El Paso (Aguilas) ……......................................968 447125 Hotel Family (Agua Amarga) ......................................950 138014 Hotel Madrid (Aguilas) ................................................968 411109 Hotel Mamabel's (Mojacar Pueblo) .....950 472448 / 663 700542 Hotel Mayari (Calabardina) .................620 629508 / 968 409338 Hotel Puntazo (Mojácar) ...........................950 478265 / 950 478 229 Hotel Rural Azabache (Arboleas)..................................690 258813 Hotel Mexico (Puerto Rey) ......................................950 132061 Hotel Salinas (Cabo de Gata) .....................................950 370103 Hotel & Spa Don Juan (Aguilas) ................................968 493493 Hotel Tikar (Garrucha) ..............................................950 617131 Hotel Valhalla (Carboneras) ......................................950 130444 Hotel Valle del Este ...................................................950 398743 Hotel Virgen del Mar (Mojácar) ..................................902 472222 Las Colinas Suitotel (San Juan de Los Terreros) .........950 466353 Parador de Mojácar ...................................................950 478250

Baby Basics (Equipment Hire) ...................................950 104345 Baby Rentals (Mojácar) …..................................…….699 648058 HOUSE & PET SITTING Bebebel ………..........................................................661 575532 Gail ........................................................693 769079 / 697 500673 Expecting a Baby (Almanzora Valley) ....950 436581 / 666 375688 Louise ........................................................................... 680 124159 Mobility Matters, Baby & Mobility Hire (Mojácar) .......950 615432 Sharon Presley ..........................................................648 069200

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HOUSEHOLD GOODS Home Sweet Home (Turre) ................................……..950 479487 Simone Senft (Tupperware) .................950 068181 / 676 308217

HYGIENE & FOOD HANDLING Grupo Sedesa (Vera) ...............................................950 390990

ICE CREAM PARLOURS Bontá (Mojácar Playa) ..............................................950 472939 Twister (Mojácar Playa) ........................………………950 472357

INSURANCE Mojácar Insurance (See p.48)...................................634 Adeslas ............................................950 472701 / 633 431900 Optimum Insurance Services ..............950 930548 / 634 Albox Insurance .......................................................950 121943 Alhambra Holdings (Mojácar)...............950 475199 / 629 673450 Sol y Mar (Albox) ……….....................950 064584 / 654 Sol Insure ………..........................................………..950 Spanish Hideaways (Arboleas) ……......................….950 Victoria Insurance ..........................................………950

323399 324502 590258 472098 064682 475241

INTERNET TV Connexions (Turre) (See front cover).......................950 479502 IPTV Spain UKTV ...............................619 893214 / 699 386277

ASSSA Seguros (Vera) ...........................………………950 392487 Asisa (Vera) ..........................................................950 391950 Axa ..................................................950 478763 / 609 667333 BWI Bryan White Insurance (Mojácar) ......................950 472098

INTERIOR DESIGN Evie Fox-Rayner .......................................................628 816896 Curtains with Style (See p.21) ..........950 069032 / 678 811125 Deco-house (Ann) .....................................................666 260792 Essential Solutions …….............................................627 245658 Lola Barranco ………..........................950 086116 / 691 261818

Catalana Occidente (Palomares) ..............................950 618054 Catalana Occidente (Mojácar Playa) .........................950 478307 Domus Vivendi (Marina de la Torre, Mojácar) ........950 133607 Edward William (Marine Insurance) ………………….952 476090 EJQ Services (Mojácar) ...........................................666 273047 García & Trinidad (Albox) …….............950 120340 / 620 240563 Gestoría Salvador (Mojácar Playa) ..........................950 473192 Grupo Catalana Occidente (Mojácar Pueblo) 950 478061 / 653 806 908 Ibex Insurance Services Ltd (Mojácar & Albox) ........902 105499 Liberty Seguros (Turre) ….................950 479568 / 620 179206 Liberty Seguros .......................................................902 444311 Linea Directa ………....................................................902 123248 Mapfre (Mojácar) ...950 478151 (Garrucha)................950 617376 Maxine Morgan Liberty Seguros (Las Buganvillas) ........669 074 996

INTERNET FACILITIES See Cybercafes INTERNET PROVIDERS Connexions (Turre) ……..............................…………..950 479502 PC Playa C.B. (Mojácar) ……....................................950 475712 Satcomms ..............................................951 406556 / 622 524335

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 ...................................607 827606 / 627 635514 Carolyn (Mojácar area) ........................950 132905 / 608 692545

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Cristina …….......................................................…..626 741386 Gail .....................................................693 769079 / 697 500673 Clara Mata ..............................................................629 132529 Gatotel (Mojácar) .......................................................634 678852 Donna (Turre) ...........................................................634 356330 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 Home from Home ...................................950 069010 / 677 382713 Horse & Dog sitting …………..............................……607 554984 Kareclif Cattery (Albox) ...........................................677 791165 KitCat Luxury Cat Suites (near Los Gallardos) .........674 113217

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

Can Iron 4U ............................................................. 665 138708 Clean Team ..................................................................634 332502 Coser y Planchar (Vera) .........................................689 303765

Louise ....................................................................... 680 124159 My Place or Yours ....................................................607 554984 Palomino Kennels & Cattery …………722 435226 / 950 067051 Paws*A*While (Nr Albox) …....................................…696 562662 Personal Pets (sitter/ walker) ….................................634 378193 Pet Hotel (Los Gallardos) ........................................634 312821 Pet Sitting in Your Home ………….......................…….637 061482 Sharon Presley ..........................................................648 069200 Sleepy Hollow (Huércal-Overa) ….............................617 313587 The Hilton Cattery ..................................................950 163489 Woodhouse Boarding Kennels/Cattery (Arboleas) ….650 211952

JET WASHING

KEY CUTTING

INVESTMENTS Fox Financial Spain (Mojácar) ……......................…..950 478617

IRONING

Aguaclean …………….........................950 064608 / 697 559395 24hr Locksmith ...................................950 472982 / 658 828560 Mobile Jet Washing ………..................950 069121 / 605 376873

JEWELLERS / JEWELLERY Donna’s Boutique (Turre) (See p.15)..........................677 542931 Jewellery Paula (Albox) …..........................................960 430871 Joyería Pérez (Garrucha) ...........................................950 460636 Joyerias Vasary (Mojácar Playa) ……........…………….950 473164 La Luna (Garrucha) ....................................................950 132543

KENNELS, CATTERIES & PET SITTING Animal Hotel (Águilas) ..............................................639 Berben petsitting (Velez Rubio) ..................................658 Country Kennel (Turre) .........................950 473011 / 627 Dog & Cat Sitter Service …………………..................676

722197 KITCHENS 087966 564640 24hr Casaserve .................................950 466438 / 676 306269 389592 Artizan (Vera) ................................…950 390635 / 661 985310

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Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Ozone Bowling Mojácar ............................................950 Paragliding ………................................635 243539 / 680 Sol-Aero (Vera) ..................................609 685132 / 661 Water Park (Vera Playa) …...................................…..902

473073 358549 985358 361294

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

Cocinas Puntocom (Huércal-Overa) ...950 921975 / 722 136950 Harlequin Kitchens (Albox) ……........………………….619 584405 J.B. Kitchen Fitters (Turre) .......................................687 024884 Mojácar Kitchens & Bathrooms ...........950 473104 / 669 143036 Pure Kitchens ..............................................................637 064651

LAUNDERETTES Bish’s (Mojácar Playa) ...........................................639 161725 City Sec (Vera) .........................................................950 390255

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

C & P (Mojácar) …………..............……950 460731 / 675 383160 390255 Cam Concepts S.L. (Huércal-Overa) …......…………. 950 471357 332502 414327 132657 478359

LEISURE ACTIVITIES Amigos 10 Pin Bowling (Arboleas Ind. Estate) ..........950 120269 Extreme Adventure Mojácar ......................................687 919840

Karting (Garrucha) ….........................................……950 460207 Nautarum Sea Museum (Garrucha) ………........…..950 139554 Paintball Almanzor (nr. Arboleas) ..................………..619 559261

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English Wills Spain …......................…...................607 646027 LINEN Gecko Legal Services …..........................……......…617 611140 Gill’s English Bedlinen (Mojácar) ............................950 472835 Gestoría Salvador (Mojácar Playa) ........................950 473192 Gestoría Soria Bonilla (Mojácar) ................................950 478420 Kim Clark UK Benefit advice ……..….950 169729 / 663 297568 Mayor Consulting (Mojácar & Garrucha) ...................950 615185 Mojácar Playa Asesores ……........……………………950 472710 Pilar Pérez Gestión S.L. (Mojácar) ............................950 478863 Vera Advisors (Vera) .................................................950 390621

LINGERIE & UNDERWEAR

MS Legal ..............................................950 479613 / 634 322827 Villalba Asesores (Albox) ..............................................950 431720

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

LOCKSMITHS

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121909 132253 642341 730088 135742

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Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com P & D Metals ............................................................638 707406 Speedy Fit Security Grilles ....................................600 006032 The Metal Works ................................950 930520 / 638 900949

MOBILE HOMES & CARAVANS 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 ..............................................950 047033 / 687 845730 Veramotor S.A. ...........................................................950 392552 24hr Locksmith .................................950 472982 / 658 828560 MOBILITY SERVICES Arboleas Locksmith ...................................................697 243181 Mobility Matters (Mojácar) ............................................950 615432 Locksmith (Lee/Dean)................................................666 949213 MOTORCYCLE & QUAD Phil the Pick 24hr (Arboleas) …................……………..697 243181

SALES & REPAIRS

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 Phil (Arboleas) ………………….....................................634 328779 Potty Finca Services .........................950 163930 / 616 855294

D Perez Motor (Antas) ...............................................950 069022 Harley Dees ………….........................678 899026 / 600 685550 Harleys Custom Garage (Mojácar Playa) .....................950 475742 Montoya Motos (Garrucha) …...............................…..950 133033 Nafta Custom (Antas) ………...............950 619293 / 615 938352

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

MARBLE FABRICATIONS Tabika (Vera) .....................................950 390110 / 950 390635

MASSAGE Acupuncture & Massage ..........................................637 Holistic Massage, Lorraine ................950 064484 / 687 Jessica Rippin ...........................................................676 Oceanic Massage Therapies (Mojácar) (See p.72)....687 Ray Daniel (Sports massage)………...........................617

120429 569113 248170 619239 741564

METAL WORK Angel Welding …………............................................610 Carpentería Metalica Chacón (Albox) …................950 Cerrajería Jara (Las Buganvillas) …............………….950 Coastal Rejas ...........................................................610 Elper Alutol S.L. (Aluminium fabrications).................639 FS Fabrications …..............…………..627 167167 / 671 Ideal Metal Designs ...................................................656 Metalbox (Albox) .......................................................950

601524 431738 109986 000700 212220 424558 834064 633090

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NURSING see also Home Carers + Visión (Aguilas) …....................................................968 414279 Almería Angels ..........................................................902 026468 Villazar (Mojácar Playa) …....................................….950 472783 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

PAINTING & DECORATING

ATS District Nurse ……………..................................662 277845 Belle Care (Home/hospital)......................................602 495750 Care Fusion ..............................................................674 509382

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

ABS Advanced Building Services ..............................687 846016 A.J. Painting & Decorating .......................................687 024884 Alan Barker ......................................950 450174 / 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 Day’s Painting Services ..............................................634 365553 Eurodec ……..........................................................…667 238273 Euro Painters Spain …………….......................………677 557190 Futura España ..........................................................950 615338 Grupo Brideca (shop) (Huércal-Overa) 950 471045 / 950 135881 JPM ...........................................................................627 090422 Metalwork Painting ………………………699 246932 / 659 185039 Mode Services ...................................950 525790 / 687 033106 Paint Magic ..............................................................617 904774 Paul ...........................................................................649 186107 Phil the Painter ……..............................................…671 227259 S.O.S. Painting ……………........................................651 500670 SWH Painting Services .......................622 899167 / 683 479261 Susana's Painting Services ….............................……649 759053 The Fast Brush .........................................................950 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

Natural Optics (Garrucha) .........................................950 133921 Óptica Albox …………….......................................…..950 121991 Optica Mahis (Vera) ………...................................…..950 390777 Optica Orbera (Huércal Overa) ....................................950 135596 Optica Orbera (Albox) .....................................950430101 Opticalia M&G (Albox) ................................................950 121084 Primera Opticos (Aguilas) .........................................968 493482 Salas (Huércal Overa) ................................................950 135081

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PET SHOPS & TRANSPORT InterZoo (Vera) .......................................................950 390075 Madera Mania (Los Gallardos) …..................……….667 562872 Shift My Pets Transport (Spain/UK) ……...........………634 368430 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

Il Giardino (Italian) ...................................................642 553699 Imperial (Mojácar Playa) ......................................….950 478098 La Góndola (Garrucha) ..............................................950 133928 La Muralla (Mojácar Pueblo) .......................................950 472928 Little Italy II (Garrucha) …………...........………………950 133802 Osteria (Mojácar) ........................................................950 615151 Ottocento (Mojácar Playa) .........................................950 615100 Pizzeria Gallo (Aguilas) …...........................................968 447862 Pizzeria D'Angelo (Mojácar Playa) .................................950 478517 Pizzeria El Desvío (Turre) ............................................607 804488 Pizzeria Portofino (Mojácar) .......................................950 472809 Pizzeria-Restaurante Mari Cruz (Turre) …...........…….950 479646 Pizzería Quick (Garrucha) .............................................950 132305 Provenzal (Mojácar Playa) ..........................................950 478308 Pulcinella (Mojácar Playa) (See p.51)........................950 109652 Pulcinella (Mojácar Pueblo) (See p.51)......................950 478401 Samz (Los Gallardos) ..................................................950 398981

PLASTERERS

David Pritchard Construcciones .................................617 698418 PHOTOCOPIES & SCANS Paul Morrison (See p.7)...............…….634 327201 / 661 129028 neö-cöpy (Vera) …...................………..950 390424 / 622 262100 Diamond Plastering and Building Services ...............665 706880 PC Playa C.B. (Mojácar) ……...................................950 475712 Pronto Printing (La Buganvillas) (See cover).............950 133492 PLUMBERS Servidea 2020 (Mojácar Playa) .................................950 399726 24hr Casaserve ..............................................950 466438 / 676 3062699 Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 A-Z Plumbing & Heating …………..….616 888058 / 662 342669 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051 A1 Services ………..............................635 810941 / 679 631458 Alex Baker (Plumbing & Heating) .......652 779399 / 950 069441 PHYSIOTHERAPY Centro Physis (Olula del Rio) ......................................695 355381 Andy (Mojácar) ........................................................697 302039 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

PICTURE FRAMING Casa de Cabra (Albox)

........................................ 633 364329

PIZZERIAS Antonella (Mojácar Playa) (See p.31).............……..950 450215 BiancoRossi (Mojácar Playa) ...................................950 472682 Bocapizza (Albox) ......................................................950 120506 Cafetería Levante (Mojácar) .....................................950 615224 Cafetería Pizzería Alcazaba (Mojácar Playa) ............645 414793 Capri (Mojácar Playa) ................................................950 615067 Centro Plaza (Palomares) …...............................…..950 618614 Chili (Turre) ................................................................950 468425 Costa Macaroni (Mojácar Playa)(See p.115).............603 854640 d’Angelo (Mojácar Playa) .........................................950 478517 El Ángel (Mojácar Pueblo) ...................950 478343 / 607 537101 El Gaucho (Mojácar Playa) .........................................950 478846 El Naranjo (Los Gallardos) …...............................……950 398799 Enrico (Mojácar Playa) ..........................950 472995 / 634 899515 Meson Felipe San Bernabé (Mojácar Playa) ..…….950 475966

Armadillo …..................................…950 528128 / 663 Ashley Reliable Plumbing (Albox area)......................610 Barry & Graham …................………........................620 Blocked DrainsRUs ............................950 091109 / 648

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POSTAL SERVICES

Charlie Fyre ..............................................................686 833444 Carlos (Saliente) Plumbing & Heating ..950 930900 / 968 969962 Cosy Casa Plumbing (Albox) ……............................950 425049 Curtis Helm Multiservices .........................................610 394815 Knowles ….........................................950 137197 / 606 807797 Fernando (Huércal Overa)...........................................677 549247 Francisco Montoya (Mojacar) …............………………..687 466352 Mike Lacey ..........................................950 069073 / 636 407543 Smith Plumbing S.L. ..................................................950 468041

Can Connect (Albox) …….........................................950 121149 C.A.T. Services (La Alfoquia) ..............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 PC Playa C.B. (Mojácar) (DHL)...................................950 475712 Spanish Property Choice (Easypost) ..950 615388 / 635 722290 PLUMBING, HEATING & SOLAR The Post Shop (Albox) ………..............950 064584 / 635 979829 SUPPLIES Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 El Almacen del Instalador (El Real) ..............................950 459306 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051 Total Entertainment (Turre) .........................................950 468295 PODIATRY Clinica Podológica (Garrucha) ..................................950 132768

POOL COVERS 1 Stop Pool Shop ...............................950 104345 / 637 582696 Coverbox (Albox) …….................................................615 992007 Enclose My Pool ..................................606 040462 / 670 510097 Hispavan pool covers ........................950 047033 / 687 845730 Real Covers (Mojácar) ........................950 478763 / 609 667333

PRINTING & GRAPHIC DESIGN A1 Cheapest Print ….....................................………622 Idea (Huércal Overa) ...............................................605 Mail Boxes Etc (Vera) ............................................950 neö-cöpy (Vera) …...................………..950 390424 / 622 PC Playa C.B. (Mojácar) ……...................................950 Pronto Printing (La Buganvillas) (See cover).............950

493499 162709 393835 262100 475712 133492

POOLS & POOL MAINTENANCE

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

1 Stop Pool Shop ...............................950 104345 / 637 582696 24hr Casaserve .................................950 466438 / 676 306269 Aguafer Piscinas S.L. ................................................950 617064 Aguagéstion Cantoria (Maintenance) ……….............653 078040 Alloa Pool Care (Albox) ………….................…………..650 244018 Aquazul Piscinas ….....................................................647 841750 Clean Pool Service (Arboleas) ...................................606 654389 D & J Pritchard Construcciones ................................617 698418 Daniel ……………..................................................….642 236810 Exclusive Holiday Villas ..................................................950 092 602 Guardian Angels (Pool Cleaning) …...950 466396 / 600 470778 Heat My Pool ....................................950 528128 / 663 303350 HM Heating ................................................................652 970608 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 Triton Pool Maintenance ....................950 930955 / 666 103987 True Blue Pools & Spas ..............................................661 148998 Underwater Pool Services …….....................................628 662582

24hr Casaserve .....................................950 466438 / 676 306269 ABS Advanced Building Services ..............................687 846016 Arboleas Builders ………...............……950 930536 / 634 306690 Can I Help You (Vera) ………..................................691 662267 Curtis Helm Multiservices .........................................610 394815 Exclusive Holiday Villas .....................634 389820 / 634 389831 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 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 Citrus Homes ...............................……......................638 849254 Coastal Properties (Mojácar) ........................................950 475235 Complete Holiday Care ....………...........950 478612 / 610 808631 E-Property Almería ...................................................677 146592 Exclusive Holiday Villas ..........................................950 092602 Findmeahome ....................................951 914195 / 636 266641

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Mojácar Holiday Services .................950 699947 / 634 972377

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 Long Term Rentals …........................………950 478383 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 Santiburi Properties (Cabrera & Mojácar) 694 404971 / 647 901478 Sierra property Rentals (Beédar) ...............................678 587007 Spanish Property Choice (Mojacar) ..... 950 475823 / 634 351562

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

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

QUAD BIKES see Motorcycles RADIO STATIONS Cadena Ser Levante (Spanish, local and national) ....950 615006 Onda Aguilas (100.1) ….............................................968 447864 Plusfm ……….................................….609 818283 / 617 528121 Stoney's Property Services ………........671 896391 / 634 678651 Smooth FM online (89.8)....................627 767254 / 634 357868 Susana's Property Services ......................................649 759053 Spectrum FM (96.1) .................................................950 615142 The Property Shop (Mojácar) ..................................950 475241 REFRIGERATION Triton Property Services ..........................................634 326322 MD Air Conditioning & Refrigeration SL .607 364917 / 607 366040 Vera Holiday Rentals .............................................634 347109 Thermotech …………….....................…950 069637 / 699 856372 Voss Homes (Huercal-Overa) ...................667 891 741 / 950 616 827 REMOVALS & STORAGE Year Round Holiday Rentals .............950 619178 / 627 763052

See also Van & Man Hire

PROPERTY PROMOTERS

A2B Removals (Spain/UK) …...........................……..634 249787 Almanzora S.L. (Desert Springs) ...............................950 467104 Andy (Trailer hire/drive) (Mojácar) ……...........…………..600 225 929 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

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Countdown Removals (UK/Spain/UK) ..................…678 Dave’s Transport (International / Local)....................620 De Lima’s (Mojácar Playa)..................950 615364 / 674 English Move (Tony) ….............................................699

855994 RESTAURANTS 049524 See also Chinese Restaurants & Pizzerias 280268 Agua Amarga 819213 La Chumbera ............................................................950 168321 Restaurant Family ......................................................950 138014

Aguilas 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 Eurozone Removals UK(0034) 7786945300 Spain (0034) 662 569138

Club de Tenis …….....................................…………..667 El Gallego ...........................................950 120590 / 615 La Cena ……........................................……………….950 La Parrilla ................................................................950 Mesón de Irene ………........................647 730103 / 950 Paché ….....................................................................950 The New Delhi (Indian) ……...........….950 431705 / 639

671578 717978 430930 430024 430145 431659 231507

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

Antas

Indalo Transport .......................................................634 336468

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 Los Pastores .............................................................950 468002 J & B Removals (Albox) …......…………625 692273 / 616 888058 James & Son Removals, Storage & Pet Transportation .651 519307 Cerro Gordo Location Warehousing S.L. (Antas) .............................950 391412 Bistro Bonita .......................................650 599739 / 950 930169 Moves2Spain (Antas) ..........................950 452869 / 661 969393 Cortijo Grande 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 The Attic (House Clearance) …….….672 184354 / 648 250699

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Casa Los Pinos ……......................…..950 468236 / 619 136877 La Finca Listonero .....................................................950 982045

Cucador La Vida

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

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

El Campico (Bédar-Lubrin) La Montaña ................................................................670 589788

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

El Pinar

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

Bar El Pinar ........................................634 363834 / 634 397559

Limaria

Garrucha

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

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

La Alfoquía

460588 133154 133928 711997 451935 460604 617131 133043

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

Los Gallardos Apolo ……...................................................…………..600 El Naranjo ….............................................................950 La Cumbre ...................................... 950 888126 / 629 Meson Verfran ..............................................………637 Miraflores ...........................................679 970399 / 609

495182 398799 030438 810143 506869

Lucainena de Las Torres

008003 Venta el Museo ........................................................950 364200 393235 Mojácar See also Mojácar Pueblo 684855 Al Punto (Brazilian) ...................................................950 475899 919025 Antonella (Italian) (See p.31)...............................……..950 450215 Arriba ................................................950 615591 / 654 595826 Las Alparatas (Mojácar) La Capilla (See p.11).................................................950 479305 Asador Ayerbe ..........................................................950 472951 Azeefa (Indian) ...................................950 109758 / 660 173987 Bar La Unión ...........................................................642 Cielos …..................................................................634 El Local ……......................................950 634449 / 633 Los Mellízos …………................................……………667

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Badger’s ...................................................................950 478525 Eudoxia (Greek) ……….................................………. 663 Imperial (Italian) .......................................................950 Il Giardino (Italian) ....................................................642 La Cabaña (See p.57)...............................................950 La Cantina (Mexican) ................................................950

Bar Alizee ...............................................................950 091810 Beachcomber …..................................................…..950 473099 Bollywood (Indian) ......................................950473166 Bowen Resto Bar .............................. 666 406203 / 634 357654 Burladero ...................................................................950 615041 Cafetería Pizzería Alcazaba ………...........................645 414793 Cantina Don Pancho ................................................950 472543 Capri (Italian) ...........................................................950 615067 Captain’s Tapas Bar & Restaurant ...........................617 477797 Casa Egea .................................................................950 472190

Casablanca ...............................................................950 Costa Macaroni (Italian)..(See p.115).......................603 Cowboy Cocina ..........................................................950 d’Angelo ....................................................................950

Delfín Dorado......................................950 475212 / 645 Dolce Vita (See p.17)...............................................950 El Albir .....................................................................670 El Corralejo (Mexican) ..............................................950 El Deseo .................................................................670 El Gaucho ................................................................950 Enrico (Mojácar Playa) ......................950 472995 / 634

314445 478098 553699 615179 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 Pica.....................................................................950 930744 La Posada …............................................................661 595845 La Table de Cathy (French) …..............…………….650 745807 Los Amigos …….................................…………………950 478489 Mesón Felipe San Bernabé ...................…………….950 475966 Meson Mémé …........…………………..674 141159 / 647 954405 Mandala Beach Club ................................................950 437131 Meson de Perico ....................................................950 615582 Moby Dick …............................................................631 809653 Mountains of the Moon (Indian) ..............................950 472002 Mont Martre (French) ..............................................634 388867

472474 854640 472924 478517

220095 478476 500843 615537 018035 478846 899515

Neo Beach Club ......................................……………..950 473006 Neptuno Beach Club (See p.19)..............................…616 005387 Omega ........................................................................950 475317 Ostería Ristorante Italiano .........................................950 615151 Ottocento (Italian).......................................................950 615100 Palacio Imperial Marina (Thai, Japanese, Chinese) ...950 472208 Parador de Mojácar ...................................................950 478250 Playa Blanca (See p.33).............................................950 473001 Pulcinella (Italian) (See p.51).............……………….950 109652 Restaurante Asiatico Yao …......................................686 998409 Restaurante Mediterráneo ..........................................950 472268 Sal Marina .................................................................950 472405

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The Irish Rover ........................................................950 The Kimrick .................................................................950 The Lemon ....................……...............................…….950 The Phoenician Golf (See p.2)....................................603 The Roof Garden (See p.29)....................................674 Torre Bahía ...............................................................950 Trufibar ....................................................................664 Viva .........................................................................663

473135 475198 472659 279612 113218 478651 103611 496524

Santopetar El Molino ....................................................................950 930179

Turre

Chili .................................................608 802227 / 950 468425 Hostal Rural .............................................................950 478806 La Estancia (Argentinean) ….............654 562449 / 695 167831 La Pará …………………….................................…….637 545590 Pizzeria El Desvío (Turre) ........................................607 804488 Mojácar Pueblo Pizzeria-Restaurante Mari Cruz ……....................…..950 479646 Arlequíno ..........................................950 478037 / 649 337781 Romerijo ………………........................…………………678 083758 Casa Minguito ………...............................................950 478614 Taj (Indian) ..................................................................950 479607 El Ángel ..........................................950 478343 / 607 537101 Urcal El Antler ……....................................................……600 540661 The Palms …………...............................950 958167 / 678 832036 El Palacio …........................................950 472846 / 606 363788 Vera El Reclamo …….......................................................950 472881 La Candela …...........................................................647 724367 Carmona ...................................................................950 390760 Pulcinella (Italian) (See p.51)...................................950 478401 Casa de la Vega ......................................................950 391208 Restaurante Aires del Sur ..................606 061811 / 950 478014 Cortijo Albari ..............................................................950 391706 Restaurante Calima ………………........................….663 286962 El Paseo de Oscar ...................................................950 392496 Restaurante Mamabel's ....................... 663 700542 / 950 472448 Gran Muralla (Wok Buffet) ..........................................950 391691 Rincón de Embrujo …....................…………………….600 531270 Vera Playa Rincon de Zahorí ................................630 314400 / 625 103672 b2 Mohana (Argentinean) ........................................678 642856 El Balconcito .............................................................635 589909 Palomares The Oasis Bar ...................................950 467381 / 676 365010 La Buena Mesa …………..…................950 467222 / 610 356387 La Pampa (Argentinean Grill) ……….950 397702 / 671 653116 Partaloa Mis Amigos ..............................................…………….671 608498 Lua (Italian) ...............................................................950 478202 Restaurante Tibu (See p.53)......................................950 133747 Pulpí El Saloon .....................................................................665 731798 Taj Mahal (Indian) …............……………950 618691 / 671 231465 The Blue Parrot ......................................................950 467682 Pueblo Laguna Dalí ............................................................................950 132345 Villaricos Restaurant Laguna …………….........................……..950 132566 Don Tadeo ..................................................................670 860386 Goah ........................................................................950 467030 San Juan de Los Terreros Mi Cortijo …………......................................................950 466323

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La Esperanza ............................................................625 737025 Digital Vision (See p. 49) ..................950 472081 / 645 294064 Los Angeles ..............................................................617 952760 Europa-digital ....................................950 133233 / 678 332815 Los Conteros .....................................950 618629 / 699 010705 GSF Communications (Mojácar) ..................................950 473102 Solo Satellite & Air-Con. (See p.47)......950 528334 / 699 909737

ZURGENA

SCREENED PATIO & POOL ENCLOSURES

Tiger Bar (Indian) …..................................................950 449000

RETRACTABLE ROOF SYSTEMS

Enclose My Pool ...............................606 040462 / 670 510097 Inside Out In Europe S.L. .................677 114576 / 695 118960 ROOFING Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196 Ark Roofing ...............................................................634 379173 Screenmasters (See p.43)......….…..680 777789 / 677 152911 The Patio People ………….......................................610 345011 RUGS & CARPETS Uk Pool Enclosures ……...............……671 208847 / 677 351324 Albox Rugs (Albox) ...........................607 375697 / 950 633149 Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196

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

493215 049229 321404 040963

SECOND HAND De Lima’s Furniture (Mojácar Playa)......950 615364 / 674 280268 Designer Thrift (Albox) ...........................................950 064576 Merka Recycla (Huércal Overa) .........950 616683 / 666 577006 Second Time Around (Albox) .......................................950 431871 Selecciones (Turre) ..................................................634 347295 RURAL TOURISM The Fundraiser (Turre) .............................................664 620288 2 Poplars (Velez Blanco) ……...............................….670 243856 The Treasure Trove (Turre) ……….................………..666 281316 Cortijo Pocio de la Nava (Mojácar) ............................670 777752 SECURITY & SAFES See Alarms Mi Abuela Maria (Mojácar) ……..........................……659 198424

SEPTIC TANK SERVICE

SATELLITE TV

ABC (A Better Climate) .....................647 247494 / 950 092604 Drainage Solutions …...........………….616 531283 / 670 Cuevasat ...........................................950 523740 / 628 153340 Blocked DrainsRUs ............................950 091109 / 648 DCM Digitek Comms (Mojácar) (See p.59) .950 472947 / 670 084438 Ginés Millán (All areas) ……….............(after 4pm) 607 Lymasur (Vera) ……..........................950 390732 / 609 Sepserve (All areas) …..............................................675 Septic Tanks Cleaned ……….....................…………..675

088966 768587 366355 442695 838808 838808

SEWING Aldana Dressmaking & Alterations …..........………….658 588439 Alice .........................................................................620 876485 Bewitching Stitching (Arboleas Area) ……..............…666 056788 Coser y Planchar (Vera) .........................................689 303765 J.F.M. Modas Sedal (Turre) ..............950 468031 / 606 945502 House of James (Zurgena) .....................................649 503875 Lola Alterations & Repairs (Mojácar Playa) .950 475994 / 637 963835 Sewing Problems ......................................................950 479278 Shandmade (knit & sew) ............................................630 833873 Solo Style .............................................950 528334 / 626 319907

SHOE REPAIRS Keys Copy Centre (Mojácar Playa) ..........................950 472982

SHOPPING CENTRES Centro Mediterráneo (Almería) ..................................950 144287 Gran Plaza (Roquetas de Mar) ..................................950 328732

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Alonso & Garrido (Albox) ...........................................950 121040 SIGNS (Shop & Vehicle) Ian (Hand Painted) …………….....................………..634 313796 Alonso & Haro (Vera) ..............................................950 392208 Idea (Huércal Overa) ...............................................605 162709 AM & RG (Mojácar) ………….............950 478984 / 649 286437 Pronto Printing (La Buganvillas) (See cover).............950 133492 AVSA Lawyers (Aguilas) ..........................................968 446576 Babelia (Mojácar) ……..........…........635 577562 / 950 397114 SKIN TREATMENTS Francesca Herman (See p.37)....….......................….687 480694 C & P Solicitors (Mojácar) ….....…………950 460731 / 675 383 160 Casas Almería (Huércal Overa) .................................950 134434 SKIP HIRE Davies Solicitors (Mojácar) ........................................950 472775 Aridos Mojácar S.L. .................................................650 914257 EuroAbogados (Vera) .................................................950 617017 Servacon .................................................................950 475853

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

SOLAR ENERGY See also Alternative Energy DCM Digitek Comms (Mojácar) (See page 59)...........950 472947 Ecocorp (See p.3)......................................................671 716597

Hi-Tec Solar (Turre) ............................609 888549 / 950 Hispavan Solar ..................................950 047033 / 687 Solartech (Las Buganvillas) …..............................….950 Sunergy Almeria ........................................................636

SOLICITORS

468230 845730 139568 261240 Javier Loustau (Mojácar) .........................................950 475086 José Francisco López Molina .............950 133607 / 635 189986

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Lopez & León Solicitors (Garrucha) ..950 888314 / 666 513917 Mario Redondo (Albox) ….................950 430222 / 626 389322 Martínez Echevarría (Mojácar) .................................950 268438 Miguel Angel Rojas Benitez .......................................950 615404 Pablo Suarez (Purchena) ..........................................610 014680 Mundi Abogados (Las Buganvillas) ........................950 460999 Ross Legal Services (Aguilas) .................................968 412321 Ruiz Orozco (Vera) ..................................................950 390282 Saugar Abogados (Mojácar) ......................................950 615038

SPAS IndalOcio (Arboleas) ................................................850 993090 d’Angelo (Mojácar Playa) ..............................................950 478517 Sundance Spas (Mojácar) .........................................950 472845 Enrico (Mojácar Playa) ..........................950 472995 / 634 899515 Taj (Indian, Turre) ........................................................950 479607

TATTOO ARTISTS Body-Zone Tattoo (Mojácar) ……………......................634 336789 Lisa V Tattoos (Cantoria) ....................634 362737 / 642 024810 Oscar (Mojácar Pueblo) …................................…….629 944374

TAXIS (Legal) Levante Radio Taxis (all areas)................................950 888111 Exclusive Shuttles pre-booked airport taxis (office hours).950 092602 Taxi Emilia (Arboleas) ..............................................618 968497

TELECOMMUNICATIONS Albox-Online ………..............................…………….950 091111 AlmeriNet-Cheap Calls .........................950 479517 / 627 027758 Euphony Mojacar .........................................................677 146592 Connexions (Turre) (See front cover)..........................950 479502 Indalphone ...................................(Mojácar) 950 475784 / 622 455 608 Indalphone ...........................................(Huércal-Overa) 950 471470

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

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

SURVEYORS Philip Chesler (Chartered Surveyor).............................687 814369 Property Inspection Report (Architect D. González) ..686 846624 GSF Communications (Mojácar) ..................................950 473102 Sapphire Surveyors ………...................950 064725 / 671 208782 Maso Telefonia (Albox) ……..............................………….950 121279 MaxiMovil – Plus S.L. Orange ....................................950 393538 SWEET SHOPS Next .............................................................................950 479369 Forget Me Not (Las Buganvillas)..............................663 302740 Servcom (Turre) ........................................................902 023268 La Vida Dulce Sweet shop (Albox) .........................671 851135 Telitec Connections S.L. ..............……902 889070 / 965 743473 The Phone House (Albox) …………….950 121045 / 670 359698 TAKEAWAYS WiFi Internet .............................................................950 615156

See also Chinese Restaurants, Fish & Chips & Pizzerias

TILING & PATIO WORK

Azeefa (Indian, Mojácar Playa) .............950 109758 / 660 173987 1 Stop Paving (Albox) ………................................…634 BiancoRossi (Mojácar Playa) ...................................950 472682 ABS Advanced Building Services ..............................687 Cornish Pride (Albox) …....................................………666 618933 A.J.B. Tiling Services ...............................................687 Andalucian Con Co Print .........................................628

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313939 846016 024884 408197

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Arboleas Paving ……………...............................…….636 092632 Borders .....................................................................647 803030 C.I.S Services (Arboleas) ........................................619 693118 Curtis Helm Multiservices .........................................610 394815 Diamond Plastering and Building Services ..............671 717149 Elegant Homes S.L. ..............................950 092603 / 687 629777 Garden Works .....................................950 132518 / 666 847583 Mode Services ...................................950 525790 / 687 033106 Saxon’s Complete Building Services ......618 920126 / 686 377172 Steve Holman .......................................................... 697 678708 United Tile ................................................................667 702817 Vision Design & Build ...............................................672 153298

TIMBER SUPPLIERS Wood2Go ..............................................950 614050 / 606 156151

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 Wind Instruments .....................................................659 022604

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

TV & AUDIO REPAIRS

Ponce S.L. (Garrucha) ..............................................950 617181 Almería Castle ………............................................…950 271617 Seth Pittham (Zurgena).......................950 634477 / 666 826886 Almería Solar Centre ( Nr.Tabernas) ....950 387990 / 670 866122 Aquarium (Roquetas de Mar) ...................................950 160036 Camelus (Mojácar Camel Rides) ………663 930272 / 950 100076 Fort Bravo – Western theme park (Tabernas) .....….950 165405 Nautarium (Sea Museum) (Garrucha) ………………….950 139554 Oasys Western Park & Zoo (Tabernas) ….............….950 365236 Tanks in Spain (tank trips) ..............950 527003 / 663 758113 Water Park (Vera Playa) …...................................…..902 361294 Western Leone Theme park (Tabernas) …............…950 165405

TRANSLATING see Interpreters TRAVEL Autocares Rodriguez (Coaches) ...............................950 469061 Halcón Viajes (Vera) ................................................950 393472 Exclusive Airport Shuttles (See p.56)....950 092602 / 634 317666 Mojácar Tours (Mojácar Playa) ...........................…..950 475757 Viajes Yedra Tours (Aguilas) ...................................968 412498 Viajes Zafiro Tours (Aguilas) ....................................968 410197 Zafiro Tours (Albox) ………..................................……950 121021

TUITION Computer Training & Tuition Call Out (Dani) ...........678 490639 Dave Eccles (Drum lessons) ..............950 525790 / 687 033106 UNIFORMS Eco Spanish Tuition (Bédar) ...................................666 249197 ELC Education & Language Centre .........................950 615489 Tikka Uniforms & Shoes (Mojácar) …..........................950 472662 English language tuition …….....................................666 249197 Uniformes de Levante (Los Gallardos & Vera) ..........902 110218 Espanglish .........................................950 390037 / 950 392876 UPHOLSTERY Gemma (Spanish classes) ....................................600 804248 Girasol, Albox (Spanish) ..........................................639 089170 Guillermo (Spanish conversation, Antas)...................647 525639 Guitar Lessons ………….....................................…..667 989270 Guitar Lessons (Chris Pottle) ................................950 437606 Guitar, Bass, Music Theory Tuition (Almanzora area) 681 286291 Hind (French & Arabic, Mojácar) ...............................616 605341 Jane Catchlove (Piano/keyboards/violin A.R.C.M) ...950 634402 Jose (Spanish Lessons) ..........................................667 303376 Kinder Garrucha (Bilingual Education Centre)..950 047026 / 671 608519 La Galeria Art Classes (Albox) …..............................663 341904 Laberinto (Spanish, English, French, Dutch) .............609 781438

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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 A-A Cargo …………...........................950 064778 / 634 337185 Andy (Trailer hire/drive) (Mojácar) ……...........…………..600 225 929 IDP Services ……........................................................608 238775 Indalo Transport .......................................................634 336468 Justin ……….........................................................….627 907207 Mal Van Man ............................................................662 569138 Storage Solutions (Arboleas) ................950 930316 / 671 220105 Way 2 Go (UK/Spain) ……UK 0044 208 0904292 / 965 794682

VEHICLE IMPORTATION Arboleas Car Centre S.L. ...................672 755532 / Fernando .................................................................

Hispavan vehicle importation ..............950 047033 / Talleres Daydo (Antas Real) ….……….950 459116 /

672 677 687 607

755522 549247 845730 373298

VEHICLE REPAIRS Arboleas Car Centre S.L. ...................672 755532 / 672 755522 Auto Corner (Turre/Los Gallardos) ….950 069198 / 667 439671 Auto Shine Body Repairs ………........607 324623 / 607 324624 CostaCoches ...........................................................950 459209 Gómez Motor (Huércal-Overa) ............662 502895 / 950 471250 Mojácar Motor (Mojácar Playa) ……..950 478335 / 950 475776 Ralf Motors Levante SL ...............................................950 393776 SRS Vehicle Services ................................................950 449095 Steve Kelly (Auto Electrician) Mojácar …..........……..607 373324 Taller Daydo (El Real) .........................950 459116 / 607 373298

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Free directory entries.

Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com DB Autos (Kyle) ……………...............................…….678 Mike's Mobile Mechanics ….........…….628 350178 / 636 Mobile Tyre Service ..................................................672 Rod's Autos ………..............................950 069480 / 678 Veloc Tuning ECU Remapping Services ..................600

487689 824974 798173 955607 827517

VEHICLE SALES

Talleres Azor ..(Mojácar) 950 478519 ..............(Vera) 950 Talleres Fad (Aguilas) …...........................................968 Talleres Vizcaino (Mojácar) ........................................950 The Garage (Llanos de Arboleas) .......950 930922 / 616 Tyre King (El Real) ................................................950

391400 447565 472104 453813 459253

VEHICLE REPAIRS (MOBILE)

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 Taller Daydo (Antas) …...............……950 459116 / 607 373298 Talleres Azor ...............(Mojácar) 950 478519 (Vera) 950 391400

Adam .........................................................................693 706360 VEHICLE SHIPPING Albox Service Centre S.L. …....................................662 093051 Car Shipping ………………UK 0044 1704 575983 / 671 101220 Auto Frio .............................................950 104488 / 600 827517

VETS

Cool Air (Air Conditioning) (See p.55)......................673 195872

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Animal Care (La Alfoqúia) …....................................950 449064 Astrid (Mojácar) ..............950 472252 Emergencies: 629 099920 Clinica (Albox) ...............950 430814 Emergencies: 617 305784 Clinica Huellas (Aguilas) ...968 447877 Emergencies 629 445327 CliniVet (Turre) …..........................…..950 069780 / 626 171999 Costa Indalo (Mojácar) ....950 475213 Emergencies: 659 957942 Egesta Centro Vetinario (Vélez Rubio) ..950 411208 / 608 438683 Europa (Mojácar) .................950472262 Emergencies: 629 099921 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

WEB SERVICES A1 Web Design ………..........................................….622 493499 Divine Logix ...........................................................617 401332 Image Suite ………........................................................647 918 848 MODS ........................................................................600 284975 Paginasweb .......................................902 005799 / 911 011505 Red Y Web .................................................................661 463834 WebFaze ...........................................................................902 848 085 WebIndalo .................................................................648 514323

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

WEIGHT LOSS See Diet Plans & Weight Loss WINDOW CLEANING

WASHING MACHINE REPAIRS Rod Bridges ………...............................950 473035 / 687 261280

WATER (Tanker Delivery)

Sierra Cabrera Water ...................…………………….693 866558 Cristal Clear Windows (Mojácar) …..........……………634 Idea (Mojácar) ...................................................……..605 WATER PARK J&A Window Cleaning Services ..........950 122452 / 689 Aquavera (Vera Playa) ....................................................950 467 337 James & Craig ....................................634 351052 / 652 Lady Jane Window Cleaning (Arboleas) ...................634 WATER TREATMENTS Ashley Reliable Plumbing ………..........................…..610 052407 Mick ...........................................................................634 Healthy H2O .....................................968 437270 / 647 424430 Teresa Jimenéz …………….............................……..636 JF Supplies Albox ………...............….950 064315 / 660 350246 Woody the Window Cleaner (Almanzora Valley) .......634 Water Filters ……................................................…….600 063303

347193 162709 548824 294104 255373 327075 119538 349665

WINDOW TINTING DB Autos ...................................................................678 487689

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WINDOWS & DOORS

WINES

Andalucian Glass C.B. ........................630 231644 / 636 838484 Direct Trade Windows ............................................. 662 118785 Elper Alutol S.L. .........................................................639 212220 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 Windows & Doors S.L. ..........950 473104 / 669 143036

Bodega Gran Baco (Aguilas) .............................…..968 Enoteca Tikar (Garrucha) ……...........................….950 Isalva (Palomares) ………..........................................615 Valley Wines and Beer ..........................................662

411538 617131 265092 153834

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

Oasys (Tabernas) ....................................................950 365236

The Almería Focus is the magazine that everyone keeps to hand.

If you want to advertise your business, Ortega Windows & Doors .......................................950 090625 Planet Windows …...............................950 449639 / 664 327863 Plas-Tech Windows ...................................................600 320761 Speedyfit (See p.4)..................................950 439228 / 600 006032 Standard Windows (Antas) ........................................950 393121

just call Rob on 619 833 041, Clara (español) on 670 849 265 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com

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113

What’s On Almería Francisco Miralles, a singer who comes from Almería city, performs his first solo concert entitled “El Musical de Mi Vida” (the music of my life) on July 17th at 9.30pm, backed by an orchestra. The venue is the Teatro Apolo in Almería city and tickets are 12 euros.

“Verano de Cine” is a concert of popular film music by the Almería young persons orchestra, joined by the south of Spain equivalent, with a children's choir from Adra, conducted by Michael Thomas. It takes place on July 19th at 9pm, at the Maestro Padilla Auditorio in Almería city, and tickets are 6 euros.

Bollywood Colours of India is a music and dance spectacular performed on Friday, July 24th at 10pm. It depicts the Bollywood film industry and is choreographed by Sunny Singh.

Tickets are 21 & 18 euros.

A summer concert takes place on July 4th at 9.30pm, by the Águilas school of music band. It is a benefit concert for the charity Cáritas.

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 & 6-8pm, or Sat, 11am-1pm. Tickets can be purchased 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.

Aguilas Auditorio Luna de Agosto is a folklore ballet

by Grupo Folklorito Villa de Alhama on July 5th at 9pm, inspired by people who work on the land, particularly with grape growing in the Alhama de Murcia region.

Tickets are 11 euros.

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A concert entitled “La Música de los Años 70” (music from the 70s) takes place on August 2nd at 9pm.

The Águilas band are joined by Spanish, French, and Italian soloists.

Tickets are 5 euros.

Tickets for Águilas auditorio from Viajes Almeida, Águilas tel: 968 410828 or from 2 hours before performances at the box office, or redentradas.com.

What’s On The Dreambeach 2015 festival at Villaricos is on Friday & Saturday, August 7th-8th. The camp site is open from August 6th with a welcome performance by the dj Oliver Heldens and Paco Osuna. Many artistes already confirmed with more to follow.

Tickets are 60 euros, or 75 euros including camping, for both nights.

For full information see www.dreambeach.es Children's Summer Films Huércal-Overa town hall have organized children's films at different locations. “Los Pingúïnos de Madagascar” ( The penguins from Madagascar) is shown on Monday, July 6th at Plaza de los Menas Overa & Santa María del Nieva on July 20th.

“Como Entrenar a tu Dragón” (How to train your dragon) is shown on July 13th at Urcal, and July 27th at San Francisco. All films start at 9.30pm.

“Al-Mariyya, Puerto de Oriente” is an exhibition of objects from the time when the Moors occupied Almería city. It is made up of 300 pieces that were found in an excavation in 1930 at the site of the Grand Mezquita and at the castle in the 1940s-1950s, and i n c l u d e s i te m s f r o m t h e archaeological museum at El Ejido.

Many of the pieces have not been on display before and this is considered a unique opportunity The exhibition runs until Oct. 25th at the Museo de Almería, Carretera de Ronda 91. 10am-1.30pm and 5.15pm-8pm, Tues - Sat, Sundays morning only.

Cortijo El Saltador, Lucainena de las Torres, has a full moon open-air flamenco concert at 10pm on July 3rd. It features a singer, guitar, saxophone and percussion players.

Tickets are 5 euros, and there are drinks & tapas available. For information and bookings tel: 676 437 128, or email: cortijosaltador @yahoo.es The “Nieva Rock 2015 Festival de la Cerveza” (beer festival) takes place from 1pm, July 4th – 2am July 5th, sponsored by the 'Estrella' beer company, with a variety of rock groups. The event takes place at Nieva football ground. Entrance is 10 euros, with a free commemorative brewery beer jug, stalls, food and merchandising. Visitors can drink however much beer they want, free of charge.

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Open Air Painting Competition organised

by Huércal-Overa town - July 4th, at the Santa María de Nieva parish church, 6 km from HuércalOvera. Paintings can show any perspective of the church from any angle, as long as it is represented in the painting.

Artists can register from 8am10am, or 6pm, and at 8pm the paintings will be judged, and prizes awarded. Prize money is 1,000 / 600 / and 400 euros.

More details can be found on the facebook page: fiestasnieva2015

What’s On Miscellaneous The 'MACS' moonwalk takes place on Mojácar playa on Friday, July 3rd, 8pm-midnight.

Trips by Carlos Flamenco performance, July 24th, Teatro Alhambra, Granada, by famous dancer and choreographer, Rafael Amargo, performing his “Poeta en Neuva York” show. Coach, ticket, 1 night in 4* hotel including buffet breakfast, 99 euros.

Barcelona trip, October 13th-17th, 5 days 4 nights b&b, in Senator Barcelona Spa 4* hotel & outings.

395 euros.

For info & bookings call Carlos on 610 681068 or 950 525761

honey tostados, an optional visit to a goat farm, a visit to an agricultural company, and the centre for rural food. There is also a tour of Lubrin village. The cost is 12 euros adults, and 7 euros children, that includes lunch. For more information and bookings contact Anabel Muñoz at the tourist office on 950 477 031 / 6 9 3 416 5 91 o r s e e www.lubrinturismo.com

Trips by Club Taurino Mojácar.

Granada trip. 3 days/ 2 nights, July 8th-10th, in a privately run hotel in the heart of the city, 7 minutes stroll from the Cathedral.

This charming period hotel has good sized rooms surrounding a courtyard, all with en-suite, aircon, kettle, and refrigerator. The hotel does not serve food, (only bottles of wine, etc.), but you are permitted to bring your own food to enjoy and relax in the patio.

There are also many tapas bars and restaurants close by. Price: 139 euros p/p based on 2 sharing.

See www.club-taurinomojacar.com or call Audrey: 950 475261 Lubrin Rural tour The Lubrin town hall tourist department have organised a daily rural tour, subject to bookings. It includes a visit to a honey producer and bee hives, with

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Elvis Tribute. A charity event in aid of Puppy Rescue, Saving Animals Spain & Helping hands, takes place on Sunday July 12th at the Hostal Rural Turre. It features Simon Patrick as Elvis, the European Elvis tribute champion, and DJ Steve King. Tickets are 20 euros for special buffet and show at 7pm, or 12 euros for show only at 8.30pm. For more info or bookings tel: 634 456 701

What’s On The 3rd Mojácar triathlon event takes place on July 12th at 10am, at the Macenas beach. It consists of swimming 1,000 metres, 18 kilometres on a mountain bike, and 6 kilometres of running. For more info and to sign up as a competitor, see http://www.todofondo.net/ tripticovirtual.php?IdPrueba=1479 The 4th Mojácar swimming race is on August 8th at 12 noon, at the Playa del Cantal beach.

There are 3 categories: young people, adults and veterans.

Mojácar petanque championship, August 22nd starting 5pm, at petanque area on Mojácar beach. Entry fee is 5 euros per adult, and winners receive a trophy, and other goodies.

The 31st Mojácar road race (part of the Mojácar patron saint fiesta weekend activities) takes place on August 29th, starting at the Plaza Nueva in Mojácar pueblo.

The main race is 10,000 metres, around Mojácar, starting at 7.30pm. There are various shorter races for young children, and young persons, from 5pm.

Free Spanish lessons in Palomares and Cuevas del Almanzora Centro de Educación Permanente "Dolores Bernal Martínez". More info by email: 04500453.edu@juntadeandaluci a.es PAWS/PATAS needs an admin facilitator to relieve the hardpressed shelter managers, and this is a paid position. They also need a fund-raising co-ordinator, to support the valuable work being done to raise badly needed money.

For more details see: www.pawspatas.org/news_administrators_ wanted.php. There is also a crisis and an urgent need for live-in volunteers until July 20th. They need people to stay in the two mobile homes on site. If you can h e l p , m o r e d et a i l s f r o m : antoinettevanbeek@gmail.com or 693 770 538.

PAWS A Book, CD and DVD sale is held every second Tuesday of the month at the Beachcomber Bar, Mojacar Playa, 11am - 1 pm to raise funds for Mojácar PAWS Cattery.

Ingrid Blanker is one of the leading lights for “PAWS” in Holland. She is undertaking a gruelling four day walking event in Holland, from July 15th-18th.

The walk is 40km per day, around Nijmegen, where there is a big festival at the time. You can sponsor Ingrid for 1, 2, 3, or the 4 days, at 10 euros per day. Please donate to “Sponsor Ingrid” by bank transfer to IBAN: ES7630580186342720002653 BIC-SWIFT: CCRIES2A. at Cajamar Bank, 04639 Los Gallardos, Almeria, Spain, or click on pay-pal option at www.paws-pata.org.

The Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Forum Golf Society Events July 10th, double par medal at Aguilon; July 24th, pairs two person scramble at Alboran For further information, contact Phil Elam on 666 847840 / philjelam@yahoo.co.uk, or see www.forumgolfsociety.webs.com

Send details of your events to almeriafocus@gmail.com

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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 Cuevas del Almanzora, Olula del Río, Carboneras, Sorbas Garrucha, Turre, Zurgena Aguilas, Vera, Arboleas, Vélez Rubio Villaricos, Purias, San Juan de los Terreros

Rastros, Car Boot Sales, etc.

Wednesday: Bar Anita, Los Gallardos, Sorbas road after motorway junction La Cabina, opposite El Cid, Mojácar Playa, 10am - 3pm Thursday: Ankara chiringuito, Mojácar Playa, 10am - 3pm Saturday: Rastro, Mojácar Playa, opp. Red Cross, 9am - 2pm 1st Sun. lunchtime of the month: Bar La Montaña Farmers' Market Sunday morning: Los Gallardos Campsite Multiple Use Centre (Artisan Centre), Mojácar Village Last Sunday of the month: Velez Rubio on Industrial estate 2nd Sunday of the month: Bédar, from 9am

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Activities - Clubs - Associations Clubs, Societies & Activities Almanzora Group of Friends Library and Information Centre, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat, 10am–1pm . Avda.

Lepanto, Albox (next to Jacks). Extensive English Library, DVD’s and Talking Books.

Trips and other social events. Tel: 634 343 147 www.almanzoragof.org Almería Link Friendship Group Wednesday, 8 for 8.30pm at the Kimrick, Mojácar Playa. All welcome. Info from Johnny 950 478899 or Barbara 697 640 698 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 Club Taurino de Mojácar Social club meets Thursdays 1-3pm.

Contact Mike or Audrey on 950 475 261 w w w. c l u b - t a u r i n o - m o j a c a r. c o m WOW Women on Wednesday The Loft, Mojácar Playa, from 1.30pm.

Get together, buy, sell, swap, meet new people.

Dames in Huércal Overa 3rd Wed. of the month, 10.30am, Tennis Club. Tel. Sue 661 190 190 Dames in Spain 3rd Monday of the month, 11 am, The Parador, Mojacar. Chairman Irene Benson, Secretary Iris Hamilton 950 475 863.

Guests welcome.

Dames in Turre 11am, last Mon in the month, Hostal Rural, Turre. Talks, trips, support for local charities Guests welcome. Tel.: Secretary Pam Smith 677 543 031 or President Lesley Barlow 950 478 633 Mojácar Community Library Multi-Use centre. Mon, Wed and Fri, 11am - 1pm .

The Write Thing Los Gallardos, Wednesdays, 10.30 - 1pm, Tel Kate: 950 469540 The Royal British Legion, Mojácar Branch, The Artisan Centre, 1st and 3rd Thurs. of each month, 11:15am. All welcome inc. non-services personnel.

For enquiries & Welfare call 634 368 349 www.britishlegion.org.uk/ranches/ mojacar/news-events.

The Royal British Legion - Albox Meeting held on the 3rd Thursday of the month, 11am, Coffee morning on 1 s t T h u r s d ay, 10 . 3 0 a m , b oth at La Parrilla, Albox. Contact Filip Ostrowski, Chairman, Tel: 950 066 037 , email: ossiesinspain@yahoo.co.uk or see britishlegion.org.uk/branches/albox for further details. Everyone welcome, you do not have to be ex services to join.

Cabrea Music Club For info call Richard: 666 274 861 cabreramusicclub@albox-online.net

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

Vera Photo Club First Sun of month, The Blue Parrot.

Vera Playa. 9.30am - 12.30pm. All levels welcome. Models needed. Phone Sarah 670003717 or Claus 628585538.

Almeria Strings Folk Club Third Thursday of the month, 8pm, at Romerijo, Turre. Free admission. For further information about our monthly folk night and other acoustic music events, see www.almeriastrings.org or call 634 347 930

Ancestry Club for Beginners & Intermediate Mojácar Walking Group El Poli Bar, Partaloa. Thursdays, 2pmWalks of different levels. Tues & Thurs. 4pm. Free membership unless research www.mojacarwalkinggroup.com or tel: required. Tel. 634 309 590 950 467 679 Betty's Garden Club Mojácar Bridge Club 11.30 for 12 noon, 2nd Monday of the Monday and Wednesdays 7pm. in month at Miraflores Restaurant, Community Hall, nr Main Square, Turre. Camping Los Gallardos except in July Contact Les 950 437 100 and August.. All welcome. Tel: 603 587 Psychic Development Circle 805 Various classes at different times. Flamenco Forum for English Everyone welcome. Tel: Barbara 637 Speakers 469 937 barbaramoonlight@gmail.com on Facebook. Information and events.

Tel: 687 480 694 The Helping Hands Support for Animals and People alike. Mojacar Computer & Electronics Registered charity. Tel: 968 48 29 48 Club Saturdays, Beachcomber, Mojácar Playa.

AUAN - Abusos Urbanisticos 10.30 – 12 noon, Laptops. 12 noon – Almanzora No. Association campaigning for the 1pm, smart phones, tablets, cameras, legalisation of homes in the Almanzora etc Valley built without proper authority. Universal Wonderful Street Meeings on 3rd Sat. of every other Academy month, 11am, La Parrilla, Albox. Tel: 617 NGO that supports street children in 118 209 www.almanzora-au.org Accra (Ghana). Registered charity. www.universalwonderfulstreetacade The Divine Life Society, Almeria my.org Branch Lotus Yoga Centre, Mojácar. Evening FACE of Meditation and a talk, 1st Fri of the (Fundraising in Arboleas, Caring for month, 7.30pm. Spiritual Cinema, 3rd Everyone). Registered charity. Tel: Fri of the month, 7.30pm. Meditation 667255094 www.face-charity.com and Yoga classes. Tel Sharon 950 469122 Free Masons or 672 061 048 or omsharon50 Contact: 950 36 90 33 @gmail.com Freemasons in Albox Vera & District Lions Club.

Mark, RAM, R&SM, OSM, Allied 5.00pm on the first Wednesday of the 950 439 242 month at El Gnomo Feliz restaurant, Vera. Telephone Sandie Tinkham on 950 Send details of your club, 439324 or Pam Mattioli on 950069249 society or activity to for more information. almeriafocus@gmail.com Tel: 670 849 265 Fax: 950 472 441

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Activities - Clubs - Associations Clubs, Societies & Activities

Religious Groups & Churches

Amigos del Coches Clasicos Local, multi-national group of classic car enthusiasts hold regular monthly meetings. www.a-c-c.es, email: info@ac-c.es, tel. David 950 412 165

Church of England Costa Calida and Costa Almeria Priest: Reverend Pauline Williams 950 956 166/687 250 860 Mojacar: Eucharist, Sunday, 11am, at the church of San Pascual, Agua de Enmedio.

Albox: Eucharist, 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 WardenPam Carter 667947573 or visit www.mojacar church.org

Cabrera Slot Car Club Thursdays, 4-7pm. Tel: 950091130 or 666 274 861 Model Aero Flying Club Sun. & Wed., 10.30am. Contact Johnny Hayes: 950 478 899 Aeroclub ULM Günter (Vera) Tel: 607 316 553

Albox Computer Club Hotel La Parrilla, Albox. Fri, 10am. All levels of experience are welcomed. www.alboxcc.com alboxcc@gmail.com - or call David on 950 064 311 or Living Water Church Mojacar 687904739 An Evangelical informal service, 4.00pm Sunday, opp. Red Cross, Mojácar Playa.

Indalo Hash House Harriers Meet 2nd and 4th Sunday, 11am, various Pastor David Hamilton 697522521 John locations. For further information please 950529321 Margaret 950477063 c o n t a c t R o y S t e v e n s E m a i l : www.livingwaterchurchmojacar.com indaloh3@gmail.com Tel: 660 887 723 Mojácar Angling Club Tel. John (Beachcomber): 950 473 099

Puerto Lumbreras Christian Fellowship Every 1st and 3rd Sunday each month at 11.00 am. Phone for exact location (now at their house) Tel 619453283 or 968 018 228 Paul and Sandra Santa Cruz Christian Fellowship Sundays and midweek in Albox and surrounding areas. Contact 677 087 257 or santacruzalbox@gmail.com FGBMFI (Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International), Monthly Breakfast Meetings. 10a.m., the Kimrick, Mojacar Playa. Guest speakers give personal testimonies. Booking necessary. Tel: 950 168 349 David Templeman

Support Groups

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 Iglesia Evangelica 864 or email mike@aaspain.org C/Hermanos Machado (opposite El Arbol On Public Holidays when the Artisan Supermarket) Cuevas del Almanzora. Centre is closed, the Tuesday meeting Spanish sermon translated into English. will be at the Living Water Church.

Sundays 7pm. Tel Carmela: 950 132 792 Parkinson's Disease Support

Ladies Darts Group Wednesdays 7.30pm at La Vida, Cucador, call Margaret on 950 63 45 62 The Evangelical Church, Turre Avda de Almeria on the corner of Meditation For Everyone C/Alberquillica . Sunday 10.30am.

At Sansonora, Mojacar Playa, Weds, Tuesday 3pm Bible Studying. Midweek 12.15 - 1.45 p.m. No prior experience prayer meeting. Tel. 950 617549 or 950 neded. All welcome. Nadine - 634 347 47 2 3 4 9 . w w w. t u r r e c h u r c h . c o m 930 www.pathwaystomeditation.com Kingdom Hall, Jehovah's Witnesses Tues 7:30pm & Sun 10.00am. Poligono Aljoroque - C/El Cajete 6, Antas. Contact: 652 293 269

Contact Joyce Boxall (Santa Maria de Nieva, Huércal-Overa), tel 677 688037 Age Support Almanzora Shop, Plaza Padre Arias in Arboleas village (the square with the bakery and hairdresser) six days a week 10-1.30. Tel: 634333544,

MACS Cancer Support Group General Enquiries call 634 328 334 10am to 4pm. 24/7 Careline: 634 656 555.

Antas Church Fully Spanish registered charity.

In Jauro village (signposted from the Shops in Mojácar, Turre, Albox and Cajamar in Antas). Informal structured Huercal-Overa open Mon-Fri, 10-2pm worship in a friendly atmosphere. 2nd www.macscancersupport.com Email: & 4th Sun each month, 11am., m a c s c a n c e r s u p p o r t @ l i v e . c o . u k Community Room (Salon Social), Antas Ostomist Support For Expats village church. Geraldine or Barrie tel. Call Dee 950 064 322 in confidence.

662 169 691 www.antaschurch.com Stepping Stones Carers Support Aguaviva Evangelical Church Group Near the health Centre, opposite Bici- Turre Evangelical Hall, Thurs, 11am-2pm.

Box, Albox. Tel: Rod Southwood, 687 Tel 950 472822 or 677 683385 560 544 www.steppingstonescarersgroup.wee bly.com

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Activities - Clubs - Associations Arts & Crafts

Dance

Sewing Group, Mojacar, meet at La Dolce Vita for sewing, knitting etc. Weds 10.30 - 12.30. Tel: Brenda 649 069 228 or Sylvia 628 006 197.

Eleanor & Gilly's Line Dance Class Jack's Bar, Albox, Mondays, 2.30 4.30pm. All levels welcome. No partners required. 3.80 euros per person. Tel: 950 439 003.

Knitting circle, Mojácar Beginers to experienced, all welcome.

Wednesday 11-1, Mojácar Playa Call Rosemary 635 192 109

Line Dancing Carrie 'Dusty Boots', Jacks Bar - Albox 7.15 p.m First Steps into Line Dancing, 8p.m Beginner to intermediate. All types of music, no partner required.

3 euros entry. Tel: 627 279 584 dustyboots@mail.com

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.

Wine, nibbles, pottery, paints & raffle included 10 euros SimplyArt 662 443 095 Painting Classes for All Ages Centro de multiusos, local 11, Mojácar.

Mon & Tues, adults 4 - 6 pm, children 6 - 7 pm. 4.50 euros/hour. Pipo Jost Nicolas, tel 950 475326 or 670816030 Art Classes All levels. Thurs, 11-1pm, Miraflores C a m p s i t e . F r i d a y s , 10 : 3 0 a m .

Beachcomber, Mojácar. Tel: 950 699975 or 653 714 767

Yoga Lotus Yoga Centre, Mojácar Mondays. Contact Sharon - 950 469 12 2 o r 6 7 2 0 61 0 4 8 o r omsharon50@gmail.com

Line Dancing Beachcomber Restaurant, Mojácar.

Beginners/Improvers. Mondays, 4pm.

Wednesdays pm, El Romerijo, Turre Contact John 666 200 579 Dance Classes Ballet, Tap, Modern & Fitness. Mojacar.

Tel. Nicky: 667 479 903 or 950 472 662 Ceroc Dancing Kimrick, Mojacar Playa, Tues 8.15pm Beginners/Improvers/Advanced all welcome. Contact Tracey 687251799 Belly Dancing Classes in 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

L.O.T.U.S Integral Yoga Centre Mojácar. Yoga all levels/gentle yoga.

Weds, Fri, Sun. Tel. Parvathi: 636063560

Ready2Rock Rock n Roll Classes Jacks Bar, Monday, 7:30pm Basics to Advanced. Tel: 689892745 or 662 607 371 Dance Classes with Hollie Newell Ballet, tap, contemporary, modern, jazz, lyrical, zumba and more. Based in Turre.

Tel: 634 317 391 Performing Arts Centre DanZaVera 54 Verasol, Vera. Classes include : Royal Academy Ballet, Imperial Society Modern, Tap and Jazz. Also Hip-Hop, Oriental Dance, Spanish Classical. Tel Anita: 670 715 787 Dance Classes at Indigo Gym Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz. Indigo Gym, Mojácar Playa. Contact 950 475 403.

Flamenco Classes Beginners. 10.30am, Saturdays, Beachcomber, Mojácar Playa. No special shoes required. 5 euros.

Drama Groups Indalo Players Telephone Sue Osman on 950 473 021 or email indaloplayer selteatro @gmail.com Independent Theatre Group.

Always looking for new people, novices & full blown Thesbians. Call Ian Jones on 950 436 581 or 666 375 688 or email 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

Sophia Centre Arboleas. 950 449 451 Sansonora, Mojacar Wednesday, 2.30pm. All levels, visitors we l c o m e . S h a r o n 672 0 610 4 8

Stage Struck Childrens Theatre.

Thursdays at Miraflores, Camping Los Gallardos. Juniors, 4 - 6 years, 4.30 5.15; Seniors, 7 - 16 years, 5.30 til 7pm.

All enquiries English and Spanish 608 692 545.

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

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Activities - Clubs - Associations Sports Almería Lawn Bowling Club Contact Shirley: 679 970 399 Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club Contact Doreen Sands: 950 064791 or 690 00 66 81

Tennis Coach Diego Rodriguez Tel: 950 393 851 and 607 021 280 Padel tennis lessons At home. Tel: Ulises Gutiérrez, 606 902 691

Indalo Lawn Bowling Club Contact Toni: 950 468 165 or 647 703 393 wattsmyt@gmail.com

Albox Sub-Aqua Club Wed, 8pm, Travellers Inn (7Km from Albox on Taberno Road).

Mojacar Bowls Club Behind Marina Mar Hotel. Everybody welcome - Tues, Thurs and Sat starting with coffee at 9:30. Contact Verna 610 838 644.

Mojácar Sailing Club Sunday afternoons, Playa Cantal, near Trufi Bar. All ages welcome for crewing or social membership. Contact George on 950 475 428.

Badgers Golf Society Mojacar, play every Wednesday and Saturday. Everyone always welcome.

Contact Mike Daily - mikdaily9@gmail .com tel.664876995 or Andy Mucha Andymucha1@gmail.com tel 634 333 481, or email our society address badgersmojacar@gmail.com

Santa Irene Sailing Club Meets Sundays at 10:30 at the boat yard of the new Marina, with a pre- sail coffee at 11:00 in café La Oficina virtually opposite. Contact Ian 650 618 737 or 671 474 385. ian@roriston.com www.santaireneclubdevela.com All welcome.

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

Garrucha Table Tennis Club Tel Barry on 677 174 430

Forum Golf Society Plays friendly events at local courses twice a month. Tel. Phil Elam: 666 847 84 0 o r p h i l j e l a m @ ya h o o . c o . u k www.forumgolfsociety.webs.com

Mojácar Veterans Football Club Training Weds 7-9. All welcome. Over 35s may register as an official player.

Daniel 637 064 651 Cazadores de Turre Cricket Club.

Welcome new members of all ages and experience. Contact Sam Lewis on 663 132 487 or Derek Larkins 634 361 941

Marina Phoenix Golf Society Visitors welcome Mondays and Thursdays. Telephone 950 162 727 or 600 353 670

Body Control Pilates.

Classes or private. Tel Sharon 638 487 314 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 & Turre Taekwondo 4 years to adults. Various classes & times.

C o n t a c t S e r g e 6 4 6 8 4 47 0 8 . www.tkdspain.webs.com Sophia Wellness Centre, Arboleas Various activities Tel. 950 449 451 Aerobics or Pilates Campo de Futbol, Turre. Contact Vicki 650 764 623 or vicki.lynch@live.co.uk Fitness with Alison Mojácar. Tel. 666 273 168. Full Body Workout, Pilates, AquaZumba, Zumba, Zumba for beginners, Step Aerobics, Total Toning, Aero-Fit. Tel 666 273 168.

Hollie Newell Zumba Almeria Turre, Los Gallardos, Arboleas and San Juan. Contact: 634 317 391

Almería Golf League Contact Les on 950 619 273

Fitness with Pam Aerobics, Jane Fonda workout, Gentle Cardio/Pilates, Hits/Circuit, Limited Mobility. Various locations. Tel: 639 465 631

Albox Club de Tenis Sun & Thurs mornings, Tues afternoons.

Tel Sue: 950 064 369

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

Slimming & Fitness with Pam Various locations. Tel: 639 465 631 pamsslimming@gmail.com

Sansonora, Mojácar Qi Gong, Pilates, Dance. Contact Elena, 630 688 615 or elenasansonora @gmail.com

Valle del Este Golf Society.

We play Tuesday and Friday (9:30). All welcome. Contact Alan Townsend Tel. 690 090982

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

Slimming World Casa Pepa, Turre, Weds 10 am and Thurs, Hostal Meson (Kubatin) Arboleas 1pm.

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

Fitness & Martial Arts Indigo Gym, Mojácar Various activities. Tel: 950 475 403 Girasol, Albox Various activities. Tel 639 089 170

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Betsy Fox Zumba 603493163 – Mojácar and surrounding areas.

Your Stars Caustic language may cause you to want to get out of the house. Be discreet about your personal life or whereabouts. Be mysterious. You will be entertained and intrigued by the logic foreigners possess. Help those incapable of taking care of their personal affairs. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

(Mar. 21- April 20)

You may have to take a short trip to visit someone who hasn't been well. Sudden changes regarding your domestic scene are probable. If you're single, get out there and you'll meet someone new. You will find that friends or relatives may not understand your needs. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

(Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) A little overtime may help you reduce the workload.

You may have problems with those you live with.

Cultural activities open your eyes to new ways of doing things. An older member of your family may have left you with a pressing situation. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

Delays are evident. You can enjoy the company of others and come in contact with an ideal mate if you get out and mingle. Take things slowly, especially for the sake of those you love. Take time to relax. Stress and pressure at home may have worn you ragged. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

(Apr. 21- May 21)

(May 22 - June 21)

(Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You can make favourable changes in your home environment. Remain calm and you'll shine.

Passion should be your goal. Opportunities for romance are present. You may feel that someone at work is holding you back. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

Don't let other people meddle in your private affairs. Family outings should include visiting friends or relatives. You will be prone to carelessness that could result in accidents.

Romance may be better than you ever thought possible. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

(Nov. 23 - Dec. 21)

You can make moves, but they won't be settling.

Don't overspend to impress someone who interests you. You must not let others talk you into doing things that will probably limit you financially at a later date. Your attitudes at work will open new avenues for you. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

You may need the space, but you need the extra cash more. Express your interest if you want the relationship to progress. Don't be a pest or a troublemaker this month. You can discuss your findings behind closed doors with your boss. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

(June 22 - July 22)

(Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) Try not to jump to conclusions. Opportunities for travel and communication are evident.

Concentrate on your career and on making money. Overindulgent people will cause disruptions in your life. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

(July 23 - Aug. 22)

(Jan. 21- Feb. 19)

You will do well in social settings, and new and interesting individuals may spark a romantic curiosity. Look into alternatives that would better suit both your needs. Your emotional life may be up in the air if your mate has been going through a change of heart. You will both have to bend if you want this union to work. Your luckiest events (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) this month will occur on a Sunday.

Take time to re-evaluate your motives regarding friendships. Deception regarding joint finances or investments will cause upsets between family members. Don't prejudge. You may get drawn into a personal situation that will not be to your liking. You can ask for favours or run your ideas by those who will be able to support your objectives. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

Risky ventures may turn in your favour. You could meet an interesting individual you'll want to get to know better. Stress coupled with diet will add to stomach problems. You may find yourself in a romantic situation. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

(Feb. 20 - Mar. 20)

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Jokes of the Month The Blonde Joke

The Lottery

A blonde got really tired of all blonde jokes and decided to hang herself in the bathroom.

As she locked the door, she yelled at her husband, "I'm hanging myself because I'm tired of jokes about us blondes being stupid!"

Her husband broke into the bathroom and saw his wife with a rope tied on her toe. The husband said, "I thought you were hanging yourself."

She said, "Yes, I am!"

The husband replied, "Usually when people hang themselves, they tie the rope around their neck, so why is yours tied on your toe?"

She said, "I tried that, but I couldn't breathe."

"If you win the lottery, the first thing I want you to get me is a face lift and a boob job," said my 49 year old girlfriend as I was checking my ticket. "Well, actually, the first thing I would buy is a reconditioned engine and a respray for my Mondeo," I replied "Why would you waste your money tarting that old thing up, you might as well get yourself a new one," she said.

"My point exactly."

Chucky at the Movies The Farmer and the Cow A farmer was in a bar drinking and looking all depressed.

His friend asked him why he was looking depressed and he replied, "Some things you just can't explain. This morning I was outside milking. As soon as the bucket was full the cow kicked it down with his left foot so I tied up his left to a pole.

I began to fill up the bucket again and he kicked it down with his right foot, so I tied his right to a pole too.

As soon as I finished milkin’ him again he knocked down the bucket with his with his tail and I took off my belt and tied up his tail with my belt.

As I was tying up his tail, my pants dropped down, then my wife came out and well, trust me, some things you just can't explain!

The Husband One day, a man came home and was greeted by his wife dressed in stunningly sexy lingerie.

"Tie me up," she purred, "And you can do anything you want." So he tied her up and went golfing.

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An old farmer went to town to see a movie.

The ticket agent asked, "Sir, what's that on your shoulder?"

The old farmer said, "That's my pet rooster Chucky, wherever I go, Chucky goes."

"I'm sorry sir," said the ticket agent, "We don't allow animals in the theatre."

The old farmer went around the corner and stuffed the bird down his trousers. He returned to the booth, bought a ticket and entered the theatre. He sat down next to two old widows named Mildred and Marge.

The movie started and the rooster began to squirm. The old farmer unzipped his trousers so Chucky could stick his head out and watch the movie.

"Marge," whispered Mildred.

"What?" said Marge.

"I think this guy next to me is a pervert," said Mildred.

"What makes you think that?" asked Marge.

"He unzipped his trousers and he has his thing out," whispered Mildred.

"Well, don't worry about it," said Marge, "At our age we've seen them all."

"I thought so," said Mildred, "But this one is eating my popcorn!"

...and next...

Dr. Dave Dr. Dave slept with one of his patients and felt guilty all day long. No matter how much he tried to forget about it, he couldn't. The guilt and sense of betrayal was overwhelming. But every once in a while, he'd hear an internal voice that said, "Dave, don't worry about it. You aren't the first doctor to sleep with one of their patients, and you won't be the last. And you're single. Let it go."

But invariably, the other voice would bring him back to reality.

"But Dave, you're a vet."

The Doctor's Convention There's a bunch of doctors gathered together at a doctor's convention one night. A male doctor notices a female doctor from across the room. The female doctor notices also and the next thing you know, they're sitting next to each other by the end of dinner.

After dinner, the male asks the woman if she would like to go up to his hotel room. ''Sure,'' the woman says. ''Let me go wash my hands first.''

After she washes her hands, they go to bed.

Afterwards she washes her hands again.

This is really starting to annoy the male doctor so he says, ''You know, you must be a surgeon, because you keep washing your hands.''

Angry at this remark, the woman says, ''Well, you must be an anaesthesiologist, because I didn't feel a thing!''

Heaven A nun comes to her Mother Superior and asks her to hear a confession.

"Today Father Goodwin told me I had the gates of Heaven between my legs, and that he had the Key to Heaven. Then he opened my gates with his key."

"That bastard!" says Mother Superior. "He told me it was Gabriel's trumpet, and I've been blowing it for years."

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Stopped by the Trooper A state trooper just pulled me over.

He walked up to my car and opened his ticket book.

I said, "You're going to try to sell me a ticket to the Louisiana State Trooper Ball aren't you?"

He replied, "Louisiana State Troopers don't have balls."

There was a moment of silence.

Then he closed his book, walked back to his car, and drove away.

Diseases A newlywed couple on their honeymoon prepare to see each other naked for the first time.

The husband exposes his knotted and twisted feet. He explains, "I had tolio as a child."

The wife asks if he means polio. He says, "No, it only affects the toes."

He removes his trousers and reveals deformed knees. He admits, "I had kneesles, too."

Finally, he pulls off his boxers. In shock, the woman gasps, "Oh no -- smallcox, too!"

Coffee Break

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