The Almeria Focus - March 2016 by The Almeria Focus

Introduction & Contents

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

Contents Still the Same! ..................................................................…...10 Focus on Local News …................…………................................…….12 So Now You Know ................................................................................46 What a Mess! ...........................................................................50 Local Earthquakes ..................................................................54 Medical Tourism .......................................................................56 The Almería Prison ................................................................58 Blood: An Amazing Liquid ............................................................60 A Disaster Cover-up ...............................................................62 A-Z Directory ……………….......……................................................66 Useful Numbers ...............................................................................113 What’s On ..................................................................................114 Activities, Clubs and Associations ........................................120 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 April issue is March 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. 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 78.

Still the Same!

ast month we reported how the General Elections last December 20th had resulted in a deadlock and made coalitions of the political parties necessary. It still is! The new key dates are March 2nd and 3rd when there will be a debate and vote in parliament to try to form a government. Whether this will work is still uncertain. We explain the deadlock and possible solutions in an article.

taking place, food and drink consumed, and a general get together. Children often take the day off school, and working adults take the afternoon off. Many businesses will be closed in the afternoon. This is a very local event here in the province, in Mojácar and the surrounding areas. An Easter procession

High winds caused damage in various parts of Almería province at carnival time in 2015. It was identical this year on February 13th-14th. The last parade of the Águilas carnival went ahead and an estimated 30,000 people turned up. In Almería city a show entitled “The Hole 2” was being staged just outside the Maestro Padilla Auditorio. On advice from the meteorological authority and the police, the Saturday night and Sunday matinee performances were cancelled, and after similar advice the Pulpí carnival was cancelled. At the time of going to press, high winds and freezing temperatures are predicted here, along with most The Sunday that is UK Mothering Sunday, or Mother's of Spain. Day, floats with the Easter dates as well, and this year is on March 6th. In Spain, the equivalent event March is the run up to Easter with various events of “Día de la Madre” is the first Sunday in May, so changing their dates along with when Easter is later in the year. March 17th every year is the fixed celebrated each year. Other celebrations are on date of St Patrick's Day, this year a Thursday. fixed dates every year. The first date in March that Spaniards are now quite used to the silly hats and moves with Easter is the very local and strange Guinness. Spanish Father's day (Día de Sán José) is event, “Día de la Vieja” (Old Lady Day). This is held on Saturday, March 19th. In most parts of Spain on the Thursday that is right in the middle of Lent this is a “red” fiesta date, when everything shuts between the Thursday after Ash Wednesday, and down. In Andalucía they swap this date as a full Easter Thursday. This year it takes place on the scale fiesta to Easter (Maundy) Thursday, on March afternoon of March 3rd. Effigies of an old lady 24th this year. There have been discussions for made with wooden crosses and brightly coloured some time as to whether Andalucía should make tissue paper with sweets placed in the head are Día de Sán José a “red” fiesta date in line with the taken into the countryside or an area near the rest of Spain. coast. Stones are thrown to hit the head and release In Spain, Easter week leading up to Easter Sunday the sweets or as in Cuevas, the heads are beaten is the time of very large religious processions in with sticks. The origin of this event is unclear! cities, and lesser ones in towns and villages. These Tradition has it that on this day exactly in the middle are extremely spectacular. of the Easter period, grannies took their grandchildren into the countryside for a picnic. This Beach bars are now sprucing up and planning when was to break up the solemn period of Lent, when to re-open for the spring and summer season. no rich food was eaten, or special treats for children. Various restaurants will have new people running Nowadays this is a family event with barbecues them and some additional ones are opening.

Focus on Local News Unpaid Fines During 2015 a total of 59,000 fines were issued to motorists in Almería province, an average of 160 per day. A discount of 50% is given in almost every case, if payment is made within 20 days. The average time people take to pay fines is 180 days, so six months, and at present 290,000 fines are unpaid! This works out at three per registered vehicle, so if you have no unpaid fines, somebody else has 4, 5, or 6. Speeding fines make up a daily average of 110, out of the 160. In 2014, the fines for speeding in Almería province totalled 800,000 euros, and in all of Andalucía, 27 million euros. If you think you have been unjustly fined, you can make a claim. Some companies will do this for you. Only 1% of drivers do this, and only 13% of those that did were successful. New Sports School Mojácar town hall has launched a sports school where residents can take part in various activities. The aim is to provide facilities for children, but caters for adults as well. They can partake in classes for judo and martial arts, padel tennis, football, and gymnastics. There are also classes for playing chess. Chess classes are held at the Centro de Usos Múltiples (Multiple Use Artisan Centre) on Thursdays from 4pm-5.30pm. Jose Juan Rubio Tapias, the chess master, is the Almería champion and a Spanish team champion. To help people to get in shape, padel tennis takes place at the municipal padel courts at La Mata, on Fridays from 5pm- 6pm and on Saturday mornings from 11am-12 noon. Judo and martial arts classes are held at the Pabellón Municipal (Municipal Sports Pavilion), where the popular children's pre-sports games take place as well. Rhythmic gymnastics is the most popular activity amongst girls, who have high hopes in making their competition début in March this year in Vera. There are football teams in every category, with over one hundred and fifty persons taking part who can achieve success not only at municipal or provincial level, but may also carve out a very promising future in professional football.

A Success Last month we reported that the mayor of Turre, Martín Morales was complaining bitterly that the water supply service from 'Galasa' was poor, an unfair cost in comparison to other towns, and took no account of bad debts. An agreement has now been reached with much better terms. The debt of money owed by the town hall up to December 31st 2015 has been fixed at 650,000 euros. This will be paid off at the rate of 6,000 euros per month, with a 3% increase in following years. This money will come from the amount the Diputación (county council) collect on behalf of the town hall. 'Galasa' will assume responsibility for breakdowns, leaks, and maintenance, and the price of water charged to the town hall will be 70 céntimos per cubic metre, in line with other towns. 'Galasa' will also provide new pipework in various streets, and fit new meters.

El Algarrobico Last month we reported that all the applications to various courts concerning the El Algarrobico hotel in Carboneras had come to an end, but there has been another twist. The Spanish high court ruled on February 18th that the building licence that had been granted by Carboneras town hall was legal, but before construction started the land was re-classified as no longer being urban. So the building should not have gone ahead and the Junta de Andalucía are the owners of the land after they set aside 2.3 million euros as a refund

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Focus on Local News of the purchase price in 2006. So far this has never been paid over and the Junta seemed in no hurry to do this. But, the hotel built on the land is not the property of the Junta! The next question is whether the builders Azata del Sol can claim compensation of 70 million euros that is an independent valuation of the almost completed hotel. A tribunal would have to decide this. The work was stopped in February 2006, so ten years ago. This saga is not over. New Rental Regulations The Junta de Andalucía (the governing body for Almería province) have passed a regulation that directly relates to rented properties in private ownership. This is designed to bring private rentals into the light of day, and impose conditions on the rental terms. The Junta state that there may be 80,000 properties for rent for holidays in Andalucía, but even the approximate number is completely unknown. The regulations compel owners of rental properties to declare them and have them listed in a tourist register. A rental property is decreed to be one where it is habitually offered for rent for money, through agencies, companies, or other means, where reservations can be made. If a rental property is not registered it will be considered to be operating outside the law, and the owner can be fined. Properties have to be registered by May. Once on, a property must have a register of occupants “for public security reasons”. There must be an emergency telephone number, and general medical and tourist information. Bedrooms and lounges should be fitted with air-conditioning from May-September, heating in winter, and have free internet available. A fire extinguisher and first aid kit is required, towels and bed linen supplied, and cleaning before arrival and after departure available. A maximum of four persons per room seems to be advocated, unless a large property is let complete, with a total of 15 people. No extra charges over the advertised rate can be made. Rental periods for two months or more are apparently excluded from these regulations, or when let for a very

short period of time. If a property does not comply with all the regulations straight away, the changes need to be made within 12 months. These are very new regulations; at present, this is how we understand they are supposed to work. If you have a rental property let through an agent, or company, go and see them. They should have the forms that are lodged with town halls. These regulation mirror those in Catalonia, the Balearics, and Canary Islands

500 Euro Notes For some time, 500 euro notes have been regarded as being mostly used for money laundering, or by criminal gangs. Since May 2010 they have not been accepted at banks in the UK. In 2014 Spanish banks were told that they had to notify the 'Hacienda' (tax authority), if 500 euro notes were being banked to the value of 10,000 euros, and supply the names and accounts relating to such transactions. The Central European Bank is now considering the complete withdrawal of these notes. There is some objection in Germany as Germans are a nation who like to deal in cash so these notes are popular there. Not Easy The Andalucía Parliament have a department that monitors, and can curtail audio-visual content from TV programmes and other visual media. They want to extend their powers to the internet,

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Focus on Local News in co-ordination with Brussels, who are planning to publish a European Directive in 2016. Surveys in Andalucía reveal that the vast majority of parents struggle to limit internet access by their children. Any control is usually just a limit on the time the internet is being accessed. A proposal from Brussels is that the web hosting organizations have to monitor the content from the third parties who distribute the information. The complexity of this type of monitoring is extremely difficult to carry out. At present in Andalucía, the content of TV programmes is monitored, and action can be taken against the Spanish TV companies who screen programmes that are considered to promote violence to women, intolerance of the gay community, and other extreme viewpoints considered harmful to the general population. Complaints regarding national TV programmes are passed on to the main Spanish regulator. This next step towards internet control is very different. The Spanish Economy The general view regarding the economy in Spain is that the recession is about over, the bank crisis is a thing of the past, and there are positive signs of recovery. However, experts are looking anxiously at a volatile stock market which makes them nervous. They are worried that there could be a spiral effect. On the other hand they think that the economic situation in the stock markets including Spain, are exaggerated, and should stabilize. The complete lack of a stable government since the General Elections last December, and the uncertainty this has generated, is not helping the economic scene. (We comment on the current political situation after the elections in an article). The record low price of oil, reflected in the price we pay at the petrol pumps, has kept down inflation, so this is a benefit to the economy. Whether anything can be done to reduce the unemployment by any substantial amount is also a cause for concern. Predicted figures for 2016 are that it will come down to 20%, and 18% in 2017. There is no quick fix.

Photographic Workshop The culture department of Mojácar town hall have started a photographic workshop for interested persons, dealing with normal cameras and smartphones. The objective is to increase technical skills to a high level. There will be audiovisual displays, outdoor work and excursions. The course started on February 16th, will continue until May, and restart in October. Classes will take place on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons at the Centro de Usos Múltiples (Artisan centre) below the village, and some weekend time. The tutor is Miguel García, a member of the 'ACAM' Arco Luciana Association. Enrolment can be made by email to the association: arcodeluciana@gmail.com, by whatsapp 609828140, or Mojácar Town Hall Cultural department. The cost is 20 euros per month per person.

Waste Management Mojácar town hall have published new regulations for the disposal of waste materials from construction work or demolition. Various types of waste material will have to be kept separately and then taken to a site where it will be re-cycled if applicable. Any application for a building permit will have to show details of the waste materials and their proposed treatment. There will be a deposit of money required to ensure compliance with the regulations, and fines will be levied for noncompliance. The regulations are intended to stop indiscriminate disposal of materials, and fly tipping

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Focus on Local News Carlos Aguilera Surgeons in Málaga have carried out a very unusual operation to remove a brain tumour. The 27 yr old patient is a professional saxophone player, and was sedated for the operation, but not subject to a general anaesthetic. This enabled him to play his saxophone, so that the scanned areas of the brain that were stimulated by this activity were not damaged during the intervention. The operating team of 16 people took 12 hours to complete the operation. Carlos also read aloud written material shown to him, and was able to recognize images. This operation at the Carlos Haya hospital was only the second one of this type to be carried out, following the first one in California. At a subsequent press conference Carlos played some of the pieces from his time in the operating theatre. Other patients previously have had operations where their ability to talk and read was monitored at the Carlos Haya hospital, but never their musical ability. Zika' Advice The Spanish Health Service has published guidelines concerning the problem from mosquitoes that transmit the Zika virus. At present the main concern is regarding pregnancy and the possibility of defects in new-born babies, but is not considered to currently be a general health problem. The Spanish authorities are advising pregnant women, or those trying to get pregnant, to avoid travel to the affected areas, and if this cannot be done, exercise all the precautions available to avoid being infected. They recommend that unprotected sex should be avoided in the 28 days after a person has travelled to Spain from one of the affected countries, and for 6 months if during the first month there are signs of the virus, such as fever or conjunctivitis. It is being stressed that the likelihood of the virus being spread by sexual contact is very low, but until more is understood, this is a sensible precaution. Donations of blood will also be subject to these safeguards. Symptoms of the Zika virus are similar to other tropical diseases such as Dengue fever,

and because of this is now a “notifiable disease”. This means that all cases where the virus has been detected must be notified to the Spanish National Epidemic Centre. The lower temperatures, compared to summer months, should help minimise the problems at present in Spain. At the time of going to press, there are ten confirmed cases of the virus, all in people who have travelled from the relevant countries. Another five suspected cases were false alarms.

Garrucha Castle Makeover The Castillo de Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno in Gurrucha is undergoing a face-lift. The external patio has been repaired, along with the viewing area. Work to repair the main arch into the castle that is definitely suffering from deterioration is being undertaken as well. The castle was built as a defensive fortress from sea invaders in the 17th century. It houses the Study Centre for Fish and Sea museum, and the improvement should make this museum more popular. Apart from the improvements to the fabric, the heating system is being converted to a more efficient one that will save 65% of the present costs. Work will be finished before the arrival of summer tourists. Wrecked! A major explosion was heard by the residents of La Cañada area of Almería city recently. A branch of Banco Santander was almost completely wrecked. Police at the scene called up the fire

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Focus on Local News brigade and the bomb disposal team. They found that the explosion was a result of thieves trying to access the interior of the cash machine. The burglars had injected a mixture of acetylene gas and oxygen through thin tubes that were inserted in the money slot, and then detonated the mixture by remote control from a car battery at a safe distance. The amount and mixture of gas was obviously far too strong! Other attempts to rob cash machines using this technique are not unknown and another band of thieves was caught in 2013. It is not known whether any money was stolen in this case, but the force of the explosion probably destroyed all the banknotes. Many bank machines inject blue dye onto the notes if any movement is detected. The robbers are probably linked to an unsuccessful attempt in Jaén in February last year, when the mixture of gases was not sufficiently powerful. A year ago in Granada, 9,000 euros was taken from a machine, but the authorities think it is certain that the dye mechanism was triggered. The bank in Almería city will need substantial re-building, before there is any prospect of it opening again. Investment Needed Tourists and residents coming to Spain usually have high praise for the medical services, either at the 'urgencias' (urgent attention, similar to the A & E departments in the UK), where in Spain, medical centres are open 24hrs and hospitals have consultants and surgical staff available round the clock if needed. A report on the facilities in Almería province and Andalucía in general has shown that everything is not perfect. The last major hospital in El Toyo, just outside Almería city was opened in 2005, when the Mediterranean Olympic Games took place in the province, and the Bola Azul hospital in Almería city was modernized in 2013 to give a wide range of consultancy services. In Málaga there has not been any substantial increase in hospitals in the last 23 years, despite a rise in population of 457,500, so the ratio of beds is 1.5 per 1,000 inhabitants. Almería is the next province at the bottom of the list with 1.7 beds. Granada,

Jaén, and Seville, have 2 beds per 1,000 inhabitants, and Córdoba tops the list with 2.1. The population in Almería province has risen by 194,000 since the last hospital was opened. A plan to open a children's and maternity hospital beside the Torrecárdenas hospital in Almería city stalled after the bulldozers levelled the site and the concrete base was started, for lack of funds. Plans for a major hospital at Roquetas are well advanced, but no work has been started. Doctors in Almería number 3.3 for every 1,000 inhabitants, whilst the national average is 4.3. There is also a concern that staff will be lost as the average age is high, and will result in fewer staff when they retire. Nevertheless, experience of the medical services is generally very positive, despite the staffing level.

Iberian Lynx

Help From The Air A grant has been given of 20,000 euros for 12 months to use drones to locate the radiotransmitters put on the collars of the endangered Iberian Lynx. At present, the location of the animals has to be done by using aerials, carried by national Park rangers in vehicles. When Lynx have been reintroduced into the wild, this is a problem. If this new idea is successful, it should enable animal conservationists to increase their understanding of the natural habitat of these endangered animals, and follow their movements much better. The plight of the Lynx had been reduced from “Critical danger of extinction”, to “Danger of extinction”, and when the alarm bells rang in 2002

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Focus on Local News there were thought to be only 97 animals in existence. In 2014 this number was up to 327. The largest cause of death is still traffic accidents unfortunately.

In areas such as Almería province with a greater interest from foreign buyers, the increase should be more. Valencia and the Balearic's show the most upward movement in transactions and prices. In Andalucía, the 70,700 transactions were the More Scope highest of any autonomous community, but not The Mojácar 'policia local' (local police) have now the highest rise in prices. taken over all traffic inspections in Mojácar relating to normal regulations, roadside checks, alcohol, and drug tests. Up to now their responsibility has been from the Parque Comercial to Marina de la Torre, where the boundary with Garrucha takes place. They have now assumed responsibility from the Parque Comercial to Puerto Marina, past the Hotel Indalo. Any special campaigns mounted by the Guardia Civil traffic police will now be carried out by these local police. Happy Birthday! There are thought to be 30,000 people in Spain who have their birthday on February 29th, and 5 million worldwide. Pedro Sánchez, Secretary General of the PSOE party in Spain, who is trying to form a government, has received an enormous amount of press coverage lately. On February 29th he had his 11th birth date birthday, in his 44 years. A club for people born in Spain on February 29th was started in San Sebastian in 1996, and has 2,000 members. In years that are not leap years, the “official” birthday for those born on February 29th is 00.00hrs on February 28th. One woman in Almería province who had her eighteenth birthday on February 29th, so her true age is seventy two, joked to the press that now she would be able to vote! House Prices Banks and estate agents are seeing positive trends in sales of properties, and mortgages taken out. From 2012 to 2014, there were only 320,000 transactions recorded every year. In 2015 this has jumped to 354,000. This is the best increase since 2007 when the bubble burst. Eight out of ten transactions in 2015 were second-hand properties, so a slight increase in prices is predicted this year.

A Lack of Space The Instituto Mediterráneo school in Garrucha has a severe lack of classrooms, and prefabricated classrooms are in use since the start of the current school year. Opposition councillors are pressurizing the mayoress María López to take concrete action to overcome this situation. The education authorities from the Junta de Andalucía have been promising that an extension to the existing building would be started since 2008, and the town hall granted the necessary building licence in 2009. The budget cost was approved as being 1.2 million euros but nothing has happened. Less 'Flu Although the temperatures throughout Almería province have suddenly fallen at time of going to press, the number of people who have had the 'flu this year compared to 2015, have fallen dramatically. The number of people is charted week by week. In 2015 in early February there were 306 cases being reported per 100,000 head of population. This year for the same week, only 59 cases per 100,000. There were 2,145 reported cases in 2015, but so far this year only 1,565.

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Focus on Local News Health officials say that this very large drop is the delegate from the Junta, has told the town considered to be because the weather had been hall to apply for this work to be done under the much milder this year, and a higher number of overall provision of the 2016 hydrological plans. people have applied to be given the anti-'flu vaccine this season than has been normal in previous years. Social Housing After the property crash and bank finance crisis, a company was set up to take over all the properties where the debts were considered to have no chance of being repaid to the lender. This company is known as 'Sareb'. The aim is to sell off large chunks of these properties to investors who take the long term view that the properties will ultimately increase in value. In accordance with schemes in other parts of Spain, they will release 400 properties at present in Andalucía, to be made available for rent, to persons in economic difficulty, including persons evicted for nonpayment of mortgages. So far 78 municipalities throughout Andalucía are being selected where this scheme will most benefit the community. 'Sareb' will then decide which properties they have in these locations. Peppercorn rents will be charged, depending on whether the property is vacant or occupied where the owners are in severe financial hardship. The Podemos political party in the Andalucían parliament have been campaigning for the number of properties released to be a total of 850.

A New Location. The new Mojácar Town Hall will be situated in Plaza Nueva, on the right as you arrive at the village square. The construction work entails a series of preparatory architectural works that have necessitated finding another site for the normal day-to-day operation of the local police, until this is completed. They have temporarily moved out of their previous location to Calle Horno, until they can move back to the new municipal building that will be their permanent base. Mojácar Town Council state that for residents and those who may be affected, the local police service will continue as usual. The Mojácar Sewage temporary office is fully equipped and will carry The mayoress of Mojácar, Rosa María Cano, has out the work without any interruption, and with been in contact with the relevant delegate from the same personalized attention as previously the Junta de Andalucía (the governing body for available. Almería province) to push for action relating to sewage treatment. The existing treatment plant A New Radar Feature is on the road from Garrucha to Los Gallardos, Last month we explained that exiting radar and has been insufficient for some time owing to cameras were going to be re-aligned to show if the increase in population. The modernization has drivers were using a mobile phone or anything been under discussion since 2007 without any else that affected their driving standard, and positive action. The mayoress has also asked that would result in a fine and loss of points. Very the riverbed of the Río Aguas is cleaned where it soon, additional cameras that have number plate passes through the municipality. Antonio Martinéz, recognition software will indicate if there is no

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Focus on Local News insurance for the vehicle. 3,000 drivers in Almería province last year were fined for this offence. Minimum insurance has to be taken out to cover injury or damage to third parties. Traffic police claim that 10% of all vehicles on the road registered since 1996 have no insurance. In Spain as a whole, last year 50,000 fines were handed out for no insurance being in place. If an uninsured vehicle is stopped or now detected by cameras, it is taken off the road, and taken to a city or municipal pound. Fines range from 600-3,000 euros, with a “normal” fine of 1,000 euros for a moto (scooter), 1,250 for motorbikes, 1,500 for cars, and 2,800 for lorries or buses. 50% of these fines are given to the consortium of insurance companies who will pay out claims if no insurance is in place. This consortium paid out claims from the 2012 severe floods, where there was no flood damage coverage from the insurer. Traffic police are still very concerned about the average age of vehicles on Spanish roads. Despite an increase in new car sales, the average age of every vehicle is now 11 years, and 60% are over 10 years. They are still hammering home their claim that older cars have less safety features, and an accident can result in injuries that may not occur in younger or modern vehicles. A Good Discovery Cancer specialist researchers in Madrid have discovered how to switch off a mutant gene that is present in over 50% of all cancer tumours, including the most aggressive ones. This is the culmination of six years of research that has produced the improvement in rats. Paco Real, head of the team says that this success should be entirely the same in human sufferers and by diminishing the activity of the cancer cells their increase is stopped. This research has been proclaimed throughout the various cancer research institutes in the world as being extremely important. Going Away There have been a congregation of monks in Albox

for the past forty years. A lack of young people wishing to come forward and become monks has meant that they are now going to move to a new location, and join other monks. They have been running a school for young children and a toy library in the Loma de Albox area, in a building that belongs to the town hall. These will continue with the same people who have been helping to run this facility, but religious education will be discontinued. A few years ago they shut their centre in Macael for the same reasons.

Huércal Overa Sports Centre

Cooking With Gas Huércal-Overa council have signed an agreement with the Spanish company 'Redexis Gas' for the connection of the natural gas supply for the sports pavilion and swimming pool. The supply of gas came to parts of Huércal-Overa some months ago. It is estimated that the energy costs will be reduced by 30-50%. As regards the pool, the new gas heating is designed to keep the water temperature between 28-30 degrees centigrade, all year round. The gas pipe project 'Huércal-Overa, Baza, and Guadix' was started at the beginning of 2015. So far some six kms of pipework have been installed in the city, with 600 properties connected. The company has supplied natural gas to 44 municipalities in Almería, Cádiz, Granada, and Jaén, through 1,130 kms of pipework. A future project is that natural gas will be supplied to La Inmaculada hospital.

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Focus on Local News Heavy Levels of Bacteria The department of micro-biology at the University of Barcelona have published the results of a health survey in 1,000 households. Maite Muniesa, who has led the survey, states that there is now a very large problem with over 600 different bacteria found on smart-phones and tablets. She says that a lack of personal and general hygiene in the home is responsible. The report says that the bacteria level found on smart-phones or tablets is 30 times higher than that in loos. The survey says that bacteria from sponges, cleaning pads or cloths, toothbrushes, and glass containers where toothbrushes are kept, are being transferred. Bacteria from children’s toys and pets is also another problem. The survey calls for much more frequent hygiene in the home, and hand washing with disinfection products. Health professionals recommend that many household items including toothbrushes, cleaning cloths, and suitable toys, should be microwaved at full power for at least 10 seconds every week. Still Selling Tickets The flights to Seville from Almería, subsidised by the Junta de Andalucía are still attracting passengers. In 2015, passenger numbers increased by 34% compared to 2014 and the flights average more than 50% capacity. Competitive prices have seen the record number of passengers reach 67%. 'Air Nostrum' who run the service have reduced the size of the aircraft they are using to improve their operating costs and kept ticket prices down. Work on the electrification of the rail line near Granada has meant that rail passengers going to Seville by rail have to make the middle part of the journey by bus, and then board another train. Just under 9,000 passengers have travelled from Almería to Seville and 8,500 in the reverse direction. This difference in the numbers is because some passengers take other flights out of Seville. This service is the only subsidised route in Spain, but is considered a “social necessity”. A car journey takes four hours, and the train journey, because of the bus link,

now takes five hours or more (there have been major delays on some days), the same as a coach journey. The airline company 'Air Nostrum' is the regional flight company owned by 'Iberia', and in turn owned by 'British Airways'.

Pablo Alborán

Time Off The singer Pablo Alborán from Málaga is a regular visitor to Spanish cities including Almería, Roquetas and El Ejido, where he has a large following. He has announced that he intends to embark on a 'time-out' period for the next two years, to reconnect with his family and friends in a normal environment. He says that he wants to study the guitar and the piano, read, and have time on his computer, like 'normal people'. In 2010, his song 'Solamente tú' (Only you) catapulted him into the limelight, and shot to number one in the first week. Since then his albums have gone platinum in Europe thirty times in just over two years. He has a gold award from sales in the US and Portugal. He will honour major international concerts already contracted, such as a huge concert in Paris, and a large music festival in Chile. He promises his fans that he will be back. A Lot of Money We commented on the problems in Spain in providing pensions and other benefits in an article last month. Figures now published from 2015

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Focus on Local News show that the difference between funds received and paid out by the Social Security totalled 7.75 billion euros “in the red”. This deficit is made up by diverting funds from a government reserve. The target deficit for 2015 was 6 billion euros, so this has not been met at all. Income in 2015 went up 4%, but money paid out was 6%. A claim that there will be a surplus in 2016 has never been considered achievable by fiscal experts outside the Spanish Social Security. Unemployment and low wages bring down income, but pensions paid out have only increased by a small fraction in recent years so the deficit is a major problem if pensions are increased. This is not a problem that is unique to Spain!

then in direct competition with hotels and hostels. In Madrid, these holiday homes are not supposed to be let for a period of less than five nights. An association of holiday home owners in Madrid is appealing this decision in the courts, as they consider it is too restrictive. An analysis of the people who opt for private accommodation has revealed that 79% of renters have an average age of 49, and families make up 80%. A study in Barcelona, Madrid, Mallorca, Calpe, San Sebastián, and Granada, calculates that the income in these cities in “probably” 2.6 billion euros every year.

Project 'Omeya' The Cajamar Caja Rural bank consider that the property market is improving and are to offer for sale, 800 houses, parking places, industrial warehouses and workshops, and urban land. These have been acquired from when construction companies went bust with some from mortgage holders who were not able to keep up payments. The majority of the items for sale are new. Total sales are expected to amount to 158 million euros. The properties are spread throughout the country with some in Almería province. Rented Holiday Homes The portal vacasionesespaña.es states that bookings for holidays in villas and apartments in Andalucía for 2016 have gone up 26% over the same period in 2015. UK tourists, Scandinavians and Spanish holidaymakers make up the bulk of the clients. This trend is the same for hotel bookings, but hotels think that there should be some regulations that holiday homes have to comply with. They say that in many areas there are several properties that belong to one owner so they are running a business without any rules. We comment in this section on new regulations in Andalucía. A draft document dealing with regulations states that this type of accommodation should not be let for less than two nights, as it is

The Carboneras Sports Pavillion In the days when a large increase in the population of Carboneras was considered likely to happen, work on an enormous sports pavilion was started. It has never been finished and has so far cost 15 million euros of which 50% came from grants from the Junta de Andalucía (the governing body for Almería province). It is enormous with 5 floors spread over 10,000 m2, proposed seating for 1,700 people, a host of different pitches and courts, and a very large swimming pool. It was started in 1998, with the aim of being completed for the Mediterranean Olympic Games that came to Almería province in 2005. Completion dates then went on every year until 2011, when further

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Focus on Local News work was abandoned. A study is under way to complete and open 2,700 m2, at an estimated cost of 560,000 euros. The pool has a depth of 2.2m which is too deep for activities such as aquagym. It is proposed to reduce this depth which will save on heating costs. A children's pool to teach them to swim is also needed. Access will be modified so that only two of the five floors will be used. Annual running costs for the staff, expenses, office space, and Social Security payments, amounts to 290,000 euros. To break even, fees from season tickets, pool activities, and hiring things like padel courts, would need 800 paying customers. The expected total that is considered realistic is that they may have 300 people using the centre with a possible annual income of 120,000 euros. The annual deficit then amounts to 170,000 euros that the town would have to absorb from the rates. Finally? For over 20 years there have been plans for a marina at Carboneras with pleasure boat activities. It is considered that this will attract tourism from berths and generate income. A draft plan has been approved by the town hall, who will now ask for tenders for the work. The marina will be away from the area where fishing boats are moored and operate, which is where any current pleasure boat activity is sandwiched. It is intended that berths for 270 craft are built, along with associated storage areas, toilets, a bar and a restaurant. The existing Nautical Club has 400 members, many of them from Madrid and Barcelona. The port agency from the Junta de Andalucía is expected to assume some of the cost. Zurgena Court Case Halted A judge has dismissed allegations from 2005 relating to 94 properties built on land in the Los Cabreras area that was alleged to be not zoned for urban development. Cándido Trabalón the exmayor, and seven councillors were accused of various planning offences. The judge Marta Sierra ruled that there were distinct differences in the

way the land had been classified, from different adjudications locally and at county council level, and technical opinions at the town hall. The technical architect who approved the construction was not a town hall employee, and had also acted in good faith. The judge concluded that it was impossible to say with certainty that the town hall had acted illegally. The councillor Pedro Segura from 2005 was one of the councillors accused of voting through the building licences, but in actual fact had not been present at the relevant council meeting, and should not therefore have been accused of planning irregularities.

Monsul Beach

Cancelled! There has been a proposal that an establishment could be opened in Cabo de Gata near the famous Monsul beach to serve food. The claim was that this would be an improvement in the services available and entirely in keeping with the environment. This has been attacked by numerous societies and collectives who said a bar was not appropriate. The authorities keep saying it is not intended to be a bar, it would be a restaurant! They have been stressing that there would be menús del día, bocadillos, soft drinks, tapas, spirits and liqueurs, but no beer. The building would be let for 4,000 euros per year. Finally they have given in to the pressure! There will be no bar or restaurant.

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Focus on Local News Wills Tax One of the agreements in the Andalucían parliament, when the Ciudadanos party agreed to support Susana Diáz from the PSOE party being elected president last year, was that the tax on wills should be drastically reduced. The PSOE party announced this was not possible in 2015 but would be debated this year. Ciudadanos asked for an immediate working party to solve the problem. The PP party are collecting signatures to try and accelerate the process as the tax in Andalucía is extremely high. Apart from other conditions, if a person is left over 175,000 euros in a will, they are taxed heavily. In a situation where paying the tax is impossible, inheritors can go to a notary and refuse the inheritance. In 2014, some 6,000 people did this, and any money or property in the will then goes to the Junta. Juanma Moreno, leader of the PP party, states that a person who is single, out of work, and without funds, has to pay 28,250 euros in tax if they inherit an apartment worth 200,000 euros. In Madrid, the same tax would be 282 euros. She heavily criticises the PSOE who say they cannot at present afford to lose the income. She says they can, and it is affordable. Her party is asking for a 33% reduction in taxes this year, 66% reduction in 2017, and 99% reduction in 2018.

'Euribor' rate of interest. This rate is the amount of interest major European banks charge each other for inter-bank lending, published each morning. On February 5th it went negative! The average in the previous week was + 0.005%, falling to – 0.002%. This is uncharted territory for mortgage lenders. In theory, their interest rate should reduce, but what will actually happen is entirely unknown. The other complete unknown is what would happen if the Euribor went down to a negative amount that equalled the rate from the mortgage lender. Would they have to pay us, for the privilege of lending us money? Financial pundits say that if this ever happened (and it is purely theoretical), a reduction in the amount of money owed over the mortgage term may have to take place. The Euribor fell 80% during 2015, the biggest fall for 10 years.

Vera Claims The Vera council have asked a judge to investigate a claim that four councillors from 2011-2015 kept expensive mobile phones and tablets when they ceased to be councillors after the 2015 municipal elections. The claim is that this equipment was purchased by the council, is their property, and should have been returned. The council state that letters were sent out asking for the return of these items, without any response. An investigation has been authorized by the court.

Bad Debts The Spanish Tax Offices (Hacienda) have put on their website the list of organizations, companies, and individuals, who owe more than 1 million euros in unpaid tax. Construction and property development companies head the list which is no surprise. 'Reyal Urbis' owe 378 million, 'Nozar' 203 million, 'Grupo Pra' 100 million, and 'Alfos' active in the Costa del Sol, 96 million. 'Polaris Golf' only Gone Negative owe 11 million. A whole list of similar companies In a recent article about mortgages we explained are almost all bankrupt. Nine football clubs are in how variable-rate mortgages are based on an the list, headed by Racing de Santander who owe interest rate from the lender, added to the 9 million euros. The total comes to 15.6 billion

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Focus on Local News euros from 4,850 different debtors. Probably 8.8 billion euros, of the 15.6 billion total of debts over 1 million euros are completely bad debts that will have to be written off. In Almería province, the debt (almost exclusively from the construction industry) is 206 million euros. The construction company and property promoter 'Keymare' who were based in Vera is one of the local companies with debts, and owe 5.2 million euros. They own 49% of the company 'Codeur' who administer the water supply and sewage treatment in Vera. Town councillors in opposition in Vera are asking why Codeur should be allowed to trade in their present form when Keymare is in debt to such a large amount of money. There have been accusations for some time that Codeur have been unfairly patronized by Vera council. These nationwide debts are only 30% of the grand total owed to the Spanish tax man which is 52 billion euros. The website will display this information for another two months. It is not likely to shame many debtors into paying as the vast majority are either already bankrupt or in the process of liquidation. A Very Good Year Spain received a record of just over 68 million tourists in 2015, up 5% from 2014, so another 3 million. 3.4 million came to Spain last December, also an improvement from 2014. Brits still head the list with 16 million coming to Spain, followed by 12 million from France. German tourists were in third place, but in 2015 numbers fell slightly to 10 million. 5 million tourists came from the Nordic countries, almost the same as in 2014, but a 6% increase in Italian tourists took their number up to 4 million. The very good euro-dollar exchange rate saw an exceptional increase from the US with 23% more visitors, up to 1.5 million. Sanctions in place in Russia are considered responsible for a 33% drop during 2015 to just less than 1 million. 9% more Russians arrived here during December, but German tourists dropped by the same percentage. In Andalucía in general (that includes Almería province) numbers were up 10%, a notable increase. 54% of all tourists flew in, also up on

2014. 63% of all tourists paid for their accommodation in hotels or hostals and 15 million stayed in properties they own, or with family or friends. In Almería province, the total number of tourists is given as 1.2 million persons, an 8% increase, who occupied 4.8 million beds in establishments where they paid for their accommodation, staying an average of just under 4 nights. The number of nights stay in Almería province is higher than the national average and Andalucía as a whole. At the 'Fitur' tourist fair in Madrid this January, it was stated that 'Jet2' will be bringing 20,000 tourists here in 2017, from five UK destinations including Edinburgh and Manchester. These flights will be part package holiday customers and part low-cost flights for individuals.

Rogelio Mena After the municipal elections last May, Rogelio Mena, the mayor of Albox, was convicted in June of consistently denying access to documentation requested by opposition councillors. He was given a ban on holding public office (so he couldn't be a mayor or councillor), for 30 months. He was standing as mayor elect in May with other councillors from the P.S.O.E. party. The P.S.O.E. party in Almería asked him to stand down in view of the allegations, or face being expelled from the party. He refused, claiming he was innocent,

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Focus on Local News set up an independent political party and took all the councillors on the P.S.O.E. list with him. They voted him in as mayor following the elections. The provincial court he appealed to, has now confirmed this ban on holding public office, for the same period of time. Rogelio Mena promptly stated he will now appeal against this to a Constitutional Tribunal, and the European Court of Human Rights. He asked to have the latest sentence postponed by the second court, whilst he appeals again. This has been denied, and the court ruled on February 12th that there is no basis for an appeal against their sentence. The town hall has been ordered to convene a council meeting where he has to stand down. A new investigation ordered by another court concerns the amounts of money claimed and paid over to him from council funds as justified expenses. These relate to the period from May 2013 to October 2014. The accusation is that some visits were made to Madrid and Burgos that were activities arranged by the union 'UGT', not related to his duties as mayor. One expense claim for a three day stay in Madrid is stated to amount to 294 euros for meals. Twelve of these visits and claims for expenses allegedly relate to Saturdays. Less Crime Figures released concerning crime in Almería province show that the incidence has fallen to the levels of 2005. There are 43.5 crimes committed per 1,000 inhabitants, and only a slightly higher number in cities such as Almería, El Ejido, and Roquetas. 30,700 crimes were reported last year in the province. Robbery with violence and house robberies have fallen, with vehicle crime and drug offences up slightly. The situation of Almería, being not far from North Africa means that more drugs come here than in other places, but the anti-drug police are very vigilant. Offences relating to the growing of marijuana are increasing. This is partly put down to so many people being out of work and trying to increase their income! In Almería city and El Ejido last year, 150 kilos grown in houses, out

buildings, or commercial premises, were discovered and confiscated. In other parts of the province, rented houses with only plants and no people have been discovered.

Dangerous Caterpillar Time The dry winter with temperatures higher than normal has meant that the danger of the “processional caterpillars” has begun. These descend from white, almost transparent, cocoons in pine trees and form a procession. A female caterpillar leads the way on a migration journey. Pets and young children become very interested in the processions but the caterpillar can cause death in pets. If in contact with their mouths, they are very severely affected by toxins and very prompt treatment by a vet is necessary. Allergic reactions, that can be severe, occur if a child is in contact with them. Local councils will normally deal with the nests or processions if notified of their whereabouts. A traditional remedy is to dislodge the cocoon and burn it. People who think that they can deal with this problem without exper t help have to exercise caution. Vera Court Action Allowed Vera town hall have started legal proceedings against the Spanish Government for taking no action to clear and dredged the Rio Antas. The High Court has allowed this accusation to go ahead.

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Focus on Local News Improvements that would have stopped the floods in 2012, or reduced their severity, were included in a national plan approved in 2001. Legal advice obtained by Vera town hall was that this work should have been carried out and the High Court have agreed with this. Work that comes under the responsibility of the Junta de Andalucía (the governing body for Almería province) has not been carried out either. Now the court case has been authorized, Garrucha town hall are expected to join in as well. An Electricity & Gas Agreement Mojácar town hall have signed an agreement with the electrical and gas energy supplier 'Endesa'. This will allow the town hall to assist people who are in severe financial difficulties and are facing their supplies being cut off. The supply company will liaise with the town hall where this situation applies. Any debt that is outstanding will not be increased by any fines or interest payment. The continuation of the provision of energy for people in this situation is considered a basic right. Water Corruption Claims The water supply company, 'Acuamed' (Aguas de las Cuencas Mediterrráneas) that have built many installations in Almería province, are being accused of corruption. Various bosses of the large construction companies who built desalination plants and pipelines have been arrested. The claim is that when the work was completed, a minimum amount of 5% of the agreed cost was put on top, for extra work necessary, or high quality improvements in the design. Anti-corruption investigators say these increases in cost were fictitious. In our part of Almería province, 'Acuamed' built the Carboneras desalination plant that cost 131 million euros, the desalination plant at Palomares that has been out of action since the 2012 severe floods, that had an expenditure of 77 million, and the pipeline that connects the Carboneras plant with Palomares, that cost 73 million. Other pipelines in the Almanzora valley cost 18 million. Altogether in all of Almería province,

work carried out amounts to 681 million euros. At present the arrests relate to persons in Valencia, Alicante, Madrid & Murcia, but the police investigating this corruption state that more arrests will follow.

The Cuevas del Almanzora Plant The desalination plant near Palomares was opened in a blaze of glory in 2009, and said to be the solution for households and agriculturalists “now and forever”. The equipment was almost totally destroyed in the 2012 floods. Socialist politicians are asking for the authorities to put the plant back in action. It cost 77 million euros, with a 25 million grant from the EU. The politicians say that in the 2014 budget 8.7 million euros was allocated, 11.6 million in 2015, and 22,6 million euros, in two tranches in 2016. So far there has been no work started. It was designed to provide 15 cubic hexameters of irrigation water and 5 hexameters of drinking water for places such as Mojácar, Los Gallardos, Turre, Cuevas and Vera. Spanish ecology groups say that the plant was built in the wrong place to start with, and photographs taken of the large floods in 1973 clearly show severe flooding where the desalination plant was built. Special Car Renting The Spanish Ministry of Industry has appointed the company 'Idada' to review the emissions from 30 different models of cars, following the revelations from Volkswagen. This company deals with the entry of different vehicle models into

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Focus on Local News the Spanish system, and their compliance with EU and Spanish standards. It had been suggested that a random member of the public would be asked to take their vehicle for laboratory tests, or a car selected from those present at an 'ITV' (MOT) station. Another option was that owners of the vehicles to be tested would receive a letter through the post, asking for test time. All these have been rejected, and the cars to be tested will be hired from normal car rental companies. Rigorous tests will measure the CO2 levels, the toxic Nox gases, and the compliance with the Euro 5 & Euro 6 emission regulations. Testing in a laboratory, a road circuit, and normal road use will be carried out. France, Italy, Sweden, Germany and the UK are carrying out similar tests, and all the results will be collated at the European Commission to see if there are any differences between countries or test results in general. Dual Carriageway Completed? The Junta de Andalucía have announced that before the end of this year the dual carriageway between Vera and Garrucha will be continued. After some of the work had been started in 2009, it was abandoned in 2012 for lack of funds. The money to continue the project is now stated to be available under a major road improvement package in Andalucía, with EU funding. 18,000 vehicles use the road daily, but in the tourist season this at least triples, with large queues of vehicles trying to access Las Buganvillas roundabout. Since work was stopped it is considered that the stretch of road is far more dangerous than it was before. Local councils, hotels, and tourist offices, have been pressurizing the authorities for some action Next Date March The work to finish the underground access for lorries at Garucha port keeps getting postponed. Previous completion dates were given for last September, November, and early in 2016. It is now stated that the work will be finished “before Easter”. This project is another one that ground

to a halt through lack of funds but was started again last October. Funds from EU sources were allocated to finish the work. Explanations for the continual delay are said to be the denseness of the land and proximity to the sea. Critics say that the tunnel has not moved, it has always been close to the sea! The passage of normal traffic over the tunnel should improve once the work is completed underground, with road improvements on the surface, including a new roundabout.

Cave Houses Cuevas del Almanzora is so named because of its cave (cueva) houses. The use of cave houses in the area goes back many centuries. Many people lived in them for years and some still do. Tragedy struck in 2011 when a hillside collapsed, buried several cave houses, and three people died, despite an enormous rescue attempt. Cuevas town hall is to undertake a study together with the School of Architecture from the Madrid European University. The aim is to examine the adaptability of cave houses for sustainable environmental living, in areas of safe construction. At the time of the landslide in 2011 there were no regulations in place that governed how they were built, could be legally inhabited, or supplied with normal services such as water and electricity. Cuevas town hall state that this project could regenerate the very old tradition of cave houses in the area.

So Now You Know... Cockroaches Cockroaches are believed to have originated more than 280 million years ago, in the Carboniferous era. There are more than 4,000 species of cockroaches worldwide, including the most common species, the German cockroach, in addition to other common species like the brown-banded cockroach. Because they are cold-blooded insects, they can live without food for one month, but only one week without water. Cockroaches can run up to 3 miles an hour which means they can spread germs and bacteria very quickly. Newborn German cockroaches become adults in as little as 36 days. They spend 75% of their time resting and can withstand temperatures as cold as minus 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cymbals Small cymbals have existed for thousands of years, since about 3000 B.C. They were used by beggars to attract people to give money, at weddings, to get bees back to hives, and the worship of gods. Their versatility meant they were soon used with groups of other instruments. A man called Avedis was experimenting with metals in Constantinople in 1618, and by chance developed an alloy that gave a loud and very clear sound. The sultan appointed him cymbal maker, giving him the title “Zildjian”, son of cymbal maker. Avedis started a cymbal workshop in 1623. Fifteen generations of his family have made cymbals, and in 1929 came to the US. On their 350th anniversary, 'Ziljian' moved to their current location.

Plywood Layers of thin wood glued together was introduced in to the US in 1865. They are alternated, with the grain of one glued 90 degrees to the next one. This makes plywood very stable. In 1928 the first standard sheets of 4ft x 8ft were made for general building use. Different woods give different applications, such as softwood for general flooring, often held together by a tongue and groove joint. A decorative surface makes up the top layer. High strength plywood using mahogany or birch and special glues became known as “aircraft plywood” after this became the main use in World War II. Marine plywood with tropical hardwood is used where there is going to be humid or wet conditions, and it is resistant to fungus.

'HP' Sauce Frederick Gibson Garton was a grocer in Nottingham who first invented and developed the original recipe for a brown sauce. In 1895 he registered the name “H.P. Sauce” because he had been told that the restaurant in the Houses of Parliament were serving it up there. The bottles were then given a picture of the Houses of Parliament. Frederick sold the recipe and brand name very cheaply to settle some bills, to Edwin Moore. He was the founder of the Midlands Vinegar Company, who went into production in 1903. It became known as “Wilson's gravy” in the 1960s, after Mary Wilson, wife of Prime Minister Harold Wilson, told 'The Sunday Times', “If Harold has a fault, it is that he will drown everything in HP sauce.”

Insulation Tape Insulation tape is a pressure sensitive tape usually made of vinyl that sticks closely together, to insulate electrical wiring. It was invented about 1946. Electricians started using the colour black for wires and other colours were put round the cable for indicating the voltage and phase where there were three-phase cables. Yellow and green stripes signified an earth cable. Marching bands and drummers use insulation tape on drum sticks to give a better grip. In Pakistan and India it is wrapped round tennis balls for playing “backyard cricket”. It provides a smooth surface causing the ball to grip concrete less. It makes the ball harder to hit and to bounce less more like a leather cricket ball but cheaper and safer.

Lead Shot Balls of lead known as lead shot are principally fired from shotguns. Molten lead was poured into moulds but then through a sieve into a water barrel. William Watts from Bristol patented a design of a shottower in 1782 and built one at his house. The molten lead went through a sieve but dropped down to the water tank inside a tall tower. This cooled the lead into spherical balls that were now much rounder. The size of the shot depended on the height of the tower. In 1848 the LeRoy company in New York patented a shorter wind tower, using blasts of cold air, to cool the lead quicker. In 1961 a US patent was taken out using a hot liquid. Molten lead rolls down an incline in the liquid, with a much reduced drop.

What a Mess!

Podemos stated their number of seats was a victory for a complete change in the political scene, but support the right of the Catalan politicians to break away. Ciudadnos seem unsure who they might join to form a coalition. The PSOE could team up with Podemos and Ciudadanos, but there is not a lot of The PP (roughly conservative) party have been common ground as yet. Pablo Iglesias rocked by scandals from the time they took office in 2011. Unemployment, an average of 25%, but worse for young people, is a major problem. Mariano Rajoy, the outgoing Prime Minister, knew he was facing an uphill struggle, and his party had received a mauling in the municipal elections last May. The PSOE (roughly socialist) party have less corruption scandals coming out from under the carpet, but voters wanted a change from the two party system. here is only one certainty following the Spanish General Elections that took place last December 20th. The two party system, where one or the other has been able to form a majority government is dead.

Two new parties in the General Elections were the Podemos party, very left wing, and openly in support of the moves in Catalonia, where they are trying to break away from Spain. Ciudadanos is a party that did well in the municipal elections, and billed themselves as being “centre-right, without the corruption”. So the stage was set for elections with the two traditional parties, and the two new ones. The results were probably predictable! To gain an overall majority, one of the parties needed 176 seats of the 350 on offer in the Spanish House of Commons. The PP clocked up 123 seats, even worse results than feared, and the PSOE a disappointing 90 seats. Belief that perhaps the Podemos party was mostly saying the right things, advocating a backtrack from austerity and time for a real change in politics, meant they finished up with 69 seats. This delighted their leader Pablo Iglesias, now famous for his pony tail and a refusal to wear a tie. The Ciudadanos party polled a very disappointing 40 seats, as their leader was someone who spoke eloquently in debates. Other smaller parties won the remaining seats. So what was going to happen next? The PSOE have never teamed up with the PP, and ongoing talks are increasingly tense and frigid, and seem unlikely to prosper. They also want constitutional changes that would themselves mean new elections.

Under the procedure following a deadlock, King Felipe invited all the political party leaders for talks, including the small parties. As expected he invited Mariano Rajoy to form a government as the PP party had the most seats. Rajoy sensibly said there was not much likelihood of this being possible. The King then went onto the next stage with more talks, and then invited Pedro Sánchez, leader of the PSOE party, to have a go, and Sánchez asked for a month to try and do some deals. Whoever is trying to form a government has to have a vote of confidence in parliament. Rajoy knew he would not get enough votes. Can Sánchez do enough deals with the two new parties who have very different agendas? He has until the first week in March. Ultimately, there may have to be new elections. Opinion polls suggest that the PP would be about the same with perhaps a few more seats, Podemos would overtake the PSOE, and Ciudadanos would lose out even more. So basically nothing new, and a repeat of the present deadlock. Not good, where next?

Local Earthquakes

housands of people in Almería province were woken up during the early hours of January 26th, when an earthquake that measured 6.3 took place off the coast in the Alboran sea between Alhucemas and Melilla. Many people got up to see what was happening, fearful of further events, but only twenty calls for assistance were made to the emergency services. Major damage occurred in Melilla, affecting a large number of properties, but not as bad as 2004 when over a hundred people died. Throughout the day there were a number of lesser tremors in Málaga and Almería.

Scientists at the Geophysical Department at Almería University consider that seismic activity in the Alboran sea area is the zone where the greatest number of events occur in the Spanish peninsular. The tectonic plates of Africa and the Asiatic meet up there, and are grinding together at a rate of one millimetre per year. Eventually this causes movement, but one millimetre per year is not very much. In Chile and the Pacific Ocean the movement is ten centimetres per year! Almería University form part of the Geophysical Institute of Andalucía, and have earthquake or seismic detectors at Almería city, Roquetas, El Ejido, Almerimar, and Adra. They Earthquakes are not uncommon in this region and also have a mobile unit that was dispatched to in 1508 a major earthquake decimated Vera, and Roquetas to measure aftershocks in 2014. destroyed Mojácar, so the village moved to its present location. We have no idea how it would The earthquake at Lorca in May 2011 was of a have figured on the Richter scale. In September moderate scale of 5.1, but the epicentre was at the 1522, the kingdom of Granada that included Almería shallow depth of only one kilometre, and only 2.5 province, experienced the worst earthquake in their kilometres north of the city. Tremors were recorded history. A host of large buildings were damaged in as far apart as Alicante, Seville, and Madrid, and the Almería city, including the main Mezquita or mosque. estimated force was equivalent to 200 tonnes of 2,500 people are believed to have died. Adra, a dynamite exploding. The earthquake caused frequent site of earthquakes, received one in 1910 wholesale destruction of hundreds of properties. of 6.3 magnitude, and in 1993 a similar event at The castle suffered, the roof of the cathedral nearby Berja. Albox experienced an earthquake collapsed, another church was severely damaged, tremor causing some damage in 1999. The Pulpí to and the main Juan Carlos 1 street was badly San Juan de los Terreros road gave way in 2011, affected. Nine people died, and military emergency and in 2012 there were over thirty tremors around troops were despatched from Valencia. Legionnaires Almería city. went there from Viator with emergency camping equipment. 15,000 of the 100,000 inhabitants were Lorca, 2011 homeless, and military helicopters were drafted in. The current Spanish King and Queen, then Prince Felipe and Letizia, Princess of Asturias, came for a memorial service. It was held at the exhibition centre as no large church was completely intact or safe. Experts state that if there is an earthquake, try and get under a solid table, or go into a room where no bookshelves, cupboards, or wardrobes can fall over. Do not exit or go back in a building, until the earthquake seems to be over, using stairs, never a lift. Try to turn off water, gas, or electricity, and use “whatsapp” or SMS messages to leave telephone lines free for the emergency services. Walk away from buildings to an open space.

Medical Tourism

pain received record numbers of tourists in 2015, and current indications are that 2016 will be a bumper year as well. The sun and beach are still the major attraction, but some tourists come to experience the wide variety of Spanish food and wines. Others come to explore old cities, architecture, and cultural activities including the old art of flamenco. There is another sector of tourists that are increasing in numbers, who come here for reasons of health. In 2015, people coming to Spain for this purpose went up by 20%, and generated 500 million euros.

tourists, who can book treatments in hospitals, clinics, medical spas, nursing homes, or care in a residential home. Íñigo Valcaneras considers that services required in Spain in 2016 will be in greater demand after Spain is represented at a World Conference of Health Tourism that will take place in May. The 'Spain cares' group offer quotes for treatment, travel arrangements, and tourist information on their website, in English, German, French, and Russian. Selected treatment centres are featured, from the Spanish association of private hospitals, the medical spa association, and hotel and travel agency groups.

Treatment for an illness, to have an operation, plastic surgery, aesthetic beauty treatments, or health therapy, make up the vast majority of requirements. In 2015, the number of people coming here for various treatments is given as 180,000. This does not include medical attention for tourists who come here for normal holidays, are then taken ill, and require attention from the normal Spanish National Health services, or in private hospitals where they have special health insurance. 30% of these people come from the UK, and another 30% from Germany. 14% from Holland, and 9% from Ireland, Belgium and France. Russians and Arabs predominantly come to Spain for aesthetic beauty treatments or to have heart problems dealt with. People with plenty of money may choose Spain for treatment that is not available in their country of origin, and others with less money come for treatments that are cheaper here. Another sector particularly from the UK, Italy, and France, come here for assisted reproduction procedures that do not require a stay in hospital, so normal tourist activities are possible. Some of these tourists come to Spain because they consider that their recuperation from operations is going to be better in the climate we have here, or illnesses are less severe with higher temperatures and sun. Treatment in health spas is also popular with people from Nordic countries. Íñigo Valcaneras is the president of the organization 'Spain cares'. They organize health treatment for

The Spanish Department of Tourism state that for a range of operations in the US, the average price equates to 43,000 euros: Korea 13,000: France 5,500: UK and Norway 5,400: and in Spain 3,500 euros. The average in Germany is given as 3,200 euros, but Germans want to come to Spain. As regards specific treatments, the Department of Tourism state that a replacement hip costs 12,800 euros in Spain: 50,000 in the US: 14,000 in the UK: and 11,800 in France. Prices for hip resurfacing are given as 13,400 euros in Spain: 50,000 again in the US, 15,800 in the UK: 15,000 in Norway: and 13,500 euros in France. For a knee replacement very similar amounts apply. Breast implants are stated to cost 5,600 euros in Spain: 10,000 in the US: 7,600 in the UK: but are cheap in France at 2,800 euros. So Spain is very popular, and if a person is on a tight budget, much cheaper in most cases.

The Almería Prison

some opposition to this new Spanish regulation from prison authorities. They say that these potentially unlimited prison terms give prisoners no incentive to be on good behaviour. Under the existing regulations still in force from before July 1st, a prisoner serving a sentence of 25 years is In Spain there are four categories of prisoners. entitled to apply for a change in his prison category Grade 1 is for very serious crimes including after 8-10 years, and release after 16-18 years. terrorism with long prison terms, and no rights to many activities, work programs, and very high security. Grade 2 prisoners work in the various workshops where this training should help them to be employed when eventually released. The goods produced are sold to theoretically pay for the workshops, and these prisoners earn a small wage. There are also comprehensive schemes to improve education in classrooms. Grade 3 prisoners are those who have been on consistent good behaviour, considered unlikely to offend again, and have normally completed at least half of their sentence. They are allowed to work Up to October 2013, following the European Court outside the prison, and return on Monday to of Human Rights ordering a female “ETA” terrorist Thursday nights. A prison board decides any to be released, Spain operated a system known change in category and privileges individually. as the “Doctrina Parot”, so called after another Grade 4 is where a prisoner has been released convicted “ETA” terrorist. Many of these terrorists, and is being monitored by the probation services. and some other criminals, were sentenced for multiple murders to prison terms of 2,000-5,000 Last July 1st, as part of a comprehensive years, and Henri Parot was sentenced to 4,797 modification to the Spanish criminal code, new years in 1990. The official maximum term was regulations came into place. Persons given a prison then 30 years, later extended to 40 years, with term for major crimes such as assassination, remission. Any reduction in time was taken off terrorism, serial killing, being a member of a serious the notional 2,000-5,000 year sentence. A female band of criminals, murder or serious abuse of “ETA” terrorist, Inés del Río Prada, appealed to the minors and mentally or physically challenged European court in 2009, when her release after persons, can now be sent to prison for a total of a period of 18 years was refused before 2017. 25-35 years. After this period they can be She had been sentenced to serve 3,828 years. considered for release every two years. This type When the European court ordered her release of sentence, one of the first of its kind, was after an appeal from Spain was rejected, other requested for a man in Almería province who prisoners had to be released as well. kidnapped and murdered a young baby in 2012. He was convicted of this crime last December, In Spain, prisoners can wear their own “suitable” but the requested term of 26 years was reduced clothing. In some cases, non-Spanish EU nationality to 23 years. Many people, particularly in the UK, prisoners who can apply to be transferred to consider that prison terms and reductions in time prisons in their own member state, choose to stay for good behaviour are too lenient, but there is in the modern Spanish system. l Acebuche prison in Almería province at Retamar can be clearly seen from the A-7 motorway. Major renovation with new cell blocks and facilities were finished in 2014, although not all of them are fully in use due to staff shortages.

Blood: An Amazing Liquid

umans have between 4.5 and 6 litres of blood, depending on their age and build, circulating through their body. The principle function is to preserve tissue, act as a barrier against infection, help stop haemorrhages, and clot blood flowing from injuries. There is tremendous excitement in medical science regarding the ability of just one drop of blood to be analysed and reveal a host of information. In a previous magazine we explained how a new blood test called “Virscan” is able to reveal a whole range of information that is a starting point for further tests. The present cost is 22 euros and a full scan takes between 2-3 days, but specific blood tests can be done in a hospital laboratory. Scientists say that “soon” a test on a drop of blood will reveal a tumour in its very early stages, the onset or signs of the likelihood to contract Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and many other illnesses. By “soon” they think that they are talking about 5 to10 years time. José Baselga is a Spanish medical scientist who is in charge of a cancer investigation team at a prestigious hospital in New York. Very recently he presented their revolutionary findings at a major conference. They have found that the presence or onset of cancer is indicated from a blood sample, as being like a “bar code”. From the start of any cancer there is a fingerprint in the DNA, and tests can be done over a regular period of time to chart the progress. This is much less invasive than taking a biopsy sample, and more reliable. Their research indicates that a specific change in DNA can indicate a particular type of cancer. Álvaro Urbano is in charge of the haematology and cancer unit at a hospital in Barcelona dealing with molecular biology. He says that any cell damage or major illness sends an alert through the blood. As an example he explains that a heart needs oxygen, and if there is a deficiency more red haemoglobin is manufactured, and this is evident in a blood test. Psychiatrists agree that mental illnesses are almost certainly a

result of a change in brain cell composition. Proteins are released into the blood and a specific test is now being used in research to keep an equilibrium between mental illnesses as shown in blood composition, and exact medication. At present, various drugs may have to be tried before there is a balance between their effectiveness and the severity of the disease. This will not just apply to schizophrenia, severe depression, or bipolar disease, but also Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's problems.

A blood test is not a complete diagnostic test, but it is a vital guide in giving indications of a disease, and it can be done every week if necessary. Álvaro Urbano says that correct medical care will always involve listening to what a patient is experiencing, physical examinations, and tests. Blood chemistry analysis if done at the right time, will be an extraordinary tool that can extend a patient's life expectancy by pinpointing treatments to head off a major illness. The detection of colon cancer has been made much cheaper and easier by testing blood in faeces, so that the expensive testing by an internal colonoscopy probe only has to be done as a follow up treatment, if the blood test necessitates this. A comprehensive blood test at birth will in all likelihood indicate the probability of hereditary diseases such as diabetes, or even breast cancer, in later life. All from a drop of blood.

A Disaster Cover-Up

e comment on the earthquake history in Almería province in another article, but one of Spain's worst rail disasters took place on the Almería-Linares line near Gérgal in November 1945.

needed all the current available to get up a steep incline. The engineers therefore reconnected the supply. More electrocutions followed and then spilled oil fiercely ignited. People living nearby rushed to the crash site and some of the 146 burnt It has to be remembered this was only 6years and injured passengers set off along the track to after the end of the Spanish Civil War following the Gérgal station, with 39 people seriously injured. the overthrowing of the monarchy in 1931. General Franco led the Nationalist forces fighting the Republicans. Spain was still effectively under military control in 1945, with heavy censorship of the Spanish press. There were still pockets of resistance from the Republicans, known as “Los Maquis”, many of them in hiding. The Almería-Linares railway line included the first section in Spain to be electrified in 1912, to convey the iron ore from the Alquife mine to Almería port. This is the same mine that is now going to be reopened. The track from Gérgal to Santa Fe was a single track with trains travelling in both directions, as planned for the “AVE” (high speed train) here. Just before 1am on November 15th, partly due to a signals mix-up, the station master at Gérgal released a train carrying about 300 passengers and mail, from the sidings, onto the mainline towards Santa Fe, with a total weight of 162 tons. The station master quickly left for a traditional pig slaughtering event. The assistant station master realized that a large goods train had not yet arrived at Gérgal, travelling in the opposite direction. He knew there was going to be a crash, took all the money from the station, and ran away. This train had 15 wagons weighing 221 tons The trains collided at 1.15am on a curve in a deep cutting on the line two miles from Gérgal. The fullyladen goods train carried grapes, fish, minerals, and black-market oil hidden in one of the wagons. Two carriages of the passenger train were thrown upwards, and touched the 5,400 volt overhead electricity line, and some passengers were electrocuted. At the manned substation that supplied the electricity, the fuses blew. This was not at all unusual, as very heavy goods trains

The alarm was raised, and at 2am the Spanish military decided that this might be a sabotage attack. Rescue trains with doctors, nurses, and soldiers were despatched from Almería and Guadix, but not until 4am. Trains always carried armed guards and an infantry captain was on the postal train. He survived, but two Guardia Civil armed police died. Nearly all the dead bodies were completely reduced to ashes from the impact, electrocution, and the fire. Only 22 complete bodies, and 11 skeletons were recovered at the scene. The Franco government and the military totally suppressed all the correct numbers. Subtracting the wounded from the total passengers, there were probably about 120 people missing, presumed dead. A few days afterwards an official press release from the government was sent to a Madrid newspaper. This listed 17 deaths, including 7 railway employees, the two Guardia Civil police, and 8 “unidentified” passengers. At the year end, an official (censored) document from 'RENFE' the railway company stated that there were 41 deaths during the whole year, and 590 injuries. The remains of the dead passengers are buried in a common grave at the crash site.

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The Focus A-Z Directory

2000 entries!

This A-Z directory is the only comprehensive listing of all the businesses and services you routinely need, and can never find!

For a free directory entry, call 670 84 92 65 or e-mail almeriafocus@gmail.com Keep this magazine in your office, by your 'phone, in the car or beside your bed! It's unique and updated every month. Red line entries signify that there is a display advert for that advertiser. 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 DCM Digitek Comms (Mojácar) (See p.39) .950 472947 / 670 084438 Digital Vision (See p.48) ..................950 472081 / 645 294064 DJT Air Conditioning (Vera) ..................686 817945 / 626 578164 Electrotorres ........................................950 472898 / 610 750771 MD Air Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.607 364917 / 950 432110 Richard Hayes ...........................................................603 567676 Solo Satellite & Air-Con. (See p.25)......950 398146 / 699 909737 Williams Electrical (Andy)........................................…..677 741366

Prosegur Alarms .........................................................671 449741 Total Digital Security (CCTV) ...................................622 717133

AIRPORT TRANSFERS (LEGAL) Exclusive Airport Shuttles (See p.61)....950 092602 / 634 317666 IndaTravel (See p.19) ..............................................950 149539

ALCOHOL & DRUG ADDICTION Serenity House ………..........................……..(24hr) 956 127371

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY See also Solar

AIRPORT PARKING AA Parking (Almería, Murcia, Alicante) 950 290651 / 639 081067 Aqua-Car (Alicante) ……………..................................606 389550 Park and Fly (Alicante) ....................902 887306 / 661 517890 Plane Parking S.L. ………….......................................968 566410 ...............(24hrs Alicante) 656 532725, (24hrs Murcia) 656 532724 Seguro Parking (San Jávier – Murcia) ……............622 062115 Victoria Parking (Alicante)........................................670 059809

ALARMS

Almería Green Energy (Arboleas) …...958 003391 / 628 872334 Biomass Pellets ...................................950 452919 / 673 784050 Simón (Recycling Cooking Oils) ……………............….697 126083

AMUSEMENT and GAMBLING MACHINES Cafeteria Bellagio (Mojácar Playa) ...........………….. 950 472323

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

AXA .........................................................................950 478763 ARCHITECTS CD Electrical Services ......................662 414043 / 617 410534 Angel Pardo (Técnico) .......................950 121960 / 687 939315 Safes & Security (Lee/Dean).....................................666 949213

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Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Location Warehousing S.L. (Antas El Real) ..............950 391412

AUTOMATIC DOORS & GATES The Metal Works (Arboleas) …….......950 930520 / 638 900949

AWNINGS & BLINDS Curtains with Style (Sail shades) .......950 069032 / 678 811125 Costasol S.L. (Lloyd Dean) (See cover)...........................667 652 888 Coverbox (Albox) …................................................…615 992007 Cristalería Omega (Mojácar) …..........950 478137 / 670 500711 PersiVera 2005 S.L. ..................................................627 978635 Plisse Blind Repairs (Mark) …….............……………..673 411362 Sol Shaders S.L. ...............................627 907207 / 634 319882 Speedyfit (See p.4) ..................................................600 006032 Toldos Farrago (Vera) ...............................................667 567564

BABY See Children & Baby BAKERIES

Cornish Pride (Albox) …................................………666 618933

BARS & CAFES See also Restaurants Albox Antonio Martinez de la Casa ............678 347125 / 950 092094 Blas Haro Morales ...................................................950 615345 Elena Acebo Architects (Huércal-Overa) .669 680098 / 950 134976 Federico Aranda Martín (Mojácar Playa) ..................607 983810 Paula Puente (Mojácar) .............................................610 433001

Bar Lepanto ................................................................642 906638 Cafe Azafran ............................................................677 655049 Cafe-Bar Oasis ………......................................…....669 242166 Cornish Pride ...................................................………666 618933 La Palmera ….....................................950 430993 / 659 056082 Maloan’s Bar ….........................................................634 300752 ART & ARTISTS Oliver’s Bar …............................................................950 930988 Adolfo Prado (pictures & murals) ..............................950 472668 TCs Cafe Bar ...............................................................663 327840 Alison (portraits & other commissions) .......................630 833873 The Travellers Inn, Los Marcelinos ...........................642 011900 Caz (art classes) ………................................……….607 444034 Dee Butler (Albox) ................................................….663 341904 Alfaix Delfos Gallery (Mojácar) …........................................647 163681 La Venta de Alfaix .....................................................671 272464 Isabel Raths (paintings and commisions, Bedar) .....677 034957 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

Antas

AUCTIONS

Bédar

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

Arboleas El Mirador .......................................................................687 160 806 Hotel Rural Azabache ...............................................690 258813 Humbugs Cafe …......................................950 095904 / 634 309 465 Joke's BBB …......................................642 794094 / 670 650823 La Marmita ..............................................................950 449655

A & A Auctions (Albox) ………..............950 064576 / 661 759882 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 Bar El Pinar ........................................634 363834 / 634 397559

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San Pedro Belgian Bar .............................................722 El Capricho …..........................................................697 297235 Scotty's …...................................................................687 i-Café Bar ……………….....................................……950 135039 The Emerald Isle (See p.48)....................................652 The Irish Rover (See p.41)......................................950 La Alfoquía Bar La Unión ...........................................................642 008003 The Kimrick ……….......…...................................……950 Bar Trabalon .......................................................….687 098959 The Lemon Lounge .............................................….950 Bar Los Mellizos ……….........................................…667 919025 The Loft …..........................................950 472432 / 690 Cielos …...................................................................634 393235 The Phoenician Golf .................................................603 El Local ……......................................950 634449 / 633 684855 The Roof Garden (See p.29)....................................674 Trufibar ....................................................................664 La Hortichuela Valery Music ..............................................................950 Sopranos (formerly Divas) .................620 166719 / 657 443791

Huércal-Overa

485340 382540 105827 473135 475198 472659 756196 279612 113218 103611 615537

Palomares

Las Buganvillas

102 Tapas Bar …………...........................……………..615 157905. Gnomo Feliz II ..........................................................950 132350 The Oasis Bar ....................................950 467381 / 676 365010 La Colonial ……………….........................................….636 140307 Centro Plaza ................................................................950 618614 Los Gallardos La Dulce Casa ….................................................…….950 467768 Apolo ……………................................................……600 495182 Partoloa El Sitio .................................................................……950 398799 Mis Amigos …….................................................…….671 608498 Meson Verfran ………...................................................637 810143

Piedra Amarilla, Partaloa

Mojácar Badger’s ....................................................................950 478525 Bar Alizee ...............................................................950 091810 Bar Esencial ...............................................................618 826092 Beachcomber ..............................................................634 339216 Big Fat Momma’s .......................................................634 315720 Burladero ……..........................................................950 615041 Cafeteria Bellagio .......................................…………950 472323 Cafetería Dolce …….................................................950 475178 Cafetería Pizzería Alcazaba ………...........................645 414793 Café Latino ...............................................................626 717323 Cantina Don Pancho ................................................950 472543 Captain's Tapas Bar & Restaurant...............................617 477797 Cave Bar ...............................................................…..950 478799 Delfos (Mojácar) (See p.53).......................................647 163681 Dolce Vita (See p.27)................................................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 / 642 514738 Fany …………...........................................………….634 312820 Jazz Life Café (Mojácar Pueblo) ........................…….647 724367 Koi ….........................................................................950 615452 La Cantina (Mexican) ................................................950 478941 La Parata (See p.7).....................................................950 478186 La Piká .....................................................................950 930744 La Taberna (Mojácar Pueblo) ....................................647 724367 Los Amigos ………….....................................……….950 478489 Mesón Felipe San Bernabé ................950 475966 / 631 301368 Mesón Mémé ……………...........……….674 141159 / 647 954405 Moca Cafe Bar …......................................................950 452885 No 353 (Mojácar)..................................950 104937 / 662 164424 Rincon de Zahorí ................................630 314400 / 625 103672 Rusty Nail …………....................................................950 472786

Yellow Stone Bar ......................................................634 332178

Pueblo Laguna / Vera Beach Bar Dolar ....................................................................950 132015

Millionaire Sports Bar ……...................950 617467 / 637 255978

Restaurante Tibu .......................................................950 133747

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

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

Turre Alice’s Bar ………......................................................620 876485 Chili ...................................................950 468425 / 608 802227 La Pará ……………............................................……637 545590

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Vinilo Bar ................................................................629 657402 The Blue Parrot ......................................................950 467682

Valle del Este

Villaricos

Hole in One Karen’s Bar ......................950 461068 / 677 655790 Bar Genesis ………………................................…….647 073598 Bar La Plaza Villaricos ............................................…950 467590 Vera Casa de la Vega ......................................................950 391208 El Galeon ……...................................................……600 559379 La Amistad …………….….......................................…666 622085 La Casa del Siret ....................................................950 467777 Los Angeles ..............................................................617 952760 Vera Playa El Balconcito .............................................................635 589909 Los Conteros (See p.3)....................950 618629 / 699 010705 Frankie’s Bar .....................................950 467541 / 622 649469

BARS (BEACH BARS)

Aku Aku (Mojácar) ...............................950 478981 / 607 347612 Chiringuito Manacá (Mojácar) .....................................600 045599 Costa Tranquila (San Juan de los Terreros)..664701457 El Cid (Mojácar) ...................................950 472063 / 696 056128 El Patio (Mojácar) ........................................................629 287265 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 La Buena Mesa ……............................950 467222 / 610 356387 Maui (Mojácar) ……...................................................950 478722 La Peperina ................................................................677 420243 Neptuno Beach Club (Mojácar) ................................…616 005387

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507520 BEDROOMS 399728 Artizan (Vera) .............................……..950 390635 / 661 985310 478308 Sleepcentre (Albox) ...........................671 715294 / 868 931872 615030 BED & BREAKFAST 103611 Casa Barranca (Huercal Overa) ....... 95 0952947 / 648 250699 BATHROOMS & SHOWERS Casa Blanca (Ogarite/Oria) ………..............................639 269216 24hr Casaserve ...................................950 466438 / 676 306269 Casa Jasmine (La Alfoquía) ......................................950 449513 ABS Advanced Building Services ..............................687 846016 Casa Jessica (Turrillas) .................... 697 623201 / 666 394707 Cerrajería Jara (Las Buganvillas) ……………………..950 109986 Casas Limaria (Arboleas) ..................675 378291 / 950 930190 Cristalería Omega (Mojácar) …..........950 478137 / 670 500711 Casa Los Arcos (Mojácar) …….................................950 473165 Diamond Bathrooms ..................................................671 717149 Casa Montes Guesthouse (Arboleas) ..................... 686 400331 Dorothy Bathrooms (Albox) .........................................661 463842 Dave & Gilly's B & B (Vera Town) …..........................950 391660 Elper Alutol S.L. .........................................................639 212220 Las Persianas Azules (Velez Rubio) ..950 068054 / 630 149622 Enrique Aguirre S.L. (Garrucha) .................................950 460028 Hostal La Parata (Mojácar) ..................950 472670 / 637 733272 Mojácar Kitchens & Bathrooms .......950 473104 / 669143036 The Palms (Urcal) …………......................................678 832036 Villa Janian (Lijar) ..............................950 064259 / 626 328274 Playa Blanca (Mojácar) ........................950 473001 / 639 Shambala (Mojácar) …..............................................950 Sol y Arena (Mojácar) ..............................................950 Tito’s (Mojácar) ..........................................................950 Trufibar ....................................................................664

BICYCLE HIRE

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

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

BICYCLE SALES, MAINTENANCE & CLOTHING Aguila Bike (Las Buganvillas) ........................................950 133063 BikeRun Sport (Albox) …………………950 930190 / 678 166252

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Doltcini (Clothing) (Mojácar) ..............950 092600 / 658 028646 Leroy Merlin, Gran Plaza (Roquetas) ….................……950 339800 Lufran Bike Sport …………....................................….607 074753 Sanyfer (Antas El Real) ………....................................950 459082 Matthew’s Elite Bik VeraSur SL (Vera) ....................................................950 393028 Weekend Sport (Las Buganvillas) ............................950 460738

BUILDING SERVICES

BLINDS see Awnings & Blinds BOATS & NAUTICAL

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 099913 / 600 AlmeriaBuilders.com ……......................659 685133 / 950

306269 152911 119995 631458 846016 041820 268176 930520

Amigos Bowling Centre (Arboleas Ind. Estate) …….950 120269 Ozone Bowling Mojácar ............................................950 473073 Andalucian Con Co Print .................................….…..628 Andaluz Building Services........... ……950 439094 / 664 BUILDING MATERIALS Andy the Builder (Mojácar) .................................... 634 (& Sanitary Ware, Tiles etc) Aridos Mojácar S.L. ……..........................................650 914257 Antas Building Company …..........…..661 075802 / 655 Brico Depôt (Huércal de Almería) …........…………….950 625652 Arboleas Building ………........……….950 930536 / 634 Casa Conchillo (Albox) …..........................................950 430740 Armadillo ........................................…950 528128 / 663 Contrucciones Angel Oller (Albox) ...........................950 431453 Charlie Fyre ..............................................................686 Comercial Vera (Vera) ........................902 112236 / 950 393329 Construction & Plastering (See p.18)...634 327201 / 661 Enrique Aguirre S.L. (Garrucha) .................................950 460028 Construcciones DISACA (Mojácar) ...........................639

408197 025044 348567 772127 306690 303350 833444 129028 817778

Veramotor S.A. ............................................................950 392552

BOAT TRIPS Glass Bottom Boat (Villaricos port) ….......................662 604456 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)

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

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Constructions Martinez Moreno (Rambla de Oria) ….696 052044 Daniel ……………..................................................….642 236810 DAGA Construction ……...................................……686 846624 David Croft (Urcal) ………....................................……661 148067 David Pritchard Construcciones ................................617 698418

J B General Builder ................................................. 687 024884 Jasmine Construction C.B ...................................... 659 185189 Mat Murray ...............................................................647 841750 MD Building Services ..........................628 414861 / 628 414862 Nash Construction ..................................................661 793418 P & S Building Services ……...….…….950 449639 / 671 318982 PR Building Services ............................608 673681 / 662 422170

Paul Acreman (General Builder) ..............……………607 196779 Professional Bricklayer ……………........................…..626 730764 Saxon’s Complete Building Services ....618 920126 / 968 485729 Valley Construction ..............…………..665 517643 / 610 905173 Vision Design and Build ........................950 459523 / 600 985583

BUTCHERS Ávila (Vera) …….................................................……663 British butcher (Gastronomía-Las Buganvillas) 950 132048 / 603 Deco-house (Ismael) …………....................................670 596085 Casa Jose (Garrucha) ..............................................950 Diamond Plastering and Building Services .................671 717149 Juan’s Carniceria (Mojácar Playa) ….............………950 Elegant Homes S.L. ..............................950 092603 / 687 629777 CAKES TO ORDER Garden Works ...........................................................666 847583 Cafeteria Dolce (Mojácar Playa) ………................….950 Genco Construction ...................................................607 271869 Cafeteria Pasteleria Romantic (Mojácar) ..................950 Hire a Husband …………............……..677 557 190 / 950 930596 Crazy Cakes Almeria .......................634 335821 / 634

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

126062 431220 132573 478409 475178 615344 345558

Free directory entries.

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

166272 452885 164424 329403

Al Andalus Car Hire ...................................................664 269440 Auto Corner (Limousines) .....................950 069198 / 667 439671 Caracola (Mojácar) .............................950 473157 / 637 545814 Costa Coches (Mojácar) ........................950 459208 / 950 069272 Crown Rent A Car S.L. .......................950 478976 / 686 929861 CAMPSITES Europcar ............................................950 615101 / 654 297681 Camping Los Gallardos .............................................679 970399 Mo-Car (Mojácar) ................................950 478307 / 626 976973 Campsite Marion (Vera) .............................................607 316553 Solvi Car (Mojácar) …………....................................950 478151 SRS Vehicle Services ................................................950 449095 CAR HIRE 1car1 UK car rental …….........................................…902 654452 Tikka RentaCar (Mojácar) ............................................950 472662

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

Khaled - Valeting (Mojácar) ......................................671 715285 Speedy Fit (Cucador) ............................950 438228 / 600 006032

CARD SHOPS C.A.T. Services (La Alfoquía) (See p.17).950 634388 / 627 635514 Colin the Card (Albox) ……...................................…..650 600032

Forget Me Not (Las Buganvillas)..............................663 302740 Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051 Total Entertainment (Mojácar) ……….................……950 615596 Total Entertainment (Turre) .........................................950 468295

CARPENTRY 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 Simon the Woodworker .............................................667 989270 TJ Carpentry (Albox) …….....………….619 584405 / 635 979829 Unicraft …..............................................................…692 176069

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Free directory entries.

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

…………..............………950 091840 / 634 332502

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

CATERING / EVENTS See also Wedding & Party Planning Cortijo de la Media Luna ....................950 478813 / 659 198424 Elite Cuisine ..........................................................610 994435 La Capilla Restaurant (Las Alparatas, Mojácar) .......950 479305 The Whole Hog / Hog Roast parties (p.112)...968 485729 / 618 920126 Soft Ice Cream and Frozen Yoghurt Machines............600 006032

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

763052 104345 751244 146592 264179 615432 806126

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

Cherie's Ironing & Cleaning (Mojácar) ............………634 301389 Crystal Clear ............................................................637 229464 Daisy Proaño Alcivar (Contract & private) ……...….663 538596 Elite Cleaning Agency ........................629 113860 / 699 699617 Freshclean …………….........................659 353708 / 638 272482 Idea (Mojácar) .. ......................................................605 162709 Jone’s Upholstery & Rug cleaning ….........…………661 571939 Limpiezas Cristina ….............................................…660 306695. Limpiezas Maxlim (Palomares) ……...678 567783 / 629 680161 New Pin Services ....................................................678 875508 Upholstery & Leather Cleaning ...................................636 193256

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

CHINESE & ASIAN RESTAURANTS Casa Sun (Mojácar Playa) ......................................950 099914 Chino Peking (Garrucha) .............................................950 132948 China Town (Aguilas) ................................................968 414786 Chino Tsing-Tao (Aguilas) ........................…...............968 448548 Dragon Chino (Las Buganvillas) ..................................950 133226 Gran Muralla (Albox) ................................................950 120166 Gran Muralla (Turre) ……............................................950 618880 Palacio Imperial Marina (Mojácar Playa) ….................950 472208 Restaurante Asiatico Yao (Mojácar Playa) 950 472570 / 686 998409

CHIROPODIST

Rascals Designs ............................... 950 064665 / 686 Fit Feet (Ann-Marie) .................................................647 415848 Tikka Uniforms (Mojácar) ….......................................950 Kim White (Vera Playa) ………...................................637 149659 Mobile Chiropodist (Albox area) .................................637 209607 COMPUTERS Advance Digital ........................................................616 CHIROPRACTOR Beep (Garrucha) ……………..................................….950 Maximilian Bolté (Garrucha) .............950 133515 / 650 700783 Compleo Personal I.T. Centre .................................….950 Paul Jensen ...............................................................950 460953

582140 472662 506569 133059 393689

CLAIRVOYANCY / PSYCHIC READINGS Anna (Tarot) ……….........................................………670 897832 Chrissie Cremore ....................................................634 349638 Psychic Karen (Turre) …..........................................678 118108

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

340190 516955 565049 390453

Computer Care (Nick) ...............................................600 070075

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Free directory entries.

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Computer Services (Dani) ........................................678 490639 Speedy Fit (See p.4)..........................950 472451 / 600 006032

COUNSELLING / HEALING Acupuncture & Massage .............................................637 120429 Barbara Clarke .............................................................637 469937 Chrissie Cremore (Reiki)..............................................634 349638 Cristina Ballesteros (Transcendental Meditation) ............622 903 600 Emotional Freedom Technique/Healer …......................645 290728 Eve Morgan .............................................................647 203652 Fred Smithers (Acupuncture) ...............950 930456 / 618 107351 Gill Ballard (Healer/Counsellor) ...............................663 336655 Heaven Scent Holistics ...........................................663 923733 Dr. Jane Thompson (Psychotherapy)...968 485729 / 618 920126 Kate Roberts ...........................................................950 469540 Lucy Lovejoy (CraneoSacral Therapist) .....................647 045919 Malcolm Forrest-Hazell (Counsellor/Psychotherapist) ...693 489725 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

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 Ink Cartridge Solutions (Albox) ……….................…….650 557428 Informatica-NV (Vera) ..................................................665 334991 Kamale-on ……………...............................................950 616521 Mi PC (Almeria) …..............................................….950 633015 COURIER DELIVERIES Mr. Micro (Turre) ....................................................950 479502 Mail Boxes Etc (Vera) ............................................950 Palomares Computer Services ..................................659 353708 Nacex (Mojácar) ………..................................……….950 PC Playa C.B. (Mojácar) …….....................................950 475712 Offex Spain ................................…….......................966 Spanish Property Choice (Easypost) ..950 615388 / 635

390920 472940 765950 722290

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

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

CYBERCAFES Can Connect (Albox) …........................................…..950 The Hub (Huércal-Overa) …............…………………..950 Servidea 2020 (Mojácar Playa) .................................950 Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 Total Entertainment (Turre) ........................................950 Total Entertainment (Mojácar) …….............................950

PC-Solutions ...............................................................637 459293 Phoenix Computers (Albox) ................950 523214 / 644 125615 PhonePC (Garrucha) .................................................950 133502 PuntoMatica ................................................................950 133908 PRYS Informatica (Antas) ........................................617 382511 Sol Computers …...................................................…677 874645

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

CONSERVATORIES Screenmasters (See p.43)......….…..680 777789 / 677 152911

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

121149 135039 399726 121318 009051 468295 615596

Free directory entries.

Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com

DOG GROOMING

CURTAINS & SOFT FURNISHINGS See also Sewing

Anita (5 Bone Kennels) …………......................……662 344734 Brigbe’s Dog Grooming ...........................................630 557123 Curtains with Style (See p.21)...........950 069032 / 678 811125 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 SoloPerros (Turre) ..................................................674 509382

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

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS Rod Bridges ……........................……..950 473035 / 687 261280 Curtainsandthings.................................................……678 684564 Solo Style ………...............................950 528334 / 626 319907

DAMP PROOFING Southern Spain Damp Proofing .................................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 DOORS See Windows & Doors Clinica Dental Saludent (Huércal-Overa) ……………..950 135672 Dental Clinic Belen Oliver (Olula del Río) ................950 443265 DRY CLEANERS Dentalbox (Albox) .........................................................950 121284 City Sec (Vera) .........................................................950 390255 Nadal Pérez, M A (Turre) .........................................950 479444 DVD & VIDEO HIRE Odonto Stetic (Los Gallardos) ...........722 706732 / 950 398993 Puerta de Vera (Vera) ........................................950395319 The Hub (Huércal-Overa) ….........................………..950 135039 Valero Martinez (Garrucha) ………............................950 132047 Cinebank (Turre) .......................................................627 738957 Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 DIET PLANS & WEIGHT LOSS Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051 Image (Helen) ........................950 930192 / 665178326 Total Entertainment (Turre) ...950 468295 ...(Mojácar) 950 615596 Issysweigh (Albox) ...................................................600 334318 ELECTRICAL GOODS Pam (Turre) ..............................................................639 465631 Vicki (Turre) .............................................................650 764623 Centro Comercial Almanzora (Olula del Rio) .............950 442012 Centro Ferretería Lopez Mojácar ...........................950 473111 DIGGER HIRE De Pablo S.L. (Vera) ..............................................950 390129 Antas Mini Diggers .............................950 069288 / 650 906114 Electro Ahorro (Albox) .............................................950 121069 Aridos Mojácar S.L. (Vera) .....................................650 914257 Electro Hogar Rodriguez S.L. (Garrucha)..................950 460832 Diego Ramos S.L. (Los Gallardos) ……..............…..647 841750 Economesticos La Juaida (Viator) ……………………..950 315560 Elite Plant Hire (JCB) ………….................................636 092632 Euronics .............. (Albox) 950 430702 (Garrucha) 950 460832 Lubrin Plant Hire (Mini and Micro) .......950 592922 / 664 327898 Mick (Mini Digger) .....................................................634 375428 ELECTRICIANS Nash Construction ..................................................661 793418 A1 Services ………..............................635 810941 / 679 631458 Paco .................................................................................637 777 238 Abbott Electrical ….............................638 010691 / 950 137208 Tropicana Mini Digger ………………650 906114 / 950 069288 Andrew Morrison .....................................................627 250204 Anglo Electrical ........................................................671 948213 DIVING See Scuba Diving Andy …..............................…................950 438237 / 679 656450 DOCTORS & CLINICS (Private) Baltasar .....................................................................655 691107 Centro Médico Mojácar ...............................................950 475105 Charlie Fyre ................................................................686 833444 Clinica Medica Garrucha ……...........950 133157 / 617 404500 CD Electrical Services .........................662 414043 / 617 410534 Dr. Maria Rose (Garrucha) ..........................................950 132803 Euroclinicas (Vera) ........................................................950 391300 Connexions (Turre) ……..............................………….950 479502

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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 Ashley Cathcart .......................................................693 486788 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) .................................................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 ..........................................................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 Laura Blackburn (Vocalist) ......................................689 404244 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 Maximum Output Karaoke /Disco ............................697 317557 Mel J ……...........................................664111990 / 950 069101 Menta & Canela Duo ..............................................645 886919 More Than Two (Más Que Dos) ...............................678 752178 Don Tadeo ..................................................................670 860386 North South Country Boys ........................................634 332135. Northern Lights Karaoke …...............................……..697 500673 Obsession Duo (female sax & guitarist) ...................693 796628 Phil and The Invisibles ..................... 950 475752 / 651 045120 Ratatouilles .............................................................638 391975 Red (Female Vocalist) .............................................628 149340 Replay Duo ..............................................................950 124154 Richard Hill ..............................................................670 243461 Rocio Starry (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) ............634 311652 Starry Jazz trio/quintet .............................................645 886919 Steve King (Mobile DJ) ......................950 137177 / 680 272822 Sue Moretta …….............................…......................672 148730 The Fat Lizard Band .....(English) 651 045120 (Esp) 617 464728 The Jaguars ............................................................634 397513 The Opium Buddhas ………………….687 033106 / 667 989270 The Twilight Shadows (Duo) ....................................950 437606 Tom Lee ……............................................................671 754851 Tony Matthews (Quiz organiser) ..............................634 391414 Tony Justice ……….............................950 950797 / 637 159249

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Free directory entries.

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Trio Chaos ................................................................687 361440 Isabel Morales (Civil Engineer) ..................................617 749105 Triple Trouble Blues Band ........................................671 754851 Wind Instruments .....................................................659 022604

ESTATE AGENTS Alhambra Holdings (Mojácar)...............950 475199 / 629 673450 AlmeríaCasas ...........................................................950 387852 Almería Homes ................................0044 1273 929286 / 950 930 259 Almería Property Agency (Arboleas) ..850 993099 / 628 872334 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 Arboleas Property Shop .................…....................…958 003391 BMS Huerta Nueva ............................950 615035 / 669 355914 Calida Homes (Arboleas)See p.59).......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

K7 Mojácar (See p.55)...............................................950 478555

Cortijos Almería …………............……........................676 916088 Daniel González Aranda ...................................................686 846 624

Linnitt Properties (Turre).............................................950 479054 Mojácar Estates (See p.45)......................................950 478935

Euroxan (Vera) .........................................................699 067922 Fincas Vera Playa ..............................950 460670 / 639 314767 Find Me A Home .................................951 914195 / 636 266641 FW Properties ................................634 325152 / 634 352285 Gogo Estates (Aguilas) ........................968 414459 / 615 282151 Grupo Platinum Estates (San Juan)....950 466122 / 666 687251 Homes of Spain (Huércal Overa).........950 616516 / 616 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 ..................... 9501 20406 / 637 251238 InmoTerreros (San Juan) ...............950 096180 / 666 255765

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 Okisur (Mojácar) .........................................................950 478386

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

Free directory entries.

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Olive Property Sales (Bédar)(See cover) .950 469624 / 687 938466 Polansky and Associates ..........................................950 478086 Price Brown Partnership (Mojácar) ...........................950 478915 Realtors MB Spain ...................................................678 347125

Spain Property Finder …..............……........................686 878789 Spanish Property Choice (Mojácar Playa)(See p.56).950 615388 Sun Med Properties (Vera Playa) ............................…..950 618209 Vaitier SL (Cabrera) .....................................................609 626140 Veritas Homes (Mojácar) (See p.23)............950 472430 / 610 053563 Relocation Almería (Mojácar) .......................................950 473259

VIP Almería (Mojácar Playa) (See back)..950 472524 / 617 587903 Rural Almería (Mojácar Playa) ................................…950 472200 Voss Homes (Huercal-Overa) ...................667 891 741 / 950 616 827 Santiburi Properties (Cabrera & Mojácar) 694 404971 / 647 901478 WPMS Inmobiliario (Villaricos) ..........678 321111 / 950 618697 Sol y Mar (Albox) ...............................950 064584 / 635 979829 FABRICS Spanish Estate Agents (Albox) ………950 431855 / 661 143871 Curtains with Style (See p.21)...........950 069032 / 678 811125 Spanish Hideaways (Oria) ....................634 366672 / 676 604008 Spain Assured (See front cover)............950 469622 / 634 300020

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

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Blevins Franks (Neil) ................................................965 705502 FASHION Charlotte’s Island Secrets ........................................600 691685 CG Legal & Financial (Mojácar Playa) ..950 472504 / 670 215926 Dandara (Garrucha) ................................................950 617013 Currencies Direct (Mojácar) …....…...…950 478914 / 626 916443 Fox Financial Spain S.L. (Mojácar) ……...............…..950 478617 Kennedy Financial Services .........................................678 035992 Totus Wealth Management .....................................…950 472242 Offshore Money Management .............952 830916 / 950 398078

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Aero Extinción S.L. (Almería) …............………………..950 263565 Extin-Torres S.L. (Mojácar) ............................................950 475067

FIREPLACES Chimeneas Mojácar S.L. (Mojácar Playa) ..............950 472135 Tabika (Vera) …...........................……950 390110 / 950 390635 Donna’s Boutique (Turre) .........................................677 542931 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 478690 Saga Boutique (Mojácar) .........................................950 475258 Simply The Best (Albox) …………..............................659 185039 Wailaky (Alfoquía) ……........................................….634 896975

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 FENCING Chain Link Almanzora ………...................................697 801875 Dorothy Rowntree, personal trainer (Mojácar)..........666 815838 Entrenador Personal I.F.B.B. …….....................……..676 871950 FINANCIAL SERVICES Fitness For All (Bédar) ………..........…………………..647 593323 AMASS ……......................................................……..678 035992 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

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FOOD SUPPLIERS

FLORISTS

Hortiflor (Mojácar) ....................................................950 478985 Food4 .............................................................618875394 Persa Floristas (Albox) …….......................................950 120211 Fresh Herbs ............................................................695 941724 King’s Foods ...........................................................606 437683

FLY SCREENS

FUNCTION VENUES AA Window Doctor ..............…………630 231644 / 636 838484 Armadillo …......................................…950 528128 / 663 303350 The Kimrick (Mojácar Playa) .......……......................950 Bugs ...........................................................................600 049515 La Capilla (Las Alparatas, Mojácar) .........................950 Coastal Mosquitoes ..................................................610 000700 Miraflores Restaurant (Camping Los Gallardos) .........650 The Palms (Urcal) ………...................950 958167 / 678

475198 479305 418954 832036

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

Funeral Homes Robles (Cuevas) ..............................657 921383 Funeraria Ntra. Sra. de las Angustias (Vera) 950 390884 / 607 705672

Coopermatic Fly Spray ............................................659 089658 Curtains with Style (See p.21).........950 069032 / 678 811125 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 Toldos Farrago (Vera) ...............................................667 567564 Tony Justice ...................................…..950 950797 / 637 159249 Ventanas y Puertas Mojacar S.L. ......................…….950 473104 Funeraria Pérez (Mojácar) ........................................950 478102

FOOD SHOPS Arkrites (Roquetas) ................................................. 950 334081 Catch of the Day UK Fishmonger ........634 301490 / 634 304288 Centro Comercial Almanzora (Olula del Rio) …..........950 442012 Eurowise (Albox) ……………….............................…..950 439801 Gastronomía (Delicatessen) (Las Buganvillas) .......950 132048 Home Sweet Home (Turre) ...............................……..950 479487 Las Buganvillas Minimarket ………........................…..635 036408 Manoli (Arboleas) ….................................................627 941654 Price Busters (Albox) .................................................950 951494 Sol Supermercado (Albox) ….......................................950 430043 FUNERAL PLANS Spar Supermarket (Huércal-Overa) ...........…………..950 135222 Spices n' Herbs in Spain (Albox)...............................689 482694 Avalon Europe S.L. .................................................966 799070 Super Corner (Turre)..........................950 468303 / 637 016107 Avalon Europe (Local rep. Peter Brown) ...................634 306864 The Corner Shop (Albox) ………………950 930539 / 680 776791 Avalon Europe (Peter McArdle) .................................663 558148 Golden Leaves Funeral Plans (Benitachell)............. 966 493082 Iberian Funeral Plans (See p.31)...........951 203994 / 965 993498

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Free directory entries.

Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Furniture Plus (Puerto de Mazarron)...968 153907 / 678 083491 Homes & Beyond (Garrucha) ..................................950 132458 Ideas del Mueble (Antas) ...........................................950 452816 Inspired (Albox) (See p.6)........................................950 091153 Koala Furniture (Antas) (See p.63)..................….........950 392307 Linea Nueva (Arboleas) ……………….620 237529 / 950 120630 Muebles Rodríguez (Los Llanos, Arboleas) …...........950 430778 Sleepcentre (Albox) ..............................868 931872 / 671 715294 Sofa & Sofa (Las Buganvillas) ................654 596247 / 654 596220 Unicraft (Upholstery) ..................................................692 176069

GAMES/DVDs/MUSIC

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 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 The Furniture Doctor .............................................667 989270

FURNITURE SHOPS 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 El Pinar (Los Carasoles) ……......................…………950 104272 El Rincón de Mueble (Vera) ......950 460867 (Antas) 950 459071 Elleann’s Homestyle .................................................674 514999 Embargos Bestiales (Antas El Real) ......................950 105711 Flat Pack Services (assembly) ................................634 326308

Instock Vera .............................................................600 115339

GARDENS 24hr Casaserve ..................................950 466438 / 676 Acer Garden Services ..............................................697 Agave …….................................................................617 Cedar Landscapes …….............……....................…620 Clare’s Hanging Baskets …………...............………….634 Clean Team …………..............………950 091840 / 634 Garden Works ..............................…..950 132518 / 666 Indal Ocio (Furniture & BBQs) (See p.57)...............850 Jardin Natural ............................................................685 L & M Landscapes .................................................670 Lady Muck Gardening .............................................697

306269 618320 826334 112193 331440 332502 847583 993090 478187 409538 317557

Madera Mania (Garden Supplies) ….........................667 Mediterranean Gardens …….................................. 661 Mobile Shredder & Mulch Garden Service .............687 Nash Construction (Landscaping)...............................661 Potty Finca Services ..................……..950 163930 / 616 Riegos y Conducciones (Antas, El Real) .................950

562872 577019 024884 793418 855294 459146

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

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GLASS CURTAINS Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196 Speedy Fit (See p.4)..........................950 472451 / 600 006032 Toldos Farrago (Vera) ...............................................667 567564

GLAZING (Supply & Repair) AA Wiindow Doctor ......................…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 Greenfingers Arboleas S.L. ..........……......……………629 Inspired (Albox) (See p.6)........................................950 Tiger Turf ............................................950 431624 / 635

574145 947633 091153 652745

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

HAIR, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Euphoria Hair & Beauty (Esparragal) ...868 188706 / 657 713571 Farrow's Hair Design (Arboleas) .................................950 634346 Favola (Las Buganvillas) (See p.7).........................675 622216 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) ......................622 251432 Kim White (Beauty)(Vera & Mobile) ………...……….637 149659 Kuts 2 (mobile) ..........................................................662 094372 LAB (Hair & Beauty) (Mojácar) ..............................950 473110 Loulou’s (Albox) …..............................850 993141 / 642 015920 LU & NA (Valle del Este) …….............................…950 461113 Marcela Torres (Manicure & Pedicure) .....................697 421672 Naturalmente Mediterraneo (Skin care) (Garrucha) …655 299494 Oceanic Massage Therapies (Mojácar)........................687 619239 Opulence (La Alfoquía) …...........................................619 467295 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 Salon de Peluqueria y Estetica (Garrucha) ...............950 133162 Sarah Noble (mobile hairdresser) ...........................692 195500 Sophia Wellness Centre (Arboleas) ...........................950 449451 Stella’s (Las Buganvillas) .........................................664 138837 Studio 201 (Mojácar Playa) ................950 096189 / 634 306805

Affinity Beauty Treatments (Arboleas/La Alfoquia) ......678 992093 Anavi Estillistas (Palomares) .......................................670 094722 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 Center (Mojácar) (See p.37)..........................687 480694 Bonita Hair & Beauty Salon (Mojácar) .........................950 473159 Centro Estética (Mojácar Playa) …..................………657 982878 Cutting Edge (Hair & Beauty) (Albox) .........................950 633086 Dave Eccles (Mobile Hairdresser) ......950 525790 / 687 033106 The Spanish Beauty Club (Mojácar / Vera) ..............637 149659 Donna's (Albox)..................................950 930167 / 628 669456 Wacky Barber & Hairdresser (Mojácar) ....................667 961645 Elegance (Turre) ......................................................634 308877 Wavelengths (Albox) ………….................................…950 120309 Etticut (Turre) .............................................................667 971960

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Free directory entries.

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Barry & Graham (oil heating) ………........................620 112193 Mike Lacey ..........................................950 069073 / 636 407543 Neater Heater ………...................................………….634 312171

HEALING See Counselling/Healing HEALTH FOODS Girasol (Albox) ….......................................................639 089170

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

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 092604 Andrew Morrison (Econo-Heat)..................................627 250204

392198 448445 479487 513990

HIRE Baby Basics (Equipment Hire) ...................................950 104345 Baby Rentals (Mojácar) …..................................…….699 648058 Bebebel ………..........................................................661 575532 Easy Hire (Mojácar Playa)...........................................634 322475 Expecting a Baby (Almanzora Valley) ....950 436581 / 666 375688 Nursery Hire (San Juan de los Terreros) ….666 255765 / 950 466472 The Baby Hire Centre ................................................615 806126

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Free directory entries.

Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Hotel Virgen del Mar (Mojácar) ..................................902 472222 Las Colinas Suitotel (San Juan de Los Terreros) .........950 466353 Parador de Mojácar ...................................................950 478250

HOUSE & PET SITTING David .............................................................................. 950 Gail .....................................................693 769079 / 697 Louise ....................................................................... 680 Sharon Presley ..........................................................648

099905 500673 124159 069200

HOUSE CLEARANCE The Attic (Cucador) ..…….…................672 184354 / 648 250699

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 Adeslas ............................................950 472701 / 633 431900 HOME CARERS see also Nursing Albox Insurance .........................................................950 121943 Almería Angels ..........................................................902 026468 Alhambra Holdings (Mojácar)...............950 475199 / 629 673450 Care Fusion ..............................................................674 509382 Committed2ucommunitycare ......................................684 333442 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

241878 724521 243561 838547 239696

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

ASSSA Seguros (Vera) (See p.31)..............……………950 392487 Asisa (Vera) ................................................................950 391950 Axa .....................................................950 478763 / 609 667333 BWI Bryan White Insurance (Mojácar) ......................950 472098

Catalana Occidente (Palomares) ..............................950 Catalana Occidente (Mojácar Playa) .........................950 Domus Vivendi (Marina de la Torre, Mojácar) ........950 Edward William (Marine Insurance) ……………….….952

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618054 478307 133607 476090

Free directory entries.

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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 Mojácar Insurance (See p.49)...................................634 323399 Optimum Insurance Services ..............950 930548 / 634 324502 Sol y Mar (Albox) ……….....................950 064584 / 654 590258 Sol Insure ………..........................................………..950 472098 Spanish Hideaways (Arboleas) ……......................….950 064682 Victoria Insurance ..........................................………950 475241

INTERIOR DESIGN Evie Fox-Rayner ................................603 493163 / 653 714767 Curtains with Style (See p.21) ..........950 069032 / 678 811125 Deco-house (Ann) .....................................................666 260792 Essential Solutions …….............................................627 245658 Light & Luz (Vera) ...................................................686 457714 Lola Barranco ………..........................950 086116 / 691 261818

INTERNET FACILITIES See Cybercafes

INTERNET PROVIDERS Connexions (Turre) ……..............................…………..950 479502 Next .............................................................................950 479369 GSF Communications ..........................................950 473102

INTERNET TV Connexions (Turre) (See front cover).......................950 479502 Ezetv .......................................................................950 091112 GSF Communications ..........................................950 473102 IPTV Spain UKTV ...............................619 893214 / 699 386277

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

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Free directory entries.

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Alpha Interpreting and Translation .......950 133508 / 677 530690 Andrés Mojácar) ........................................................679 932632 Antonio García Russell (Mojácar) ..............................606 198958 C.A.T. Services (La Alfoquía) (See p.17).950 634388 / 627 635514 Carolyn (Mojácar area) ........................950 132905 / 608 692545 Cristina …….......................................................…..626 741386 Clara Mata ..............................................................629 132529 Donna (Turre) ...........................................................634 356330 Donna González-Linnitt ...........................................699 067922 Elizabeth ..................................................................662 504734 Espanglish Translation & Interpreters . 950 390037 / 950 392876 Hind (Mojácar - French, Arabic, English) .................616 605341 Joanne Tissington ……………...................................637 267150 Kathryn Jones .........................................................629 931125 Laberinto (Spanish, English, French, Dutch) .............609 781438 Marcela Chávez Riveros (Mojácar) .......................... 676 951352 Marguerite ……....................................................…..687 814157 Marisa .....................................................................636 179128 Michaela Talbot .........................................................608 626708 Milena (Albox) ………....................……654 359607 / 711 794366 Paul Jessop (Aguilas) .............................................626 421623 Simply Solved ………............................................….617 882689 Solutions Almería ......................................................687 632435 Susi ..................................................................................617 920 190 Tom Jones .................................................................608 721334 Traducciones Levante ..............................................606 953775 Wendy Interpreter/Translator ................................. 661 194278 Yamile (Written Translations) ....................................626 207575

Gatotel

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

Home from Home ...................................950 069010 / 677 382713 Horse & Dog sitting …………..............................……607 554984 Kareclif Cattery (Albox) ...........................................677 791165 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

KEY CUTTING

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

IRONING Can Iron 4U ............................................................. 665 Cherie's Ironing & Cleaning (Mojácar) ............………634 Clean Team …………..............………950 091840 / 634 Coser y Planchar (Vera) .........................................689

138708 301389 332502 303765

JET WASHING Aguaclean …………….........................950 064608 / 697 559395 Mobile Jet Washing ………..................950 069121 / 605 376873

JEWELLERS / JEWELLERY

KITCHENS

24hr Casaserve .................................950 466438 / 676 306269 Donna’s Boutique (Turre) .........................................677 542931 Artizan (Vera) ................................…950 390635 / 661 985310 Jewellery Paula (Albox) …..........................................960 430871 Joyería Pérez (Garrucha) ...........................................950 460636 Joyerias Vasary (Mojácar Playa) ……........…………….950 473164 La Luna (Garrucha) ....................................................950 132543 Serendipity (Albox) ................................................617 699624

KENNELS, CATTERIES & PET SITTING Animal Hotel (Águilas) ..............................................639 722197 Berben petsitting (Velez Rubio) ..................................658 087966 Boarding Kennels Los Llanos de Rosa (cats & dogs) ..629 448073 Country Kennel (Turre) .........................950 473011 / 627 564640 Dog & Cat Sitter Service …………………..................676 389592 Cocinas Puntocom (Huércal-Overa) ...950 921975 / 722 136950 Gail .....................................................693 769079 / 697 500673 Harlequin Kitchens (Albox) ……........………………….619 584405 Five Bone Hotel (Turre) ............................................630 234556 J.B. Kitchen Fitters (Turre) .......................................687 024884

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Free directory entries.

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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

390255 332502 414327 132657 478359

Gestoría Soria Bonilla (Mojácar) ................................950 478420 Kim Clark UK Benefit advice ……..….950 169729 / 663 297568 Mayor Consulting (Mojácar & Garrucha) ...................950 615185 4wayconnections ...................................................646 844708 Mojácar Playa Asesores ……........……………………950 472710 ALO Services (Zurgena) ......................950 449179 / 667 994682 Pilar Pérez Gestión S.L. (Mojácar) ............................950 478863 Barbara Caparros Ridao (Vera) …..........................950 390427 Vera Advisors (Vera) .................................................950 390621 CG Legal & Financial (Mojácar Playa) ..950 472504 / 670 215926 Cam Concepts S.L. (Huércal-Overa) …......…………. 950 471357 English Wills Spain …......................…...................607 646027 Gecko Legal Services …..........................……......…617 611140

LEGAL SERVICES See also Solicitors

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

LEISURE ACTIVITIES Gestoría Salvador (Mojácar Playa) ........................950 473192

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

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

LIGHTING Light & Luz (Vera) ...............................950 391804 / 697 643658

LINEN Gill’s English Bedlinen (Mojácar) ............................950 472835

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

121909 132253 642341 730088 135742

LOCKSMITHS 24hr Locksmith .................................950 472982 / 658 828560 Arboleas Locksmith ...................................................697 243181

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MOBILE PHONES See Telecommunications MOTORCYCLE & QUAD SALES & REPAIRS

Guzman Seguridad (Albox) ................950 431497 / 674 141559 Locksmith (Dean)......................................................666 949213 Phil the Pick 24hr (Arboleas) …................……………..697 243181

LOGS FOR SALE Antonio Diaz .............................................................689 127535 Colin & Carlos ....................................660 903158 / 630 455328 Leña Ramos (Arboleas) …...............….630 356095 / 616 044719 Lee (Arboleas) …………………....................................636 092632 Levante Logs ............................................................670 243724 Log-On-Tommy ……............................................……619 070839 Logs for Sale ..............................................................687 314775 Phil (Arboleas) ………………….....................................634 328779 Potty Finca Services .........................950 163930 / 616 855294

D Perez Motor (Antas) ...............................................950 Harley Dees ………….........................678 899026 / 600 Montoya Motos (Garrucha) …...............................…..950 Nafta Custom (Antas) ………...............950 619293 / 615

069022 685550 133033 938352

NURSING see also Home Carers Almería Angels ..........................................................902 026468

MASSAGE Acupuncture & Massage ..........................................637 120429 Holistic Massage, Lorraine ................950 064484 / 687 569113 Jessica Rippin ...........................................................676 248170 Oceanic Massage Therapies (Mojácar) .........................687 619239 Ray Daniel (Sports massage)………...........................617 741564

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

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 P & D Metals ............................................................638 Speedy Fit Security Grilles ....................................600 The Metal Works ................................950 930520 / 638

601524 431738 109986 000700 212220 424558 834064 633090 707406 006032 900949

ATS District Nurse ……………..................................662 Belle Care (Home/hospital)......................................602 Care Fusion ..............................................................674 Committed2ucommunitycare ......................................684

277845 495750 509382 333442

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

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

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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

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 Natural Optics (Garrucha) .........................................950 133921 See Screened Patio & Pool Enclosures Óptica Albox …………….......................................…..950 121991 Optica Mahis (Vera) ………...................................…..950 390777 PERFUMES & COSMETICS Optica Orbera (Huércal Overa) ....................................950 135596 Son d’Aromas (Mojácar Playa) ..................................666 348253 Optica Orbera (Albox) .....................................950430101 PEST CONTROL Opticalia M&G (Albox) ................................................950 121084 Primera Opticos (Aguilas) .........................................968 493482 Jason …….........................................950 064015 / 680 903609 Salas (Huércal Overa) ................................................950 135081 Sedesa (Vera) …………............................................950 390990 + Visión (Aguilas) …....................................................968 414279 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 ABS Advanced Building Services ..............................687 846016 A.J. Painting & Decorating .......................................687 024884 Alan Barker ......................................950 099913 / 600 268176 Antonio Perez (Mojácar) ………........................…….691 240495 Borders Painting ………..........................................…687 661807 Cabrera Painting and Decoration Works ...................637 524709 Casanove Interiors ......................................................680 836166 C.I.S Services (Arboleas) ........................................634 621747

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

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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

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) .........................................950 109652 Pulcinella (Mojácar Pueblo) .......................................950 478401 Samz (Los Gallardos) ..................................................950 398981

PLASTERERS

David Pritchard Construcciones ................................617 698418 PHOTOCOPIES & SCANS Paul Morrison (See p.18).............…….634 327201 / 661 129028 C.A.T. Services (La Alfoquía) (See p.17).950 634388 / 627 635514 Diamond Plastering and Building Services ...............665 706880 neö-cöpy (Vera) …...................………..950 390424 / 622 262100 PODIATRY PC Playa C.B. (Mojácar) ……...................................950 475712 Pronto Printing (La Buganvillas) (See cover).............950 133492 Clinica Podológica (Garrucha) ..................................950 132768 Servidea 2020 (Mojácar Playa) .................................950 399726 PLUMBERS Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 24hr Casaserve ..............................................950 466438 / 676 3062699 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051 A-Z Plumbing & Heating …………..….616 888058 / 662 342669 PHYSIOTHERAPY A1 Services ………..............................635 810941 / 679 631458 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) .............................……..950 450215 BiancoRossi (Mojácar Playa) ...................................950 472682 Bocapizza (Albox) ......................................................950 120506 Cafetería Levante (Mojácar) .....................................950 615224 Cafetería Pizzería Alcazaba (Mojácar Playa) ............645 414793 Centro Plaza (Palomares) …...............................…..950 618614 Chili (Turre) ................................................................950 468425 El Ángel (Mojácar Pueblo) ...................950 478343 / 607 537101 El Gaucho (Mojácar Playa) ....................................950 478846 El Sitio (Los Gallardos) ….................................……950 398799 Enrico (Mojácar Playa) ......................950 472995 / 642 514738 Meson Felipe San Bernabé (Mojácar Playa) ..…….950 475966 Il Forno di Roma (Vera) (See p.51).........................950 395655 Il Giardino (Mojácar Playa)........................................642 553699 Imperial (Mojácar Playa) ......................................….950 478098 Indalo Burger (Mojácar Playa) ...............................950 099119 La Góndola (Garrucha) ..............................................950 133928 La Muralla (Mojácar Pueblo) .......................................950 472928 Little Italy II (Garrucha) …………...........………………950 133802 Osteria (Mojácar) ........................................................950 615151

Armadillo …..................................…950 528128 / 663 303350 Ashley Reliable Plumbing (Albox area)......................610 052407 Barry H ..................................………........................667 853062 Blocked DrainsRUs ............................950 091109 / 648 768587 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

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

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POOLS & POOL 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 Tropicana Swimming Pool Construction 650 906114 / 689 404244 True Blue Pools & Spas ..............................................661 148998 Underwater Pool Services …….....................................628 662582

PC Playa C.B. (Mojácar) ……...................................950 475712 Pronto Printing (La Buganvillas) (See cover).............950 133492

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 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 Clean Team …………..............………950 091840 / 634 332502 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 C.A.T. Services (La Alfoquía) (See p.17).950 634388 / 627 635514 Citrus Homes ...............................……......................638 849254

POSTAL SERVICES Can Connect (Albox) …….........................................950 121149 C.A.T. Services (La Alfoquía) (See p.17).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 The Post Shop (Albox) ………..............950 064584 / 635 979829 Total Entertainment (Albox) ......................................950 121318 Total Entertainment (Arboleas) .................................678 009051 Total Entertainment (Turre) .........................................950 468295

PRINTING & GRAPHIC DESIGN A1 Cheapest Print ….....................................………622 AdverGraf & AdverTees ..........................................634 Idea (Huércal Overa) ...............................................605 Mail Boxes Etc (Vera) ............................................950 neö-cöpy (Vera) …...................………..950 390424 / 622

493499 336789 162709 393835 262100

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Clean Team …………..............………950 091840 / 634 332502 Coastal Properties (Mojácar) ........................................950 475235 Complete Holiday Care ....………...........950 478612 / 610 808631 E-Property Almería ...................................................677 146592 Exclusive Holiday Villas ..........................................950 092602

Indasol Mojácar S.L. ..................……....................….950 472200 Inmoterreros ...................................................................666 255 765 KJ Property Maintenance (Albox /Arboleas) ............608 625675 KW Resorts Holiday Rentals ......................0044 (0)1293 863320 Loufa S.L.(Mojácar Pueblo) …..........................……..950 472773 Mojácar Estates ........................................................950 478935

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

Findmeahome ....................................951 914195 / 636 266641 Holiday Home Europe .........................950 120210 / 654 590258 Holiday Letting Service ..........................950 472903 / 627 565049 Homes of Spain ..... (Huércal Overa)..950 616516 / 616 562447 Indalfutur S.L. (Mojácar) ……........….950 615156 / 609 026526 Indalo Real Estate .............................950 091137 / 616 760409

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

Relocation Almería (Mojácar) .......................................950 473259 Rent Mojácar ............................................................950 615042 Santiburi Properties (Cabrera & Mojácar) 694 404971 / 647 901478 Sierra property Rentals (Bédar) ...............................678 587007 Spanish Property Choice (Mojacar) ..... 950 475823 / 634 351562 Susana's Property Services ......................................649 759053 The Property Shop (Mojácar) ..................................950 475241 Triton Property Services ..........................................634 326322 Vera Holiday Rentals .............................................634 347109

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100

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Voss Homes (Huercal-Overa) ...................667 891 741 / 950 616 827 Year Round Holiday Rentals .............950 619178 / 627 763052

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

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

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

QUAD BIKES see Motorcycles RADIO STATIONS

615006 REMOVALS & STORAGE 447864 See also Van & Man Hire 528121 A2B Removals (Spain/UK) …...........................……..634 249787 357868 615142 Andy (Trailer hire/drive) (Mojácar) ……...........…………..600 225 929 Countdown Removals (UK/Spain/UK) ..................…678 855994 REFRIGERATION Dave’s Transport (International / Local)....................620 049524 MD Air Conditioning & Refrigeration SL .607 364917 / 607 366040 De Lima’s (Mojácar Playa)..................950 615364 / 674 280268 Thermotech …………….....................…950 069637 / 699 856372 English Move (Tony) ….............................................699 819213 Eurozone Removals UK(0034) 7786945300 Spain (0034) 662 569138 Cadena Ser Levante (Spanish, local and national) ....950 Onda Aguilas (100.1) ….............................................968 Plusfm ……….................................….609 818283 / 617 Smooth FM online (89.8)....................627 767254 / 634 Spectrum FM (96.1) .................................................950

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

101

Free directory entries.

Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Indalo Transport .......................................................634 336468 J & B Removals (Albox) …......…………625 692273 / 616 888058 James & Son Removals, Storage & Pet Transportation .651 519307 Location Warehousing S.L. (Antas) .............................950 391412 Moves2Spain (Antas) ..........................950 452869 / 661 969393 Orange Box ...........................................................610 887757 Reliable Removals (Albox) .UK 0044 1942 418951 Spain 664 857920 Speedlink Logistics (Garrucha) ...................................637 011686 Sprinter Services (Vera Playa) .............605 376873 / 950 609121 St. George’s European …UK 0044 207 193 5984 / 952 485984 Storage Solutions (Arboleas) ................950 930316 / 671 220105 Union Jack Removals (International) ….......………….902 109560 Swift Transport (Arboleas) ........................................618 511234

RESTAURANTS See also Chinese Restaurants & Pizzerias Agua Amarga 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 Club de Tenis …….....................................…………..667 El Gallego ...........................................950 120590 / 615 La Cena ……........................................……………….950 La Parrilla ................................................................950 Little India (Albox) ….................................................632 Maloan’s Bar ….........................................................634 Mesón de Irene ………........................647 730103 / 950 Oliver’s Bar …............................................................950 Paché ….....................................................................950 The New Delhi (Indian) ……...........….950 431705 / 639

671578 717978 430930 430024 454505 300752 430145 930988 431659 231507

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

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

668613 549646 459081 453048

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

160806 120851 612738 258813

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

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102

868963 469185 318633 469308

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Cabrera

Los Castaños

Los Pastores .............................................................950 468002 Cortijo Las Piezas ........................……..950 951498 / 634 780943

Cerro Gordo

Los Gallardos

Bistro Bonita .......................................650 599739 / 950 930169 Apolo ……...................................................…………..600 495182 El Sitio .....................................................................950 398799 Cortijo Grande Casa Los Pinos ……......................…..950 468236 / 619 136877 La Ambrosia ..............................................................950 093086 La Finca Listonero .....................................................950 982045

Cucador La Vida

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

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

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

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

Garrucha Angus & Hereford .....................................................950 Casa Adriana ...........................................................950 El Sultan (Lebanese) (See p.127..............................603 Góndola ....................................................................950 La Plazoleta ……….........................................…….666 Nautico …................................................................622 Restaurante Andalucia ..............................................950 Restaurante Azul, Hotel Tikar ...................................950 Rincón del Puerto …….......................950 133042 / 950

460588 133154 279612 133928 711997 451935 460604 617131 133043

Huércal-Overa

Meson Verfran ....................................................………637 810143 Miraflores ...........................................679 970399 / 609 506869

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

Mojácar See also Mojácar Pueblo Al Punto (Brazilian) ................................................950 Antonella (Italian) ............................................……..950 Asador Ayerbe ..........................................................950 Azeefa (Indian) ...................................950 109758 / 660 Badger’s ...................................................................950

475899 450215 472951 173987 478525

El Capricho …........................................................697 297235

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

008003 393235 684855 919025

Las Alparatas (Mojácar) La Capilla (See p.11).................................................950 479305

Bar Alizee ...............................................................950 091810 Beachcomber …..................................................…..634 339216 Bollywood (Indian) ......................................950473166 Bowen Resto Bar .............................. 666 406203 / 634 357654 Burladero ...................................................................950 615041

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

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

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

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Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com Cafetería Pizzería Alcazaba ………...........................645 Cantina Don Pancho ................................................950 Captain’s Tapas Bar & Restaurant ...........................617 Casa Egea .................................................................950 Casablanca ...............................................................950 Cortijo de la Media Luna (See p.18)....950 478813 / 659 Cowboy Cocina ..........................................................950 d’Angelo .....................................................................950 Delfín Dorado......................................950 475212 / 645 Dolce Vita (See p.27)...............................................950 El Deseo .................................................................670

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104

414793 472543 477797 472190 472474 198424 472924 478517 220095 478476 018035

Free directory entries.

Call 670 84 92 65 or email almeriafocus@gmail.com El Ángel ..........................................950 478343 / 607 537101 El Antler ……....................................................……600 540661 El Palacio …........................................950 472846 / 606 363788 El Reclamo …….......................................................950 472881 La Candela …...........................................................647 724367 Pulcinella (Italian) .....................................................950 478401 Restaurante Aires del Sur ..................606 061811 / 950 478014 Restaurante Calima ………………........................….663 286962 Restaurante Mamabel's ....................... 663 700542 / 950 472448 Rincón de Embrujo …....................…………………….600 531270 Rincon de Zahorí ................................630 314400 / 625 103672

El Gaucho ................................................................950 478846 Enrico (Mojácar Playa) ......................950 472995 / 642 514738 Il Giardino (Italian) ....................................................642 553699 Imperial (Italian) .......................................................950 478098 Indalo Burger .........................................................950 099119 La Cabaña ..................................................................950 615179 La Cantina (Mexican) ................................................950 478941 La Caracola .............................................................622 520925 La Cometa ...............................................................950 615209 La Estancia …….............................................………654 562396 La Gaviota ……………...............................................950 472117 La Parata (See p.7)..............................................…950 478186 La Piká ....................................................................950 930744 La Posada …............................................................661 595845 La Table de Cathy (French) …..............…………….650 745807 Los Amigos …….................................…………………950 478489 Mesón Felipe San Bernabé ...................…………….950 475966 Meson Mémé …........…………………..674 141159 / 647 954405 Mandala Beach Club ..........................902 442420 / 650 053242 Meson de Perico ....................................................950 615582 Mountains of the Moon (Indian) ..............................950 472002 Mont Martre (French) ..............................................634 388867 Neptuno Beach Club .............................................…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 ...........................................................950 473001 Pulcinella (Italian) ..................................……………….950 109652 Restaurante Asiatico Yao …......................................686 998409 Restaurante Mediterráneo ..........................................950 472268 Sal Marina .................................................................950 472405 The Irish Rover (See p.41)..........................................950 473135 The Kimrick .................................................................950 475198 The Lemon ....................……...............................…….950 472659 The Phoenician Golf (See p.2)....................................603 279612 The Roof Garden (See p.29)....................................674 113218 Torre Bahía ...............................................................950 478651 Trufibar ....................................................................664 103611 Viva .........................................................................663 496524

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

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

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

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

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

Turre Chili .................................................608 802227 / 950 468425 Hostal Rural .............................................................950 478806 La Pará …………………….................................…….637 545590 Pizzeria El Desvío (Turre) ........................................607 804488 Pizzeria-Restaurante Mari Cruz ……....................…..950 479646 Romerijo ………………........................…………………678 083758 Taj (Indian) ..................................................................950 479607

Urcal The Palms …………...............................950 958167 / 678 832036

Vera Carmona ...................................................................950 390760 Casa de la Vega ......................................................950 391208 Cortijo Albari ..............................................................950 391706 El Paseo de Oscar ...................................................950 392496 Gran Muralla (Wok Buffet) ..........................................950 391691 Il Forno di Roma (Italian) (See p.51).........................950 395655

Villaricos

Mojácar Pueblo

Don Tadeo ..................................................................670 860386 Arlequíno ..........................................950 478037 / 649 337781 Goah ........................................................................950 467030 Casa Minguito ………...............................................950 478614 La Esperanza ............................................................625 737025

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Los Angeles ..............................................................617 952760 Los Conteros (See p.3).....................950 618629 / 699 010705

Vera Playa b2 Mohana (Argentinean) ........................................678 El Balconcito .............................................................635 La Buena Mesa …………..…................950 467222 / 610 La Pampa (Argentinean Grill) ……….950 397702 / 671 Lua (Italian) ...............................................................950 Restaurante Tibu (See p.63).....................................950 Taj Mahal (Indian) …............…………950 618691 / 671 The Blue Parrot ......................................................950

642856 589909 356387 653116 478202 133747 231465 467682

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

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

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

RUGS & CARPETS Albox Rugs (Albox) ...........................607 375697 / 950 633149

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 RURAL TOURISM The Attic (Cucador) ..…….…................672 184354 / 648 250699 2 Poplars (Velez Blanco) ……...............................….670 243856 The Fundraiser (Turre) .............................................664 620288 Cortijo Pocio de la Nava (Mojácar) ............................670 777752 Mi Abuela Maria (Mojácar) ……..........................……659 198424 The Treasure Trove (Turre) ……….................………..666 281316

SECURITY & SAFES See Alarms SEPTIC TANK SERVICE

SATELLITE TV ABC (A Better Climate) .....................647 247494 / 950 092604 Cuevasat ...........................................950 523740 / 628 153340 DCM Digitek Comms (Mojácar) (See p.39) .950 472947 / 670 084438 Digital Vision (See p.48) ..................950 472081 / 645 294064 Europa-digital ....................................950 133233 / 678 332815 GBTV (Albox and Mojácar) ..............616 888058 / 634 337210 GSF Communications (Mojácar) ..................................950 473102 Solo Satellite & Air-Con. (See p.25)......950 398146 / 699 909737

SCREENED PATIO & POOL ENCLOSURES Enclose My Pool ...............................606 040462 / 670 510097 Inside Out In Europe S.L. .................677 114576 / 695 118960 Lifestyle Enclosures Europe S.L. (See p. 9) 950 459060 / 638 063196 Screenmasters (See p.43)......….…..680 777789 / 677 152911 The Patio People ………….......................................610 345011 Uk Pool Enclosures ……...............……671 208847 / 677 351324

Drainage Solutions …...........………….616 531283 / 670 Blocked DrainsRUs ............................950 091109 / 648 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

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

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

SIGNS (Shop & Vehicle) Ian (Hand Painted) …………….....................………..634 313796 Idea (Huércal Overa) ...............................................605 162709 Pronto Printing (La Buganvillas) (See cover).............950 133492

SKIN TREATMENTS

Francesca Herman (See p.37)....….......................….687 480694

SKIP HIRE Aridos Mojácar S.L. .................................................650 914257 Servacon .................................................................950 475853

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

SOLAR ENERGY See also Alternative Energy DCM Digitek Comms (Mojácar) (See page 39)...........950 Ecocorp (See p.33).....................................................671 Hi-Tec Solar (Turre) ............................609 888549 / 950 Hispavan Solar ..................................950 047033 / 687 Solartech (Las Buganvillas) …..............................….950 Sunergy Almeria ........................................................636

472947 716597 468230 845730 139568 261240

SOLICITORS Alonso & Garrido (Albox) ...........................................950 121040 Alonso & Haro (Vera) ..............................................950 392208 AM & RG (Mojácar) ………….............950 478984 / 649 286437

AVSA Lawyers (Aguilas) ..........................................968 446576 Babelia (Mojácar) ……..........…........635 577562 / 950 397114 C & P Solicitors (Mojácar) ….....…………950 460731 / 675 383 160 Casas Almería (Huércal Overa) .................................950 134434 Davies Solicitors (Mojácar) ........................................950 472775 EuroAbogados (Vera) .................................................950 617017 Javier Loustau (Mojácar) .........................................950 475086 José Francisco López Molina .............950 133607 / 635 189986 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 Sundance Spas (Mojácar) .........................................950 472845

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

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

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SURVEYORS Philip Chesler (Chartered Surveyor).............................687 814369 Property Inspection Report (Architect D. González) ..686 846624 Sapphire Surveyors ………...................950 064725 / 671 208782

SWEET SHOPS Forget Me Not (Las Buganvillas)..............................663 302740 La Vida Dulce Sweet shop (Albox) .........................671 851135

TAKEAWAYS See also Chinese Restaurants, Fish & Chips & Pizzerias Azeefa (Indian, Mojácar Playa) .............950 109758 / 660 173987 BiancoRossi (Mojácar Playa) ...................................950 472682 Cornish Pride (Albox) …....................................………666 618933 d’Angelo (Mojácar Playa) ..............................................950 478517 Enrico (Mojácar Playa) ..........................950 472995 / 642 514738 Estambul Döner Kebab (Albox) …..............................630 427599

TATTOO ARTISTS Body-Zone Tattoo (Mojácar) ……………......................634 336789 Classic Tattoo (Mojácar Playa) .................................605 611782 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

TILING & PATIO WORK 1 Stop Paving (Albox) ………................................…634 313939 ABS Advanced Building Services ..............................687 846016 A.J.B. Tiling Services ...............................................687 024884 Andalucian Con Co Print .........................................628 408197 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

TRANSLATING see Interpreters TRAVEL Autocares Rodriguez (Coaches) ...............................950 Halcón Viajes (Vera) ................................................950 Exclusive Airport Shuttles (See p.3)....950 092602 / 634 Mojácar Tours (Mojácar Playa) (See cover)........…..950 Viajes Yedra Tours (Aguilas) ...................................968 GSF Communications (Mojácar) ..................................950 473102 Viajes Zafiro Tours (Aguilas) ....................................968 Maso Telefonia (Albox) ……..............................………….950 121279 Zafiro Tours (Albox) ………..................................……950 MaxiMovil – Plus S.L. Orange ....................................950 393538 TUITION Next .............................................................................950 479369 Servcom (Turre) ........................................................902 023268 Computer Training & Tuition Call Out (Dani) ...........678 Telitec Connections S.L. ..............……902 889070 / 965 743473 Dave Eccles (Drum lessons) ..............950 525790 / 687 The Phone House (Albox) …………….950 121045 / 670 359698 Eco Spanish Tuition (Bédar) ...................................666 WiFi Internet .............................................................950 615156 ELC Education & Language Centre .........................950 English language tuition …….....................................666

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469061 393472 317666 475757 412498 410197 121021 490639 033106 249197 615489 249197

Free directory entries.

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Espanglish .........................................950 390037 / 950 392876 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 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

Uniformes de Levante (Los Gallardos & Vera) ..........902 110218

UPHOLSTERY Albox Rugs (upholstery cleaning) .............................950 Curtains with Style (Fabrics) ............ 950 069032 / 678 Jone’s Mobile (Upholstery cleaning) …....……………661 Unicraft (Upholstery) .................................................692

633149 811125 571939 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 Mal Van Man ............................................................662 569138 Storage Solutions (Arboleas) ................950 930316 / 671 220105 TV & AUDIO REPAIRS Ponce S.L. (Garrucha) ..............................................950 617181 Way 2 Go (UK/Spain) ……UK 0044 208 0904292 / 965 794682 Seth Pittham (Zurgena).......................950 634477 / 666 826886

VEHICLE IMPORTATION

Arboleas Car Centre S.L. ...................672 755532 / 672 755522 Car Check Spain (Andy) ............................................618 043186

Fernando ................................................................. 677 549247 Hispavan vehicle importation ..............950 047033 / 687 845730 Talleres Daydo (Antas Real) ….……….950 459116 / 607 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 UNIFORMS Tikka Uniforms & Shoes (Mojácar) …..........................950 472662 Ralf Motors Levante SL ...............................................950 393776

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Reparbox (DIY) (Antas El Real) .........687 879744 / 628 648131 SRS Vehicle Services ................................................950 449095 Steve Kelly (Auto Electrician) Mojácar …..........……..607 373324 Taller Daydo (El Real) .........................950 459116 / 607 373298 Talleres Azor ..(Mojácar) 950 478519 ..............(Vera) 950 391400 Talleres Fad (Aguilas) …...........................................968 447565 Talleres Vizcaino (Mojácar) ........................................950 472104 The Car Surgery ...................................................666 272792 The Garage (Llanos de Arboleas) .......950 930922 / 616 453813 Tyre King (El Real) ................................................950 459253

VEHICLE REPAIRS (MOBILE)

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Albox Service Centre S.L. …....................................662 093051 Auto Frio .............................................950 104488 / 600 827517 Cool Air (Air Conditioning) .........................................673 195872 DB Autos (Kyle) ……………...............................…….678 487689 Mike's Mobile Mechanics ….........…….628 350178 / 636 824974 Mobile Tyre Service ..................................................672 798173 Rod's Autos ………..............................950 069480 / 678 955607 Veloc Tuning ECU Remapping Services ..................600 827517

VEHICLE SALES

WATER TREATMENTS Ashley Reliable Plumbing ………..........................…..610 Healthy H2O .....................................968 437270 / 647 JF Supplies Albox ………...............….950 064315 / 660 Water Filters ……................................................…….600

052407 424430 350246 063303

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 .................................................................601 628137 WebIndalo .................................................................648 514323

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 WEDDING & PARTY PLANNING Nissan (Albox) ………..................................................950 430856 Pit Stop (Oria) ……………....................................…..950 124828 Weddings in Spain .....................................................950 475826 Que Coches Almería (Antas) …...................................627 423675 WEIGHT LOSS SRS Vehicle Services ................................................950 449095 See Diet Plans & Weight Loss Talleres Azor ...............(Mojácar) 950 478519 (Vera) 950 391400

WINDOW CLEANING

VEHICLE SHIPPING

Clean Team …………..............………950 091840 / 634 332502 Car Shipping ………………UK 0044 1704 575983 / 671 101220 Cristal Clear Windows (Mojácar) …..........……………634 347193 Idea (Mojácar) ...................................................……..605 162709 VETS Animal Care (La Alfoqúia) …....................................950 449064 J&A Window Cleaning Services ..........950 122452 / 689 548824 Astrid (Mojácar) ..............950 472252 Emergencies: 629 099920 James & Craig ....................................634 351052 / 652 294104 Lady Jane Window Cleaning (Arboleas) ...................634 255373 Mick ...........................................................................634 327075 Teresa Jimenéz …………….............................……..636 119538 Woody the Window Cleaner (Almanzora Valley) .......634 349665

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

WINDOWS & DOORS

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

AA Window Doctor .............................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

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

WATER (Tanker Delivery) Sierra Cabrera Water ...................…………………….693 866558 Ortega Windows & Doors .......................................950 090625 Planet Windows …...............................950 449639 / 664 327863 Aquavera (Vera Playa) ....................................................950 467337 Plas-Tech Windows ...................................................600 320761

WATER PARK

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Speedyfit (See p.4)..................................950 439228 / 600 006032 WOOD & PELLET STOVES Standard Windows (Antas) ........................................950 393121 Chimeneas Acar (Albox) ...........................................950 120077 Chimeneas Mojácar S.L. (Mojácar Playa) ..............950 472135 WINES Bodega Gran Baco (Aguilas) .............................…..968 411538 Enrique Aguirre S.L. (Garrucha) .................................950 460028 Enoteca Tikar (Garrucha) ……...........................….950 617131 ZOO & PARK Isalva (Palomares) ………..........................................615 265092 Oasys (Tabernas) ....................................................950 365236

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

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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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What’s On Concerts

The Region of Murcia Symphonic Orchestra perform Chopin's piano concerto opus 1, Andante & Polonese opus 22, and Tchaikovski's symphony no 6 'Pathetique', with pianist Ludmil Angelov, on Friday, April 22nd at 9pm. Tickets 15 euros.

Almería “091”, a pop/rock group founded in Granada in 1982 are in concert at Maestro Padilla Auditorio, Almería city on March 18th at 9pm. Tickets are 30 & 35 euros. The Rolling Stone magazine has described this group as amongst the best Spanish groups of all time. “Cenicienta” (Cinderella) is a musical for children that was awarded 'Best Children's Musical' in 2012 in Broadway. It is performed by the Dubbi Kids & Once Torres company on March 6th at 12.30pm, Auditorio Maestro Padilla, Almería. Tickets are 16 & 12 euros. The Royal Music Conservatory of Almería perform a concert for all ages, designed to show the different instruments that make up an orchestra. Entitled “Hazte Con El Poder de La Música”, it takes place at the Auditorio Maestro Padilla in Almería on March 30th at 7pm. Entrance is free. 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.

Tickets from Viajes Almeida 968 410 828; Museo Arqueológico; www.redentradas.com; www.auditorio-aguilas.org; or from two hours before performances at box office.

Aguilas Auditorio

The Region of Murcia Symphonic Orchestra perform Finlandia by Sibelius, Poulenc's Concerto for two pianos and orchestra, and Rachmaninov Symphony No 2 Opus 27. May 13th,9pm. Tickets 15 euros. Elche Symphony Orchestra perform Faure's Requiem with choir and soloists and Mozart's concerto for flute, harp, and orchestra K299, on March 11th at 9pm. Tickets are 15 euros.

Huércal Overa Pablo López, a popular Spanish pop singer is in concert on Saturday, April 16th at 9pm. Teatro Villa. Tickets are10, 15, & 20 euros. Pablo López

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What’s On Exhibitions The Guitar Museum (Museo de la Guitarra -Antonio de Torres) in Almeria city, has an exhibition entitled “Narciso Yepes 1927-1997”. It can be seen until May 3rd, and collects together material related to this famous exponent of the guitar. It includes the first guitar he was given by his parents when he was six years old. The museum is open on Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am- 1pm, and from 5pm8pm, Fridays & Saturdays.

Roquetas

The Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía (CAF) are exhibiting photographs by Antonio Arissa 1922-1936. He is considered one of the pioneering Spanish photographers whose work was unknown for 80 years. The exhibition is open until March 27th at Calle Pintor Díaz Molina 9, Almería city, every day from 11am-2pm & 5.30-9.30pm.

The Symphonic Rhapsody Pink Floyd comes to Roquetas Auditorio on March 5th at 9.30pm. This production is by the Queen & ABBA Symphonic Rhapsody creators, with symphony orchestra, rock band, well-known singers, and 40 performers. Tickets are 34, 31, & 28 euros. Mamma Mia! Produced by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, this spectacular comes to Roquetas Auditorio on May 26th at 9pm; 27th & 28th 6pm & 10pm; 29th 5.30pm & 9.30pm. Tickets are 50, 45, 40, & 35 euros,

Photo by Atonio Arissa

Roquetas Tickets: teatroauditorioroquetas.entradas. com & www.entradas.com Teatro Auditorio de Roquetas

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What’s On Minstrels Competition The 7th International “Las Tunas” event for university groups of minstrels, will take place in Mojácar from April 15th-16th. There will be events for participating groups in various locations from Friday, April 15th at 9pm. On Saturday there will be a group event in the square near the Mojácar church at 1pm. A procession from the church to the viewing area at the Plaza Nueva will start at 6pm. The final event with prizes awarded will start at 8pm at the Centro de Usos Múltiples (Artisan centre) below the village. This event attracts a large number of competing groups, not just from within Spain. The Luvvies theatre group are performing “The Vicar of Dibley”, adapted by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter, on Friday, March 11thSunday 13th at the Pedro Gilabert theatre in Arboleas. More information f r o m w w w. th e l u v v i e s . c o m , info@theluvvies.com, or 634 346 309

Miscellaneous Dames in Turre will be celebrating International Women's Day on Tuesday, 8th March with a visit to Las Alpujarras, stopping for a coffee break at Canyajar then heading for the Bodegas Valle de Laujar, and the Hotel Almirez for lunch with wine produced at their Bodega. Monday, March 28th is our monthly meeting at 11am, Hostal Rural in Turre. It's "Sylvia’s Quiz" so start brushing up on general knowledge then come along and see how well you have done. There is always a prize for the best team so it could be you. For more information please contact the Secretary, Pam Smith on 677 543 031 or the President, Lesley Barlow on 950 095 980

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Mojácar Royal British Legion have a coach trip to Benidorm, from March 9th – 11th, staying in a 4* hotel. Further details from Eileen Huard, email socialevents.rblmoj. 3485@gmail.com, or tel. 634 321 507. Moors & Christians 2016 The Mojácar Moors & Christians event takes place on June 10th12th. Painting Competition Huércal-Overa hold their 14th openair painting competition on March 6th from 11am. Paintings will be on display at the Teatro Villa until March 25th.

Send details of your events to almeriafocus@gmail.com

What’s On Wacky Kart race. San Animal Santuario will be holding a Wacky Kart Race on March 19th. Build your own kart & race against the competition. For information call Pete: 630 528 464 or email amberjazz@hotmail.co.uk Wacky Races Villaricos takes place on Saturday 14th May. Anyone wishing to enter a team or advertise in the programme please contact us via email: wackyracesvillaricos@gmail.com or Facebook: wackyracesvillaricos, or at Bar La Plaza Villaricos

San Animal Santuario animal rescue desperately need people to foster kittens or puppies, often at short notice. We also need fosterers able to take in adult dogs who aren’t coping well in kennels. We are always looking for volunteers to help out with the animals - for dog walking, feeding and/or playing and grooming. Please contact Lorna: email lorna@sananimal.org or whatsapp 676 276 199.

MACS has charity shops in Albox, Huercal Overa, Turre and Mojácar Playa, with a room to provide private Patient Survivor and Care Giver meetings. Apart from emotional support and grief counselling, MACS also offers a free loan of hospital aids, wigs & bras, help with translator s and transportation. For information on the shop locations, general enquiries, or serving as a volunteer, please call: 634 328 334/5 weekdays 11am to 4 pm. If you or a loved one needs the support from MACS, please call 634 656 555. Forum Golf Society Events 4th March, Stableford at Alboran. 18th March, Team Lone Ranger at Aguilon. 1st April, Maurice Jamieson Memorial Tournament at Lorca. For more information, contact Phil E l a m o n 6 6 6 8 478 4 0 /philjelam@yahoo.co.uk, or see www.forumgolfsociety.webs.com

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PAWS 2nd hand book sale. At the Beachcomber, Mojácar Playa. Tuesday, March 8th. 10.30am 1pm. All donations of books gratefully received on the morning of the sale. APSA monthly raffle. Tickets 2 euros from the APSA shop. Prizes donated by various local busineses.

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

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

Rastros, Car Boot Sales, etc. Tues & Thurs: Outside Lance/Bonita/Valery, Mojácar Playa. 10am - 3pm Wednesday: Bar Anita, Los Gallardos, Sorbas road after motorway junction Saturday: Rastro, Mojácar Playa, opp. Red Cross, 9am - 2pm Los Llanos, between Arboleas & Albox 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, monthly quiz and other social e v e n t s . Te l : 6 3 4 3 4 3 147 www.almanzoragof.org Almería Link Friendship Group Wednesday, 8 for 8.30pm at Hotel Continental, Mojácar Playa. All welcome. Info from Johnny 950 478899. Living Alone in Spain? We are a 60+ group of friends who meet for lunch every Wednesday in the Mojácar area. Tel: 667 303 788

The Royal British Legion - 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.

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

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

Ancestry Club for Beginners & Intermediate Piedra Amarilla. Wednesdays, 2pm-4pm. 5 euros per week. Tel. 634 309 590

Mojácar Bridge Club Monday and Wednesdays 7pm. in Club Taurino de Mojácar Social club meets Thursdays 1-3pm. Community Hall, nr Main Square, Turre. Contact Audrey on 950 475 261 Contact Les 950 437 100 / 634 219 174 WOW Women on Wednesday The Loft, Mojácar Playa, from 1.30pm. Psychic Development Circle Get together, buy, sell, swap, meet new Various classes at different times. Everyone welcome. Tel: Barbara 637 people. 469 937 barbaramoonlight@gmail.com Dames in Huércal Overa 3rd Wed. of the month, 10.30am, Tennis AUAN - Abusos Urbanisticos Club. All welcome. Tel. Sue 661 190 190 Almanzora No. Association campaigning for the Dames in Spain legalisation of homes in the Almanzora 3rd Monday of the month, 11 am, The Valley built without proper authority. Parador, Mojacar. Chairman Irene Bensen, Meeings on 3rd Sat. of every other Secretary Margaret Bird 626303849 month, 11am, La Parrilla, Albox. Tel: 617 Guests welcome. 118 209 www.almanzora-au.org Dames in Turre The Divine Life Society, Almeria 11am, last Mon in the month, Hostal Branch Rural, Turre. Talks, trips, support for Lotus Yoga Centre, Mojácar. Evening local charities Guests welcome. Tel.: of Meditation and a talk, 1st Fri of the Secretary Pam Smith 677 543 031 or month, 7.30pm. Spiritual Cinema, 3rd President Lesley Barlow 950 478 633 Fri of the month, 7.30pm. Meditation and Yoga classes. Tel Sharon 950 469122 Mojácar Community Library Multi-Use centre. Mon, Wed and Fri, or 672 061 048 or omsharon50 @gmail.com 11am - 1pm . Mojácar Walking Group Walks of different levels. Tues & Thurs. www.mojacarwalkinggroup.com or tel: 950 467 679 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 950 066053 http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/ branches/mojacar/news-events/

Vera & District Lions Club. 5.00pm on the first Wednesday of the month at El Gnomo Feliz restaurant, Vera. Telephone Sandie Tinkham on 950 439324 or Pam Mattioli on 950069249 for more information. Flamenco Forum for English Speakers on Facebook. Information and events. Tel: 687 480 694

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Mojacar Photo Group Contact Lyle Mallen: 620 786 914

Betty's Garden Club 11.30 for 12 noon, 2nd Monday of the month at Miraflores Restaurant, Camping Los Gallardos except in July & August. All welcome. Tel: 603 587 805 Mojacar Computer & Electronics Club Saturdays, Beachcomber, Mojácar. 10 – 12 noon, Laptops. 12 noon – 1pm, smart phones, tablets, cameras, etc Free Masons Contact: 950 36 90 33 Freemasons in Albox Mark, RAM, R&SM, OSM, Allied 950 439 242 Cabrea Music Club For info call Richard: 666 274 861 cabreramusicclub@albox-online.net Albox Computer Club Hotel La Parrilla, Albox. Fri, 10am. All levels of experience are welcomed. www.alboxcc.com alboxcc@gmail.com Jeff Brown 659 558 091 Indalo Hash House Harriers Meet 2nd and 4th Sunday, 11am, various l o c a t i o n s . w w w. i n d a l o h 3 . c o m Mojácar Angling Club Tel. John (Beachcomber): 950 473 099 Traditional Japanese Reiki and Gendai Reiki Ho Classes, workshops, and Reiki shares in Mojacar. Tel: 634 347 930, website: www.gendaireikispain.com

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

Activities - Clubs - Associations Clubs, Societies & Activities continued

Iglesia Evangelica C/Hermanos Machado (opposite El Arbol Supermarket) Cuevas del Almanzora. Spanish sermon translated into English. Sundays 7pm. Tel Carmela: 950 132 792

Religious Groups & Churches

(now at their house) Tel 619453283 or 968 018 228 Paul and Sandra

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 Warden, Pam Carter, 667947573 or visit www.mojacar church.org

Santa Cruz Christian Fellowship Sundays and midweek in Albox and surrounding areas. Contact 677 087 257 or santacruzalbox@gmail.com

Living Water Church Mojacar An Evangelical informal service, 4.00pm Sunday, opp. Red Cross, Mojácar Playa. Pastor David Hamilton 697522521 John 950529321 Margaret 950477063 www.livingwaterchurchmojacar.com

Stepping Stones Carers Support Group Turre Evangelical Hall, Thurs, 11am-2pm. Tel 950 472822 or 677 683385 www.steppingstonescarersgroup.wee bly.com

A.A. Alcoholics Anonymous Mojacar area Meetings –Tuesday, 6pm, Artisan Centre, Mojacar Fuente - Friday & Wednesday, 6pm, Living Water Church, Amigos del Coches Clasicos Mojácar Playa (opposite Red Cross Local, multi-national group of classic car building). Tel: 634 320 262 or 661 078 enthusiasts. Meetings first Thursday The Evangelical Church, Turre of month, 3pm, Hotel Overa, jn 547 of Avda de Almeria on the corner of 864 or email mike@aaspain.org E15/A7. www.a-c-c.es, email: info@a-c- C/Alberquillica . Sunday 10.30am. On Public Holidays when the Artisan c.es, tel. David 950 412 165 Tuesday 3pm Bible Studying. Midweek Centre is closed, the Tuesday meeting prayer meeting. Tel. 950 617549 or 950 will be at the Living Water Church. Cabrera Slot Car Club Thursdays, 4.30-6pm. Richard 950 970 47 2 3 4 9 . w w w. t u r r e c h u r c h . c o m Age Support Almanzora 869. Call to check if on first. Kingdom Hall, Jehovah's Witnesses Shop, Plaza Padre Arias in Arboleas village Tues 7:30pm & Sun 10.00am. Poligono (the square with the bakery and Model Aero Flying Club hairdresser) six days a week 10-1.30. Tel: Sun. & Wed., 10.30am. Contact Johnny Aljoroque - C/El Cajete 6, Antas. Contact: 634333544, 652 293 269 Hayes: 950 478 899 MACS Cancer Support Group Antas Church Aeroclub ULM Günter (Vera) In Jauro village (signposted from the General Enquiries call 634 328 334 10am Tel: 607 316 553 Cajamar in Antas). Informal structured to 4pm. 24/7 Careline: 634 656 555. Pita Escuela Agave School Fully Spanish registered charity. of Río Aguas. A multicultural, worship in a friendly atmosphere. 2nd Shops in Mojácar, Turre, Albox and & 4th Sun each month, 11am., environmental and musical project, Huercal-Overa open Mon-Fri, 10-2pm specialized on the integral usage of the Community Room (Salon Social), Antas www.macscancersupport.com Email: village church. Geraldine or Barrie tel. agave plant and the processing of its macscancersuppor t@live.co.uk wood.Tel 630 66 18 65 (Timbe) 662 169 691 www.antaschurch.com Ostomist Support For Expats Aguaviva Evangelical Church pitaescuela@hotmail.com Call Dee 950 064 322 in confidence. Near the health Centre, opposite BiciSunseed Box, Albox. Tel: Rod Southwood, 687 Universal Wonderful Street A hands-on practical centre for lowAcademy impact living and environmental 560 544 NGO that supports street children in Puerto Lumbreras Christian education in Los Molinos del Rio Aguas Accra (Ghana). Registered charity. Fellowship near Sorbas. Free tours at 4pm. www.universalwonderfulstreetacadem www.sunseed.org.uk Tel: 950 525 770 Every 1st and 3rd Sunday each month at 11.00 am. Phone for exact location y.org. Beatriz: 617 182 154

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

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FACE (Fundraising in Arboleas, Caring for Everyone). Registered charity. Tel: 667255094 www.face-charity.com The Helping Hands Support for Animals and People alike. Registered charity. Tel: 968 48 29 48 Harmony Community Support Providing assistance to those in need. Tel. 634 339 192 Mon - Fri, 11:00 - 14:00 help@harmonycharity Harmony Carers Support & Social Group For carers and dependants. Friday, 12am, Hostel Rosaleda between Arboleas and Albox. See harmonycarers.weebly.com or call Trish on 634333290.

Activities - Clubs - Associations Arts & Crafts

Dance

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

Dance Classes at Indigo Gym Sequence Dancing Hostal Meson, Arboleas, 3-5pm, Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz. Indigo Gym, Mondays. Contact Chris 630211628. Mojácar Playa. Contact 950 475 403.

Knitting circle, Mojácar Beginers to experienced, all welcome. Wednesday 11-1, Mojácar Playa Call Rosemary 635 192 109 Ladies Sewing Circle Evangelical Church, Turre, Wednesday 10.30 – 12.30 667 702 774 Glass Bead Making La Cueva del Pájaro, Carboneras. Call 950 130 627 Ladies Pottery Painting Parties Albox - every 2nd Thursday, 6 - 9pm. SimplyArt 662 443 095 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 Campsite. Fridays, 11:30am - 1:30pm. Samber Bar, Mojácar. Tel: 950 699 975 or 653 714 767

Flamenco Classes Line Dancing Oliver’s Bar, Albox. 1p.m. Mondays. Beginner s. 10.30am, Saturdays, Beachcomber, Mojácar Playa. No special Step2It - Line Dancing Maloans, Albox. Weds: 6.45 p.m - shoes required. 5 euros. 7.30 p.m, First Steps/Introduction. 7.30 p.m - 10.30, Beginners / Improvers/Intermediate. Contact: C a r r i e A n n 6 2727 9 5 8 4 www.carrieanngreen.com Line Dancing Beachcomber Restaurant, Mojácar. Beginners/Improvers. Mondays, 4pm. Wednesdays pm, El Romerijo, Turre Contact John 666 200 579 Line Dancing La Vida, Cucador. Tuesday 5pm 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

Girasol, Albox Art & painting. Tues, 10-1pm. Mosaic classes. Thurs 3-5.Tel 639 089 170

Belly Dancing Classes in Mojácar, Garrucha & Huércal-Overa. Contact Fatima: 610 472 596

Yoga

Bellydance Classes Mojácar, Turre, Palomares. Call 639 724 521

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 L.O.T.U.S Integral Yoga Centre Mojácar. Yoga all levels/gentle yoga. Weds, Fri, Sun. Tel. Parvathi: 636063560 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 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

Music & Drama Groups Indalo Players Telephone Sue Osman on 950 473 021 o r e m a i l i n d a l o p l aye r s e l te a t r o @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 e-mail independenttheatre@hotmail.com The Luvvies Maloan’s Bar, Arboleas. New members always welcome for acting or work behind the scenes etc. Contact us via www.theluvvies.com, tel. 634 346 309 o r e - m a i l i n f o @ th e l u v v i e s . c o m Jacqueline Welby Productions New members always needed to act or work back stage or with any other activities. Tel. Jacqueline Morris Welby 634 313 531 Almeria Strings Folk Club Third Thursday of the month, 8pm, at Romerijo, Turre. Free admission. For more information about our monthly folk night and other events, see www.almeriastrings.org or call 634 347 930

Oriental and Middle Eastern Folklore dancing classes Tues at Vera, Wed at Turre. Shirin, The Rose Singers 607805367, gytanshark@yahoo.es Small ladies choir singing a variety of musical genres in aid of local charities. 4Rock n Roll 5 performances a year. Rehearsals Friday Oliver’s Bar, Albox. Monday, 10:30am mornings, Los Gallardos. New singers Dance Classes with Hollie Newell always welcome. Call Alison on 667 408 Ballet, tap, contemporary, modern, 941 or see us on Facebook. jazz, lyrical, zumba and more. Based The Incognito Singers in Turre. Tel: 634 317 391 A mixed voice group based in the Almazora Valley performing a varied Performing Arts Centre repertoire of songs to a high standard. DanZaVera 54 Verasol, Vera. Classes include : Rehearsals Wednesday evening in Royal Academy Ballet, Imperial Arboleas. www.theincognitosingers.com, Society Modern, Tap and Jazz. Also Fa c e b o o k, th e i n c o g n i to s i n g e r s Hip-Hop, Oriental Dance, Spanish Classical. Tel Anita: 670 715 787

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Activities - Clubs - Associations Sports Almería Lawn Bowling Club Contact Shirley: 679 970 399 Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club Contact Sue Sephton 950 133 655 or 666 133 217 Indalo Lawn Bowling Club Contact Toni: 950 468 165 or 647 703 393 wattsmyt@gmail.com Mojacar Bowls Club Behind Marina Mar Hotel. Everybody welcome - Tues, Thurs and Sat starting with coffee at 9:30. Contact Verna 610 838 644.

Padel tennis lessons At home. Tel: Ulises Gutiérrez, 606 902 691 Albox Sub-Aqua Club Wed, 8pm, Travellers Inn (7Km from Albox on Taberno Road). Mojácar Sailing Club Sunday afternoons, Playa Cantal, near Trufi Bar. All ages welcome for crewing or social membership. Contact George on 950 475 428.

Santa Irene Sailing Club Meets Sundays at 10:30 at the boat park of the New Marina, Garrucha, with a presail coffee at café La Oficina virtually Badgers Golf Society opposite at 11:00. Contact Ian via info@ Mojacar, play every Wednesday and santaireneclubdevela.com or call 671 Saturday. Everyone always welcome. 474 385. See www.santaireneclub Contact Mike Daily - mikdaily9@gmail devela.com .com tel.664876995 or Andy Mucha - Garrucha Table Tennis Club Andymucha1@gmail.com tel 634 333 Tel Barry on 677 174 430 481, or email our society address Mojácar Veterans Football Club badgersmojacar@gmail.com Training Weds 7-9. All welcome. Over Boxers Golf Society Albox 35s may register as an official player. All welcome to join us as members or Daniel 637 064 651 guests. Call in at the Why Not bar in Albox on Saturday mornings or email Cazadores de Turre Cricket Club. Welcome new members of all ages and peterstooks@avired.com experience. Contact Sam Lewis on 663 Forum Golf Society 132 487 or Derek Larkins 634 361 941 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 Marina Phoenix Golf Society Visitors welcome Mondays and Thursdays. Telephone 950 162 727 or 600 353 670

Tennis & Padel Tennis Sierra Club, Desert Springs. Tel: 687599115 Tennis Coach Diego Rodriguez Tel: 950 393 851 and 607 021 280

Slimming Group, Oliver’s Bar Albox. Thursday, 10.30 Body Control Pilates. Classes or private. 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 Taekwondo 5 years to adults. Various classes & times. Contact Serge 646844708. Facebook GTF Spain 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 Full Body Workout, Pilates, AquaZumba, Zumba, Step Aerobics, Total Toning, AeroFit. Tel 666 273 168.

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

Almería Golf League Contact Les on 950 619 273

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

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

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

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 with Pam Aerobics, Jane Fonda workout, Gentle Fitness & Martial Arts Cardio/Pilates, Hits/Circuit, Limited Mobility. Various locations. Tel: 639 465 Girasol, Albox Pilates, children’s karate & gymastics, 631 advanced gymnastics, Tai-chi. Tel 639 Zumba, La Vida Cucador 089 170 Fridays 10am. Indigo Gym, Mojácar Betsy Fox Zumba Various activities. Tel: 950 475 403 603493163 – Mojácar area. Keep Fit Oliver’s Bar, Albox. Tues & Thurs, 9.30

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Your Stars Use discretion, especially if involved with someone from work. Do not trust others with important information. Deception is probable if you don't use discrimination. Try to enlist the help of those you trust in order to fulfil the demands being made of you. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday. (Mar. 21- April 20)

Go over their important documents and take the time to suggest alternatives. False information is likely if you listen to idle chatter or gossip. Drastic financial losses may be likely if you lend money. You might get behind if you spend too much time debating senseless issues. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday. (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23)

Entertainment should include your whole family. Don't vacillate about asking for assistance if you need it. Nagging has never been something that you could tolerate, and it's once again driving you into a lonely state of affairs. Direct your energy into physical exertion. Residential moves will be favourable. Your luckiest events this (Apr. 21- May 21) month will occur on a Monday.

You may not be happy if members of your family are not pulling their weight. this month will be hectic. Sudden romantic infatuations could lead to a significant and prosperous connection. Someone you live with may feel totally neglected. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday. (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Some of the best opportunities will crop up if you keep an open mind. Try to visit friends or relatives you don't get to see often. Travel will stimulate your need to experience exciting new things. Travel and entertaining conversation will be informative and uplifting. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

Take matters in hand when it comes to dealing with clients or colleagues. You have a tendency to think that no one else will do things properly. Don't blow situations out of proportion. It's time you let your true feelings out. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday. (May 22 - June 21)

(Nov. 23 - Dec. 21)

Travel could bring you the adventure and excitement you require. Time to deal with institutional environments, government agencies and matters of a private nature this month. If you can put some work into home improvements, you should. Avoid purchasing expensive items. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a (June 22 - July 22) Tuesday.

(July 23 - Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23 - Sept. 23)

Your involvement in sports or entertainment will lead to new romances. You will gain valuable insight and knowledge through the experiences you have along the way. Be honest in your communication and don't lose your cool if someone backs you into a corner. Dealing with in-laws or relatives will not be in your best interest. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. Be aware of any emotional deception. Do not sign legal contracts or documents this month. Take a close look at documents before signing on the dotted line. Use your creative talent in order to accomplish your goals. Social events will be favourable. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

You will easily blow situations out of proportion. You can receive recognition for the work you've done. Get busy doing all those things at home that you have been putting off for so long. Help elders with their concerns. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday. (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) You will have good ideas for home improvement projects. Focus on your own domestic problems. You will be in the mood for entertainment. Don't forget to read the fine print. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

(Jan. 21- Feb. 19) Your ability to be practical in business will help. You may have to take a short trip to visit someone who hasn't been well. You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections. Opportunities for romance will develop through group endeavours; however, the association isn't likely to last. Your luckiest events (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) this month will occur on a Monday.

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Jokes of the Month The Decision

Life Changing

There was a man who had three girlfriends but he couldn’t decide which one to marry so he gave each one 5000 dollars to see how they spent it. The first one went out and got a total makeover with the money. She got new clothes, a new hairdo, manicure, pedicure, the works, and told the man, "I spent the money so I could look pretty for you because I love you so much." The second one went out and bought new golf clubs, a CD player, a television, and a stereo and gave them to the man. She said, "I bought these gifts for you because I love you so much." The third one takes the 5000 dollars and invests it in the stock market, doubles her investment, returns the 5000 dollars to the man and reinvests the rest. She says, "I am investing the rest of the money for our future because I love you so much." The man thought long and hard about how each of the women spent the money. Finally, being the mere man he was, he decided to marry the one with the biggest breasts.

A man rushes into his house and yells to his wife, ‘Martha, pack up your things! I just won the Lottery!’ Martha shouts back, ‘Shall I pack for warm weather or cold?’ The man replies, ‘I don’t care, just as long as you’re out of the house by noon!’

Oops A man walks into a barber shop and says, "I'll have a shave and a shoe shine, please." The barber lathers his face and sharpens the straight edge while a woman with the biggest, most beautiful breasts he has ever seen kneels down and shines his shoes. The man says, "You and I should spend some time in a hotel room." She replies, "My husband wouldn't like that." The man says, "Tell him you're working overtime, and I'll pay you the difference." She says, "You tell him. He's the one shaving you."

The Will The Healer This elderly couple are watching one of those television preachers on TV one night. The preacher faces the camera, and announces, "My friends, I'd like to share my healing powers with everyone watching this program. Place one hand on top of your TV & the other hand on the part of your body which ails you & I will heal you." The old woman has been having terrible stomach problems, so she places one hand on the television, and her other hand on her stomach. Meanwhile, her husband approaches the television, placing one hand on top of the TV and his other hand on his groin. With a frown his wife says, "Ernest, he's talking about healing the sick, not raising the dead."

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The patient shook his doctor’s hand in gratitude and said, “Since we are the best of friends, I would not want to insult you by offering payment. But I would like for you to know that I had mentioned you in my will.” “That is very kind of you,” said the doctor emotionally, and then added, “Can I see that prescription I just gave you? I’d like to make a little change.”

Like Magic The man approached a very beautiful woman in the large supermarket and said, “I’ve lost my wife here in the supermarket. Can you talk to me for a couple of minutes?” “Why?” “Because every time I talk to a beautiful woman my wife appears out of nowhere.”

...and next... Jonah A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though a whale is a very large mammal, its throat is very small. The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. The teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human, it was impossible. The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah." The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?" The little girl replied, "Then you ask him!" The Desert Island Abe and Esther are flying to Australia for a two week vacation to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Suddenly, over the public address system, the Captain announces, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am afraid I have some very bad news. Our engines have ceased functioning and we will attempt an emergency landing. Luckily, I see an uncharted island below us and we should be able to land on the beach. However, the odds are that we may never be rescued and will have to live on the island for the rest of our lives!" Thanks to the skill of the flight crew, the plane lands safely on the island. An hour later Abe turns to his wife and asks, "Esther, did we pay our 5,000 dollar PBS pledge cheque yet?" "No, sweetheart," she responds. Abe, still shaken from the crash landing, then asks, "Esther, did we pay our American Express card yet?" "Oh, no! I’m sorry. I forgot to send the cheque," she says. "One last thing, Esther. Did you remember to send cheques for the Visa and MasterCard this month?" he asks. "Oh, forgive me, Abie," begged Esther. "I didn’t send those, either." Abe grabs her and gives her the biggest kiss in 40 years. Esther pulls away and asks him, "What was that for?" Abe answers, "They’ll find us!"

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Monsters Ever since I was a child, I’ve always had a fear of someone under my bed at night. So I went to a psychiatrist and told him I’ve got problems. Every time I go to bed I think there’s somebody under it. I’m scared. I think I’m going crazy. "Just put yourself in my hands for one year," said the psychiatrist. "Come talk to me three times a week and we should be able to get rid of those fears." "How much do you charge?" "Eighty dollars per visit," replied the doctor. "I’ll sleep on it and if needed I will come back to you," I said. Six months later the psychiatrist met me on the street. "Why didn’t you come to see me about those fears you were having?" he asked. "Well, eighty bucks a visit three times a week for a year is an awful lot of money! A bartender cured me for 10 dollars. I was so happy to have saved all that money that I went and bought me a new SUV." "Is that so!" With a bit of an attitude he said, "and how, may I ask, did a bartender cure you?" "He told me to cut the legs off the bed – ain’t nobody under there now!"

Coffee Break

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