José welcomes 2 ‘interns’ & a Promise
The News/views Magazine ABOUT and FOR Jávea - you can hold in your hand
Nº 27
July/August 2015
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Alcalde José Chulvi surprised Jávea voters when he won 61% of votes in the 24th May municipal elections, but there were further reverberations on 13th June - widely ‘leaked’ in the preceeding 48 hours - two ‘Opposition’ Councillors had accepted an invitation to join his governing team - without defecting from the Party they represented in the May ballot. After his election, José is seen (above) holding the ‘Staff of Office’.
All the councillors identified themselves when their names were called by the Municipal Secretary in the following order, starting with PSOE, XD, PP and Ciudadanos. I was unprepared - it being many years ago since I was present at a similar civic occasion - for the attractive and smartly dressed
The election of José Francisco Chulvi Español as Mayor was a foregone conclusion, each Councillor naming their choice, but there were only 4 dissenters, 2 for Oscar Anton Izquierdo and 2 for the PPs Tere Ern.
transparency in his work, his Suggested main interest being the benefit of the people. He said he would fight to impose new forms of politics for the public benefit. Tere Ern (PP) said she would be available to the general public (she works at SabadellCam in the town) for any questions or queries and invited the public to attend the monthly general meetings, not just this meeting where the council is elected, so they can see how the Councillors work. We could have called this local magazine Oscar Anton (XD) HAVVYER HEARD, but congratulated everyone on their we thought Jávea Jeard posts, and said he did not would confirm our lightregard XD as the ‘losing’ party, hearted attitude to the but as the party who had setserious political and aside its identity to work for economic problems in the benefit of Jávea for the Spain, and their effect on Jávea.
If any explanation is still needed
Continued on page 3
BRINGING YOU THE FOODS
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Doris Courselles, to be asked to Preside over the meeting, being the ‘oldest’ of the elected Councillors. She was supported by the ever-smiling Ximo Segarra. Each Councillor came to a special rostrum and swore to give allegiance to the King.
The Mayor returned to the rostrum to take a different oath as the Alcalde, and then took his traditional seat at the ‘top table’ with Doris and Ximo returning to their seats. Vicent Colomer, the leader - and only local Ciudadados Councillor, had been given responsibility for Sports, and promised absolute
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Wot is were?
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July/August 2015 Nº 27
Advertising rates
Agenda 21
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Bob steals from foreigners
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Carlos Boas, Wills/Inheritance 23,34 Charity Shop news
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Guardia Civil update
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Councillor line-up
Duty Chemist Rota Humour
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Jávea Postcodes
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José wins landslide victory
Lee Hodges ‘Buyer Beware’
Oscar Ricor about ‘Orange’
Richard pools his news .
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Sunday morning invitation UK Magazine Service
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Smart meters promise savings Spotlight on Paquita and son
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JAVEA POSTCODES
Most towns have a single Postcode: Jávea has 4, but Correos discourage their use, claiming it is better to use 03730 (where 50% will be wrong) rather than the code for your area, which ‘some’ will get wrong. Adsubia 03739 Alborada 03739 Arenal 03738 Cala Blanca, Urb 03738 Cansalades 03738 Cap Martín 03738 Capsades 03739 Catarroja Partida 03737 Cerezos, Los 03739 Colomer 03737 Costa Nova, Urb 03738 Ermita, Urb 03737 Eurocondal, Urb. 03737 Fontanella 03737 Frechinall 03738
29
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Granadella, La
03738 Las Laderas 03738 Lluca 03739 Mandarina, La 03739 Media Luna 03738 Montgó 03737 Montgó Carrasquetes 03737 Montgó Toscamar 03737 Panorama, Urb 03738 Pinosol 03739 Portichol 03738 Rebaldi 03739 Rimontgó 03737 Seniola 03737 Tarraulla 03739 Tosalet, Urb. 03739 Tosals 03737 Toscal 03738 Trencall 03738 Valls 03737 Valls Carrasquetes VA-CA 03737 Valls Planets VA-PN 03737 Valls Tosal VA-TS 03737 Everywhere else 03730
Jávea Jeard is published in Jávea by A2Z Publicaciones on behalf of Iglesia Grupo International de Divulgación del Evangelio (CIF: Q0300542H) at OASIS Centre, C/. Toni Llido 5, 03730
Articles published in these columns represent the views of the individual authors
It is impossible to ensure the accuracy or reliability of views expressed, and readers are advised to take independent unbiased advice, before commiting themselves to any action. Contributions bearing the reference CR are made by Clive Read in good faith, based on his living in Jávea with his wife and son for almost 30 years.
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Taking the oath was SERIOUS
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previous four years. He declared he had no intention of ‘moaning’ from the opposition benches, but will continue to do everything he can to benefit Jávea, reminding listeners that during the previous 4 years, when he was made responsible for the finances of a town in recession, he was pleased to be part of a team that demonstrated that it could ‘and did‘ fulfil its promises and expectations. Isabel Bolufer, the new spokesperson for PSOE said she wanted to make Jávea a better place, to solve all the problems in situ right now and all others that may crop up. She sounded as if she was reading a speech written for David Cameron, apologising for past inactivity but promising to do better in the future. Mayor Chulvi thanked the secretary, the inspector, the Councillors and general public. “Jávea is no longer the subject of scorn from neighbouring towns, but is seen as an example of what can be achieved by ALL Councillors working - and pulling - in a direction that improves life for all our citizens” the Mayor told listeners, adding “I love Jávea, both as the Mayor and as resident here and look for collaboration from all Councillors, not just PSOE, naming only Vicent Colomer and Tere Bisquert (who although from other parties voted him as mayor). He thanked everybody on his behalf and that of the party but unlike a UK election did not especially praise his Campaign Manager - who had master-minded the outcome of the May election. “The work so far has been concentrating on the future of Jávea and there is no reason to change this. The aim isn't to cut ribbons or have your photograph taken, but to work hard for the community, to promote Jávea and help the
people, promote agriculture, fishing, small businesses; and ensure the tax department continues to work very hard to benefit the public, a work that must continue. The end of the recession is more than just a newspaper headline, it is becoming a reality.” This next four years will be fascinating and the voting public expect them to deliver on their promises - they said they could, time alone will tell. Chulvi had said he was launching “an exemplary commitment and endorsing a new policy focussed on citizens, putting people at the centre of any action, based on transparency and exemplary use of public funds,” The mayor insisted on the need to take politics "as a service and not a privilege" -not to betray the trust granted by the citizens and be aware that being a politician "is a passing stage, the only reward we should seek is the satisfaction of having served." "The Townhall can be proud because Jávea has grown from a village where political life was synonymous with darkness and instability to become an example throughout the Generalitat for smooth running of public affairs," he noted.
Priorities Among the topics that will mark the beginning of term, the Mayor was arrested in
issues "that concern us all and have focused much of the social debate of our people" on overdue projects like the swimming pool, the central cinema, coastal path of the Muntanyar and decentralization of services. “I reaffirm commitment in the election campaign and programme to make it happen," he underlined. He said he would continue to discourage speculation and defend the interests of Jávea. He made it clear that his priorities were on expenditure to promote jobs, the future of young people and restore the lack of opportunities, respect for traditional sectors whilst upgrading municipal accounts in a manner consistent with maintaining the social benefits. "It is time to abandon the economic recovery headlines and reach out to our people" he concluded. CR with thanks to Kacie
After 24 years of Popular Party control in Madrid and 20 years of control in the Andalusian city of Cádiz, the Podemos candidates in each city were sworn in as mayor on Saturday morning to take control of city hall. Candidates linked to Podemos were also appointed as Mayor in the Galician cities of Santiago de Compostela and La Coruña, where the PP has governed since 2011. In the Spanish capital, 72year-old Manuela Carmena received 29 votes, out of a total of 57, from her party Ahora Madrid (Podemos) and the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE). Esperanza Aguirre, the Popular Party candidate, received the 21 votes of her party, and Begoña Villacís received the support of her 9 Ciudadanos Councillors. Applause and loud cheers of “Yes we can!” could be
July/August 2015 Nº 27
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Let you to the Airport
Continued on page 15
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Agenda 21 Jávea Updates
July/August 2015 Nº 27
Page 4
May 'hottest/driest in 68 years'
The month of May this year was the driest in 68 years with just 1.7cm (less than three-quarters of an inch) of rain, according to weather records. Typically a rainy month - although mild and sunny on dry days in most parts of the country - May this year not only saw the hottest day for the time of year since 1869 but also the least amount of wet weather since 1947. Normally, May would see an average of 61 litres of rain per square metre across Spain, which translates to 6.1 centimetres or two-and-a-half inches. But an ongoing drought in the south, centre and coastal areas is gradually worsening with rainfall at its lowest since just after World War II.
Cairn Energy withdraws from oil exploration in Gulf of Valencia
"Cairn has informed the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce that it intends to withdraw from four exploration permits in the Gulf
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of Valencia." Cairn's Spanish portfolio consists of the four licences in the Gulf of Valencia, which it was awarded in 2011. The company has closed its office in Madrid where around five people were employed. The announcement came months after Spain's environment ministry published a report that found seismic surveying work could harm sea life such as whales. Cairn's decision was welcomed as a victory by opponents of drilling in the area. But Cairn said it remains interested in Spain and has applied for licences covering an area north of the Gulf of Valencia and one in the Bay of Biscay, off the northern coast of Spain.
Electricity charged by the hour from July
Electricity for homes and small businesses will be charged by the hour from July 1, meaning peak and off-peak rates will apply to everyone and not just those who have applied for the so-called 'white tariff' where costs differ throughout the day and night. All premises which have a digital, remotelymanaged meter will automatically be switched to the hourly charge system, and the cost of each day's consumption will appear online from 20.15hrs for customers to check. Where a digital meter has not yet been fitted, the electricity board, Iberdrola, has until October 1 to do so.
Environment a 'victim' of the crisis: Greenpeace
Spain's economic crisis and successive corruption scandals have led to looser environmental regulations which have taken a huge toll on the environment, Greenpeace said in a recently published
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report. The environment is "one of the main victims of the crisis", which was sparked by the collapse of a decade-long building boom in 2008, the group said in the 47-page report. "There are hundreds of corruption cases which have left behind them natural spaces covered in cement and soil contaminated by hazardous waste," the report added. There were 1,754 court cases involving suspected illegalities related to urban planning decisions in 2011 alone, it said.
Asset declaration horror story
A retired gentleman from Granada had worked offshore for some years and saved 340,000€ in USB in Switzerland. According to his lawyer, he had not known about the overseas asset declaration process (Modelo 720), and voluntarily made his first declaration a year late. As a result he has been fined a total of €439,267. - 150% because it was a "very serious infringement". It has been estimated that around 30,000 people have undeclared assets. The case has been appealed to Brussels.
Jávea's new Town Council announced
The make-up of Jávea's new PSOE Town Council has been announced. There will be committees for four basic "pillars": Finance, Culture, Economic Promotion and Urban. (which combines As before there will be weekly government meetings, informative commissions on a set day each month to facilitate organisation of the various councillors, a monthly plenary council meeting, sectorial councils for citizen participation, with the possibility of
Continued on page 6
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July/August 2015
Nº 27
Page 5
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Agenda 21
Nº 27
Continued from page 4
adding new ones such as Sports, Fiestas and Youth. An innovation will be councillors for various districts such as the Arenal, Port. Frechinall, Thivers and Urbanisations. Councillors from the previous administration will have new jobs to avoid getting "typecast". "We want the municipal management to be a constant challenge and to remain vigilant."
Fish deaths in Canal de la Fontana to be investigated
The appearence of dead fish in the Canal de la Fontana in the first weekend of June is being investigated by the Townhall and has been reported to the Service for the Protection of Nature (SEPRONA) of the Guardia Civil. It seems the deaths were not due to excess salinity from effluent discharged from the desalination plant, but may have been caused by a one hour power outage in the desalination plant which caused a pump circulating water into the canal to cease action, leading to a reduction in oxygen levels in the canal. The Council is now looking for a company to provide a backup power supply to mitigate against such occurrences in the future.
Election Overview
José Chulvi (PSPV) told Jávea Jeard that his team had reorganised responsibilities and activities at Jávea Townhall giving more weight to economic promotion. Among the novelties of the legislature, is the launch of departments of neighbourhoods and housing developments, following the PSPV/PSOE comprehensive victory in the May municipal election. In advance of the Special meeting of Councillors on Saturday 13th June, José and his team had been meeting for two weeks to consider proposals and alternatives. By Friday 12th, responsibilities and titles had been agreed, but many who had performed above expectation in the previous 4 years, were offered different responsibilities, to prevent them becoming stagnant. José believes past achievements provide a valuable foundation, but responding to new (and some - as yet unknown) challenges will result in a team whose individual performance is continually being stretched. Governance will be similar to the last legislature, with weekly meetings, informative commissions to be grouped in a specific day of the month so Councillors can set-aside their Townhall days in their work calendar.
Sector Councils will be introduced and meet each month so that views of citizens in the different neighbourhoods will be heard and considered. The initial areas to be the focus of regular citizen input are Arenal, Port, Frechinal and Thiviers, but other neighbourhoods may be considered if there is a demonstrated need. José Chulvi has broken many public expectations, by continuing the changes he introduced four years ago, though he believes the new team will prove more cohesive, inventive and responsive. Proof that he practices what he preaches - but he declined to give us details - was that he had offered Managerial Responsibility to councillors from Compromis and XD-CpJ coalition so their expertise would influence Townhall decisions, rather than be the subject of a disgruntled opposition.
Jávea, Denia and Jesus Pobre join forces to coordinate Montgó fire protection plan
The Ayuntamiento de Jávea hosted the first meeting between the towns of Jávea, Denia and Jesus Pobre to agree a coordinated local strategy, to strengthen the safety and security of Montgó. It was agreed to continue working at a technical level establishing both preventive actions and effective responses in the event of fires. The three municipalities will seek a greater awareness and involvement by the Generalitat Valenciana in this protected area and a greater allocation of resources and investment in fire prevention with the implementation of employment programmes focused on forestry clearing.
Spanish working-age adults among the lowest-qualified in Europe, says research
Nearly half of Spain's working-age population aged 25 and over have no qualifications beyond compulsory schooling – the equivalent of GCSEs or O-levels in the UK, known as the ESO in the Spanish system – and some do not even have this level, according to a recent survey. The research by the Foundation for Applied Economics Studies (FEDEA) effectively reveals that those who have been on the dole for many months or years have not been
Continued on page 12
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Stealing from Foreigners
Being a teacher is often not so very different from being a customer of Telefonica; it involves coming to terms with restrained fury. But on the days when teaching doesn’t just lead me to lapse into impotence, resignation and despair, it can be quite fun; just as long as you ignore the students.
Unlike students, the English language is actually quite interesting, and what makes it interesting is that the words that we use are a faithful reflection of who we are and who we’ve been hanging out with (a euphemism for ‘waging war against’ in most cases).
For example, and for reasons I neither know nor care about, Dutch weavers and farmers settled in England and Wales at the end of the 13th century and brought with them the word ‘poll’, which means ‘head’. A polling station is quite literally a place to count heads, which used to be the favourite hobby of Ghenghis Khan, although he preferred them to be unencumbered by a body. Other delightful words brought across the Wash by the Dutch were ‘booze’, for which we shall be forever grateful, amen; ‘bounce’, a useful word in youth, when you bounce about on the dance floor and in late middle age, when your
belly bounces around in front of you and often behind as well. They also gave us ‘kit’, ‘sled’, ‘splint’ and ‘hobble’; you may not see the connection, but if you’ve ever tried your thumb at DIY, then you’ll get it straight away. They also supplied us with what I used to believe was a thoroughly English word: ‘wainscot’, but which from now on will always bring to mind tulips and Rembrandt. The Dutch, like us, have always been a sea faring race, and were pretty good at it too. In fact they taught us quite a lot about nautical ways. You will undoubtedly have noticed the similarity between ‘nautical’ and ‘nausea’. This is no coincidence; the Greek word for ‘ship’ was “naus”, and turning green and crying “stomach overboard!” is not a pursuit restricted to our own generation. The maritime contacts with Holland, or the Netherlands, or whatever they call themselves these days, also brought us ‘skipper’, ‘deck’, ‘hoist’ and ‘buoy’; and not only ‘buoy’ but also ‘boy’, which came from “boi”, meaning a ‘young gentleman’. Simple, isn’t it? I’ve never had much time for the Celts, a largely uninspiring yawning gap in our history; and when you look at the vocabulary they left behind them, propped up against their dolmens, it’s not surprising. Most of the words they left us didn’t even hang around after they were absorbed by the Romans and then thrashed by the Saxons, but squeezed their ways back onto this sodden isle through French. It should not be forgotten that Brittany was also a Celtic enclave. In fact, the reason it is ‘Great’ Britain was merely to distinguish us from Lower Britain (or Brittany’ if you prefer). Curiously, one of the handful of these words was ‘lawn’, although why yer average Celt would need a lawn is beyond me. Perhaps to them it meant ‘grass nibbled down to somewhere near the roots by the sheep that I tend and that tend to all my sick Celtic needs’. It reminds me of that famous saying by Eric Speeves on the anniversary of his release: “life is a cow-pat; if you step over it quickly, you’ll stay clean.” I often wonder; don’t sheep ever get tired of grass? Don’t they ever long for a nice thick juicy chop? Leaving herds to one side and returning to Celts, they also bequeathed us the word ‘league’, even though all their significant teams play in ours, and I think I’m right in
July/August 2015 Nº 27
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saying that none of them have ever come close to winning one, and none of them ever will. They gave us ‘gravel’ too, which again begs too many questions to merit an answer, as well as ‘quay’. Other examples that seem to make more sense are ‘truant’ ‘valet’ and ‘varlet’, all of which certainly have a distinctly Celtic feel about them, both in sound and usage. Looking back, the English language is something to be proud of, although for many of my students, it must sound like double Dutch.
Talented Hamster
A scruffy looking man goes into a bar and orders a drink. The bartender says: "No way. I don't think you can pay for it. The man says, "You're right. I don't have any money, but if I show you something you haven't seen before, will you give me a drink?" The bartender says, "Only if what you show me ain't risque." "Deal!" says the man and reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a hamster. He puts the hamster on the bar and it runs to the end of the bar, down the bar, across the room, up the piano, jumps on the keyboard and starts playing Gershwin songs. The hamster is really talented. The bartender says, "You're right. I've never seen anything like that before. That hamster is truly good on the piano." The man downs the drink and asks the bartender for another. "Money or another miracle else no drink," says the bartender. The man reaches into his coat again and pulls out a frog. He puts the frog on the bar, and the frog starts to sing. He has a marvellous voice and great pitch. A fine singer. A stranger from the other end of the bar runs over to the man and offers him £300 for the frog. The man says, "It's a deal." He takes the three hundred and gives the stranger the frog. The stranger runs out of the bar. The bartender says to the man, "Are you some kind of nut? You sold a singing frog for $300? It must have been worth millions. You must be crazy." "Not so," says the man. "The hamster is also a ventriloquist." Received from Muy Bueno.
You don’t have to buy a Greeting Card - and spend a € when you visit the Oasis Help Centre, at the rear of La Caixa bank in C/. Toni Llido Nº 5, you can just come in and ask for help or confidential advice.
Jávea Jeard
Page 8 July/August 2015 Nº 27
Satellite and Electronic News
It’s time to Pool some problems
Pump-Filter Tank Action. 0 .5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 ---Green-- --Yellow-- -----Red------—
When operating your vacuum during the cleaning process, first look at - and write down - the setting of the needle mounted in the gauge on top of the filter tank. This needle should sit around the .5 setting over quite a period of time (say a few weeks). As the filter system gradually extracts the rubbish from your pool it is held within the filter tank and of course this gradual build up results in a loss of power (you can notice this as the vacuum head is easier to drag over the pool floor) causing the needle to rise. When it reaches the green/yellow cross over area (1.0) this tells you it’s time to commence the “back-wash” proceedure: i. e. removing the rubbishwaste product from the filter tank.
You shop at ICELAND for COLD food at COOL prices, but you’ll receive a WARM welcome at Jávea Evangelical Church C/. Toni Llido 5 GPS - N:38.793196 and E:0.180900
At the rear of ’La Caixa’ bank at the Dolphin roundabout on Av. Lepanto Centre
Sunday morning service 11am On weekdays visit our C/. Toni Llido 5 (next to La Caixa in the Port)
where you will find
1000s of Greetings Cards for 1€ Photocopies and Fast Printing Beniconnect Airport Shuttle Post and Parcel Service Plus a LISTENING EAR and UNBIASED ADVICE We’re ‘on duty’ in the community every day of the week - not just on a Sunday If you need to speak in private - ASk
669 386 702 or Fax 96 647 3707
POOL CLEANING Prior to beginning the pool cleaning proper its always best to use the net and remove the larger floating objects i. e. leaves, insects etc and then give the side walls a good scrub with your long brush, concentrating on removing any signs of a tide mark on the water line with you short brush. If this is done a day before the planned pool clean the results of your labour i.e. the rubbish,should have floated to the bottom. The art of a good pool clean is NOT to stir up the water as you vacuum the bottom. If you do, once the water has settled it will take the edge off your eforts, you have been warned!!! Remove skimmer lid and fit circular hose converter onto the skimmer basket and ensure it’s clipped in firmly. Push the end of the tubing into skimmer converter and now connect the other end to your vacuum head. At this point extend the handle to a length suitable for the cleaning operation i. e. long enough to reach deepest area and place vacuum head into the water. Ensure your master control is set to filter and switch pump from automatic to ‘manual on’. The filter gauge should indicate a reading between .5 to 1.0. Make sure a good flow of water is being pumped out from the filter and back into the pool to prove filter action is taking place. At this point allow a few minutes for the water to circulate through the tubing which will also get rid of air in the tubing. While watching the filter gauge, close OFF bottom grate tap which should result in only a slight drop in pressure but always check you still have a good water flow back into the pool, if not, quickly switch off your pump, you have an air lock. To clear an air lock open bottom grate and start the procedure again.
BACK WASH Both skimmer and bottom grate taps need to be on the ‘On’ setting (Open). Turn master control to back-wash and then switch on pump to ‘Manual On’. Look at the quality of the water from the inspection plate or as an alternative from the waste exit tube, where you will note it’s dirty and discoloured but gradually - as the rubbish is ejected - it resumes its clean fresh appearance. At this point switch off your pump and return the master control back to the ‘Filter’ setting leaving both skimmer and bottom grate taps in the ‘On Mode’ (Open) and switching pump back to automatic.
by Richard Pollock B.Ed I.Eng. FIEEIE Consultant Electronic Engineer
Formerly Lecturer in RTVE at Bradford College
Telephone (10am - 6pm please)
670 362 395
RINSE During the course of back-wash a certain amount of the dirty water containing sediment etc remains in the pipe work by switching master control to the ‘Rinse’ setting, clean water from your pool washes out the pipe work. To complete this action master switch should be in the ‘Rinse’ setting and both skimmer and bottom grate taps switched to ‘On’ (Open), then switch pump to ‘Manual On’ and allow a couple of minutes for the pipes to be washed clean.
IMPORTANT After either or both of these operations the water level must be checked, with the level of water several centimeters above the top of the skimmer waste bowl dependant upon the skimmer design.
RE-CIRCULATE A very useful setting if you intend to be away for some time (say a visit to the U.K. for a couple of months) and are unable to have the pool attended to Continued on page 10
The people who brought ‘care’, ‘comfort’ and ‘understanding’ to bereaved families in Spain.
Sympathetic and prompt assistance starts with a phone call to BALBI on 610 204 864 Cremation, Repatriation or Interment
Thanksgiving and Memorial services arranged, religious or humanist Cami del Cementerio 2 JÁVEA - 96 579 0188 Fax: 96 579 4138
JEWISH HUMOUR
Jávea Jeard
You may or may not remember the oldtime Jewish comedians: Shecky Green, Red Buttons, Totie Fields, Milton Berle, Henny Youngman, and many others? Perhaps you may have only heard of them. I for one miss their kind of humour. Not a single “F”-bomb word in any of their comic routines shown below: A car hit an elderly Jewish man. The paramedic says, "Are you comfortable?" The man says, "I make a good living."
I just got back from a pleasure trip. I took my mother-in-law to the airport.
I've been in love with the same woman for 49 years. If my wife finds out, she'll kill me!
Someone stole all my credit cards, but I won't be reporting it. The thief spends less than my wife did. We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.
My wife and I revisited the hotel where we spent our wedding night. This time I was the one who stayed in the bathroom and cried. My wife was at the beauty shop for two hours. That was only for the estimate. She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.
The Doctor gave a man six months to live. The man couldn't pay his bill, so the doctor gave him another six months.
YOU DESERVE A LAUGH
The Doctor called Mrs. Cohen saying, "Mrs. Cohen, your check came back." Mrs. Cohen replied, "So did my arthritis!"
Doctor: "You'll live to be 60!" Patient: "I AM 60!" Doctor: "See! What did I tell you?"
A doctor held a stethoscope up to a man's chest. The man asks, "Doc, how do I stand? "+The doctor says, "That's what puzzles me!"
Patient: "I have a ringing in my ears." Doctor: "Don't answer!"
A drunk was in front of a judge. The judge says, "You've been brought here for drinking. The drunk says, "Okay, let's get started."
Why do Jewish divorces cost so much? They're worth it.
Why do Jewish men die before their wives? They want to.
The Harvard School of Medicine did a study of why Jewish women like Chinese food so much. The study revealed that the reason for this is because Won Ton spelled backward is Not Now.
HUMOUR
July/August 2015
There is a big controversy on the Jewish view of when life begins. In Jewish tradition, the fetus is not considered viable until it graduates from law school.
Nº 27
Page 9
Ever wonder how confusing the English language can be. Here are commonly used OXYMORONS: ((contradictory words) Alone together intelligence Artificial Clearly misunderstood Exact estimate Found missing Large minority drunk Legally Plastic silverware Pretty ugly Random order Small crowd Soft rock Temporary tax increase Terribly pleased Twelve-ounce pound cake Working vacation
Taxi Grad
A young man had just graduated from Harvard and was so excited just thinking about his future. He gets into a taxi and the driver says, "How are you on this lovely day?" "I'm in the Class of 2014, just graduated from Harvard and I just can't wait to go out there and see what the world has in store for me." The driver looks back to shake the young man's hand and says, "Congrats, I'm Mitch. Harvard Class of 1969."
WHERE CAN I GO ON A SUNDAY? There’s lots of new friends waiting to meet you - and free tea, coffee, cake or biscuits afterwards, at
The ‘Oasis’ Centre
NEW Sunday venue
C/. Toni Llido, 5 GPS - N:38.793196 and E:0.180900 At the rear of ‘LA CAIXA” Bank at the ‘Dolphin Roundabout’
Sunday morning service 11am TOWN
OASIS Centre
SEA
If you need transport, phone 669 386 702 or 669 386 701
We are a caring church, meeting 21st century need with 1st century Christian compassion
Page 10
July/August 2015 Nº 27
Let’s Support our local Businesses
If we don’t we won’t have any
Azorin Restaurant C/. Toni Llido Tel: 96 579 4495
Bon Retir elderly care home C/. Cantallops 31 Tel: 96 579 0242 688 883 155 Building and Tiling by Victor victorjavea@hotmail.com Tel: 626 975 244
Butcher’s Block The English Butcher in Jávea Av del Pla (North of Yorkshire Linen) Tel: 96 579 2676
Cabo Casse Hire Tools and Machinery C/. Liverpool 11 (opposite the Moli) Tel: 96 579 2502
C B Installations Glazing, Reforms/Building works Rupert Cooper Tel: 606 662 991 622 872 991 vistaglaze@gmail.com
Richard Pollock Pooling ideas Continued from page 8
while you are away but do not wish to find on your return the pool is covered with algae/fungal growth as the filter needed cleaning, resulting in poor water circulation. Turn the master switch to the ‘ReCirculate’ position and add sufficient chemicals to cover the period of absence leaving all other controls at the normal settings. As the timer is switched on during this period the filter will be bypassed but the use of your chemicals and regular movement of the water will ensure no build up of algae etc.
WASTE If as can sometimes happen, in watching the conditions on the pool floor, you find lots of rubbish you wish to remove from the pool but not be directed through the filter system. ‘Waste’ is a most useful function. If you have been forced to add a flockulant this is the best way to remove it. Set master switch to ‘Waste’ setting, and switch on pump motor both skimmer and bottom grate taps must be ‘On’ (Open), but work quickly as you are loosing water from the pool all the time during this operation. On completion return controls to normal settings and refill pool to correct level.
Jávea Jeard
CHLORINE-pH TEST Your small test kit is all you will require to keep the water free of contamination. Top-up both water ports level with top mark, add 5 drops of supplied liquid chemical to each water port ensuring red to red indicator and yellow to yellow indicator and then compare the readings to the scale. Centre readings are correct, failing this a chemical balance is required.
pH TEST Very red reading - excessive acid - quite rare. Remedy add Alkaline-pH-(200 grams per I00 cubic metres of water) then test after a suitable time for mixing to take place, say a couple of days.
Clear readings - lack of acid -add Salfumantie-pH+ (200 grams per 100 cubic metres) then test after a suitable time for mixing to take place, say a couple of days.
ALGAE-FUNGAL GROWTHS One handful of Crystals of Copper Sulphate (blue crystals) should do the trick.
MILKY WATER EFFECT!!! I can hardly see the bottom is often the complaint, it was crystal clear the other day! The cause is more often caused by lots of activity and an excessive amount Continued on next page
If you live in a Community of Horizontal Owners, we will see if there are problems, and come up with the answers, IN SPANISH, for YOU to submit to the President or Administrator.
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CIF:B54530738 Reg Mercantil Government Public Body CMT Licensed Prices exclusive of IVA. Offers www.swisscable.es eMail: info@swisscable.es only valid till end of offer. Open: Mon-Fri 9am - 2pm, at Ctra. Cabo la Nao 67 (Km 10), Balcon al Mar, Jávea 03738 Terms and Conditions Apply.
Jávea Jeard
Richard Pollock Pooling ideas
July/August 2015
GROUTING PROBLEMS From time to time it may be noticed that the grouting is turning black in certain areas, almost always caused by the action of algae, which can be cured by adding an amount to be determined by the manufacturer of Chemicals to kill off this action. Richard Pollock B.Ed I.Eng FIEEIE Consultant Electric Engineer
Continued from previous page
of Sun Cream which the chemicals are unable to handle. The situation as the body count goes from two to six or more, hence the term used by the experts, quote, “you’ve lost it!” The cure add one to two litres of liquid chlorine or to give it its Spanish title Hipoclorito Sodico (it’s a strong bleach so watch your clothes, it can splash back!) and run your pump for a period of twenty four hours, then test visually and of course perform a chlorine test.
DUSTY WATER OR OTHER TYPES OF SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION Use a commercial grade Flockulante, the amount according to the instructions on the pack, then allow it to settle for approximately 24 hours. Yellow/brown patches will form on the pool floor which you need to vacuum with master control on waste setting to remove the discolouration, then top-up water level on completion.
CHLORINE TABLETS From June to September (heavy pool use) it is recommended to insert 4 tablets a week to compensate for people using the pool smeared with lots of Sun Lotion etc. Of course, at all times check your chlorine level, this information has been obtained at a practical level!
Formerly Lecturer in RTVE Bradford College. Telephone: 670 362 395 eMail richardsatellitesolutions@gmail.com
The Viewpoint
Two elderly, excited Southern women were sitting together in the front pew of church listening to a fiery preacher. When the preacher condemned the sin of stealing, the ladies cried out at the top of their lungs, "AMEN, BROTHER!" When he condemned lust, they yelled again, "PREACH IT, REVEREND!" And when the preacher condemned the sin of lying, they jumped to their feet and screamed, "RIGHT ON, BROTHER! TELL IT LIKE IT IS! AMEN!" But when the preacher condemned the sin of gossip, the two got very quiet. One turned to the other and said, "He's quit preaching and now he's meddlin'."
Nº 27
Page 11
Let’s Support our local Businesses
If we don’t we won’t have any DELIVER, Store and More A & M Henry will buy and bring things to you, or deliver. Nothing too much trouble, 633 294 509 Helping Hands (J and J)
Personal care, Overnight stays, Ironing, Washing, Light housework, Social occasions, Shopping Tel: 634 735 105 and 660 143 503
HOG ROAST COST BLANCA Weddings, Parties, Fund-raising, quality hog and top-of-the-range oven. Telephone 603 513 792 www.costablancahogs.com
Independent Financial Advice Lee Hodges 699 966 914 lee@leehodges.es KIMERA Restaurant Av. Lepanto 12
L P Catering Suplies Everything for restaurants at an affordable price Tel: 96 579 3893 Susana: 607 630 221 Sergio: 647 540 862
I want TV, Internet and Phone from a local provider who talks my Language - and answers my questions Jávea’s Main Internet Provider New Channel 5 test images already PHONE SERVICE More than 1,000 homes can´t be wrong. on our EXTENDED package.
We’ve partnered with to bring you the most competitive tariffs to Europe / USA / Australia 5c min. U so ex
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NEW FREE HOTSPOTS for customers at Mas y Mas end of Arenal and our offices.
NEW HD channels coming soon to our BEAM/CABLE users, required by many LARGE SCREEN TVs. We plan to move channels starting 1st September, with SPORTS channels being first to move. Contract Internet, Phone and TV in our money-saving package. More details from our offices or anne@swisscable.es
Office Phone: (leave message if occupied) 96 577 1121 (Accounts Ext. 202, Tech. Help Ext. 220) Sales (Anne): 679 797 473 (General Enquiries) 865 667 123 Providing service to individuals, Urbanisations and Apartment Blocks in Jávea, Moraira, Benissa, Calpe, Benitachell, Gata, Jesús Pobre, Els Poblets and Vergel
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Page 12
July/August 2015 Nº 27
Let’s Support our local Businesses
If we don’t we won’t have any MPM Property Repairs Maintanance, Management and Repairs Tel: 96 577 0205 681 005 731 åå Painting and Decorating Pinturas Jaime Ortola 609 677 094 www.pinturasortola.net P C Highway Calle Niza 13 Tel: 96 646 2509 info@pc-highway.com
Pick-up and Deliver Service Covering Alicante to Gandia - they’ll even pay for an item and fetch it. Andrea and Mark 633 294 509
Rent an Officiant For a Wedding, Funeral, Memorial or Thanksgiving occasion: Rev. Clive Read 669 386 702 www.divineservices.org clive@cliveread.com
Satellite Advice and Support Richard Pollock B.Ed I.Eng. FIEEIE Consultant Electronic Engineer
Formerly Lecturer in RTVE at Bradford College
Telephone (10am - 6pm please)
670 362 395
richardsatellitesolutions@gmail.com
Second-hand furniture store Sheila’s Deals 609 827 753 sheilabond21@gmail.com
Septic (toilet) problems Limpiezas Jávea 608 861 153 www.limpiezasjavea.com Swiss Cable - and much more Tlf: 96 577 1121 www.swisscable.es info@swisscable.es
Taxi www.eurotaxijavea.com reservas@eurotaxijavea.com Card payment OK - Airports - Tours 633 400 044
Tanatorio Jávea Undertaking in your language Tel: 610 204 864
Let’s Support our local Businesses
If we don’t we won’t have any
Agenda 21
Continued from page 6
studying or training to improve their existing skills or learn a new trade or profession. As a result, when the construction industry collapsed and competition for bar and restaurant work became far more fierce, a large chunk of an entire generation was left without a job and not qualified to do anything else. And those aged roughly over 40, who studied French at school as a second language rather than English, say most positions advertised require at least a basic working knowledge of the latter, meaning they lose out to younger applicants. Yet only a small number of the construction and hostelry industry generation has attempted to retrain or go back to college to get a higher level of education.
Studies raise fears of another construction boom
Four separate studies on the socioeconomic situation in the Marina Alta indicate the region may be set to repeat old mistakes and depend on a future economic prosperity based on construction and hospitality. House sales have already picked up (mostly to foreign buyers) and not just re-sales, but also the construction of new luxury villas on the coast. Both businesses and politicians seem to be just waiting for
Collection and delivery of Urgent items in Marina Alta by Sergio Laffitte Tlf. 673 546 193 http://tinyurl.com/ch2txx3
Bloque laying, concrete levelling, foundations, crazy paving, slab paving, all kinds of floor and wall tiling, rendering, painting, window fitting, balustrade, roofing, landscape gardening, etc.
Over 20 years experience in Spain References Available Best Prices in Town
Call Victor for FREE Quote
626 975 244
Jávea Jeard
the building industry to revive again after the crisis. During the hard times people spoke of opting for a different economic model advocating innovation, technology parks, the introduction of university sub-campuses in the region, reindustrialisation and diversifying tourism through prioritizing culture, the environment and promoting various experimental offerings. A few years later it has made some little progress in this aspect. The rest remains to be done. Perhaps because carrying out the ideas was so difficult, and perhaps hoping for a recovery of construction is much easier. However other voices describe how Marina Alta destinations now have a higher prestige, attracting visitors all year round, especially at weekends. Foreign residents with high purchasing power will contribute to galvanise the economy, and small businesses in commerce, design, consulting and industry are taking off. All that is needed is time.
Half of Spain’s employees find work through contacts survey reveals
46.7% of those who found paid employment in Spain in the last five years did so through their contacts, while just 22.2% earned their position purely on the basis of merit, after Concluded on page 13
A year in the life of a Spanish town Xabia / Jávea
Words by the late Charlene Quince and photos by Billie Cook is still on sale at HUMPTY DUMPTY (Javea Park) LA RULLA and OASIS HELP CENTRE (both in the Port)
10€
Why not enjoy a nostalgic journey at www.memories-of-javea.com Artist / Photographer Tel: 636 161 941 You can ‘friend me’ on Facebook?
Billie Cook
Jávea Jeard
Everything you need to survive the Spanish Health Service - for 6,50€
The Health Service in Spain is every bit as good - and many say MUCH better than in the UK, but no matter the level of professionalism and skill of the doctor or nursing staff - if you don’t speak Spanish, ‘Murphy’s Law’ says those who care for you will not understand English or Spanglish.
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What they DO understand on the Costa Blanca, and instantly recognise, is the Booklet “Tell the Doctor” which lists all the words and phrases you are likely to need during your visit to the Health Centre or Hospital. The book is NOT intended to replace a competent Interpreter for those visits when accuracy and understanding are essential. Originally compiled by Jenny Bussey, founder of Jalon Valley HELP, copies can be obtained from the OASIS HELP CENTRE, C/. Toni Llido 5 (at the rear of La Caixa bank in the Port) for 6,50€ a copy. Tell the Doctor is also published in French and German, but the OASIS generally only stocks the (blue covered) English edition. The latest edition has been updated with medical terms that have only recently come into use. Copies in the other published languages are normally available at Humpty Dumpty newsagents on the main road in Jávea Park.
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Agenda 21
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applying to a company or organization directly. The country’s network of staterun job employment offices place just 2.5 percent of positions, with private agencies managing 3.6 percent. The remaining posts are filled as a result of job seekers sending their résumés to companies.
Shelves for Jávea's Municipal archives will cost half as much as expected.
Part of the Portal del Clot municipal building will be used to house the Townhall's archives. To this end, a supply contract for bookshelves was put out to tender at an expected price of €250,000 (VAT included) . The winning company from Galicia came in at €111,000 - less than half the expected price. This company, José Manuel Carregal Silva SL has fulfilled similar contracts in other big cities. It is the second Galician company to win a contract with Jáveas, the other being the leasing of police cars for the local police. The good reputation that Jávea has developed as being a prompt payer has attracted lower cost tenders from far and wide.
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Nº 27
Continued from page 12
RUSTIC LAND FOR SALE (Price negotiable) OR RENT Many uses. Could be builder’s yard, or site for Static Caravan (subject to any permissions from Townhall). 2 minutes from Benitachell. GOOD ACCESS Tel: 696 76 73 49
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Page 14 July/August 2015 Nยบ 27
Are you ready for
Jรกvea Jeard
More HUMOUR?
I'm very good at opening childproof caps . . . With a hammer.
I'm awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.
Senior citizens are constantly being criticised for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not try to blame others. HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out that it was NOT senior citizens who took: The melody out of music, The pride out of appearance, The courtesy out of driving, The romance out of love, The commitment out of marriage, The responsibility out of parenthood, The togetherness out of the family, The learning out of education, The service out of patriotism, The Golden Rule from rulers, The nativity scene out of cities, The civility out of behaviour, The refinement out of language, The dedication out of employment, The prudence out of spending, The ambition out of achievement or God out of government and school.
And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others! And, we DO understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought and died for our country. Just look at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts, as they stand at attention with their hand over their hearts, as the Flag passes by in a parade!
YES, I'M A SENIOR CITIZEN!
I'm the life of the party - even if it lasts until 8 pm.
I'm smiling all the time, because I can't hear a thing you're saying.
I'm sure everything I can't find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.
I'm wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that's just my left leg.
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Yes, I'm a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life! Share the cheer Let's be happy While we're here. received from Norman Dutton
Tour de France (good Irish joke)
Two Irishmen were sitting in a pub watching the Tour de France on TV. Seamus shook his head and asked, "Why do they do dat?" "Do what?" asked Mick. "Go on them boikes for moiles and moiles, up and down t'e hills, round t'e bends. "Day after day, week after week. No matter if it's oicy, rainin'?, snowin'?, hailin'? .. .. why would they torture themselves like dat?" "Tis all for the prestige and the money," replied Mick, "You know the winner gets about a half a million Euros? "Yeah, I understand that." said Seamus. "But why do all the others do it?" Sent to us by Richard Pollock
Jรกvea-based Wedding, Party and Event CATERERS www.CostaBlancaHogs.com Tel: 603
513 792
peter@CostaBlancaHogs.com Quote/Advice - no obligation
Peter Ayling
Still here when others have left Tel.: 96 646 0933 Mob.: 616 375 608
Denia/Jรกvea/La Sella areas.
Jávea Jeard The Jávea election Continued from page 3
heard in the chamber as the result of the vote was announced, and Podemos leaders Pablo Iglesias, Iñigo Errejón and Juan Carlos Monedero applauded Mrs. Carmena and smiled from the visitors gallery. In Cádiz, 39-year-old José María González Santos—known as ‘Kichi’— received 15 votes, out of a total of 27, from Por Cádiz Sí Se Puede (Podemos), the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) and Ganar Cádiz En Común. In the north-western city of Santiago de Compostela (Galicia), 40-year-old Martiño Noriega from Compostela Aberta was appointed Mayor and in the nearby city of La Coruña, the Mayor’s baton was handed to 39-year-old Xulio Ferreiro, from Marea Atlántica. The appointment of the four Mayors from parties related to Podemos is the first time Podemos has been awarded government power in Spain, despite not having presented itself as a party at the local elections on May 24.
In the European elections in 2014, Podemos won five seats and, during the regional elections in Andalusia on March 22, won 15 seats in the 109-seat regional parliament, an insufficient number to enter government. In Barcelona, Ada Colau from Barcelona en Comú was voted Mayor with 21 votes and the support of the Catalan Socialist Party (PSC) and Republican Catalan Left (ERC) and one vote from CUP. In Zaragoza, Pedro Santisteve from Zaragoza en Común was appointed Mayor with 17 votes and the support of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) and the Aragonese regionalist party CHA. The total number of residents in the seven cities controlled by Mayors related to Podemos is 5,896,028 people, according to the latest census data from the National Statistics Institute (INE).
Panda Lunch
July/August 2015 Nº 27
A panda walked into a restaurant, sat down, and ordered a sandwich. He ate the sandwich, pulled out a gun, and shot the table. As the panda leaves, the manager shouts, "Hey! Where are you going? You just shot my table and you didn't pay for your sandwich!" The panda yells back at the manager, "Hey, man, I'm a PANDA! Look it up!" The manager opens his dictionary and sees the following definition for panda: "A tree-dwelling marsupial of Asian origin, characterised by distinct black and white colouring. Eats shoots and leaves."
MAKE-UP OUTLET
Mac Benefit Urban Decay Call SUSAN on Spanish mobile: 722 763 703 makeupoutletworldwide@gmail.com
ROADRUNNER REMOVALS: Spain - UK - Spain Monthly trips - Fully insured - Competitive rates Full house moves - White goods - Motor bikes Quads and smaller items - and pets as well. Call WAYNE on 633 933 391
spainukremovals1@gmail.com
Jávea Jeard
is printed and produced at Oasis Centre
in Jávea Port (C/. Toni Llido 5) An announcement for
your business can be included for
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Tax deductible receipts given for all donations, and Modelo 182 issued to all donors who request one, to deduct donations to: Iglesia GIDE (Cif: R0300542H) from their Renta return
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anuncio@javeajeard.com Tel:
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Jávea Port Oasis Help Centre
SPAIN’S LEGAL SYSTEM DECIPHERED
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July/August 2015 Nº 27
contributed by Oscar Ricor alternatively the Recent landmark Court failure to remove decision rendered by the the records once the debt is paid), High Court in Alicante can be considered against “Orange” as a serious
This article is about the abuses committed by some Telecom providers in Spain and the problems that several of our clients are experiencing in particular with the company “Orange”. Unfortunately, it is a common practice for some telecom providers at the event of non-payment, to include their client’s details in these kind of debtors registries, simply as a way of coercing the customer into paying sometimes non existent or highly doubtful debts. In fact, the company Orange has been recently obliged by the High Court of Alicante, to pay a substantial financial compensation to a client as a result of unlawfully including his personal details in a “debtor registry or bad debtor list”, when the supposed debt was in fact not certain, overdue and enforceable and it has never claimed officially to the debtor. The High Court considers in this way, that including the personal details of a customer in a Debt Registry without fulfilling all the requirements (or
illegitimate intrusion in the rights to honour, privacy and image, (according to art. 9.3 of the law 1/1982, May 5). As a result of this landmark court’s decision, it will be easier for the affected customer to seek compensation in Court, for the damages that the infringement or failure may have caused. Likewise, irrespective from claiming damages against the telecom company through the ordinary Courts, the customer also has the right to file a complaint before the “Spanish Data Protection Agency”, with the negative consequence that a serious fine could be imposed on the telecom company for not complying with the law. Remember that Telecom companies usually take advantage of their dominant position in the market and also from the fact that for most people it is really a nuisance to file a complaint. As a result, they will not hesitate to put as many
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obstacles in your path in order to discourage the exercise of your rights (like for instance their unbearable and useless call centres!) Never allow these companies to abuse your legitimate rights! As a European citizen, you are granted fundamental rights and consequently all these dubious practices are totally abusive and contrary to the European and Spanish Consumer’s legislation. At the event of a dispute with a telephone company, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are experts in dealing with all kind of consumers complaints, so we will be delighted to give you accurate advice about the most advisable ways of preventing those abuses and claiming compensation. According to our recent professional experience, it is highly effective to send a strong “letter before claim” to the Telecom company, as it will show that you are totally committed and serious in your complaint.
We hope this information is useful and should you have any additional question, please visit any of our two websites:
www.ricorabogados.com or www.englishsolicitorinspain.com You can also contact us by e-mail at ricorsolicitors@yahoo.co.uk and we will reply to you as a matter of urgency.
Smart-meters set to save you money
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Iberdrola ‘smart’meters are already being used in the majority of Jávea to provide a monthly invoice without the inconvenience of a ‘meter reader’ gaining access to note consumption and send the figue to HQ. From 1st July 2015 the digital and tele-operated ‘smart’ meters will be used to record hourly fluctuations in the amount of electrcity used, which should be reflected in subsequent monthly invoices. It is esrtimated that almost 11 million users will be affected by this new regulation. By the end of last year 14 million digital meters had been installed, but not all of them are teleoperated. Electricity suppliers have until the 1st of October to adopt the new system. By the end of December 2018 all traditional meters are supposed to have been switched for the new digital ones. The prices for each day will be published on the website of Red Electrica Española, as of 20.15 hrs the day before. There are no obvious and
measurable benefits, but - with a lot of learning and a bit of practice - users should be able to use appliances that use large amounts (comparatively) - like dishwashers and washing machines (no real point in putting the kettle on for a cup of tea at 3am because it is cheaper.) There are various Apps available as well, that can help you anticipate the fluctuations. All those with a tele-operated digital meter and on a contract with the PVPC (Precio Voluntario al Pequeño Consumidor - what used to be the TUR tariff) tariff will be affected by this change. Those on a contract that offers a fixed price for a whole year, are not. Practically all electricity companies can offer an hour-to-hour billing system, but the system regulated by the state can only be offered by ‘participating providers’ amongst which are Endesa, Iberdrola, Gas Natural Fenosa, EDP España y E.ON España. With the new regulation in force, more companies can join if they meet certain prerequisites.
Will this new facturation result in lower electricity bills? Well, that depends on your consumption habits and whether you can arrange to
July/August 2015 Nº 27
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have energy-slurping appliances operate during ‘low cost’ hours, basically corresponding with the hours that used to have the cheaper part of the night/day tariff, which will become obsolete with the new regulation in place. It may sound frivolous, but it will also depend on how the wind blows... on days with more wind the greater production of wind-energy will likely cause the prices to drop. Also, only about 37% of your electricity bill is based on actual consumption, the rest is made up of taxes and fixed rates for the contracted power etc. For those on ‘Bono Social’ (and we are pleased to know the church that operates Oasis Help Centre falls into that category) will continue receiving a discount of 25% on the hourly rates. Consumer organisations have denounced this new regulation as it has been negotiated exclusively with the electricity companies, without any involvement of consumer organisations. They also fear the bills will be very complicated to read. Based on information from Spain’s Citizen Advice Bureau website.
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The Guardia Civil tells us Page 18
July/August 2015, Nยบ 27
Choosing Workshops and Garages
The key to safer driving not only lies in the hands of those on the roads, but also in the hands of those responsible for carrying out work on our vehicles. Although the authorities do everything they can to close them down, there are still many garages and workshops that are not authorised to carry out any form of vehicle repair, and although many of them do a good job perhaps for less money, there are many who put all road users at risk. An illegal workshop is a fraudulent business model, often conducted on unlicensed premises, and often without the requisite regulatory permits, access to technical information on vehicles or the approval from vehicle manufactures to carry out repairs. They often also fail to comply with health and safety and environmental legislation and often carry out work without issuing invoices and without any form of guarantee. The frightening fact is that according to official sources, although no official figures exist, it is estimated that 20% of workshops across Spain are currently operating without the relevant licenses. A situation exacerbated by the economic crisis, which has led many consumers to turn to these fraudulent workshops, attracted by lower prices, without being fully aware of the consequences. Inferior work, low price and unofficial parts, cheap labour and a lack of guarantee all undermine the rights of a consumer, and is a practice punishable by law.
On the other hand (See the illustration at the bottom of this page), legal and approved workshops have the necessary machinery and the right tools for repairs, access to the most up-to-date technical information for vehicle, they only use approved and traceable spare parts, guarantee repairs through the production of an invoice and provide continuous training for their employees. Therefore, only the legal establishments can ensure proper handling of the vehicle, resulting in increased road safety by reducing the risk of accidents. The technical information of the vehicle provides the guidelines set by the manufacturer to ensure proper handling and repair, minimizing risks, ensuring optimal performance and extending its life. Only legally established workshops have access to this guide to ensure proper repairs of each model vehicle. The traceability of parts refers to garages being able to ensure the origin. In a legally established workshop the consumer can be sure that the piece is approved, which is required for that type of car that has all manufacturer warranties. In illegal workshops where it is not traceable, installed parts can have very varied origins including from crashed or scrapped vehicles and sometimes through theft. Due to the increasing complexity of vehicles it is essential that mechanics attend training courses that are held periodically that provide the guidelines for the proper repair of all types of vehicles. The mechanics are quickly outdated if they do not receive these courses, which only legal workers can have access to. The question of course is how do you identify an illegal workshop? Unfortunately, they are not always easy to recognise, but there are some tell-tale signs to look out for.
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A legal workshop will always provide a printed quote for work in advance, and will also provide an invoice and guarantee afterwards. Illegal workshops are usually in places where they work behind closed doors, sometimes in garages of private homes, sometimes even in the street. The most important clue of all is that official and legally approved workshops have a nameplate granted by the Ministry of Industry and are required to display this plate at the property entrance. Illegal workshops will have no such accreditation displayed. The nameplate will display a variety of information relating to the work that can be done at the workshop. For example, the top part of the plate will display the type of work which can be done on the premises. A picture of a wrench indicates mechanics, a jagged arrow indicates electrics, a hammer is for bodywork and a spray gun for painting. Halfway up, on the left are icons which indicate areas of expertise, such as wheels and tyres, radiators or injection engines for example. To the right, an image will be displayed if the workshop is authorised to repair motorcycles. Finally, at the bottom of the plate, there is a space which will display the provincial hallmark and the official registration number of the workshop as provided by the Ministry of Industry. Although it will be difficult to ensure your complaints are heard in the event of using an illegal workshop, there is a way of reporting your suspicions to the authorities to investigate and take action against illegal operators. This can be done on the website of the confederation of Spanish workshops. CETRAA, at www.cetraa.com/sala-de-denuncia In 2014, CETRAA dealt with more than 340 complaints received through the website, ensuring a safer practice for all in the future.
Continued on next page
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The Guardia Civil tells us Continued from previous page
TOWING DIFFERENT TYPES of TRAILERS
Trailers fall into two distinctive categories when it comes to classifying them for normal use on the roads of Spain, those below 750kg and those above 750kg maximum weight. A small trailer, or “Remolque Ligero”, which has a maximum weight less than 750kg does not have to be registered. You must however clearly display the number plate of the vehicle towing the trailer on the rear, which must also be a certified style of number plate, and must have lights fitted which repeat the actions displayed by the towing vehicle.
which includes the view in your mirrors. All number plates must be of an officially recognised and certified form, handwritten numbers on cardboard for example are not permitted. If you are towing any form of trailer, you must also carry a fire extinguisher with you in the vehicle.
Guardia Civil Officer Killed in Crash
A Guardia Civil traffic officer was killed when the motorcycle he was riding was in a head-on collision with a van. The incident occurred in the Altiplano area, between Yecla and Jumilla. The emergency services were notified that the victim was unconscious, lying in the road and had a weak pulse. Medical staff attended but could do nothing to save the life of the
July/August 2015 Nº 27
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officer who died in the line of duty. José Fernando Almagro was 42 years of age, married and had three children. He was based in the traffic department of the Guardia Civil in Cieza.
Removing Abandoned Vehicles
If the police have reason to believe that a car has been abandoned on the street, there is a procedure they can initiate to enforce the owner to confirm identity, before they can have the vehicle Continued on next page removed.
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A larger trailer, which also includes caravans, with a maximum weight over 750kg kilograms, the “Remolque Pesado”, is different altogether. Firstly, it has to be registered as a separate vehicle and must have its own “Permiso de Circulación”, or log book. It must also have its own registration plate, which is red in colour, and this must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. This type of trailer is also subject to mandatory testing at an ITV station, and the ITV documents must also be carried with the vehicle. It must also display the number plate of the towing vehicle and have lights on the rear that repeat what the towing vehicle is doing.
There are a couple of points to remember when towing a trailer. Your view of the road must not be obscured,
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Page 20 July/August 2015, Nº 27 The Guardia Civil tells us Continued from previous page
This procedure is different to the case of a vehicle which has been legally parked, this particular process is aimed at vehicles that are in a legal, convenient and safe place, but the police believe that they may simply be abandoned. There are a number of reasons why an officer might think this, perhaps the vehicle is showing signs of damage for example, or maybe missing main components and has been parked in the same place for some time. If there is sufficient evidence to suggest abandonment, the police will affix a sticker to the vehicle, advising the owner that there is reason to believe the vehicle has been abandoned. The sticker is dated and the owner has 10 days in which to respond to the claim by confirming the status of the vehicle, or it will be removed to the municipal pound. Remember though, this procedure is for abandoned vehicles which are seemingly legal other than the suspicion of their status, if you park illegally, your vehicle may be removed immediately.
TRAFICO APPOINTMENT PROCEDURE
If you need to go to Trafico, you need to know that you have to make a prior appointment. There are two options; calling 060 or through the dgt webpage. www.dgt.es
Making online appointments
Enter the DGT webpage, www.dgt.es click on “Sede Electronica” (Electronic Headquarters) and select “Cita Previa Tramites” (Appointment Handling). This route offers the citizen the possibility to choose the day and time they wish to attend Headquarters. First, the interested party must select the HQ where they wish to carry out the procedure and choose the type of transaction they wish to make. Once selected, the system generates a new window for the citizen to fill out a form with their personal details. The online appointment application allows the transaction to be made by the person themselves or by their properly authorised representative. In this case,
simply enter the name and identification number (NIF, NIE) of the representative. Next, the system will show the dates and times available, to allow the most convenient to be chosen, firstly showing appointments for the following two weeks. Once the date and time have been selected, the system will request confirmation of the appointment and the user may obtain an appointment card by clicking on “obtener recordatorio” on which the appointment details and the address of the HQ selected will be displayed. The citizen may also consult or cancel previous appointments made online. Appointments may be changed by calling 060, or online by cancelling the previous appointment and making a new one.
Keep Pets Safe in the Heat
Never leave your pet in a parked car not even for a minute. Not even with the car running and air conditioner on. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.
DGT Denies Number Plates and Insurance for Bicycles
The Dirección General de Tráfico has strongly denied plans to implement registration and insurance for bicycles, and has deplored the “deliberate
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misrepresentation” being made in relation to a meeting held last week at the Centre for Road Traffic Education in Salamanca. The DGT said the aim of the meeting was to bring together social agents, associations and institutions linked to the world of cycling to see firsthand the different visions of the alleged proposal that had been circulating. In the meeting, the DGT made it clear that they have no intention of introducing such changes. Despite one initial obstruction to the proceedings, the meeting was said to have gone well and the findings showed the vast majority of groups agree on the need to develop a strategic plan for the bicycle, with the participation of administrations, associations and groups of cyclists, to define basic guidelines. The need for voluntary training for cyclists was discussed, along with plans to evaluate the inclusion of cover in personal or home insurance, also voluntary, with coverage for cyclists. However, even the discussion relating to insurance was focused around voluntary options rather than forced compliance. The strategic plan would need to appraise and enhance the use of bicycles as a mode of transport and form guidelines and indicators for evaluation and monitoring. These indicators will focus on aspects such as energy costs, mobility, health, employment, traffic and infrastructure, always in connection with the municipalities, companies in the bicycle sector, universities and other institutions concerned. To develop the plan, the task was entrusted to the working group, “Grupo de Trabajo 44”, set up within the Higher Council for Traffic and Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility of the DGT, to which new participants can be added at any time. To ensure safe and sustainable mobility requires that minimum training standards be established, not only for cyclists, but for all users of the public highway. These contents will focus on the following areas: Paradigm shift: motorisation to safe, sustainable and healthy mobility. Social values applied to mobility and peaceful coexistence among all road users. Vulnerable groups in both mobility and social risk, being incorporated crosswise. The training is presented as voluntary, encouraged by policy incentives and bonuses, and supported by the network of collaborators with diffusion capacity. The training is not limited to classroom but can be educational, but also must be encouraged in non-formal contexts such as companies, Continued on next page
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The Guardia Civil tells us
Continued from page 20 associations, local authorities, etc. Importantly stakeholders who provide this training must have experience in the use and handling of the bike in different environments. For safe mobility for cyclists, solutions will be sought to ensure the peaceful coexistence of cyclists, pedestrians and other road users. Voluntary inclusion in personal or home insurance coverage will be proposed for riders in the case of theft or accident. Numerous groups attended the conference and took part in representing each of their particular sectors. These groups were: Asociación en Bici por Madrid Biciclot Asociación de Marcas y Bicicletas de España (AMBE) Fed. de Ciclismo Castilla y León Ciclista Profesional Fed. Española de Mun, y Provincias INTRAS CNAE Proyecto educativo Stars Aula de la bici Fundación Mapfre Línea Directa Aseguradora Valencia Con Bici Revista Ciclosfera Área Movilidad Ayto. Sevilla Área Movilidad Ayto. Madrid Ministerio de Educación Ayto. de Santa Eulalia Ciudades que caminan Educación Zamora CRIE de Zamora Bici escuela de Alicante Muévete en Bici Con de Edu de la Xunta de Galicia ETRASA Asociación B-612 La bicicleta en la escuela. Zaragoza Asociación Con bici
Motorbikes – Pillion Passenger Rules
As most seasoned riders know, carrying a passenger on a motorbike poses a whole range of risks, as the dynamics of the bike change with the added weight and shape of the extra load, which subsequently changes the handling and
ride from what the rider might be used to. Carrying a pillion passenger in Spain is legal, but the law has recently changed and it is now more restrictive as to who can be carried and by whom. Article 12 of the Reglamento General Circulación details the rules for cycles, mopeds and motorcycles. Point 2 explains that on mopeds and motorcycles, a passenger can be carried on a motorcycle, so long as that passenger is 12 years of age or older and that the rider has a full license for the vehicle and the vehicle itself is suitable for carrying passengers. Police motorcycles for example are professionally adapted as single seat vehicles. You can only carry one passenger if there is a seat available. The rider and passenger are both obliged to wear an approved crash helmet, with the straps securely fastened.
Police motorcycles are professionally adapted as single seat vehicles. The passenger is also required to straddle the vehicle and have both feet flat on the footrests and use the appropriate seat behind the driver. If the passenger’s feet don´t reach the footrests correctly, they cannot be carried. In no case is it permitted for a passenger to sit between the driver and the handlebars of the motorcycle or moped.
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REGLAMENTO GENERAL CIRCULACIÓN Artículo 12 Normas relativas a ciclos, ciclomotores y motocicletas Los ciclos que, por construcción, no puedan ser ocupados por más de una persona podrán transportar, no obstante, cuando el conductor sea mayor de edad, un menor de hasta siete años en asiento adicional que habrá de ser homologado. En los ciclomotores y en las motocicletas, además del conductor y, en su caso, del ocupante del sidecar de éstas, puede viajar, siempre que así conste en su licencia o permiso de circulación, un pasajero que sea mayor de 12 años, utilice casco de protección y cumpla las siguientes condiciones: a) Que vaya a horcajadas y con los pies apoyados en los reposapiés laterales. b) Que utilice el asiento correspondiente detrás del conductor. En ningún caso podrá situarse el pasajero en lugar intermedio entre la persona que conduce y el manillar de dirección del ciclomotor o motocicleta. Excepcionalmente, los mayores de siete años podrán circular en motocicletas o ciclomotores conducidos por su padre, madre o tutor o por personas mayores de edad por ellos autorizadas, siempre que utilicen casco homologado y se cumplan las prescripciones del apartado anterior (artículo 11.4 del texto articulado).
Tow Bars and the Law
If you need to tow a trailer with your vehicle, you will need to have a tow bar installed. However, in view of the serious implications of getting the installation wrong, it must only be done under certain conditions, in an
Continued on next page
There is an exception to the age rule, as a child of 7 or above can be carried as a passenger being driven by their parent, guardian or person authorised by them, provided all other requirements are met. In any case, the rider has to be 18 years of age or older in order to be allowed to carry a pillion passenger, including children. Depending on your own insurance policy, you may also need additional cover in order to carry passengers, so check our policy before you do.
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The Guardia Civil tells us
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July/August 2015 Nº 27
Continued from previous page authorised and qualified workshop and in compliance with the law. In 2011, the law in Spain categorised tow bars. Prior to that date they were simply another accessory which could be added to the vehicle, but the new “anti-tuning” law standardised the European directive of 2007 which elevated the tow bar from an accessory to a “major reform”. All tow bars have to be of an approved and authorised type for the individual vehicle in question, and can only be fitted in certified workshops where a technical report can be issued, a requirement for the vehicle to pass its ITV inspection.
There are two types of tow bars, a fixed ball hook and a removable ball latch. The fixed ball hook, as its name suggests, does not disassemble and any form of manipulation is forbidden. In view of the installation procedures in order to ensure the legality of the tow bar, any action on the tow bar would be considered a manipulation of a major reform, which can only be done legally in a workshop.
The removable ball latch is, as the name suggests, detachable and consists of a fixed element and an easily removable part, which may be semi-automatic or by a thread, or by automatic pressure and ball rotation. There are other removable tow bars which can be retracted into the vehicle, but these form an integral part of the construction. When tow bars are not in use, they can pose a hazard to other road users, as any protrusion from the vehicle can cause damage, such as when reversing into a parking space, especially as the tow bar is not visible, and interferes with the shape and design of the vehicle’s safety features and can cause considerable damage in the event of a rear-end collision. That said, as we have already mentioned, a fixed ball hook cannot be manipulated in any way and therefore cannot be removed (unless done on a permanent basis by a qualified mechanic), and so there is no legal
requirement to remove the tow bar when not in use. Similarly, the very design of a removable tow bar does not constitute a legal requirement to remove it either, although you may choose to do for your own safety. There is a legal requirement however that no tow bar, fixed or removable, can interfere with the visibility of rear elements of the vehicle, namely the number plate and lights. Article 9 of the Ley de Seguridad Vial ensures that these items must be visible at all times and not obscured. It is also important to remember that only officially approved tow bars are permitted in Spain and only for the purpose of towing a trailer (including caravans). The use of ropes, A-Frames and vehicle-to-vehicle towing bars or any other unapproved devices are not permitted by law.
Maximum Speed Limits
Excessive or inappropriate speed is one of the three main contributing factors to road traffic collisions. In fact, in Spain, it is statistically a decisive risk factor in over 25% of all traffic incidents. The risk factor increases along with the speed, which is further amplified by other factors such as the weather, driver inexperience or alcohol, subsequently increasing the risk further. Roads are designed based on a number of different factors, and the maximum permitted speed decided on those characteristics. Sometimes, it may not appear obvious as to why a reduction in the speed of a road may be required, but there is always a reason for this, and so the speed limit must be respected. It is also important to remember that the speed limit indicates the maximum permitted speed during optimum conditions. It should never be treated as a target, but your vehicle’s speed should be adapted to reduce the risks to both yourself and other road users. The maximum permitted speed on a road is indicated by means of a circular sign with a red border and the numbers
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in black in the centre. This is a mandatory speed limit sign, known as R301.
There is also a minimum required speed sign, the R-411, which is a blue circle with numbers in white in the centre. A minimum speed is a requirement on a number of roads, and so if your vehicle is incapable of reaching those speeds, you will not be
allowed on them.
The third signs relating to speed are the S-7 and S-9, which is an advisory maximum speed limit sign. It is a blue square with white numbers printed in the centre and denotes the maximum speed which your vehicle should travel on through the stretch in question. The sign is advisory and not mandatory, but if road planners believe it important enough to warn drivers, then heeding their advice is always the best course of action. (The sign is at the top of the first column on page 24). These signs can also appear in conjunction with other information, such as denoting the minimum or maximum
Continued on page 24
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Preference shares - the deadline to claim. Spain’s toxic investment products.
In recent years we have seen many clients and readers, especially the expatriate community in Spain, being miss-sold all kinds of complex financial products or investments, without having received necessary and accurate information from financial institutions, banks, financial advisors, etc. Even today, we still find many people who bought these products, which can be described as toxic, and in many cases, they only discover the problems with their investment when they try to get their money back and cannot. One class of the investment products that is a continual source of problems to consumers, is Preference Shares or Preferential Participations or Preferred Stock, (Participaciones Preferentes), which are perpetual, and in most cases were sold as a normal deposit, which is simply not true, because in most cases the owners cannot sell them, and cannot get back their investment. Most Spanish banks and Building Societies sold them, like La Caixa, Bankia, BBVA, Banco Santander, Novacaixagalicia, Mare Nostrum Group, CAM, Catalunyacaixa, Banca Civica, Banco Sabadell, Banco Popular, EFFibank, Banesto, Bankinter, Unnim, Banco Pastor, BBK Bank CajaSur, etc. Fortunately, most Spanish Courts, including our Provincial Court of Alicante, usually grant court orders in favour of consumers, when it is proved to the court that they were not properly informed about the potential risks of the investment, or no suitability test was done in order to determine whether it was a suitable product, etc. Thus, in most cases, it is understood that consumers have agreed to buy the Preference sSares, without really knowing what they were buying as they were not informed properly, and therefore, their consent is not valid, and without consent the purchase contract of the product must be declared null and void.
Limitation Period to claim The court order granted on the 03.25.2015, number. 81/2015, of our Provincial Court of Alicante, confirmed a judgment of a court decision of the Court No. 2 of Denia, namely that the deadline for claiming on Preference Share matters will be 4 years from the time when the consumer becomes aware of his mistake. Because there are many toxic products and investment in Spain and many abuses are committed, like the above Preference Shares, plus: subordinated debts, interest swap, mortgage loan clause floors, multicurrency mortgages (in foreign currency), Bankia shares, excessive commissions, etc, it is most important that all our readers review their investments, make sure they understand
July/August 2015 Nº 27
Preference Shares. Documents, Wills and Inheritance
their consequences, risks, check if they can get back their investment at any time and the cost of doing so. If you have doubts or believe you have been sold toxic investments contact us.
Can a lawyer refuse return of documents to a client, if the client does not pay the requested legal fees?
Dear solicitor, A few years ago I started a court case against a developer regarding a property purchase in Spain. I have asked my former lawyer to give me back the documents I gave her concerning the purchase agreement, etc., and the court order, and she answered that as I still owe her part of her legal fees, she does not have any obligation to give me any documentation, or information.
Dear reader, thank you for your enquiry. I am surprised by what you have said, as a lawyer cannot legally withhold information or documentation from a client under any circumstances. I understand that if you agreed a fee with your lawyer, you must pay the agreed fees. But having said that, no lawyer could or should oppose returning the documentation to a client, or provide them with a copy of court resolutions of legal proceedings, or any other kind of documentation, under the pretext of not having been paid the legal fees. The Spanish Lawyers Code of Ethics (Codigo Deontologico), says thus in its article 13 paragraph 12: "12. The documentation received from the client will always be available to him, a lawyer cannot retain it in any case, even under pretext of existing outstanding fees. However copies of the documentation could be kept". Furthermore, the Spanish Supreme Court, in a Court Decision, indicated that lawyers have a duty of "custody of all documents, records, transfers and actions arising from the contractual relationship and professional performance and also with greater intensity at the time of the extinction (of the professional relationship), delivering all the documentation to the client". The refusal to return documents to a client, for the reason of not having been paid the legal fees, could even be
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understood as coercion or duress, with the serious consequences that this could mean. Therefore, there are two separate obligations, on the one hand the lawyer must return your documents and deliver the court documents relative to her performance, including the Court Decision of the case, and secondly, you have the obligation to pay the agreed fees, but the fulfilment of the lawyer’s obligation cannot be conditioned to the fulfilment of yours.
Wills and inheritance of expats (British, Irish, etc.) in Spain. Some clarifications on the European Regulation 650/2012.
Our office receives many enquiries regarding the European Regulation 650/2012, which will apply from the 17th of August this year (2015), and the inheritance relating to deaths that occur after that date (17th). As explained in previous articles, the applicable law to the succession and inheritance law in Spain will, in principle, be the law of the country where the deceased has their habitual residence at the time of death. However, Article 22 allows the testator / testatrix to explicitly opt for the law of his / her nationality, in the case of the British, opt for the law of England and Wales, or Scotland, etc. This Regulation is about the law that should govern inheritance and succession, but does not relate to the Inheritance Tax Law applicable. The applicable law to the succession is important, since as per the Spanish Inheritance Law, the descendants have the right to about 2/3 of the estate. It is possible there are different rules in the country of origin of foreigners living in Spain, and they are not forced to leave to their descendants a share, as required by the Spanish law. Therefore it is very important to get proper advice and make a Spanish Will or review the existing one, to know which law will apply to your inheritance and succession, and, where appropriate, to opt for the law of your nationality, if you want it to be the applicable one. Many of our readers tell us they have been advised that under this new Regulation, they must opt for their own national Inheritance Tax laws, as they are more beneficial. This advice is absolutely wrong, as the Regulation 650/2012 does not change the applicable tax law to the inheritance and successions, and does not change the taxes to be paid, which are not affected by this regulation, the taxes to be paid are the same as before: If the beneficiary of the inheritance is not tax resident in Spain, they will only pay inheritance tax in Spain, for the assets situated in Spain (not for those located in another country, such UK,
Continued on page 34
Page 24
July/August 2015 Nº 27
The Guardia Civil tells us Continued from page 22
speed in a particular lane, such as the S50. There are also signs which denote the end of restrictions, but they will be the subject of a future article. We have to remember though that the signs are not the only indicator to what we call “appropriate speed”. We must take into account all other factors such as the weather, flow of traffic, obstacles in the road, other road users and more. For example, on rainy days more incidents often occur because many drivers travel at the same speed as they do on a sunny day, not adjusting their speed to take the weather and road conditions into account. Appropriate speed is never governed entirely by the maximum or minimum on the road, although it is likely to be somewhere in between, once we consider all of the other factors as well. All roads have a speed limit, even those which don’t display speed limit signs. It is important to know the
different characteristics of the roads so as to determine the maximum permitted speed, especially in the event of no signs being displayed. Roads are separated into four main groups. The first group is toll roads and motorways, otherwise known as autopistas and autovias. The second group are conventional roads, which is split again into two subgroups, vías automóviles and carreteras convencionales with a hard shoulder equal to or greater than 1.5 m or more than two lanes for either direction (3 lanes or more in total); and other conventional roads, otras carreteras convencionales. The final group are urban roads, or Vías urbanas, travesías. The table at the head of this article indicates the maximum permitted speed on the four different types of roads, under optimum conditions. There are other restrictions on certain types of vehicles and activities which must also be taken into consideration. School buses have an enforced 10 kilometre per hour restriction when travelling above 50 kilometres per hour, so on a road where the limit is 90 km per hour, the maximum speed for school buses is 80, for example. Buses carrying standing passengers with authorisation cannot exceed 80 kilometres per hour in any circumstance. Vehicles transporting dangerous goods have a 10 km per hour reduced generic maximum speed on urban roads. Any vehicle towing a trailer or caravan is subject to a reduction in the maximum permitted speed. Motorways which pass through towns have an 80 km per hour restriction. There are occasions when the
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Jávea Jeard
maximum permitted speed can be exceeded for overtaking, but these are very rare conditions which are explained in a separate article. With the vehicles surrounding us becoming increasingly advanced, the smoothness of the ride can lead to a false sense of security when it comes to speed. It is important to monitor your speedo at all times when driving, as it is easy to become complacent and not realise the speed at which your vehicle is travelling.
Cyclist fined for drunk riding
A cyclist had an unpleasant surprise recently when he was found by traffic police officers to have been consuming excessive alcohol before riding his bicycle. Once a bicycle is being ridden it is classed as another vehicle, and the rider is therefore equally responsible for complying with all relevant traffic laws, including not using a mobile phone, not wearing headphones or mobile phone hands free headsets, not speeding, not riding on the pavement, and many more, including not consuming excessive alcohol before riding. Guardia Civil traffic officers stopped the rider on account of him riding in the middle of the road in a dangerous position. A breathalyzer test was conducted twice which revealed 0.96 and 0.92 mg/l of expelled air, when the maximum limit is 0.25 mg/l. The GREEN circles on the multa (included at the end of this article on page 33) in the next column show the fine issued, the RED show that the vehicle was a bicycle and the breathalyzer results. The GREEN circles show the fine issued, the RED show that the vehicle was a bicycle and the breathalyzer results. This is the first time that recent changes to the law have had to be applied to a cyclist. If you are over the limit then the fine is 500 €uro, but when you are over 0.50 mg/l in the breathalyzer test it is treated as a more serious offence and you are subject to a fine of 1,000 €uro, and the loss of points from your license. If the driver was over 0.60 mg/l then it would have resulted in arrest and would be dealt with as a criminal
Concluded on page 33
Jávea Jeard
Spotlight on Jávea People
This month’s Spotlight focuses on Gerardo Cordes Caralá and his mother Paqita Cartalá. The idea for this article came about by pure chance when Linda and I were driving through Jávea and as usual we were talking about many different things. She told me a story about a local family who had cheated death from a fire that had broken out in their Jávea home., and she knew that both the mother and her son had been rescued from the ordeal. The story starts with Gerardo’s father, Gerardo Bordes Moll and his mother Paquita Bordes Catalá. who had been married for a few years and lived in Pego before moving to Jávea some 40 years ago. Gerardo was an office manager who worked on the newly developed urbanisation in Toscamar, Jávea, and Paquita had found employment in the Toscamar supermarket, Life was good for the young couple as both had paid work and a small home income of their own. In his free time Girardo liked to go shooting with his friends, and by all accounts was a very good shot, and it was not long before he became well known in the area for his shooting ability. Paquita on the other hand expressed herself artistically and made floral tributes which at the time also helped to bring in a little extra cash. Both Gerardo and Paquita enjoyed long walks together and meeting up with their friends for a tipple and a meal at weekends was something they both liked very much. After living in Toscamar for four years the couple Written by Ian Amer
who acknowledges and thanks Linda Jennings as Interpreter and Translator
July/August 2015 Nº 27
decided on a change and so they found a house just outside Jávea town. The house was large with a plot of land so from here the couple decided on opening the first garden centre in Jávea. Life could not have been any better and on 18th July 1983 they were blessed further with a baby son who they also named Gerardo. The young Gerardo was an only child and both parents doted on him making sure he had the best of everything. As a young boy growing up Gerardo would have liked a brother or sister to play with but none-the-less he was content with his young life and had many friends. Like most young boys he liked football, video games and messing about on the beach. Everything was just fine for the family until 1993 when Paquita started to notice subtle changes in her husband’s behaviour towards her. He exhibited signs of forgetfulness, anxiety, and he became very quarrelsome with her over the smallest detail. For many months his behaviour would swing like a clock pendulum, but Paquita shrugged it off as she often put his moods down to tiredness from over-working in the garden centre. After an argument had broken out and calmed down there would be an awkward silence for a few days followed by some sincere apologies for his outbursts. The “It will never happen again” promises lasted only a couple of weeks before the mood pattern started over again. Paquita decided to look deeper into her husband’s behaviour as she could not understand why he was becoming angry towards her. Many questions popped into her head but she could not find any satisfactory answers and then one day she noticed something strange with him. He was muttering and mumbling to himself as he wandered aimlessly from one room to the next as if he were looking for something. She thought of asking him what was he looking for but decided not to because of the risk of having an argument. She began to see her man gradually withdrawing into a deep artificial world within his own mind and she felt very concerned for their relationship and the welfare of their son. The day came when Paquita convinced her husband to visit the doctor for a check over and after a few initial tests the doctor confirmed his diagnosis. Gerardo had the symptoms of Alzheimers Disease which is a form of dementia and is associated with the decline of how the brain normally functions. To help reduce his mood swings he was prescribed some medication which stabilised him and Paquita became hopeful this was going to be the long term answer as her husband appeared to be taking back control of his life. The months ticked by with only the occasional upset and Paquita had raised hopes that everything was going to work
Page 25
out. The respite started to fade again as eventually the medicine was becoming less effective, giving way to the disease, so stronger medication was prescribed. Again the symptoms abated for a while but in the case of Gerardo the disease took further hold of him and so his moods and irritations became more aggressive, threatening and above all he developed suspicious behaviour towards her. Paquita was now put into a situation where she had to make a choice, would she stay with her husband and feel insecure and threatened by his behaviour or should she take a gamble and move away with her son and try to start over. The decision to leave her husband was rather controversial given the fact that he had an illness but she explained her situation with her husband´s father and brother and so it was agreed that her husband should return to Pego for his care. After moving her husband back to Pego she decided to sell up and move into another house because the home she once shared with her husband was now full of broken hearted memories. The young Gerardo would occasionally visit his father in Pego if his mother could get time off from the garden centre and although she knew her son was missing his father she felt that her decision was the only one she could have taken because she believed that her husbands deteriorating state of mind made him very unpredictable. Paquita divorced her husband and, at this point, Gerardo who is now in his thirties said “I do not want people thinking of my father as aggressive for he was a kind and good hearted man who had made many friends”. All Linda and I could do was sympathise with him as we have both recently lost relatives to this terrible disease. It can linger in a person for ages without presenting itself as an illness, yet the clues can be detected starting out with the odd forgotten thing that eventually becomes more regular or a wonder as to what did I come in here for? Eventually the disease does give itself away to other people as it strips away the person’s usual character and turns them into an unknown personality. Gerardo found life hard without his father’s presence in the family home after all he was only twelve years old and a boy needs his father figure around. Having gone through this emotional pain you would have hoped that life for him would now get better but in fact it was just about to get a whole lot tougher for him and his mother. One evening in 1995, Gerardo had been watching his mother make up some floral tributes because she was expecting the customers to pick them up the following morning. The time was 9pm when Gerardo kissed his mother goodnight and went to bed.
Continued on next page
Focus on Jávea people Page 26
July/August 2015
Nº 27
Continued from previous page Paquita had carried on arranging her floral tributes until she became tired, checking the time with the clock hanging on the living room wall, she saw it was a few minutes to 1am and so decided to pack up her work for the night. Meanwhile, in the hallway there was a distribution box providing the mains electricity to the house and a fault had occurred in the wiring where a short circuit spark started to smoulder. The
Gerardo and his mother at the point where she was pulled from their burning home
power suddenly shut down leaving the house in darkness. Paquita could not believe it, she had just packed up her things and the power had been cut- leaving her in total darkness. She decided to look for her torch in case Gerardo woke up in the night and as her eyes began to accustom to the dark she began to notice a smell of smoke which she thought was coming from the outside of her house but then she paused and thought could it be on the inside? Dismissing the search for the torch she decided to walk towards the hallway where the smell became somewhat stronger and at this point a voice inside her head told her to start screaming out loud, without questioning herself she shouted out Help fire! Help me, Fire! And as she opened the hallway door she was suddenly met by a rush of thick black acrid smoke that over powered her causing her to faint and fall to the floor. Very quickly the thick black smoke bellowed through the whole of the
downstairs and it was now rising up the stairs and towards Gerardo’s room. Luckily a neighbour had been putting out some rubbish when he heard Paquita´s screams for help and so he went over to investigate. As he got nearer to the house he realised there was something seriously wrong for the house was totally dark but he could smell the smoke within and saw a shadowy flicker of light where he realised the house was on fire. The neighbour thought to raise the alarm and then rushed back to the house where by this time both Paquita and the young Gerardo had been rendered completely unconscious. The neighbour managed to get into the house by breaking open the front door and luckily he saw the figure of Paquita laying on the floor. He covered his mouth with a piece of cloth to reduce the risk of inhaling too much smoke but his eyes started to water heavily making it very difficult for him to see. He managed to endure the stench of the thick black smoke in time to get Paquita out of the house and to the safety of the garden. The heat was now becoming ferocious inside the house and he quickly realised that Paquita’s young son was nowhere to be seen, so he called out Gerardo’s name and shouted for him to get out of the house but no reply came back. The flashing of orange lights signalled the arrival of the fire and ambulance services and the firemen quickly suited up with breathing equipment and bravely began their search in the house for Gerardo. It was not long before the fireman came across Gerardo who was laying in his bed and so the race to save the boy’s life began. Paquita was still unconscious as she was
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rushed to hospital and then the second ambulance prepared for Gerardo. Although Paquita and Gerardo were not
Jávea Jeard
obviously burned, their lives were now at risk from severe smoke inhalation which often burns the lining of the throat and lungs.
After a few hours of being unconscious, Paquita was the first to awaken but for Gerardo it was a different case he was unconscious for two days and on life support. When Gerardo awakened he became very frightened because the smoke had damaged an optic nerve in one eye and so he could not see out of it. He wanted reassurance from his mother but she was not there to comfort him because the ambulances had taken the mother and her son to two different hospitals in Valencia as at the time Denia hospital had not been built. Gerardo spent three weeks in intensive care and a further week in hospital where doctors monitored his breathing and lung capacity. He would
need a year off school to recuperate and although his sight started to recover after 3 months it would take a further three years to fully restore. When Gerardo was eventually allowed home he wanted to see his father but Paquita was advised by her husband´s family that her son should not visit because during the time they had spent in hospital Gerardo’s Alzheimer’s had now advanced so much that he would not have had any recollection of his own son. Sadly and within three weeks of the young boy coming home from hospital his father Gerardo Bordes Molls lost his fight with Alzheimer’s Disease. Paquita now knew that her boy’s shattered world lay further in ruins, she needed to find the strength and courage to face the future and rebuild their lives. So brick by brick, layer by layer she Continued on page 27
Jávea Jeard
Focus on Jávea people
Continued from previous page nursed her son and worked hard carving out new lives for them both. After leaving school Gerardo went to study economics at Valencia University. After his studies he managed to find work in construction but when the work dried up he moved into gardening. He was offered work in an insurance company where he developed an interest in learning to speak English and in 2012 decided to move to the UK. He started out working as a picker in a warehouse in Milton Keynes and as he developed his English language so he found employment building fridges for the Coca Cola Company. He felt emotionally driven to return to Jávea and returned in 2014 to set up a business working alongside his mother´s garden centre and floristry business. Gerardo decided to promote organic products grown by local artisans and named the shop De La Tierra, meaning from the earth. De La Tierra has become an official stockist of fine wines produced by Bodegas Gutiérrez De la Vega de Casta Diva, who are well known for producing and supplying the wine for King Felipe VI and Letizia of Spain’s wedding ceremony in June 2014.
After the interview Gerardo showed us around his shop, showing us bottles of locally brewed beers, natural honey and jams, natural oil, seasonal fruit and vegetables. Gerardo has also thought about the expat community where he offers reasonably priced boxed gift sets which are made up from a selection of local products. As we walked around we could smell the bouquets of fresh flowers that were waiting for collection and amazed to find different flavoured vinaigrettes like chocolate and a sweet mint sauce version. Gerardo and Paquita’s story is a touching one but shows us that no matter how bad life may become there is reason to expect improvement. The name - as I said - De La Tierra, states their Products are from the earth’ and reminds me of the saying “From the Ashes Rises a Phoenix” which is about the mythical firebird but in this case for me the Phoenix is their shop which was literally rebuilt over the ashes from where the fire started. De La Tierra is located along the Jávea to Gata road, almost opposite the Tanatorio Crematorium. For product information and opening times you can email gerardobordescat@gmail.com For more information regarding Alzheimer’s Disease please visit www.alz.org.
July/August 2015 Nº 27
Page 27
Casa Segura Locksmiths
For 1€, car will sell you - and securely register - a ‘key ring’ that includes his mobile number. If the keys are found, the Police or Guardia will phone Carl, who will phone the keys’ owner. Casa Segura Locksmiths was established in 2004. Owner, Carl Barclay, fluent in Spanish (having grown up in Javea in the 1970's) and a well-established member of the local community, is a trusted source used by the Local Police and Guardia Civil. We take emergency lock-out situations seriously and will respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need an emergency service, avoid calling numbers from stickers on your gate, which connect you to call centres charging extortionate rates. Carl Barclay 659 853 645 www.locksmithspain.net
Pool Problems?
Page 28
Truth
July/August 2015 Nº 27
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Jávea Jeard
"You seem to have more than the average share of intelligence for a man of your background," sneered the lawyer at a witness on the stand. "If I wasn't under oath, I'd return the compliment," replied the witness.
Neighbourly Conversation
The other day I walked into the rest stop bathroom and had barely sat down when I heard a voice from the other stall saying, "Hi, how are you?" Now, I'm not the type to start a conversation in restrooms, but I answered, somewhat embarrassed, "Doing just fine." The man next door asked "So what are you up to?" What kind of question is that? I'm thinking this is too bizarre, so I say, "Oh, I'm like you, just traveling." At this point I'm just trying to get out of there as fast as I can when I hear another question: "Can I come over to your place for awhile?" Okay, this question is just plain wacky, but I figured I should be polite, answer him, and end the conversation. So I say, "Well, I have company, so today is a bad day for me." Then...I hear the man say nervously: "Listen, I'll have to call you back, there's an idiot in the next stall who keeps answering my questions. Bye!" from Jeff Mills in Gutamala
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Hours will be extended from 10am till 10pm if there is the need. The beaches at La Playa del Benisero and La Barraca (Portichol) will have a life-aider on a Saturday and Sunday The Spanish Red Cross Cruz Roja are responsible for supervision of safety on the beaches in Jávea and can call on the municipal police for support. The Life-Aiders are trained in first aid, acquatics, emergencies with yachts and other boats as well as safety of swimmers of beach users. In 2014 Cruz Roja in Jávea made almost 1500 health interventions, with situations where 50 people were transferred to Denia Hospital for specialist care and treatment. HOME IMPROVEMENTS and PROPERTY REPAIRS
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Jávea Jeard
Political Pundits (and ordinary people like me) thought the municipal election on 24th May was likely to be close. Despite being a town ‘of workers’ that would point towards Socialist leanings, there were the farmers and labourers who had inherited (and sold land for posh villas and sea-view apartments, who thought it entitled them to vote with Partida Popular. Those born in Jávea (the Javienses) had Ciudadaños por Jávea to keep them in the manner to which they enjoyed being accustomed, and it was always assumed that ‘extranjeros’ and ‘Foresteros’ would vote foreigner groups like JIX, Nueva Jávea and Xabia Democratica. Many were concerned that ‘new kid on the block’ Podemos might do well but were not permitted by their ‘regional circle’ to present a list of candidates. Xabia Democratica always gave me the impression they were a social group that wanted a say in local politics, but how alse were they to fund a ‘chest’ to fight the election if they don’t hold rundraisers? They did, and if their enthsiasm was equalled by the voters there would be an XD led government in Jávea for the next four year. Voters wanted the past four years of Socialist-XD coation to be repeated, Oscar having proved himself ahead of the game where finance was concerned, and Pere Sapena (a game-keeper turned poacher - or was it the other way round) stretchered off to the sick bay when the results started to arrive. Allegations of bribery abounded, with one claim that a company paid to deliver election material, had received a better offer if they didn’t deliver it. I was shocked to even ‘think’ about such things happening in Jávea.
July/August 2015 Nº 27
Page 29
SO WHO DOES WHAT?
King of the local castle with overall responsibility is: \
José Chulvi - Alcalde
and Socialist Spokesperson URBAN AREA: Isabel Bolufer: Planning, Personnel.
HACIENDA AREA: Toni Miragall: Finance and Fiestas.
Marta Bañuls: Contracts, internal rules and Port neighbourhood.
Pepa Gisbert: Social services, health, public safety.
Paco Torres: AMJASA, Urban Scene, Municipal Businesses. \
Kika Mata: Public Works and Services.
ECONOMIC PROMOTION AREA: Economic Promotion Area: Cesc Camprubí: Business development and strategic plan.
Pilar Zamora: Tourism, heritage, and Arenal neighbourhood.
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can now be sent to your own Jome!
Don’t miss out on our News and Views if you live overseas or would prefer to jave a copy delivered to your Jome. Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postal Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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COUNCLLORS’ NAMES, PHOTOS
Page 30 July/August 2015 Nº 27 and responsibilities
Continued from previous page
Ximo Segarra: Youth and new technologies.
José Luis Luengo: Civil Protection, Activities, Mobility, Thiviers area.
When it’s
URGENT
LETTERS AND CARDS brought to our office before 11am on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday will be in UK NEXT DAY. BIG CARDS - buy an A4 card from us, address the envelope with UK address and for a total outlay of 3,30€ it will be in UK next day. You can’t even buy a big card for that elsewhere in Jávea.
Tere Bisquert: Agriculture, Fisheries, Municipal Market, fairs and markets. CpJ Coalition. who said they fought with XD as a coalition, but when XD failed to win enough votes, CpJ had always intended to join the winners. Dirty Business - politics. CULTURE AREA Quico Moragues: Culture.
Oasis Help Centre (open 10-2)
Montse Villaverde: Education, Equality, Citizenship, Counseling Centre and Frechinal neighbourhood.
JuanJo Garcia (PP)
C/. Toni Llido 5 (in Port) behind La Caixa bank.
Vicent Colomer: Sports. Yes we realise there are 16 Councillors named, although only 14 were elected, and the Mayor is the 17th member
THE BIGGEST LOSER OF THE DAY
Unbeaten and unblemished, XD leader Oscar Anton - held his head high - acknowledging our help. I could share in his shock and sorrow - like it or not - the voters had determined the outcome.
THE OPPOSITION
Tere Erm (PP)
ELSEWHERE in SPAIN Overnight service Monday to Friday using MRW. PASSPORT SERVICE, too.
who has OVERALL rather than SPECIFIC responsibility. The extras are Tere Bisquert and Juan Ortola from XD
Jávea Jeard
Juan Luis Cardona (XD)
Magnanimous in defeat, Oscar said he’d been proud of the XD achievements in the past 4 years of government and said it was his intention to continue his help and support from the opposition benches. At one point he looked so desolate that I likened Oscar to Jesus on the Cross on that first Good Friday “This is my punishment for being a man of principle.” We hope this gallery of local Councillors marries up the right photo with the correct name, but with many of the successful candidates being people I’d never seen in a previous monthly meeting, there has been a lot of guesswork and looking at the various maifestos. I was photographing each of the Councillors with their names on a plastic identity card on their desk, when the chief of police came and stopped me halfway through because I was obstructing the TV broadcast to public in the overflow meeting. I am grateful for the help of Doris and Lucia. CR
Jávea Jeard Straight Talking by Lee Hodges, Independent Financial Adviser
Buyer Beware 2
Following on from my article in last month’s Jávea Jeard about ‘pension liberation’, I feel it prudent to continue with the pension theme and this month talk about Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS). QROPS were first introduced on 6th April 2006 due to EU pressure following a re-hash of pension rules and regulations in the UK, known as ‘ADay’. Despite ‘A- Day’, the arrival of QROPS signalled a much heralded improvement to the perceived archaic UK pension system, enabling, amongst others, expatriates living and working abroad to move their pension pot out of the UK, and into, what seemed, a ‘friendlier’ pension environment. For a while the new legislation seemed to go without a hitch, but in January 2010, one UK pension provider evoked a ‘freedom of information’ request, in an attempt to try and prove that QROPS were being used as a taxdodge! The campaign backfired, and resulted in a vast increase in pension holders requesting that their pension be transferred. Since the introduction of QROPS, a number of ‘offshore’ jurisdictions have joined the ‘hunt’ for individuals looking to transfer their pension pot out of the UK and into their specifically established schemes and arrangements. QROPS can be found in such places as the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, Malta, Cyprus and New Zealand. However, some schemes were designed to enable plan holders to extract more from their pension pot than was legally allowed,
If you have Scallops vouchers you are unable to use, you can leave them in the box outside the OASIS CENTRE (in C/. Toni Llido, at the rear of La Caixa bank) and we will see that their value is not wasted. It costs you nothing to give away what you cannot use.
July/August 2015 Nº 27
and as a consequence, HMRC has, over the last 18 months, taken great steps to remove schemes from their approved list if they do not comply with certain rules and restrictions. For example, a number of New Zealand KiwiSaver pension schemes have been removed from the approved list. Following the implementation of ‘pension liberation’ from 6th April 2015, HMRC sought confirmation from QROPS providers that pension arrangements were not permitted to pay benefits before the age of 55, which was the case with KiwiSaver schemes in cases of ‘serious financial hardship’. They are now ineligible for QROPS status. Pension plan holders who have transferred to a KiwiSaver scheme before 6th April 2015 will be affected by the new rules and, unfortunately, if you have transferred to such a scheme after 6th April, you could be subject to an unauthorised payment charge of 55%. The QROPS environment is clearly hotting-up. In Gibraltar, proposals are being put forward from the jurisdiction’s regulators to increase the responsibility of QROPS operators. Presently, many companies situated in Gibraltar process QROPS transfers based on the advice provided by financial advisers, and do not get involved in any of the suitability requirements. That could change under the new proposals, in that their responsibilities as trustee could extend to include due diligence of the financial adviser and the risk clarification of policyholders. Such changes would indeed create an environment of greater consumer protection, but it is likely to come at an increased cost, as it will involve an extra layer of checks and validations which will have to be paid for. One well known provider of offshore pension arrangements based in the Channel Islands stated recently ‘our position as a product provider is we do not want anything to do with transfer advice. If the expert thinks the transfer is suitable and the client is happy, then they move the money into the QROPS. Is this ‘passing the buck’? Probably, but the real issue is not that you can transfer your pension pot to a QROPS, it is whether you should, given the potential benefits you will be giving up. Transfers from a Defined Contribution Scheme (DC) to a QROPS are often considered to be worthwhile, especially in relation to ongoing death benefits. However, transfers from a Defined Benefit Scheme (DB) are, altogether, a different matter. The DC scheme does not provide any guaranteed benefits, whereas the DB scheme does. Transfers out of the latter are looked at more closely than DC
Page 31
schemes due to the level of guaranteed income being given up and, from the pension provider’s point of view, the effect such a transfer will have on the remaining members and its assets. In essence, DB schemes are unfunded, which means that there is no monthly contribution made to the scheme to provide you with your eventual retirement pot. Instead, the company actuary will produce a quite complicated array of facts and figures to ensure that, a) the overall pension scheme has been sufficiently funded to provide its retired members and existing workers with a pension in retirement, and b) that they are not falling in arrears and will need bailing out by the Pension Protection Fund (PPF). I will not cover the PPF in this article, but suffice it to say that the UK Government, in 2011, put measures in place to protect DB scheme members from having no pension in case of default of the company providing their pension. Interestingly, the UK is still going through many transitions in relation to financial services. The main theme has been to protect investors from poor advice and badly run investments, but this ‘protection’ seems to be coming at an increased cost, particularly in relation to pension transfers. Why? Because if an adviser in the UK recommends a pension transfer, especially from a DB scheme, and the client makes a complaint stating, for example, that he/she did not fully understand or appreciate the benefits being given-up, there is a very real chance that the adviser will be found to be at fault. Even if the client signs a disclaimer, it is likely that the adviser will be found guilty because they ‘assisted’ with the transfer. In the UK, due to the abolition of ‘commissions’, pension transfer specialists now charge around £1,500 for providing transfer advice. If the advice received recommends that you do not transfer, you will have spent your money being told to ‘stay where you are’. From an advisory perspective (which is the side of the fence I sit on, of course), being able to charge a fee for what can Continued on next page
LEE HODGES DIPPFS HAS LIVED AND WORKED IN SPAIN SINCE 1997. HAVING ACHIEVED THE DIPLOMA IN FINANCIAL PLANNING, HE IS NOW WORKING TOWARDS ‘CHARTERED’ STATUS. FOR
TRULY PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL ADVICE, CALL LEE ON 966 463 876, OR EMAIL HIM AT LEE@LEEHODGES.ES. INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ADVICE, AND IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. THE AUTHOR TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACTION TAKEN AS A RESULT OF THIS ARTICLE. E&OE.
Money Matters by Lee Hodges
Page 32 July/August 2015 Nº 27
provide him with more disposable income, a higher ‘Pension Commencement Lump-Sum’ than that afforded by the DB scheme, and higher ongoing death benefits. The UK adviser, after advising the client not to transfer his DB arrangement, and after having been challenged by the client on the advice given, has now written to him stating that he can be treated as an ‘insistent’ client. This basically means that the transfer can now go ahead, and the client, with my assistance, will put in place his financial plan which should be of far greater benefit than if he remained in the DB scheme. Despite all the horror stories and the seemingly constant rule changes, QROPS do have benefits worth looking into. A QROPS will not be right for everyone, and ideally, as a potential or existing QROPS holder, you should look very closely at the terms and conditions of the product on offer. To be asked at some point: 1. Is the scheme too complicated? In essence, a QROPS is a very straightforward product, and if it seems overly complicated, it should be avoided. 2. Does the scheme offer higher levels of access to your capital than a conventional pension? Ignoring ‘pension liberation’ which now offers full access, a QROPS is limited to lump-sum of around 30% in some instances, with the remaining pension pot being used to provide ongoing income. If the amount you are being offered exceeds this level, stay well away. 3. Does the scheme comprise loans/borrowing to provide you with higher lump-sums? Horror stories abound with
Continued from previous page
be extremely time-consuming and complicated work is not a bad thing. It does mean, now that commissions are ‘off the table’ in the UK, that clients receive almost ‘impartial’ advice, as the adviser does not need to establish an investment to get paid. Looking at this from the other side, there are undoubtedly issues with the ‘fee’ approach. The main one being, as already mentioned, the overriding claim culture which has spiralled in the UK. This has prompted UK advisers to say no to pension transfers when the answer should, even with a DB scheme, be yes. A few weeks ago, I met with a client who has hit just such an obstacle. Without going into any real detail, this client has a DB scheme which will pay around £6,000 a year. The client has other assets which he intends to use for income purposes, which will provide him with an income in excess of £15,000 per annum. The only ‘sticking’ point is that he will have to do what he says he is going to do to make the pension transfer worthwhile, and earn the potential extra income of £15,000 per annum. He, and his wife, have a set plan that they want to put into practice, and this includes the transfer of the DB scheme, which will
Jávea Jeard
QROPS schemes suggesting you can gain access to higher lump-sums by way of a loan, with your capital being used to repay the loan at some point in the future. Not feasible and definitely not legal. Again, stay away. Basically, if it looks and sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For a sensible discussion about QROPS, ROPS or Pension Liberation, or indeed investing in general, call me on (0034) 96 646 3876, or eMail me at
lee@leehodges.es
THEY’RE WORTH REPEATING
They're back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for the Church ladies with typewriters. These sentences appeared in Church bulletins or were announced at Church services: Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. The sermon this morning: Jesus Walks on the Water. The sermon tonight: searching for Jesus. Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping round the house. Bring your husbands. Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help. Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again', giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. Next Thursday there will be try-outs for the choir. They need all the help they can get. Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the Church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the Church hall. Music will follow. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
MUDANZAS Xàbia
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Jávea Jeard
The Guardia Civil tells us
Continued from Page 24 offence, but this applies to vehicles with an engine. As a cyclist is not required to hold a license, the points are not deducted but the fine is still applied. There is a 50% reduction in the event of prompt payment.
Golf Products Europe
July/August 2015, Nº 27
Page 33
Call Clive or Dennis on 602 417 742 or eMail us for more details: golfwedge2010@aol.com
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• select a forward gear and turn your steering wheel away from the kerb when facing uphill
• select reverse gear and turn your steering wheel towards the kerb when facing downhill
USE THE KERB AS A PARKING AID
If you park on a hill you should: • park close to the kerb and apply the handbrake firmly
PRINTING
The OASIS HELP CENTRE
can meet your EVERY printing need from personal and business stationery, canvas (framed) prints and T and Polo shirts and quality 1€ cards no one else supplie. Tel:
603 513 702
! #
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• use ‘park’ if your car has an automatic gearbox.
Jávea Jeard is grateful to the Guardia Civil volunteers who compile this information and make it available to us, and have given us permission to distribute the information that is also on their N-332 Facebook page.
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July/August 2015, Nº 27
Continued from page 23 Ireland, etc.) it is what is known as real obligation. Although they could benefit from significant tax benefits if the beneficiaries are residents in a country of the European Union. - If the beneficiary of the estate and inheritance, is tax resident in Spain, they will pay inheritance taxes in Spain for all the assets and rights to inherit, regardless of where they are, in what is known as personal obligation. Also, according to the autonomous community of residence, they will benefit from significant tax benefits. In conclusion, it is important to seek professional advice regarding your Will, and understand which law will apply to your succession, readers should note that the Regulation changes the law applicable to the succession, and not the tax legislation, or inheritance taxes payable. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues.
Did you lose money investing in Bankia’s shares?
You can get your money back. Almost daily now there are new court judgments from audiences all over Spain: Madrid, Valencia, Oviedo, ruling against Bankia, in complaints from consumers who purchased Bankia shares (stock) after its initial public offering (IPO). Many courts understand that investors who bought shares (before knowing the real situation of Bankia) did so on the basis of information provided by Bankia, mainly in the prospectus, which was absolutely wrong and did not reflect the real situation of the financial entity. Proof of this fact is highlighted in that shortly after its IPO, in 2012, the accounts were reformulated and the authorities had to bail out the bank. Moreover, as published in the press, experts of Bank of Spain concluded in their reports that Bankia’s accounts did not reflect a true picture of the entity.
Those who can sue or claim. In principle Bankia could be claimed against by all those who bought shares until approximately May 2012, when the accounts of Bankia were redone and the real financial situation was known. (shareholders, and also those who sold their shares at a loss).
Amount to be claimed. In principle one could claim for the amount of the investment, or the damage caused by the investment.
Legal basis for the claim. Revocation or cancellation of the shares purchase due to lack of consent, as the investors agreed to buy based on data provided, which was not true and correct. Contractual liability (malpractice) could also be claimed against Bankia. Also liability for the wrong information contained in the prospectus published.
Those interested in claiming, should prepare the following documents: - Copies of receipt or documentation relating to the subscription, purchase order of the Bankia shares, etc. - Any other documentation from or to the bank, such as convenience and suitability test, previous claims, correspondence (emails, letters ...), etc. - Proof if you did not receive any formal further/higher education - Bank statements that show the performance of the Bankia shares, at least the latest one. - Summary of other products you contracted with the entity, any contract signed with the bank, etc.
Jávea
WHEN YOU SUDDENLY NEED
because of disability or visitors
OASIS HIRE CENTRE offers
Carer or user-assist wheelchairs, Shopping trolleys, Crutches, Toilet Aids, Walking Sticks Child and booster car seats
C/. Toni Llido 5 (at the rear of La Caixa Bank, Dolphin roundabout) Open 10am - 2pm Monday to Saturday
We believe that the chances of getting Phone: ANN on 669 386 701 for further back the investment are high. BFA, the information or reservations. parent company of Bankia, recently announced that they have reserved 468 million euros to meet the liabilities from Bankia’s IPO in 2011, and Bankia had also reserved another 312 million euros, to cover this same liability. This announcement looks almost like a tacit Lunch Menu 9,50€ acknowledgment of their responsibility. Special Menu only 12,95€
The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. Carlos Baos (Lawyer) Spanish Law firm solicitor attorney barrister. Denia, Costa Blanca Marina Alta White & Baos 2015 – All rights reserved. Permission granted to Jávea Jeard to reproduce.
Open 7 days a week 12-3.30pm and 6-12pm
Choose from our Menu of more than 150 dishes
10% discount for Take-Away
Curry Palace Restaurant Plaza Almirante Bastarreche 14 Torre de Port - Jávea Tel: 96 579 2907 - 666 322 873 eMail: palacecurry@gmail.com
Jávea Jeard
July/August 2015 Nº 27
Page 35
When you need domestic support - you need ShareCare
FUNDRAISING FOR RAQUEL PAYA SCHOOL FOR DISABLED CHILDREN IN DENIA
Each Christmas The Original Charity Shop and Library, along with Santa, visit Raquel Paya School for the disabled in Denia to provide each child a lovely, wanted gift along with some much needed equipment. Each year members of staff attend this wonderful event and always leave feeling happy. Last year Estelle and Des Smith from Barx, friends of our President, attended this event and were so impressed that they determined to raise some money personally for the school. So, they arranged a 'Safari Supper' in their home village, the starter, main course, dessert and coffee were supplied at four different homes; an auction, and various other games took place, for instance a duck race in the swimming pool. Thanks to the generosity of the people who attended and paid for the pleasure a total of 1700 euros was raised for this wonderful school. The Original Charity Shop and Library were happy to make this up to 2000 euros - what a wonderful way to raise much needed funding. Alejandro Piñuela Perea PODÓLOGO CHIROPODIST Colegiado nº 2390
For English, contact Pilar 625 518 615
Av. Amanecer de España. 29 Jávea (Alicante) Tel: 96 579 62 82 podologojavea@hotmail.com
BRIC-A-BRAC, FOOD and Bottle Tops can be brought to OASIS HELP CENTRE in Toni Llido 5 (at the Dolphin roundabout) for CHARITY RECYCLING 10am - 2pm Mon-Sat.
One person’s surplus is another’s treasure
A principle that generates thousands
of €uros each month in Charity Shops - so they can help those in every variety of need. ICELAND customers support the outreach of Harvest Store, and other supermarkets support Caritas and the Spanish Red Cross. Without YOUR support, so many families would suffer even greater discomfort and deprivation. CR
DOMESTIC Companionship and Conversation Cleaning, Housework & Gardening Laundry/Ironing/ Linen Change Shopping and Meal Planning Help with paperwork Phone calls in Spanish TRANSPORT Appointments and Airport Trips Local Shopping, Excursions Accompanied Visits
HOSPITAL We keep Appointments with You Basic Care when you are in Hospital Translation and Interpretation Post-Hospital care in your home FAMILY Maintaining contact with family Respite care or sitting service
HEALTH Support to quit Smoking, eat Healthy or Weight Management Stress Management Emotional Wellbeing SPECIALIST Health Insurance / Funeral Planning Household Insurances
Social Domestica AAtención At encion en on So Soc ocial yy Do D mes me estic stica ca
EEn n lalaseseguridad guidad y cyomo didad dede susuprpropia opia cacasa sa comodidad
Telefóno Christina en : 692504281 o
Telefono Christina en : 692504281 O
Email aa:: diamondserviceses@gmail.com amondser ceses@gmail.com Email
We will remember them Atención Social i c y Domestica
Nothing could be worse than being EEn n lla a se guidad y ycomo didad dedesusuppropia sa seguridad comodidad asked about the health of your ropia cacasa spouse, by someone who is unaware Te lefono Ch ristina enen : 69692504281 2504281 Telefóno Christina they have recently died. We :have o a reintroduced to JáveaOJeard
notification we adopted when we Email aservice : diamondserviceses@gmail.com Email a : amondser ceses@gmail.com founded Jávea Grapevine.
Linda Fear - Holroyd Pat Townsend nnn
i c Atención Social y Domestica
EEn n lalaseseguridad guidad y cyomo didad dede susu prpropia opia cacasa sa comodidad
Short Term - Long Term One-off Call - Emergencies
i Social and Domestic Care
En la seguidad y comodidad de su propia casa WHATEVER THE CAUSE In the safety and comfort of your own Home Motherhood - Bereavement Telefono Christina en : 692504281 - Divorce - Accident - Injury Telephone Christina on : 692504281 O Surgery - Serious Health or Diagnosis Debilitating Email aEmail : d-iamo ervicesesIllness @gmail.co-m atnd: sdiamondserviceses@gmail.com Loneliness Isolation Depression - Caring Full-time Working - Relocating
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i Reliable andiPractical support on a Social and Domestic Care En la seguidad y comodidad de su propia casa In the safety and comfort flexible, cost-effective basis of your own Home
TelephoneOChristina on : 692504281
Telefono Christina en : 692504281
Cheryl Brown on 693 551 or 107
Email at : diamondserviceses@gmail.com info@sharecareonline.co.uk www.sharecareonline.co.uk
Email a : diamondserviceses@gmail.com
Social and Domestic Care En la seguidad y comodidad de su propia casa i
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In the safety and comfort of your own Home
Jávea Duty Chemist 24h Each 24h period of duty starts at 9am
Antonio Marín 96 646 1954 July August Sept. Avda. Augusta 30 (Rear of Mercadona Pla) 12, 8,21 3,16,29 Concepción Rodrigo Gasque Avenida Colomer 3 13,26 22 4,17,30 Consuelo Espinós 96 579 1801 Plaza de la Iglesa 11 (Town) 1,14,27 9 5,18 96 579 1099 Belchi-Cholbi Ronda Colón 4 (Town) 2,15,28 10,23 19 Amparo Marsal 96 579 1955 Avda. Juan Carlos I, 33 3,16,29 11,24 6 Isabel Garcés 96 579 1520 C/. Sevilla 1, (Port) 4,17,30 12,25 7,20 Paz Uriol 96 579 3839 Avenida de la Libertad (Arenal-Playa) 5,18,31 13,26 8,21 Juanna Ripoll 97 577 0900 6,19 1,14,27 9,22 Ctra La Nao (Cala Blanca) Salome Martinez 96 646 2545 Avenida Lepanto 12 (Port) 7,20 2,15,28 10,23 Rosa Maria Pérez 96 646 3531 Ctra. Cabo La Nao Pla, 126 (Arenal) 8,21 3,16,29 11,24 Antonio Almodóvar 96 646 3994 Plaza Joanot Martorell 5, Av. Amanecer 9,22 4,17,30 12,25 Lydia Gil 96 646 3142 Avda, Fontana 21 (Club de Tenis) 10,23 5,18,31 13,26 Ana Lillo 96 646 3947 Avda. de Palmela 16 (Southern By-Pass) 11,24 6,19, 1,14,27 Vicente Salort 96 647 1133 Ctra la Nao Pla 165 (Barclays Roundabout) 25 7,20 2,15,28 We are grateful to Antonio Marín (whose premises are 80m South of the rear entrance to Mercadona) for making this information available to our readers.
Julie and Diego welcome you to
BAR PICOTEO
Av. Jaime 1, Jávea Port
MENU DEL DÍA 10,00€ 7 starters and 8 main courses inc. drink, dessert, bread, ali oli
More than a dozen ‘one-plate’ meals More than 50 ‘Tapas’ (prepared in-house)
SPECIALITIES PAELLA to order - Tel.: 696 767 349
Fried and grilled mixed fish and shell fish (min order 2 people). Mixed Grilled Vegetables English Breakfast HAMBURGERS
Take-Away Service
Jávea Jeard is published in Jávea by A2Z Publicaciones on behalf of Iglesia Grupo International de Divulgación del Evangélio (CIF: Q0300542H) at OASIS Centre, C/. Toni Llido 5, Jávea 03730
SUNDAY CAN BE SUCH A BORING DAY
But not if you start it at the 11am Morning Service at the Oasis Help Centre, which is as much ‘an entertainment’ as a ‘spiritual experience’, whether it is Clive or Ann who has responsibility as the MC and preacher. Every Sunday morning is different with refreshments afterwards and many go on to various nearby or Pedreguer ‘eateries” and find that new friendships and eternal destinies have been carved. If you need a ‘helping hand’ because we are ALL shy of new demands on our emotions - phone Ann on 669 386 701 or Clive on 669 386 702 and they will arrange for someone (or one of them) to meet you and act as your ‘buddy’. Jávea Evangelical Church was established in 1992, now meets at the OASIS Help Centre it has created in the street behind LA CAIXA bank in the Port, where it offers 30,000 greeting cards for all occasions at 1€ each, as well as a huge range of print facilities, including one-off 4-colour T and polo shirts.
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