Pensioners get FREE Medicines if annual income is less than 18,000€
The News/views Magazine ABOUT and FOR Jávea - you can hold in your hand F
A surprise New Year announcement by Jávea Mayor José Chulbi brought the news that the President of the Generalitat (despite debts left by the previous administration) was abandoning the prescription charge to Insalud clients with an annual income of less than 18,000€. See page 20 for more details in Agenda 21 report
RESCUE DOGS TO BE MOVED AWAY FROM ‘POSH’ HOMES
Jávea Council claim there have been complaints of the noise from barking dogs - and even dog-lovers agree that one dog spending their first night in the Dog Pound is enough to set-off the others, so a new venue is being sought. The closest properties are some of the most expensive in Jávea, on Urbanisation Puerta Fenicia.
The original Dog Pound was located close to the Rio Gorgos, to which stray dogs were taken, after being ‘scooped’ by the dog-catcher with a broom handle with a noose on the end, and shot with a revolver if not claimed within 24 hours. The plot is now used for meteorological record purposes. Conditions improved when Councillor Salvador Ferrer (whose family owned the wholesale bakery on Av. Los Angeles) was given responsibility for the Dog Pound, cancelling the extermination policy, but with 35 dogs housed when he received a warning phone call saying the Generalitat Health
Inspector was on his way, Salvador agreed with Beryl ‘Serena’ Stanyer, that she take in all 35 dogs at her Cansalades Animal Sanctuary - within the hour in return for new ‘Sanctuary’ premises on land provided by Jávea Townhall. The Inspector was impressed and Serena was shown the offered land at Ramblars - with her volunteer friend Jo Stott - but rejected it immediately because access would be cut-off following heavy rain. Guess where the new land suggested by the Townhall is - yes, you got it in one! RAMBLARS? The current ‘Pound’ is in Cami del Sorts, which would make an ideal site to expand the adjacent EcoParque. Volunteers and supporters we have spoken with, who have supported the ‘Pound’ since before APASA was founded, believes the Townhall
Nº 33
Jan/Feb 2016
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has a “moral responsibility” to provide kenelling which has been funded by events and built by volunteers. The Townhall is unlikely to cover consequential rebuilding needed on a new site, claiming the 45,000€ a year grant from the ‘public purse’ is more than adequate. The official statement issued by the Townhall does claim the complaints are from “owners of a luxury housing development nearby”. Nuisance complaints are not APASA’s only problem, since a change in the legislation governing the Protection of Companion Animals, forces APASA, to accept responsibility for collection and care of all dogs abandoned in Jávea, and to become a zoological centre.
Continued on page 3
BRINGING YOU THE FOODS
BIGGER
The store looks
The stock is more
EXTENSIVE
And the frozen food is
EASIER TO FIND
Old habits die hard Costa Mums still prefer www.overseas.es
Avda. del Pla/Calle Pescara, 5 - JAVEA 03730, Tel: 96 646 1848
Jávea store opening hours: Monday - Saturday, 8:30am - 9:00pm
Wot is were? Advertising rates . 4,15 Page 2
Jan/Feb 2016 Nº 33
4,6,10,11,20 Agenda 21 APASA forced to relocate 1,3 Bob Yareham - That’s not funny 7 Changing face of Christmas 22 Charles tells Muslims to ‘Choose’ 14 3 December Council meeting Duty Chemist Rota . 36 Emergency Phone Numbers 2 Free pensioner medicines 1 Guardia Civil update . 18,19 Public Holidays in 2016 . 20 Humour . . 9,14 International postcode prefixes 31 Jávea Postcodes . 2 Money Matters . 12,13,16 Pesticide warning . 27 Poison trail investigated . 23 Puppy asks ‘Why’? . 28 Queen’s Christmas message 27 Satellite News . . 8,16 Spotlight on Xavier . 24,25 Subscription form . 30 Sunday morning invitation 9, 32 Taylor tops Spain IGNSE for PE 31 Temperature and Britex . 30 Volkswagen compensation 30 War and Peace Jávea link 26 Woman to Woman . 17,21,22
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 Granadella, 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: R0300542H) 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.
Jávea Jeard
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Charity Santa
Original Charity Shop and Library raffle raised money for gifts for more than 60 children at Raquel Paya Special School in Denia. Additionally, they were also able to donate a medical storage fridge for the nurse's room and two iPads for speech therapy. We are pleased to support their thanks to all those who buy raffle tickets and the sponsors who donate the prizes for the raffle. In the 2015 raffle there were 76 prizes to be won.
Jávea Jeard
Page 3 is always reserved for a report of the monthly meeting of Jávea Councillors, who all turn up to earn their attendance fee, but the importance of their decisions seems be less each month.
Point 1 Councillors approved drafts of meetings 14, 15 and 16 which had taken place earlier in the year. Point 2 approved decisions taken by the Alcalde since the meeting on 24th September. Point 3 resulted in changes to the names of people sitting on the various committees but revealed no details. Point 4 approved the spending of 5,000€ for the CEMA sports Committee. Point 5 gave permission to Vodafone España S.A. to install an underground cable network (fibre?) for a period of 10 years, paying for the rental of the land they use and will contribute a proportion of the income generated. Point 6 approved payment of invoices referenced in the list as F/2015/106. Point 7 approved an increase of 1% in wages of Townhall employees. 1% isn’t much but I suppose those that are out of work would appreciate it. The increase will be accrued for payment in June and December. Point 8 referred to modification of point 35 of the General Plan and to the opening of part of Calle Menkar by the Townhall Technical services department. Point 9 approved modification to the Plan Parcial affecting La Guarda 1 in Monte Jávea, proposed by Apart Plaza SL. JuanLu asked why it was that the Christmas sports calendar and Nada Jove are shorter this year. It was denied that there was any conspiracy, with the explanation that one of the events had been postponed due to the elections, and is
may be the offered for the new Dog Pound/Zoo/Cattery would be in the Ramblars area, but have not offered more details, or details of whether the proposed land is owned by the Municipality or a private owner, but progress will depend on property owners along the Gata and Benitachell roads - as well as fincas in Tarraula - not raising strong objections.
Jan/Feb 2016 Nº 33
scheduled to be held outside in better weather - in May. Oscar asked for a report on the building situation in Jávea and was told that permission was granted for 66 large works and 69 smaller. JuanLu referred to the increasing number of empty stalls in the Indoor Market, and was told by Tere Ern that everything was in hand. Benitachell had entered into a formal coalition with the Guardia Civil and Councillors agreed that where Benitachell leads it would be a good idea if Jávea followed. The matter will be investigated and a report on feasibility prepared. CR with the help of Kacie
Dog Pound to be relocated APASA invited to help find land
height of the animal. These dimensions may be higher when the normal behavior of the animal so requires". The proposed new facilities allows APASA to replace kennels that are too small ... but also make it possible to initiate a project that would also welcome cats, although this would need greater institutional involvement. According to municipal sources one of the sites that
Let
Page 3
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The Department of Environment, in a decree of June 2007, stipulated that sites must be isolated to prevent infection and spread of diseases, even among those establishments whose species and activities are similar in nature. It also indicates that "The area available to animals, whatever the accommodation envisaged, will be 0.10 square metres per kilogram live weight. In canines and felines of less than ten kilograms of weight it will be 0.20 square metres per kilogram live weight. If kept caged, the enclosure height must be at least 1.5 times the
JÁVEAJávea Pick-up/Drop-off points
Aparthotel Pinosol, Saladar, Toscamar, Quicksave Arenal, McDonalds, Montgó Rte. Dolphin roundabout, BOOK at Oasis Help Centre: C/. Toni Llido 5 (behind La Caixa bank) Tel/Fax: 96 646 3707 or 669 386 702
Agenda 21 Jávea Updates
Jan/Feb 2016 Nº 33
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1140 AGENDA 21 The future of the Central Cinema
There were only five people at the Agenda21 meeting, and three projects. We had to vote for one, so we chose a detailed project to create a modern, interactive expansion of the Museum. One section would be about the history of Jávea’s geology and environment and how it has, and continues to impact the lives of its people. (did you know that the prehistoric mouth of the Gorgos river was the canal de la Fontana at the Arenal? ...this had a big impact in the 2007 floods!) Another section would be on Fiestas. The cinema space would be used flexibly, using moveable panels to divide the space. This project was sent to the advisory Committee on Culture, but they decided not to discuss the topic of the Central cinema, having received too few proposals. The whole exercise will be put back until March. Poco a poco.
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Jávea Jeard is grateful to Chris Jones for compiling the Agenda 21 reports, on which this report is based. Chris acknowledges javeamigos.com in sourcing local information. http://agenda21-xabia.wikidot.com
2015 - 4th hottest year in History
2015 will be recorded as one of the hottest in Spain’s history. According to figures compiled by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the annual average temperature in the country up until November 30 was 16.5ºC – about 0.8ºC higher than the average between 1981 and 2010. Aemet states that 2015 is the fourth hottest year on record in Spain – only last year, 2006 and 2011 saw higher average temperatures. Spaniards are also experiencing one of the driest periods on record. This autumn has been particularly dry, with 18 percent less rainfall than other years. Aemet said the autumn of 2015 has been the fifth driest on record after those of 2004, 2007, 2009 and 2013. This summer was also the country’s second-hottest since 1961 and included the longest heatwave ever recorded.
German startup challenges traditional banks in Spain
A German startup is offering Spaniards the chance to avoid the hassle of long queues and awkward opening hours of Spanish banks and do everything on a smartphone - and in English. Users can sign up for an account within eight minutes, using a video chat function to verify their identity - no need to go to a physical bank and no need to send in forms by mail. "A Spanish citizen can open a German bank account and they don't have to travel here to do it," the spokeswoman said. “With the technology we have now it can be done, so why shouldn’t it be?" Users receive just one piece of physical mail - their MasterCard.
IT’S TIME YOU TOOK
THE WRIGHT
Jávea Jeard
Transactions are tracked in real-time through an app and cards can be blocked and unblocked by the user at any time. There are no fees to hold an account, or to make a foreign transaction. Clients' money is protected by the German Deposit Protection Fund.
The end of commercial fishing from Jávea Port? A distinct possibility.
The six construction companies hoping to manage and re-organise the Port want the whole fishing dock to be for yachts and money-spinning leisure boats, hence they do not want fishermen. Each fishing boat owner has been offered between 500,000 and one million euros to vacate its berth and it seems the owners are willing to listen to offers. In a recent poll they empowered their president, José Serrat, to continue negotiations with the construction companies. If they take up the offers this means the end of Jávea as a fishing port, and its conversion to a marina. Jávea has one of the few remaining ports in the area which includes a traditional fishing fleet. This and its fish market and promotion of "fish from the bay" have been a unique tourism selling point, much defended by various Townhall administrations over the years. Now there is the distinct possibility that the fishing fleet will be bought-off, and the character of the port changed forever.
Jávea gives financial assistance for educational and cultural institutions
Jávea has renewed several agreements to provide funding to educational and
Continued on page 6
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Jávea Jeard
Jan/Feb 2016
Nº 33
Page 5
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Cozy villa close to Arenal beach in Jávea. It is distributed on two floors. First floor comprises: entrance, kitchen, dining room, living room, 2 bedrooms with wardrobes, 1 bathroom. Ground floor: guest apartment with separate entrance with a bedroom and a bathroom. Rear entrance on the main road, 40 steps to main entrance, solar panels, parking for two cars, storage room, lit pathway, barbecue, alarm system, beautiful lit garden of easy maintenance, room for pool. Construction: 140m2. Plot: 1000m2.
Spectacular villa with panoramic sea views in Cumbre-del-Sol. Fantastic sea views, On a clear day you can see Ibiza. Very private, inside the plot it is not visible from the street. It comprises of: large living room, dining room, fully renovated modern kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 with sauna. Master bedroom suite with large bathroom, office with open terrace. The studio in the tower, with separate entrance, has a kitchen and bathroom. Ground floor: separate apartment with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, large living room and kitchen. Next to the apartment there is a separate dwelling with a small bathroom with possible access to the kitchen of the house apartment. All windows are double glazed PVC. Heating and air conditioning throughout the house. Pellet heating Ref.: J1191 129.500€ Ref.: J1190 129.950€ system, or alternatively gas heating. Solar Apartment for sale close to Jávea beach Sale Apartment near Jávea beach hot water. Photovoltaic system for electricity production. Covered parking for two cars, Beautiful ground floor apartment in residential complex Beautiful apartment completely reformed in close to Arenal beach Jávea. Consists of: 1 double October 2015, close to the Arenal beach in Jávea. garage, laundry space, with access to the bedroom, fully equipped kitchen with Bosch Consists of: entrance hall, independent equipped main house from the garage into the kitchen dishwasher and Zanussi washing machine. kitchen, hallway with wardrobe, 1 double bedroom through 5 steps. 2 large storage rooms. Ref.: J202 129,500€ 1 bathroom, large terrace with furniture with beautiful with wardrobe, living-dining room with balcony, Outdoor sauna. Swimming pool 5 x10m. 4 views of the garden. Mitsubushi A/C units. Windows hallway leading to: 1 double bedroom with large terraces including pool terrace. Finca for sale in Benitachell with shutters/persianas. Satellite TV. Communal wardrobe, 1 walk-in shower. Parking Nº4. There is Outside the house: Summer kitchen with use of a swimming pool and tennis courts. Rates swimming pool with Jacuzzi, garden, gym, padel court, diningtoarea. Outdooron barawith Finca renovate flatoriginal plot in sauna, concierge, WiFi. Modern furniture, underground Bill (IBI): 360 €uros per year. Rubbish Collection beer cooling system. Easy maintanance Bill: 125 €uros a year. Community Fee: 315 €uros parking and storage room. Construction: 62.5m2 Benitachell. Consists of: naya every 6 months. Construction:73 m2 garden. Inventory is negotiable. The including 13.5m2 terrace with access the living-dining urbanization has atopharmacy, supermarket, room fireplace with open cafes andwith restaurants. Benitachell is 4 km Ref.: J1202 499.000€ views, "retro" kitchen, hallway away, beach 1km. Within 5 minutes, at the northern entrance of the complex, there is Spectacular Jávea villa for sale leads: 1 bathroom, 2 bedrooms, the 2international "Lady Elisabeth School". double bedrooms. Large Beautiful south-facing villa in the Montgó area in Electric entrance gate and intercom in Jávea. Main floor (upstairs) consists of: entrance hall, garage. Electricity and water. garage. Construction year 1988. air conditioned living room with access to the naya with Construction houseplastered + garaje: Completely renovated, and panoramic views, dining room, kitchen and laundry. 2. Plot: in 2006. From the entrance via the hallway you enter to: 134misolated 2600m2. 1 bathroom, 2 double bedrooms with wardrobe, Construction: 530m². Corner plot: 1560m² 1 bedroom en suite with air conditioning and 1 bathroom. Ground floor apartment: independent access, kitchen, lounge, utility room / dining room with Avenida de la Fontana 2, access to the naya with open views and access to the Edificio Estrella del Sur, local 3 outside area and the pool. Hallway: 1 shower, 1 double bedroom en-suite with 1 bathroom, 1 bedroom with 03730 Jávea (Playa del Arenal) wardrobe, large storage room 60m2. Swimming pool Telephone: (+34) 96 579 5154 8x4 with steps, central gas heating, barbecue, outside WC, garage, electric gate. Mobile: (+34) 658 947 002 Rates Bill (IBI): 850 €uros a year. www.javeahomes.com Rubbish Collection: 125 €uros a year. Construction: 414m2. Fenced plot: 2000m2. eMail: info@javeahomes.com
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Agenda 21
Jan/Feb 2016
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Continued from page 4
cultural institutions, totalling 105,154€. Most of the financial assistance has been approved for the UNED centre in Dénia which will receive a grant of 82,220 euros. Similar to the UK's Open University, UNED is a distance learning and research university founded in 1972 which has its headquarters in Madrid but has campuses in all the autonomous communities of Spain and combines traditional onsite education with distance learning programmes. Other educational institutes receiving municipal aid are the 'Escuela de Pintura Mediterránea' (13,962 €uros) and the 'Institut d'Estudis Comarcals de la Marina Alta' (1,500 €uros). In addition, the 'Asociación de Barques Tradicionals' receives 1,782 €uros.
Three Public works contracts awarded
Jávea Townhall has awarded three contracts relating to public roads which will begin early in the new year. Two of them are reurbanisation projects the cost of which will be borne by a treasury surplus from Alicante. The first, estimated at 164,000 euros, will develop a section of the Avenida Augusta undertaken by the local company Excavaciones Mayte. This same company will replace pavements in the Avenida Arenal between the new roundabout and the junction with the calle Saint Etiene, budgeted at 58,000 €uros and funded by the Provincial Government. Pavasal has been awarded the contract to asphalt six streets in Balcon al Mar, an investment in road renovation amounting to 85,000 €uros. Once the contractual procedure is completed, only the signing of the contract remains. According to the Department for Town Projects, directed by Paco Torres, it is expected work will begin shortly after the holidays.
CREAMA HQ to be in Jávea
The ‘Consorcio para la Recuperación Económica y de la Actividad de la Marina Alta’ (creama) - the Marina Alta consortium for economic recuparation and activity, has decided to base its HQ in Xàbia, and they will also hold executive committee meetings in the town. The initial budget for next year will be 937,000€ based on funds provided by the collaborating municipalities: Benissa, Calpe, Dénia, Gata de Gorgos, Pedreguer, Pego, Teulada-Moraira and Xàbia. There will be added financial support from ‰SERVEF and the European Social fund.
More Spaniards emigrating
In the first half of 2015, 50,844 Spanish citizens left the country, representing a 30% rise from the same period in 2014, according to figures released by Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE). By comparison, less than half that number, 23,078, returned to Spain after living in another country. Spain continues to lose population. The total number of residents shrank by 26,501 and was 46,423,064 on July 1, 2015, nearly 0.06 percent less than at the beginning of the year. A higher death rate, coupled with net emmigration, results in a country that is losing population and with a higher average age.
Jávea renews agreement for collection of old clothes for the Third World
The Jávea Ayuntamiento has reaffirmed its commitment to the selective collection of used clothing and textiles throughout the municipality by the nongovernmental organisation (NGO) called 'Humana Fundación Pueblo para Pueblo'. Mayor José Chulvi and Humana CEO Elisabeth Molnar signed a new two-year agreement which maintains the ten-year relationship and commits the NGO to make annual financial contributions to projects determined by the Departments of Services, of the Environment and of Social Services. With the proceeds made through the management of the used clothing and textiles, Humana finances and develops programmes to protect the environment in Spain and provide assistance to the Third World in the fields of education, agriculture and rural development, community development, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and the fight against communicable diseases as well as assistance in emergency situations. They also support social welfare programmes in the municipalities where Humana is present.
Valencia fishermen catch plastic - to make up-market clothes
Since July, Spanish fishing boats have been picking up plastic waste in the Mediterranean which is recycled into polyester fibres to be used to make a high-end clothing line. “We want to present the first fashion collection made with yarn and fabric that come from garbage found at the bottom of the sea in June in Florence,” said Javier Goyeneche, 45, the president of Ecoalf, (http://ecoalf.com) the Spanish company behind the venture. Ecoalf
Continued on page 10
Jávea Jeard
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Jávea Jeard
That’s not funny
Bob is a regular contributor to Jávea Jeard, often drawing attention to absurdities in the English language. This month he gives examples of ‘double entendre’ or double meanings that COULD offend. If you are easily offended, you may like to skip his words altogether. Humour is one of the hardest things to translate; mainly because of the fact that so much of it depends on puns and polysemy. One example of this was when Gypsy Rose Lee said: “Men are not attracted to me by my mind, but by what I don’t mind.” Phrases like “sex object” seem to mean pretty much the same in many languages, but it would be quite hard to say: “my wife is a sex object; every time I ask for sex, she objects” and get away with it, because unlike English, in most languages nouns and verbs don’t have the same form. But it is the double meanings that carry most of the load of our cultural humour. For example, as one American comedienne once said in a forgivable lapse of sincerity: “men are like linoleum; lay them right the first time and you can walk all over them for thirty years or more.” Other times the humour can be translated but the success of the humour depends on the rhythm of the phrase or its being recognisable as a cliché or
Jan/Feb 2016 Nº 33
well-known saying, such as when Mae West said: “a hard man is good to find”. Or W.C. Fields’ classic phrase that “a man without a woman is like a neck without a pain.” There are many verbs in English whose meaning can change, or be changed, by adding another word, and so we can say that “if you ask a woman how she feels, she’ll tell you about every relationship she’s ever been in. If you ask a man how he feels, he’ll tell you he feels like a pizza.” Mind you, it’s a complete myth to say that men are more complicated than women; they have one thing in common at least; men like simple things. Like women. Gay jokes are rife in all languages. Brad Pitt once had a large gay following, but he ducked into an alleyway and lost him. This could only work in a language like English where a verb in the gerund can also be a noun. But jokes aimed at the opposite sex are more fun because they have a basis in our personal, bitter experiences. Not that I reject same sex experiences, I’ll have you know, but there is something magical about sex between a man and a woman; as long as they don’t mind you watching. Sexual jokes of course often rely on exploiting well-known situations; but even though the situations are common, the language is not: “If you smoke after sex you’re probably doing it too fast”, as Woody Allen said. Groucho Marx gets laughs in countries all over the world because of his silly walk and sillier moustache, but less so for comments like: “I’m all for women’s rights—and for their lefts too.” And yet despite the problems of translating humour, people in all countries still laugh at the same things, and there is surely no greater moment than when a husband and wife laugh together in bed; even if they are married to each other. My wife, on the other hand, hasn’t spoken to me since the last time I didn’t open the car door for her; although she managed to swim to the surface right behind me.
600,000 won’t stand trial
Spain’s legal system is so overloaded, it has been decided to drop cases against 600,000 people because there is no hope of getting them to Court before the time limit expires. Each case has an average of 300 pages that must be studied by Defence and Prosecuting lawyers, as well as the Judge and Fiscal, and it is hoped that this action will allow those involved with more recent offences to concentrate on their prosecution. Loads of smoke and no proof of a fire!
The online daily for concerned Jávea citizens Page 7
The year that has just ended has been the revolution in our website. We began with a radical change, which made it possible to meet the large demand of users accessing it via mobile devices (tablets and smartphones). The new website exists and every day more visitors congratulate us on the change. During 2015, we had over a million page views, (specifically 1,118,969), with 392,762 unique visitors, according to data provided by Google Analytics statistics. Compared with 2014 the figures represent an increase of 350,945 unique users and 806,707 page views. During 2015, we wrote a lot of news and information, enhanced the sports information and have Alvaro Monfort as our partner for holiday events, which has allowed us to offer a different information and fill two slots we’d not been aware were unfulfilled. Our Editor took the decision to always report events in an unsensational manner, to build on the 10 previous years of foundation. This was the ranking of the most read stories during 2015. l DGT installed a mobile radar on the Jesus Pobre road. l Jávea creates jobs to fill places in the Conservatory and l'Escoleta. l Burning a plot next to Frechinall is the act of a pyromaniac. l Two slightly injured in spectacular crash in Spanish Marina. l Party programme, Fogueres Sant Joan 2015. l Arrested after assaulting his father in the neighbou rhood of Thiviers. l Chulvi has landslide election victory Municipal elections. l Two young people create the first company of active tourism in Jávea with quality seal of the Valencian Agency of Tourism. l Masymas begins construction of new store in Jávea. l Woman in serious condition after falling from the viewpoint of Cabo de la Nao. Other fun facts of the year: l The preferred browser used by visitors is Google Chrome (used by 46% of users) and interestingly is the slowest at loading pages it takes to load the web. Second most popular browser is Apple/Safari, and in third place is the Android operating system. l In addition, 45% of visitors accessed the site through their smartphone, another 43% through a desktop/PC and the remaining 11% used a tablet. The desire for 2016 Stick with the support of all readers and visitors, and offer every day better information, because that's why people rely on us.
Page 8 Jan/Feb 2016
Jávea Jeard
Nº 33
Satellite and Electronic News
May I take this opportunity to wish readers a Happy New Year
Over the Christmas period I have received several telephone calls from seemingly quite desperate people who found their remote controls were not operating. Most had tried pointing the remote control from different angles, to no avail. It fell to me to mention the obvious - had they opened up the small rear plate and checked the ‘condition’ of the batteries? I say condition because it’s surprising how many people actually forget the remote control relies on batteries to supply power for all remote control functions. It’s quite surprising when invited to take a look! People are horrified to view a sticky mess where the batteries have leaked producing a very corroded battery compartment and battery! Rinsing it out and cleaning the batteries, usually reveals some nondescriptor make, like the Yoki Hoki Company of Outer Siberia (with respect to Siberia!) In most cases the little
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
compartment can be cleaned out using a clean rag and an old toothbrush, ensuring the contacts are brought up to a nice shiny silver appearance. At this point it’s time to replace the batteries! May I suggest for safety sake you fit ONLY Duracell Batteries, without doubt over many years of testing they are at the top of the tree for reliability. Having said that, I think it’s very good practice to change those batteries on an ANNUAL basis. I do this myself and have never had a problem, in fact in all my portable test equipment I only dare use Duracell batteries as I cannot risk corrosion. Back to the story. I advised callers to check out the battery compartment and everyone reported some degree of corrosion and also some battery makes I have never ever heard of. My suggestion was in future stick to Duracell. Unfortunately I do not have any shares in Duracell!
Insufficient bandwidth and picture freeze It’s a regular complaint I receive, especially from those who had purchased a deal that involves the supply of a set-top box and associated components, to function using an existing telephone line or in some cases another supplier is suggested who can supply an even faster signal. What does this all mean to the end user? Some people attempt this with a laptop or tablet. If you have purchased a set-top package it’s usual that you are effectively on their own line, connecting you direct to their UK source signal and in the most, you do receive ‘what is on the tin!’ The person using the laptop or tablet is best joining an outfit that specialises in masking the fact that you are outside the UK. I use VPNUK and have found them to be an excellent company with a very interesting website and very competitive terms. So what can be done when things go wrong? First let me attempt to explain in simple facts what is going on with the connecting electronics! Let me use the analogy of water running through a pipe and think of the internet connection as your pipe, but instead of carrying water it’s carrying digital data, in fact it’s packed with it!
by Richard Pollock B.Ed I.Eng. FIEEIE Consultant Electronic Engineer
Formerly Lecturer in RTVE at Bradford College
send an eMail to me at:
richardsatellitesolutions@gmail.com
Telephone (10am - 6pm please)
670 362 395
Your digital receiver/set-top box call it what you like - requires a constant flow of digital data. May I repeat: A Constant Supply of Digital Data! The digital receiver/set-top box tries to maintain a very steady flow of data by ‘Buffering’ data into the computer memory, inside your digital receiver. What if your water pipe is far too narrow and the water coming out to refill your water tank is only a trickle, insufficient to replenish the water being drawn off? Its just the same with the data line that is not fast enough - the result is picture freeze, missing bits and pieces, as well as affecting your Sound. In other words the data is being drawn-off, faster than it can be replenished. Think back to our analogy. The cure would be a wider pipe or in electronic terms a faster broadband. Some providers quote a streamed video service with a download speed of 2MB/sec or faster, but I would suggest that it would be better to raise that figure
Continued on page 16
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
Jávea Jeard ‘ear, ‘ear
A young Naval Officer was in a terrible car accident and finally discharged from hospital with the loss of an ear as a permanent injury. He remained in the military rising to the rank of Admiral but remained sensitive about his appearance. One day the Admiral was interviewing two Navy bosuns and an Army warrant Officer for his personal staff. The first bosun was a surface Navy type and at the end of a great interview the Admiral asked him, "Do you notice anything different about me?" The Bosun answered, "Why yes, Sir. I couldn't help but notice you are missing your starboard ear, so I don't know whether this impacts your hearing on that side." The Admiral completely lost it at this perceived lack of tact and threw him out of his office. The next candidate, an aviation specialist, when asked this same question, answered, "Well yes, you seem to be short of one ear." The Admiral threw him out also. The third interview was with the Warrant Officer who was sharp, articulate and better qualified than both bosuns. The Admiral deciding on this guy went ahead with the same question "Do you notice anything different about me?" To his surprise the Warrant Officer said, "Yes. You wear contact lenses." The Admiral was impressed and thought to himself what an incredibly tactful soldier. "And how do you know that?" the Admiral asked. The Warrant Officer replied, "Well, sir, it's pretty hard to wear glasses with only one ear."
YOU DESERVE A LAUGH
The Proposal
Jan/Feb 2016
SENIOR CHAT-UP LINE
A very elderly gentleman walks into an upscale cocktail lounge. He was in his mid-nineties, was very well dressed, hair well groomed, great looking suit, flower in his lapel and smelling slightly of a good aftershave. Seated at the bar was an elderly, really classy-looking lady. The sharp old gentleman walks over and sits along side of her. He orders a drink. He takes a sip. He slowly turns to her and says, “So tell me, do I come here often?” from Peter Trower
Office Lunch
People in my office were forgetting about food they'd left in the employee's refrigerator. a new policy asked that a name and date be marked on each container. As a reminder, a sign was posted: "Please date your food". Below, someone had scribbled: "What? And give up men?" (Peggy VanDell)
The Latest Buzz
The Summer band class I taught was just getting underway when a large insect flew into the room. The sixthgraders, eager to play their shiny new instruments, tried to ignore the buzzing intruder, but eventually one student, Tommy, could stand it no more. He rolled up his music book and swatted the insect and then stomped on it to ensure its fate. "Is it a bee," another student asked. "Nope," Tommy replied. "Bee flat." Received from Stan Kegel.
Nº 33
Page 9
Jeff had gone to propose to his girlfriend and returned home crying bitterly. “What happened, son?” his father asked, eagerly awaiting her response. “Did she accept?” “No, she sure didn't,” sobbed Jeff. “When I told her what you advised me to say, she slapped my face and told me to get out.” “Did you begin by telling her what I told you to say, what I told your mother when she accepted my proposal? Sweetheart, time stands still when I look in your eyes.' Did you tell her that?” asked his father. “Oh boy, Dad, did I got it all wrong,” Jeff groaned. “I said, 'My dear, you have a face that would stop a clock!'”
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.
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
Jan/Feb 2016 Nº 33
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 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
Agenda 21
Continued from page 6
says it will be the first company to make clothes from recycled plastic waste found at sea and it has signed-on 200 fishing boats in the eastern region of Valencia to act as scavengers. The company, which employs 18 people and posted a turnover of 4.5 million €uros this year, already sells its jackets and backpacks made from recycled waste in upscale shops such as Harrods in London and Bloomingdale in New York.
Three big Christmas trees in Jávea to attract the tourists
The Departments of Economic Development and Fiestas have got together to create a festive ambiance across the town and create a special programme for the children such as the collection of letters by not only the Three Kings but also by Father Christmas. The town was decorated, not only to bring the festive spirit to residents but also to encourage more visitors to come to Jávea during the holiday period. Three Christmas trees were erected in front of the Townhall, in the Paseo del Tenista David Ferrer in the Arenal and on the promenade along the Playa de la Grava in front of Bar Clavo. The trees were around eight metres tall with natural pine branches which were illuminated.
Jávea Jeard
San Antonio Lighthouse goes out - for a while
The Cabo de San Antonio lighthouse was extinguished for the first time in 60 years for two nights while a new system to control the light remotely was installed, enabling the generator to be started, and faults reported remotely. Over the coming months other lighthouses along the coast will be similarly equipped, the last being the Cabo de la Nao lighthouse, which although the newest, has the oldest optics which were recycled and remounted from the previous building.
Police catch Sea-Urchin poachers
Jávea’s local police recently launched a special surveillance to keep a lookout for the illegal fishing of sea urchins (Erizos del Mar/bogmarins). The harvesting season lasts from December 1st until February 28th. Fishermen have to use traditional techniques and are only allowed to take two dozen specimens. A few weeks ago police caught two divers who had each collected around 300 urchins. The animals were retruned to the sea one at a time in the hope that they would survive. The fine for poaching is 600 €uros. Local restaurants have been asked to cooperate by buying sea urchins from legal sources. Continued on next page
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e 22
Jávea Jeard
Agenda 21 Continued from page 10 Jávea Townhall fight to retain fishing fleet in the Port
Record number of tourists in 2015
Jávea Townhall cannot conceive of a future port without fishermen. The mayor Jose Chulvi said “we will take all actions necessary” to keep fishing in the harbour. Developers had proposed moves to rid Jávea of its fishing fleet, but Chulvi considers the activity to give the port uniqueness and identity. The Port's future depends on the Valencia government. Chulvi that "we are in constant contact with the Councillor for Infrastructure [Maria Jose Salvador], who has already told us that nothing will be done in the port which Jávea does not want." The current draft project of Valencia expects to retain the fishing harbor in its current location.
Numbers of tourists have shot up in Spain in the past year, with 64.6 million visitors from abroad – nearly one and a half times the country's population – having travelled there between January and November 2015. This translates as a rise of 4.8% on the same 11-month period in 2014, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE)'s FRONTUR survey. Last year's 61.7 million was already a record, but consistent increases in foreign visitor numbers have been seen in the past few years. The majority came from the UK thanks to its newly-recovered economy, with nearly 15 million Brits visiting Spain - representing a 4.1% increase.
Spanish Met Office figures reveal that December 2015 was the warmest and driest in the Marina Alta for 40 years, with rainfall in Jávea being 95% below the average. December was also the warmest year since 1950 with an average temperature of 2.3 degrees higher than usual.
For the third year running, the registered number of residents in the Marina Alta has fallen by around 12.7%. The figure for Jávea has fallen by 1386 to 27,681. Only 11 of the 33 of the municipalities have shown growth, among them Benitachell, which is up by 31. Concluded on page 20
Driest December in the past 40 years
Marina Alta Padrón loses 26,500 in two years
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Jan/Feb 2016 Nº 33
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 14 96 646 0805 L P Catering Suplies Everything for restaurants at an affordable price Tel: 96 579 3893 Susana: 607 630 221 Sergio: 647 540 862
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Page 12
Jan/Feb 2016 Nº 33
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
MONEY MATTERS
by Lee Hodges
Declaration of Assets – it’s Modelo 720 time, again!!!
Here we go again. It is time to start working on your submission for the Spanish Modelo 720, which asks you to list all assets held outside of Spain which have a value of at least €50,000. The obligation to report is for Spanish residents only or, at the very least, those who are considered to be Spanish resident. Reporting is only applicable to assets held outside of Spain, and therefore does not include Spanish cited assets. The assets to be declared are as follows: a. bank accounts;
Collection and delivery of Urgent items in Marina Alta by Sergio Laffitte Tlf. 673 546 193 http://tinyurl.com/ch2txx3 Prices start at 3,50€
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Jávea Jeard
b. annuities; c. investments, including shares, collective investments, bonds, l life assurance policies that have a surrender value, rights under a trust, etc.; d. property; If any of the above assets has a value of €50,000 or higher on 31st December 2015, you will need to make a Modelo 720 declaration before 31st March 2016. It is also important to note, with regards to bank accounts, that the calculation takes into account the ‘average’ balance for the last quarter. So if, during the last quarter (October to December 2015, inclusive), you had a balance at any time higher than €50,000, then you will need to calculate the average balance to see whether this average is greater than the €50,000 reporting requirement. Another important point to note. The calculations are based on categories of asset, so if you have three bank accounts which when added together add up to €50,000 or higher, all accounts will need to be disclosed. This ‘total’ value applies to all asset classes, so spreading monies around to keep each item below €50,000 will not assist you in avoiding the reporting requirements. The declaration will need to be made by 31st March 2016, and can only be submitted on line.
Continued 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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MONEY MATTERS
Jan/Feb 2016 Nº 33
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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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If you have made declarations in previous tax years, then you will need to complete a further declaration if values have increased by €20,000. To help explain how this works, it is simpler to look at some examples. 1. ‘A’ has several bank accounts in the UK, Channel Islands, etc. The balance combined on 31st December equates to 35,000€, and the average balance over the last quarter was 42,000€. ‘A’ also holds offshore collective funds valued on 31st December at 82,000€. ‘A’ has to complete a Modelo 720 in 2016, but it is only required to declare holdings in the collective funds. 2. ‘B’ has one offshore bank account with 55,000€, and offshore funds/collective investments totalling 63,000€. Both the bank account and investments need to be declared. 3. ‘C’ made a Modelo 720 declaration for 2014, showing an offshore bank account balance of 85,000€. ‘C’ had no other assets outside of Spain. On 31st December 2015, the offshore bank balance was 97,000€. As the balance had not increased by 20,000€ or more, no declaration has to be made for 2015.
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 Jan/Feb 2016
Nº 33
More HUMOUR?
POWER CUT
We had a power cut last week and my PC, TV, and games console shut down immediately. It was raining - therefore I couldn't play golf, so I talked to my husband for a few hours. He seems like a nice person.
Best Fish and Chips
Lost on a rainy night, a nun stumbles across a monastery. She's just in time for dinner and is treated to the best fish and chips ever. After dinner, she goes to the kitchen to thank the chefs. She is met by Brother Michael and Brother Charles. She thanks them and asks who cooked what. Says Brother Charles: “I'm the fish friar.” She says to Brother Michael, “Then you must be...” He replies, “Yes, I'm the chip monk.”
Position To Pray
Three preachers sat discussing the best positions for prayer, while a telephone repairman worked nearby. "Kneeling is definitely best," claimed one. "No," another contended. "I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven." "You're both wrong," the third insisted. "The most effective prayer position is lying prostrate, face down on the floor." The repairman could contain himself no longer. "Gentlemen," he interrupted, "the best praying I ever did was hanging upside down from a telephone pole." Received from Thomas Ellsworth.
Three Stores
A commercial property owner has three shops in a row, all for rent. The first prospective lessee shows up, and says he wants to rent the shop on the left. The owner says, "Fine, what kind of shop do you have?" The man says, "A men's wear shop." The owner tells him he gets free signage and asks what he wants on the sign. "Men's Wear," says the man. The second man comes along and wants to rent the right hand shop. When asked he says he wants "Men's Wear" on his sign. The owner tells him that the left hand shop will be the same. "No problem," says the man. Finally a third man comes along to rent the middle shop. The owner is most concerned because this man also has a men's wear shop. Rather wearily the owner asks him what he wants on his sign. The man replies: "Entrance."
Prince Charles ‘urges Muslims to choose’ in end of year message
Prince Charles has told British Muslims 'if you live in our country, abide by our values' Prince Charles issued an extraordinary rallying cry, calling on Muslims living in the UK to show more respect for British values. Prince Charles arrived in Jordan at the start of his tour of the Middle East. The heir to the throne railed against the radicalisation of young British men by Islamist extremists as he launched an impassioned defence of Britain's “Christian” heritage. Telling British Muslims they should show more respect for "the values we hold dear," the Prince revealed that he was terrified by the influence of radical preachers who spread their teachings on the internet. In an unprecedented outburst, Prince Charles said: "The radicalisation of people in Britain is a great worry, and the extent to which this is happening is alarming, particularly in a country like ours where we hold such values dear. He added that it was ‘frightening’ that young British Muslims were being radicalised by ‘crazy stuff on the internet’. The Prince aired his forthright views on Islam and Christianity during an interview with BBC Radio 2. The outspoken comments are a further sign that the Prince is not prepared to keep quiet on political causes close to his heart, despite assuming more and more responsibility from the Queen. His words came as he began the sixday tour of the Middle East in his mother's place, during which he was urged to speak out against the barbaric practises of some Gulf states. It is understood the Prince would challenge new Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud over the terrible punishment handed down to blogger Raif Badawi when the pair meet face to face. The free-speech champion was sentenced to a thousand lashes and ten years in jail after being convicted of insulting Islam over comments he made on his website which were critical of the autocratic Saudi regime. Diplomatic sources close to the Saudi crown say there is much more chance the new king will listen to a fellow royal than to a foreign political leader. Speaking to BBC Radio 2's The Sunday Hour ahead of touching down in
Jávea Jeard
Jordan, the Prince also called for an end to the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. He said if nothing was done, the time could soon come when "there are no Christians left in the Middle East," adding: "They are intimidated to a degree you can't believe." During the forthright interview, he said: "The tragedy is even greater because Christians have been in the Middle East for 2,000 years, before Islam arrived in the 8th Century." The Prince visited a refugee camp in Jordan at the start of his six-day tour of the Middle East where Islamic State terrorists have slaughtered thousands of Yazidis and Christians in Northern Iraq, whilst atrocities against Christians have been on the rise in other Muslim countries including Egypt. The Prince also quashed speculation that he plans to give up the traditional 'Defender of the Faith' title, in favour of the more multicultural 'Defender of Faiths', when he becomes king. Confirming his intention to take up his place as head of the Church of England - a tradition which dates back to Henry VIII - he said he would use the role to protect the free practice of all faiths.
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Jávea Jeard
Jan/Feb 2016
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.
3. Not performing the due diligence, such as checking any planning infractions or charges that may be attached to the property. Your lawyer can do this for you. 4. Not checking that the square metres that appear on the cadastral plan and registry coincide with each other and actual square metres of the property. This is important; spoken words don’t count when buying a property. Written documents must coincide with each other and the actual specifications of the dwelling and must be checked by qualified professionals such as your lawyer and surveyor. 5. Not having the habitation certificate or the license of second occupation. 6. Not checking the payment status of the community of owners. Are there any outstanding debts? Again your lawyer will check this for you. 7. Not checking any future tax implications with your lawyer, be it about purchase, sale, donation, or inheritance tax. 8. Not checking if the property you are about to purchase has the appropriate water and electricity bulletins. This can be an expensive and time consuming process after you’ve bought the property. However your lawyer can make sure all of this paperwork is in order beforehand.
Jávea Jeard
Mac Benefit Urban Decay Call SUSAN on Spanish mobile: 722 763 703 makeupoutletworldwide@gmail.com
9 common errors that will cost you money when you buy a property in Spain
1. Good solicitors often have to say no to a purchase and this could be more difficult for a solicitor who is very dependent on the referrals of a particular agent. An estate agent and a buyer’s solicitor could have a clear conflict of interest. 2. When buying an off-plan property: Not asking for a bank guarantee. A bank guarantee is a promise of payment from the bank. If a developer defaults on handing over the property within the time agreed or not even started the building, the bank will cover the loss.
ROADRUNNER Call WAYNE on 633 933 391
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Nº 33
Page 15
9. Not hiring an independent surveyor: an independent surveyor checks and double checks that all of the details on the paperwork relevant to the property coincide with the actual characteristics of the dwelling.
Pellicer & Heredia can help you get your residence permit in Spain, quickly and easily. If you’re not in Spain at the moment, they can represent you and do all the paperwork on your behalf. For more information on this particular issue or any other legal matter, do not hesitate to contact: Pellicer and Heredia. C. Marjeleta, 6 1º Puerta 2 (next to Correos) 03724 Moraira - Alicante Tel. 96 548 0737 eMail: info@pellicerheredia.com
Police increase vigilance after almost 1,000 car tyres are punctured
Jávea local police increased their vigilance after a wave of vehicle tyre punctures on consecutive nights in the Port and Town centre. The municipal police are being assisted in monitoring by a specialised team of the Judicial Police of the Guardia Civil in Jávea. They are investigating to try and locate the perpetrator of these offenses which are considered "serious" and constitute a crime of damage, for which the Criminal Code, recommends a prison sentence.
Pedro Picazo Senti - Abogado C/. Convento Santa Clara 9, 2 46002 Valencia Tlf: 96 356 5725/609 069 791
If you bought BANKIA shares before 25th May 2012, you are invited to join in this united action
What will it cost you? We only charge if we recover your money: single fixed cost: 100€ per claimant, includes filing the demand and resource if any. It does not include the cost of the Power of Legal Representation (50€ approx) you must sign at the Notary in our favour. If we win with costs we do not charge anything, as we will be paid by Bankia. -. If we win without imposition of costs, the client agrees to pay us 10% of the amount which revocation request (if you bought 2,000€, our fees are 200€) When you win the Bank will be ordered to return your money. If in doubt, call the office and ask for Pedro Picazo. You can also write to info@picazoasociados.es
Money Matters by Lee Hodges Page 16
Jan/Feb 2016
Nº 33
Continued from page 13 You will be pleased to learn that the future of Modelo 720 is in doubt. The European Commission (EC) has recently reviewed its legality, and discussions are ongoing. Until you are informed that it no longer applies, you should continue to submit your Modelo 720 in a timely fashion. Failure to do so can result in fines and penalties, which can be excessive. The fine is €5,000 for missing or inaccurate information under each asset class, with a minimum fine of €10,000. Additional penalties apply to late submission. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you need to make a Modelo 720 declaration, speak with your accountant. IMPORTANT – if any of you reading this article have an investment with WPC Fund, contact me as a matter of urgency. If you are looking for sensible investment advice, call me on (0034) 96 646 3876, or email me at lee@leehodges.es Lee Hodges has lived and worked in Spain since 1997, and holds the Diploma in Financial Planning. 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.
Satellite and Electronic News
Continued from page 8 to 3 MB/sec. Should you have a laptop, P.C. or Tablet it is possible to carry out a bandwidth test if you have any doubt. It goes without saying from this explanation that should you be able to achieve a fast broadband download time then these problems become history. The other problem experienced from time to time is that when a very popular programme is running, again you experience a certain amount of drop-out, again this means that with many subscribers it compromises the amount each client can receive! The answer to this is demand more bandwidth or enjoy excellent quality by having you own satellite dish installation.
What’s the advantage of satellite dish reception in the Jávea Area ? If you are only interested in the main offerings from the UK, I have in mind BBC 1, 2, 3 and 4, ITV 1, 2, 3, 4, Channel 4 (FOUR) and Channel 5 ( Five) along with Sky News, a quality 1.2 metre satellite dish installation will be required, that includes a mounting bracket and quality coaxial cable, with an average cost of around 199€uros. Of course its possible to supply an output to another room/s, but you will need a quotation to cover extra requirements like a twin or quad LNB
Jávea Jeard
etc. Its best to also note that usually you will also receive over 200 extra Free TV channels and 40 or more radio channels. Those interested in also enjoying the 'Sky' offerings which include films, sport covering football, cricket, tennis, golf etc. it is best to consider a 1.4 metre satellite dish. A quality satellite dish can be offered with mounting bracket and quality coaxial downlead for around 299 €uros. Let me explain what you can expect to pay for a suitable satellite receiver to go with the installation of your new satellite installation, Sky+ H.D. Digital receiver with Internal Hard Drive 299 €uros. Manhattan Plaza Freesat H.D. with Hard Drive PVR 279 €uros. Manhattan Plaza Freesat H.D, 149 €uros. All come with a full warranty and are guaranteed for a Year. I offer a 5% discount if purchased with one of our installation offers. Help and advice are only a ‘phone call away. 670 362 395. Take advantage of our satellite repair service utilising the very latest test equipment, guaranteeing quality performance Richard Pollock B.Ed I.Eng. FIEEIE Consultant Electronic Engineer. Formerly lecturer in RTVE at Bradford College. eMail to richardsatellitesolutions@gmail.com Website: richardsatellitesolutions.com
Woman to Woman Jávea Jeard
(but men are welcome)
CELEBRATIONS OVER FOR ANOTHER YEAR
Well Christmas is over for another year. I hope you all had a wonderful time. It is always a busy time at the Oasis Centre with people buying cards, wrapping paper etc. but I have enjoyed seeing so many of you as you came to buy cards. Thank you to those who brought us Christmas cards and for the lovely presents too. You must have known I am a chocoholic and will be eating chocolates for the next few weeks. Clive and I also received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from two very grateful people who live in the UK, but were renting a holiday home on La Plana when flames ungulfed everything round them. They (Barbara and Terry), along
by Ann Read
Jan/Feb 2016
who writes for us after one retirement and before her next
with many other people were evacuated from the area by police and put into hotel accommodation for the night. The next day, the last of their holiday, they tried to get back to their villa, suitcase, passports, and boarding passes, only to find all access was blocked and no one was allowed to enter, as the fire wasn't yet under proper control.
Nº 33
Page 17
They drove down to the Port and asked people in the bars what they could do and were directed to us at Oasis Help Centre and told we may be able to help them. Clive made a few phone calls and it was arranged that Councillor Doris Courcelles would escort them personally to their villa (picking up a police escort on the way), and allow them just minutes to collect all their belongings. All went to plan and the couple returned home the next day. But every time they are over here on holiday they always come to see us at the Oasis. We have all become good friends. Thanks also to the customers who bought and wrapped gifts to put under our Christmas tree (see picture on page 21. One couple brought a huge box of gifts, all beautifully wrapped and I know the children who received them must have been delighted. There were so many that we divided them into two piles. Half was given to Pastor Marcos who runs the Spanish church in the town and is very involved with underprivileged Spanish homeless and jobless families in the area. He always provides a free Christmas Day meal in the church premises for all those who would be alone or homeless and some of his own congregation, and he collected the gifts in time to give some out on Christmas Day Continued on page 21
No need to be without your UK Mag
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To order YOUR magazine, go to www.ukmagsinspain.net BUT you must enter YOUR NAME and then the delivery address as:
Doree Bonner UK Mags, 21 Leafield Way, CORSHAM, Wilts, SN13 9SW
If you have a problem, send details to: subscribers@ukmagsinspain.net
Once you subscribe to your magazine, you MUST give us your phone number so we can tell you we have your magazine. We can also bring parcels/packets from the UK We phone. so you can collect from Oasis, (next to La Caixa in the Port), the cost is 1€ for each magazine collected.
Message contact point: 669 386 702
The Guardia Civil tells us
Page 18
Jan/Feb 2016 Nº 33
No More Baby on Board Signs?
A Spanish company is hoping the traditional “Baby on Board” sign for cars will soon be a thing of the past, having patented a new design they hope will be the future of delicate passenger warnings. Patrimi Innovación has designed “Babyled”, an illuminated triangular sign which will warn that a vehicle is carrying a baby by use of LED lighting. Without wires or harmful electrical waves, the device composes of two parts. The first is a pressure mat which is placed in the child seat of the car. The second part is the illuminated triangle which is designed to be stuck to the rear window of the vehicle, and is removable. Once the child is placed in the seat, the sensor is activated and illuminates the sign, switching it back off once the pressure is eased by the removal of the child. The manufacturer is confident the device is legal for use in Spain, so much so they state that the product is certified and complies with all current regulations and that it does not contravene any road safety regulations. The company provide a certificate in the box they claim will allow the driver to present the facts to a law enforcement officer in the event of being stopped or questioned. However, with a price tag just below 80 €uro for Babyled, the more traditional sticker might be the cheaper option, but the manufacturer says the batteries and device can last up to 13 years, from birth and through childhood.
Selling a Vehicle Privately
Q “I sold a Scooter last year to a chap I knew. He promised to do all to change the name on the vehicle, I gave him
copies of my NIE and passport. I gave him the paperwork as requested. This year I received the SUMA bill for the bike and contacted him and told him I had received the bill and asked why he had not done the name change. “A week later, I received a 200 €uro fine for no ITV and was told if I paid within 20 days it would be only a hundred and that it was better that I did this as the bike had been taken off him and there could be no more fines attached to it. I have done this. “One month later, I have received another letter fining me 1000 euros for no insurance on the bike, please help, what can I do? Even at a reduced rate of 500 I cannot afford to pay this fine."
A. Never ever, give your vehicle to the buyer, without changing your car’s log book into buyer’s name. Do not trust anybody, we give you these 3 options to do, if you decide to sell your car: 1- Go to Trafico, buyer and seller together, and in a couple of hours the vehicle will be ready to be transferred. 2- Sign a document to give the buyer permission to transfer the vehicle. The buyer will go by himself and do, all the paperwork with your authorisation. Remember to keep a copy of the Sale Contract. You have the link of the document: www.tinyurl.com/ogw8yso When he returns with the new log book, check the vehicle has a new owner. Make a photocopy of the new logbook and at this moment, you can give the new owner, the vehicle key, never before. 3- Go to a Gestoria, paying a fee, they will do all the paperwork for you, and they will give the new buyer, a provisional logbook on the spot, which will be replaced once Trafico issues the new one. If it is too late, and you have given the log book and the vehicle key to the buyer and heard nothing in 30 days, if you do not know anything about him, please, take to Trafico, the Sale Contract together with a document called "Notificación de Venta", which you can download from DGT website or pick it up at Trafico Office, and tell them you have sold the car. They will register the new name and from the date of the sale contract, the new owner will be responsible for any fine or tax. Following these steps, you will avoid a headache in the future. Gestoria Font (almost opposite the + office in Calle Alicante) have an enviable reputation for resolving unforeseen vehicle problems.
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Age affects our ability to drive
As we all get older, our body changes with us. Sometimes at a rate that is noticeable, but all too often without us realising the impact that some of these seemingly gradual changes can have. Reduced vision, limited mobility due to aching bones, tremors and muscle spasms, general confusion and the body naturally slowing down are all problems associated with aging, but they are problems that can have fatal consequences when mixed with roads and traffic, as can the methods many of us adopt to try to reduce these symptoms, prescription medication. In the event of being involved in an incident on the roads, the Guardia Civil traffic department can withdraw your licence at the roadside if they feel your health is a contributing factor, a matter which you may necessitate the need for a medical examination to resolve. In early October in the Ourense area of Spain, an octogenarian driver was stopped by the Guardia Civil for entering the motorway on the opposite carriageway and driving towards oncoming traffic. The driver was intercepted by the Guardia Civil and, rather than admitting or accepting that he had done anything wrong, proceeded to argue with the officers that he was in fact driving correctly. His licence was withdrawn immediately. In the Ourense area, 45 drivers have had their licences withdrawn in 2015 on suspicion of being unfit to drive on medical grounds. Most of those drivers have accepted fate and given up driving altogether, others have taken to obtaining a certificate through a fitness course and test. Three of those drivers failed that test. Frequent check-ups with the doctor and optician are a must, becoming more frequent the older we get. It is crucial you mention to your doctor that you drive, so that they can monitor the effects and consequences of treatments and conditions.
Continued on next page
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Can you drive a vehicle with an English Provisional licence in Spain?
The Guardia Civil tells us
Jan/Feb 2016
Continued from previous page
Page 19
Sorry, but you are not allowed to drive on a provisional licence in Spain, Spanish Government does not recognise Provisional license as a full licence. You can only learn to drive with a DRIVING SCHOOL. You are not allowed to practice with a qualified driver like you can in the UK. In Spain a learner has to be accompanied by a qualified INSTRUCTOR and must pass his/her theory test before being allowed to drive a DUAL control vehicle. Many British have been in trouble for driving on a UK Provisional licence in Spain. If you are stopped by the police, You will be arrested. It is a criminal offence to drive without obtaining a National licence, and Provisional licences are not considered licences. No insurance company will cover you or the occupants of your vehicle in case of an accident.
January changes to Spanish Traffic Laws
Whilst renewing many of the older traffic laws in order to adapt to the modern world, Spain is also undergoing changes in legislation to meet the requirements of the European Union and help create a standardised road network across the continent. These changes are constantly being developed and adapted and, although many of them are aimed at creating safer roads, some are questionable, although become mandatory at the beginning of 2016. One of the changes that is causing most concern is that of pillion passengers on mopeds. From January, moped riders who qualify for the AM licence for mopeds are permitted to carry passengers, so long as the vehicle is adapted thereof. This new rule is regardless of the age of the rider. Prior to this change, in Spain children under 18 were not permitted to carry passengers. The BTP category will be removed from licences and is absorbed within other categories, so there is no longer a special requirement for drivers of emergency vehicles, taxis or school bus, other than the standard requirements. So called “Mega-Trucks” up to 60 tonnes in weight and 25.25 metres in length are now permitted on the roads of Spain. This authorises trucks with more than six axles to travel through the road network, although special authority must be obtained so the impact on road safety can be assessed. The idea is reducing transportation costs and, subsequently, passing savings on to consumers. Sufferers of sleep apnea will no longer be automatically banned from driving, so long as the medical condition is certifiably under control by a medical professional. In the event of death from a road traffic incident, the costs associated with medical examinations and autopsies will be covered by the government, which is hoped to provide better investigate resources in the event of a major incident.
Nº 33
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Agenda 21
Page 20 Jan/Feb 2016
Nº 33
Continued from page 11
Valencia’s forgotten "library" of 375,000 books
The Valencia Government has brought to light a warehouse full of 375,000 books published at taxpayers expense over the last 20 years and never sold. These include 65,000 copies of a book of recipies "with the only explanation that the introduction was signed by the then Regional Minister for Agriculture". 35,000 copies of notebooks for the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM) costing some 90,000 euros, and 1,500 books about the sculptor Julio González 'of which only ten have been sold because they each cost 300 euros". In addition, the Valencia city council pays €4500 a month to store them. The plan is to distribute the books, in lots of 60 worth around €1,300 to municipal libraries in the region. So far, the programme has received 244 requests from a total of 552, and 94 have already received their quota.
Prescription charges axed for pensioners in Comunidad Valenciana
Pensioners and their dependants earning less than €18,000 a year before tax will no longer have to pay prescription charges in the Comunidad Valenciana. The left-wing team now leading the Valencia regional government has put aside €41 million to cover the shortfall once State pensioners get their regular medicine free of charge. The free prescriptions will benefit 403,334 State pensioners. The news was released on
CConve,
Jávea Jeard
28th December, the equivalent in Spain of 1st April in UK.
being able to leave the family home are remote.
The European Commission has recognised the migratory corridor of whales and dolphins along the Mediterranean coast from Cataluñya, Valencia and the Balearics and supports its designation as as a specially protected zone (SPAMI). This will make any future projects to explore for oil or gas in the area much more difficult.
A car with two occupants hit two wild boar on the Ctra. la Guardia near Ctra. Rossinyol. One of the pigs was killed outright, the other suffered grave injuries while the car passengers were uninjured (though the car was a mess). The drought could be a reason why pigs have come down from the hills to find food and water, with vacant building plots forming unhindered shelter and often pools of stagnant water nearby.
Better protection for whales - and for the Gulf of Valencia
Cantabria's 200 forest fires out as Asturias keeps watch over last eight
While the UK news is obsessed with flooding, Spain burns. Cantabria is practically free from forest fires after a week with more than 200 fires burning across the region, whilst neighbouring Asturias still had eight out of 160 raging at the same time over Christmas.
80% of Spanish youngsters still living with parents
In Spain the average youngster doesn’t leave home until the age of 28.9 years. Spaniards leave home before their Italian, Greek or Croatian counterparts, but later than the European average of 26.1 years, and far from Sweden, where young people become independent at the age of just 19.6 years on average. To buy a house right now, young people would have to commit 60% of their salary – double the level recommended by experts. Given that 38.7% of youngsters in Spain are currently unemployed, the chances of
Car hits two wild boar on the Carretera la Guardia
SPAIN’S NATIONAL HOLIDAYS IN 2016
Mariano Rajoy pledged when elected to the top government position in Spain, to re-schedule mid-week public holidays to the nearest Monday (as in the UK) but there was strong objection from workers and their unions. The proposal was part of ambitious labour reforms pledged by the conservative Popular Party and were aimed at saving the economy the costs associated with puentes - the Spanish custom of taking the next or previous day off to bridge the weekend with the holiday. Here is the official list of public holidays, as published in Spain's BOE official state bulletin. January 1st: New Year's Day (Friday). January 6th: Dia de los Reyes Magos, Three Kings Day, Epiphany. (Wednesday).
March 19th: St Joseph’s Day (Saturday) in Valencia region.
March 24th: Maundy Thursday in Valencia region. March 25th: Good Friday.
March 28th: Easter Monday in Valencia region. August 15th: Assumption of Mary, (Monday).
Conveyancing - Litigation Inheritances and Wills
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October 12th: Spanish National Day, (Wednesday) November 1st: All Saints’ Day (Monday).
December 6th: Constitution Day (Tuesday).
December 8th: Immaculate Conception, (Thursday) in Valencia region. December 26th: St Stephen’s Day (Monday) in Valencia region.
Jávea Jeard Woman to Woman
Continued from page 17 and the others to save for the visit of the Kings on January 5/6th. The others were given to Harvest Store, now managed by the Spanish ‘El Faro’ Baptist Church next to the Roundabout charity shop in the Port. They also collected a large amount of food which people had contributed and some we had left over from our Harvest Festival service at the end of October. The Harvest Store feed many underprivileged families in the area every week and I am sure the children of these families were also thrilled to receive a gift when their parents picked-up their food parcel. Christmas Day was a quiet one for Clive and I. We had our usual 11am service at the Oasis Centre, then went home to cook lunch for those members of our congregation who would be on their own on Christmas day. Soon after watching the Queen's Speech, it was time to take my visitors home and then come back to the huge pile of washingup!! Many businesses have been closed all over the Christmas period, but we were back on duty on the Saturday morning. Things have been very quiet compared with the weeks before Christmas, but it suits me as it is a chance to catch up on some of the work that has been neglected. Oasis Centre wecomes a variety of customers who come by, many to buy greeting cards from our large selection for just 1 €uro each, or to pick up their TV magazine. Some come to us for general advice or to book Beniconnect. If we can't solve their problem, we usually know someone who can. Some just come in for a chat, and I have found that so many are lonely, especially those who have lost a loved one recently or during the past couple of years. We are never too busy to have a chat and give advice if needed and very often a shoulder to cry on. For some, when they have lost their loved one, the house is so quiet and loneliness can quickly take control. Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness which can have a serious effect on health. But there are ways to overcome loneliness, even if you live alone and find it hard to get out. People can become socially isolated for a variety of reasons, such as getting older or weaker, death of a loved one or friends, or through disability or illness. Whatever the cause, it's shockingly easy to be left feeling alone and vulnerable, which can lead to depression and a decline in physical health and wellbeing. Someone who is lonely may
Jan/Feb 2016 Nº 33
Page 21
the receiver down. You would then return their call, let the phone ring three times and put the receiver down. Neither of you have had to pay for a phone call and it's comforting to know that you are both well and able to phone each other. If you or your neighbour fails to respond to the morning call, it's time to take action. Each would hold a spare key to the other's villa or apartment, so entry can be made to find out the cause of the problem.
find it hard to reach out for help. They feel there is a stigma surrounding loneliness and older people are very often too proud to ask for help. So here are a few tips on trying to overcome the feeling of loneliness.
Smile even if it feels hard - Grab every chance to smile at others or begin a conversation with the person sitting next to you at the doctors, or waiting in the queue at the checkout of the supermarket. I have always found that if I smile at someone first, most of the time, they will smile back, even though they don't know me. This is far easier here in Jávea than in the UK where smiling at someone you didn't know would be treated with suspicion.
Invite friends for tea or for a coffee If you are feeling down and alone, it's tempting to think you are not good company and nobody wants to be with you. But often friends and neighbours will appreciate receiving an invitation to come and spend time with you. You may be surprised to find that your neighbour or friend, who you thought hadn't got a care in the world, is also secretly lonely, and looking for a friend.
Keep in touch by phone - Having a chat with a friend or relative over the phone can be the next best thing to being with them. If you live on your own, find yourself a telephone buddy. This would be a neighbour or friend who lives nearby ringing you each morning at a pre-arranged time, letting the phone ring three times, then putting
Learn to operate a computer - You are never too old to learn the basics of a computer. It is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends, especially with grandchildren, by using a personal computer or tablet (a handheld computer). You can share eMails and photos with family and friends, have free video chats using services such as SKYPE and make new online friends or reconnect with old friends on social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter. I personally use Facebook and have made contact with friends with whom I had lost touch many years ago. It's a great way to keep in touch. I have a sister who emigrated to Australia in the 70s and I love to see all the photos and news her family post on their Facebook pages. When you have a computer the world opens up to you. Google is a search engine which can locate almost anything you can imagine. When I am preparing my sermons for Sunday mornings at the Oasis Centre, my computer is immensely helpful to locate Bible verses and references which would take me ages to find in a Bible. If my topic is Love, I ask Google for Bible references on Love, and within a second or two, they are all listed for me. A tablet computer can be especially useful if you can't get around very easily, as you can sit with it on your knee or close to hand and the screen is clear and bright. Continued on next page
to everyone who has looked after loved-ones in Spain After caring for my mother (who herself cared for my father) I have looked after some lovely people in the UK as an Agency carer. If YOU are a caring person and interested in carework in England on a 2 week on / 2 week off rota, I’d like to hear from you? Interviews and training here in Spain. For more information ring 616162324 or eMail jacqui.javea@hotmail.com
Woman to Woman
Page 22
Jan/Feb 2016
Nº 33
Continued from page 21 My iPhone has a reactive friend living inside it, called SiRi. If I question Clive (I know you find it hard to believe I could) Siri offers to help me by listing various verbal or written options.
Get involved in local community activities - Here in Jávea and surrounding areas there are a variety of activities you can get involved with. Most of the charity shops for example are always looking for additional helpers and it is a great place to meet new people and make friends. Charity shops do a great job raising money for charitable purposes and the feeling that you are helping to raise money for other people less fortunate than yourself, gives
The Changing face of Christmas
When my family arrived in Spain just before year-end in 1985, I brought with me a ‘Red Santa Suit’ created for me by one of the staff at ‘Ivy Lodge’ care home for the elderly. Having followed the lead of Mike Mahaffey, I introduced ‘Anglo Jávea Hour’ to ‘Radio Jávea, with different experts every day, some being responsible for their own output. I cannot remember all the people involved and their programmes, but I was responsible for Thursday (with Rod Cowlyn and Lisle Willis) and Sunday, On New Year’s Eve, after ‘Dining as Santa’ at the Inn on the Green, I decided to visit the RJ studios in Jávea Park to ask Pedro - on duty at the time if I could welcome listeners to the New Year in English. It wasn’t the first time I’ve disgraced myself - and likely won’t be the last - as I wished everyone ‘Feliz ano nuevo!’ not realising that año was ‘year’ but ano wished everyone ‘Happy New Bum!. Everyone who saw me as Father Christmas were startled beyond description as he’d only been seen in magazines in Spain. I was in great
great job satisfaction. There are also walking groups, knitting groups, Spanish classes, bridge clubs, quiz nights, the list is endless. Our 11am service at the Oasis Centre on a Sunday is a great place to recharge your batteries and make new friends. The congregation don't just socialise on Sunday mornings, they go for lunch together afterwards, meet for coffee and a chat during the week, and generally help each other with shopping etc. when one of the members needs help. Before I close, may we (Ann, Clive and Peter) take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a very happy and healthy New Year 2016. And don't forget, a listening ear is always here at the Oasis Centre, we are never too busy to listen. demand by the Carousel (now Roundabout) Charity Shop to take presents to disabled children at the Raquel Paya School in Denia, and many other venues. For many years I presented presents on Christmas Eve at the Calpe church of Pastors Leslie and Brenda Lyons, and it was only my ungloved hands which revealed my identity to their daughter Zoé, after six years. Many Jávea children receive their minor presents on Christmas Day, but it is a few days later when men representing Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar arrive in Jávea from the East by boat, and collect lists of the presents local children would like to receive. Although Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar are seen by Spaniards as Three Kings, the Bible refers to them as Wise Men (probably astrologers). As Ann Read, Senior Pastor at Jávea Evangelical Church, reminded the congregation on 3rd January, of how St. Matthew’s Gospel chapter 2, verses 113 described the occasion. Travel was tedious and dangerous (remember the story of the robbed-man who was helped by ‘The Good Samaritan’) and the Wise Men would have travelled with a Protection and Support Team of as many as 300 people, animals, tents and food. They followed the Star to find a King, and it is not surprising they went to Herod’s Palace and asked where Jesus was to be born. King Herod asked his advisers who told him Bethlehem was prophesised as the birthplace of the Messiah, but it could have been 2 years later, by the time the Wise Men visited Jesus, and an Angel warned them in a dream not to return and tell Herod they had found Jesus, but to go home by a different route. When Herod realised the Wise
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Men had tricked him, he ordered all male children under 2 years of age to be killed. Joseph and Mary got relocated to Nazareth via Egypt. The Spanish celebration of Tres Reyes falls on 6th January - 12 days after December 25th - but concentrates on the ‘Baby Jesús’, rather than the 2-year-old depicted by Saint Matthew. Spanish children hand over their lists and claim to have been obedient and studious during the previous year to senior servants of Tres Reyes who visit a few days earlier to collect the lists. Normally the servants visit the Port and Indoor Market, but no one even considers that there might be deserving children in the Arenal or Southern part of Jávea. On the evening of January 5th ("Twelfth Night") the Three Kings arrive in Jávea just as they do in almost every town and village across Spain. Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar arrived from the continents of Europe, Arabia and Africa. In the arrival boat, Tres Reyes brought presents and are met by local fishermen with baskets - not of fish - but boiled sweets. Led by the local municipal band, the entourage parade through the streets, boiled sweets being aimed both at children and their older relatives. As you would expect in a gastronomic zone, there is a local cake ‘The Roscón de Reyes’ a pastry cake on sale through local supermarkets and bakers, each of which contain two trinkets, but no one knows where. The finder of the first ‘trinket’ is crowned ‘King’ or ‘Queen’ of the meal. If your slice contains a dry bean, it falls to you to buy the cake for the event the following year. If you find a figurine of the Baby Jesús in your slice, it is local tradition that you take it to your nearest church at Candlemas (2nd February) to celebrate the presentation of Jesus at Herod’s Temple. UK children leave a glass of sherry (or whisky) and a mincepie for Santa when he delivers presents, but the Tres Reyes can only expect milk, moscatel wine and biscuits (or turrón or chalky cakes called polvorón) to await their arrival. Having seen the change in how and when presents are given in Jávea since 1985, I ponder how much longer Tres Reyes will survive foreign intervention. I hope BOTH celebrations remain equally popular. CR
Jávea Jeard Obligation to identify the tax residency of owners holding bank accounts
The international exchange of information on financial matters is an instrument to verify the fulfillment of tax obligations of taxpayers by the tax authorities. On 1st January 2016 Decree 1021/2015 of November 13th came into force by which certain institutions are obliged to identify the tax residency of the owners that have control of financial accounts. This new legislation establishes that banks (financial institutions: depository institutions, custodial institutions or investment institutions) that are resident in Spain and branches of non-resident institutions in Spain that are located in that territory will have to provide certain information. Banks will have to start providing information in 2017 with information relating to 2016. Such entities are obliged to identify the tax residence of the persons holding ownership of financial accounts. If the entities have recorded in their files an
All work undertaken by Qualified legal
Jan/Feb 2016
address of the account holder, they could consider the tax residency in the country in which the address is located. However, if they have no information concerning addresses, they will review all data susceptible of any evidence to find out the country of tax residency. Furthermore, when the holders of financial accounts are tax residents in States of the European Union or in States where there is an agreement on the exchange of financial account information, the entities should provide the following information regarding the financial accounts: Name, residence address and tax identification number of the account holders. Date and place of birth if the account holders are natural persons. The account numbers. Name and tax identification number of the financial institution forced to perform communication. The balance of the account on the 31 December (in the case of life insurances, the cash value or surrender value). Closure of the accounts shall be also reported. In cases of custody accounts and deposit accounts, the report of interests earned or paid in relation to assets of the accounts must be provided to the Tax Authorities annually in the manner determined by the Minister of Finance and Public Administration. We hope this information is useful and should you have any additional question, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Tradesmen
Trevor Simmons and Co.
By law, all workmen should be legal. Clients can be fined if illegal workers are used.
trevmsimmons@gmail.com
Phone: +34 965 792 015 E-mail: info@lextax.es Our offices are at Carrer d’Avall 31, 03730 Jávea. We can be contacted by telephone if you call 96 579 2015 or if you have internet access our website is: www.lextax.es
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Jávea police investigate Poison Trail
Jávea police collected samples of a white powder which appeared on the path that climbs from Jávea to the windmills above Puchol, uncertain if it was poison for pets, or a narcotic that dropped out of a bag or packet when a walker rested. A group of hikers followed a trail of white powder on the path leading up from the Puchol to the former windmills. There were about 20 piles, strategically scattered in different parts of the path, so hikers decided to notify the local police. The powder - nothing more harmless than flour used in baking bread and cakes, was thought to have been laid with malice with the intent of poisoning pets, and wildlife. One of the most common is 'Strychnine' used against rodents and birds and “may cause effects on the central nervous system, resulting in convulsions, muscle contractions, and respiratory failure. Exposure may result in death”, as stated in the product sheet at the National Institute for Safety and Health at Work. As soon as the municipal police were aware of the concerns of walkers/hikers they immediately collected samples of powder, and opened an investigation to determine whether it is a poisonous product, or a trick of hooligans. Jávea municipal police transferred samples to a local pharmacy to analise the components. Their response may seem extreme, but in Gata de Gorgos and Pedreguer the pesticide, aldicarb, has been distributed and seems an easy poison to obtain. The Guardia Civil have recently reported numerous cases of evenenados baits (chunks of meat or sausage) to attract pets that - when ingested - causes death.
SPOTLIGHT on JÁVEA PEOPLE
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Jan/Feb 2016
Nº 33
This column is all about the people in our community and their everyday lives and connections to the area of Jávea. Last month we turned on the Spotlight and featured a local fisherman named Delphin who spoke of his profession as a Moroccan fisherman and how his life changed when bad weather conditions forced his boat to dock in Puerto Motril, Spain. After deciding to jump ship he spent several months looking around the ports for work as a fisherman, but everybody said no, until he found, Jávea, a place where he was given the chance and where his fortunes then changed. Last summer my attention was drawn to the amount of newspaper and magazine articles drawing attention to the risks of skin cancer. The messages from each article was that if we did not use a high factor sun lotion when out and about in the summer or winter sun we could be potentially increasing our own risk of developing this skin disease. The articles contained plenty of sound
advice about skin protection but I also wondered how many of us consider the potential threat of general eye diseases or eye degeneration that can be caused by receiving too much Ultra Violet (UV) radiation from the sun? The spotlight this month focuses on Xavier Sesé, a local optician, who agreed to talk to us about the importance of having routine eye tests and how simple tests can detect the early signs of disease. He also said his pet hate are “cheap sun glasses” and explains why it is important to avoid these and only wear approved or prescription sun glasses with UV coated lenses. Xavier was born and raised in Pedreguer and while at school he toyed with the idea of working in the tourist industry. He liked the idea of working with people but shortly before leaving school for University he was advised by a peer to study optometry where he realised this type of work would interest him more. His illusion was to one day own a business where he could provide an important service that would enable him to help others on a longer term basis. In 1991, Xavier left school and went on to study at Alicante University where for four years he studied Maths, English, Chemistry, Optometry and Technology, the latter interested him immensely because it covered topics of modern methods of eye testing and how lenses for spectacles and contacts were designed and manufactured. He recalls spending about ten hours each day on studying and although it was hard graft he knew that one day he would become a qualified professional. Towards the end of his studies and during the last year of completing his exams, Xavier found a part time job assisting an optician in the port. This job provided him with the practical experience he required to complete his exams. In 1995, the final day came when he graduated after passing his exams and the opticians in the port offered Xavier full time working hours to gain more experience until he found a placement as a qualified optician. Within 6 months he was offered a
Written by Ian Amer
who acknowledges and thanks Linda Jennings as Interpreter and Translator
position as an optician in Tenerife where he worked for two years. On a visit back home he and his family visited Jávea for a day out where he found a vacant shop in the port. He looked at the shop and
Jávea Jeard
realised that here was an opportunity for him to start his own optical business and so in 1998, Visión Duanes in the Port, was born.
Xavier talked me through his eye test routines and showed me the different types of equipment used in an eye examination. For the purpose of demonstrating the machines to me,
Xavier asked his colleague Rebeca, also a qualified optician, to help him demonstrate to me how the machines worked. An eye test usually takes about fifteen minutes to complete but choosing the frames can take a little longer because there is a wide selection of frames on offer from famous brands like Gucci, Armani, Rayban and Prada, on his racks. Like most opticians, Xavier conducts various tests during a general examination but first he must ask his customer a few questions about their lifestyle as this information provides him with an idea of the person’s visual needs.
Once Xavier has the information he will begin the eye examination where the customer is comfortably seated on a Non-Contact Tonometer machine. The customer is asked to rest their chin on the machine’s chin support strap and to focus on a small beam of light. While focused on the light Xavier operates the machine that blows a few puffs of air into each eye and as the air bounces Continued on next page
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Spotlight on Jávea people Continued from previous page
back into the machine a pressure reading is taken. This test is one of the most important because if the pressure reading is too high it might indicate early signs of glaucoma which if left untreated could become a threat to one’s eyesight. Xavier explained that glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which develop slowly over a long period of time where the optic nerve becomes damaged, giving loss of vision. The developing disease is painless and so the customer is often unaware of it until the disease is detected by the optician. If detected early enough the disease can be slowed down using eye drops although in most severe cases special laser surgery is often required. For the next test he uses a small machine called an Autorefractor where an electronic measurement of how well your eyes are focusing is taken and an approximate prescription is printed out. If the customer wears glasses and does not have the previous prescription with them, Xavier will use a focimeter, which reads the prescription from the existing spectacle lenses or contact lenses. This information is important to the optician as the differences between the old and the new prescriptions can be compared. Using a Retina Scope, the customer is asked to look ahead at a fixed point while a bright white light is shone into the back of the eyes. The light that bounces back from the retina will indicate to the optician if you are short or far sighted. This test is very useful when examining young children or for people who find communication difficult. Another technique for an optician is to use an Opthalmoscope which is a hand-held device where a bright light is shone into the eye. The optician can look at the blood vessels among a few other things which are checked to make sure there are no abnormalities. This test can detect customers with high blood pressure and diabetes. Macular Degeneration can also be diagnosed in this way which again is a painless disease but can cause you to lose central vision in both eyes. Xavier said he diagnoses this condition more in older people and has recently had to make a few priority referrals to other eye specialists at the hospital to begin urgent treatment. Unfortunately, there are no cures for this disease but it can be slowed down. The symptoms of this disease can be finding it difficult to gain a focus on the faces of people where they appear to be a little fuzzy, or colours are no longer as bright. If you
Jan/Feb 2016
are experiencing these types of symptoms, Xavier recommends that you visit an optician. Xavier also said that the cornea, iris, and the lens are checked for abnormalities or scratches during an eye examination which again is another painless test. These tests are important because the optician can detect early signs of cataract. Cataract disease is when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or shows a milky appearance but once detected the treatment can begin immediately with eye drops until the cloudiness of the eye becomes such that laser surgery is required. The Binocular Test is another
simple test which tests if the eyes are working together. The customer focuses on a fixed point and a cover paddle is placed over each eye in turn. When the cover is removed the optician looks at how quickly the eyes re-adjust, early signs of lazy eye or stigmatism can be diagnosed from this test. After completing all the tests the customer is then asked to sit on a Phoropter, which is a machine that allows the customer to wear the biggest set of spectacles I have ever seen. This machine is used by the optician to finetune your lenses prescription making your vision much sharper. Once your prescription has been made up the optician will help you choose the right type of lenses for your vision. There are different types of lenses that you may be offered, starting with Single Vision lenses which are made for either short, middle or long distance seeing. Bifocal lenses have a fine line half way up the lens. Above the line and the vision is good for long distance whereas below is for the shorter distance viewing. Varifocals lenses accommodate short, middle and long distance all in one lens. I then chatted to Xavier about his thoughts on purchasing cheap sun glasses from the cheaper retail outlets and his concerns were immediate. In his view the sun glasses we see on display in these cheaper stores should be banned as they are very dangerous and should be avoided. The reason is that these sun glasses consist only of dark
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plastic or dark glass lenses which do not have any UV filter coatings. The UV filter coatings found in more expensive or prescription sun glasses are designed to protect the eyes by blocking out some of the harmful UV radiation from the sun. The pupil of an eye is like the lens on a camera, less light and it opens up to allow more light in, allowing us to see more. If we experience too much light the pupil reduces in size allowing less light into the eye. Without sun glasses our eyes can naturally reduce the amount of light by forcing us to squint but for many we prefer to see clearly and so we opt for using sun glasses. Ironically it is far more healthy for us to squint than to wear the cheap sun glasses because all we are doing is casting a shadow over our eyes allowing the pupil to increase in size. With this increase comes more light which allows higher doses of UV radiation to come steaming in through the uncoated and unprotected lenses and into the back of our eyes. Excessive UV radiation from bright sunlight can over a period of time cause spots to form on the eye and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. Do not be fooled into thinking that even when the sun is partially covered by cloud we are safe from UV radiation. We are constantly being bombarded by UV radiation and so living in a country like Spain where the sun light is far stronger than the UK, we should always remember to wear a pair of good quality sun glasses with lenses that have UV coating protection. Whether you are out in the summer or the winter sun always be aware of the possible dangers lurking when wearing sun glasses without UV filters, especially with young children who I have often seen wearing these cheaper types of sun glasses. Too much exposure to the sun can make us feel nauseas and dehydrated, the symptoms of too much sun exposure to the eyes can range from mild to severe headaches, pains at the back of the eyes, black spots in our vision, nausea and spells of dizziness. This month Visión Duanes would like you to know about their promotion on their single vision lenses with antireflection (not to be confused with UV coating for sun glasses) and scratch resistant coatings set in a standard range frame from as little as €89.00. For more information regarding your Eye Care and staying safe in the sun we advise you to talk further with your own optician or call Xavier at Visión Duanes on 965-794-465. Both are equally true about life in Jávea,
The WAR AND PEACE connection to Jávea
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Jan/Feb 2016
Nº 33
Whether or not we read ‘War and Peace’ by Nicolai Tolstoy was probably a dividing choice of one’s life. Regarded as one of ‘The Classics’ many readers, as they view the new ITV series, may be unaware that Jávea had its own Tolstoy connection. Dimitri and his wife Natalie came to live in the Portichol area of Jávea, during which Dimitri compiled the Geneaology of the Tolstoy family (published by Clive and Ann Read’s A2Z publications) and when Dimitri ceased his earthly life, his widow relocated to Bon Repos (now Bon Retir) home for the elderly on the outskirts of Jávea. The son of Dimitri and Natalie, inherited the title but his wife (the Countess Alexandra) chose Russian Oligarth Sergei Pugachev, worth around 1.3£billion and referred to as ‘Putin’s Banker’. Sergei has been estranged from his wife for 10 years and went with the child’s mother to register the birth.
The two met when Shamil was the guide on the Countess’ 5000 mile trek along the Silk Road across Asia after she graduated from Edinburgh University. Cossacks are horsemen of the Russian steppe, famous for their bravery in battle. They fell in love and married in London in 2003.
QUEEN DRAWS MORE CHRISTMAS VIEWERS
7.2million viewers (more than Downton Abbey and Strictly) turned to watch THE Queen described the joy of family life and watching her great grandchildren help decorate her Christmas tree in a seasonal message of love and hope to the nation and Commonwealth today. The Queen's speech gave tribute to ISIS victims and celebrated Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Surrounded by photographs of her loved ones in the 18th Century Room at Buckingham Palace with a decorated
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fireplace and Christmas tree in the background, she took pride in the birth of her fifth great grandchild Princess Charlotte, now seven months old. The 89-year-old monarch also made a light-hearted reference to her approaching 90th birthday in April, acknowledging that national celebrations might mean she has to listen to Happy Birthday more than once. After a year dominated by headlines of war, terror attacks, and those fleeing conflict, she acknowledged the world has faced moments of darkness in the past year. The Queen took solace in the Bible and described Christmas as a time to be thankful. Fuelled by her deep Christian faith, she sent a message of light triumphing over dark. Three months after surpassing her great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria, as Britain’s longest reigning monarch, she recalled her ancestors’ influence on our Christmas traditions and displayed a 19th century image of Victoria and Prince Albert around a candle-lit tree. She said: “At this time of year, few sights evoke more feelings of cheer and goodwill than the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree.” The Christmas message of Prince Charles had been released a few hours earlier. The Queen referred to a visit earlier on Christmas morning and reminded “it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” The monarch, wore a white and silver tweed day dress by her personal assistant and clothes designer Angela Kelly, and confided: “One of the joys of living a long life is watching one's children, then grandchildren, then great grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree with special treats. This year my family has a new member to join in the fun," she said. Who can doubt that William will like his father - be a King in waiting?
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can meet your EVERY printing need from personal and business stationery, canvas (framed) prints and T and Polo shirts and 1€ cards that no one else supply. Tel:
603 513 702
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHFULNESS
Jávea Jeard
Carl Barclay has told us of an unwelcome crimininal development: “David Reeve at Neighbourhood Watch has recieved reports of the following criminal activity:1. In the Campo areas criminals are removing the fuses from electrictiy boxes to check if the people are at home or away. If fuses are not replaced the house is ‘ripe’ to be robbed. 2. Perimeter fences are being cut, again to test if people are home or away. 3. Thieves are stealing water meter doors. Now there is a second phase to these activities; thieves are cutting through the mains (black) water pipes and removing the metal taps / pipes and meter. If you know your neighbours are away just check the fuse box or check lights come on, be vigilant and report to the police (112) any suspicious vehicles (vans), people or persons posing as water company workers.
Geoff has a home in Jávea but warns of airborn harm to our lives
Jan/Feb 2016
Geoff lives in the 'Fens of England' and says many deaths are thought to have been caused by inhalation of sprays used on crops. He said no one seems to want to know and no investigation has ever taken place that he knows of. “I have known several people including friends that have passed away with 'unusual' cancers. Most have been farmers or involved with the farming world. In the 'old days' no one said anything about wearing masks when spraying and of course the danger was all around them” he wrote. Even properties in the near vacinity would receive spray especially if the wind was in that direction. Why has it taken SO LONG for these facts to be established as we have known them for several years. I am sure I have a residual amount in my body as my father always used it to control pests. We then ingested the poison in the food which had been sprayed. Wake up 'world' and check on sprays before more people die without need. G Spinks.
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Casa Segura Locksmiths
Securing your valuable possessions from theft is a problem for us all. Unfortunately ordinary locks just wait silently for thieves to come along. Lock Alarm is different as it has an ear piercing alarm. Attempt to cut through the lock and the alarm screams, attracting attention and scaring away the potential thief! So why risk using an ordinary lock when Police say noise is the best deterrent.Use a Lock Alarm and the next time a thief comes along everyone will hear them! Lock Alarm - Lock it! Alarm it! We take lock-out situations seriously and respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need an emergency service, phone your LOCAL EXPERT. Carl Barclay 659 853 645 www.locksmithspain.net
Pool Problems?
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Jan/Feb 2016
Nº 33
New pumps, filters, lights, timers etc. Filter sand changes, coronation repairs and re-grouts
Same day call out and fix for filters and pumps in Jávea area Free no obligation quotes
All equipment supplied with a written guarantee
625 397 209 Tel:
I died today
You got tired of me and took me to the shelter. They were overcrowded and I drew an unlucky number. I am now in a black plastic bag in a landfill. Some other puppy will get the barely used leash you left. My collar was dirty and too small, but the lady took it off before she sent me to the Rainbow Bridge . Would I still be at home if I hadn't chewed your shoe? I didn't know what it was, but it was leather, and it was on the floor. I was just playing. You forgot to get puppy toys. Would I still be at home if I had been housebroken? Rubbing my nose in what I did only made me ashamed that I had to go at all. There are books and obedience teachers that would have taught you how to teach me to go to the door. Would I still be at home if I hadn't brought fleas into the house? Without anti-flea medicine, I couldn't get them off me after you left me in the yard for days. Would I still be at home if I hadn't barked? I was only saying, "I'm scared, I'm lonely, I'm here, I'm here! I want to be your friend." Would I still be at home if I had made you happy? Hitting me didn't make me learn how. Would I still be at home if you had taken the time to care for me and to teach manners to me? You didn't pay attention to me after the first week or so, but I spent all my time waiting for you to love me. I died today. Love, Your Puppy
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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
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Generalitat says it intends to honour previous broken promise to Jávea for Swimming Pool
Jávea Mayor José Chulvi, has won support from the Valencia Government to honour the promise of their predecessors to fund construction of a Municipal Piscina (public swimming pool) in the 2017 budget. The public expects nothing less than the heated and covered pool in neighbouring Benitachell. The commitment was given to Chulvi by Director General of Local Government, Toni Such, in a visit to Jávea Townhall. Chulvi appeared before reporters along with veteran socialist deputy, former Mayor of Alcantara Xuquer (Ribera Alta), at a meeting in which the now Head of Municipal Policy in the regional government took up the gauntlet of historical claims that if Jávea funded a ‘fronton’ court (which they did), the Generalitat would build a Municipal swimming pool. He insisted on the battered regional finances and the huge debt that has left ‘mismanagement’ of the PP, estimated at 40,000 million €uros.
The Mayor said the first of demands is construction of the swimming pool and recalled the agreement signed in 2005 for each to pay for needed sport facilities “It was an agreement between two governments and both sides insist the regional obligation be honoured in the 2017 regional accounts. The Mayor said he also had concerns about the state of Graüll College, another historical claim, and infrastructure (such as the widening of the Gata, or Port roads) and has a pending appointment with the Regional Minister José Maria Salvador. As indicated in the accounts of 2016 José Chulvi said he gave "priority to the care of people" and had increased the Law Unit and Health and Education, and believes that past shortcomings would be rectified in 2016. In terms of infrastructure, budgets for 2016 only collected works already executed and completed throughout the Region. The Government had been unable to include new works, due to lack of funds and the need to fund other projects, including the entrance to Alicante on the Avenida de Dénia. Something similar has happened in the Ministry of Education and Culture, who reported few days ago, that investments in 2016 of 43 million €uros were to pay works already made: such as the Auditorium Teulada, or new schools of Teulada and Benissa, among other educational and cultural spaces opened during the last legislature or before. For its part, the CEO, publicly congratulated the Jávea executive for its ‘excellent management’ and defined Jávea as an “exemplary Townhall as regards financial
When it’s URGENT
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Jan/Feb 2016
Oasis Help Centre open 10-2
C/. Toni Llido 5 (in Port) behind La Caixa bank.
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sustainability and delivery of public services” while it has guaranteed the special support of the Council for those administrations working for transparency in the management and implementation of new technologies. THE BIGGER THEY ARE . . . Jávea diving enthusiast Rab Ronaldson took on the ‘system’ after his mother had paid for travel insurance which the insurer failed to honour. But let him tell the story in his own words: “After 19 months of lots of eMails, phone calls and never giving up, arguing my point finally got somewhere. Some will remember my mother was taken very ill on holiday in Mallorca and was on life support for 3 days, anyway all good now. “The insurance company that covered her would not pay and sent my mum a bill of 22,000€. I took on the private hospital and insurance company. “An eMail from the Ombudsman quoted: This is quite a high profile decision as it impacts on the way in which insurance is sold online generally. “So when it comes to insurance never give up.” Received via ‘Facebook’
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Jávea Jeard
Jan/Feb 2016, Nº 33
It ain’t arf ‘ot (or cold) Mum
depending whether you refer to the humidity in the Summer or wind, cold and wet of the Winter. Most had accepted the fact that the UK Winter Fuel Allowance would no longer be paid to those in Spain, but various points of view have been expressed on Social Media, raising the option that ‘all may not be lost’. It seems 2015-16 Winter Fuel Payments would no longer be payable to individuals who live in countries with an average Winter temperature higher than the warmest region of the UK. Winter fuel payments exist to help pensioners meet the cost of heating their homes in the Winter. A recent European Court judgement indicates that more people living in Europe can now claim a Winter Fuel Payment, which has increased the cost of paying Winter Fuel Payments outside of the UK by around £30 million a year. Legislation for this change still needs to be put before the UK Parliament, with the cost of the European Court judgement, in a future budget statement. The proposed ‘temperature link’would affect people in seven territories: Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Spain. A DWP analysis last July estimated the temperature rule could result in around 132,000 people no longer being entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment in the first year of implementation (2015-16) and would result in savings of around £30 million a year from 2015-16 onwards. The DWP analysis failed to explain how the list of territories was arrived at, nor has there been any official statement on the methodology chosen and the data used. According to a BBC report shortly after the Spending Round announcement, the list was compiled by the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, which analysed which countries were warmer on average between November and March than the South West of England the warmest part of the UK. It used a data set from the last 29 years. Politicians began ‘digging a hole’
for themselves, on 9th September when Sir Roger Gale asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, which French tropical overseas territories were included in his Department's average temperature calculations in respect of Winter Fuel Payments to expatriate UK citizens living in the EU member states. Steve Webb responded “From 201516 Winter Fuel Payments will no longer be payable to individuals in countries where the average Winter temperature is warmer than the warmest region of the UK (South-West England). The Government has worked with the Met Office to analyse comparable Winter temperature data across all EEA countries. The Met Office used recognised administrative regions for each country. For France this was the 27 regions, including French Guyana, Guadeloupe, La Reunion, Martinique and Mayotte. It does not include the French overseas territories, which are not part of the EEA. The inclusion of French Overseas Departments (but not its overseas territories) may explain why France is included on the list but Italy is not. This is a pretty arbitary way of calculating average temperatures, clearly designed to exclude as many people as possible from claiming WFA, but constant threat of Brits selling up in Spain so that they can move to the (cold and wet) of the UK and qualify for WFA is nothing more than an unhelpful redherring. The Winter weather in Spain is often enjoyable from 11 till 4 on a sunny day, but it drops drastically after that and that isn't reflected in any charts. It's worse to have it hot in the day and then to drop down from 23 in the sun to 4 at night. Most ‘non-new’ properties in Spain have very cold ceramic tiles and the windows and doors that let in draughts. It makes no difference having cool tiles in the temperatures of up to 45/47 degrees in the Summer either. Fans just blow round warm air and old folk can't afford to have the cold air-con on in expensive times, only during the night on off-peak tariff, for those who choose it. Mould on the walls is a good
indication of the need for a heating allowance and butano portable room heaters are often cited as the cause, but it is more likely to be the fact that Spanish homes do not have ventilation bricks as part of their construction. Existing mould can be removed with neat bleach (applied using thick rubber gloves), but removes only the visual evidence, not the actual spoors. Having double glazing and then drying clothes indoors plus the use of a propane/butane fire (the bye-products of which include water vapour) are certainly the cause of the mould. One man with a painting business said Selexine does the job and prevents mould from returning. It smells of mushrooms when you open the tin. Wonder how long it will be before the Jávea ferrets start stocking it? Villa owners have the option of changing their fire to one that burns wood pellets, in bags that cost around 3€uros a bag to warm a two-storey house, but there is no such option for apartment owners or renters. During 2015, many families decided to return from Jávea where there are minimal care facilities and no benefits unless provided through one of the charities established by non-Spaniards. In these years of zero interest from Spanish banks, many are worried their money may ‘run out’ before their heart and health, and many think it best to remain under the radar. Many who came to Jávea - like me for the improved year-round climate exchanged fitted carpets, insulated cavity walls and ceilings, for homes with cold tiled floors. These thoughts cannot be devoid from the Britex campaign for the UK to cease being part of the European Union, which is based on National Sovereignty. I’ve never seen it stated how much it would cost the UK purse IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT that Spain closed her gates to Brits (which it wouldn’t anyway) - it is always looking at its own economy and ignoring Brussel’s decision it finds unpalatable. Pensioners would go right to the top of the housing list, costing a ton more money to keep us back there then leave us out here with WFL and reciprocal healthcare it needs to reimburse to Spain. It is widely expected - because the EU Court has said so - that WFA will continue to be payable to Brits living abroad in a country where the average Winter temperature is lower than the highest temperature in the UK. This is 5.6°C. There has been a huge increase in applications for Spanish Nationality, but the waiting list is 2 years, and includes a test of the Spanish language, culture, history and Constitution. Wonder what they will do - where will they send - Spaniards who don’t meet the grade?
Jávea Jeard
INTERNATIONAL POSTCODE PREFIXES TO SPEED YOUR LETTERS Albania Andorra Austria Belgium Bulgaria Canada Chech Republic Croacia Cyprus Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Liechttenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Monaco Netherlands Norway Poland Roumania Russia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine United Kingdom United State of America Vatican
AL AND AT BE BG CA CZ HR CY DK EW FI FR DE GBZ GR H IS IE IT FL LT LU MK M MC NL NO PT R RUS SK SL E SE CH TR UA GB US V
Example: GB - SN13 9SW
JÁVEA’S TAYLOR GETS BEST PHYS. ED. RESULT IN SPAIN’S IGCSE
Jan/Feb 2016 2016 ,
Rafalet’s Taylor F. Brown has won the highest IGCSE exam result in the whole of Spain for Physical Education. Taylor and her parents recognise the coaching received from Steve Kirby. Currently Taylor is in Edinburgh College, (according to her Facebook page) as part of a programme aimed at Developing Sporting Performance. When we shone the Jávea Jeard spotlight on Taylor, she was playing football with Valencia Ladies, but is now signed with Stirling WFC, on loan to Hutchinson Vale FC, a senior nonleague football club based in the East of Edinburgh, who are members of the East of Scotland Football League and play in the Premier Division. In August Taylor plans to move to the USA on a University scholarship. In the meantime she is enduring 12 sessions a week to keep herself fit, healthy and ready for the challenge ahead in the USA. Taylor is an inspiration to all young people to AIM HIGH and keep your eye on the TARGET.
Social and Domestic Care
In the safety and comfort of your own home
Telephone Christina
692 504 281or eMail:
diamondserviceses@gmail.com
We will remember them
Nothing could be worse than being asked about the health of your spouse, by someone who is unaware they have recently died. We have reintroduced to Jávea Jeard a public
service we created when we founded Jávea Grapevine. If you would the name of a loved-one (or friend) included, please phone 669 386 702.
Nº 33
Page
When you need domestic support - you need ShareCare
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
Short Term - Long Term One-off Call - Emergencies
WHATEVER THE CAUSE Motherhood - Bereavement - Divorce - Accident - Injury Surgery - Serious Health Diagnosis - Debilitating Illness - Loneliness Isolation - Depression - Caring Full-time Working - Relocating
Reliable and Practical support on a flexible, cost-effective basis
Cheryl Brown on 693 551 107 info@sharecareonline.co.uk www.sharecareonline.co.uk
Jávea Duty Chemist 24h Each 24h period of duty starts at 9am
Antonio Marín 96 646 1954 Avda. Augusta 30 (Rear of Mercadona Pla) Concepción Rodrigo Gasque Avenida Colomer 3 Consuelo Espinós 96 579 1801 Plaza de la Iglesa 11 (Town) Belchi-Cholbi 96 579 1099 Ronda Colón 4 (Town) Amparo Marsal 96 579 1955 Avda. Juan Carlos I, 33 Isabel Garcés 96 579 1520 C/. Sevilla 1, (Port) 96 579 3839 Paz Uriol Avenida de la Libertad (Arenal-Playa) Juanna Ripoll 97 577 0900 Ctra La Nao (Cala Blanca) Salome Martinez 96 646 2545 Avenida Lepanto 12 (Port) Rosa Maria Pérez 96 646 353 Ctra. Cabo La Nao Pla, 126 (Arenal) Antonio Almodóvar 96 646 3994 Plaza Joanot Martorell 5, Av. Amanecer Lydia Gil 96 646 3142 Avda, Fontana 21 (Club de Tenis) Ana Lillo 96 646 3947 Avda. de Palmela 16 (Southern By-Pass) Vicente Salort 96 647 1133 Ctra la Nao Pla 165 (Barclays Roundabout)
Jan. 11,24
12,25
13,26
1,14,27
2,15,28
Feb. 20
March 4,17,30
8,21
19
7
9,22
10,23
5,18,31 6
7,20
3,16,29
11,24
8,21
5,18,31
13,26
10,23
2,15,28
12,25
4,17,30
12,25
6,19
1,14,27
8,21
3,16,29
7,20
9,22 23
10
4,17
5,18
6,19
9,22
11,24
13,26
1,14,27
2,15,28
3,16,29
We are grateful to Antonio MarÌn (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: R0300542H) 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 50,000 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 and framed canvas prints.