MOST JÁVEA SUMMER RENTALS 1€ EXEMPT FROM ENERGY LAW
The Magazine ABOUT and FOR Jávea - that you can hold in your hand
Nº 2
AEverW
There was spontaneous applause at the seminar convened by Deputy Mayor and XD Councillor Oscar Anton, when Jávea Notary, Juan Luis Millet Sancho said - in his opinion - dwellings that were let for periods of less than four continuous months were exempt from a new ‘Energy Certification Law’ (EPC), that comes into effect on 1st June. Unsurprisingly, two ‘Energy Experts’ disagreed and said it was the ‘Spirit’ of the Law that needed to be observed, and not the ‘Letter’. things political in Jávea When the experts, Juan Vicente Catala and Paco Vives Townhall is Finance, Contracts and relations with were asked “What’s it going Foreign residents. 90% of the to cost?” they were unable to meeting was in Spanish (yes, I say. It was like a Brian Rix know we’re in Spain) but ‘Whitehall Farce’. Asked who surely - Environment was qualified to inspect Councillor Doris Courcelles houses and issue Certificates, would have been more it seems as if it is restricted to appropriate, or Cesc Architectural Engineers - the Camprubi (both PSOE) very people who are ‘feeling councillors, whose remit is the pinch’ from the collapse of New Technologies and Citizen Spain’s construction industry. Participation. The meeting had been A large part of the convened and promoted on example forms Paco Vives Facebook by Oscar Anton, but ‘walked-us-through’ on a I never understood why he large screen, seemed to rely was there, as his ‘remit’ for on unscientific guesswork with ‘estimated’ being the most common reason for a particular measurement. All properties offered for sale after 1st June MUST have an Energy Performance Certificate, which will rate a property on a scale of A to G (just like your refrigerator). The Inspection will We could have called measure heat retention and this local magazine loss, related to outer walls, HAVVYER HEARD, floor, roof space, lights, but we thought Jávea windows, doors, aircon units, Jeard would confirm white goods and solar panels, recommending where our light-hearted improvements (and savings in attitude to the serious energy costs) could be made. political and economic When I spoke to the problems in Spain, and Notary afterwards he said “I their effect on Jávea. am reassessing my opinion” -
What’s in a name?
May 2013
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Oscar Anton, Juan Luis Millet, Juan Vicente Catala and Paco Vives no doubt aware that the two Some estate agencies seem to engineers on his left would be insisting on an EPC to keep still be short of work if they properties on their books. I relied only on inspecting and wonder if any of them, just certifying properties in Jávea happen to “know a man who for which there was a buyer. can”? CR
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Jávea Jeard
Wot is were?
May 2013, Nº 2
Page 2
Advertising rates . 4, 13 & 15 Agenda 21 updates . . 17 AMJASA silence continues 13 & 15 . 7 Another year has passed Antonio Torres takes leader’s oath 12 Asset Law repeal sought . 21 Autotine remapping & gassing . 22 . . 7 Baking a Cake . Balbi’s the man to contact . 6 Bar Picoteo (Diego & Julie) . 24 Beniconnect . . . 3 Bernard Rourke book-signing . 9 Cancel phones on the internet . 23 Carl Barclay security . . 17 Charity shop cancer success . 18 Coral Anniversary concert . 14 Contents . . . 2 Currencies Direct 4 You . . 18 David McMullan’s two books . 10 Democracy and Transparency 5 - 6 Energy Certificate surprise , 1 Phone top-ups . . . 7 British Consulate moves, , 3 From Us 2 U . . . 3 Funeral Plan planwriter . . 4 Golden Leaves funeral plans , 14 Hamiltons sell and rent . . 24 Health care for early retirees . 17 Lee Hodges ‘Straight Talking’ . 14 Living Will in Spain . . 17 Local messenger service . 9 Marina Alta Business Club . 11 Marriage age raised to 16 . 19 Monica Suarez Assist service . 16 Montgó cave discoveries . 24 Mosquito trap made at home . 22 Not right . . . 15 Passports issued from Belfast . 3 Peri Pera Bistro invitation . 14 Restaurant Azorin . . 20 Satellite fact file . . . 4 Sex, Scandal, Strife and Tapas . 16 Steve Vickery ‘ plumber + . 20 Sunday morning invitation , 7 Terrace loss is down to ‘apathy’ . 12 Thomas will get 2.300€ ear aid 8 - 9 Treating customers fairly . 14 U3A reach fresh heights. . 19 UK health rights explained . 10 UK Mags in Spain . . 19 UK trip for Spanish winners . 9 Volcanic Ash . . . 23
Jávea Jeard is published in Jávea by A2Z Publicaciones on behalf of Iglesia Grupo International de Divulgación del Evangelio (CIF: Q0300542H) at OASIS Centre, C/. Toni Llido 5, 03730
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NEW CONSULATE IN ALICANTE AND PASSPORTS ISSUED IN BELFAST
Alicante Consulate has moved … but not far: the new office is a 10 minutes walk from the old building, at Edificio Espacio Rambla Méndez Núñez 28-30 (6th floor), Alicante 03002. The Consulate in Alicante has been in its current location in the Plaza Calvo Sotelo since 1979. The move to new premises was justified (by a UK Government that urges us to send back our bus passes) to support the nearly 300,000 residents and 3.5 million tourists who visit the region each year. It is one of the busiest Consulates in the world, helping British nationals who have been hospitalised, arrested or suffered a bereavement, as well as issuing Emergency Travel Documents to people whose passports have been stolen so they can return home. It is the only local location where Brits - wanting to have a Civil Marriage in their adopted country - can have their ‘Banns’ published. The cost is 80€ per person to have the ‘Banns’ pinned to the Consulate notice board, and 80€ per person for a Certificate to say that none of the people who had visited the Consulate (and seen the notice) had objected, so that’s 320€ for a couple. The move will provide a better experience for customers who ask for help, as well as a more modern, secure and efficient work space for the team. The new office will be open to the public from Monday to Friday from 08:30-13:30 and the telephone and fax numbers remain the same. British Consul, Paul Rodwell claimed: “The new Consulate will help us to better assist those who are most vulnerable, whilst offering an improved customer experience
particularly in terms of access for those with reduced mobility. Furthermore, a new open plan office will deliver a better working environment for the team and the location in the centre of Alicante with excellent access to public transport links, means that those who need to find us can do so easily.” Information on the new location of the Consulate, and how the Consulate can help, can be found on the new government website. British nationals are advised to call 96 521 60 22 before journeying to the office, as most queries can be resolved over the phone.
Brits in Spain Passport Rip-Off Hot on the heels of news that the British Consulate in Alicante has relocated, despite having spent 10 million Euros on renovations around 10 years ago on the offices they are now leaving, comes news that ALL applications for British Passports of those living in Spain must use NEW FORM OS/01 and send it to BELFAST. The cost of applications to Belfast is £147.86 (that equates to 173€ unchanged from the new fee announced on 6th April). The cost to a person resident in the UK, for a UK Passport is £72.50. When we asked why the cost in Alicante was DOUBLE the cost in the UK, we were told that Passport applicants had to fund the entire Consulate expenditure. Perhaps, if more couples paid for their ‘Banns’ to be published, it would reduce the cost of Passports for the rest of us.
Jávea Jeard
From us 2 U
May 2013, Nº 2
Page 3
We hoped you would like Jávea Jeard, but didn’t expect as many encouraging remarks as we’ve received. We were surprised how many people were able to pronounce our title, as soon as they saw it. We need to correct a misunderstanding: we have NOT replaced Jávea Grapevine, which is still published each month, but has moved to ‘online’ publication, and we wish it well. It’s able to make greater use of colour, now it is not putting ink to paper. Our April edition (we didn’t call it Nº 1 - because we didn’t know there would be a Nº 2 - but this is it) was a ‘freebie’ and proved the demand for a Jávea news magazine that can be held in the hands, turning pages backwards and forwards.
Copies are available from businesses supporting us with donations. We are grateful to those who have said “We don’t expect it for nothing” so we have followed their lead, and introduced the concept of a voluntary donation of 1€. You can still collect a copy from our Oasis Help Centre (address page 2) and hope those who find it worth reading, will consider it worth a donation. All donations support the Oasis Help Centre, established by Javea Evangelical Church (see page 7) to be where people can find help, when and where they need it.
Let you to the Airport Alicante or Valencia
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Pick-up/Drop-off points Aparthotel Pinosol, Saladar, Quicksave Arenal, Consum, Dolphin roundabout, Montgo Rte. C/. Toni Llido 5 BOOK HERE, at the (behind La Caixa bank) Tel: 96 646 3707 or 669 386 702
Jávea Jeard May 2013, Nº 2
Page 4
Satellite Fact File
Troubleshooting this month and IPTV to look forward to, next time I write
Signals covering the UK national stations BBC 1, 2, 3 and 4, ITV 1, 2, 3 and 4, Channel 4 and Five etc have improved greatly since the end of February, bringing a rash of advertisements for much smaller satellite dishes.
You can now be supplied with a complete system including digital receiver for 400 €uros, which on-theface-of-it looks good value, but items in my post bag suggest quite a few people are far from satisfied by the reception performance they’ve experienced.
Along with Peter and Geoff we have been called out to quite a few of these installations, which is quite odd, as they are all supposed to be 'Under Guarantee'!
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These are typical of what we have found: several of the satellite dishes supplied, although measuring one metre have been of very, very poor quality and flimsy to say the least, (the best we came across was made by Famaval and described as ‘High Gain’) along with fixing brackets that again leave much to be desired. Examining how the wall brackets are mounted/fixed to the wall, all number of combinations have been viewed, with little concern as to what they are drilling into, often hollow blockies (after a few weeks the whole assembly goes loose!) when very poor performance is the result. It is possible to use bolts that expand into the hollow blocks, making it impossible for the unit to work loose, (we use them all the time), and are economically priced, giving both the client and us a great deal of satisfaction - and guarantees a happy customer!
Moving on, the next quite regular problem involves the choice of cable and often this can be a time consuming part of any installation, so why fit 'rubbish'? Surely it pays to supply something in the order of CT100 + or equivalent, after all we are dealing with a very complex signal that has to carry information containing 3D and stereo sound information etc. Bog standard cables just will not do and again must be capable of withstanding our Summer heat!
It's rather difficult to explain to someone the need for a decent quality satellite dish, when they have recently paid for what they thought would be a trouble free installation. The ability to operate using a small dish means careful attention to the final adjustments - after all, the distance between a dish and the transponder floating in the Heavens some 23,000 Km. away, calls for very careful alignment to ensure all the required channels are received at levels required to function 24/7. This is vital!
On every site visit we ensure a comparison is made between the client’s existing set of performance figures and our own Template of expected results, so we know what we are seeking to
by Richard Pollock B.Ed I.Eng. FIEEIE Consultant Electronic Engineer
Telephone: 670 362 395 (Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm)
Formerly Lecturer in RTVE at Bradford College
achieve. You probably get fed-up with me referring to the amount of money invested in top-quality test equipment that ensures client satisfaction. It has paid off handsomely over the years, and without it we could not offer a complete professional service. Maladjustment in poor weather, results in ‘fading-off’ becoming a problem. Of course a person with a 1.8 or 2.4 metre dish scores heavily in poor weather conditions or the occasional downpour of heavy rain for which Jávea is becoming well-known.
Later this year the transponders which transmit our SKY programmes will be moved to a different position. Word on the street (or should that be the roof-tiles or terraces) is that they will have a predicted 'Footprint' similar to that now enjoyed for UK National Programmes. If that proves correct it will be very good news for us in Jávea and surrounding areas, but our Southern cousins will probably loose most, if not all their signals. It will be wise to wait and see? Next month I hope to have all the latest information of the I.P.T.V services now coming onto the market. These systems rule out the need for a satellite dish (good for apartment owners!) however like everything else - there are advantages and disadvantages.
Watch this space!
Clive Read has been a GL Planwriter since May, 2005 The price of GL plans will increase, by up to 250€ at the end of May, 2013 according to goldenleaves.com Tel: 669
386 702
Democracy, Transparency and Open Government - the Jávea way
I am no stranger to conflict and confrontation, but I do hold two viewpoints I’m not shy to share. 1. I have no ambition or expectation that Jávea will have a non-Spanish Mayor, and 2. I can’t imagine there being a lady Alcaldesa - but I hope I’m proved wrong, with the BEST candidate, chosen, and happening to be female.
Why have I been so outspoken? I’ve recently been reminded that more than 50% of people who live in Jávea, and pay Townhall invoices and Hacienda taxes - that provide our infrastructure, have one uniting attribute: they are more likely to speak English than Spanish! So why are the monthloy meetings in Jávea Townhall (to which the public are invited) held in Valenciano, a language largely spoken and understood by people who were born in Jávea or other areas of Catalunya, Mallorca and - I believe - Andalucia. I’ve nothing AGAINST Valenciano - an 11-year-old boy recently told me he thought it was easier to learn than English or Spanish - but it was introduced in Jávea as a way of disenfranchising non-locals from any understanding of how decisions are made. I hear rumblings - no, I didn’t start them - that the ‘non-Javienses’ are starting to get restless, and looking to flex their muscle in preparation for the 2015 municipal elections. Let’s look at the Agenda for the April monthly meeting of Jávea’s 21 councillors:
ORDEN DEL DIA ADMINISTRATION POINT 6.1. Approval, if applicable, of the draft of minutes PLE2012/10 and PLE2012/13, corresponding to the previous ordinary sessions held on 26/07/2012 and 27/09/2012, respectively. Why did it take until April 2013 for the Secretariat to submit the Minutes (that are supposed to be a ‘snapshot’
of an event) of Jávea Councillors meeting on 26th July and 27th September 2012?
POINT 6.2. Approval of resolutions adopted by the Mayor since 22nd March 2013. Was there nothing unusual with any of the resolutions approved by the Alcalde in a month?
POINT 6.3 Resignation of Eduardo J. Monfort Bolufer as a Jávea Councillor The resignation had been in writing, with Eduardo not at the meeting, so no risk of a ‘standing ovation’ as he left.
POINT 6.4. Proposal to defer the definitive guarantee of the municipal public works concession contract, Intervention D2 (Portal del Clot Car Park) to the company ECISA, Cia General de Construcciones S.A.
FINANCE, TRADINg, HERITAgE AND HUMAN RESOUCES STANDINg COMMITTEE POINT 6.5. Decision on the rejection of the definitive referral of guarantees of the municipal public works concession contract, interventions B (Municipal Offices Building) and D/1 (Portal del Clot Car Park) to the company ECISA, Cia General de Construcciones S.A. What is the new development about ECISA underground carparks, item 4 and 5? (see page 17 from Agenda 21).
POINT 6.6. Compensation for ADI PRODUCCIONES S.L. due to administrative liability. File 2012/32. POINT 6.7. Compensation for Juan Vicente Martínez Luciano due to administrative liability. File 2012/29. What were the claims of Adi Producciones and Juan Vicente Martinez Luciano about? The law may not allow us to mention the
Continued on page 6
Jávea Jeard
Modern Tools explained May 2013, Nº 2
Page 5
Hammer - In ancient times a hammer was used to inflict pain on one's enemies. Modern hammers are used to inflict pain on oneself.
Screwdriver - The drink ordered at the local bar after you call in a professional repairman to undo the £500 in damage you did while trying to change a light socket with your handy screwdriver.
Phillips Screwdriver - The bar drink that you order when the damage estimate is over £1,000. Contains twice the vodka. Pliers - A device used to extend your reach the necessary few inches when you drop a one-of-a-kind screw down behind the new wall it took you two weeks to build.
Electronic Stud Finder - An annoying device that never goes off when you point it at yourself.
Halogen Light - A light that lights up your backyard with the incandescence of a football stadium, causing you to cast a heavy shadow over the area you're working on so that you need to use a torch anyway. Cordless Drill - A device that lessens your chance of electrocution 90% over a standard plug-in tool.
Cordless Telephone - The handyman's 999.
Air Compressor - A mechanical device similar in principle to harnessing the power of your mother-in-law's nagging complaints and using the resulting airflow to remove old paint from the side of the house.
Chain Saw - Allows you to cut your way out of the shed you accidentally built completely around yourself.
Vice grips - A pair of helping hands that doesn't critique the job you're doing or offer advice.
Perhaps you have your own favourite tool descriptions. We’d like ‘em!
Jávea Jeard May 2013, Nº 2
Continued from page 5
Page 6
names of the claimants, but if it were to relate to injury from an uneven pavement, it might encourage more claims, that could result in improvements, rather than settlement of claims. In any case, claims are settled from OUR money, not the private fortunes of Townhall councillors or staff. TOWN PLANNINg AND CONSTRUCTION STANDINg COMMITTEE REPORT POINT 6.9. Modification number XXX of the Buildable Land General Plan being executed in the Pinomar Plan public knowledge. What is the significance of the changes to the Pinomar Plan?
POINT 6.10. Modification number 66 of the Montgo Castellans 14 Implementation Unit public knowledge. What was the significance of modification 66 to Castellans 14 project, or was it mod 14 to project 66.
You shop at ICELAND for COLD food at COOL prices, but you’ll receive a WARM welcome at Jávea Christian Centre C/. Arquitecto Urteaga 25 GPS - N:38.793196 and E:0.165181
East of the Old Town, rear of Registry Office Sunday morning service 11am On weekdays visit our
Centre
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 Crisis Start-up Packs Airport Pick-Ups, Phone Top-ups 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 to see our craft room
Tel: 96
646 3707 or 669 386 702
Wonder what happened to items 8 and 11?
SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL STANDINg COMMITTEE REPORT POINT 6.12. Approval of the modification to the Municipal Fires Ordinance in Xàbia. What changes have been made to the Municipal Fire regs, and how will those who are affected, know?
CULTURE, EDUCATION, SPORTS AND SOCIAL SERVICES STANDINg COMMITTEE REPORT POINT 6.13. Approval of the Municipal Drug Addiction Prevention Plan 2013 – 2017. What does the Drug Addiction Prevention Plan consist of and how much will it cost? POINT 6.14. Proposed change to various public roads. What are the changes to public roads, where and when?
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Point 6.15 Questions and answers Were there any questions, and what were the answers? Presumably, we’ll find out in the Autumn when the Minutes of the April Councillors meeting are approved? Or might it be sooner? Not holding my breath. Townhall Secretary, María Consuelo de S. Moreno Grau, had tendered her resignation, to spend more time with her family. We wish her well and a long period of retirement. Have YOU, as a reader of Jávea Jeard and ratepayer in Javea, any thoughts about 1. Meetings being held in Valenciano, a cultural and historical language (equal with Welsh) that most Jávea residents and people from Madrid cannot understand. 2. The monthly Plenum meetings being a place where councillors are paid to attend but not expected to say anything, other than agree with the decisions made in Committee meetings. 3. Having made decisions, Jávea councillors seem unwilling to ‘go public’ with the reasons and previously expressed points of view.
I’m not advocating change - just expressing an opinion formed over almost 28 years, of choosing to live in Jávea - (and I am not alone) so residents can measure the INTENT of the political parties BEFORE they ask us to vote for - and trust - them for the next four years. In the May edition of a local online magazine, Jávea Alcalde José Chulvi refers to ‘articles and opinions published in a particular item of local media, made by a person connected to a political party . . . trying to damage me on a personal level, that are not in any way helping the coalition government. They have been written in the most absolute ignorance of the political reality of Xabia.’ I wonder which item of local media he has read, and who was the author? We look forward to receiving and printing his ‘truth’ about the political reality of Jávea. Incidently to prove that I (if it was me) am NOT against José, I submitted my ‘Ficha de Militante’ to join the PSOE on Thursday 9th May. CR.
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 2045 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
How to Bake a Cake
1. Preheat oven, get out utensils and ingredients. 2. Remove blocks and toy cars from table.
3. Grease pan, crack nuts.
4. Measure two cups flour.
5. Remove baby's hands from flour, wash flour off baby.
6. Remeasure flour. 7. Put flour, baking powder, salt in sifter. 8. Get dustpan and sweep up pieces of bowl baby knocked on floor. 9. Get another bowl.
10. Answer doorbell.
11. Return to kitchen.
12. Remove baby's hands from bowl.
13. Wash baby.
14. Answer phone. 15. Return.
16. Remove 1/4 inches of salt from greased pan.
17. Look for baby.
18. Grease another pan. 19. Answer telephone.
20. Return to kitchen and find baby.
21. Remove baby's hands from bowl.
22. Take up greased pan, find layer of nutshells in it. 23. Head for baby, who flees, knocking bowl off table. 24. Wash kitchen floor, table, wall, dishes. 25. Call baker. 26. Lie down.
YOU DESERVE A LAUGH
Little Poem, but so true it hurts!
Jávea Jeard
May 2013, Nº 2
Page 7
Another year has passed And we're all a little older. Last summer felt much hotter, And winter seems much colder. There was a time not long ago When life was quite a blast. Now I fully understand About 'Living in the Past'.
Every time you Top-Up at the
We used to go to weddings, Football games and lunches. Now we go to funeral homes And after-funeral brunches.
it helps maintain this HELP and ADVICE CENTRE C/. Toni Llido 5 (behind La Caixa in the Port)
We used to go out dining, And couldn't get our fill. Now we ask for doggie bags, Come home and take a pill.
There’s lots of new friends waiting to meet you - and free tea, coffee, cake or biscuits afterwards at Jávea Christian Centre
We used to have hangovers, From parties that were crazy. Now we suffer body aches, We're sleepy and we're lazy.
We used to often travel To places near and far. Now we get sore backsides From riding in the car.
We used to go to nightclubs And drink a little booze. Now we stay home at night And watch the evening news.
That, my friend is how life is, And now my tale is told. So, enjoy each day and live it up... Before you're too dam old. from Joan
Tel: 96 647 3707 and 669 386 702
WHERE CAN I GO ON A SUNDAY?
C/. Arquitecto Urteaga 25 GPS - N:38.793196 and E:0.165181
East of the Old Town, rear of Registry Office Sunday morning service 11am
ZAILAND If you need transport or directions, phone 669 386 702
We aim to be a caring church, meeting 21st century needs with 1st century Christian compassion
Jávea Jeard May 2013, Nº 2
Page 8
Let’s Support our local Businesses
If we don’t we won’t have any
Azorin Restaurant C/. Toni Llido Tel: 96 579 4495
Bon Retir elderly care home C/. Cantallops 31 Tel: 96 579 0242 688 883 155 Building and Tiling by Victor victorjavea@hotmail.com Tel: 626 975 244
Butcher’s Block The English Butcher in Jávea Av del Pla (North of Yorkshire Linen) Tel: 96 579 2676 Cabo Casse Hire Tools and Machinery C/. Liverpool 11 (opposite the Moli) Tel: 96 579 2502 C B Installations Glazing, Reforms/Building works Rupert Cooper Tel: 606 662 991 622 872 991 vistaglaze@gmail.com
DELIVER Store & 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
Independent Financial Advice Lee Hodges 699 966 914 lee@leehodges.es
L P Catering Suplies Everything for restaurants at an affordable price Tel: 96 579 3893 Susana: 607 630 221 Sergio: 647 540 862
Magician Morley Budden 606 081 859 morleybudden@yahoo.co.uk
Milar Moragues The corner shop with trade prices Av. del Pla 43 Tel: 96 646 1677 www.milar.es
Motorbike & Scooter Repairs Mike Forrester 673 193 600
THOMAS WANTS YOUR “HEAR HEAR” AS HE WAITS FOR HIS SECOND MIRACLE
Most longtime residents of Jávea will know of Veronica Barnes, the founder of Lady Elizabeth School, a special lady in so many ways.
Veronica taught her pupils to excel at whatever they were good at, whether it would lead them to University as a Professor, or a Standup Comedian. She was always at the forefront of teaching ‘gratitude’ and raising money for ‘good causes’. This past week saw her turn to www.youcaring.com to raise money for a child born 2 years ago, but who became BLIND and DEAF from sepsis. No one knows if the dual disability was caused by the illness, or the treatment. But let me quote from the website, where the mother of Thomas is trying to raise 2,500€ for a special hearing aid, without which it will be hard for Thomas to learn to talk, as he cannot hear his own - or anyone else’s words. Thomas was born hearing - he was born perfect in fact! But at nine weeks he became very ill with SEPSIS (similar to Meningitis) and we nearly lost him. Thomas pulled through but was left brain damaged, causing him all sorts of difficulties, but his main problem is deafness. It wasn’t that he was DEAF when he left hospital, but he was also BLIND. His family took him to Jávea Evangelical Church (in the road at the rear of Jávea Property Registry) for the 11am Morning Service on August 28th, 2011 and clallenged the Pastor as they pushed Thomas in, in his buggy “We believe that if we bring Thomas here for prayer and anointing, God will heal him.” During the service the Pastor and everyone else in the congregation gathered around Thomas, as he was anointed with oil and the focus of prayer, before being placed back in his buggy. 45 minutes later - after the
sermon - when Thomas awoke, HE COULD SEE.
This was Thomas in September 2011, after the miracle of restored eyesight. He was no longer blind - God had healed him, just days after extensive hospital tests had found he was irreversively BLIND and DEAF. Specialists in Valencia, who noticed Thomas could see, amended his medical notes about being BLIND to read ‘misdiagnosis’, but the family know different. But let me continue from the website: Sepsis reached his brain before the antibiotics kicked in and Thomas has Central Deafness (sometimes known as Cortical Deafness) for which there is no cure. On top of this he has a transmission problem; his ear canals are completely blocked. He's had grommets fitted but they didn't work for him. Regular hearing aids are no good to Thomas but FESORD, the Federation for the Deaf in Spain, told us about a system which transmits amplified sound directly to the cochlear via the bones behind the ears. Thomas has been assessed and had a ‘trial’ with the system so we know it works for him. (It was so wonderful to see his little face light up when the "banda osea" as its known in Spain, was placed on his head and switched on - Thomas heard our voices and many other sounds. He laughed and smiled and looked so surprised and so happy to suddenly be connected with the world around him.) But we had to leave without the system because it costs 2.500€.
Continued on page 9
Continued from page 8
We are so desperate to get Thomas the hearing system he needs because our goal for him is to go to regular school but he needs to learn to speak before he gets much older so it is essential he can hear as soon as possible. Thomas attends therapy sessions at a local Special Educational Needs School and once he has his hearing system they will be able to start speech therapy with him.
Since Thomas was just a few months old I have put him into every type of therapy available as I was told at the hospital that there is a chance that his young brain and the damaged nerves may repair themselves, partially or even fully. There's no guarantee but I'm just trying everything and hoping and praying that something will work for Thomas. He's had physio at the hospital, sensory therapy, cognitive therapy, psicomotricidad and Bimodal classes (sign language). At one stage the Neurologists said he maybe wouldn't sit unaided, stand or walk - but we've already proved them wrong on that. More recently they said Thomas may not speak or have understanding because of his Central Deafness and that he will most likely have to stay at a special school but I am determined to prove them wrong on that too. If we can get Thomas hearing and speaking during the next year, FESORD will arrange a signing classroom assistant for the deaf to support him in regular school. That's my aim and to get there I must find a way of getting Thomas his Banda Osea hearing system (BAHA in English - bone anchored hearing aid.) I hate asking for money (but cutbacks in the health budget for prescriptions, has left us no alternative but to try and raise the money ourselves) but please, help if you can. As I ‘pen’ these words Jávea Evangelical Church is among 27 donors who have already given 1885€ towards the total. If you have internet you can donate at: http://tinyurl.com/buo8utr but if you can’t donate online, donations are being accepted at Oasis Centre (next to La Caixa bank in the Port) where receipts will be issued.
Jávea Jeard
potential and Emtrics, highly commended for rapid growth, international vision and potential in UK retail sector.
May 2013, Nº 2
These were the eyes that once were blind. Then God gave a miracle.
STOP PRESS: As we finalised this issue for printing, even though all the money had not been pledged, Thomas’ mother said she had ordered the headband ‘as an act of faith’ and that GAES, on hearing that money had been raised by public subscription, gave various discounts, including 3-year free batteries and insurance cover. THANKS FOLKS! CR Christine Wintle told us: I’d like to draw readers’ attention and praise - the paintball place at the back of the Arenal in Jávea. We had a brilliant day with family and friends. Jose and Brenda made us feel so comfortable and explained everything in detail. The safety equipment was excellent. I was very impressed - everything was clean and in good condition. They are opening for the evenings over the Summer and you can have a barbie and make a night of it. Brenda speaks very good english. Brilliant day thank you so much Jose. Dont know if I am allowed to put a link here but if I am www.paintballdeelite.com
Spanish company wins visit to UK
Torus Software Solutions, a financial software solutions company from La Coruña, has won the 1st UKTI Spain Technology Competition. The Panel of Judges highlighted Torus innovative technology, commitment to R+D+I and clear strategy for the UK market and internationalisation. The standard of applications was extremely high and it was a tough decision for the Judges that they selected two runners-up: Qustodio, highly commended for its ability to raise finance, global vision from the outset and growth
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When did you last read a book?
UK publishers claim eBook sales are not affecting demand for hardback or softback copies, but it’s not the case for Brits on the Costa Blanca, where BookWorld España are closing their Jávea shop, not long after closing their unit in La Marina Commercial Centre in Ondara. The prospect of declining readership has not deterred Javea authors from writing books that intentionally appeal to a niche market. Bernard Rourke, who lives in the Port area of Javea, has written an intriguing book that examines why we differ from our sibblings. The author will be at the Centre (next to La Caixa bank) at the Dolphin roundabout in the Port, at 11am, on
SATURDAY 25th May, 2013
to sign copies of his book and talk about his findings. Bernard was born in Liverpool, obtained a teaching diploma at Sheffield University, but joined the army and learned Mandarin Chinese to qualify as an interpreter. He was the 7th of 8 children and began his search for how do we become who we become?
Collection and delivery of Urgent items in Jávea by Sergio Laffitte Tlf.
673 546 193
http://tinyurl.com/ch2txx3 Prices start at 3,50€
Jávea Jeard
May 2013, Nº 2 Page 10 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
THREE SCORE YEARS . . . AND THEN
Gail McCafferty NURSE RGN.NMB regd/homologlomised gailm969@gmail.com 626 005 487
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 Funeral, Memorial or Thanksgiving occasion: Rev. Clive Read 669 386 702 www.divineservices.org clive@cliveread.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 Spanish Lessons www.languagecentremoraira.com 699 216 516
During the 1960s and 70s, when most of the British motor industry was floundering, Crayford’s concentration on overseas marketing and careful financial monitoring of company performance resulted in steady company growth with diversification into eightwheel drive off-road vehicles. In 1985 Jeff Smith died in a motorcycle accident and two years later David McMullan sold Crayford’s. He then volunteered to work for Oxfam as an overseas emergency engineer and was employed for twenty years – often in war zones – in eight different African countries, the Middle East and South America. He was awarded the MBE for his overseas aid work by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace in 2007. Crayford’s still runs as a successful company supplying off- road vehicles in Britain and overseas.
“If you though that Crayford just produced convertibles you’re in for a surprise. A brilliant read that captures the essence of British engineering creativity.” Simon Woolley, Editor, Classic Ford magazine
Let’s Support our local Businesses
If we don’t we won’t have any
David McMullan was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1932. The son of two schoolteachers, he attended the Methodist College there before moving with his mother to England at the beginning of the Second World War, when his father joined the RAF. After attending The King’s School, Rochester and taking a London University honours degree he, too, joined the RAF with a direct commission as Pilot Officer in 1956 to complete National Service. He obtained some motor industry experience with Britax and Lambretta Trojan Group before starting his own business, Crayford Engineering. In 1962 he asked a friend, Jeff Smith , to join him. Together they developed the world’s first Mini convertible, followed by Ford Cortina and Corsair convertibles. Crayford Auto Developments Ltd, as their company became known, quickly developed into a worldrenowned car conversion specialist. putting into production the world’s only Mercedes Benz S Estate car, which took the Gold Medal award at the International Motor Show in Barcelona, and also the stunning Mercedes 280 CE convertible.
DAVID MCMULLAN MBE
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
One man who fights - with a passion - any suggestion that he should ‘Act your age’ is David McMullan (80 years young at the end of 2012) who still regularly meets with other enthusiasts and races round tracks, and through the streets of Alcoy and Albacete - to mention the two most recent visits with his Honda or Triton 500cc bikes. David is a man of many facets and tells the history in a new - and totally fascinating biography of the concept of adapting motor vehicles (be it a Ford or armoured Mercedes) with a ‘Crayford Conversion’. I’m not a motor historian but found his book fascinating - David ‘ducking and diving’ (in a pond whilst still in a car at one point) long before the phrase became THE STORY associated with politicians and the likes of Lord Alan Sugar. David was, after all, an David McMullan engineer. It was as an ‘engine engineer’ that David became an OXFAM volunteer in many of the dry - yet dangerous THE CRAYFORD STORY
Swiss Cable - and much more Tlf: 96 577 1121 www.swisscable.es info@swisscable.es
As a schoolboy, most of the neighbours died very soon - or even before - retirement age. The perilous state of the health and pensions budget, no matter in which civilised country you live, bears testimony to the fact that we are living longer than the politians thought we would.
MBE
parts of the world, for which he was recommended for a MBE, awarded by the Queen when David visited Buckingham Palace. Happily married (for the second time) to Donna, David discovered in the garage of their Tosalet home, the text of a book his wife wrote, but was never able to have published. Maureen was a GP, whose life was terminated by cancer, and David and Donna decided to publish Maureen’s story of her treck across Africa, with David and three children in the 70s. Show Me a Mountain is a gripping story of one woman’s determination to fulfill an ‘impossible dream’. David plans a book-launch at the OASIS CENTRE (Saturday 15th June at 11am) and has produced a CD - in cooperation with Bay - to SHOW ME A Radio promote sales OUNTAI of The A family adventure across Africa Crayford by Dr. Maureen Mc Mullan Story. When not racing round inland streets, or the more leisurely company of Biker in the Three Weekly Club, both Donna and David can usually be found on a weekday enjoying a coffee at any one of their ‘favourite’ cafés, on a Sunday morning they are usually in the congregation for the 11am Morning Service at Jávea Evangelical Church, in the road behind the Property Registry for Jávea and Benitachell. Everyone enjoys free refreshments that follow the end of the service. CR
This is the true story of an epic family expedition across Africa.
To cross the Sahara in the early seventies presented many problems in connection with the supply of fuel and water , apart from some security issues; to do so alone without joining a convoy as recommended and without modern navigation aids was an added risk; to do so with three young children, some of the Press regarded as plain foolhardy.
The family, consisting of Doctor Maureen Mc Mullan , her husband David and three children ; Peter 12, Sean 10 and Sarah Jane 8 as well as a friend of Maureen’s, Doctor Susan Cole who helped enormously to cope with the burden of daily domestic chores in such an expedition.
M
N
Many of the dreaded things did in fact happen during this adventure. They did run out of fuel in the Sahara, their Land Rover only returning seven miles to the gallon .Their water containers were stolen at night. Sean was nearly killed when he was working under the Land Rover and one of the jacks slipped and David was captured by a lone army patrol in the jungle in the Central African Republic. Finally the entire expedition was nearly lost when, in the dark, the vehicle stopped only a few feet from plunging down a slope into the fast flowing Congo River. To complete this ten thousand mile journey, starting in Kent and finishing on the edge of the Indian Ocean, without a really disastrous mishap was the result of careful planning and some luck. To bring her family finally to the coast in Kenya safe, fit and well was a tribute to Maureen Mc Mullan and her extraordinary determination and strength of will. It must stand out as one of the most courageous and successful family expeditions ever to cross Africa . To uproot and entire family and take it through such an experience required a leader with truly special qualities. Maureen Mc Mullan certainly had those qualities.
Copi Shop Online Business Cards, Flyers and Stationery, Tel 96 507 4549 and 610 206 042 copishop@yahoo.com
gaile griffin Peers www.gaile.biz/web Tell me how you want the internet to help you - and let me do it for you. Your Idea, Your Website, Our Time and expertise.
grapevine Magazine www.grapevinespain.com/javea
Easy Flatpax Andrew Kings (Bringing IKEA to you - the easy way) www.easyflatpax.com Tel: 96 647 0770 Fontana Design Adam Simmons Steve Mitchell www.fontanadesign.eu Tel: 634 419 247
Haweli Restaurant www.hawelispain.com info@hawelispain.com Tel: 677 004 651 We read it was “Best Indian restaurant in Spain - Yummy”.
Javea Photos www.javeaphotos.com Royalty free photos from a choice of 4,300 photos. Juan Luis Millet Sancho - Notary Tel 96 592 3522
Lawns in Spain Chris Hughes www.lawnsinspain.com Real green grass in Spain - with grass we grow. Mob: 676 863 778 Skype: lawnsinspain lawnsinspain@yahoo.com Lifestyle Spain News and Views from around Jávea www.lifestylespain.com Lucia Rajah Social Media Marketing Tuxedo Hire Landline: +34 96 647 0770
Mai griffin – Author, Artist www.maigriffin.com Portraits, Still Life and Landscapes. Tel: 96 646 1913 Marina Alta Business Club www.mabusinessclub.com/mabc
Marina Alta Business Community www.marina-abc.com/community
Jávea Jeard
Solar in Spain It's time to turn to solar Fidelma Matthews Vincent Burke http://www.solarinspain.com Tel/fax: 902 636 570 email: info@solarinspain.com
May 2013, Nº 2
The next MABC meeting will be at the Parador at 7.30pm on 6th June,
Mike Peers – Creative Design www.mikepeers.com Mike Peers Graphics Design Studio, Tel: 97 646 1913, mike@mikepeers.com
My Destination Alicante Sarah Farrell www.mydestination.com/alicante Locally informed, globally inspired. sarah.farrell@mydestination.com Online Antiques Review Sharing information on Antiques www.antiquesreview.info
Oscar Ricor – Solicitor English speaking regulated Costa Blanca Solicitors - operating throughout Spain. Tel: 687 88 88 73 www.ricorabogados.com
Peri Pera Cafe, Jávea Port Bistro Bar, Theme Nights, Private hire for Dinner Parties and Celebrations. Tel: 677 253 488 (Tracy)
Peter Williamson MA MSc www.lawlesswilliamson.com
Phoenix Computers @ The Sign Shop Everything you need for your company; Computers and Websites www.signshopjavea.com info@signshopjavea.com Tel: 96 579 0710
Porcelain Painting Club Lavender Studio www.mabusinessclub.com/memberspag es/lavenderstudio.html Hand painted decorative ceramics and porcelain - hand made customised greeting cards - classes - club.
Rabbit FX Glenn Tullett – www.rabbitfx.com The trusted foreign exchange provider for Private Individuals. glenn.tullett@rabbitfx.com
RTN (Round Town News) 50,000 copies every week, reaching 175,000 readers. Colin Rich - Tel: 607 553 870 colin@roundtownnews.com Josie Mitchell - Tel: 607 744 153 Josie@roundtownnews.com
Page 11
Spectrum Financial Advisers John Hayward www.financialadviceinspain.es
St James Place Wealth Management www.sjpp.co.uk/neilgubbins Specialist financial advice, particularly during periods of volatility and change.
The Art Centre Association, Jávea www.facebook.com/ArtJavea Encouraging beginner and experienced artists in traditional and contemporary arts and crafts.
The Sign Shop, Javea Everything you need for your company; Computers and Websites www.signshopjavea.com info@signshopjavea.com Tel: 96 579 0710
Tom Parkinson www.jacksons-group.com Chartered Accountants
TV Satellite Equipment & Installation Peter Hoffer www.tvsateq.com Installation and Service of Multi SATV systems. Electronic repairs since 1972. Tel: 96 646 1662 & 630 352 172 U P Publications Ltd www.uppublications.ltd.uk Designers and authors publisher and adviser. UKTV4U http://www.uktv4u.com Watch TV (UK/USA etc) via your ADSL internet connection for 10€ monthly. No contract.
Wising UP! Online www.wising-up.co.uk Business to Business adviser and specialist.
Jávea Jeard and Oasis Help Centre are delighted to ‘partner’ with MABC and thank Gaile Griffin Peers for suggesting the arrangement to us on 27th April. We are happy to promote the business of individual MABC members, if they would send an eMail to: editor@javeajeard.com
Jávea Jeard May 2013, Nº 2
Page 12
At an extraordinary meeting of councillors, the next full meeting would not be until 30th May, Jávea Council unanimously extended for at least another year suspension of the tax by opening of new local businesses in the town. Their decision to support entrepreneurs and recovery of the economy was initially launched in April 2012 with the intention to attract investment, stimulate economic activity and facilitate opportunities for selfemployment and job creation. During the past year 225 applicants have benefited, with an average savings of close to 1.000€. Another of the agreements reached unanimously - is to ask the Tourism Institute of Spain to modify amounts initially assigned to the two projects that subsidized the FOMIT in 2008 - totalling
SPECIAL TOWNHALL MEETING on May 15
5.6 million. The money is needed to cover the Frechinal redevelopment and Barranca of San Vicent (2.4 million) and the development of the new municipal building at Portal del Clot (3.2 million). The latter project has not begun, but for Frechinal, more funding is needed to resurface almost every street in the area that needs improvement. The Corporation requested this work can be funded by 319.630 €uros that was initially reserved for the new City Hall, a figure that, should the work actually happen, would be saved by reducing the furniture and supplies budget. The meeting also authorised a request for financial assistance for the Counseling Center, so it could pay its bills.
Apathy by traders is blamed for loss of terraces
April 30th was the day the terraces went; well at least in Jávea. The issue of the terraces has been widely debated and ultimately it was the Municipal Council of Urbanisation which made the decision that Jávea would be better without terraces. Was this a decision by one or two grouchy, intolerant, moaners hiding away in a basement saying “bah humbug”? No it was not. It was a Council that has a representative from each group and association in Jávea including traders from the Arenal, the port and the old town; the Restaurateurs Association, hoteliers, Architects, Lawyers, the Tourist Council and one representative from each political party. So an all encompassing and diverse representative body. Over a year ago this august enclave unanimously voted to present a proposal to Jávea Town
Council that terraces should not occupy public land, cannot be placed on roads and if restaurants or bars do have tables they must allow a passage of 1.8m for pedestrians. Their proposal was advertised on the agenda for the Plenum and with no objections, it was passed.
There were no objections at any stage of the process as the motion went through the Planning Committee and then again through the monthly meeting of councillors. But the plot thickens! Realising that the economy of Jávea depends heavily on tourism and that most of the restaurants and bars need to maximise their potential in a few months of the tourist season; and of course that there is a revenue stream for the Council in renting the space to traders, Jávea Council declared a six month moratorium on the
Councillor Antonio Torres, took the oath and was acknowledged as the new leader and spokesperson for the Bloc/Centristas, following the resignation last month of Eduardo Monfort.
implementation of the new regulations to allow yet more time for traders to present alternatives to the new plans. Silence was the stern reply. Undaunted by this lack of interest in their own welfare Jávea Council declared a further moratorium of four months and asked traders for proposals that would allow them to retain use of the terraces. Even more silence. So on April 30th, 2013 the terraces disappeared ……… then the noises started. The Council really could not have done any more to retain the terraces; and their income stream. The traders could have shown a bit of interest over the last year. Local party Xabia Democratica supports the traders, despite their complacency. Most members of the (non-car-parking) population want to keep the terraces - they are good for the business - and bring income to the town, a spokesman told us “we want people to have fun when they visit Javea” an XD friend told me. Sitting in the sun having something to eat and drink is very much a part of being on holiday. There is plenty of free parking space in most areas and losing a few parking bays makes very little difference.
Contributed by Tony Flag - thanks
It’s NOT water under the bridge
After a municipal election, the councillors who unite to create the largest group form the ‘government’ and the others are in ‘opposition’.
They inherit the policies and problems of their predecessors (or deny there were any if they were reelected), but said in their election manifesto that they would keep their promises, listen to the people and be transparent in their decision-making. When Jose Chulvi (PSOE) formed a goverment in Jávea, thanks to the support of Oscar Anton (XD) and Juan Ortolá (CpJ), they inherited a historic problem that repeated PP, PSOE/CDS and Bloc governments had not been aware (or ignored).
AMJASA Jávea’s water comes from inland wells, bore holes in Jávea and the local Desalination Plant. AMJASA publishes a tarrif and supplies water at: 0,15€ m3 0 - 10m3 3 11 - 40m 0,63€ m3 3 41 - 70m 1,37€ m3 3 more than 71m 1,86€ m3 What could be easier, than using 75m3? 1,50€ 10m3 at 0,15€ m3 = 3 3 30m at 0,63€ m = 18,90€
Photo supplied - THANKS - by Benny Davis
Jávea Jeard
41,10€ 30m3 at 1,37€m3 = 3 3 9,30€ 5m at 1,86€m = a Total of 70,80€ but that’s not the way that public servants ‘add-up’. The Price for 75m3 from AMJASA is 139,50€ almost double! Yes, the Tariff of prices (if you go to the internet or AMJASA and ask to see it) DOES say that all consumption is charged at the price of the final cubic metre, and that the scale of charges was approved by the Generalitat in Valencia, but that does not make it morally RIgHT! Thinking José Chulvi and AMJASA might be unaware of the way villa owners are penalised at 1,86€ a m3, whilst those in apartments paid only 0,15€, and that the practice encouraged AMJASA not to read meters every 2 months, but to wait until usage climbed into a higher bracket, to attracted a surcharge, I decided to ask “Ïf a meter reading was ‘missed’ or ‘late’ was the amount consumed divided by the time elapsed since the previous reading?” At least that would be fair, so I wrote to Francisco Torres Mari, the PSOE Councillor responsible for AMJASA on 28th February 2012 (as shown at the top of the next column), pointing out the punitive nature of the scale of charges:
May 2013, Nº 2
Page 13
The 28 Feb. 2012 letter to AMJASA
Continued on page 15
Jávea Jeard is produced at the
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Straight Talking May 2013, Nº 2
Page 14
by Lee Hodges, Independent Financial Adviser
Treating Customers Fairly - are you getting a raw deal?
Following on from my previous article about the so-called ‘Retail Distribution Review’ (RDR) which has changed how financial advice is provided in the UK, we will now look at another Financial Services Authority (FSA) initiative, namely TCF, which stands for Treating Customers Fairly. It is the ‘benchmark’ as to how you, the customer/investor, should be treated by your chosen adviser/IFA, so I would urge you to read on.
TCF is not a ‘new’ concept, and has been relevant to the UK financial services industry for a number of years. It is built on the principle that all customers should be treated fairly in all their dealings, and the FSA has published six ‘Treating Customers Fairly’ outcomes that firms must achieve. As you read through the following list, think carefully as to whether or not you feel your adviser is meeting these six principles.
1. Consumers can be confident that they are dealing with firms where the fair treatment of customers is central to the corporate culture. 2. Products and services marketed and sold in the retail market are designed to meet the needs of identified consumer groups and are targeted accordingly.
3. Consumers are provided with clear information and are kept appropriately informed before, during and after the point of sale.
4. Where consumers receive advice, the advice is suitable and takes account of their circumstances.
5. Consumers are provided with products that perform as firms have led them to expect, and the associated service is both of an acceptable standard and as they have been led to expect. 6. Consumers do not face unreasonable post-sale barriers imposed by firms to
change product, switch provider, submit a claim or make a complaint.
Having read the list, you will probably have taken more notice of points 3 and 5. The other listed points will be somewhat difficult for you to evaluate, but points 3 and 5 should be relatively easy for you to make an informed judgment.
For example, do you feel that you are receiving regular information and updates from your adviser? It is important that you are kept up-to-date with happenings (both positive and negative) in relation to your invested capital, and this can only really be achieved by regular reviews and the passing on of important information. If you are not receiving regular information or contact, then you should speak with your adviser. There could be numerous reasons why you are not receiving the attention which you feel you deserve, and as such it is important for you to contact your adviser and discuss your requirements for regular interaction. You are entitled to receive ongoing service so contact your adviser and discuss, sensibly, your requirements.
Do you feel that your investment is performing as you have been led to expect? Obviously, certain factors here do come into play, such as the banking crisis in 2008/09 but, in the main, the investment you have entered into should perform as you have been led to believe. Fluctuations will happen, it is part and parcel of investing, but you should have been made aware of this before investing.
If you have any concerns about your investment, then your first ‘port of call’ should be your existing adviser. He/she should welcome the contact and be happy to sit with you and discuss your areas of concerns. Financial advisers do not have crystal balls and cannot predict the future no more than you can, but they can and should be on-hand to offer guidance and opinions as to your most suitable way forward. Communication is vital in the IFA/Client relationship, but communication is ‘both ways’, so if you need or want to contact your adviser, do not hesitate to do so. LEE HODGES CERTPFS HAS LIVED AND WORKED IN SPAIN FOR OVER 16 YEARS. HE IS CURRENTLY SITTING THE DIPLOMA IN REGULATED FINANCIAL PLANNING. FOR TRULY PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL ADVICE, CALL LEE ON 966 463 876, OR EMAIL HIM AT LEE@LEEHODgES.ES INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ADVICE,
AND IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. THE AUTHOR TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACTION TAKEN AS A RESULT OF THIS ARTICLE. E&OE.
10th Anniversary in Pedreguer of Coral Clásica Javiense
The international choir Coral Clásica Javiense celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special festive concert in the Santa Cruz church of Pedreguer, Plaza Mayor, on Sunday May 26th at 8 pm. Accompanied by the Orchestra Marina Alta (OMA) and by Josep Vicent Giner at the Organ, the choir will sing the cantata BWV 34 by J.S. Bach “O eternal fire, source of love…” and Part III of G.F. Handel’s Messiah. Both works were composed for Pentecost. Solo parts will be sung by Rosemary Jukiç, Soprano; Adriana Meyer, Contralto; José Martinez, Tenor and Iñaki Muñoz, Bass. Francesc Estévez, director of the Orchestra Marina Alta and also director of the choir will conduct the concert. As this is such a special occasion, all those taking part would like to extend a very warm welcome to all music lovers and friends to come and join them in order to celebrate what should be a truly memorable evening. Tickets available, 12€, from Humpty Dumpty Jávea and Letters R Us in Moraira. More info from 96 597 3426. www.coralclasicajaviense.com
Come and try our New BISTRO MENU OLD WORLD recipes with NEW WORLD flavours
Meat - Poultry - Fish - Cheese Vegetables - Sauces/Soups Breads - Cake - Pastries Take-away service Daily Tapas - Cocktails
Speciality Evenings Theme Nights Dinner Parties
Private Hire for all your Celebrations and Parties Contact either Lee on 603 198 555 or Tracy on 677 253 488
Peri Pera Jávea
Avda de Los Fueros 1 (next to the Dolphin roundabout) JÁVEA PORT
Continued from page 13
(water is, after all a renewable resource - it goes UP as evaporation, and comes DOWN as rain) and asked consideration be given to restructuring prices over a period of time. I heard nothing for almost 10 months, but took the opportunity that presented itself when Jose Chulvi visited my ‘church table’ at Jaspar’s Bar, Balcon al Mar. on December 22nd. He greeted Ann and I in English, and out of courtesy, I told him (in my Spanish) that I’d not had a reply to my letter to AMJASA registered 10 months earlier. He replied in Spanish, and I was grateful for Lynn Cobb and her daughter for translating the words of Jose, so there could be no misunderstanding on my part. “I was told you had a meeting with AMJASA and that you were very pleased with the outcome.” I said there had been no meeting, so wrote to Jose (again with my letter inscribed with Ref. 723 through the Town Hall Registry on 10th January 2013)
and asked him to hold an internal enquiry as to how he (as the Mayor) had been told lies, and asked him to establish: a) Who had intentionally lied to him by claiming there had been a meeting? b) Where, when and at what time did the alleged meeting take place? c) Who was the interpreter? d) Who accompanied Clive Read to the alleged meeting? e) Could I receive a copy of the
Minutes (or Report) of the meeting that was submitted to the AMJASA Board? f) Could I be sent a copy of the Report to the Plenum about my letter, receipted by AMJASA on 29th February, 2012? I closed my request, before extending to him the traditional ‘cordial saludo’ (best regards) by suggesting that the reason he had (in good faith) repeated facts that were untrue about a non-existant meeting, might have been: 1. The fact that the petition was signed by a foreigner. 2. Or because it was made from a Protestant Church. 3. Or perhaps believing any request from Clive Read could be ignored.
When Councillor José Chulvi happened to park his car across the road from the OASIS CENTRE (I doubt he’ll park anywhere nearby in future) I went and asked him if he’d received my request of 10th January. He said he had, and then added that he had no intention of replying to it. I find his attitude ‘strange’ - my questions (the original was in Spanish created by my Gestor) were not ambiguous and I thought the Mayor would WANT to set the record straight, to prove that he was unaware of the lies perpetrated by his Ayuntamiento. Perhaps one of our readers can explain such reluctance? CR
Not Right
"Johnny," said the teacher (and we all know about the school where ‘Johnny’ is the qustioned pupil), "if coal is selling at £60 a ton and you pay your dealer £240, how many tons will he bring you?" "A little over three tons, ma'am," said Johnny. "Why, Johnny, that isn't right," said the teacher. "No, ma'am, I know it isn't," said Johnny, "but they all do it."
Received from Thomas Ellsworth.
Jávea Jeard
WANNA BE A DONOR? May 2013, Nº 2
Page 15
When A2Z publications created the Civic Society Bulletin in 1989 it grew to 3,000 copies a month.
When we launched Jávea Grapevine, we did so with 3000 copies, including 300 sent by post to absent owners. Jávea Jeard will launch
with 2,500 copies - to help the Jávea community and economy.
YOUR announcement, in a full column (like this) would appear in 2500 copies of Jávea Jeard for a 25€ donation, each month, to JEC church funds. At the end of the year we provide a receipt so you can reduce your Tax liability in Spain, by the amount of your charitable donation. YOUR announcement, in a half-column (like this) would appear in 2500 copies of Jávea Jeard for a 15€ donation, each month, to JEC church funds.
No one expects ‘something for nothing’ in a ‘crisis’ - so we are doing what we can to build community spirit, and inform those who speak English of their ‘rights’ and ‘obligations’ of living in Jávea. YOUR announcement, in a quarter-column (like this) would appear in 2500 of copies of Jávea Jeard for a 10€ donation, each month, to JEC church funds. At the end of 2013, those who need one, will receive a Modelo 182: Declaración informativa de donativos, donaciones y aportaciones recibidas y disposiciones realizadas.
Jávea Jeard
IF I WERE AN OLD MAN - or had a vulnerable friend. . .
May 2013, Nº 2
Page 16
I’d be glad to know that Monica Suarez Penoucos had followed her instincts, and created a ‘cooperative’ of like-minded, experienced and qualified people who would care for vulnerable people in Jávea - as if they were their own loved-one’s. Monica was born in the North of Spain but came to Jávea almost 10 years ago, falling in love with our village herself, working as an Interpreter in regional hospitals, and spotting a need that had always existed, but which she decided to fill. Monica explained the reasons behind her new ‘msp-assistantservices’ venture, when we met at her recent seminar in the ‘Tardis’ premises of Hemeroscopea at the bottom of C/. Principe de Asturias 48. She speaks fluent English, French, German and Spanish and soon realised that there are not only people who are ‘ill’ who need an Interpreter, but people who are ‘well’ but who lack the ability to communicate in Spanish. Many friends can offer to interpret, but the interpreter needs an understanding of ‘the system’ to give the highest degree of satisfaction. Her offer of help seems without limit: Residencia and NIE SIP and EHIC cards Town Hall, Notary, Police Utility problems/contracts. Monica also provides a ‘pick-up’ service for people who are unable or unwilling to drive themselves, and her fee is subject to discount for people with a regular pattern of hospital visits, offering a monthly fee - that helps budgeting - regardless of how many times you need her. Her company also provides nursing and caring staff, as well as people with whom she partners - all of whom must meet or excel her high
standards, be it home-help, cleaning, plumbing, DIY and gardening, for example. Her nursing and care staff are responsible for medication, supervision of wellbeing and personal hygiene. Monica creates a QR code for each of her clients, so that someone who is found confused or unconscious can immediately - by any
Sex, Scandal, Strife and Tapas
All in the same evening. Your choice of evening from the 1st to 3rd and the 5th and 6th July. From 7pm in the lovely walled square, the Plaza de Baix, in Jávea Old Town. Parking in the Portal del Clot underground car park close by at only 60 cents per hour. The tapas come first, served alfresco in the square. They will be served by the square’s excellent bar-restaurants so it will be of the highest quality and of generous quantity. With them comes a mixed salad, bread and ali-oli, dessert and a half bottle of wine. You will move into the Casa de Cultura for the other three ingredients. They come courtesy of David Tristram and the Jávea Players. The sex and the scandal come unblushing and very upfront in David Tristram’s hilarious farce,’ Last Tango in Little Grimley’. It tells the story of the desperate measures taken by the four remaining members of the Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Society to save their society from extinction. The genius behind the measures is their Chairman, Gordon (played by Andrew Cleven). Gordon is a man who knows a thing or two about attracting an audience. He knows that sex puts bums on seats and if you add scandal and give the combination a local setting you can fill a theatre to the rafters. So, although ‘Last Tango’ rings the right bell, the Brando and Schyneider location of Paris is not right for Gordon. He wants it right there in Little Grimley and to involve all the local personalities – the butcher, the grocer, the candlestick maker, the vicar, the lady of the manor – the whole lot of them. Daring but with the terrific support he gets from the other three members of the group; Bernard (Mike Harvey), Margaret (Gill
person or paramedic with a smartphone - see their prevailing illness and medication. Some indication of Monica being ‘at ease’ in English, is that she spoke to the Seminar for almost 40 minutes, without notes. She knows her subject, has recognised a niche market and works closely with BUPA, SANITAS and the MEDIMAR hospital in Benidorm. Monica Suarez MSP Assistant Services Tel: 675 364 184 monica@alwaysmine.net
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th JULY 2013
Hodges) and Joyce (Pat Kitchens) very effective. And very, very funny. David Tristram and the Jávea Players make strife, which is of the domestic variety, something very much to laugh at in ‘What’s for Pudding?’ Jack, a boring accountant played by Rob Lee and his bored wife Mary played by Carole Saunders are spending a Saturday night at home happily bickering. Late night visitors, well, it’s past 9.30 when they ring the door bell, Ted and Maureen played by Keith and Geraldine Livesey arrive to join the sport. They are followed by Dennis a late night shopper played by Gerald Joy. He is determined not to let the bickering and banter get in the way of his shopping. The dull Saturday night at home soon becomes something of a hilarious riot. The all inclusive price of the evening – two very funny plays, alfresco supper with wine – is 15 euros. To book ring Gerald or Eleanor on 96 647 2876 or email: boxofficejp@gmail.com Jávea Players are sponsored by Blacktower Financial Management Ltd
Agenda 21 Jávea Updates
Early retirees elegible for free health care in Spain
This was one of the clarifications made by a team from the UK NHS and Valencia Health authority in Jávea’s Casa de Cultura. A well attended audience of Brits listened to a short presentation, then fielded their questions and concerns. Ending a great deal of confusion, attendees were told people who have retired here before pensionable age, no longer need to subscribe to the 90€ a month scheme set up by Valencia, but can apply for free health care through the (INSS) Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social. Other topics touched on were refunds for expensive medication, the status of people who spend six months here and six in UK, and use of the European Health card (EHIC). It was interesting to note that one third (9,000 people) of the registered population of Jávea is British (you can probably double to account for nonregistered Brits), for whom the British Government pays Spain 4267€ for each British pensioner registered here to cover their health care (2011-2012), amounting to a sum of in excess of 200 million Euros. Anyone with questions about healthcare in Spain should visit http://tinyurl.com/javeahealthcare - a website run by the UK Department of Health and Valencia Government with EU funding. An on-line questionnaire addresses most questions.
Comunidad population down, and empty houses up
Las Provincias reports that the population of the Comunidad Valenciana has fallen for the first time in 17 years. Most of the 23,809 leavers were foreigners. The majority were from Ecuador, Romania and Columbia, while the trend is being bucked by an increase in the number of Chinese immigrants. In another article, statistics show that there were 505,029 empty
dwellings in the Comunidad on November 1st 2011, representing 14.7% of the total number of empty houses in Spain
Jávea to withold 576,000€ of ECISA's guarantee for the Underground Car parks
The Town Council has agreed to pay back only 82,000€ of the construction guarantee deposited by ECISA for building the underground car parks, the Portal del Clot building and ring roads. A total of 576,000€ has been witheld, with 250,000€ for the Portal del Clot car park, which has “moisture and other defects”, is rarely used (but that’s not the builder’s fault) and which will require a huge investment to make it useful and 326,000€ with regard to the car park under the Plaza de la Constitución which has “leaks, bad finishes and other defects” which the Townhall will have to rectify. ECISA had been asked to repair these defects, but has not done so.
Making a Living Will in Spain
Anyone of legal age can make a living will or model one after existing documents drafted by regional governments, dignified death advocate groups such as Derecho a Morir Dignamente (the Right to die with dignity), or even the Catholic Church. The document is then either entrusted to a notary and signed before three witnesses with no ties to the will maker - all three must keep a copy - or else be lodged with the appropriate registrar's office in the regional government. Since a few weeks ago, and for the first time ever, all regional records are connected to the National Living Will Register. If the need should arise, doctors can consult a patient's Living Will regardless of where it was drawn up and officialised.
Town Hall receives Pou del Moro development
The Town Hall has authorised receipt of the partial plan development “Pou del Moro I” (the area where McDonalds, Consum and a residential annexe are sited). This project had been in limbo because part of the
Jávea Jeard
May 2013, Nº 2
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project works were still pending. The Council has taken over the singlefamily housing in Pujols, Puigmolins, Benigànim, Calablanca and Portitxol streets, but also unblocked the Pou del Moro I partial plan, affecting more than a hundred houses which, though inhabited for years, had no right to receive municipal services such as street lighting and maintenance. The victims in the conflict between the Town Hall and the developer were the householders, who had bought in good faith. The Council decided to separate the project into two, taking over the area which is physically complete and assuming responsibility for maintenance and services. Alfahuir and Benimasot streets were also taken over. These were in very poor condition and have now been resurfaced. These roads could not be included in the general asphalting plan because they are too narrow for the machines, so a separate project was carried out amounting to 13,000 euros funded directly by the Town Hall. Jávea Jeard is grateful to Christine Betterton-Jones for compiling the Agenda 21 reports at http://agenda21-xabia.wikidot.com
Casa Segura Locksmiths
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to make an appointment (+34) 659 853 645 www.locksmithspain.net Avenida del Pla 116 (Arenal)
Jávea Jeard May 2013, Nº 2
Page 18
cancer Care Charity Centre in Jávea Park has signed an agreement with the Cardenal Herrara CEU University in Valancia to donate 200,000€ to provide a genome sequencer to calculate chemotherapy mixtures to the region’s citizens. Jávea’s Mayor, José Chulvi and Foreign Resident Councillor Oscar Antón were present and witnessed the signature of CEU-UCH Dean, Rosa Visiedo, with the President and Vice President of cancer Care Jávea, Jackie Evans and Eileen Saville. Terry Saville had told me he would tell me as soon as there were any developments - but didn’t - so we decided to rely on what José Chulvi issued from Jávea Townhall. Jávea cancer Care volunteers raised 260,000 €uros to fund a professorship to provide training activities for improving the attention and care of cancer patients. The holders of the chair, Drs Roger Ignacio Pérez, professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences CEU-UCH, and Joan Manel Gasent Blesa Hospital Oncologist at Denia Marina Health, will be responsible for organising and coordinating the activities of the Chair as well as to form work teams in which teachers can collaborate with CEU-UCH. CEU-UCH will provide a Technological. Pharmacotherapy and Customisation Laboratory in Oncology (FPOlab) located in Denia Marina Salud Hospital, for developing personalised medicine treatment in the fight against cancer. In turn, cancer Care Jávea made a
Charity shop supports improved treatment and longer life for cancer patients
contribution of 260,000 €uros, to finance activities under this Chair until 2017. These are huge sums, when you consider it is raised by the sale in their shops of second-hand products. In this sense, the Alcalde and Oscar Anton have recognised the great charitable work performed by this group, made up mainly of foreign residents in order to support projects related to cancer research - and also to attend, support and inform people affected by cancer and families. cancer Care Charity Centre has been dedicated, for the past 15 years, to helping those suffering the illness and fundraising through its shops to help investigation into the disease. It has a second hand shop and clothing boutique in Jávea Park, as well as an information centre and around 60 volunteers. Although a Jávea charity organisation, cancer Care Charity Centre has embarked on the ambitious project of providing the Marina Alta, and specifically Denia Hospital with a pioneering laboratory, in which tumours will be sequenced and analysed in order to advise on tailored chemotherapy and radiotherapy cancer treatments. It has come to an agreement with the Cardenal Herrera CEU Univeristy Valencia to create an oncology department, the ECMOR (English Cátedra of Modern Oncology Research) through which they will acquire a genome sequencer machine and create a laboratory at Dénia Hospital.
ECMOR will work with Alicante University, specialising in investigation, in a project alongside the Medical University of Valencia, where Dénia hospital laboratory will be able to sequence samples and send them to Alicante University for research, not only enabling tailored treatments but also the creation of a database. In the long term, Dénia Hospital will be able to offer the service to other hospitals in Spain, with the prospect of becoming self-financing. cancer Care Jávea is committed, not only to purchasing the sequencing machines, but to maintainance for a period of 4 years, at a cost of 20,000 €uros a year to finance three technicians from both universities to handle the mechanics of the laboratory. IT IS THE POLICY OF THIS PUBLICATION NOT PUT PUT A CAPITAL LETTER AT THE BEGINNING OF THE WORD ‘CANCER’ AS WE REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT AS THE ‘BIG C’.
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Members of the Javea U3A rummikubs and May 2013, Nº 2 Page 19 solos groups enjoyed a night out at Dance Café. They enjoyed cava, wine and tapas provided by owners of the Dance Café David Grove, Jávea U3A’s new as they launched the groups co-ordinator start of their summer season. Partygoers danced the night away and had a thoroughly good evening.
Jávea Jeard
PEAK PERFORMERS
U3A Walking Group members recently enjoyed the ‘high life’ visiting two sets of windmills (molinos). Their first was off the Jávea to Denia mountain road, near the San Antonio lighthouse, making their way to the windmills – including two “lost ones” – where workmen were busy continuing to restore the historic landmarks. Walkers were able to enjoy spectacular views of Jávea and its beautiful coastline below. Two days later, around 20 hardy intermediate group walkers enjoyed a two-and-a-half hour walk around the hills above Jesus Pobre. They climbed to the three windmills and then down through the woods and out to the Rompudetes area. From the windmills, walkers feasted their eyes on the panoramic view across the coastline from Denia and as far as Cullera, north of Gandia.
In the right direction
THE minimum age for marriage in Spain has been raised from 14 to 16 as part of government plans to combat child abuse and exploitation. Social Services minister Ana Mato said the government intends to revise the age of sexual consent. currently at just 13. These reforms are part of major government plans to combat the abuse of minors. Under the previous law, in certain circumstances a child
was allowed to enter into marriage with a court’s permission from 14 years of age. In Spain, the minimum ages for marriage and sexual consent were previously among the lowest in the world. The minister added that the government will now work with political parties and children’s organisations to increase the age of consent in line with European Union nations.
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Jávea Jeard May 2013, Nº 2
Page 20
General Information
• Integration is key. The more integrated you are in your local community, the easier it will be to find out about the help available to you.
• Register correctly as a resident. This is often a requirement in order to get help from local authorities, such as social services.
• If you do run into financial problems, seek help before the situation becomes more serious.
Pensions and Benefits – knowing the basics
• In receipt of a UK State Pension or benefit? Inform the UK authorities of any change in circumstances, such as spending prolonged periods of time outside the UK or moving abroad, moving house, getting married or finding work. This is to avoid suspension or overpayment of your benefit, which you will have to pay back.
• If you have only ever worked in the UK, apply for your UK State Pension or UK benefit through the International Pension Centre.
• However, if you last worked in the country you currently live in, make your claim via the local social security office.
• You may be able to claim a pension or benefit from the country you live in if you have worked and paid contributions there, even if this
Not ‘just another restaurant’
‘A Dining Experience’ A la Carte or Menu del Día
C/. Toni Llido, 03730 JAVEA-PORT (on the corner with Virgen de Loreto) Tel: 96 579 4495
Be Prepared
- Know your social security rights and responsibilities as a Brit in Spain
was only for a short period of time. Always apply in writing and declare the work you have done in any other country (such as the UK). This could help give you entitlement. • Even if you do not have entitlement to a contributions-based benefit, you may be entitled to financial help from your local social services, providing you meet certain requirements.
• If you decide to return to the UK, de-register with the local authorities and be aware that you may have to demonstrate your UK residency before you can apply for UK meanstested benefits. This is currently called the Habitual Residence Test.
More on UK pensions…
• Find out about the Pension Reform Act if you reached, or will reach, State Pension Age on or after 6th April 2010. • Not yet pension age but previously worked in the UK? You can request a pension forecast from HMRC and may be able to pay voluntary contributions to increase your UK State Pension entitlement. • If you are in receipt of a UK State Pension and receive a ‘life certificate’ through the post, complete and return it as soon as possible to avoid disruption to your payments.
More on UK benefits…
• You cannot receive UK means-tested benefits, such as income support or pension credit, if you live abroad. Contact the authority paying the benefit for more information. • However, other UK benefits such as the State Pension, contributory Employment Support Allowance, Bereavement Benefit and Disability Living Allowance (care component) can be claimed from and received abroad.
Accessing Healthcare
• If you live outside the UK, you should not use your UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access medical treatment in your country of residence. Instead, make sure you are registered for state-run healthcare in another way.
• Find out which type of public healthcare system the country you live in operates, for example Residencybased: for people normally resident in that country Contributions-based: for those working and paying contributions, or in receipt of a state pension or benefit. Note: certain public healthcare systems may expect you to pay towards the cost of treatment including prescriptions. • Generally, if you fall into one of the following categories, you and your dependants may access state-run healthcare in the country you live in by registering an S1 form, issued by the UK: - UK State Pensioner - Contributions-based UK benefit holder - If you have recently paid sufficient national insurance contributions to the UK • If you are registered under a UK S1 form, apply to the UK for an EHIC to use when you travel outside your country of residence. If you are registered for state healthcare in another way, contact the local health authorities for information on how to apply for an EHIC. • An EHIC can only be used for treatment that becomes necessary during a trip outside your country of residence. This includes routine maternity care and monitoring of chronic or pre-existing conditions. If you want to go to another country specifically for treatment, you must consult your local GP before you go – further documentation is required. THIS INFORMATION IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE BRITISH NATIONALS LIVING IN OTHER EEA COUNTRIES OR SWITZERLAND
WITH GENERAL INFORMATION ON SOCIAL SECURITY ENTITLEMENTS. ALL EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION IS ACCURATE AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. THE FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH OFFICE DOES NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY, LEGAL OR OTHERWISE, FOR ANY DECISIONS MADE BASED ON THIS INFORMATION.
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Deputy Mayor, Oscar Anton gets local support for repeal of Asset Declaration law for non-Spanish residents
Others talk, we act! Jávea council was the first to officially declare opposition to Spain’s controversial Asset Declaration Law in its present form. Councillors unanimously approved the Motion to Madrid, and circulated it to all other Town Halls in the area, but there have been NO reports of any other Ayuntamiento backing the punitive Law - that is causing many to cancel plans to live in Jávea until they die.
The Plenum session of Jávea council on the last Thursday in April, approved the motion proposed by XD Councillor Oscar Anton to tell The Ministry of Finance and Public Affairs in Madrid of the direct damage the application of Law 7/2012 is causing to coastal towns with large foreign populations.
Deputy Mayor Oscar Anton told us. “Other Councils like to talk about it, but in Jávea we do something about it. Actions speak louder than words and we as a Council - irrespective of party - all believe the motion is right. The town of Jávea has spoken, now hopefully others will follow us.”
Xabia Democratica party leader, Oscar Anton truly understands the economic catastrophe that will occup if foreign nationals resident in Jávea and other towns with similar demographics decide ‘to take their business elsewhere’ or even only decide to become tax residents of their home countries, which is an option under new ‘Double Taxation’ agreements.
Oscar told us: “We want to tell Madrid that we are not happy about the law and the government must limit things because in future people will not choose Spain to make a new home because the State will be asking you a lot of questions. People are coming to Jávea to retire and relax or to work – they pay their taxes. We must not expect more taxes from them: they spend their money in our shops, restaurants and bars and for our services. It is wrong for the State to target these people and it would be bad news for the Spanish Economy if they decided to leave.”
Jávea Jeard
May 2013, Nº 2
Page 21
does not have to declare it. Put this way it would seem to refute the government’s claims that they are not targeting foreign nationals resident in Spain.
The controversial Asset Declaration Law introduced by Royal Decree on 15th November 2012 was designed to reduce tax evasion by Spanish nationals, requiring all tax residents of Spain to declare assets abroad and explain the source of the money used to acquire those assets. However one of the byproducts of the legislation has been to promote confusion and havoc among the ex-pats who now have to make comprehensive declarations of assets they hold outside of Spain. An indication of the unsuitability of the legislation and the naivety of those who drafted it is that much of the information required does not even exist. This has caused foreign residents eager to comply with all laws of their adopted country a lot of unnecessary anxiety.
As the Spanish tax laws, rates and allowances differ from those of other countries, they create the potential situation where foreign nationals will be better off not being tax residents of Spain, and in some cases deciding not to be residents at all. Both situations would only add to Spain’s economic woes.
Mistrust and misunderstanding has caused a lot of foreign residents to ‘think again’ about registering on the Padron and recently some have taken themselves off the list. “This is terrible” says Anton, “Jávea is losing its share of government money because of this.”
Model 720 which is the form that has to be used to declare the assets, can only be completed online by an accountant or lawyer with a digital signature. This in itself is restrictive as there is obviously a cost involved and also the necessity of providing very detailed and personal financial information. An expat who has a home in their country of origin worth over 50,000€ has to declare it; a Spaniard who has a boat or luxury car worth over 50,000€ in another country
Oscar Anton believes the asset declaration exercise is missing its intended target – Spanish citizens moving money abroad to avoid taxes – and instead hitting foreign residents keen to abide by the rules, which is why he introduced the motion that says:
On October 12, 2012, the Law 7/2012, which among other things sets the obligation for all tax residents to declare all property and assets located abroad that exceed 50,000 euros was proposed. The said Act was implemented by Royal Decree 1558/2012 of 15 November and HAP/72/2013 order of January 30, in approving the construction of the model 720 for presenting this statement. The origin of that plan is standard anti tax fraud made by the Spanish government in order to avoid fiscal opacity. The conception of the rule was that Spanish and foreign people during the last decade in the so-called "Brick Boom", had diverted funds or property acquired outside the country and that their respective tax returns did not mention those assets. The standard requires the declaration of real property and of assets or securities that exceed 50,000 euros held outside the country, of which they are owners, co-owners, authorized signiatories or beneficiaries.
Jávea Council recognises the importance of acting forcefully to combat tax fraud and that any policy designed to eradicate these malpractices has our fullest support. However we highlight the incongruity of applying a standard explanatory memorandum which was introduced in association with the Royal Decree-Law on tax amnesty. The Amnesty that among other measures was introduced extraordinarily allowed for some to have the opportunity to benefit from a special regulation allowing those individuals or legal entities that opted for this exceptional and temporary alternative, to settle up with the Spanish tax authorities at reduced costs by paying only 10% of the amount of undeclared income and earnings without having to justify their origin.
Continued on page 22
Jávea Jeard
Oscar’s Assest Law Plea
May 2013, Nº 2
Page 22
Continued from page 21
Oblivious to the aim of the legislator is that the most vulnerable to this law is the foreign resident with tax residence in Spain. This in no way has been taken into account in the law set forth above and on which fall all the weight of the regulation to demand compliance with totally disproportionate penalties that are unprecedented in any state of the European Union.
The sanctions affect all those tax residents in Spain who do not submit the asset disclosure before April 30 and those who submit returns that are incomplete, inaccurate or not formalized by electronic filing. The amount of these penalties ranges from 5,000 euros to 10,000 euros for each asset, account, or undeclared deposit. Also the tax authority will calculate the amount of the penalty as though the value of the asset was an unreported capital gain over the last year.
As an example; Foreign national residing in Spain who does not declare a home in their country of origin that is valued at 150,000 euros, would have the home treated as a capital gain and so would pay 37% of the value to which would be added, interest and a penalty provided for in the Tax Code as a special sanction under Law 7/201. Total payable as penalty 162.070 euros. -
That is more than the value of the home that was omitted, without taking into account that this home was acquired by paying the transfer tax in their country of origin and that the money to buy the house came from earned income that was taxed in the country of origin. It is such a disproportionate penalty that could lead directly to confiscation of the property in question.
To this must be added that most susceptible to this situation are retirees, many of them elderly, who have to file the return by electronic means, in a model the understanding of which is impossible for a non qualified person, forcing them to pay a professional to do it for them. This for assets that have already been taxed in their country of origin.
Also the model demands assessments of investments and pension funds that they are unable to provide mainly because they oscillate and lack a market value. (Examples; trusts, fiduciary deposits etc.)
In Jávea the percentage of the population affected by this law is over 55% of the total population and as such are some of the predominant users of local services. This law and the required form is therefore highly detrimental to the local economy as these people might choose to change their tax residency, residency or directly request to be unsubscribed from the Padron which was the case yesterday when 17 foreign residents asked the Xabia Helpdesk how they could unsubscribe from it.
This group (Jávea Council) believes that the regulation could be considered unconstitutional because it is creates an ad hoc special disciplinary regime within the Tax Code, violates the free movement of capital within the EU and violates treaties that prevent international double taxation.
MAKE YOUR OWN MOSQUITO TRAP
If you’ve not noticed it, the Mosquitoes are already out! Here is a homemade trap to help keep you and your family from being unwilling blood donors! HOMEMADE MOSQUITO TRAP Items needed: 1 cup of water 1/4 cup of brown sugar 1 gram of yeast 1 2-litre bottle HOW: 1. Cut the plastic bottle in half.
2. Mix brown sugar with hot water. Let cool. When cold, pour in the bottom half of the bottle.
3. Add the yeast. No need to mix. It creates carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes.
4. Place the funnel part, upside down, into the other half of the bottle, taping them together if desired.
For all we request the plenary of the municipality;
1. - Refer the motion to the Ministry of Finance and Public Administration in order to report on the direct damage application of this regulation will cause in coastal towns with large foreign populations.
2 - Urge the Ministry of Finance to make a moratorium on Law 7/2012 in order to properly inform all taxpayers of the regulation 720 and to adapt the forms so they are easy to understand, that do not require submission by digital means and the removal of disproportionate penalties.
3. - To initiate a review procedure of the Law 7/2012 to achieve equality with the tax systems of other EU countries in order to avoid international double taxation, in which the information is exchanged between member states which for individuals in many cases it is impossible to provide. Only in cases of states considered tax havens should the individual taxpayer be required to provide such information.
5. Wrap the bottle with something black, leaving the top uncovered, and place it outside in an area away from your normal gathering area. (Mosquitoes are also drawn to the colour black.) Change the solution every 2 weeks for continuous control. Or put out new one
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If you've read the book by Professor Ian Plimer, I hope you will agree, this is a good summary.
Okay, here's the bombshell. The volcanic eruption in Iceland, since its first spewing of volcanic ash has, in just FOUR DAYS, NEGATED EVERY SINGLE EFFORT you have made in the past five years to control CO2 emissions on our planet - all of you. Of course you know about this evil carbon dioxide that we are trying to suppress - it’s that vital chemical compound that every plant requires to live and grow and to synthesize into oxygen for us humans and all animal life. I know, it's very disheartening to realise that all of the carbon emission savings you have accomplished while suffering the inconvenience and expense of: driving Prius hybrids, buying fabric grocery bags, sitting up till midnight to finish your kid's "The Green Revolution" science project, throwing out all of your non-green cleaning supplies, using only two squares of toilet paper, putting a brick in your toilet tank reservoir, selling your SUV and speedboat, vacationing at home instead of abroad, nearly getting hit every day on your bicycle, replacing all of your 50 cents light bulbs with 10€ light bulbs well, all of those things you have done have all gone down the tubes in just four days. The volcanic ash emitted into the Earth's atmosphere in just four days yes - FOUR DAYS ONLY by that volcano in Iceland, has totally erased every single effort you have made to reduce the evil beast, carbon. And there are around 200 active volcanoes on the planet spewing out this crud at any one
Where does the Carbon really come from?
time - EVERY DAY.
I don't really want to rain on your parade too much, but I should mention that when the volcano Mt Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines in 1991, it spewed out more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than the entire human race had emitted in all its years on earth. Yes folks, Mt Pinatubo was active for over one year - think about it.
Of course I shouldn't spoil this touchyfeely tree-hugging moment and mention the effect of solar and cosmic activity and the well-recognized 800-year global heating and cooling cycle, which keep happening, despite our completely insignificant efforts to affect climate change.
And I do wish I had a silver lining to this volcanic ash cloud but the fact of the matter is that the bush fire season across the western USA and Australia this year alone will negate your efforts to reduce carbon in our world for the next two to three years. And it happens every year.
Just remember that your government wants to impose a whopping carbon tax on you on the basis of the bogus “human-caused” climate change scenario.
Hey, isn’t it interesting how they don’t mention “Global Warming” any more, but just “Climate Change” - you know why? It’s because the planet has COOLED by 0.7 degrees in the past century and these global warming bull artists got caught with their pants down. And just keep in mind that you might yet have an Emissions Trading Scheme that whopping new tax - imposed on you, that will achieve absolutely nothing except make you poorer. It won’t stop any volcanoes from erupting, that’s for sure.
But hey, relax, give the world a hug and have a nice day!
Jávea Jeard
EasyJet cabin baggage rules changed - Larger bags won't be guaranteed a place in the cabin May 2013, Nº 2
Page 23
EasyJet is introducing new cabin bag rules that will guarantee passengers with hand luggage no bigger than 50 x 40 x 20cm can keep their bag with them in the cabin. The current maximum permitted size 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, will remain unchanged, but passengers with a bag of the ‘other airlines regulation’ size may find that they have to put their bag in the hold if the flight is busy. The policy change, which come into force on 2 July, will mean passengers who want to ensure their hand luggage is permitted in overhead lockers, or under the seat in front of them, will need to buy a cabin bag that meets the reduced (EasyJet) dimensions.
The reason EasyJet’s new rules have been prompted by overhead locker space on aircraft becoming increasingly limited as a result of more people taking the cheaper option of flying with hand luggage only. The EasyJet reduced dimensions are smaller than Ryanair’s much criticised maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm and consumers may find it difficult to find luggage that meets the reduced allowance. Of the 21 cabin suitcases that Which? has tested, only three would meet the reduced restrictions, guaranteeing that the case can be taken in the aircraft cabin. Samsonite and Tesco hand luggage An EasyJet spokeswoman said it was aware few bags would fit the new dimensions, but some manufacturers including Samsonite and Tesco were already producing bags to fit the new size. She said new luggage measuring equipment at airports would have both sets of dimensions so passengers would know if their case would be guaranteed onboard. Small cabin bags Passengers with bags fitting the larger size would still be able to take them onboard if flights were not crowded. However, if space was tight, they might have to give up their bags at the gate to be put in the hold. There is no change to their bag policy which means that 56cm x 45cm x 25cm bags are still permitted on board.
Montgó cave excavations find neolithic burial remains
CIRNE Cultural Foundation has announced the results of the fourth season of excavations at the site of the Cova del Migdia ravine, with some of the work funded by Jávea municipal water company, AMJASA. In this latest phase earth has been ‘sieved’ from the neolithic period (between polished stone and bronze ages) discovering evidence of more than a dozen human burials, confirmed by Carbon 14 testing. The remains were accompanied by grave goods, work tools such as arrowheads and stone axes, ceramic vessels, jewelry made with seashells and bone needles worked to modes. The archaeologist who led the excavation, Juan de Dios Boronat, highlighted the emergence of a copper metal punch, probably imported from far away to Jávea. Another important result lay in a deeper layer in the cave, about 20 inches below where the burial remains were found, indicating presence of other senior burials made between 200 and 300 years earlier than previously analyzed. The excavation results were documented with a novel technique of photogrammetry, in three dimensions, to convey the content of this (normally) inaccessible cavity on the slopes of the Montgo. The importance of the Migdia site, combining burials with paintings of more than 5000 years ago, was recognised a few months ago after a CIRNE (which initiated and has this ambitious coordinated archaeological work) exhibition backed by Soler Blasco museum in Javea and Alicante MARQ and now turns to Guardamar del Segura and possibly a later trip to Barcelona.
Javea public water provider AMJASA contributed financially to the project. Javea mayor, José Chulvi said "it is a luxury and Jávea is fortunate to have a foundation like CIRNE. AMJASA collaborated with 16,000 €uros to the Foundation, which in turn will prepare an exhibition on local history related to the water to be released to schools next year.
Of course dogs will be in Heaven
When God made the earth and sky, The flowers and the trees, He then made all the animals, The fish, the birds, and bees. And when at last He'd finished Not one was quite the same. He said, "I'll walk this world of mine, And give each one a name," And so He travelled far and wide And everywhere He went, A little creature followed Him Until its strength was spent. When all were named upon the earth And in the sky and sea, The little creature said, "Dear Lord, There's not one left for me." Kindly the Father said to him, "I've left you to the end, I've turned my name back to front And called you dog, my friend.
Av. Lepanto 2, Edif. Puerto Real 03730 Jávea Port Tel: 96 579 0803 LOOKING TO BUY, SELL or RENT in JÁVEA AREA? Your time is precious - so contact the pro-active Estate Agency for reliable advice - with a service that sells. English, Spanish, French, Dutch and German spoken and understood eMail: info@javea-hamiltons.net www.javea-hamiltons.net
Another collaborative venture with Local Government Cultural Foundation is channelled through the museum and archaeologist, Ximo Bolufer, and is involved in excavations in Migdia and study of the materials found. The Friends of the Museum Association wanted to support the project and translated into English a documentary about the cave.
BAR PICOTEO
Av. Jaime 1, Jávea Port Julie and Diego welcome you
MENU DEL DÍA - 9,50€ 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
Rolls, sandwiches of your choosing to eat or take to the beach.
Take-Away Service
Jávea Jeard is published in Jávea by A2Z Publicaciones on behalf of Iglesia Grupo International de Divulgación del Evangelio (CIF: Q0300542H) at OASIS Centre, C/. Toni Llido 5, 03730