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The Other Bull Run The Bull Boys go From Boats to Bikes! Back in July 2015, when Dave and
a very difficult time.
Mitch Bull found out that a close relative had been diagnosed with
Because the Kayak Challenge was
terminal cancer, they decided to do
so successful, Dave and Mitch have
something to raise funds for can-
decided to take on a challenge each
cer research. Dave – who owns ra-
year to raise funds and aware-
dio station CBFM and presents the
ness of the work of AECC and the
weekday Breakfast Show, as well
Samaritans in Spain. Flushed with
as writing about life in Spain and
the success of the Kayak Challenge,
editing the popular All Abroad mag-
they’ve gone bigger and better. The
azine – had just bought a kayak.
Motorbike Challenge will see the
So he suggested to Mitch that the
Bull Boys bike around the perim-
row along one of the most danger-
eter of Spain, avoiding motorways
ous sections of the River Segura
and stopping off at schools and oth-
from Murcia to Guardamar to raise
er institutions on the way. They’re
funds for the Spanish cancer char-
hoping that all of Spain will join in
ity AECC. Although Mitch had never
to raise money by collecting plastic
even been in a kayak, he agreed,
bottle tops which will be cashed in
because like a good son, he does
to add to the total.
re reaakk!! kkee aa b b a T a T with
what Dad says – most of the time Supporters can also pledge funds
anyway!
and organise fund raising events The Kayak Challenge raised around
as the boys make their way around
€3000 for AECC, but more impor-
Spain in October. Why October? Be-
tantly, it raised awareness of the
cause that’s the first opportunity
work of the charity in Spain, and the
for Mitch – who is head chef at La
work of the Samaritans in Spain,
Piedra Bar and Grill at Gran Alacant
of which Dave is a patron. It’s no
– to take time off work for the 25
exaggeration to say that cancer
day ride, covering over 6,000 ki-
touches every family at some point,
lometres. Look out for more news
and the Samaritans often have to
on the Motorbike Challenge, and if
deal with the fallout, and help can-
you’d like to be involved in any way,
cer sufferers and relatives through
contact Dave Bull at CBFM Radio.
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3
OUR DELIVERANCE It was a morning full of surprises. None
and our supporters as we disappeared
Alongside the river banks became low
more so than Mitch being at our planned
around the first bend; the cold river
cut grass with people walking dogs and
meeting place for the team, the car park
water getting us wet straight away and
cycling who either waved at us and
outside of the town hall, before I was.
finishing the job the caffeine had admi-
asked where we were going or took pho-
He’d messaged me, excited and already
rably started, that of waking us up.
tos on their phones. When they heard
pumping with adrenaline. “Come on!
With the shouts from our team and
we had come from Murcia and were
I’m ready let’s go dad!”
those who’d come to see us off ringing
heading for Guardamar most wished
in our ears we soon got into a rhythm
us good luck while the rest laughingly
I was already on my way and soon met
and were making the banjo noise from
shouted, ‘Locos!’ From low-cut grass the
up with a bouncy Mitch and his ev-
‘Deliverance’ in no time. It was a beau-
sides of the river became tall concrete
er-hungry and sleepy girlfriend Chris-
tiful morning to be on the river and
walls as we entered the city of Orihuela
tel. Raquel, my girlfriend arrived next
with the wildlife around us waking up,
and up ahead next to the second bridge
and soon Rob our driver and Shaun the
Mitch was sure to sure to see his first
we glimpsed the familiar and welcome
photographer rolled up looking as wide
duck very soon, and he did, up close
sight of purple tee shirts; our team was
awake and ready for the adventure as
and friendly. To Mitch it was an amazing
there waiting for us.
we were.
moment and he was almost bouncing up
Another swift break and we were off
We were off and on time, 6.15am
and down in his kayak shouting ‘Duck!
again, although this time as the team
which was important if we were to stay
Duck! Correction…he was bouncing up
walked alongside us they headed into
on schedule all day and complete the
and down shouting ‘Duck!’
a patch of mud. All of a sudden Steve, who’d come along with his wife Kirsty
challenge before we lost the daylight in evening. Then things started to get in-
Also alongside us were geese, terrapins
and young lad Lewis, and Rob from our
teresting as we found the main road, our
and the odd Kingfisher with its beautiful
team, shouted back to the following
only exit out of town, blocked following
turquoise plumage. However, we didn’t
group to stop. The mud they were walk-
a severe road traffic accident and we
have much time to admire the wildlife as
ing on was sucking them down making
were diverted on a twenty minute round
we had to crack on. And we did, cov-
them sink into it, and fast. Lewis by this
trip to get back on the road where we
ering the 12km to our first rest stop at
time was screaming ‘I’m gonna die!’ as
needed to be heading. Then came the
Beniel in just less than two hours – good
dad Steve tried to haul him out of the
tractor in front of us before the police
going.
mud where he had sunk up to his knees.
road stop and then finally we hit the fast
We were starving and freezing cold
With Lewis extracted Steve, now carry-
road...and got stuck behind a crane pos-
thanks to the water so a quick bowl
ing the extra weight of his son, began
sibly being driven by my mum judging
of rice and potatoes (carbohydrates)
to sink even further. Lewis, now without
by the snail’s pace it was moving ahead
was wolfed down by each of us and we
any shoes as they had been claimed by
of us.
jumped back in the kayaks to head down
the mud, was passed to the gallant Rob
stream to Orihuela City; our next stop
– who began to sink- while Steve got
We eventually arrived at the planned
off and the location of a huge weir that
himself out of the mud; minus a shoe of
starting point for the challenge in Murcia
would act as a big water slide for us to
his own. Eventually everyone managed
City an hour and a half late and began
go down in the kayaks.
to get out and you’ll be pleased to know Lewis’s prediction of dying fell short of
getting the kayaks ready and into our wetsuits. A hot coffee at that point
We negotiated a few small weirs and a
the mark. Steve had to walk around
was needed by the whole team as the
couple of sets of interesting rapids (we
the rest of the city and back to his car
temperature next to the river was down
had to carry the kayaks down one under
with no shoes or trousers –as they were
to seven degrees at that time. We really
the full flow of the river) and with the
caked u to the thighs in mud – while
needed to get a move on but the coffee
sun shining down on us and the rowing
Kirsty couldn’t stop laughing and Lewis
was good and the caffeine would help
rate at a good pace we were warming up
wondered what the hell had just hap-
us.
in no time. The ‘Deliverance’ tune once
pened, and how on earth he had man-
The Howells girls, Ann and Holly were
again played a big part as did ‘Old man
aged to survive.
getting the kayaks from their truck while
river’ which was peppered (and spoilt
we got dressed, and giggling constant-
in my opinion)throughout by shouts of
We left them to it and headed happily
ly; I blamed the caffeine. We loaded
‘Duck!’ coming from behind me as they
out of the city and ready to get going
the kayaks with (hopefully) everything
swam under the kayaks as we ap-
again as we needed to keep up a good
we needed and climbed into them and
proached them.
pace of we were to finish on time.
headed off quickly, waving to the team
4
One thing we learnt on the day was that
ECNAREVILED RUO team were already there and armed with
up as much speed as we could as we
out to see us and we powered towards
phones to get a video of us; possibly,
approached the reed dam on the river
the port with such ferocity they had to
getting a soaking if we got it wrong.
and then attempted to crash through it.
run along the river bank to keep up with
Mitch and I clambered up and over the
Although it was very tiring it was also
us.
bridge to have a look at the big weir
good fun, and it worked…well, most of
And finally we were there. As we round-
which spans the whole river and must
the time anyway.
ed the corner to turn in to the port we ignited the flares we had been carry-
be around fifty metes wide. The three metre slope would act as a slide with
As the river narrowed after Formentera
ing all this time for just this moment.
the water than ran down it carrying us
we could see the team waiting for us up
They burned brightly, filling the port
to the edge and then we would drop
ahead. They had headed downriver to
with smoke and announcing our arrival
almost two metres over the edge, verti-
check out whether we could get through
in style as we headed towards the bar
cally. Again I went first and fortunately
where the river splits about 5km from
where most, quite sensibly, had decided
managed to keep the kayak straight,
Guardamar. The news wasn’t good. We
to wait for us. Apparently we lit more
which is essential, as the water carried
couldn’t get through as the authorities
than one fuse though as the harbour
me down the slope and then over the
had closed off the river for about a one
master came running out to the water’s
edge and vertically into the cold water
kilometre stretch meaning one thing.
edge and, glowing almost as red as the
(again) up to my waist, but I’d made it
We’d have to carry the kayaks over
flares, he told us off. We knew we would
and shouted a few appropriate swear
that distance. We got out of the water
probably get in to trouble by lighting
words as the adrenaline kicked in. Mitch
watched by some curious sheep, several
the flares but a telling off was a small
didn’t come down straight and as he hit
goats and a shepherd wondering what
price to pay for what was, for us, a very
a loose branch, which got stuck under
on earth we were doing as we walked
memorable moment.
the kayak, he began to turn sideways.
past the flock and up to the path than
Not good. As he headed over the edge
ran alongside where the river should
Exhausted we hauled ourselves out of
and into the water the kayak tuned even
have been. It was hell. The hardest part
the kayaks and just lay on the portside
more dumping him, and the mascot
of the whole adventure. Two kayaks
starting to feel the effects of four and a
he was carrying, into the river. He was
weighing in at about 65kg each and we
half hours of rowing, which meant we’d
soaked but at least the team and those
had a long way to carry them. With me
done approximately fourteen thousand
watching were enjoying themselves as
walking in front carrying the front ends
oar strokes, each.No wonder it hurt.
we, well Mitch, ‘entertained’ them.
of the kayaks in each hand and Mitch
A round of photographs for friends and
Onwards we rowed. Guardamar was not
bringing up the rear with the back ends
the press held us back from a large, cool
far now (about 8km) and as we headed
we struggled on. Really struggled. By
beer although it was only temporary and
out of Rojales we could see the huge
the five hundred metre mark we were
the occasion meant we weren’t feeling
mast on the coast, next to our destina-
exhausted and the muscles in our backs
the cold just yet.
tion, a welcome sight but still about two
and shoulders were really starting to
hours away for us.
hurt.
Two kayaks, seventeen weirs and rapids and fifty two kilometres later we’d made
More reeds bashed away at our heads
It took us forty-five minutes to cover
it and the drive home, thankfully carried
and bodies and the river as ever had no
that stretch and it now meant we would
out by Rob, was pure therapy in itself. If
flow at all on it so the going was tough
be behind schedule if we came across
only to be moving so fast for once! It’s
but we’d made good time so far so we
any more problems. We didn’t have far
the hardest thing we’ve ever attempted
were feeling confident even when we
to go so it didn’t seem likely but as we’d
(I used to race motorbikes in six hour
had to lay down in the kayaks on our
found out during this trip, you just never
endurance races and I thought that was
backs to be able to pass under a very
know.
hard) but we both felt proud to have
low bridge; the rod of iron hanging down
As it turned out the last three kilo-
done it even if we did have to do it over
inches above our noses as we passed
metres, from the bridge that carries
two days. That’s what it was all about, a
underneath made us sweat a little too.
the road N332 on its merry way up
challenge. And to do it alongside my son
We soon found a new obstacle created
and down the coast, were wonderful.
was the best thing I’ve ever done.
by the local town hall. The reeds had
Spurred on by our team and friends and
been cut ahead of us, which was good.
supporters on the river bank cheering us
Thanks to everyone who helped make
However, many had been cut and left to
on and running alongside us we upped
it possible - this article is dedicated to
flow down the river and had complete-
the pace and began to see the wonderful
them.
ly blocked it at points, which was not
lighthouse at the end of our particular
so good. We developed a fun strate-
tunnel. What a sight! We were really
gy to deal with the problem; we built
pumped up by the people who’d turned
5
OUR DELIVERANCE rowing requires a rhythm but Orihuela
to the far bank but I managed to hold it
better.
city and its surroundings put paid to
on line and head for the rapids where I
that. On exiting Orihuela City, after the
missed the left turn and stopped mo-
fun and games on the big weir with our
mentarily on a rock before the rushing
Part two
friends and the team who had met us in
water pushed me off again and into
We were back. Two weeks later we stood
the city centre, we hit the most dis-
the waiting, and relatively still, water
at the place that had held so much
heartening part of the challenge.
below. Mitch did the same although his
disappointment for us, the river bank in
No water. Well, very little. At times it
on-board camera became the day’s first
Algorfa. But this time we had the adren-
was down to just a few inches deep and
casualty as it was smashed off of the
alin flowing again and after the public
for the next hour we had to keep getting
front of his kayak when he hit a rock.
response we’d had to our first effort we
out and carrying the kayaks as it was
We were buzzing after that and rowed
knew we had a huge amount of support.
impossible to row. After that the river
on down the river towards Algorfa,
We were determined to finish, and do it
was still shallow (around half a metre)
forgetting momentarily the fatigue and
in style.
and dotted with boulders that stopped
aches and leaving the team to return to
The water level had risen somewhat
us finding any rhythm. We lost time. A
their cars and head down the road to
since the first time we were on the
lot of time and the next stretch down
meet us.
river which meant that the weirs and rapids would be that much bigger and
to Benejuzar seemed to take forever. By the time we got there the tempera-
Before we got there we saw the familiar
faster. We couldn’t wait. The first was
ture was dropping but with some more
purple tee shirts of our team standing on
only about four kilometres away and
food and a quick chat with the team we
the river bank signalling us to pull over.
we reached it within thirty five minutes
got going again looking forward to the
They’d had a talk a felt very strongly
which was a very fast pace, just what we
rapids and weir that welcomed us before
that it would be dangerous for us to go
wanted.
we got to Algorfa, where the team would
on much further as it was almost dark
once again meet us. Time was really
and we could hardly see. We told them
Again, I got the job of going down it
against us by now as on the last stretch
we were determined to finish and carried
first, there was a theme developing
we had also had to either pick, brush or
on rowing to the rest stop about 2km
here, and one of the ‘joys’ of this type of
batter our way through the reeds that
further down the river. But what they
kayaking is that once you are in the flow
hung low over the river. And we were
had said began to make sense as we
towards a weir or rapid there is no turn-
exhausted. Pains were coming thick and
tried to feel our way at times through
ing back as the strong flow will take you
fast now with Mitch getting cramp fre-
reeds and by dodging the odd rock
towards it. It did, and as I approached
quently and my shoulders burning with
sticking up and out of the water; which
the drop I began to realise it was a lot
every paddle stroke.
was impossible to see by that time. The
bigger and faster than we had previously
truth dawned on us that we wouldn’t
witnessed when we had scouted the riv-
The thought of the weir we would be rid-
be finishing that day and after agreeing
er a month before. There was no going
ing down helped us to plough on as the
that we’d have to stop and get out at Al-
back and I headed over the metre and a
light started to go and the temperature
gorfa and come back and finish another
half drop and plunged into the cold wa-
dropped even more. We were starting to
day, we rowed on silently to the meeting
ter up to my waist although still in the
get very cold. The tiredness didn’t help
point.
kayak. The buoyancy brought the front
but with less than 16km to go once we
back up and I sat in a freezing puddle
reached Algorfa we knew we could do it.
A good number of people were still
of water, totally exhilarated! Mitch did
When we arrived at the weir and rapids
waiting to greet us at Algorfa and it
the same and it was great to see him
(which were close together and meant
was a welcome sight as we rounded the
as it dawned on him just how big the
we had to make a sharp turn after going
corner and saw them all on the river
drop was but he came down safely and
down the weir and then straight into fast
bank. We pulled over; exhausted and
we paddled on laughing and whoop-
rapids with another left turn to try and
told the team that we agreed with their
ing at what we’d just experienced. The
do as we headed down and through the
decision…it was no longer safe to go on.
‘Deliverance’ theme also made another
rocks.
We were gutted. With the aches that
appearance at this point too.
now came with the rapid cooling of our Above us on the wall that ran alongside
bodies we were, it must be said, very
Rojales would be next and its big weir
the river were the team and people with
despondent; thinking we’d let everyone
had water flowing over it which meant
cameras all anticipating the sight of us
down but we couldn’t expect the team to
we could ride it. But first we’d be stop-
two riding the kayaks through the fast
have to be responsible for our safety if
ping and getting out of the kayaks to
water and obstacles. I went first and it
we (foolishly) carried on. No, they were
get a good look at it from all side and
was tough as the weir tried to push me
right. But it didn’t make us feel any
decide the best route to go down. The
6
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7
“Get on yer bike!” by Gary Routledge www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com
Annual Christmas Ride outs Beginners. (Hybrids and Mountain Bikes)
A NEW YEAR A NEW YOU IN 2015
arrived at Cyclogical in Quesada for a glass
Tuesday Morning: 9am Training Group.
Happy New Year to you all from Lynn and
of mulled wine before taking part in their
Advanced.
I. We hope you have a great 2015 and
respective Christmas ride outs. The Gents
(Road Bikes)
now’s the time to improve on all your cy-
On Wednesday 17th December the Ladies and Gents Hybrid / Mountain bike groups
group led by Rob and Ken left the shop at
Wednesday Morning: 10am Gents Cycling
cling skills. If you haven’t started cycling
10.30 and covered approx. 50kms before
Group. All Levels.
yet then what are you waiting for? For
retiring to the Minigolf restaurant at 2pm
(Hybrids and Mountain Bikes)
those of you who have here are some tips
ready for their 3 course Christmas dinner
11am Ladies Cycling Group.
and ideas on how to improve and make
with all the trimmings which was waiting
All Levels.
yourself a better fitter cyclist. Consistency
for them. Lynn’s Ladies group left the shop
(Hybrids and Mountain Bikes)
is how you get fitter.
at 11.15 and covered 40kms before finally stopping at the Minigolf for their Christmas
Thursday Evening: 5.30pm Training Group.
It’s far better to ride a little bit several
lunch at 3pm.
Advanced. (Road Bikes)
times a week than just having one big ride
Both groups were dressed as Santas and
Saturday Afternoon; 2pm Couples Cycling
habit will be the best thing you can do to
Elves and had a great ride and a superb
Group. Intermediate.
improve your fitness. Cycling shouldn’t be
Christmas dinner and most of all a great
(Hybrids and Mountain Bikes)
uncomfortable but we know that many rid-
every other week. Developing a cycling
time. So if you fancy making new friends
ers suffer various aches and pains. Howev-
and enjoy getting out on your bike with
Sunday Morning: 8am Training Group.
er there is a lot that you can do to avoid
others give us a call and join one of our
Advanced.
it. Having the right size and kind of bike is
groups.
(Road Bikes)
paramount, having the saddle and handlebars altered to suit your shape and size is
Monday Morning:
very important.
10am Gents Cycling Group.
8
All Levels. (Hybrids and Mountain Bikes)
The bike needs to fit you. Have a good
1pm Ladies Cycling Group.
routine of stretching and strengthening
CYCLING tips
Calle Los Arcos, 7 QUESADA
Mountain Bikes City Bikes Child Seats Tag-a-longs Hybrid Bikes Road Bikes
advice routes
Ladies Bikes Kids Bikes Tandems Kids Trailers BMX Bikes Electric Bikes
Sales, Repairs, Hires, Accessories & Clothing Open Mon-Fri 09.30-17.30 Sat: 10.00-14.00
Call Gary or Lynn: 637 487 377 www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com
exercises to do after and between your
you fit, they may make your legs hurt and
enough energy left to see you through to
rides
this will help prevent many of the
your lungs burn but riding hills regularly
the end, being able to chat to your mates
niggles and aches that come from riding a
will build up leg strength and will force you
and other riders is a good measure that
bike for long periods of time, you can even
to work a little bit harder than usual and
you have your pacing right.
do them when stopped for a coffee break.
they will also boost your cardio vascular
Finding more time to ride your bike is a
fitness levels.
challenge for all of us but two things will
If you are out of breath it is time to slow down, remember the hare and the tortoise.
help, be creative and be organised. These
Do not avoid them if you want to get fitter
Running out of energy on the bike is un-
two qualities will allow you to seize every
and faster.
Hills also give variety to your
pleasant but can be easily avoided if you
opportunity that comes your way. You can
ride and once at the top you normally have
think about nutrition before, during and
cycle to work, for the shopping, for the
beautiful views and great fun descending
after your ride.
papers to friends houses for dinner to the
after the hard push to get to the top, there
loads of expensive supplements with you,
pub, restaurant etc. There are numerous
are many different types of hills and the
all you need is a handful of dried apricots
opportunities to spend more time in the
best thing is to find a hill close to you that
which are easily available, easy to carry
saddle and save money if you want to.
suits you best.
and easy to eat.
There are many ways to get yourself fitter.
Try timing yourself up the hill and see how
It’s also important to ensure that at least
One of the best ways is to cycle on hills,
you improve if you can do hills everything
one of your water bottles contains a carbo-
there are many reasons to love hills rather
else is easy. Pacing yourself whilst on a ride
hydrate drink (energy drink).
than hate them, hills have always had a
is also important as you need to ensure
poor reputation with bike riders, hills make
that
you
have
You don’t have to carry
If you haven’t ridden in a group before, it’s an idea to join a local group or club no matter what style and type of cycling you do, there are groups out there for everyone. Riding in a group is enjoyable, sociable, make new friends and allows you new opportunities, learn new different routes it also makes you work harder and go further.
Please check
our website under clubs and groups for information or give us a call. Also in 2015 give yourself an aim, if the furthest you have cycled is 40 or 50k try to aim for 50 or 70k, also try to complete one long ride of 100k during 2015.Hope this helps you all to improve and learn new skills, become fitter , healthier and happier. Keep that wheels turning “ All the best Gary and Lynn” .
9
Abrimos todos los dias a partir de 18.ooh & los Sabados y Domingos tambien a medio dia We are open every day from 6.00pm Summer Hours and from 12.00pm at weekends From 1pm every day
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10
Sandra in Spain www.sandrainspain.com
Around Algor fa
on our doorstep The orange groves One of the many things I love about Algorfa
eaten, although it will be at least another
You can also use orange peel in the home.
is the orange groves which line the new road
month or so before the commercial harvest
Place dried peel in cloth bags in your ward-
down from La Finca to the village. They’re
begins. And the fruits will keep coming right
robe to freshen up all your clothes and pre-
a haven of peace and tranquillity, with Na-
through until the end of March.
vent damp, musty smells. Boiling orange
ture exhibited in all her glory, and I love to
The custom is that, if the groves are fenced
peel and cloves in water on the hob will
take Paddy in there, let him off the lead and
off, you’re trespassing if you go in there, but
perfume the whole house. This could come
watch him bound with unconfined joy along
if there is open access from the road, you
in useful when the drains start to smell, or
the avenues, sometimes chasing rabbits,
can go in and walk your dog, and even pick
Uncle Bert has overindulged on the curry!
but more often than not just enjoying being
a few oranges straight from the tree, as long
One of the most surprising uses of orange
alive in that perfect space.
as you’re not too greedy. The large, thin
peel I discovered by accident while driving
In April and May, the smell of the orange
skinned Valencian oranges that grow in our
in the campo one day. Lots of houses have
blossom as you stroll down the back road
local groves make wonderful fresh orange
what appears to be a curtain of orange peel
to the village is overpowering. And once the
juice – sweet, but with just a hint of sharp-
outside. Strips of peel hang from strings,
bees arrive for pollination purposes, you
ness, and so juicy that just two oranges will
looking for all the world like a washing line
wouldn’t believe the noise they make. Lo-
provide us with a large glass of juice each to
full of doll’s clothes.
cally, it’s known as the Algorfa Roar, and if
start our day.
Powdered dried orange peel is one of the
you happen to be around at the time, you’ll
main constituents in gunpowder, and this
understand why. The hum of the bees builds
I tend to keep my eyes on the ground in the
has given rise to something of a cottage in-
into a crescendo of sound that can be heard
groves at this time of year, both for windfalls
dustry. Specialist companies will pay €2 a
for miles around.
which have just fallen from the trees, and
kilo for dried orange peel, which is then used
would go to waste if just left to rot, and kin-
in the manufacture of fireworks for Spain’s
And of course, there are the birds singing
dling for the fire. A 20 minute walk is enough
many fiestas. Don’t give up the day job,
and flitting from tree to tree, and the rabbits
to fill one bag with twigs, and another with
though, as dried orange peel is very light!
running through the avenues and finding the
oranges, while Paddy is trying – and failing –
Still, it’s a nice way for locals to earn a few
safety of the warren if any dogs are around.
to cut down the rabbit population.
extra Euros.
In spring, if you keep your eyes peeled as
However, oranges are good for much more
The oils present in orange peel are flamma-
you walk past the groves, you may even see
than eating and juicing. Orange peel also
ble and, when the peel is dried in the sun
a couple of hares, up on their hind legs box-
has its uses. Rubbed over the skin, it is an
for two weeks or more, it makes excellent
ing.
effective mosquito repellent. And if cats are
kindling. For a blazing log fire, add dried or-
Come October, the oranges start to change
a problem in your garden, spreading orange
ange peel. As a bonus, the burning peel will
from green to – well, orange. However, they
peel around your treasured plants will stop
give your room a delicate fragrance. Who
are still hard to the touch, but by the end of
the cats from digging. I’m reliably informed
would have thought our lovely Costa Blanca
November they are ready to be picked and
that cats can’t stand the smell of oranges.
oranges could have so many uses?
11
Festive Fun.
READERS LETTER La Marina...
Christmas has gone and we look forward to a New Year and hopefully new efforts from the council of San Fulgencio when it comes to putting things right on the urbanisation of La Marina. There was very little festive cheer from the council towards the urbanisation. They as usual supplied one solitary tree down by the community centre and a nativity scene none to cleverly hidden by huge police barriers at the tourist office. It resembled a crime scene more than a festive one! Some residents did embarrass and bully the council into making a bigger effort, we got 2 street light decorations put up (one on Avda Londres and another by the medical centre). Thanks for the effort, ho, ho, ho! This yet again demonstrates that the urb has to go cap in hand to get things done , the council is not proactive, merely reactive when faced with possible adverse publicity. Take a visit to San Fulgencio and count the number of decorative street lights and the splendid nativity scene, the contrast to the urbanisation is staggering.
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The year starts off against the back drop of the allegations made against our mayor of financial wrong doings to the sum of 190,000 euro’s. I don’t know if the allegations are true and can’t possible comment but this comes so swiftly after the convictions of two other mayors/party leaders for breach/corrupt practices. I hope we will soon learn the truth behind the latest scandal involving our council. It has been well publicised in the English speaking press but as yet I haven’t seen any denial issued by the council, I’m sure we will in due course. Enough of the political stuff let me move on to the practical stuff. I still haven’t seen a road sweeper any where in sight around my way for over 6 months nor have I seen any evidence that the proliferation of weeds that are causing damage to the walk ways are being dealt with. On a positive note the sign that use to send traffic the wrong way to my community has been moved to a more prominent and proper place. The blue bollards that stirred so much comment now total just 2 (there were 3 when I first wrote) again I suspect the reason (safety) for having them in the first place still holds good so I look forward to having the correct number in place very soon. I still believe despite what I have been told that the urbanisation does play second fiddle to the the town despite the majority of cash coming from the urb. I really do encourage everyone, no matter their nationality to register on the padron and get registered to vote in the local elections in a few years time. Don’t just register but vote when the time comes. In between times if an individual has an issue with how the administration is dealing with the urb go to the town hall and make your feelings known.
10
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Kelly McLachlan
Who needs M&S when there's...
Come & meet
Notes from small town Spain
The
SPECIALISTS
You may or may not know that I have spent some time in England over the
Sales calls. EVERY DAY. Several times a
holiday period. It was my first English
day. We were staying with my dad and
Christmas since 2002. The kids were
he just kept them talking if he picked
expecting a white one as they were in
up the phone claiming to be the lodg-
England but, alas, it wasn’t to be. Af-
er. However, one day I answered one
ter. Always after down our way. And it
of these calls in Spanish. Kept telling
wasn’t even proper snow! It was more
him I couldn’t understand him (which
of a thick frost. A very thick frost! But
was true, they have very thick Indian
the kids were delighted, they were out
accents) and said “¿Que?” a lot, until
in the cul-de-sac throwing frost balls at
they hung up on ME. You’re welcome.
each other. Being home certainly made me appreciate the sunshine more! And
The time was actually the right time.
frozen puddles! They’ve never seen
Not having to add on the hour takes a
frozen puddles before. It was a nov-
bit of getting used to. It’s not just me,
elty.
is it...?
I felt a lot like an outsider looking in.
The countryside around Sussex is as-
I noticed a lot of things. Like bright
tounding. Green. Driving around the
green dog poo. Yes, I swear it’s true.
coast road by the cliffs, stopping off
Here somebody puts a note in dog-
in a typical country pub with a roar-
gie doo requesting that you “please
ing fire for hot chocolate to wrap your
pick it up”. In England, either there’s
frost bitten fingers around, muddy
a jobsworth wandering around spray-
wellies, friendly smiles, rosy cheeks,
ing Fido’s dinner from last night, or we
that’s an English winter. (won’t men-
should be concerned about what last
tion the windswept hair, chill factor, or
night’s dinner actually was! My good-
rain...)
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ness, if it was a council person, how much of their time would it have taken
We like a good moan, but in England
to pick it up? About the same amount
they call it “conversion”. The weather,
of time it would take to graffiti it, I
last night’s telly,
wonder?
train fares, not happy about train fares going up but still pay while smiling
The 5p supermarket bag charge has
through gritted teeth. Talking of trains,
been in for months now, and all check-
I heard a great excuse for a late arriv-
out staff politely inform you that they
al. This was due to “strong sunlight”.
have to charge you and ask you if it’s
In January. Honestly, none of this is
all right, before apologising. in Spain,
made up!
another 2 cents is added to your bill and no pasa nada. Nothing is said. English
people
say
“sorry”
A
Well, it IS the “Sunshine Coast”...
LOT.
Sometimes unnecessarily, I think. But
Until next time, amigos!
that’s just our ‘way’. An alternative is to use a ‘self service’ checkout where you DIY it.
13
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MANDY’S
Spanish Diary
by Mandy Tams
MORE MT BLOOPERS
this point I did wonder if I had joined a
as he was so handsome I’m not sure I
cult of some description, and they were made a true mistake. expecting me to join in some sexual
My confidence grew, I shopped, hag-
Back in 2000 when still a baby faced
rights, the word sounding similar to
gled and spoke to anyone who would
40 ish, we began our retirement plans
‘conjugal’ to me. I stiffened my British
answer until my downfall came and
hoping to live out our last in the land of
upper lip ready to walk out, about to
smacked me in the face and I needed
sangria and sun. I decided learning the
tell them they had got the wrong bunny a padlock.
language will be a good idea. Now bear
here, when the pupil next to me dug
Now I can tell someone, ‘My postillion
in mind, for those that have not heard
her bony 70 year old forefinger in my
has been struck by lighting’ in Span-
me moan before, I didn’t do school,
ribs, and must have been a witch who
ish, but not ‘I want a padlock.’
took no exams and could barely write,
read my mind, because she hissed be-
In the hardware shop I stuttered and
no joking, I spelt my name wrong on
tween her loose top teeth, ‘Conjugate
stammered racking my brains, but
my 11+ the one exam I did take. I am
twit, not conjugal.’ I smiled and looked
could not think how to ask and yet
not much better now to be honest, but
towards the Bullock,
determined not to fall in the trap and
no, I determined to learn and started
‘I am sorry dear,’ well she was at least
do the British thing, which is to repeat
college, a huge thing for me because on
half my age. ‘I don’t understand what
‘padlock,’ slow and loud, repeating it
the days I did attend school, I loathed
to conjugate is, and I am afraid I don’t
slower and louder each time. Taking
going because I had not a clue of what
remember what a ‘verb’ is... See I told
my pride in my hands, I mimed what
was going on.
you I didn’t do school.
I wanted, with an astonished husband
Lesson 3.
by my side wishing he were elsewhere,
I spent a lot of time in hospital and
Please miss, I didn’t do my homework
in fact anywhere.
no one bothered with my education,
because you are not only speaking a
I mimed a robber with a swag bag;
being a girl everyone assumed I would
foreign language to me, I don’t under-
I mimed wrapping a chain around
marry and bear many future taxpay-
stand the English bit. Yes, the Bullock
his shovels and clicking a lock on.
ers. So at the age of 40+ off to col-
realised she had found her “special”
I mimed everything I could think of
lege I went with my lunch money in my
project, i.e. me.
until the light shone on the ferretero’s
sticky palm, hoping to learn how to ask
I had visions of standing in the corner
little face, ‘Ah ha,’ he says, transla-
for a beer, the obvious one, and the
with a dunce hat on or of someone
tion for the none bi lingual, is ‘Ah ha.’
usual polite manners to accompany the
hoisting me out of the class by my ear,
He clapped his hands and shouts with
request, not realising I signed up for a
but no. The young Bullock took me in
Spanish glee, ‘Queries un candado.’
GCSE. Okay not a problem, I thought,
hand and taught me what I needed in
I flung my arms in the air dropping my
I’m a grown up... The course began.
English and then in Spanish and at the
crutches, relief on my face, as I said
Lesson 1.
end of two years I left with an A grade.
to him, ‘I don’t know, what a candado
The teacher, a wonderful woman, fun-
Well done me I earned a qualification at is, but if you tell me it’s a padlock then
nily enough I did wonder if she may
the age of 40+ but then came the time
yes I want one.’ He dipped under his
be related to, or a little minion of our
to use this new acquired knowledge.
desk and pulled out an assortment of
esteemed editor of ‘All Abroad,’ Dave
On our first holiday in Spain, I steeled
padlocks to applause from behind me
Bull in some way, her surname being
myself for the first ‘Hola,’ The word
where a crowd had collected entranced
Bullock. She asked me for the definite
rolled from my lips like a native and I
by my mime. Some graciously saying
article in Spanish... Durr, I’m stuck. I
received a ‘Hola’ in reply. In the bar I
it was better than a show, all I know
don’t know what it is in English.
ordered, ‘Un gin y tonic con hielo, una
is, I may not speak good Spanish but I
Lesson 2.
cerveza, y un beso extra.’ Yes okay for
can’t half mime
Can you conjugate verbs...?’ Durr, at
all you bilinguals, I ordered an extra
. Mandy
Tams
‘Kiss’ not an extra glass I wanted, but
19
What’s On - The Homes Gardens & LIFESTYLE Show!
Get ready for The Homes Gardens & LIFESTYLE Show! The Homes Gardens & LIFESTYLE Show at the Denia Marriott Hotel, Jesus Pobre near Javea
on March 11th & 12th March is getting ready to welcome our visitors in style as our Show Spon-
sors BLU So Easy! will be welcoming everyone with a stylish BLU cava cocktail from the CAVA
FOUNTAIN in the main lobby by the Jazz and Blues Bar where some magic awaits you as
the Round Town News sponsors of our MAGIC EXPERIENCE with YANNI the Street Magician
who will be performing memorable magic, PLUS there is also an 8 day Mediterranean Cruise to
be won in RTN’s FREE to enter draw, as if by magic you could be setting sail in May 2016! Celeb Syd Little from Little & Large fame is cooking up some comedy and cuisine with
our very own Masterchef semi-finalist Danny Bowler in the Show case kitchens both day’s along with our COSTA’S COOK OFF! Our cooking
competition with 4 local chefs creating culinary dishes for the audience decide the winner!
Talking of wining, how about a nice 250.00 in currency to spend courtesy of Infinity International in CRACK THE SAFE and win the Currency in the
Casino or A 32 “ TV, or a luxury spa weekend for two at the Denia Marriot Hotel.
We are pushing the boat out with more features than ever before including the ‘LEGAL SUITE’
sponsored by Pellicer & Heredia, your legal questions answered, and the opportunity to win a ‘Free Will’ besides many other prizes at the Show! The brand new ‘TAPAS TRAIL’ just follow
our show route map to find participating stands to receive your FREE Tapa! And for all the
animal lovers out there we are launching ‘PET IDOL 2016’ The cutest pet photograph competi-
tion……. To enter send you pet (cat, dog or other furry or feathered pet) photos in to office@
gmpromotions.es with your pets name! Back by popular demand is UK TV’s antiques
expert Mark Stacey on hand to value antiques and collectables, bring them along, you can also
participate in his Antiques quiz to win an antique! (No not Mark !)
It’s a New Year, and therefore you may be on the lookout for new ideas for your Homes, Gar-
dens and Lifestyle, the Spring Show will boast hundreds of products and services all on offer
to see, touch, taste, try and buy……For a truly informative, inspirational fun packed two day’s
there is only one place to be! The Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show is there for you to enjoy,
meet new people, and all our local businesses will be there waiting to meet you! See www.gmpromotions.es for more info
20
Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!
What’s On Gig Guide Fri Feb 12th Pablos International, Playa Flamenca - David J Williams – 9pm Em’s Dreams, La Marina – Paul Vegas – 9pm O’Riordans, Cabo Roig – Paul Allen – 10pm La Taberna, Quesada – Nilo – 9pm Posh Club, La Marina – Charles Cole – 1.30pm Stray Sod, La Fuente – Dan Davy – 10pm Emerald Isle, La Florida – Richie Alexander – 9pm The Archers, Quesada – Jaz – 8pm Fountain Bar, Dolores – Rewind Disco for Elche Children’s Home – 7.30pm Lansdowne, Playa Flamenca – The Streeters – 10pm J.R Junior Bar, Los Montesinos – Testament to the 60’s – 7pm, 5 Euros to SATS Sat Feb 13th La Bodegueta, Lo Crispin – Cassi Kennedy – 8pm Imanyos, Daya Nueva – Johnny Scott – 9.30pm Stray Sod, La Fuente – Kolted – 10pm Emerald Isle, La Florida – Dan Davy and Nick Gold – 9pm Quesada Country Club, Quesada – Rod Stewart Tribute – 9pm Landsdowne, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 10pm Gogarty’s, La Zenia – Tony de Love – 10pm Aneto Cerveceria, Benimar – Tony Capaldi – 9pm Bar Carlos, Torrevieja – Open Mic night - 9pm Stray Sod, La Fuente – Kolted – 10pm Foxy’s Bar, Via Park V – James Ellis – 6.30pm Vistabella Golf, Entre Naranjas – Terry Jay – 8.30pm Black Horse, Cabo Roig – Samantha Curtis – 9pm Tavern, Lo Crispin – JJ Soulman – 9pm La Manga Camping, La Manga – Done n Dusted – 8.30pm Sun Feb 14th YOLO, Cabo Roig – David J Williams – 10pm Pablos International, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 9pm Sports Complex, La Marina – Woody – 9pm Posh Club, La Marina – Paul Vegas – 9pm
Champagne Bar, La Fuente – Benny the Piano Man – 3pm Durty Nelly’s, Torrevieja – Jose Bolero – 3pm Monos, Quesada – Crazy G – 8pm Fri Feb 19th Pablos International, Playa Flamenca - David J Williams – 9pm O’Riordans, Cabo Roig – Paul Allen – 10pm Victoria Tea Room, Almoradi – Rod Stewart Tribute – 9pm Posh Club, La Marina – Charles Cole – 1.30pm Lansdowne, Playa Flamenca – The Streeters – 10pm Emerald Isle, La Florida – Richie Alexander – 9pm Sat Feb 20th Restaurante Los Rosales, Guardamar, “Bang! The Streeters” – 15 Euros – 7.30pm – call 697501992 for tickets Pablo’s International, Playa Flamenca – Cassi Kennedy – 9pm Breakaways, Pueblo Principe – Rebecca Holt – 9pm Carol’s Bar, Sucina – Rod Stewart Tribute – 9pm Posh Club, La Marina – Cherry K – 9pm Landsdowne, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 10pm Gogarty’s, La Zenia – Tony de Love – 10pm Aneto Cerveceria, Benimar – Tony Capaldi – 9pm Bar Carlos, Torrevieja – Open Mic night - 9pm Stray Sod, La Fuente – Kolted – 10pm Foxy’s Bar, Via Park V – James Ellis – 6.30pm Fri Feb 26th O’Riordans, Cabo Roig – Paul Allen – 10pm Posh Club, La Marina – Charles Cole – 1.30pm Lansdowne, Playa Flamenca – The Streeters – 10pm Emerald Isle, La Florida – Richie Alexander – 9pm Sat Feb 27th Taberna Orange Bar, Entre Naranjas – Cassi Kennedy – 9pm Posh Club, La Marina – Paul Christie – 9pm Landsdowne, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 10pm Gogarty’s, La Zenia – Tony de Love – 10pm Aneto Cerveceria, Beni-
March - weekends Lets Rock the Costas
Let’s Rock Shows will be starting off their 2016 season on February 20th with 2 phenomenal rock n roll bands on one show - Bang! and The Streeters. The 2 bands from Murcia have never played together on one show before, so this is a unique chance to see the very first “Battle of the Bands” at Restaurante Los Rosales on the CV895 in Campo De Guardamar. The 200 seater restaurant has long been the home of many sell out shows and has had acts from all over the world on its stage. This latest show is a first for Rosales and Lets Rock shows as there have never been 2 bands on the one stage before. The 2 Murcia based 3 piece bands are highly respected on the Costa Blanca and have been playing at fiestas and bars up and down the coast from Valencia to Almeria. Both are dedicated to live music and use no backing tracks. The Streeters cover all types of music from rock n roll to surf, blues and pop. There style is such that you just have to get up and dance. They are renowned for having the youngest guitarist in a working band. Austin Slack has been performing with the band since he was 14 years old. He is such a talented musician that he has been snapped up to play in a country wide tour with “Symphonie Pink Floyd”. The massive year long tour will take him all over Spain as well as Tenerife and Majorca. The show on February 20th at Los Rosales will be the public’s last chance to see the original Streeters band performing until after the tour finishes. Along with the 2 live bands there will also be a guest appearance from local musician and personality “Dave The Hat”, who has recently come out of hospital. He and the other acts will be helping to raise money for the charity Cats and Dogs Association. Jax Lawson has helped raise thousands of Euros for local and UK charities by not only fundraising herself but also bringing the charities along to her many shows. Tickets for “Bang! The Streeters” are on sale now for 15 Euros which includes a 2 course meal. Go to www.lrshows.com , call 697501992 or see poster for outlets. Doors open at 7.30pm More crowd pleasing shows have been booked throughout the year and include The Liverpool Band, The Troupers Swing Band, Benidorm Tom Jones, Il Divo, Take That and UK official Peter Kay Tribute shows. Reservations have been coming in thick and fast. If you would like your events in our next issue, it’s free. Just let me know who, where and when by emailing me at - letsrockshowslive@ gmail.com Or visit www.keepentertainmentliveinspain.com for shows, acts and event details.
Love your life. Love live, music and support your entertainers! Jax Lawson x
www.lrshows.com 21
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There can be a huge amount of pressure upon Expats in Spain to integrate into Spanish life, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We should of course make every effort to blend in, to embrace our new lives, and to experience as much as possible. However, everyone seems to have different ideas of what that entails. In this article, we take a light-hearted look at some of the aspects of Spanish life... and why I, personally, won’t ever be 100 per cent there. Spanish food I love food. However, there are a number of expats that think it is okay to criticise my dietary choices. So what if I want sausage and mash for tea... or a bag of Frazzles... a sausage butty with HP sauce... or a box of Mr Kiplings occasionally. I eat a lot of Spanish food (we have loads of Spanish recipes on the website), the seafood dishes being my main favourites. I embrace cuisine from all cultures so why do I need to restrict my diet to one place now? When I lived in the UK, I didn’t solely eat fried breakfasts, roast dinners, fish and chips or cottage pie. I ate everything I could get my hands on. Within a twenty minute walk from my home I could enjoy any cuisine you could imagine. Chinese, Japanese, Polish, Mexican, Thai, Jamaican, French, Spanish, Turkish, Greek - the list goes on and on. Spanish wine Anyone who knows me knows I’m no connoisseur when it comes to wine. I’m just as happy quaffing ice cold Cardbordeaux as I am supping a dry Bermejo. If I had to solely drink one wine from one country for the rest of my life though - it would not be from Spain. Italian wines are my absolute favourite with Pinot Grigio topping the list. Lanzarote wines could almost make me change my mind, with Bermejo and Stratvs being personal favourites. Sadly Stratvs is closed now for building licence issues, so I may not get another chance. Spanish wines are a bit too erm... meaty for me. And why is it that most of the bars I visit think it is acceptable to give you a glass of golden acid instead of a nice crisp dry white wine? I’ve switched to rosado recently when out, to avoid what has become a regular disappointment. Coffee I adore the smell of coffee, there’s nothing quite like it to get the nostrils twitching. However, I am sadly allergic to the little bean. When I explain this to Spanish friends I am immediately treated like I have some terminal illness, and should be handled with kid gloves.
The Spanish language I love the Spanish language and the way it is spoken. I love the passion of it. I love the volume. I love the vehemence. I love that you can swear like a trooper (with friends of course... not advisable with strangers) and needless to say, those were the first words I learned after being able to order a large glass of wine. In six years of living in Lanzarote I got lazy. I had lessons, which I excelled at... and would chat about business when with Spanish clients... but it was easy to be lazy. As Lanzarote is so reliant on tourism, most of our Spanish friends wanted to improve their English so that they could better serve their customers. I should have been firm, I should have asked to switch... but it was all too easy to say “yes.” I learned more Spanish in the first six months of moving to Almeria than in the six years in Lanzarote. I’m still far from fluent, and my listening skills are appalling... but I’m getting there. I am, however, tired of hearing people criticise when we dare to say “I get by”. I do get by... I also learn more every day... and even if my rolled Rs cause much hilarity I get lots of help from Spanish people who can see I try so hard. But some Brits are snobbish about the language. 80 per cent of British people can’t even speak their own language properly - let alone grasp a completely new one. We have moved (in language terms) from Cornwall to Newcastle without passing London on the way through - give me a break. Pets The Brits and Northern Europeans are a world apart from the Spanish when it comes to pets. Our neighbours find it hilarious that we have three big hairy beasts living in the house with us while theirs are chained up outside howling at the moon... the sun... the air... and anything else they can howl at. I must add that all their dogs are healthy and well fed, all have shelter, and all get regular attention and fuss. But they are there to do a job, whereas ours are members of our family. Will I ever get to the point where my dogs live outside guarding the property while I am warm and dry indoors? Never. Ferias I have never enjoyed crowds. I am like a cornered rat when I can’t move freely, and I really don’t like sweaty men rubbing up against me as we are all squashed together to catch a fleeting glimpse of a king on a camel... or being elbowed in the gut by a little old lady to spot a few blokes in pointy hats carrying a gold statue through the streets. Back in the UK I avoided street parties. I simply can’t face the hustle and bustle. It doesn’t make me a bad person - I just don’t see why I should change my entire
personality and lose all “personal space” phobias because I’m in a different country. There is nothing wrong with the ferias of course - and they’re an integral part of Spain which most newcomers embrace wholeheartedly - good for them! I just can’t do it. Our Spanish neighbours don’t go either. In their words: “It is for young people now.” Television Nope... sorry... just can’t do it. I’ve tried, really I have. It was all we had for the first three or four years in Lanzarote. But no, just no. I ended up watching just the news and quiz shows because the general standard of entertainment was a world apart from my taste. So... I will continue watching my Doctor Who and The Apprentice. I shall look forward to Dragons Den and Gogglebox. I shall stick to what I know and love. After I have spent all day translating press releases from Spanish to English... and researching Spanish politics until my eyes bleed... I just want to wind down - and English speaking telly does that for me. Conclusion Apologies if it sounds like I am slating Spain here. I’m not doing that intentionally - there are a huge number of things I love about this country. It is home, and I can’t see that changing any time soon. I love the fresher air... I love the welcoming attitude of the people... I love the food (okay we’ve done that one)... I love the weather (except for the winters... it’s gets damn cold here in the hills)... and I love that my stress levels are so much lower than they used to be. I love the straight-talking attitude of the locals without the two-faced politeness we Brits seem to embrace. But I can’t ever see me conversing solely in Spanish, living off a purely Spanish diet, watching only Spanish telly, listening only to Spanish music, and prancing about in a flamenco dress... ... ... so I shall never be truly integrated. Do our Spanish friends care? Do they hell! They see us as their neighbours and do not describe us as “visitors”. Our neighbour got very angry with me some time ago, when I used the word “Guiri”, because in their eyes we ARE immersed. They enjoy tasting the different flavours we give them. Our neighbour always knows he has half a gallon of German gluhwein coming every Christmas Day and he loves my lemon curd and my flapjacks. One friend begs for corned beef hash when he comes for dinner (incidentally he has now moved to Bristol), and we are treated as friends without conditions or judgement. We receive none of the snobbishness that some Brits like to band about. Elle Draper
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Malcolm Palmer
LIFETIMES more terrible violence in the Southern Do you ever think about what has hap-
USA, which still only sported 31 states.
pened in the space of a ‘normal’ life-
Mutiny was festering in India, as British
time? Because eighty years ago – and
rule was on the point of being rejected.
eighty years before that, and so on, the
James Buchanan was elected President
world was a very different place. Here
of the USA. The world’s first oil refin-
are a few facts to conjure upon.
ery was opened, at Ploesti, Romania.
1936, just eighty years ago: Was the
Charles Dickens bought Gads Hill Place
year George V died, the Civil War
in Kent, as Darwin worked on his theory
began in Spain, Hitler was spreading
of evolution. Richard Wagner completed
his vitriolic hatred throughout Europe.
the score of Die Walküre, and two very
Meanwhile the first helicopter flight
illustrious people were born: George
was taken, and the BBC instigated the
Bernard Shaw and Sigmund Freud.
first TV service – three hours per day. ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ won an Oscar,
1776, back another 80: And we see the
and Sunderland won the league. Athletic
Declaration of Independence, and the
Bilbao (wearing, incidentally, colours
birth, really of the USA. Meanwhile there
copied from Sunderland) won the
were changes afoot in Europe, as Naples
league here in Spain. Fred Perry won
distanced itself from Spanish control,
Wimbledon, and Len Hutton and Harold
Portugal was in a state of upheaval, and
Larwood were rising stars of English
France on the very brink of revolution.
cricket. In the Berlin Olympics, negro
Mozart wrote the Haffner Serenade, and
Jesse Owens won four gold medals, but
the Bolshoi had its first opera season in
was not only shunned by Hitler, but by
St Petersburg. Gibbons published the
Rooseveldt, who did not invite him to
first volume of ‘The Decline and Fall of
the White House reception. Jewish high
the Roman Empire’
jumper Gretel Bergmann, who broke the German record, was also spurned by the
And, folks, that just takes us back three
dictator.
fairly standard lifetimes – a whole lot of change, eh?
1856, a further eighty years back: The Crimean War, scene of the recent and bloody ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ ended. The fight against slavery brought
Malcolm Palmer
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Sleep Paralysis v- Spirit
SLEEP PARALYSIS v- GHOSTLY EXPERIENCES ON WAKING
trying to ignore it as I was frightened of
as the Angelic Realms. Archangel Michael
ghosts!
Just like sleep paralysis there is
particularly can stand guard over you while
Sleep Paralysis is the inability to move at
much controversy around the ‘flashing fac-
you sleep helping to promote sweet dreams
all, although you are fully conscious. From
es’. Some believe it is attributed once again,
and wrap you in his blue ray of strength and
a health point of view it’s nothing to wor-
to sleep paralysis. It’s my belief that it isn’t.
protection.
ry about as it’s your body that’s not mov-
Again, it’s something to do with the brow
ing smoothly through the stages of sleep.
chakra opening which is known as the third
Invoking Archangel Michael
Sleep paralysis usually lasts no longer than
eye - the ‘all seeing’ eye which, when devel-
Visualise the mighty Archangel Michael -
a couple of minutes, although it seems
oped, helps us to see beyond the physical
leader of the Archangels, standing in his
much longer. From a personal point of view,
realm. When you are tired and ready for a
blue ray of light. To invoke him, say this
I have experienced this phenomenon a
good night’s sleep, your mind starts to relax
mantra “Archangel Michael so strong and
number of times over the years and I re-
so it’s much easier for you to receive clair-
true, please surround me with love and
member as a child lying fully awake but not
voyant information which can be received
protection anew. Wrap me in your cloak of
being able to move. I was so frightened; I
in a number of ways from colours, random
light to make my dreams loving and bright
couldn’t speak or shout out. I realised quite
images, and eventually into something tan-
- thank you, so mote it be”. Then see him
quickly that the only thing I could do was
gible such as faces. If like me, seeing the
standing with his sword of light which will
to wait a while and the feeling passed as
faces may happen involuntarily, whereas for
help cut cords to anything lower than be-
quickly as it came. I don’t know what was
others, they will see the flashing faces as
ings of pure light.
more frightening as a child, sleep paralysis,
they start to develop their psychic ability.
which was having to succumb to something
When this happens for the first time it can
Crystal for protection
I didn’t understand where my mind seemed
be extremely frightening and yet in reality
You can also place a piece of Amethyst in
active unlike my body and voice or, some-
it can be a common occurrence.
the bedroom. Amethyst is a protective stone bringing positivity and healing into
thing quite different - the start of feeling
the home. It is also known as the dream
spirit around me. Visitation from other dimensions?
stone and if you put a cleansed piece un-
To move or not to move?
For those who have experienced ‘flashing
der your pillow, it can bring about pleasant
As a Clairvoyant Medium I know that sleep
faces’, some may seem familiar, but most
dreams. Amethyst can also help to alleviate
paralysis is completely different than any-
will be people you feel you have never seen
any fears bringing a sense of calm into any
one claiming to see or feel spirit For a start,
before. Because this is attributed to clair-
room.
sleep paralysis is being in that state of half
voyance, the faces could be people you
being awake, and half asleep although you
have yet to meet in the future (premoni-
Dream catcher
feel completely conscious it’s as if there is
tions) as if you are connecting with parallel
Placing a handmade dream catcher on the
an internal battle going on as to who wins.
dimensions through your third eye such as
wall behind your bed is also a protective
The waking self or the sleeping self!
people you had connections with in previ-
measure against bad dreams, sleep pa-
In my experience, ‘Ghostly’ experiences
ous lives, or even your own ancestors. It’s
ralysis or ‘sleep terrors’ especially where
are completely different. For a start, when
widely known that as the veil between our
children are concerned. It’s a well known
seeing or sensing spirit, your body can
world and the spirit world is much thinner
fact that dream catchers promote a good
move, and you can shout out if you want to
during the hours of darkness, and anything
night’s sleep and positive dreams, as the
whereas everything is in reverse in relation
is possible. .
bad dreams get caught up in the web of the
to sleep paralysis.
- ‘The Pareidolia’ which scientists believe
.
There is a name for this
cream catcher.
the meaning is seeing faces in things when Flashing faces!
none exist. The reality of it all is, no-one
One of the things I get asked a lot is why
knows for definite what they are, and why
do people sometimes see flashes of faces
they continue to show themselves to us..
A waking nightmare? Sleep Paralysis - A waking nightmare, or a higher consciousness enabling one to connect with ‘the other side’? I know what my
before going to sleep - most are very clear images seem to be of people they haven’t
How to stop it!
seen before. I remember this distinctly es-
To stop sleep paralysis or any other fright-
pecially when spirit activity was starting to
ening experiences at night all you have to
get very strong around me yet I was still
do is call upon beings of 100% light such
take on this is - What do you believe? Alison Wynne-Ryder ‘The Quirky Medium’
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