8 minute read
TWENTY-EIGHTY-FOUR
David Worboys Thinking Aloud
spread the cost of premiums.
Dedicated To Expats
Línea Directa has been providing comprehensive car, motorbike and home insurance to British expatriates and residents in Spain for over 25 years. With over three million customers nationwide, Línea Directa makes sure you get the best possible price for the kind of insurance you really need.
Absolutely Everything Is In English
Their Roadside Assistance team speaks English and will quickly help you with your onward journey. If you urgently need a duplicate set of keys for your motorcycle, then their English-speaking customer service will sort it out. And should you require Home Assistance to set up your new Wi-Fi connection, then English speaking technical staff will set up a visit.
DID YOU KNOW?
All Línea Directa insurance policies offer some exciting features specifically designed for British expatriates living in Spain. Their home insurance includes Pet Assistance, IT Assistance, and Home Maintenance. All motorbike policies come with Replacement Motorbike, Technical Equipment cover and even Young Person’s Night-time Assistance. And their car insurance includes helpful services such as Legal Assistance that can provide help when applying or renewing your driving licence in Spain.
Call their English-speaking customer service staff on 952 147 834 or get a competitive quote now at lineadirecta.com
BY 1964 I had read all George Orwell’s novels, short stories and essays with the sole exception of ‘1984’. I left this for another 20 years, finally reading it in Luxembourg in 1984.
He wrote it in 1948 and much of what he foresaw had come to pass by 1984. It is proving even more relevant as we head towards 2084 or 2048, even. Orwell predicted the loss of personal freedom to supervision by the state autocracy (Big Brother). Unsurprisingly, his predictions are far more fascinating and more substantial than mine.
What will our planet be like in 2084? The speed of change makes it impossible to look that far ahead. The development of artificial intelligence, medicine and technology and, of course, the likelihood of selfdestruction through global inhumanity, potential nuclear war and climate change. Massive natural disasters may significantly eclipse those suffered over recent years in Japan, Pakistan, Somalia, Turkey and Syria, as they replace birth control as a means of ‘controlling’ populations.
By 2084, the UK will have split into four separate republics of England, Wales, Scotland and Ulster. King Kevin has abdicated and briefly became interim President of England, before being replaced following a referendum. But let’s look at 2048.
King William V is on the throne. The Prime Minister is tattooed up to the nostrils. The Archbishop of Canterbury sports a ponytail and an Alice band. The Church of England gives its blessing to any man who wants to marry his dog or horse. Public lavatories are all unisex and neither they nor the populace any longer discriminate between the genders (male, female and not quite sure).
Apart from the goalposts, Association football will have become indistinguishable from Rugby and the two will have merged into a wrestling and spitting game called Goal.
Proper written and spoken English is no longer considered necessary, as teachers have surrendered in the battle against Twitter and the media. And what about the year 2030?
Before a film is transmitted on television: “This film contains scenes of extreme violence from the start. Please switch off immediately if you are of a nervous disposition.” After the film: “If you have been affected by any of the scenes of violence or any other issues in this film, you can obtain help and support which is available from the following organisations...”
Yes, you’ve guessed it. The film is a classic Tom and Jerry cartoon transmitted in about seven years’ time, as the fabric of our trembling society has degenerated further and lies in tatters. Or it could apply to almost any Laurel and Hardy or Charlie Chaplin film.
Back in the late 20th century, ‘Spitting Image’ portrayed Margaret Thatcher clouting members of her cabinet round the head while, in ‘Fawlty Towers’, Basil inflicted slaps and kicks on the cringing Manuel. How on earth could such violence get past the censors in those days?
For more from our columnists please scan this QR Code
Shoulder bag theft LETTERS
AS a resident of Spain for 35 years, 30 years as a CID officer in London and over 20 years working as a volunteer with the police in Fuengirola, assisting victims of crime, I know the crime rate is far lower here than in the UK, and intentional violent crime against members of the public extremely low.
The letter I believe gives a false impression. She does not say she was deliberately physically attacked. From my experience, it appears the 80yearold lady was the victim of a bag snatch.
However she had a good quality shoulder bag, the strap of which did not break when it was snatched. The lady was pulled over with the force involved, banged her head and suffered a broken shoulder. The injuries she suffered were clearly not intended, albeit sadly serious.
John Carrington (80 years old)
No example
WE have just spent a week on Mallorca and picked up the last two copies of Euro Weekly Informative for the most part but horrified at the racialist tone of the Leapy Lee columns.
Our ‘nonwhite’ friends were clearly upset at the tone and implications of his writing. Our friends, like their parents, were born in the UK. How can it be they are not ‘an example of what the majority of UK districts represent’. Do we all have to look ‘white’ to represent our country?
The disclaimer you print under his column feels disingenuous. Freedom of speech yes, but publishing overtly discriminatory views should have no place here.
Joseph Williamson Sunderland
Driving rules
BILLY, Fuengirola, in a letter recently complained 70yearolds renewing their Driving Licences will now be required to undergo a medical test every two years.
It appears Billy does not know that from one’s very first application for a DL in Spain, every renewal and exchange of a licence, one has always been required to pass a psychophysical examination at a Driver Recognition Centre.
For those 70 and over the test is free. So no big deal to ensure we are safe to drive
Elaine Gonzales (83 year old driver)
Hi team La Scala
ON behalf of our table of ladies I would like to thank and congratulate all the team at La Scala for putting on such an excellent day yesterday.
As usual the service we had from all your waiting staff was superb and the kitchen staff outdid themselves producing wonderful plates for so many diners.
We loved the decor and table gifts we received from Michel at Euro Weekly, and if you could please pass on our appreciation of such thoughtful words and flowers that would be great.
We enjoyed our little VIP booth and being able to see all what was happening around the room as well as having ringside seats for Johnny and the sax lady. It was particularly good to see all the beautiful clothes the models from Mapuchi Moda were wearing. A big thank you to Sara and her girls for adding hugely to the afternoon’s entertainment.
Finally to think enjoying ourselves so much could raise such a huge amount for Dementia Support was absolutely lovely to hear.
Thank you and Kind Regards
Jane Richardson
Hi Leapy,
I READ your recent column with a wry smile. I am a 6ft former prop forward and no softie having been married to my lovely wife for 30 years. We still kiss numerous times a day and hold hands at all times while out and about.
She recognises what you said about the present range of over aggressive females. What really winds her up is the current TV advert fashion of the need for young females to have explained to them the intricacies of their periods and products for dealing with them and secondly the impression given that the menopause, like periods, never used to happen when she was young. How on earth did females manage back in their younger days?
What is the matter with young people today ?
Best wishes and keep going, Paul
Dear Editor,
Gidney
I was appalled to read the letter from Unhappy, Torrevieja regarding the violence she was subjected to when her bag was stolen. Hopefully she is recovering physically, though it will have a lasting effect on her.
My husband had his bag stolen just over a month ago. It was a distraction theft and fortunately he was not injured but was shocked to be a victim after being so careful.
It would be interesting to know if anyone who has experienced this kind of theft has ever had any documents or personal possessions recovered.
Several friends and family members would also greatly appreciate the return of the Codeword in your newspaper!
Yours sincerely,
Glenda North Ciudad Quesada
SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view. SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@solar shadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (287972)
PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693 (288662)
New Life Church Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us at our Sunday gathering. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards. Sunday Service 11.00am; Prayer Meetings Wednesdays 11.00am; Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780 Email: info@nlcn- erja.com Website: www.nlcnerja.com Facebook:www.facebook.com/nlcnerj
CHARITY Shop Pocapecunia we need things for the house/kitchen, decoration, vases, plates, cups, saucers, kitchen tools, paintings, pottery pots and pans etc. Prolongacion Avd. Rodgriguez Acosta, Nr the Parador Roundabout, opposite café Trébol, Nerja (294373)
THE ANGLICAN Chaplaincy of Nerja & Almunecar. Every Sunday there is a Holy Communion service at midday in San Miguel church in Nerja. Every Wednesday morning at 9.30 we have an online ‘Zoom’ HC service - please contact Fr Nigel with an e-mail address if you would like to join us. Priest in Charge, Father Nigel Thomas. Tel: Church House951 815 736, Mobile: 608 695 756, e-mail: cofenerja@ gmail.com
WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)
For Sale
WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834.
INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER LICENCE: Courses held in English and starts soon. VHF and Radar Courses. 626 245 098 (301483)
MALE /Female viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly all areas. Mixed trial packs available. Delivery or mail order available 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com
SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for Large Glazed Areas to Reflect Heat / Glare and Stop Furniture Fading and Still Keep The View. Save Heat in the Winter to Improve Your Living Environment. ian@solarshadetinting.com
Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176
FED UP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MOBILE PHONE CALLS? THEN CONTACT TELITEC TODAY. CALLS TO SPAIN 7C PER MINUTE INCLUDING MOBILES. CALLS TO UK 5.3C PER MINUTE. NO MONTHLY FEES, NO CONTRACT. WWW.TELITEC.COM TEL: 902 889 070 (2001)
WINDOW
MOBILE SERVICE. ITV Legal. Solar Reflective tint for glass curtains, balconies, yachts. Stop fading, heat & glare. 958 496 571 - 644 546 176 ian@solarshadetinting.com
STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure. com (2887610)
GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)
SITUATIONS
DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS wanted for Costa del Sol and Costa Tropical. One day per week. Must be legal to work in Spain, have own transport, know the areas and be reliable. Please send CV with covering letter to Martyn at distribu tion@demon-distribution.com.
