Town and Country Magazine

APRIL/ABRIL 2009

TOWN & COUNTRY

ANGELS & DEMONS RECIPES SUDOKU CROSSWORD Ror y Mcilroy Dogs for the Disabled Direct delivery to: Fuente Alamo, Torre Pacheco, Los Alcรกzares and surrounding areas

ISSUE 8 APRIL 2009

Publisher Per Jensen Sunshine Mediahouse Town and Country Magazine Apartado de Correos 1039 30850 El Paretón, Totana, Murcia

TOWN &

Office Tel 968 429 113 Office Hours Mon, Tues, Thurs 9 am - 2 pm E-mail Townandcountry@sunnynumbers.com Sunny Numbers E-mail info@sunnynumbers.com Sales, Per Jensen, 699 501 508 Sales, Pamela Robson, 671 948 475, English Editor Wendy Darby Translated by: I.K.G Language Services Layout & Graphic Design: amandajudsondesign.com Deadline for all advert changes is 25th of the month No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher All rights reserved. ©2008 Per Jensen / Sunshine Mediahouse

2 Town & Country

Dear Readers, Well last month we had the British Mother´s Day and I received a lovely card and a box of chocolates from my son and now on the 3rd May we will have the Spanish Mother´s Day. Do you think I could ask for another present?

I have always found Christmas and other celebrations in Spain to be less materialistic than that of the UK with my Spanish friend´s children receiving far less than my son has come to expect and I know that this is our fault as we have set the precedent from a very young age.

This month´s film is Angels and Demons staring Tom Hanks. I am an avid reader and I hope the film stays true to the book which I found to be a gripping read.

If you have pets, don´t forget to ensure they are treated against the ticks, fleas and mosquitos before the hotter weather brings in all the nastys.

Wendy Darby Editor If you would like your business to be included in the next issue of the new Town and Country Magazine, please contact the office on 968 429 113 or Per Jensen 699 501 508 and if you have any ideas for future topics or contents, please do let us know as we value your opinions.

COUNTRY pg 20 Sudoku

pg 10/18 Horoscopes

pg 14 Crossword

pg 04 Movie: Angels & Demons

pg 06 ¡Feliz día de la Madre!

pg 08 Rising Star Rory Mcilory pg 25 Very berry recipes

pg 12 Dogs for the disabled

: : table of contents Country Town &

3

The next book in the Dan Brown series

The team behind the global phenomenon “The Da Vinci Code” returns for the highly anticipated “Angels & Demons,” based upon the bestselling novel by Dan Brown. Tom Hanks reprises his role as Harvard religious expert Robert Langdon, who once again finds that forces with ancient roots are willing to stop at nothing, even murder, to advance their goals.

Ron Howard again directs the film, which is produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and John Calley. The screenplay is by David Koepp and Akiva Goldsman.

When Langdon discovers evidence of the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati - the most powerful underground organization in history - he also faces a deadly threat to the existence of the secret organization’s most despised enemy: the Catholic Church.

4 Town & Country

When Langdon learns that the clock is ticking on an unstoppable Illuminati time bomb, he jets to Rome, where he joins forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and enigmatic Italian scientist. Embarking on a nonstop, action-packed hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and even to the heart of the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra will follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that mark the Vatican’s only hope for survival.

Angels and Demons was the reclusive authors third novel after he gave up his job as an English teacher. It tells the story of Langdons brush with a shadowy secret society, the Illuminati, and his frantic quest for the worlds most powerful energy source, in the company of a beautiful Italian physicist whose father, a brilliant physicist, has been murdered.

Cast: Tom Hanks ...

Robert Langdon Ewan McGregor ...

Carlo Ventresca Stellan Skarsgård ...

Richter Ayelet Zurer ...

Vittoria Vetra Armin Mueller-Stahl ...

Straus Carmen Argenziano ...

Silvano Ventivoglio Ursula Brooks ...

BBC Reporter

Dan Brown (born June 22, 1964) is an American author of thriller fiction, best known for the 2003 bestselling novel, The Da Vinci Code and the 2000 bestselling novel, Angels & Demons.

Brown is interested in cryptography, keys, and codes, which are a recurring theme in his stories.

Currently his novels have been translated into more than 40 languages.

Brown states on his website that his books are not anti-Christian, as he is a Christian himself, and says of his book The Da Vinci Code that it is simply “an entertaining story that promotes spiritual discussion and debate” and suggests that the book may be used “as a positive catalyst for introspection and exploration of our faith”.

Town & Country 5

Happy Mother’s Day ¡Feliz día de la Madre!

is a time of breakfast in bed, family gatherings, and little “I Love You” notes. Although the exact history of this special day is unknown, it is claimed that it emerged from a custom of mother worship in ancient Greece. In those days, however, it was Rhea, the Mother of the gods that was given honour. In Spain, Mother’s day is celebrated on the first Sunday in May and is a very special family holiday. It provides children and adults throughout Spain with the opportunity to make their mother the centre of attention, and give her gifts and treats. It’s not surprising that this celebration takes place in May as it is the month dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Jesus´ Mother.

In Spain, Mother’s Day is “el día de la madre.”

Every year, this holiday is celebrated on the first Sunday in May. - a day to pay a tribute to mothers all over Spain who in return usually receive gifts from their children.

All over the world, Mother’s Day is a time of commemoration and celebration for Mum. It

6 Town & Country

Traditionally, children in Spain spend days drawing a card and practising a poem as a surprise for their mothers. Shops also sell chocolates, flowers and other Mother’s Day presents, but many children make their own presents to show their mothers how much they appreciate everything they do for them. It is treated more like a family birthday. Everyone in the family gathers for a special meal either at home or in a restaurant.

Sometimes the best way to celebrate Mother’s Day is to spend some time just with her.

Remember to wish your mum a Happy Mother’s Day in Spanish on the first Sunday in May and say, “Feliz día de la Madre!”

list your car for sale on www.carsupermarket.es

only 15 â‚Ź until it sells!!!

Town & Country 7

Watch Out TIGER

Rory Mcilroy has set the European Tour alight since turning pro on 18th September 2007. Always destined to become a professional golfer since the moment he recorded a 40-yard drive aged just two-years-old.

His first hole in one came when he was just nine and he played in his first professional European Tour event as a 16-year-old in 2005 at The Forest of Arden.

His amateur career saw him conquer Ireland and Europe, before becoming just the second person to top the World Amateur Rankings in 2007. Rory represented Europe in the winning Junior Ryder Cup team in 2004, before becoming the youngest

8 Town & Country

winner of the prestigious West of Ireland and Irish Close Championships in 2005. The following year he successfully retained both Irish amateur titles and in August 2006 he won the European Amateur Championship.

Rory shot into the public eye with his superb opening three-under-par 68 in the 2007 Open Championship at Carnoustie, the only bogey-free round of the day.

He went on to tie for 42nd position and accept the Silver Medal as leading amateur.

Rory went on to make

the cut in his first professional event at the Quinn Direct British Masters, and finished third in his second professional event, the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

These successes earned the golfing sensation enough money to virtually assure his place in the top 115.

Despite high expectations, Rory keeps a cool head on his young shoulders and lets his golf do the talking.

In 2008 Rory exceeded his expectations by making it to the Volvo Masters at Valderrama and entering the elite of the top 100 in the Official World Golf Rankings.

At the beginning of the 2009 season Rory was beaten in a play-off for the UBS Hong Kong Open title - this performance elevated him into the top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings which has assured him a coveted place in the 2009 Masters Tournament at Augusta in April.

Rory’s maiden victory came in the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic where he endured a nail-biting final hole and ultimately beat Justin Rose to the title by one shot.

Town & Country 9

Horoscopes - April Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Your demands and needs in love continue to remain strong but may not be answered as you’d like for the time being.

Matters improve and by May you’re getting exactly what you want, when you want! Remember that a lover does have your best interests at heart, but you may be sending out confusing signals. You’ll experience a surge in personal energy and confidence with the focus on money and possessions.

You continue to lay low this month but you begin to come out of your shell when others show more interest in your needs and wants. Love is tricky and could require you to make some personal sacrifices, after which you more easily and naturally attract others’ attention. It’s a strong time for personal enjoyment and rewards through friends and contacts.

After a busy month of attention to career goals and professional matters, you’re feeling more sociable. It’s a strong month for social affairs, group contacts, and friendships in general. It’s not without its complications, however, but you take pleasure in ironing out problems, particularly when it involves others’ issues! Love on the job, involving a superior, or through business could figure this month

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Professional matters are especially important in your life this month.

While complicated, towards the end of the month, great satisfaction from business affairs is likely to lift your spirits. The fruits of your labor are rewarded. In general, you have more energy to pursue your professional goals purposefully.

Some truly magical moments are likely to occur in the areas of partnering and love this month. Some of you may be meeting creative or spiritual people with whom you find much in common.

The month is great for fun, creativity, entertainment, good humor, and adventure. Career matters come into strong focus, although you still manage to balance your life with rewarding extra-curricular activities.

Your connections with other people, and your dependence on them, are brought to your attention with shared finances, power plays, and other “give and take” matters in strong focus now. It’s not a month in which your personal projects, needs, and desires are easily met, or even an issue on the table. You are focusing on your close personal relationships.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Relationships start to feel less complicated and you are more able to enjoy your social life. Your goals are clearer and you are less likely to give off confusing or mixed signals to others. There is a strong connection between love and work this month, and if social opportunities through work present themselves be sure to grab them. You could find yourself attracting more creative or spiritual sorts of people these days.

Romantic and creative excitement are in store for you but there is also a lot of work that needs to be done, and you fortunately are in the right frame of mind to take care of business. Money matters that have to do with domestic affairs, real estate, and creative projects are very strong. Your decorating sense is also high, and you are likely in the mood for a home “makeover”.

Playful activities, enjoying hobbies, getting out and about, and generally finding pleasure in life are themes this month. You are also absorbing information like a sponge, so all matters related to learning, teaching, speaking, and writing are expected to run particularly well this month. Fortunate events surrounding your home and family are likely.

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Your intuition is powerful particularly for financial and domestic matters. This is a month for setting goals and visualizing instead of taking aggressive action.

Spending time, and possibly money, on the home and family is likely this month.

Try not to overdo or overwork as you are prone to tiredness.

Friends and connections figure strongly and friends may even be of practical benefit in addition to spiritual. Your intuition for making money is topnotch.

Enthusiasm for learning brings you rewards this month, and your mind is especially sharp. Communications are strong, and love may even come through them, or through learning environments.

You are busy thinking about, discussing, and organizing your personal finances.

However, be sure to put off major financial outlays until the end of the month.

Take this time to budget. There will be personal recognition, particularly on the job, and you could find yourself acting on a whim, and certainly confidence is with you now. Career opportunities are strong this year

10 Town & Country

Town & Country 11

Dogs for the Disabled This year, Dogs for the Disabled will be celebrating 21 years of working to support disabled people through the provision of an assistance dog, helping people to live life more independently.

Dogs for the Disabled was the vision of Frances Hay, disabled herself she realised that dogs could be trained to help disabled people live a more independent life. In 1986, she set about doing just that and since becoming a charity in 1988, the charity has trained over 400 assistance dogs. 2009 sees the charity celebrate its 21st birthday and what a long way it has come since its inception. Today, Dogs for the Disabled provide assistance dogs for adults with disabilities, children with disabilities and more recently, families with a child with autism.

Every dog makes a lifechanging difference to each and every one of the disabled people that the charity helps. Assistance Dogs offer practical help to everyday tasks that so many of us take for granted, specialist tasks include opening doors, retrieving out-of-reach objects, removing items of clothing and even emptying the washing machine! Ultimately, the dogs give their owner independence and confidence along with constant companionship and a means of social contact.

12 Town & Country

It all starts with an eight week old puppy ...

Working with Children

Cute, fluffy, button-nose and bright-eyes, a Dogs for the Disabled puppy is destined for a very important role, changing the life of a disabled person, giving all the benefits of unconditional love, independence and confidence. During their first twelve months, the puppies learn everything from toilet training to walking nicely on a lead; but unlike most young pups, a Dogs for the Disabled puppy goes to supermarkets, into schools, on public transport, into cafes and restaurants – all the sorts of places they’ll go later in life.

In 2004, Dogs for the Disabled became the first UK charity to train dogs for physically disabled children.

A revolutionary new service, it offered children the chance of independence in a way that had never been done before in this country. While the assistance dog was still helping with practical tasks they also now helped the child in other ways.

For instance, some of the dogs have been trained to assist with the child’s physiotherapy regime, through daily grooming exercises and play. The effects can be outstanding helping a child to strengthen weakened muscles and even improve dexterity. Every dog is trained to meet the individual needs of the child they are matched with; from children with no verbal communication using sign language to ask their dogs to help, to teenagers preparing to go to college and younger children who have an assistance dog to help them take a few steps independently.

Of course, looking after a Dogs for the Disabled puppy isn’t just about training, they need love and security and the chance to explore.

Thanks to our dedicated volunteer puppy socialisers, they get just that. Each pup spends their first year of life with a socialiser whose role is full of challenges as well as rewards. Ultimately their love and support helps us to ensure our pups become confident and calm working assistance dogs.

Assistance dogs for Children with Autism Each dog is trained to work with a special harness that will connect it to both the parent and child. The dog is trained to lead from the front, acting on instructions from the parent while the child is encouraged to walk alongside the dog using a lead/handle attached to the dog. This offers greater independence to the child and parent whist ensuring the child is safe and unable to bolt if they become stressed or anxious. Bolting behaviour is also combated by training the assistance dog to automatically sit if the child attempts to run off. The children become more calm and focused as a result of the presence of the dog, and it appears they are more able to develop communication and other social skills, thus helping further integration.

Future programmes and services Towards the end of 2009, Dogs for the Disabled will be launching a new programme whereby the charity will work with exservice personnel who are able to benefit practically and therapeutically from being involved in training assistance dogs for other exservice personnel.

assistance dog. All funds raised by the challenge will be used

by Dogs for the Disabled to train more puppies – offering confidence, companionship and independence to disabled people across the UK. All the hikers have to raise a minimum of £2900 by June 2009 in order to guarantee their places.

Actor, Brian Blessed is one of the walkers in the Dogs for the Disabled’s Trek Machu Picchu event - a four-day trek along the magnificent Inca Trail in Peru.

Brian, a veteran explorer, became a patron of the charity in 2007. He will be among a group of up to 40 people tackling a breathtaking hike in one of the best trekking locations in the world due to its striking beauty, ancient Inca ruins and diverse ecological zones.

The route will include different terrains from high desert plateau to tropical Andean rainforest. The ultimate destination is Machu Picchu – the “Lost City” of the Incas and one of the world’s most fascinating and important archaeological finds.

One of the hikers is British engineer, Neil Webb. Currently living in Birmingham but with a property on La Torre Golf Resort which he hopes to retire to one day. Neil has been training hard to build his stamina with a daily regime of gym, circuit training, swimming and walking to and from work. He has also spent weekends walking some of Britains highest mountains including Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. Neil is desperate for donations to help him reach his target otherwise all the hard work will have been for nothing.

You can help Neil reach his target by donating via his web page. http://www.justgiving.com/ neilwebb7 Atlernatively, you can go to www.dogsforthedisabled.org to find out more details.

The trek takes place in the dry season when the nights can be cold but the days are filled with beautiful sunshine. This is an exciting and fun-filled adventure in an amazing location knowing that every step taken will enable more disabled people to live life to the full with an

Town & Country 13

Coffee Break C ro s s Word Across

1 Not broad 11 Narrow margin 15 Just might get 16 Independent Press Awards bestower 17 Tried out, perhaps 18 Star in Cetus 19 ‘’__ tu’’ (Verdi aria) 20 Headlines 21 It means ‘’feather’’ 22 Edgy 25 Annual sports event 26 ‘’__ a theory . . .’’

27 Identity 30 OT book 31 He swears in Judy Garland in ‘’Judgment at Nuremberg’’ 34 Like some winds 36 Unknown 37 Sort of seat 38 1956 Summer Olympics hosts 40 ‘’Gone With the Wind’’ composer 41 Mt. St. Helens setting 42 Disapproves of 44 Moorlike 46 With 52 Across, ‘80s

14 Town & Country

action series 47 They may be big 51 Robed ruler 52 See 46 Across 54 Word on a shilling 55 Great __ 56 Trifle 59 ‘’Sport’’ vehicles 60 Diogenes belief 61 Group of Xers?

62 Sports-team personnel

Down

1 Mole relative 2 Language whose name means ‘’normal’’ 3 Light __ 4 Shaver 5 ‘’Saving Private Ryan’’ transport 6 ‘’__ a Rainbow’’ (Rolling Stones tune) 7 Two-Oscar winner of ‘91 8 Realize 9 Father of Odysseus 10 They’re subj. to change 11 ‘’I don’t like that at all!’’

12 Back to one’s old tricks 13 From back to front 14 Hit back?

23 These, in Tijuana 24 Turn into a dude 26 Leads 28 ‘’Great Gatsby’’ gangster 29 Schools of thought 31 Grabbed 32 Rent sharer 33 Held back 35 Chief Justice after Chase 39 Bibulous 40 Underhanded one 43 ‘’__ and what art thou’’: Milton 45 Head lock 48 Capital starter 49 Minimum 50 Kay Kyser band vocalist 52 Rat tail 53 Prefix for physical 57 Criticize 58 High-school subj.

Town & Country 15

16 Town & Country

Town & Country 17

Horoscopo - Abril Aries

Tauro

Géminis

Tus exigencias y necesidades en el amor siguen manteniéndose fuertes aunque de momento no están siendo atendidas tal y como te gustaría. El asunto mejorará y será en mayo cuando obtengas lo que quieres. Recuerda: un amante tiene las mejores intenciones para ti por muy confusas que sean las señales que te esté dando. Tendrás una oleada de energía personal y confianza con énfasis en las posesiones y el dinero.

Sigues bastante desaparecido del radar este mes aunque sí comenzarás a salir de tu concha cuando otros se muestren interesados en tus necesidades y deseos. El amor es delicado y puede que el tema te pida hacer algunos sacrificios personales; por lo que te llevará a atraer la atención de los demás con menos dificultad. Esta es una buena hora para el gozo personal y la recompensa de amigos y contactos.

Después de un mes atareado con asuntos de metas laborales y temas profesionales, te sientes más sociable. Por lo general, es un buen mes para asuntos sociales y contactar con grupos y amistades. ¡Esto no quiere decir que lo vayas a tener fácil! Pero disfrutas en solucionar las complicaciones. ¡Sobre todo cuando se trata de los problemas de los demás!

Puede que este mes haya algo de amor en el trabajo; tal vez con un superior o bien por otro contacto de negocio.

Cáncer

Leo

Virgo

Lo profesional será importante para ti este mes. Ahora es complicado, aunque verás que hacia final de mes una gran satisfacción te llevará a estar muy animado. Los frutos de tu labor serán recompensados. Por lo general, tienes más energía en seguir tus objetivos profesionales con más determinación.

Este mes, es probable que tengas algunos momentos verdaderamente mágicos en temas de pareja y amor. Algunos de vosotros puede que os habéis encontrado con gente espiritual o creativa con la cual encuentras que tenéis muchas cosas en común. Esto es estupendo para la diversión, la creatividad, el entretenimiento, la aventura y el buen humor. Asuntos relacionados con tu carrera vienen a la luz: y seguirás manteniendo un buen equilibrio entre tu vida personal y las actividades socialmente gratificantes.

Tu conexión con los demás y tu dependencia de ellos son los elementos destacados para ti este mes. Tu mente estará ocupada con asuntos de finanzas compartidas, jueguecitos de poder y el tema de compartir. No va a ser el mes en el que fácilmente se cumplan proyectos personales, necesidades o deseos. Estarás más concentrado en tus relaciones personales.

Libra

Escorpión

Empiezan a sentirse menos complicadas las relaciones y podrás disfrutar de tu vida social. Tus objetivos están mejor definidos y es más seguro el hecho de que no estarás transmitiendo señales confusas o incoherentes. Hay un buen vínculo entre el amor y el trabajo este mes; y si se presentaran oportunidades sociales debido al trabajo, asegúrate de cogerlas. Puede que en estos días atraigas a gente más creativa y espiritual a tu alrededor.

La emoción creativa y romántica te espera aunque también habrá mucho trabajo por hacer. Afortunadamente, estás de humor y tienes ganar de dedicarte a este asunto. Figurará el tema del dinero en cuanto a asuntos domésticos, la vivienda y proyectos creativos. Tu sentido de tener que decorar también destacará, y puede que también tengas ánimos para “maquillar” tu hogar.

Actividades juguetonas, pasatiempos agradables, saliendo por allí y encontrando el placer de la vida son los temas de este mes. También estás absorbiendo información como una esponja, y se espera que todos los asuntos relacionado al aprendizaje, los discursos y el escribir se te darán bien este mes. Es probable que tengas acontecimientos afortunados entorno a tu hogar y familia.

Capricornio

Acuario

Piscis

Tu intuición es fuerte, sobre todo para temas domésticos y financieros. Este es un mes para visualizar y definir objetivos en vez de realizar actos agresivos. Es posible que inviertas tiempo, y posiblemente dinero en tu familia y hogar. Intenta no sobrecargarte dado que eres propenso al cansancio.

Los amigos y los enlaces destacan, incluso los amigos pueden ser de ventaja practica además de espiritual. Tu intuición para ganar dinero está a tope. El entusiasmo para aprender te trae recompensa este mes y tu mente está especialmente afilada. La comunicación es intensa y puede ser que por esta vía encuentres el amor.

También lo podrás encontrar en un ambiente de aprendizaje.

Estás liado pensando en, tratando con y organizando tus finanzas personales. Sin embargo, asegúrate de posponer las inversiones grandes hasta finales de mes. Toma el tiempo para hacer presupuesto. Habrá reconocimiento personal, sobre todo en cuanto al trabajo, y puede que te encuentres actuando caprichosamente. La confianza ahora te acompaña. Las oportunidades profesionales destacarán para ti este año.

18 Town & Country

Sagitario

Would You Like to Enjoy an Extra Months Pension This Year?

I am always searching for a policy or service that will assist my clients in many different ways. With the pound so weak against the euro, it got me thinking about currency exchange and the people who are bringing in a pension every month and how difficult it must be to budget. There are also those who are paying a mortgage with their sterling and others who bring an income, not always on a monthly basis.

It must be particularly tough for those receiving pensions, whether those pensions are private or the UK Government pension.

My company has been working alongside a very large and secure Currency Exchange company for a while now. I understand the clients who are now placing their sterling with them are more than pleased with the service and rates given to them. I hope this article will help in understanding a little the complex nature of currency rates, and why you may not be receiving the best rate possible. This despite companies informing you that you are and no charges are being levied against you.

When your UK pension is paid directly overseas, the chances are that your pension provider transfers your sterling via a third party. It is the 3rd party that will make the conversion to euros before the money arrives in your overseas account. More often than not, this third party will be a bank. For example, the forces Pension is paid by Xafinity Paymaster through Citibank, and the Civil service pension scheme is paid through the Bank of Scotland TAPS system (Transcontinental Payment System).

Because banks do not specialise in foreign exchange, their transfer fees are usually high and their rates poor. In many cases, the rate is 2-3% less than pensioners could achieve elsewhere. They are only given the rate available at the time of transfer, with no option to ‘lock’ into better rates when sterling is strong against the Euro. To top it all, receiving banks charges (the deduction banks make for handling the transaction) can be as much as t20 euros per payment. The only saving grace is that the pension provider may have negotiated a lower fee for actually making the transfer. But even then, the recipient is probably getting less money than they should be.

The situation is often made worse if your pension is paid in sterling and you arrange your transfers directly with the bank. In addition to poor exchange rates and receipt charges, the average cost for transferring rates and receipt charges, the average cost for transferring your euros is 25 euros per payment ( despite what you may be told) and again , there is no option to lock into favourable rates. Finally, most banks do not have an

automated process for regular payments, so you are required to arrange your transfers every month via telephone and internet banking.

So in summary, the problem is 3 fold: poor exchange rates; receiving bank charges; and unreasonable transfer costs.

At this stage you may feel that you are receiving the best that is available, just one question I will ask. What if the information you have been told is not quite correct. Can you afford to ignore this possibility, when every euro is so vital?

The solution to this, could be via the company I have chosen to work with, who specialise in foreign exchange and regular international payments They fully understand the needs of people making regular currency payments, never forgetting those who need to transfer funds as and when.

In a nutshell. The Regular Payment Plan makes you money go further by in the first instance being able to offer better variable rates than a bank can, as well as fixed exchange rates, The process is fully automated, having recently invested over one and a half million Euros in the latest technology. Features include automated Direct debit, so if your pension is paid into your UK Sterling account, they can automatically debit funds on the day of your choice. If your pension is paid directly by your pension provider, they can receive the money from them and make the transfer.

Because of the fully automated system , making them the best in the business, they can offer multiple frequencies, so that the regular Payment Plan can operate on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, bi -annual or annual basis. This service and options, I am sure, is unbeatable.

The other option you can select is a fixed plan option.

This I understand was offered to many clients when the rate was at a dizzy height, many chose to lock into 145 but sadly many ignored the advice given assuming it was just a sales gimmick.

Now of course I am sure they are regretting this decision. It will, however, always be on offer, for when the rate once again becomes attractive enough to be locked in from six months or up to two years.

The process is all fully automated, so every month you can relax in the knowledge that your transfers are taken being care of. Another bonus is the transfer fees are some of the lowest around, with support from their dedicated team with over fifteen years experience. In all, a very good package, which you need to find out more about. Can you afford not to?

Jayne in the Javea office is the specialist in all money matters, and works very closely with the companies, however all our offices can handle your enquires.

Finally see us on local TV and the very exciting and formative website of Sol www.solproductions.tv

Town & Country 19

Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 thru 9. There’s no math involved.

The grid has numbers but nothing to add up to anything else. You solve the puzzle with logic and reasoning. Solving time is typically 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your skill and experience. Solutions in the next issue of Town & Country Magazine.

Good luck!

www.simplynetworking.es 20 Town & Country

Town & Country 21

When you visit one of the restaurants listed here, remember to say you saw them in the Town and Country Magazine 22 Town & Country

Town & Country 23

24 Town & Country

Breakfast For Mum...

French Toasts with Cinnamon and Plum Compote Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus soaking

350g ripe plums 3tbsp clear honey 1cinnamon stick 3 tbsp water 2medium eggs 3tbsp semi-skimmed milk 2thick slices wholegrain bread (about 125g) 1tbsp mild olive oil 2tsp caster sugar Method Halve and stone the plums and put in a small saucepan with 1 tablespoon of the honey, cinnamon stick and water. Cover and heat very gently for about 5 minutes until the plums are soft but not falling apart.

Beat the remaining honey with the eggs and milk. Put the bread slices in a single layer on a dinner plate. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and leave to stand for 10 minutes until absorbed.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan, preferably non-stick. Halve or quarter the bread slices diagonally and add to the pan. Fry gently for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden. Drain to serving plates and sprinkle with the sugar. Serve with the plum compote.

Variation - use fresh apricots or apples instead of the plums.

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Town & Country 25

Dessert For Mum...

Frozen vanilla yoghurt with raspberries Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes plus freezing

50g oats 2 x 450g vanilla yogurt 150g custard 250g raspberries 2 tbsp honey Method Toast the oats in a frying pan until golden, cool.

Mix together the yogurt, custard and oats. Place in a freezerproof container and freeze for 2 hours.

Meanwhile, cook the raspberries and honey in a small saucepan for 5 minutes until softened. Allow to cool.

Stir the raspberries into the yogurt to create a marbled effect and freeze for a further 2-3 hours.

Remove form the freezer for about 30 minutes before serving to soften a little. Serve with fresh raspberries and mint then sprinkle with toasted oats.

Tips Try using fresh strawberries instead of raspberries and puree in a food processor, or use flavoured yogurts.

26 Town & Country

Town & Country 27

Shabby

Dog

Story Imagine over 10 per cent of a country’s population dying from a single disease within a couple of years. It sounds like a futuristic horror film, but it actually happened in the Sudan in the early 1990s. The disease concerned was Leishmaniasis.

You can catch it – and so can your dog – in France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and several other European countries, if you are bitten by a sandfly infected with the disease. In fact, Leishmaniasis is endemic in 88 nations on four continents, putting ~350M people at risk of contracting it; at any given time, twelve million people around the world are infected.

Fortunately it’s only the mildest human form that is found in Europe so even if you are bitten in Spain by an infected sandfly you will more than likely have nothing worse than a painless skin ulcer. Unfortunately your dog is not so lucky. The canine form of the disease can affect every organ. They become emaciated and shabby, and develop strikingly long nails.

Treatment can prolong life, but eventually the disease will kill them.

Your dog is equally at risk in town, country, woodland or wherever. Mediterranean disease is another name, even though it is found as far north as Lyon in France.

So what can you do to minimise the risk to your dog?

Well fortunately there are a couple of things available that when used together can cut the risk of your dog catching Leishmaniasis by as much as 95%

28 Town & Country

Firstly there is a very special insect repellent collar called Scalibor which will protect your dog from being bitten by this mosquito and from fleas and ticks. The collar is available from your local vet.

Another solution is to limit the insect population in the first place by breaking their breeding cycle. Insectsaway market a range of highly effective mosquito and biting insect traps. They have been used to great effect for many years in the USA, Asia, Australia and parts of Europe, and are now available in Spain exclusively from Insectsaway. They attract and trap mosquitoes, midges and all manner of biting and blood feeding insects. When used continuously over a 6 week period they actually interrupt the breeding cycle of these insects which will greatly reduce and eventually eliminate them.

There is a range of traps covering from 500m2 to 6000m2(approx 1.5 acres) and prices start at just €65. Contact Mary on 968171542 or 670725672 or via email mary@insectsaway.com or through the website www.insectsaway.com

Town & Country 29

Wordsearch Answers

Crossword Answers

How did you do?

30 Town & Country

Sudoku Answers

Cammie is a crossbred 3year old spayed and innoculated female. She was found abandoned, thin and undernourished.

She is now well fed, is looking great and is very affectionate. If you are looking for a companion pet, look no further German shepherd cross Doberman appro’ 2 years old, inoculated and castrated. He was found wondering on the motorway. He is a medium to large dog with a big heart and wonderful nature. He is strong on the lead and needs further training but his recall is excellent.

He mixes very well with other dogs and loves to be with people.

Tel – 968431265 or 627118738

TRADERS - MARCH 2009 Dentista / Dentist pg29 Clinica Indent pg7 Clinica Dental

San Agustin pg21 Clinica Dental Teresa

M. Liberatore

968 596 306 968 568 481 968 589 691

Inmobiliaria / Estate Agents pg16 Costa Calida Property

Management 966 763 672 pg15 www.spanishhome4u.com Restaurantes y Bars pg26 Cafeteria Gran Via pg24 Indian Rest. Haveli pg23 L.A. Lounge pg24 Royal India Rest.

Servicios / Services pg11 Avimotor pg11 AXA Insurance pg7 carsupermarket.es pg21 David Mason

Insurance Services pg7 Drew Ryder pg29 G & L Interiors p9 Great Golf Company pg11 Hombre Barber pg28 Insectaway.com pg19 Jeniifer Cunningham pg11 Legs and Co. p22 Linea Directa pg29 MC Consulting pg7 Opel pg32 Printwithus pg29 R & C Builders Veterinarian pg7 Vet. Clinic Maskota

968 597 448 968 191 019 608 911 971 697 450 953

968 580 715 968 171 005

968 137 719 660 326 194 677 241 382 968 575 479 699 152 969 968 171 542 966 461 690 660 792 513 902 123 967 968 137 407 968 596 189 968 429 113 968 151 385

968 597 929

Town & Country 31