2 Contact Us INSIDE THIS ISSUE: New season, new chapter! Letter from the Editor Moira Carmenate Our Experts Legal Costasea Legal Advisors Health Apple Hearing & Healthcare Wellbeing The Elite Wellness Group Property OP Group
Spain Welcome to September everyone a month that marks the transition from summer to autumn, even if here in Spain it is still baking hot
read. Love Moira with The Elite Wellness Group TALKING WINE MOIRA'S KITCHEN GARDEN UPCYCLING IDEAS SAMARITANS IN SPAIN with Moira Carmenate TALKING HEALTH & WELLBEING 03 04-07 08-09 10-11 12-13 MONEY MATTERS TALKING EXPAT SUCCESSES MARINA DE LAS DUMAS 16-17 18 20 26-27WHAT'S ON GUIDE The Expat Centre, Calle de Villena 12 Doña Pepa, Ciudad Quesada, 03170 ALICANTE Tel: +34 865 668 596 Editor: moira@expatlifestyle.es Advertising: tracy@expatlifestyle.es Design: donna@expatlifestyle.es with Costasea Legal Advisers TALKING LEGAL 14 15 with Turisme Guardamar with Vega Baja 28READER'S CONTRIBUTION
This month, I am happy to support a new campaign from the Samaritans in Spain, highlighting men's mental health issues and why men don't talk about the problems they are facing I have written a bit more in my wellness feature this month and whilst we sometimes think our partners are just being moody, they could in fact be suffering from mental health issues This advice goes for everyone regardless of gender so please try to be aware of those around you who may be suffering and reach out It's amazing how a listening ear or a few words of kindness can make a difference to someone. Have a great month and enjoy your September
There's lots happening this month including the famous Rioja wine festival which gives a good reason to get out and try lots of Rioja wines although if you enjoy a glass or two of wine, why wait I've given a list of good wine years in this month's Talking Wine to help you with your choices
In our What's On Guide there are lots of things going on locally including the colourful Benidorm Pride, a crazy week of events that are well worth a visit; Rock against Cancer in Torrevieja and don't forget a visit to Guardamar, our local town with a wealth of history
TALKING WINE
Reserva wines with a minimum ageing between oak barrels and the bottle of three years, of which at least one has to be in barrels, followed and complemented by a minimum 6 months’ ageing in the bottle. For white wines, the minimum ageing period is 2 years, with at least 6 months in barrels Gran Reserva wines of great vintages that have been aged for a total of 5 years with at least two years in oak barrels and two years in the bottle For white wines, the minimum ageing period is 4 years, with at least 6 months in barrels.
It’s useful when you are buying Rioja to understand how the wines are classified Classification depends on the length of time the wine remains in the barrel and red wines are classified as follows: Generic wines in their first or second year, which keep their primary freshness and fruit This category may also include other wines that do not fit into the categories of Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva, if they have been subjected to an ageing process that is not certified by the Control Board Crianza wines which are at least in their third year, having spent a minimum of one year in oak barrels. For white wines, the minimum barrel ageing period is 6 months with Moira Carmenate RIOJA
La Rioja, Navarre and the Basque province of Alava, with a further three sub regions of Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental which was formerly Rioja Baja. There are over sixteen thousand vineyards and over sixty five thousand hectares of planted vineyards, which equates to almost one hundred and sixty two thousand acres Grape varieties Rioja tinta (red wine) comes from grape varieties including tempranillo, garnacha tinta, mazuelo and graciano White Riojas come from white grapes including garnacha blanca, macabeo, Malvasia and tempranillo blanco
Wine ageing/classification
Best harvests and ratings in recent years from riojawine.com
8 IDEAS TO FRESHEN UP Turn old wooden crates into stylishCreateshelvesacutegardensign!Freshen up furniture with some paint Display pots in an imaginative way Decorate some rocks (or get the kids to!) gardeningetc.com gardeningetc.com gardeningetc.com colormadehappy.commyfrenchtwist.com
9 YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE! Construct a wooden potting bench Turn old pallets into a garden tool rack Create a fairy garden from broken pots Turn a colander into a colourful hanging basket Create a vertical herb garden thisoldhouse.comextraspace.com boredpanda.com getbusygardening.commommyskitchen.net
It is time for society to recognise that talking about feelings ISN’T a sign of weakness. It is actually very empowering and allows us to take control of our wellbeing and do something positive. This equally applies to men and women.
It is fair to say that when it comes to responding to stress and stressful situations, men and women behave very differently.
Together we are Stronger Samaritans in Spain is a confidential listening currently operates between the hours of 10 every day. We are available to ALL En irrespective of Nationality who reside in mainla Islands. We can be contacted via our FREEP which is 900 525 100. Alternatively, we also address which is pat@samaritansinspain com b a little longer to respond to emails, we reco that call if you can To the men reading this article, we fully apprec this step may go against how you have been feel completely alien to you However, we once you do, you will wonder why it has taken acknowledge how you are feeling and validate by talking!
Whilst women will open up and talk about their issues, men are more likely to see this as a weakness and so just ‘man up’ and get on with it. This certainly rings true when it comes to calls to our helpline where on average, 75% are from women In today’s society where almost two thirds of suicides worldwide are by men, we at Samaritans in Spain feel that it is time that men were actively encouraged to talk about their feelings. After all, the issues, stresses and concerns that affec apply to men just as much. Men are equally susce insecurities relating to body image, money and re worries, family troubles… the list goes on because at t the day these are human issues and not gender specif Therefore, with the help of five brave men spearheading a campaign to raise awareness of Sam Spain and encourage the English speaking male comm ‘lay those feelings bare’. This is an issue that is very our hearts, so we hope that you get behind it and h spread the word far and wide.
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Isn't it time you walked tall, and bared all? Samaritans is a fully registered charity in Spain (www.samaritansinspain.com) operating under license from Samaritans UK (www samaritans org) and works closely with the global umbrella organisation Befrienders Worldwide (www befrienders org) Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus?
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MEN DON'T CRY - OR DO THEY?
There are a host of potential problems they could be facing but they just chose to keep them to themselves.
There may have been a major trauma which could have been in the past and now presents itself as PTSD post traumatic stress disorder.
However, big boys do cry but often when nobody can hear or see them. Many men would not dream of reaching out and talking about their problems and would rather go to the dentist and have a tooth extracted without anaesthetic than open up and talk about the problem.
But what about men? What issues could they be facing? Many issues could be similar to those faced by women
Could this lack of willingness or confidence to reach out, be why (according to the UK’s office of national statistics) males accounted for 75% of suicide deaths in 2020 These statistics were similar around the world including USA and Canada and highest rates were in the age range 45 64.
TALKING HEALTH
It’s human to feel emotions. Laughing is an emotion, happiness is an emotion they’re ok. So why shouldn’t crying and feeling sad be ok too? We can all think of issues that women face that make them sad, anxious and depressed including self image issues, relationship break ups, bereavement, emotional upsets and feelings of worthlessness etc. For some these may be caused by hormonal issues related to changes in the body i.e., after childbirth or menopause, or they could be mental health issues including clinical depression which often needs medical help and counselling
Challenges facing men
Men can have crisis issues relating to self worth, body image, self confidence, relationship breakups etc They may have lost their job, been made redundant and feel pressure to be the family’s main provider.
Generally speaking, most men don’t want to talk about their personal problems. Often, this lack of emotional “exposure” stems from childhood when they have been told “be a man” and” big boys don’t cry”
www.theelitewellnessgroup.com
For confidential counselling and therapy
Patience is key there could be long silences and conversations that stop and start as they get more difficult or get close to an issue Listen be prepared to listen and not butt in or offer opinions as that will put the brakes on the conversation.
Suppressing emotions
Some of the warning signs what to look out for?
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When you have a partner or a friend who is suffering, it can be challenging for you too. How do you approach the subject when they clearly don’t want to talk? It’s like walking on broken glass to try and open the conversation This can put a strain on most relationships as we are all human and think they are just moody and unreasonable when in fact there could be deep rooted issues. But how do you get the conversation going and an acceptance that it’s ok to talk.
Don’t take it personally maybe something includes you and if it does just listen, don’t take it personally or get into a discussion which would likely lead to an argument.
BE TO YOUR MIND - TAKE CONTROL
What can you do?
Professional help if you have managed to get some conversation going, it could be the time to engage professional help. There is no stigma attached to talking confidentially with a professional in fact making that choice to step forward is the first step in understanding that it’s not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength and being in control
Regardless of gender, bottling up your emotions doesn’t make them go away In fact, suppression can lead to serious health issues. In the short term it can impact on memory loss, lack of libido, IBS, anxiety, anger and depression. Longer term it can lead to stomach ulcers, diabetes and heart disease
KIND
& WELLBEING with Moira Carmenate
Don’t judge whatever is being said could only be surface level and your partner or friend may be seeing if you react before continuing Confidential your partner, or friend needs to feel safe in the knowledge what is said is not about to be repeated to your best friend or family
Changes in: appetite mood obsessive or compulsive behaviours level of energy sleeping pattern increased alcohol consumption or illegal drugs behaviour restless/emotionally low/agressive
Either way, you should always consider the regulations governing these types of changes
There are many people who think that because an extension to the house is small, it does not require a license or authorisation from the Town Hall. However, only the Town Hall has the power to authorise such changes to the home. CONSTRUCTIONS YOU SHOULD KNOW! with Costasea Legal
- WHAT
Perhaps you already own a property and want to add an extension?
A fine based on the value of the extension carried out A City Council fine imposed until the illegal construction has been demolished Failure to consult a professional (lawyer or architect) before carrying out an extension or indeed, before purchasing a home can have very serious consequences. This can be for the person who has carried out the illegal (or unauthorised) work or the individual who has bought a home that has had an unauthorised and/or unregistered extension with the Land Registry What consequences can be expected?
The Valencian regulations have established a series of measures against illegal constructions as follows: There is a whole series of procedures and formal requirements that each council must comply with in order to carry out any of the measures above against an illegal construction. This ensures that the person who has carried out the extension/ or purchased a property with an illegal extension has the right of defence. Likewise, the City Council must inform the person responsible in a timely fashion and enable them to respond, including making allegations against the City Council’s decision, if they feel that the extension was legally constructed. What to do if your extension is challenged as being illegal?
Demolition of the built extension
It is strongly recommended that you consult with the architect who carried out the extension, as well as a lawyer specialising in illegal construction. Together, they will normally be able to find a way to defend the legality of the construction.
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At Costasea legal advisers we have a lawyer specialising in this type of case involving illegal construction and we would be pleased to assist you C/La Purisma, 22 03158 Catral +34 966 843 946 info@costasea.com www.costasea.com
TALKING LEGAL ILLEGAL
For example, the current Valencian legislation that regulates illegal construction also has an established process for regularisation of illegal constructions, especially those in rural areas outside the cities This process was established a few years ago, in order to permit the homes to exist although technically ‘illegal’, whilst forcing them to make small changes (eg installing a waste water tank) so that they have less impact on the environment
Are you looking to buy a home in the Valencian community?
OUR WILLS ARE ONLY €99 WITH NO HIDDEN CHARGES Yourtrustedlegalservice Have you got an INHERITANCE TAX PLAN regarding your assets in Spain? Are your beneficiaries here in Spain to inherit your assets? We can help you with all of this. Make an appointment with us and keep calm. We are specialists in inheritance law and inheritance taxes C/La Purisma, 22 03158 Catral +34 966 843 946 info@costasea.com www.costasea.com The Expat Centre Calle de Villena 12 03170 Ciudad Quesada +34 865 668 596 info@theexpatcentre.com www.theexpatcentre.com
GUARDAMAR
• Public parking • Fuel station In addition to providing direct access to the beaches, there is a sailing school and leisure centre where you can practice all kinds of water sports (sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, motor boating etc). Ramp Restaurant and beach bar Rental and sale of moorings Laundry
The Marina de las Dunas has the capacity to moor 500 sailboats and motor boats, up to a maximum of 15 metres in length. There are also many services on offer including:
ENJOY
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One of the essential characteristics of our port/marina is the fantastic access channel that identifies it. Imagine being able to navigate the final channel of the Segura River, sheltered from the open sea by the breakwaters. Now picture the impressive natural setting of the pine forest and dunes of Guardamar. It truly is a pleasure for the senses!
The dunes form a cordon that covers the entire coastline of the municipality from north to south The beaches, characterised by their fine golden sand, are approximately 11 kilometres long. They offer travellers and visitors a wide range of possibilities for enjoying a few days rest in direct contact with the sea and soft sand
• Dry marina
South of the Province of Alicante and located in an environment formed by diverse ecosystems you will find a unique landscape A landscape that is surrounded by golden dunes, an immense pine forest, very long natural beaches and the mouth of the River Segura This is the beautiful Marina de las Dunas.
• Varadero
GUARDAMAR DEL
17 A SPOTLIGHT ON: MARINA DE LAS DUMAS
If you
Within our facilities, there is the fish market of the Fishermen’s Association of Guardamar. From 10.30, Monday through to Friday, an auction is held where you can bid on the freshest of fish straight from the boat. The perfect way for all your friends and family to enjoy a delicious meal made from the best quality fish and seafood! are looking to relax and enjoy nature, this is your marina SEGURA
Attendance Allowance helps with the extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to look after you. It is paid at 2 different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability. Currently the rates are £61.85 or £92.40 a week to help with personal support. This benefit is also “exportable” which basically means that it is one of the benefits that can be applied for even if you are living here in Spain There are however criteria that you will need to meet that is set by the UK government before an application can be processed.
Being a volunteer has been shown to increase self confidence, self esteem, promote positive health and of course provide the volunteer with the opportunity to make new friends HELP Vega Baja has grown as a charity and to meet the needs of the people we support, we are looking to increase our team of volunteers, throughout the charity We look forward to hearing from you! Do you want to be the person who makes a difference to others? www helpvegabaja com Follow us on Facebook! Help us to continue helping others
Attendance Allowance - What it is & how can HELP Vega Baja help?
Well you can! Come and join HELP Vega Baja, we have been supporting people in need within the Vega Baja area for 43 years If you want a rewarding and stimulating opportunity, then please contact: Richard Garland, (Charity Secretary) on 966 723 733
MONEY MATTERS
Caring for someone who is chronically sick is not easy. Through our work over many years, we are aware there are many people struggling to cope Often when we meet them, carers are exhausted and frequently do not have the finances to pay for professional care. This is where HELP Vega Baja can step in. With very experienced volunteers, we can help you through the application process and also point you in the direction of other help that may be available to you
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You must be a resident of Spain on or before the 31st December 2020 You must be in receipt of a UK state pension
If you would like to find out more, or would like to make an appointment to apply for this benefit, please call our Welfare Co ordinator on 966 723 733 or email office@helpvegabaja.com
Please don't struggle alone contact HELP Vega Baja now. with HELP Vega Baja
HELP Vega Baja is a fully registered charity and as such, all our services are offered to you FREE OF CHARGE YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Volunteering can change lives the lives of the people receiving advice and support from a volunteer and the life of the person freely giving their time and effort to a charity such as HELP Vega Baja and the local community in general.
You have been medically diagnosed with a chronic illness or disability (with medical evidence) for a period of not less than 6 months
If you prefer you can email Richard at: office@helpvegabaja com
When I sat down in Richie’s office I was met with a warm smile and an open book Recalling his youth as a self proclaimed jack the lad, a cheeky grin graces his face, before admitting that the reality of military life and first hand experience in the Gulf War helped him to quickly mature into the man he is today. The horrors of the war and his time working with refugees in northern Iraq left an imprint on his soul, while leading to extreme PTSD that Richie would later undergo therapy for Leaving the military and finding himself in the civilian world, full of opportunities, Richie quickly realised that he was overqualified for most jobs on offer. After some consideration, the entrepreneur inside him surfaced, and Richie started up two successful businesses: an entertainment company catering to events and parties, and a computer shop Happy with the success of his businesses, but teetering on the edge of burnout, Richie took a short trip to Spain, and quickly fell in love with the country and its way of life Six months later he had moved to Spain trying his hand at several different jobs and learning along the way. A radio station for the local community
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From the very start, Richie knew that he wanted to serve the community to the best of his ability, and that Big FM would be the perfect channel to do so The memories of his time working with refugees lit a fire within him, and he worked tirelessly to build the station and create the perfect team of presenters
So, how did Big FM come about? In 2012 six years after arriving in Spain Richie was offered an opportunity, and he seized it! Starting off in a small shed, Richie has nurtured the station over the past 10 years, making it what it is today: a thriving radio station, serving the community first and foremost.
For Richie, there’s lots to celebrate: 10 years of Big FM; 3 years of Quesada Tech (a computer shop with an immaculate reputation); and 9 years with the love of his life When speaking of his other half, Rachael, he can’t help cracking a goofy smile. Still very much in love, Richie speaks of Rachael as his rock, without whom he would be lost and admittedly much, much thinner!
The highs and lows of entrepreneurship are things that Richie Sparks knows well.
EXPAT SUCCESSES
Now, 10 years later, Big FM is a big family with deep roots in the Costa Blanca. The station not only keeps its listeners in good company throughout the day, but also steps up when the community needs it. Throughout the DANA of 2019, the coronavirus pandemic, and more recently the war in Ukraine, Big FM has done its part in raising funds and supplies and keeping spirits high.
Interview by Donna Williams
Big FM has clearly come far, and in celebration the station is hosting a BIG ball A night full of fun, gourmet food, and first class entertainment is how Richie describes the event, as well as a chance to thank their listeners. It’s not often the presenters get to meet listeners or supporters of the station, so the event is a great chance to bond, have fun, and raise funds for Elche Children’s Care Home with all profits from the event going to this fantastic charity
TALKING
The man behind Big FM
Have an expat success story to share? Email: donna@expatlifestyle.es
OPGA064 OPGA065 OPGA062 OPLF093 OP OPLF096 Spacious townhouse with solarium, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms Townhouse with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms Top floor apartment in Algorfa with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms GRAN ALACANT - €169,600 GRAN ALACANT: €186,500 GRAN ALACANT €159,000 LA FINCA GOLF: €145,000 CATRAL: €55,000 GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA: €114,950 Duplex Apartment with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms Townhouse with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms Ground floor apartment with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom We are a family run business established here on the Costa Blanca South since 2006 We specialise in Property Sales, Property Management and Long term lets with our office located in the Gran Alacant Commercial Centre Stuart Markham, OP Group Spain +34 865 943 755 Avda Finlandia C.C. Gran Alacant info@opgroupspain.comwww.opgroupspain.com
What is an Advanced Directive
We are located at The Expat Centre in Doña Pepa, and our friendly team are always happy to answer any questions that you may have about the Advanced Directive or any other element of our Funeral Plan Alternatively, you can call us on +34 865 668 597
Knowing that a loved one has a funeral plan in place provides peace of mind when it comes to making arrangements for their final resting place but what about the stages in between?
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We at White Doves Funeral Planning recognise how traumatic this might be and include an Advanced Directive as part of our Funeral Plan package as standard.
It is a sad reality that death does not necessarily come peacefully or is even expected Serious accidents can occur, as can unpredicted grave illnesses. In these circumstances, it is important to know the wishes of the person who may now no longer be able to relay them.
Don't let a traumatic situation become a tug of love they have been in a serious accident they are very ill and near to death they are in a coma they are very confused or in the late stages of dementia
An Advanced Directive, sometimes also known as a Living Will is an official document that enables doctors and health care workers to understand the wishes of their patient in the event that they are unable to make medical decisions for themselves. This could be for any of the following reasons: By having an Advanced Directive as part of your funeral plan, you will be able to make decisions with regards to the help you do, or do not want This can include the use of machines and feeding tubes as well as if you wish to be resuscitated should your heart stop. Whilst none of us like to contemplate the possibility of something like this happening to us, not doing so could cause your family to be left to make some heart wrenching decisions. No matter how close the family members, there may not always be agreement on what to do. This can make an already highly emotional situation far worse because, after all, everyone just wants to do what they feel is right and ultimately someone has to make the decision For peace of mind all round, let that person be you If you have made the decision to enjoy a life in Spain but have yet to put a funeral plan in place, come and have a chat with us today
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From 3 July onwards 8.30pm: Benidorm Palace Chiringuitos del Sol
www.benidormpalace.com
beach.
The latest generation technology is incorporated into the show with 250 square meters of high definition LED screens, video, sound and special effects creating a unique environment
Live
set
parade Two new editions
pool zone, jacuzzi, glitter and pride face paint stand. www.benidormpride.com
The biggest community led gay event of the of course, the famous to the agenda this year, CHICAS & AMIGOS Oasis Beach Club, Levante Benidorm’s top tribute act, Girls Aloud. DJ from UK radio station Gaydio with Jessie Brooke Chill out swimming
www.chiringuitosdelsol.com
26 WHAT'S ON GUIDE SEPTEMBER 2022 Not sure what to do in September? Let our Guide inspire you!
Available via David's Coachtrips (see pg 19 for contact info)
Loremba (14 Sept) La Caleta, Cabo Roig - Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday: from 3pm Acoustic Toni (Fridays) The Cantinas (Saturdays) Kolted (Sundays) Cala Cerrada, La Zenia - Every Sunday: from 4pm Natali (Jazz) Cala Estaca, Playa Flamenca Every Sunday: from 3pm Acoustic Toni
year is back! A week of fun events, parties, tribute acts and
Live music at a variety of Chiringuitos del Sol beach bars! Cala Bosque, La Zenia Every Saturday: from 3pm Ayla and Mike (7, 21 and 28 Sept)
Pride Festival A massive welcome back
Benidorm to BENIDORM PRIDE FESTIVAL!
Monday 5 September to Sunday 11 September: Benidorm (Old Town) Terra Benidorm Terra is AQUA’s successor in the show series “ELEMENTS”. Dancers, aerial dances, comedians, magicians, illusionists, live music and much more for a unique experience that can only be lived at Benidorm Palace
Rock Against Cancer - Torrevieja Rock Against Cancer is an annual music event dedicated to raising funds for the fight against cancer Collaborate with this charity and enjoy some live rock music www.torrevieja.com Friday 9 and Saturday 10 September 12pm: Antonio Soria Park Oktoberfest 2022 San Fulgencio Celebrate Oktoberfest in San Fulgencio this September with the Department of Fiestas. Entertainment will be provided by Little Big Band and there will be a variety of special guests throughout the evening ocioalicante net/evento/san fulgencio/oktoberfest/oktoberfest 2022 san fulgencio/?id=71190 Friday 16 September 7pm: Calle Madrid (Zona Comercial/grey area) Local Markets FRIDAY Torrevieja Behind the Water Park SATURDAY Playa Flamenca Calle Nicolas de Bossi SUNDAY Zocco Market Behind BP garage at the AP7 roundabout Lemon Tree Market Lemon Tree Road MONDAY Santa Pola Market Square TUESDAY San Fulgencio Calle Gabriel Moro WEDNESDAY Guardamar Main Street THURSDAY Rojales Avenida Juso Quesada 27 HAVE AN EVENT PLANNED FOR OCTOBER? Let us know all about it and we will be happy to include it in our brand new look What's On Guide. Let's celebrate all that Spain has to offer! Email: tracy@expatlifestyle.es Join our Expat Lifestyle Magazine FB Group and share it there
Thank you for chatting to me Duncan and allowing me the opportunity to sit in your pride and joy Can’t believe that you were willing to let me drive it! So, tell me Duncan, how did you go about acquiring this car?
Definitely... the dream would be to drive her around the Pyrenes!
Back in 1973, I saw the same model at a builders merchants and thought to myself… one day I’m having one of those It may have taken a few years but I did it! I wasn’t remotely phased by the task ahead I knew it would take some years and I was ready for the challenge
The great thing about classic cars (compared to modern ones) is that they are bolted together rather than welded Much easier to fix if you make a mistake!
I bought it from California from the Beverley Hills Car Club in 2016. Ah right, so I take it you were on holiday there and bought it on impulse? No, I bought it over the internet and then had it shipped over, via the UK At the time Trump had just come into power and the dollar had weakened which I took full advantage of!
Starting up the original engine!
Want to be featured on our Reader's Contribution page? Email: donna@expatlifestyle.es
Hmm, somehow I think he will make that dream a reality… even without power steering!
As something of a petrol head myself, I was more than happy to go along and chat with Duncan McGregor about his 4-year project…. A full recondition of a 1958 Triumph TR3A
It was a real challenge to find suppliers that had the parts for a classic car like mine. I managed to buy the paint locally but the upholstery came from the UK as did some of the parts. As a consequence of Brexit it became more difficult to get the parts shipped over from the UK so I had to look elsewhere thankfully I was able to find alternative suppliers in Germany. And what has been the biggest pleasure?
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READER'S CONTRIBUTION Interview by Donna Williams
I imagine the task of bringing it back to its former glory was not without its challenges. What was the main one you faced?
So now it is a thing of beauty once more… what next? Getting it roadworthy?
Wow! I know people that aren’t comfortable to buy clothes over the internet, and there you are purchasing a vintage car for thousands of dollars!
So, what made you decide to buy a car in this condition? Any reason for this particular model?
There is more to come so keep an eye out for the new look Expat Centre! taxes, Spanish wills pensions investment advice funeral plans Talks We will be continuing with our monthly talks where we have our experts on hand to answer your questions on anything to do with your life here in Spain
These are just a couple of scenarios we have dealt with recently, but it just highlights the need to have something in place to make sure your loved ones are not left with a huge problem to sort out when it is their time to grieve.
We are here to help with all your legal needs, padrons, TIE, vehicle change of ownership, funeral plans, S1 registrations plus so much more. winner of most bizarre question goes to.... We actually have two contenders! Do you hire DVDs? I have a bite on my foot, can I come and show you?
(Actually, the second probably just edges it!)
As you know we can answer the majority of questions ourselves but if we don’t know the answer we can reach out to our many contacts and find a solution!
Funeral Planning
Another thing to warn people about is having travel insurance in place no matter where you are going or for how long.
We really don’t talk enough about just how much we help families during the most difficult of times
It really is unbelievable the things we are told or help with and of course no charge in these cases because they have already paid for their plan elsewhere We would never leave people to struggle through. We really do go above and beyond anyone else and offer a personal service being as hands on as you want us to be.
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Monthly
Tragically we have been dealing with a client who suddenly took ill and sadly passed away without travel insurance so we would urge our readers to make sure to have some cover in place.
Travel Insurance
The family had to pay the bill for the cost of repatriating her back to the UK so they could hold the service there, again Moira helped every step of the way to ensure this was done with the upmost dignity and least upset
The Expat Centre has so much to offer! great Wi Fi connection, free parking private client area Office space for rent We are offering office space to rent. Whether it be a fixed desk rental or the use of our board room for the day or even just the use of a hot desk for a couple of hours Anybody that's been to the office recently will have seen our makeover which is looking fabulous We wanted to create a calm inviting place for people to come and meet clients in a professional setting
We have recently been dealing with a family who were left to their own devices by their original funeral plan company, no contact from them, no explanation of what would happen next. Moira took over organising the service with the funeral director to ensure the family member was given the sendoff they should have had
If there is anything you need or want to find out about you can call into our office in Doña Pepa. Alternatively, you can email us at info@theexpatcentre.com or call us on +34 865 668 596 to arrange an appointment
To find out how this can work for you and check availability & pricing Email:Telephone:Tracy@theexpatcentre.com+34865668596 Air-conditioned offices High speed WIFI Kitchen facilities Office space Your own dedicated desk Hot desking Meeting space EXPAT ADVICE BUSINESS HUB CO-WORKIING Are you a freelancer, working on your own, a startup business, or a growing business that needs extra space? We have flexible workspace solutions to meet your needs. Preferential membership of “Your Business Networking AAlliance” ll you need is your mobile phone & your laptop Flexible contracts Future proof your business with flexible solutions to help your business adapt to changing times
