Sol Times Newspaper issue 229 Costa Blanca Edition

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SolTimes issue 229

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

local news..

San Javier

The Guardia Civil of Murcia has arrested six members of a criminal group engaged in the commission of robberies on holiday homes in San Javier. Their research brought to light a dozen crimes and the retrieval of some stolen effects, which were returned to their rightful owners.

The officers were made aware of an increase in robberies on holiday villas in Santiago de la Ribera, and initiated an investigation.

As a result they were able to identify the gang who were behind the thefts, their organisation and execution.

The members of this criminal group were allocated different functions, some were on lookout while others would enter the houses by climbing fences and breaking windows. All communication was by coded whistles.

After the robbery, the stolen effects were stored and hidden in their homes until such time as they could be handed over to another person who would sell them on in the illicit market.

After obtaining all necessary evidence, the officers arrested six people, including two children.

The arrested are: MAFF, Peruvian, 18 years old, living in Santiago de la Ribera. JRG, Spanish, 21-year-old from San Javier. RML, Spanish, 18-year-old from San Javier. MIJP, Spanish, 39-year-old from San Javier, and 2 minors.

Several of those arrested have previous convictions for similar crimes. The investigation remains open, the police are not ruling out further arrests.

Sport Murcia

More than 150 professionals were involved in a conference ‘Environmental Biosafety in high-risk areas in hospitals’ Murcia Health Service (SMS), through the Preventive Medicine Unit of the Health Area VII-Murcia organised the conference ‘Environmental Biosafety high-risk areas in hospitals’ in which more than 150 professionals attended to address the impact of ventilation standards and validation of controlled environment rooms in hospitals.

SMS Managing Director, José Antonio Alarcón said at the opening of this meeting that ‘Prevention and hygiene are key tools to prevent infection during the hospitalisation.’ He added that ‘in recent years, thanks to programs for prevention of infections progress has been made.’

The ‘Study of Prevalence of Nosocomial Infection in Spain’ explained Alarcón, shows that between 1990 and 2011 the number of patients hospitalised for various reasons and that have suffered a nosocomial infection decreased from 8.4% to 6.3 %. He said ‘The purpose of this meeting is to present the innovations of the new rules for validation of controlled environment rooms and to achieve an optimal level of environmental biosafety in high risk areas.’ He added, ‘we are looking to eliminate bio-contamination in areas where invasive procedures are performed so as to ensure patient safety and product

handling by the professionals who manage them.’

Murcia

The Ministry of Universities and Research Company,(Consejería de Universidades, Empresa y Investigación) through the Institute of Development in the Region of Murcia, (Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia) is working with companies in the region to get more funding for research projects of the funds of the Centre for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI).

To this end, there has been a training workshop for partners and intermediaries who manage research projects of the business of the CDTI, which is the main organisation that promotes innovation and develops the technology between companies nationwide and is under the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.

The director of the Institute of Development, Juan Hernández, said the ultimate goal of this workshop is to increase both initiatives arising in the Region of Murcia and the financing that companies need for their development.

The workshop was attended by a score of technical experts in the handling and management of such projects, and who are operating in the Region of Murcia and are partners with companies that promote research and innovation.

Torrevieja

Torrevieja’s first four star hotel and spa, the Doña Monse, has been opened by the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon and the Alicante Diputada for Tourism, Joaquín Albaladejo. Also present were the Torrevieja Councillor for Tourism, Luis Maria Pizana, the Councillor for Trade and Hospitality, Agustina Esteve, and the Councillor for Town Planning and the Environment, Francisco Moreno.

The hotel, which is in Los Balcones, is opposite the Parque Natural de las Lagunas de La Mata. At times it may have seemed as if the hotel would never be finished, its on-off progress has stretched over a period of nine years.

However, now it is ready for visitors, who will have the choice of a total of 70 rooms, 57 of which are standard, three have with disabled access, six are singles, two are superior quality double rooms, while there is one junior suite and one suite.

Apart from the rooms and the restaurante and cafeteria there are three multipurpose rooms which will be used for events; a spa were beauty treatments are available, and a most spectacular panoramic terrace with an outdoor pool. On a more practical note, there is ample underground parking, and a car hire service and courtesy car service is available. It is expected to generate jobs for 30 people and is already attracting customers from all over Europe.

Calpe

Calpe’s salt water lake, Las Salinas, is to be granted Natural Park status. Alberto Fabre, President of the Valencia Community, said it will be protected under natural park status. It is home to a diverse population of wildlife and rare fauna, and for that reason Environmental groups have waged an incessant 12 year campaign to preserve it and save it from development.

Fabra gave this news at a ceremony to mark the 25 years since the

Peñón de Ifach was declared a natural park.

The Peñón, which receives 130,000 visitors a year, was the first area in Valencia to receive the status.

The spectacular rock, which is listed as one of the natural wonders of this area, and which rises 332 metres above the sea, is the smallest, and possibly the busiest, of the 20 natural parks and 400 protected areas. However, the Peñon will now add its 45 hectares with Las Salinas, which will make a new continuous wildlife habitat.

Sr Fabra and his Environmental Minister Isabel Bonig were present at a ceremony at the Peñón by the Mayor, Cesar Sanchez.

A plaque was unveiled to mark the 25 years since the Parque has been declared of National status. Sr Fabra said that there were plans to create a ‘green’ route through the parks, to encourage visitors to Valencia to further explore the area. Valencia had the second greatest number of natural parks in Spain, while Calpe itself was home to three unique sites with the Peñón, the Roman ruins of the Queen’s Baths, and now the recognition of Las Salinas.

Benidorm

Members of the police force who took part in the protests outside Benidorm Ayuntamiento could be victims of their own law enforcement.

The noisy gathering by around 50 officers wearing Hi-Vis jackets and carrying placards was in protest against pay cuts.

The protesters wanted an interview with Chief Jorge Fauró, and tried to force the door of the building. The Mayorial Representative, John Strong, said that investigations will be initiated pending formal charges of intimidating behaviour.

Benidorm

560 people who have been identified during recent demonstrations linked with the 15-M (15 May protests against the Government’s austerity measures) anniversary are being charged with crimes of ‘attacks on authority’ and could be fined up to 300€.

Elche

Makro, a company specialising in wholesale food and related products for restaurateurs; hoteliers; food retailers; large consumers and institutions, plans to open a new facility in the Carrús industrial area near Elche.

The new facility will measure 6,350sqm on a 24,600sqm complex, and as Makro products are also available by catalogue, this will make it the largest distributor on the Costa Blanca.

The company has already signed a selection and training agreement with the Mayor, and it is hoped that the new store will be trading by November, thus catching the lucrative Christmas trade.

The Manager of the new Makro in Elche has been named as Victor Arcos, and a statement issued by the Director of Communications, Beatriz Garcia, said that the new facility will provide 98 jobs directly with a further 200 being created indirectly.

Due to campaigning by the Association for Mentally Handicapped Alicante (APSA), some staff jobs will be offered to the disabled.

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

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Spain suspends economic aid to Hoods, masks and ‘botellón’ to become serious offences in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico Public Order Law reform

The Interior Ministry is working on a new draft of the Public Safety Law, which has not been reformed since 1992.

Amongst the fundamental changes likely to be introduced is that the use of garments or objects to cover one’s face during clashes with the police, will henceforth be considered a “serious” crime, as will illegal drinking (botellón) or drug taking on the street.

Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, esplained that the main objective of the changes to the law was to “dissuade” and prevent violent behaviour against the police during demonstrations and protests.

Public order offences divided into three categories: “very serious”, which will carry fines of between 30,000 and 300,000 euros; “serious”, which will carry fines of between 3,000 and 30,000 euros; and “minor”, which will carry fines of between

300 and 3,000 euros.

Thus, civil disobedience and lack of respect for authority will be considered “serious” or “very serious”, provided the incident is not classified as a crime, in which case the Penal Code will be applied.

Within the category of “serious” offences will be the improper use of uniforms or insignias; the use of masks, scarves, hoods, helmets, or any other garments or items that cover the face during violent clashes.

The minister pointed out that the law had not been changed since 1992: “Twenty years has gone by and it is evident that a thorough overhaul is required”. The changes are designed “to guarantee the right to demonstrate peacefully and to ensure that those who resort to violence cannot contaminate this right; the reform is in favour of freedom and rights and against violence”, he explained.

Over 3,000 anti-toll protesters arrested on AP-7 Massive tailbacks on the AP-7 in Catalunya and Valencia were seen as demonstrators refused to pay tolls during the second protest so far this year.

The pressure group, No Vull Pagar (‘I don’t want to pay’) blocked 13 toll-booths on the motorway and caused gridlocks at the exits in Vilassar de Mar on the C-32, and Martorell and Girona South on the AP-7.

Only around half as many non-payers were seen this time, compared to the protest on May 1, say the toll companies, but over 3,000 motorists were arrested.

As well as facing fines of 100 euros apiece, drivers will also get a bill from the toll company, Abertis, for the unpaid tickets.

Catalunya’s regional traffic authorities have received 16,000 penalty notices for drivers who refused to pay their tolls, although they have only processed just under 1,300 of these so far.

Bankia needs another 7-7.5 billion euros of public funding

BFA-Bankia, the bank in which the Spanish government recently took 4.5 billion euro stake, needs an additional 7-7.5 billion euros to get it back on its feet, according to Economy Minister, Luis de Guindos.

Over the past few days, the new chief executive of BFA-Bankia, Jose Ignacio Goirigolzarri, has been working on a viability plan for the bank, which will include a request for additional state aid, in the form of capital investment or share options.

Bankia share continued their upward trend this morning, rising 6.89% to 1.87 euros.

The Economy Minister said today that “Bankia is much more secure than it was a month ago”,

but admitted that it needed a period of “public support” before being “privatised again”.

News broke today that the chief executive of Bancaja, José Luis Olivas, has called a board meeting for 7pm in order to tender his resignation.

Olivas already resigned as vice-president of BFA and of Bankia back in November, after the Banco de España had to rescue the Banco de Valencia, in which Bancaja had a 27% share.

Since the resignation of Rodrigo Rato as chief executive of Bankia a fortnight ago, many sources in the financial world had predicted Olivas’s resignation.

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The Spanish government has announced that it will not be giving any economic aid to Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico in 2012 since it already surpassed the average investment on the worldwide scales used to decide this type of cooperation for developing countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied that this decision had anything to do with the controversy caused by the expropriation of YPF, Repsol’s subsidiary, by the Argentine government, maintaining that the decision had already been taken in advance.

The amount of aid sent by Spain to these countries has been dropping consistently over the past few years, in correlation with the rise in average earnings in the destination countries.

Argentina, for example, only received four million euros in economic aid from Spain in 2011.

These grants to developing countries

have been affected by the general budget cuts imposed by central government.

Back in March, whilst addressing the Cooperation Committee in Congress, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, José Manuel García Margallo admitted that cutting economic aid was “a very painful option for the government”.

He explained that in addition to sending aid to Latin America, development aid would be concentrated in Northern African countries, especially those in transition towards democracy, in Subsaharan Africa and in the Horn of Africa.

According to the governmental budgets, the Foreign Office has earmarked 831 million euros in official economic aid for developing countries in 2012 , 1.3 million less than last year.

Catalán president gets Rajoy’s condolences for death of ‘his father’, Carlos Fuentes

A blunder by Spanish president Mariano Rajoy’s staff has led to the regional president of Catalunya receiving condolences for the death of ‘his father’, Mexican author Carlos Fuentes.

Artur Mas, leader of the Generalitat de Catalunya, is not related in any way to the 83-year-old literary cult figure, although he did in fact lose his father on March 14 this year.

Fuentes, who was born in Panamá City to Mexican

parents, died on Tuesday in the capital of his native country, México D.F. He had suffered a massive internal haemorrhage due to a burst gastric ulcer.

One of the greatest Latin American writers of the second half of the 20th century and Nobel nominee several times over, Carlos Fuentes is credited with numerous essays on politics and society, novels, and film scripts, the most famous being Tiempo a morir (‘time

to die’) penned jointly with Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez in 1966.

Sources from the Spanish leader’s residence, the Moncloa, said the error was immediately rectified.

They believe that a template for the condolence letter, originally addressed to Artur Mas, was used for Carlos Fuentes’ family but not properly proof-read, leading to some of the text from the previous copy slipping through the net.

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

Queen Sofia cancels London trip as Gibraltar debate hots up again

Queen Sofia today cancelled the trip to London she had planned to make on Friday in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, because the Government felt it was “inappropriate” in the light of ongoing conflicts with Gibraltar - first the Andalusian fishing controversy and then the official visit planned by Prince Edward.

Sources in the diplomatic community have confirmed that the final straw came yesterday, when talks between Gibraltar Field fishermen and the Gibraltar government to try to find a solution to the fishing blockade in Algeciras Bay broke down.

This political controversy was further fuelled by the announcement last week that Queen Elizabeth’s youngest son and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, are planning an official visit to the Rock from June 11th to 13th.

If that weren’t enough, the British regimental band of Gibraltar has been chosen to play at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The Royal Household limited its comments to explaining that the presence of Queen Sofia at Friday’s Diamond Jubilee luncheon at Windsor Castle was now considered

Sport

“inappropriate” given the “current circumstances”.

Last week, Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel GarcíaMargallo, summoned the British ambassador, Giles Paxman, in order to express his “displeasure and unease” about Prince Edward’s official visit to Gibraltar.

Before undergoing hip surgery last month, King Juan Carlos was supposed to have been travelling with his wife to the Diamond Jubilee luncheon, as well as to a dinner at Buckingham Palace to be hosted by Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. After his operation it was decided that Queen Sofia would travel alone, and only to the Windsor Castle luncheon, but now her visit has been cancelled too.

In 1981, the Spanish royal couple declined an invitation to Prince Charles’ wedding to Diana, Princess of Wales because they planned to visit Gibraltar as part of their honeymoon.

And a visit by Princess Anne to Gibraltar in 2009 sparked an official complaint from the Spanish government.

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The Williams mechanic who suffered seconddegree burns to 15 per cent of his body when the team garage erupted in flames after Sunday’s Prix Grand Spanish flew home after being released from hospital.

Martin Betts, 50, was airlifted to the burns unit of Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebron hospital after the celebrations to mark Maldonado’s Pastor maiden Formula One win and Williams’ first victory in eight years were brought to an abrupt halt as the fire

broke out.

Betts left hospital in an ambulance and Williams confirmed he was on his way back to the United Kingdom. operational Chief engineer Mark Gillan said: ‘I would like to reiterate our thanks to everyone in the paddock who helped the Williams team on Sunday to control the fire.

‘There were a number who people of attended the circuit medical centre, mostly as the result of smoke inhalation.

Government rejects ETA’s request for talks

The Spanish government has rejected a request from the Basque militant group ETA for talks, saying it has to disband and disarm before any talks can take place.

The separatist group sent a press release to the AFP news agency today, addressed to “the European Community” explaining that it had set up a special team to conduct a “direct dialogue” with the governments of Spain and France in an attempt to find “definitive solution” to the “ongoing conflict”.

But Interior Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz said Spain would never negotiate with the group.

ETA’s campaign of shooting and bombing lasted more than 40 years and left some 830 people dead.

In recent years, the terrorist organisation

saw many of its key members arrested in Spain and France, diminishing the group’s strength.

When it announced a “definitive end” to its armed campaign on 20 October last year, some 700 ETA members were in prison.

Earlier this month, an independent International the group, monitoring Verification Commission, issued a report concluding that ETA was abiding by its ceasefire and was ready for dialogue.

However Mr Fernández Díaz told parliament that the “only communication” expected of ETA was an announcement of its unconditional disbandment.

“There is no need for a dialogue to hand over weapons,” the interior minister said.

Moody’s downgrades 16 Spanish banks

Moody’s on Thursday cut the debt ratings of 16 Spanish banks by one to three notches, citing the effects of the ongoing recession and the reduced creditworthiness of the Spanish government.

The action hit the leading bank, Santander, with a two-notch downgrade to A3, and the number-two bank, BBVA, was lowered by three steps to A3.

Two other large banks, Banesto and CaixaBank, were also cut to A3.

Moody’s cited “renewed recession, the ongoing real-estate crisis and persistent high levels of unemployment” as key to the ratings reduction.

It also blamed the “reduced creditworthiness of the Spanish sovereign, which weighs on banks’ standalone profiles and affects the ability of the government to support banks.”

Banks are suffering from the sharp deterioration of asset quality, with non-performing loans to realestate companies “increasing rapidly,” the agency said.

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At 10 o’clock on 17th May, firefighters in Catalunya finally managed to put out the wildfire that has been burning for three days around the towns of Rasquera, El Perelló, Benifallet and Tivenys.

The blaze has now been completely extinguished, although there are still some hotspots in the heart of the affected area.

Civil protection officers and firefighters are working together to dampen down the whole perimeter and ensure that it does not re-ignite.

Over the past three days, the flames have razed a total of 3,081.59 hectares of pine forest and shrubland around Rasquera (1,370.57 ha.), El Perelló (1,248.79 ha.), Tivenys (462.12 ha.) and Benifallet (0.1 ha.).

Of this area 76.28% is shrubland, and the remainder split equally between pine forest and pasture.

Local residents, who were evacuated as a preventative measure, have now been allowed home and the TV3002, which had been closed in both directions, is now operating normally again.

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

Smoking ban spreads to football stadiums, monuments and beaches

Some beaches in the Canary Islands, Barcelona’s football stadium and the Muralla de Ávila (Ávila Wall) have hung up ‘NO SMOKING’ signs depite the fact that Spanish law currently allows smoking in all those areas, as they are outside and not enclosed. Ávila’s famous wall, declared a World Heritage site, is the last to join this short, but ever-gowing list of outdoor places where smoking is banned, as one by one local councils give into “pressure” from the anti-smoking lobby.

The idea of declaring open-air spaces “smoke free” is a response to public demands for greater cleanliness, greater respect for the environment and raising social awareness about the health risks of smoking.

There are no scientific studies that prove that passive

smoking in the open air is dangerous to one’s health, as has been proved with enclosed areas. Dr. Francisco Camarelles, the secretary general of the National Committee for the Prevention of Nicotine Poisoning (CNPT) admits that it is difficult for the concentration of toxic particles in cigarette smoke to reach dangerous levels in the open air.

However, he supports a smoking ban in all public places as a way of drawing the public’s attention to the dangers of tobacco. “Here at the CNPT, we support any and all measures designed to raise social awareness and control tobacco use”, he said.

Although there is a European network of smoke-free football stadiums, Camp Nou is the only stadium in Spain one where smoking is banned, after the club’s General

Assembly pushed through the new rule with an absolute majority in September last year.

This summer, visitors to the beaches in Mogán, a popular tourist destination in the south of Gran Canaria, will find that 75% of the beaches has been reserved for nonsmokers, after the local council brought in new legislation in March.

There is pressure to make all Spanish beaches nonsmoking (or at least to have non-smoking areas on all of them) not only because of the passive smoking issues, but also as a way of educating children about the risks and social acceptability of smoking and as a way of cleaning up the sand by getting rid of all the cigarette butts from the sand.

Spain secures 30-billion-euro loan to aid local governments

The Spanish government has secured a five-year syndicated loan of 30 billion euros ($38 billion) with 26 banks that will allow regional governments and city halls to refinance their debt and pay suppliers.

The loan can be extended to 35 billion euros if needed and has an interest rate of around 5.9 percent, the finance and budget ministries said in a joint press release late on Wednesday.

“In this way we have

taken the last step to ensure that cities and regions can refinance their debt and put in place the mechanism that will allow suppliers to start being paid,” the statement said.

The massive loan will allow city halls to start paying their suppliers as of May 31 while regions will be able to begin payments as of June 30.

The government has promised to cut Spain’s public deficit from 8.5 percent of output in 2011

to 5.3 percent this year and 3.0 percent next year, requiring a big effort by the 17 regional administrations that control key budgets.

The regions are blamed for much of the overshoot last year and the government has ordered them to cut their deficits -- the shortfall of revenue to spending -from 2.94 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) to 1.5 percent in 2012.

Spanish municipalities and regional governments have built up heavy

walker dies on the Canary Islands Details have been released of the death of an Irish walker in the Barranco de Azuaje near the town of Moya on Gran Canaria on Sunday.

74-year-old Thomas Willoughby was out walking with his wife in the narrow ravine to the north of the island, when he fell off a ledge.

The Azuaje national park has one of the island’s last remaining laurel forests and is a popular spot with tourists and walkers alike.

Emergency services got a call at around 2pm on Sunday telling them that a walker had fallen into the Azuaje ravine, in an area with tricky access and that he needed urgent assistance.

Ambulances and a helicopter were dispatched immediately to the area and Willoughby was airlifted out of the ravine and taken to a football field in nearby Moya - the closest place with a suitable landing strip. Paramedics attended to him once on the ground, but they could do little more than certify his death.

Willoughby’s death follows that of another Briton, aged 78, from a heart attack whilst out walking in Morgán the previous day.

5

debt loads following the collapse of a property bubble in 2008 that that fueled growth for over a decade.

On Thursday, the central government is to examine austerity plans proposed by the regions to ensure that they meet their deficit targets this year.

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

One in four Spanish children between the ages of three and five are overweight A study by the Thao Foundation, which creates programmes to promotes healthy eating habits amongst schoolchildren across Spain, has revealed that one in four children between the ages of three and five are overweight.

“It is a very premature age, it’s alarming and we need to make a massive effort to take action at an even earlier age if we are to prevent childhood obesity”, declared the foundation’s scientific director, Rafael Casas, in a press conference today.

The report, published yesterday in Barcelona, is one of the most extensive ever carried out in Spain, studying 38,008 children between the ages of 3 and 12, and its results show that 30% of children in Spain are either overweight (21.7%) or obese (8.3%).

“These are percentages very similar to those recorded in the USA and we are hardly investing any money at all in preventing childhood obesity - only about 5 or 6% of the total health budget”, underlined the president of the Thao Foundation, Henri García.

Contrary to what was previously believed, the study showed that obesity is beginning at ever younger ages, with 7.3% of three to five year olds clinically obese, with a slight reduction from the age of ten onwards, with 6.6% of 10 to 12 year olds categorised as obese.

Experts from the Thao Foundation, who work closely with the Ministries of Education and Health to promote childhood health, warn that far too many children are still leading very sedentary lives and that the Mediterrarean diet is not all it’s cracked up to be, with 75% of children eating only one piece of fruit a day.

7

Greeks prepare for another trip to the polls

Greece is to have another election, following the failure of last-ditch attempts to form a coalition government. The Radical Left may be in a position to increase its share of the vote.

A senior judge took charge of an emergency government in Athens on Wednesday. With no political decision-making power, Panagiotis Pikrammenos will lead the country to new elections scheduled for June 17.

The next election will place different demands on the participants. The political parties must finally adopt clear positions on the issues at hand and come up with pragmatic solutions, according to the political scientist Manolis Kottakis in a recent television interview.

In the last election voters simply closed their eyes to the urgent need for debate over the issue. It is a debate, Kottakis said, can no longer be ignored.

“Last time the main focus was on the question of whether the traditional parties would be punished for the current economic disaster. There was never really a factual debate about the actual problems in the country,” he said.

Athens-based journalist Babis Papapanayotou said the focus of the next elections will no longer be on adopting attitudes of protest and rejection of political policy. In an interview with ALPHA television, Papapanayotou predicted that voters will be called upon to secure the future of their country in Europe.

“In the next election there will be a clear division between those on the side of Europe and the euro, and those who would rather go a different way,” he said.

He said he expects a confrontation a between the traditional center-right parties and the leftists, adding that the this time around Left is led by the radical left-wing Syriza party, rather than the Socialists, which could lend a sharper tone to the debate.

In the last elections the Radical Left (Syriza), led by Alexis Tsipras, obtained 16.78 percent of the vote and 52 seats in parliament. Recent opinion polls suggest that Tsipras could come out on top in a repeat election, meaning he would be in a position to lay claim to the office of prime minister.

Tsipras’ election manifesto promises the best of two worlds.

He said he wants Greece to stay in the eurozone and also plans to cancel the austerity program and suspend repayment

of its debts.

Election promises like these scored highly for Tsipras with angry voters and victims of the economic crisis as they felt that with the Left they were in good hands, according to economist Michalis Argyrou.

“The leftist party’s economic program envisages new public sector jobs, nationalization, and all sorts of things - but no reforms,” the economist said. “These politicians, of all people, who see themselves as young and dynamic, are unable to come up with any alternatives and are promising their followers ideal conditions that are simply impossible.”

Public opinion polls indicate that 80 percent of Greeks want to keep the euro. Yet just as many believe that Greece’s austerity program cannot be maintained in its current form because it is destroying the country at record speed.

It’s a fear that seems to be confirmed by the latest figures from Athens: in the first quarter of this year the Greek economy shrank yet again, this time by more than 6 percent.

Left-wing politicians are currently in the ascendant, but they are also increasingly being confronted with the question of where they intend to find the money to implement their good intentions. Their answers could not be more diverse.

Where one wants to use bank deposits for economic growth, another suggests a mandatory loan from every citizen earning more than 20,000 euros a year. There is also talk of introducing a top income tax rate of 75 percent.

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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

~ Italy quake~

homeless in emergency shelters

Thousands of people left homeless by a powerful earthquake in northern Italy have spent the night in shelters as aftershocks continue to hit the region.

At least seven people died and more than 50 were injured when the quake struck in the early hours of Sunday.

The magnitude six tremor, centred north of Bologna, destroyed or badly damaged many historic buildings.

Italian officials say the priority is to find safe accommodation for an estimate 3,000 displaced people.

Civil protection officials in the town of Finale Emilia organised the setting up of tents on a football pitch to accommodate hundreds of residents.

Many had seen their homes destroyed but others were simply too afraid to return home.

“The current situation is really tense but not dramatic,” said co-ordinator Diego Gottarelli.

“People are obviously afraid of staying inside their homes so we are setting up these emergency camps to let them spend the night and maybe some days in a safe environment, until these earthquakes finally stop. We are trying to make the citizens feel safe.”

One woman said she just wanted her elderly parents to have shelter for the night.

“We are going to sleep in the car, it is not a problem for us.

The important thing is that they (Civil Protection authorities) finish setting up the camp so that my parents can go inside,” she said.

A 5.1 magnitude aftershock struck Sunday afternoon, destroying several buildings already weakened.

One firefighter was seriously injured after falling from a wall in Finale Emilia.

The original earthquake struck at a relatively shallow depth of 10km just after 04:00 local time (02:00 GMT) on Sunday.

Its epicentre was between the towns of Finale Emilia, San Felice sul Panaro and Sermide, about 35km (20 miles) north of the city of Bologna.

It was felt across a large swathe of northern Italy, as far away as the cities of Milan and Venice.

New French prime minister ‘spricht deutsch’ French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, who studied German, could prove a key asset as France seeks to assuage Germany’s austerity drive in the eurozone. He told DW Paris and Berlin were the driving force in Europe.

If newly elected French President Francois Hollande wanted to send a signal to Berlin about establishing constructive relations, he succeeded with his choice of Jean-Marc Ayrault as prime minster.

Ayrault speaks German, understands the political culture in Berlin and brings a wealth of knowledge as a policymaker with more than 25 years of experience in the French parliament.

A long-time ally of France’s new Socialist Party president, the 62-year-old politician is also known for his pragmatism - a quality surely to come in handy in the tough negotiations on the euro and the future of Europe that lie in the months ahead.

Those talks will be tough, judging by remarks Hollande made during his bruising presidential campaign. Chief among them was that he would try to renegotiate the German-inspired fiscal discipline pact for Europe.

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Talk like that was not exactly what German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Finance Minster Wolfgang Schäuble wanted to hear amid an escalating euro crisis.

In an interview with DW shortly before the election, Ayrault conceded that some French policies would change if Hollande took over as president.

“Balancing the budget is a priority in France, but it can’t be the only valid economic policy in Europe: otherwise, the frustration with Europe would grow,” he said. “That is why we want to negotiate a new version of the current fiscal pact by adding to it.”

The additions would include a new strategy for growth, he said, adding that measures in addition to austerity did not serve only France’s interests but other eurozone members’ as well. “[Growth is] not only a question for the French; it’s also an issue in Germany, Italy and Spain,” he said.

“The crisis in Europe is not over. We have to solve this problem of growth, and that’s what we want to discuss with Germany.”

Ayrault said he saw himself as a potential bridge-builder between the two large European

neighbors and key forces in the eurozone.

“I have good relations with my friends in the [German Social Democratic Party] and also with some in the inner circle of those currently in charge in Berlin,” he said in the DW interview. “I have long had good relations with German politicians, and it’s important that we get to know each other if we want to work better together in the future.”

In a blog on his website in early May, Ayrault referred to the Franco-German ties as the “driving force” of Europe.

“There is no Europe without the close collaboration of our two countries,” he wrote.

“We therefore need to

reinforce this friendship with Germany but also with our other European partners.”

Ayrault, the son of a factory worker, is expected to wield substantial power under Hollande. In the run-up to the election, the president said he would govern differently than his predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy, who was known to keep a tight rein on daily operations.

Under the French constitution, the prime minister is responsible for running the government and is held accountable by parliament. article courtesy www.dw.de

of

Turkey villagers see Israeli spy in migratory bird

A migratory bird has caused alarm in a village in south-eastern Turkey after locals mistook it for an Israeli spy.

Villagers’ suspicions were aroused when the bird, a common European beeeater, was found dead in a field with a metal ring around its leg stamped “Israel”.

They called the police after deciding its nostrils were unusually large and may have carried a microchip fitted by Israeli intelligence for spying.

It was taken to government experts for examination and declared safe.

The BBC’s correspondent in Istanbul, says the regional office of the Turkish agriculture ministry examined the colourfully plumed corpse and assured residents of the village, near the city of Gaziantep, that it was common practice to fit a ring to migratory birds in order to track their movements.

An official at the ministry told the BBC that it took some effort to persuade local police that the little bee-eater posed no threat to national security.

At one point a counterterrorism unit became involved in the case.

Our correspondent says that wildly implausible conspiracy theories take root easily in Turkey, with alleged Israeli plots among the most widely believed.

Ties between Turkey and Israel deteriorated sharply after nine Turkish pro-Palestinian Islamic activists died in a raid by Israeli security forces on a boat trying to break the blockade on Gaza two years ago.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

9

photo: www.dailymail.co.uk

ETA terrorists behind Santa Pola attack jailed for 843 years

London 2012

Two members of Basque separatist group ETA have been sentenced to 843 years each in jail over the terrorist attack in Santa Pola (Alicante) in 2002. Óscar Zelarain and Antoni Otegi were said to have planted the bomb in the Guardia Civil station on August 4 which led to the death of a six-year-old girl and a pensioner.

The attack targeted the residential area of the police station, where officers lived with their husbands, wives, children and, in some cases, dependent relatives.

Both members of the Argala commando have been charged with two offences of murder, 51 cases of attempted murder – one for each of the people living in the block which they blew up – and various other offences relating to terrorism.

Once all the charges had been added

up, the total sentence reached 843 years each, although in practice they will probably serve the maximum of 40 years apiece.

They have also been ordered to pay compensation to the parents of the little girl who died – who would now have been 16 years old – in the sum of 211,768 euros, and 75,539 to the family members of the retired man who lost his life.

The accused parties have also been ordered to pay over nine million euros to the State and to the government-run Insurance Compensation Consortium, which intervenes in the event of natural disasters, war or terrorism, for the material damage caused by the blast and in damages to the survivors.

Olympic flame handed British Youth Killed In Drunken over in Athens The Olympic Flame was handed over to London on Friday 18th May.

islands since it was lit by the rays of the sun in ancient Olympia last week.

David Beckham was at the ancient Panathenaic Stadium to help collect the flame and bring it back home. The historic event took place in a rain-hit sundown ceremony at the stadium in Athens, venue of the first modern Olympics in 1896.

It has visited Crete, Piraeus, Thessalonica, Xanthi and Larissa, among other places.

The flame has been handed over to London to host the Games for the third time since the birth of the Olympics – in 1908, 1948 and now 2012. No other city has staged the Games three times.

Despite the buzz triggered by the lastminute news that the LA Galaxy star and former England skipper was flying in specially to be part of the ancient ceremony, the more formal duties came down to the Princess Royal as leader of the British delegation to Athens.

Both she and Karolos Papoulias, the Hellenic Republic president, sat in ancient thrones that are part of the stadium during the hour-long ceremony.

The flame was handed to the Princess, who was watched closely by other members of the official delegation including London 2012 chairman Lord Coe, Olympics minister Hugh Robertson, London mayor Boris Johnson, Beckham and five British sporting teenagers.

Each member of the British VIP delegation sheltered under blue umbrellas as they walked through the centre of the stadium to their front-row seats.

Everyone from the Princess Royal to Mr Robertson was named over the loudspeakers and greeted by cheers from the crowd.

There was also a chuckle from Britons in the crowd as the announcer twice insisted on introducing Beckham as Sir David Beckham.

The youngsters were picked by London 2012 for displaying Olympic values.

During the ceremony they exchanged symbolic olive branches to the tune of John Lennon’s Imagine.

The five, who come from different national regions, are from schools and colleges which are part of London 2012’s Get Set education network and school linking programmes run by the British Council.

The Olympic Flame has been taken on a relay around the Greek mainland and

The torchbearers have been taking it from Olympia to the Panathenaic Stadium. The Olympic flame was “laid to rest” at the Acropolis overnight before being taken on the eighth and final day of its Greek relay -taking it to the Acropolis Museum, the centre of Athens, Zappeio and to the handover ceremony.

A trio of world champions brought the flame safely to the stadium. It arrived in the hands of rower Christina Giazitzidou and was carried by gymnast Vasilis Tsolakidis and rower Alexandra Tsiavou.

Chinese gymnast Li Ning, who lit the cauldron at the opening ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Games, and Greek weightlifter Pyrros Dimas were the last torchbearers in Greece.

In a new symbolic move by the Hellenic Olympic Committee, they were picked to represent a link between the last Olympics in Beijing, with Greece as the birthplace of the institution and also the next Games in London 2012.

Li Ning is the 14-time world champion who won six medals at the 1984 Olympics including three golds, while Pyrros Dimas is something of a modern-day Greek sporting hero.

He won Greece’s first Olympic weightlifting gold since 1904 when he was a 20-year-old competing in the 82.5kg weight class at the Barcelona 1992 Games.

He was on his way to winning three Olympic gold medals during his career, which he ended with a bronze in front of his home crowd at the 2004 Athens Games.

The image of him symbolically leaving his shoes on the platform to a standing ovation is one of the most memorable of the Games.

A 70-day relay, involving 8,000 torchbearers covering 8,000 miles, will then take the flame to east London’s Olympic Stadium and the opening of the Games on July 27.

The arrival of the flame on British shores will be a “resounding clarion call” to the world’s top athletes to gather for the Games and millions of Britons have been working hard to create a great welcome.

Brawl In Lloret de Mar

A British man’s body has been found at the scene of a pub fight in Lloret de Mar (Girona).

The youth, whose age and name have not been revealed, allegedly became involved in a drunken brawl in an area of the popular Costa Brava holiday town where a large number of nightclubs and bars are found.

According to the Mossos d’Esquadra, the British man was somehow involved in an alcohol-fuelled fight between a group of holidaymakers.

It is not yet known whether the

T he

C lu b

deceased’s relatives have been informed, and as yet no statements have been issued by the British Embassy.

This incident mirrors a similar case in August last year when a 15-year-old Briton was killed during a brawl in Lloret de Mar. The teen was said to have been trying to break up a fight between other people when he was fatally wounded.

Two French youths were taken into custody in connection with his death.

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

IN HARMONY CHAMBER CHOIR Concert at the church of Nuestra Senora de Pilar ... Pilar de la Horadada

Nigel Hopkins presents an evening of beautiful liturgical music in the most beautiful of surroundings. The 24 strong mixed chorus will perform a most varied programme of liturgical music featuring composers such as Mozart, Stainer, Purcell, Hugh Roberton, Walford Davies, John Hilton (1600), Arthur Sullivan, and featuring excerpts from Karl Jenkins’ ‘The Armed Man’ - some of the most beautiful music you might ever hear. The concert will also feature several of the soloists who sing with ‘In Harmony’.

The concert will commence at 8pm (20.00hrs) on Sunday 27th May, and is FREE!

This concert is recommended for all those who love church music, or who just enjoy some of the finest choral music sounds ever written. Nigel promises all who attend a most enjoyable evening - and a refreshing experience. Hope to see you there.

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

Hondon Valley British Legion Did It Again...

Last night Chris Wyatt the Chairman of the Royal British Legion in Spain, District North, presented two couples with a citation for outstanding service above that normally expected of a member.

The award was presented to Patricia and Richard De St Croix and Yola and Mick Brace who, since 2009, have between them raised more than €3800 for the Branch Poppy Appeal. Last year, through their efforts they accounted for 18.2% of the Branch Poppy total by selling books in the village of Hondon de los Frailes every Wednesday, and on Branch meeting nights.

Only 4 of these awards have ever been made in the whole of Spain and they are all for the Hondon Valley Branch.

Afterwards members enjoyed an evening of music and dance.

Branch standard bearer, Steve Suffield and his Galloping Grannies demonstrated, Line Dancing, Rock & Roll and Ceroc (modern Jive) to music by Richard and Amanda´s “Lime Light Disco” . Members were then invited to learn some steps from each of the disciplines to the amusement of those who only watched.

Picture is of:- Front Centre Richard De St Croix, Patricia De St Croix, Yola Brace, Chris Wyatt and Mick Brace.

freewheelers update What started out as a suggestion by Freewheelers Team Member Richard Nicholson to Marjal Eco Camping Resort manager Jose Antonio that this location was a perfect setting for a Classic Car Concentration turned into a full blown week-end event.

Opening with entertainment in the main building Friday night followed on Saturday evening by a visit and display from Velocity racing and a “for fun” driving test in the car park.

The main event opened Sunday morning with bright sunshine and the promise of the warmest day of the year to date.

Registration started at 9.00am with a steady trickle of car from the various Spanish clubs before the main Freewheelers contingent arrived at 09.30 causing temporary congestion at the entrance before making way for the 2CV’s club and others as cars continued to arrive way after the official closing time for registration which in true Spanish style was of no concern to the organisers and the booking-in tent stayed open for most of the morning.

Participants all received a T-shirt, a cap and two sandwiches and two drinks for their 10 Euro fee.

As always at this sort of event the range of vehicles was vast with a Lincoln Coupe (remember Frank Cannon?) parked next to a British Mini which

just emphasized the length of the Yank.

Oldest vehicle was the Austin Chummy of 1928 which arrived on the back of the owners 1929 Chevrolet truck which, incidentally was also built in Britain.

Did you know that the Austin 7 was the forerunner of BMW building motor cars? They called it the Dixie.

There was a good variety of cars in addition to those already mentioned there was a magnificent replica of a 1920s Mercedes Benz which was almost as long as the Lincoln’s There was a large marque with chairs, tables and a bar where enthusiasts could shelter from the sun and discus the highs and low of owning a classic car.

About 2.00pm the fire for the giant Paella was lit which soon attracted a crowd waiting to sample what had been cooked before their very eye’s.

A 3-course lunch was also available in the camp site main complex.

As the afternoon wore on participants and visitors alike started to drift away a little early due, no doubt to the heat, it was a very warm day. Although not quite as large an event has had been anticipatable it was still deemed to have been a success and it is hoped to repeat it again next year, although not on the same day as the Spanish F1 G.P.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

INNOVATIVE TREATMENT METHODS – FAST PAIN RELIEF Our spine is a masterpiece of nature

Regular chiropractic care maintains the integrity of the spine and nervous system to help prevent health problems. Chiropractic can also be a successful alternative to risky, invasive procedures.

The ability to make informed health decisions that promote spinal health depends on understanding the spine and its important functions.

The vertebral column, spinal cord, and nervous system have specific and important functions.

It serves five main functions: • Protects the spinal cord • Provides balance and stability for the body • Offers attachment points for the ribs, pelvic bones, and many muscles • Allows for flexibility and mobility • Supports the structure and weight of the body in various activities The Benijofar Chiropractic Clinic offers innovative treatment methods with shockwave and laser therapy.

Dr Hans Christian Madsen is celebrating his 30th anniversary this year as a chiropractor.

He has also been a pioneer of laser treatment for just over 20 years and has developed his own laser system.

These treatment methods benefit patients who suffer from arthritic, spinal, (disc related and sciatic) and lower back pain conditions.

Here at the Benijofar Chiropractic Clinic we are continuously looking to improve and develop the care we give to our patients, hence the introduction

of another chiropractor to the clinic, Dr Xavier DuteyHarispe.

Due to patient demand, Dr Madsen will not only concentrate on Chiropractic care, but also with patients who require laser and shockwave therapy. Dr Xavier Dutey-Harispe has been involved with family chiropractic care clinics for many years and also sports related injuries; more specifically golf. He is a valued addition to the practice based on his years of chiropractic experience.

Dr Xavier Dutey-Harispe graduated from the Palmer College of Chiropractic in the USA and has 40 years experience. During his extensive career, he has toured the golfing PGA circuits with famous golf professionals all over the world, safeguarding their playing careers with chiropractic treatment.

Perfect posture is essential for most sports, golf especially. Physical harmony between player and clubs is essential to gain maximum performance and pleasure from this great sport.

As with all serious sports getting the physical approach, posture and swing is not only a precondition to success; it is essential to maximise the health benefits of the game.

For golfing enthusiasts his diagnostic knowledge balances the player´s physical potential.

Dr Xavier Dutey-Harispe is fluent in English, Spanish and French.

Please visit our website for more information. If you have any further questions, we would be happy to help you either by phone or e-mail. www.chiropractor-benijofar.es info@chiropractor-benijofar.es

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

Look Good Feel Great

Why EVERYONE over 50 needs to be taking statins

Cholesterol-busting pills cut risk of heart attack or stroke All over-50s should take statins to cut their risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, researchers claim.

A major study shows the drugs – usually only given to highrisk patients – provided clear benefits among healthy ones too.

Researchers reviewed findings from 27 trials involving 175,000 people, some of whom were at low risk of heart problems.

They found that the positives greatly exceeded any sideeffects from taking the drugs, such as muscle weakness, diabetes and depression.

More than eight million adults are already taking statins, with some experts predicting that one in four will soon be taking the drugs for life.

Borislava Mihaylova, of the University of Oxford, lead author of the study, said: ‘In the UK, current practice is generally to give people a statin only if they have had or are considered to be at “high risk” of having a heart attack or a stroke.

This study shows that the benefits of statins extend to a much lower-risk group of people than previously thought.’

The research, co-ordinated

by Oxford and the University of Sydney in Australia, looked at more than two dozen studies using statins to cut levels of low-density lipoprotein or ‘bad’ cholesterol in the blood.

The drugs cut the risk of heart attacks, strokes and operations

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to unblock arteries by one third or more.

The benefits were gained no matter what level of cholesterol patients started out with.

Healthier people who were given statins also had lower overall death rates than those who were given a placebo.

The study, published online by the Lancet, was funded by the British and Australian medical research councils and the British Heart Foundation.

Its authors say the imminent revision of NHS guidelines on the use of statins should be used to widen those eligibile for routine therapy. At present, statins are restricted to those with at least a 20 per cent risk of having a heart attack or stroke over the next ten years.

However, a commentary in the Lancet says most over-50s are likely to be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and so it would be ‘pragmatic’ to use age to prescribe statins instead of

costly medical tests.

Professor Colin Baigent, from the Medical Research Council, said: ‘It is not just about treating raised cholesterol after middleage.

The benefits of statins in people who are currently healthy, but are for some reason at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke, are substantial, and much greater than any of the known risks.

‘People who are at increased risk, perhaps because they are overweight, or smoke, or have high blood pressure, would be better off with lower cholesterol, even if their cholesterol is not considered to be particularly high.’

Professor Baigent believes the routine use of statins would lead to 10,000 fewer heart attacks and strokes a year, including 2,000 fewer deaths in the UK. The small cost of the drugs would be outweighed by NHS savings due to the reduced number of heart attacks and

strokes.

June Davison, of the British Heart Foundation, said: ‘Those who already have heart disease, or are at high risk, are offered statins because it’s well established they help to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

This large-scale research found even people at low risk of heart disease could benefit.’

The report does warn that patients may be at a slightly higher risk of diabetes, but adds that ‘the definite benefits of statins greatly outweigh these potential hazards’.

A Department of Health spokesman said: ‘We keep all new research under consideration.

NICE [the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which assesses the cost-effectiveness of NHS treatments] regularly reviews its published guidance in order to take account of new evidence.’

Vogue’s fashion editors calls for ‘healthy’ body image

Timeless Fashions A packed crowd enjoyed a spectacular fashion show by Timeless Fashions last Thursday, at the Punta Marina Commercial Centre.

On a perfect Spring afternoon, the entertainment began with the Phoenix Concert Band playing some favourite tunes, in their own inimitable style.

At

3

o’clock

the

Timeless models introduced.

Punta Marina Fashions were

All volunteers, the ten models did a fantastic job, showing off a selection of the Timeless Fashions Spring and Summer Collections.

Members of the Rascals Theatre Group also gave up their time to help with the collection of donations and of course Tony and Diane worked tirelessly to make sure

that the latest Timeless Fashions show was a success.

All proceeds are destined for Help At Home Costa Blanca, who do a tremendous job, providing free assistance to all nationalities, of any age, who find themselves in difficulty following illness, hospitalisation, injury or respite assistance to carers of those with long term illness.

Nineteen international editors from fashion magazine Vogue have jointly agreed to a pact where they they will only work with “healthy” models.

The guidelines appear in the UK magazine’s June issue to encourage a healthier approach to body image.

UK editor of Vogue magazine, Alexandra Shulman, said: “We have to have a conversation with designers, models and take the message out to schools. We can make a difference but won’t change things overnight.”

The fashion industry has been criticised in the past for using models that some say promote

unrealistic body types and help contribute to eating disorders among women. The editors have agreed to ask modelling agents to check IDs and say they will “not knowingly work with models under the age of 16 or who appear to have an eating disorder”.

Alexandra Shulman said: “Model agents are not dishonest about the girls’ eating habits but they can be a bit flexible with the truth over all aspects of the girls.”

She said that while it was impossible to be completely scientific about the health of a girl, the magazine did not want to use pictures of girls with

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eating disorders. Sometimes I will say to photographers, ‘She looks too thin’ and we won’t use her.”

In 2009, she also criticised fashion houses for sending sample clothes too small for many models to wear. She said that she was frustrated that the industry hadn’t acted.

“Nothing has changed monumentally about sample sizes and I am disappointed as it would be a good starting point,” she said.

In the pact, Vogue editors have now promised that they will “encourage designers to consider the consequences of unrealistically small sample sizes of their clothing... [because it] encourages the use of extremely thin models”.

Eating disorder charity beat described the pact as a positive step: “We are pleased to see the doyennes of fashion taking their responsibilities seriously because they influence young people,” it said in a statement. “We would like these proposals to be far-reaching and followed across the whole industry.”

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

Tennis Tournament Boosts MABS Mazarrón Mazarrón Ayuntamiento and the Bahia Tennis Club, Puerto de Mazarrón, recently sponsored a tennis tournament, organised by Aurelio and Adena, raising a magnificent 1021.50 € for MABS Cancer Support Group in Mazarrón.

The doubles tournament started on 4 May and was played over 3 weekends, culminating in the Finals on Sunday 20 May, with around 50 matches being played altogether. The winners of the men’s final were Victor and Pedro; the runners up were Daniel and Norbel.

The winners of the women’s final were Nora and Aoki; the runners up were Frances and Sara. The trophies were presented to the winners and runners up by the Sports Minister for Puerto de Mazarrón, Andres Valera, and MABS Mazarrón’s Fundraising Co-ordinator, Di Choularton.

A Grand Draw was held, offering a fabulous first prize of a two night stay at the Mariposa in the Sierra Espuña, which included half board and quad biking for two people; this was won by Victor, who was one of

the finalists.

A cheque for 1021.50 € was presented to MABS Mazarrón’s Co-ordinator, Zue Burgess, by the Sports Minister, Aurelio, and Adena. Di Choularton thanked the Ayuntamiento de Mazarrón and Bahia Tennis Club for sponsoring the event and making it possible, and Aurelio and Adena for all their hard work organising the tournament, with a special thanks to all the competitors and supporters who helped make this event such a success. “We are delighted to have worked closely with our Spanish neighbours on this event, because MABS provides help and support to all nationalities” she said.

MABS Mazarrón is a registered charity (No. 7261) offering help and support to local people of all nationalities who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer. If you or someone you know would like some confidential help or support call our HELPLINE 620 422 410 or visit their website: www. mabsmurcia.com Photographer: Stan Laird

Friday 13th April proved to be lucky or was it divine intervention?, for the GOmaD team who organised their first ever Fashion Show at the Trevi Bar on Camposol B. With the generous and greatly received donations of designer labelled ladies garments collected through the year, the team were able to put together not only some beautifully modelled outfits but many more rails of clothing for sale on the day. This idea came to fruition from a passing comment, last June at the Camposol Fiesta. It took a lot of hours and effort by several volunteers but it was a huge success. The models April, Brenda, Carol, Chris, Denise, Eileen, Marge, Jean and Sandra all looked absolutely fabulous and most of all they thoroughly enjoyed taking part and making a contribution to this very worthy charity.

The show was compèred by Brenda one of the organisers and a GOmaD volunteer. Brenda also compiled the wonderful music, which was then performed by Paul Hogarty, who kindly offered his services free of charge.

Together with back stage dressers, model coordinator and many more helpers it proved to be a great success. Despite the weather on the day it was very well attended, the place was packed and so a great thank you to all who came along to support us and make all our efforts worthwhile.

GOmaD is planning an Autumn Fashion Show sometime at the end of September, the time and venue to be determined. So we all hope to have a repeated success and look forward to your continued support, together we are Making A Difference.

Our Outreach Team would like to thank the services of Dawn at ´Calida Caring Agency´ who generously gave up her precious time to attend one of our Aid Days to address two of our clients. Maybe you have a skill which would equally Help those less fortunate ? Just a few hours of giving a week can Make A BIG Difference to those we Reach-Out to. Contact us via details below, or visit our stall at the Camposol Fiesta on 16th & 17thJune and see how MAD you can be !!

Maybe you would like to support GOmaD by helping to form a Gospel Choir/Songs of Praise - for more information please contact Patrick on 968 199 472.

Shop (C/Carmen, Mazarron): 634 321 161 Outreach/Enquiries: 634 357 137 Email: madmazarron@live.com Facebook: madmazarron

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

15

THE FIRST rule of this Fight Club is — use insects!

That’s the fighting talk from Polish photographer Igor Siwanowicz, who has spent hours capturing head-to-head stag beetle battles.

His shots of battling insects, which are all male, also include nymphs and caterpillars all showing their true colours in a variety of interactions.

Although the beetles are between four and seven centimetres long, and the mantids less than six centimetres, Igor uses macro photography to capture them in all their creepy-crawly glory.

“The mantids are suspicious of each other and display their wings to appear much larger, but the stag beetles really go at each other,” said Igor.

“They never fight to the death, but in the wild, the loser is tossed down from the tree trunk where the fight has taken place and the victor gets to mate with the female.”

Igor, 35, a research specialist at Howard

Hughes Medical Institute in Chevy Chase, Maryland, US, took many of the shots in his former home studio in Munich, Germany.

He said: “I do keep some of my ’models’ as pets.

“Back in Munich, at the peak of my interest in keeping exotic animals, I owned three chameleons, two tree frogs, and 20-some species of praying mantids.”

bitten.

“I’ve never felt threatened when taking photos, even when dealing with an angry hornet or a short-tempered tarantula.

Igor insists that all the insects are alive during the shooting.

“The most discomfort I’ve ever experienced as a result of photo session came from a New World Tarantula.

“I’m often asked if the animals are dead, or if I freeze or stun them in any way. That is never the case.” He adds: “The work requires a lot of patience.

“Its venom has no medical significance, but it kicks off the hairs on its abdomen when it gets annoyed and they spread around like a cloud of itching powder — not a nice sensation.”

“The animals cannot be trained into displaying more complex behaviour, but you may learn how to trigger a certain response, such as a threatening display.”

Igor bought his first camera nine years ago, but he has always had a fascination with bugs.

Even though he deals with some poisonous creatures, Igor claims he has never been

“My parents are biologists and I grew up surrounded by biology textbooks,” he said.

“I enjoyed browsing through the illustrations

and photographs before I learned how to read.”

He hopes to change misconceptions that insects should be feared.

He said: “I often hear that my photos make animals that people would normally step on or run away from look strangely adorable.

“The highest prize a macro photographer can hope for is positive feedback from someone with a phobic fear of creepy crawlies.

“Some people have even turned my photography into art. I’ve seen it transformed into an oil painting, water colours, and there are six people I know of walking around with my photos tattooed on to their skin. How weird is that?”

16

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com

THE SPANISH DEFICIT IS CAUSING MORE PAIN: TAX AUTHORITIES ARE SENDING OUT THOUSANDS OF LETTERS DEMANDING PAYMENT OF NON RESIDENT INCOME TAX TO BRITISH AND IRISH SPANISH PROPERTY OWNERS. THEY ARE CLAIMING TAX GOING BACK TO 2007: Towards the end of 2011 the Spanish tax authorities have decided to clamp down on non-resident property owners who have not been paying non-resident income tax. They have created a special task force dedicated to pursue non -residents not paying their tax.

For many years many non-residents have not been paying this tax and the tax authorities have not been very active in pursuing them.

The Spanish deficit has put an end to this. The Spanish tax authorities are now getting very serious about collecting as much tax as they can and non-residents of Spain who have not been paying their tax are now on their radar.

If you are a non resident property owner of Spain be aware that you should be paying rates (IBI), electricity, water, rubbish collection and community of owners (if part of a community).In addition to the above which are normally paid by direct debit once a year normally using a fiscal representative you should be filing a non resident hypothetical income tax return (shortly wealth tax also). If you are not paying this tax it is necessary that you take control of the situation by contacting your solicitor or tax advisor.

If you have doubts regarding if you are already paying this tax it is probably because you are not, as it requires the presentation of a tax form etc.

The good news is that by law they cannot demand payment of more than four years back taxes.

Our advice: Start paying the tax because if you do not they will be contacting you with the risk of you not actually being hear to receive their letter etc.

Michael Davies is a Spanish Abogado and has been practicing law in Almería since 1993. He is member of the Law societies of Almería and Madrid and has offices in Mojacar and Almeria High Street.

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Spanish Property to Fall 24% in 2012, Recovery in 2013

In a report on Kyero. com, according to the seventeenth edition of the Real Estate Pulsometer prepared by the Corporate Practice Institute (IPE), they are optimistic that the

‘stock’ of unsold homes in Spain will be reduced by 23.6% in 2012, by up to 611,250 homes, and they anticipate that new construction activity will begin to recover in 2013.

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On the demand side, the report notes a growing trend of home sales for cash, and in 2012 they expect to sign only a third of the number of mortgages that were contracted in 2006.

In parallel, they anticipate promoting some 100,000 homes annually over this year and next.

El Mundo reported that the key to the rapid absorption of the ‘stock’ and the sector’s recovery will be due to the demand for housing by nonresidents.

“To liquidate the ‘stock’ in the shortest time possible it is crucial and strategic to restore the confidence and legal security, in commercial and urban developments, with the European markets, especially the English, German and Scandinavian, providing the greatest possible transparency in public-private collaboration,” added the report.

In any event, the report stresses that construction activity has been reduced to 20% of that achieved in 2007.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

17

Melody Makers International MANCHESTER CITY present their major summer LEGENDS tour concert

The Velvetones’ New Musical Director June Brady (right), chairwoman of the Velvetones Harmony Chorus, welcomes Judith Phillips (left) as the new musical director and presents her with a new name tag.

Judith has been singing with the chorus since its start in 1998 and for the past year has also been the assistant musical director. The ladies of the chorus look forward to working with Judith in her new role.

The Velvetones meet at the restaurant El Paraiso, Jardin del Mar, near Carrefour in Torrevieja on Thursday afternoons 2 pm – 4.30 pm. Potential new social and singing members are always welcome to come along and see what we get up to at our rehearsals.

Contact June: 965 327 446 or Judith: 634 363 556

Following the great success of both ‘An Evening with Andrew Lloyd Webber’ and more recently ‘An Evening with Disney’, Nigel Hopkins announces the next major concert which will take place on Saturday 30th June at the Orihuela Costa Hotel Resort at La Zenia. The concert is entitled ‘The Magic of the Musicals’ and will again feature both Melody Makers International and Cantemos!

Children’s Choir.

There will again be two performances on the day ... in the afternoon at 2pm ... and the evening performance at 8pm. Tickets remain at 10 euros each and may be obtained from the O.C. Resort Box Office (Tel: 966 760 800) or if more convenient at CALLNET - next to Paddy’s Point, La Zenia - (Tel: 966 781 171). The newspapers will be informed next week, which gives members of our Mailing List the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general audience is made aware.

The concert will include numbers from very popular musicals including:- Fiddler On The Roof, Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Showboat, Chess, Oliver, We Will Rock You, Camelot, Mamma Mia!, and many more. The concert will be accompanied by our professional band made up of both professionals from the UK and locally. The whole production is directed and conducted by Nigel Hopkins.

This promises to be our best yet, and it is highly commended to our special friends and supporters.

We do hope that you will be able to join us, and we will do our best to make your evening at the Musicals a memorable one.

Please note that the seats/tickets are not numbered, and apart from wheelchair carers, prior reservation of seats will not be allowed, so please arrive early if you wish to sit near the front. Please contact Linda Harris (Front of House Manager on 966 764 479 or 646 784 261 who will arrange to reserve an aisle seat for each wheelchair carer.

The line up for the Manchester City legends tour of Orihuela Costa is taking shape with news England former that goalkeeper Joe Corrigan will be among those footballers taking to the pitch at the new Deportivo in Playa Flamenca on the evening of Saturday 9th June. Not only that but he will be joining some of his fellow former footballers in a pro-am golf tournament at La Peraleja the prevous day.

The entire event on underway gets Thursday 7th June with a gala dinner hosted by restaurant Goodfellas Beach Flamenca on comercial centre who along with neighbouring bars Legends and The Lansdowne - are acting as prime sponsors for weekend. whole the and Entertainment special events, including and raffles auctions, autograph signings are planned for all three culminating evenings

in the football match which will be preceeded by a youngsters match Junior the involving Strikers against a local youth team starting at 6pm on the Saturday.

For more information about the week of events contact Mick on 0034 602 506 131 while programmes allowing entry into the football stadium will be available shortly at many local venues. If you simply want to play in the golf, contact Gavin or Paula at info@albatrossgolftours. com Proceeds from the weekend will go to the charity SANDS which who families assists suffer from the premature death of babies – a charity which is dear to the heart of main sponsors as one of their family had a still born child only a few months ago. For more detail on this worthwhile charity check their website - www.sands-uk.com.

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

Top Voices in Concert

Fundraising

This month’s recital featured some of the best solo singers in the Horadada area singing favourite pieces, making a welcome change from choral concerts here.

A group of students from the UK have done their bit to help Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, by taking part in a 13-hour non-stop walk to help raise funds.

It was almost “Don’t cry for me, Campoverde” when rain hit the village an hour before the “Music in Quiet Places” concert last Sunday, but luckily it dried up and the sun came out – and the audience came out too.

The solo items also provided the artists an opportunity to display their talents with scope for dramatic performance in front of a very attentive and appreciative audience.

Local vocal coach Patricia Flint opened the proceedings with Lully’s “Lonely Woods”, followed by Patricia Kay singing Schubert’s “Ave Maria”. The soprano singer Jennifer Morton gave us a splendid rendition of “Lascia ch’io pianga” by Handel, who was also the composer of choice for Patricia Flint, with “Art Thou Troubled?”

Another top local singer, Eve Suffield, gave us a moving version of Cesar Frank’s “Panis Angelicus”, then Jennifer Morton with an exhilarating interpretation, beautifully controlled, of Pergolesi’s “Nina”. Dennis Gill gave us two tenor solos: “And this is my beloved” from Borodin’s Kismet, and Lerner and Loewe’s “On the Street where you live”.

Christine Eames accompanied throughout and gave some breathing spaces for the singers with instrumental versions (together with husband Roger on doublebass) of spanish ‘classics’ – “Siempre en mi Corazon, Acercate mas, La Flor de la Canela and Flores Negras.

To end the concert, Eve Suffield gave us an emotionally charged, beautifully crafted version of Lloyd Webber’s “Don’t cry for me Argentina”, again well received by the audience. A closing collection was in aid of the local Church of England Chaplaincy.

Across the Miles

The equine students from Easton College in Norwich walked the Angles Way – which stretches for about 50 miles between Thetford and Great Yarmouth. They were inspired after hearing about the work that Sue and Rod Weeding and their army of volunteers do at the Centre and seeing photos of the abuse and state of some of the horses they have rescued. Seven girls, all studying Diploma of Horse Management Studies are taking part but 3 of them are taking their commitment even further and are heading to Spain. Claire Locksmith, Nikita Mason and Emily Purnell are flying here in the summer to volunteer their time and spend 2 weeks at Easy Horse Care to find out first hand the work they do and how the money they raise will be spent.

Fellow fundraiser, Jess Cutler told their local newspaper, the Eastern Daily Press, “We are all really passionate about horses from doing our course and our tutor got us in touch with the charity. Once we had all seen the photos of some of the horses we were all very distressed by what we saw.”

The 13 hour dawn until dusk walk started at 6am they had beautiful weather until around 7pm when the heavens opened as Jess explained, “It chucked it down with rain but despite this our spirits were high. We completed half the hike at Diss at roughly 1pm where we rested and rehydrated ready for the second part of the journey. Even though we were up at the crack of dawn,we never felt tired; we all said our feet struggled more then our minds. It may have been all the sweets and energy drinks we had to keep us going!”

The inspiring fundraiser added, “We are still collecting the money and now we have completed they walk we are asking people to donate money to the fund. They are more willing to give more money when we tell them about the 30 miles we walked!”

The students have now decided to keep collecting until they finish college in June when Claire, Nikita and Emily will travel here to Spain to volunteer at Easy Horse Care and hand over their monies raised. Their trip and experience’s here will be featured in Pony magazine, the UK’s leading horse and pony magazine for teenagers who have just done a double page spread on Easy Horse Care in their latest edition which can be viewed on their website www. ponymag.com

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ONLY 2 WEEKS LEFT, to get your entry in for the ´MY SPAIN¨Art Competition that is being held at Casa La Pedrera, in conjunction with the Music, Arts and Craft Festival on the 9th & 10th of June.

The competition closes on the 31st of May and if a fantastic opportunity for budding artists, to display their Work. There are children and adult categories with fabulous prizes to be won. The exhibition is open to the public from the 1st of June - 10th of June and is being held inside the Grand Design House, just off the CV95, between San Miguel and Bigastro. Not only does the public have the opportunity to bid on the paintings that have been donated by the artists, but they will be able to nominate their favourite, which will receive a special prize. Entry is only a euro, and all proceeds are for EMAUS Winners of the competition will be announced at the Festival on Sunday the 10th with a special prize giving. There will be plenty of entertainment over the weekend including music from Just Brass, young singer Emily Hullman, Dancing from Footwork Dancers, StageStruck Morris Dancing and many more. Fantastic Artisan Craft Stalls, plus an all day BBQ and a wood fired paella will be available. So don´t miss out! Get your entry forms by calling Jenni on 660816620 or email campolifewithjenni@gmail.com More information can be found on the website at www.thingstodoinspain.info which has a link to the Face Book Page.

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

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Three local businessmen Owen Desmond (Shananagans Bar, Quesada) Steven Spevin (Ironcraft, Pilar de la Horadada) and Gary Routledge (Cyclogical, Quesada) all wearing their new Team Cyclogical, cycling kit, took part in the gruelling 120kms Mariano Rojas, 11th Memorial, cycle race in Cieza at the weekend . The Cicloturista Marcha started and finished at the town square in Cieza and had some very long, steep, strenuous climbs as they passed through the towns of Calasparra, Mula, Archena and up through the mountain pass of the Ricote valley then down into Blanca and Abaran before returning to the finish line in Cieza .It was a very hot day with temperatures in the 40s. They all performed exceptionally well , with Gary finishing fourth in his category. The race was organised and had many sponsors. All competitors had to wear a microchip to record their timings etc. The guys have many more Sportifs to take part in during the summer months and are looking forward to the next one in June.

TORREVIEJA CELEBRATES

QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE

“PARTY IN THE PARK” set for Sunday 3rd June.

Torrevieja’s “Jardin de las Naciones” is the venue for a special and unique celebration to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME to join in the fun!!!

AND…. It’s FREE!!! The ‘street party in the park’ commences at 1645h on SUNDAY 3rd June and the party atmosphere will carry on until after dark.

Thanks to sponsors, including the Ayuntamiento of Torrevieja & TKO radio, a full sound and lighting system will be provided for the host of performers and artists who will take to the stage to offer non-stop entertainment appropriate of any good street party. Meanwhile, fancy dress parades, family games and even a ‘quiz of the era’ will be on offer in the open air venue which will be decorated appropriately with red, white and blue bunting. Even Union Jacks will be available to those who can’t manage to bring their own and traditional or fancy dress is optional!

In true “street party” style, neighbours are invited to bring their own picnic type meal, whilst substantially stocked, reasonably priced bars will be serving all types of suitably cold drinks. All profit from the bars will go to the local ‘Alzheimer’s’ Association, AFA’.

Burgers and hot dogs will also be available for purchase and even an ice cream van will be on hand. The party will be able to accommodate over 1,000 revelers with tables and chairs supplied.

A number of local, professional artists have offered their services and various local groups will be offering non-stop entertainment throughout the whole evening to ensure the party atmosphere continues, all of course, with an appropriate theme relating to the sixty years reign of our Queen, Elizabeth II. The timetable of entertainment is, inevitably, subject to change as there is so much going on. However, those attending this COMPLETELY FREE event can anticipate: - Family games: “Tug o’ War”, Egg & Spoon, sack race, Fancy dress competition etc.

Organized by “RASCALS”.

- “LIONS INTERNATIONAL COSTA BLANCA” supporting AFA (Alzheimer’s Association) with various activities.

- TKO RADIO ROADSHOW throughout the event.

16.45h THE PARTY STARTS! Entertainment from “Dance Academy & Stage School”.

17.00h to 17.30h: FOOTWORK DANCE

ACADEMY. 17.45h: MARIA O’HARA’s moving tribute to KATHERINE JENKINS. 18.00h: Singer Nick GOLD offers a taste of British popular music from years gone by.

18.15h: Maurice & Alma with their puppets and a few ‘London Songs’.

18.45h: Children’s Fancy dress parade and judging, organized by “RASCALS”.

19.00h: The PHOENIX CONCERT BAND takes to the stage to offer some well known BRITISH music to sing along to!!!

19.30h: This is the time set for everyone to enjoy their picnic together! Tables & chairs for 1,000 partygoers! Form yourselves into ‘teams’ and join in the “Quiz of the Era” – forty question from the past sixty years! (Organized by quizmaster, Arthur).

19.45h: Local professional singer, KEELY C. offers a handful of popular songs made famous over the years by BRITISH female singers!

20.00h: Those “Crazy Ladies” will be going through their ‘crazy’ dance routines!

20.15h: Entertainment and songs from the colourful “TORREVIEJA BARBERSHOP HARMONISERS”.

20.30h: More from the “Crazy Ladies”.

20.40h: “TKO RADIO ROADSHOW” – Music of the era and dancing for the more energetic!!

21.00h: Prize Draw and announcement of prizewinners.

21.30h: PHOENIX CONCERT BAND offer more BRITISH music to sing along and wave flags to, followed by the GRAND FINALE in which the band will be joined on stage by the choirs. We can all join in such emotive musical pieces as “Rule Britannia” or “Land of Hope & Glory” finishing up with “Crown Imperial” accompanied by fireworks!!

The “TKO RADIO ROADSHOW” will be on hand to provide further music and entertainment and even dancing until late for those who still have some energy left!

DON’T FORGET!! This event is open to EVERYONE. Completely FREE OF CHARGE. Bring along your PICNIC, your neighbours, your friends, your family, your mother, your father, grandparents… and JOIN IN THE FUN to celebrate our QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE!!!

SUNDAY 3rd JUNE 2012 from 1645h in the “JARDIN DE LAS NACIONES, TORREVIEJA.

16ft boxing ring

Boxing ~ Mon, Weds, Fri ~ Junior or Adult / Kick boxing Tues & Thurs

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Sasen, Ryu, Karate - Children & Adults Dance Xtreme - Dance School for children aged 3 years+ Hair & Wash & Cuts, blowdrys, colours and perms.

Beauty Waxing, facials, Manicure & Pedicure.

For more info call

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Herremientas Especiales Automóviles SL

AST Tools

in conjunction with

Mercadillo Moncayo Following the Success or our previous event we are holding another

MOTOR FAIR and

Classic Car & Bike Rally Saturday 2nd June 10 - 2.30pm

Ask the experts!

Auto Service Centres There will be representatives from some of The costa Blanca’s leading Garages on hand Insurance Experts Tyre Clinic Custom and Bodywork Specialists Automotive Tools and Motor Spares Motor Racing PLUS All the fun of the Jubilee Weekend Market

Live Music - Radio Vibe FM

On site Restaurant and Food Stalls Fantastic Day Out For All! At The Moncayo Market Behind Procomobel on the N332

20

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

Algorfa

Sport

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Although archeologists have remains around Algorfa that d times of Spain, but they have b has ever been a village in the In 1328 Algorfa was first see Valencian Kingdom. The then k the village autonomous status the building of 15 farms whos inhabitation of these by at leas In 1714, after the wars for changed and Algorfa’s privileg Fifth, and it became a part of t However, it was given its own was re-instated as autonomou intervention by the Marquesse Since the 14th century it has village. The first settlers took land close to Segura and soon farms to large fields that provid the cultivation of citrus fruits o River gave it important agricul At present, the municipality parts, half of which falls in the half remains in Algorfa.

It still maintains the Spanish to its small size, agriculture, beautiful picturesque setting River Segura, amongst lush a beautiful mountainous backdr views to the coast. Yet it is les Alicante Airport!

The area is relaxed and frien Spanish way of life, yet the mo hand - blue flag beaches at San reserves or La Pedrera, a recre and walking trails, barbecue a Just outside the village is a from the beginning of the nin Day is Sunday.

As part of the ‘Algorfa 2012 number of events taking plac there is a performance of ‘The Theatre for the children, start Centre San Vicente Ferrer.

Saturday 26th May and Sat restaurants and cafes are tak with a beer and a tapa at just Fancy a hike? On Sunday 27 starting from the village squa Algorfa walk – bring snacks an On Saturday 2nd June at the Ferrer will be a performanc performed by the Algorfa Yout A Gastronomic Fair will be Saturday 23rd June.

All in all, Algorfa has th beauty and city conven in an all-year-round sunn be surprised by the num businesses

www.soltimes.com

e found artifacts and human date back to the early Iberian been unable to prove that there area before the 14th century. en as a settlement within the king, Alfonso the second, gave s. This privilege was reliant on se owners had to ensure the st 15 families. succession, the government ge was revoked by Felipe the the new Spanish Kingdom. n parish in 1755, and in 1790 it us by Carlos the Fourth, after e. primarily been an agricultural k advantage of the rich fertile n developed their small simple ded a variety of harvests, and on the plains near the Segura ltural status. of Algorfa is divided into two Almoradi area while the other

h culture and traditions, due e, warm hearted people and – lying on the banks on the and fertile countryside with a rop and wonderful panoramic ss than one hour’s drive from

ndly with a typically laid-back odern conveniences are all at nta Pola and Torrevieja, nature eation area with mountain bike and camping areas. an unusual neo-gothic church neteenth century, and Market

2 Spring Culture’ there are a ce - on Saturday 26th May e Ugly Duckling’ by the Wagon ting at 5.30pm in the Cultural

turday 2nd June many bars, king part in the Tapas Route, €1.80.

7th May and Sunday 3rd June, are at 8.30am is the Paths of nd water. e Cultural Centre San Vicente ce of the play ‘Teenagers’, th Theatre. held in the Town Square on

he perfect mix of rural nience near to hand, all ny climate and you may mber of English-speaking in the town.

21

SPORTS BAR SPORTS BAR SPORTS BAR SPORTS

under new management debbie & ronnie every week join us for tuesday - killer pool & darts Thursday - Bingo night Saturday - disco/karaoke Sunday - Quiz Night

Large outside terrace parties catered for

All major live sports shown

Mon - Fri 5pm till late Sat - Sun 1pm till late

Calle Constitucion, 03169 next to Alldays Supermarket, Algorfa

Tel: 966 318 545

CAFE

El Badulake

Spanish Tapas Televised Sport everyday on main Square, Plaza Espana, 26 03169 ALGORFA, (Alicante)

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Tel: 659 565 485

lgorfa

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

Traditional spanish open air cafe/bar between football pitch and swimming pool SPORTS PARK Juan Carlos I, Algorfa

C/Almoradi, 30, Algorfa 03169 Tel:966 782 655 Mob: 639 685 124 samandandy@uk2.net

Breakfasts, Lunches and Evening Meals Served Daily

tex-mex menu

In Village on main road up to La Finca

Monday - Sunday 10am till 11pm

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22

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

HOME & GARDEN...

Casa La Pedrera

Casa La Pedrera, Outdoor & Activity Centre ~ POOL RE-OPENS 1st JUNE

With Family & Friends Visiting keep them entertained! We offer Quad Biking, Horse & Pony Treks, Archery, Air-Rifle, Fishing & Canoeing.for all ages. Call 660816620 to book or check the website at www.thingstodoinspain.info which has a link to the Facebook Page.

Next Event: Music, Arts & Craft Festival 9th & 10th June

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CAMPO LIFE WITH JENNI.......

At this time of the year, when temperatures start to soar we head for the beaches but why not escape the heat and head instead, to the many museums that are littered throughout the Alicante and Murcian Regions? Spain has a rich arts culture and one of its ´Famous Sons¨ Salvador Dali’s work is being shown at the Casas Consistoriales in Mazarron until the 30th of June. Over 46 works of sculpture are on show and according to the Town´s Mayor, Ït´s the most important cultural event to have graced the town¨.

Even to the uneducated, which I include myself in this category, have heard of Salvador Dali. I have seen his pictures....melted clocks etc. in art books that were lying around the house throughout my youth. My father, who was a manufacturing jeweller, was a frustrated artist and for years would draw, stop, paint, stop and then take it up again and finally found the confidence in his later years to continue and complete some paintings, which I now have.

They are very special to me, especially as he is no longer with us and that they remind me of Africa, and that is the most precious thing about art. It is it´s longevity and the fact it speaks to us about the past, the present and the future. My daughter, in fact, who in her final piece for her A level IGSE exam, used one of my Fathers paintings as inspiration. She got an A, which anyone who teaches an International A level will tell you is almost impossible to get, and I would like to think my Dad, had a little part to play in it!

I now realise that the picture that I saw was one of Dalí most famous works, The Persistence of Memory, painted in 1931 which introduced a surrealistic image of soft, melting pocket watches.

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Dali was born in Figueres, Catalonia Spain. and was a flamboyant, colourful and imposing character with his ever-present long cape, walking stick and upturned waxed mustache. The fact that Dali was expelled from the Academia in 1926, shortly before his final exams when he was accused of starting an unrest, appeals to the rebel in me. True talent never remains hidden for long and his mastery of painting skills was evidenced by his realistic The Basket of Bread, painted shortly thereafter. That same year, he made his first visit to Paris, where he met Pablo Picasso, whom the young Dalí revered. Picasso had already heard favourable reports about Dalí from Joan Miró.

As in the world of art, it is often the case that ´art inspires

art´, and Salvador Dali was no different. During this period he made a number of works heavily influenced by Picasso and Miró. Likewise many modern artists today such as Damien Hirst, Noel Fielding, Jeff Koons have also been influenced by the work of Dali, and so on!

The connection does not end there as amongst other things Dali created an ensemble of 39 jewels. The jewels are intricate, and some contain moving parts. The most famous jewel, “The Royal Heart”, is made of gold and is encrusted with 46 rubies, 42 diamonds, and four emeralds and is created in such a way that the center “beats” much like a real heart.

You can see The “Dalí – Joies” (“The Jewels of Dalí”) collection at the Dalí Theatre Museum in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain, which in itself is a ´work of art´. The Theatre Museum was based on the criteria and design of Dali himself, whereby a series of spaces form a single artistic object where each element is an inextricable part of the whole. He comments ¨Where, if not in my own town, should the most extravagant and solid of my work endure, where if not here? The Municipal Theatre, struck me as very appropriate, and for three reasons: First, because I am an eminently theatrical painter; second, because the theatre stands right opposite the church where I was baptised; and third, because it was precisely in the hall of the vestibule of the theatre where I gave my first exhibition of painting.”

Even in his death his work is inextricably linked, as you can visit the crypt with his grave, which is situated in the centre of the museum. He has certainly achieved immortality through his work! However you do not have to go as far as Mazarron or even Catalonia, Spain to see great works of Art, as here at Casa La Pedrera we are holding our own Art Exhibition, inside the Grand Design House featuring works of Art & Sculpture of local artists, including the work of my Father. Entry is only a euro which goes to EMAUS and it opens from the 1st - 10th of June from 11am - 6pm daily. It is a great place to bring visitors & afterwards relax & enjoy some refreshments or a light lunch in the tea garden, with views of the ´Blue Lake¨ If you are a budding artist you can also get your work featured in the exhibition by entering into our Art Competition which closes on the 31st of May. The theme is ¨My Spain¨which can be figuarative or literal.

You can also decide to donate your work, which will be sold to the highest bidder, with all monies going to EMAUS. Should you like any further information or an entry form please call Jenni on 660816620 or email campolifewithjenni@gmail.com So get inspired and I look forward to receiving your entries, here at Casa La Pedrera,,,,, Jenni

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www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

23

...HOME & GARDEN

Harvest Harvest Your Your Herbs Herbs

Your herb garden is looking fabulous, so how can you preserve them for use in the kitchen all year round?

How To Dry Herbs...

Cut healthy branches from your herb plants.

Remove any dry or diseased leaves Shake gently to remove and insects.

If necessary, rinse with cool water and pat well dry with paper towels. Wet herbs will mould and rot.

When To Harvest...

Harvest before flowering If you’ve been harvesting all season, your plants probably haven’t had a chance to flower.

But non-hardy herbs will start to decline as the weather cools, so late summer is a good time to begin drying your herbs.

Cut in mid-morning Pick before the plants are wilting in the afternoon sun.

Storing & Using...

Remove the lower leaves along the bottom inch or so of the branch.

Bundle 4 - 6 branches together and tie as a bunch.

You can use string or a rubber band. The bundles will shrink as they dry and the rubber band will loosen, so check periodically they the bundle is not slipping. Make small bundles if you are trying to dry herbs with high water content.

Punch or cut several holes in a paper bag. Label the bag with the name of the herb you are drying.

Place the herb bundle upside down into the bag.

Gather the ends of the bag around the bundle and tie closed. Make sure the herbs are not crowded inside the bag.

Hand the bag upside down in a warm, airy room.

Check in about two weeks to see how things are progressing. Keep checking weekly until your herbs are dry and ready to store.

Store your dried herbs in air tight containers; zip closing bags will do or use small canning jars.

Be sure to label and date your containers.

Your herbs will retain more flavour is you store the leaves hole and crush them when you are ready to use them.

Discard any dried herbs that show the slightest sign of mould.

Place containers in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Dried herbs are best used within a year. As your herbs loose their colour, they are also loosing their flavour.

Use about 1 teaspoon crumbled dried leaves in place of a tablespoon of fresh.

Air drying herbs is not only the easiest and least expensive way to dry fresh herbs, but this slow drying process also doesn’t deplete the herbs of their oils.

This process works best with herbs that don’t have high moisture content, like Bay, Dill, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary and Thyme. Moisture dense herbs, like Basil, Chives, Mint, Tarragon preserve better in a dehydrator, or try freezing them.

Only use a microwave or oven to dry herbs as a last resort as these actually cook the herbs to a degree, diminishing the oil content and flavour.

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24

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

Samaritans in Spain Announce New Face to Face, Drop in Service Service

The Samaritans in Spain announce that they are opening a further ‘Drop- in Centre’ off the CV70 Benidorm to La Nucia link road.

Commencing on the 29th May at the Centro Social Non Espai at ‘Rotunda 3’, (opposite the BP garage), the Centre will be open weekly on a Tuesday between 10.00 am – 12.00 noon, complimenting the Centre in Calpe that re-opened earlier this month at the Casal de las Asociaciones at the top of Avenida Gabriel Miro, now open every Monday at the above times.

This extension of the listening service is being facilitated by the Local Councils involved, and in association with other charitable groups concerned with the well-being of English speaking foreign residents. Residents unable to get to a centre can talk to a listener when the centres are open by calling the Samaritans in Spain on 902 88 35 35. The service will continue to be available every evening on this number between 8.00 pm – 12.00 midnight.

The Samaritans in Spain offer a free, completely confidential, non-judgemental emotional support service for any English speaker of any age who may be experiencing distress or despair, or who might be feeling suicidal.

If you are interested in supporting the service, either as a listener or a fund raiser, please visit the website ‘www.costablancasamaritans. com’. Alternatively, you can now email the Samaritans in Spain in confidence at ‘pat@costablancasamaritans.com’.

David dale removals Carole & Keith Pearce International removals & storage British Association of Removers if you’re moving, look for the badge

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Winners of the 1st prize at the Bay Radio Walk in Rojales - and we are off again for a slow walk along the river this time. Starting at The Tu Cantina in Rojales at 5.00p.m on Sunday 27th May David Isaacs is helping to organise this walk which will be in memory of Wendy Vickers. It is a sponsored walk with all monies raised going to Paul Cunningham Nurses. At 7.00p.m. back at The Tu Cantina in Rojales there will be live music and free paella - to qualify for free paella I must know the numbers and you will need a ticket number - at time of sending to press there are still tickets available for FREE Paella but not to worry as other food will be available but for free food you must register beforehand by sending an email to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk or calling 639 318 526 Hope to see you there!

www.soltimes.com

REVIEW it...

The Help - Kathryn Stockett

One of the concluding comments, a very simple but poignant one is spoken by Skeeter’s mother who is dying of cancer. When she became an important political figure she betrayed Constantine, the help who had brought Skeeter up to be strong and independent. She dismissed her and her daughter Rachel from her home to show white superiority in front of her political and influential friends.

She lacked the courage to openly admit that coloured people were valued and a part of her white family, something she had to live with.

Skeeter, a journalist learns the truth when she attempts to write the tortuous accounts of the abuse and humiliation the coloured women had to suffer at the hands of the middle class, racist whites. The story is about the courage to tell the truth even though there were consequences.

Skeeter becomes ostracized by the white hypocrites and Aibileen Clark, one of the main coloured characters is dismissed by the worst kind of hypocrite, Miss Hilly.

Skeeter’s mother remarks on how courage skips generations and after so much tension with her daughter throughout she makes peace with her and tells her how proud she is of her.

What I found remarkable is that this is Stockett’s debut novel which took five years to complete.

Definitely a labour of love and a painful and shocking tale to tell.

The 1960s was an important turning point in American history with the Civil Rights movement and the assassination of Martin Luther King in 1968. The setting is Jackson, Mississippi, the writer’s home town. Stockett was born the year after the assassination and she was raised by an African American domestic woman just like Aibileen, Minny and thousands of others. Skeeter represents the writer, a compassionate woman and brave. Her friends deserted her and her boyfriend Stuart walked out on her telling her that she was stirring up trouble.

In reality, Stockett’s brother employed a black maid who filed a lawsuit in a Mississippi court against him. Her name was Abilene Cooper. A bit of a coincidence, isn’t it? The lawsuit was thrown out and the writer denied any claim of using Abilene as her main character in “The Help.”

The last image will stay with you for some time-Aibileen’s dismissal, tears streaming down her face, the rain soaking through her skin. The pause, the reflection and then a strained smile as she realises that telling the truth has made her feel free. Therapeutic.

ISBN 978-1-901-4904-1 or ISBN 13-978-014-1039282

Carol Naylor - writing exclusively for the Sol Times: Naylorcl@hotmail.es

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS...

Donna Summer ‘believed 9/11 dust particles gave her cancer’

Donna Summer reportedly told friends that she believed the 9/11 attacks were responsible for her lung cancer. The legendary disco and soul singer passed away from the disease on May 17 at the age of 63.

Summer lived in an apartment near Ground Zero in New York City on the day of the tragedy in 2001, and allegedly believed that inhaling toxic dust particles led to her illness. In the months and years after 9/11, Summer would constantly spray disinfectant in the air.

Dance Fever host Deney Terrio

also revealed that Summer would oftenhangsilksheets in herdressing room in order to stop dust coming inside. Another insider claims that Summer felt that the 9/11 events were an attack on Christianity, and that she was a target because of her religious beliefs.

At least 55 rescue workers have died due to cancer since 9/11, although several had already been diagnosed before the attacks. Since 9/11, 75 have been diagnosed with cancer, with over 18,000 people claiming that they have fallen ill due to inhaling toxic dust particles.

John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

25

Alqueria The Riverside Holiday Village - part 2

The telephone in the Oficina de Turismo never stopped ringing, well it rang four times in the last week, in itself a record.

The advertising campaign had certainly paid off. Over one hundred places out of the two hundred available at the Riverside Holiday Village booked. The consultant Alvaro Spineto had advised them to use a fraudulent approach to their advertising.

Promise them everything but get them here. Then get their cash before they realise that as a holiday resort it ranks very close to a wet weekend in Chernobyl. Anselmo Adamso, the village photographer got the interesting commission to photograph the young ladies of the village, perhaps the only viable asset Alqueria has. They posed with lascivious grins and very little else.

Anselmo Adamso also had a lascivious grin. The session went on longer than anticipated and the last dozen shots were not fit for publication. Adamso kept these for his own uses however.

The charter-flight operated by Spanish Peninsular Logistical Air Transport or SPLAT which they have blazoned across the fuselage in bright red lettering was booked and filling fast. Their only aircraft is rather old but they are able to operate in European airspace provided it can keep below Air Traffic Control radar. The Riverside Holiday Village itself was as ready as it was going to be. Accommodation for two hundred, two dining halls, a games room and twenty bars. The philosophy being, if

they drink enough they will lose all feeling in their lower limbs and won’t notice their surroundings. The only problematic area was the Río Verde. Billed as a swimmers’ paradise, it was in fact lethal. The strange mutant fish were capable of carrying off anyone under seven and the algae caused an aggressive fungal growth which hasn’t as yet been categorised by the World Health Organisation. A powerful poison had been introduced into the water but the river life seemed to thrive on it. The bizarre assortment of waterborne creatures are now even more robust.

Everything has to be ready as today is the Grand Opening of the Riverside Holiday Village, Alqueria. The charter flight had landed safely at Almería Airport, a fact duly celebrated in the airline’s office. A fleet of four coaches approached the Comino de Alqueria crossed the old stone and drove into the resort. The disembarked visitors stared in disbelief at the ramshackle accommodation, the steaming malodorous river all surrounded by a black effervescing swamp. Events could have turned nasty if the holiday makers had had time to organise themselves and select a leader. Blythe sensing trouble spoke the only words guaranteed to pacify any British holiday maker.

“Free beeah at the boozah bonny lads”.

Will beer be enough? Are the holiday makers revolting? We will see...

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Brendan Cole: ‘Alesha Dixon won’t be missed’ Brendan Cole has stated that Alesha Dixon will not be missed when Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year.

Dixon left the judging panel of the BBC One competition after three series to join ITV1’s Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year.

Darcey Bussell later signed up to replace Dixon as a permanent judge on the show.

Cole explained that he believes the former Royal Ballet principal dancer will be a “fantastic” replacement.

“I saw Alesha on BGT. She did really well. However, I don’t think she will be a big miss, really,” he told The Sun. “I am very excited about Darcey Bussell. She is probably the most

famous dancer in the country and is going to be on the panel judging us, which is fantastic.”

On his “bad boy of the ballroom” nickname and his falling out with celebrity partner Lulu, he added: “I don’t know why I have that nickname.

I’m such a nice person on the telly with my partner.

“I’ve had a great couple of years. I don’t think I’ve had an argument in the last four years - I don’t talk about Lulu - I mean in the years before that.”

Alesha Dixon recently said that she hopes to return for a second series of Britain’s Got Talent next year.

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

coffee break STANDARD CROSSWORD

shade (10) 7 Bold human - fully? Only in part (6) 8 Require the French irritation (6) 10 In exile, without iron, taking bottle opener that cannot be described (13) 14 Brown bread rises under probability (10) 17 Certain new feed in it (8) 18 Is nothing dead? Dead when apart (8) 21 S.U. Bar collapses - with last hammer from treasurer (6) 22 Pester donkey after injury (almost) (6) 26 Starts to desperately evade bank, taking what one owes (4)

Very Hard!

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across 1 Raged wildly at student’s top marks (6) 4 Mother’s in room with new astronaut (8) 9 You French left - number’s up for plant (5) 10 I’m graduate with weapon, showing lack of stability (9) 11 Impel University to return example of Romeo (4) 12 Big creature I follow still (4) 13 Common for University to be taken in by American gangster? (5) 15 Joint broadcasts before Blimp, say (7) 16 A fellow in church and small restaurant (4) 19 At one time in lemon centre (4) 20 Gets the hang of degree (7) 23 Solver reportedly wise to follow custom (5) 24 Remain at rest (4) 25 Daughter left equipment to go back (4) 27 Ely’s Abbot disturbed one working with horses (6-3) 28 To be part of hex is terrifying! (5) 29 Held back wait in colour (8) 30 Go to serve (6)

Down 1 “Ultra” gut could make you throaty (8) 2 Symbolic narrative is completely bloody, including egghead (8) 3 Partly moves python’s spot (4) 5 Ban Olympic cup making this sort of business (6,7) 6 Will not run quickly after

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.

Down 2 Hindrances (9)

3 Wetland (5) 4 NY Times, for example (9) 5 Cone-shaped (5) 6 Gives evidence (9) 7 Woodwind instruments (5) 8 Class (7) 9 Roman ruler (6) 15 A family of languages spoken in southern India (9) 17 Homesick (9) 18 Bargain (9) 19 Small fatty fish (7) 21 Interfere (6) 23 Simplified (5) 24 Move about rapidly (5) 26 Respond (5)

Jim Carrey

HARD SUDOKU

Across 1 Messages (14) 10 Ancient Assyrian city (5) 11 Hurricane (9) 12 Collision (7) 13 Ammunition chest (7) 14 Anagram of “Idler” (5) 16 Retired person (9) 19 A yellowwood tree with aromatic leaves (9) 20 Cloak (5) 22 Bunnies (7) 25 Oxygenated (7) 27 Uplifting (9) 28 Make use of (5) 29 Odd behaviours (14)

“Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes”

STANDARD SUDOKU

26

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

Ballroom & Latin American Dancing This week we are looking at what makes a good tango which in contrast to the beautiful pendulum swinging waltz is the exact opposite. What should you be looking for from a well performed Tango? A powerfully driven, sharp staccato dance with the lady’s fast head movement are the major characteristics. This is achieved by the weight being pushed forward much faster than with the Waltz, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep. To enable this to happen the weight is carried in a slightly different position, the hold is slightly altered and the shoulder line is also changed.

The weight is held further back, the left shoulder is further back and the gents right arm as a consequence goes further around his partners back. There is also a compression of the knees and the feet are used with a flatter action (ie you don’t lift up onto the toes). This is retained throughout the dance which enables the sharp movement to be controlled when the hips are moved to lead the lady.

The Tango is a difficult dance to get to grips with because it is so different to the other 3 ballroom dances but I love the aggression and passion in the music that this dance brings with it. Any lift in the feet or straightening of the legs will result in the loss of the sharpness or a loss of balance in the dance. This sharpness of movement takes a lot of practice and loss of balance or the lady pulling the gent over is a common fault.

WHAT WHAT MAKES MAKES A A GOOD GOOD TANGO TANGO

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27

By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’ MUKA (class details 635 584 431)

If you ever need to get rid of tension, this is the dance to get to grips with, there is nothing better than attacking the steps in a Tango to do it. With ballroom dancing no matter which dance you select they all have their own character and the art of the dance is being able to recognise and develop these individual characteristics. Unfortunately there is no quick fix, you just have to take it a step at a time but the satisfaction of getting past each of the steps is so rewarding and with a good teacher it doesn’t take that long to progress quite a way down the road. The further along the road you get, the more beautiful each of the dances become until you are truly bitten by the bug. It is also true of dancing as of anything else in life, the more you put in the more you get out. If you have never tried dancing or haven’t done any for some time why not come and join us at one of our classes either in The Club in Quesada or El Paraiso near Carrefour in Torrevieja (see community news for more details). We look forward to welcoming new and past members to our classes and we’ll soon have you moving around the dance floor. Next week we will look at the history of the fast light airy Quickstep.

Every Thursday 8:00pm - 8:45pm Ballroom & Latin American Tuition 8:45 - 10:15 Social Dancing.

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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

3 CHANCES TO WIN!!!

Every week 2 lucky couples can win a fabulous, 3 course meal from our Summer Specials Board menu, (served til 5pm) with a Carafe of Wine…

AND...1 couple can win a delicious, 9 item English breakfast, including tea or coffee (between 9.30am – 5pm)

AT MANHATTAN, CABO ROIG

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JUST FIND WHERE WE’VE HIDDEN A BOTTLE OF WINE IN THIS ISSUE AND SEND THE ANSWER TO: BLANCASALES@SOLTIMES.COM OR DROP YOUR ANSWER INTO MANHATTAN’S DIRECTLY!

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LAST WEEK’S WINNERS - CONGRATULATIONS TO:

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All day Special Breakfast €2.50 9 piece special breakfast €4.00 Fish, Chips, Peas & Bread n’ Butter €5.50 Full Rack of Ribs €8.00 All live sports Big Screens plus extensive menu Lager 2.00€ pint Traditional Sunday Lunch House spirit & 2 or 3 courses served all day from 5.95€ mixer 2.80€

Entertainment..............................................

MONDAY: PM: Pool & Darts AM: Computer Classes - Lunch: Terry & Tom Music TUESDAY: WEDNESDAY: AM: Spanish lessons - PM: Buffs meeting - Eve: Karaoke THURSDAY: AM: Line Dancing - PM: Woody FRIDAY: AM: Spanish History - PM: Karaoke SATURDAY: PM: Various Artists for more info SUNDAY: AM: Buffs Meeting - PM: Karaoke Tel: 966 786 815 Function Room Available - No Charge

INGREDIENTS 6 large fresh sea scallops (no water) 1/2 English cucumber 6 to 7 kumquats A dash of lemon juice Salt & pepper 1/2 red onion 1 tbsp chives 1 large tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp fresh coriander Dash of cayenne pepper

Take the scallops and slice them very thinly.

Wash the kumquats and remove the seeds. Slice very thinly. Peel the cucumber, remove the seeds and cut in tiny pieces. Mix all 3 ingredients together and add a dash of lemon juice, salt and pepper. Place in a cold bowl in the fridge for about 10 min.

Chop very thinly the onion, the coriander and chives. Add to the scallops/kumquats/cucumber preparation.

Add a dash of cayenne pepper and the olive oil, and mix well together.

Serve in small spoons (appetizer spoons).

MAIN

d in e k o o C r e p p a n S d Re Salt d e r u o v a l -F e m y h T

INGREDIENTS 1 whole red snapper (1 lb), not scaled but cleaned inside 2 egg whites 1 tablespoon chopped thyme 2 lbs coarse sea salt

Preheat the oven at 400 F/200 C/Gas 6.

In a bowl, combine the egg whites, thyme and salt.

Take a baking dish and add a bed of this salt preparation at the bottom.

Place the fish on top.

Cover it completely with the rest of the salt. Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before breaking the crust of salt.

The flesh of the fish should be extremely tender.

Eat as is, or with a dash of olive oil, and steamed potatoes!

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

food news

dessert OR ANGE CREAM PARFAIT

INGREDIENTS

gelatin

4lbs (about 12) juice oranges 1 1/4 tbsp unflavored

1 cup whipping) cream

5 tbsp sugar Garnish: orange slices

Grate 4 tsp orange zest. Wrap 1 tsp; set aside.

Juice the oranges to make 3 cups juice. Pour 1/2 cup into a small saucepan and sprinkle in gelatin; let stand for 2 minutes.

Stir the mixture over low heat (a silicone spatula is good) until it is steaming and the gelatin is completely dissolved.

Stir in 3 tbsp sugar. When dissolved, pour into remaining juice.

Stir in 3 tsp zest. Pour into 8-in. square baking pan; refrigerate 2 hours, or until firm.

Up to 4 hours before serving: Whip cream with remaining 2 Tbsp sugar until soft peaks form when beaters are lifted. Stir in reserved 1 tsp zest. Cut gelatin into 1-in. squares. Using a spatula, place half the squares in the glasses and top them with half the cream. Repeat layers.

Served 9.30 till 5pm (Sunday till 12)

5 C hoice of 2 RSES MAIN COU 0 C hoice of 2 DESSERTS

Furore over foie gras

the Great British Menu and it is meant to be about celebrating the best of British but with the most un-British cruelty.’

One viewer wrote on the BBC’s message-board: ‘Foie gras is neither Great nor British.’

While the production of foie gras is illegal in the UK, it can be imported from abroad.

The BBC defended the use of the food, saying while it was controversial, it was ‘legal’, ‘freely available’ and ‘many people do enjoy it’.

Animal charity Viva has urged its members to write to the BBC to complain about the issue.

A spokesman for the charity said: ‘We want to encourage people to write to the BBC. People object to the fact that the licence fee is paying for chefs to use this.’

In a ‘suggested e-mail’ it is urging supporters to send to the BBC, the charity said foiegrois had been used extensively in the Great British Menu.

It adds that the BBC allowing it to be cooked and served on TV ‘helps publicise it and the abject cruelty behind its production’ and that it was ‘highly offensive’ that part of people’s licence fee was giving the product prominence.

A BBC spokesman said: ‘As long as foie gras remains legal and freely available there is the possibility that it could be used

as an ingredient in cookery programmes, just as it remains on restaurant menus around the world. If it were to be banned we would of course

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dessert

no longer allow it to be used.’

Sources at the BBC claimed there was evidence of a lobby involved in complaining about the issue.

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The BBC has received hundreds of complaints after it allowed chefs to use foie gras on one of its most popular cookery programmes.

Two chefs used the controversial French delicacy, which is made from duck or goose liver which has been deliberately fattened, usually by force feeding, on the Great British Menu.

The BBC2 show, now in its seventh series, sees chefs compete to produce dishes for a special event – this year a ‘glittering Olympic banquet’, which will be hosted by Sir Steve Redgrave.

But viewers reacted with fury after an episode last week showed two chefs serving starters to the judges which included foie gras.

During the North West heat, watched by more than two million, chef Johnnie Mountain cooked foie gras ice cream, while fellow competitor Aiden Byrne served black cherry and foie gras terrine.

The BBC has now received more than 400 complaints about the programme, which aired last Monday, as animal rights campaigners condemned the corporation for publicising the dish.

They called for the BBC to ban it from its shows.

Animal charity Viva has urged members to write to the BBC to complain. A spokesman said: ‘It is ironic how we have got

29

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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

El Rocio P ilgrimage

The first romería brotherhoods were established towards the end of the 17th century, and in 1758 the brotherhood of Almonte drew up the beginnings of the set of rules that we know today.

According to these rules, the pilgrims must follow the route either on horseback, on foot or by cart, and they must wear flamenco costume dress.

They must accompany the Simpecado, the oxcart that houses the Virgen. The different brotherhoods set out from different parts of Spain, especially from Andalucia, and the village somehow finds room for more than a million pilgrims.

A Sunday Mass is held for the multitude in El Real, the site of the romería, with offerings and prayers. The festivities continue as the pilgrims of El Rocio form rings, improvise songs or dance to the sound of a small drum, usually helped along by copious quantities of

wine.

On the Monday, at dawn, the Salto de la Reja takes place. This is the privilege of the brotherhood of Almonte, as they take the Virgin out of the shrine and parade her through the crowd who acclaim her as Queen of the marshes, and The White Dove.

Then the procession moves to the head-quarters of each of the different brother-hoods, where the Salve is sung, until the Virgin is finally taken away again and the festivities end.

After the Rosary a solemn procession through the village begins and ends at the Hermitage at 2 or 3 a.m. Nuestra Señora del Rocío is paraded before the faithful, early on the Sunday morning.

Once the processional banner of the Parent Brotherhood is safe in the Hermitage, the culmination of EI Rocío occurs - the Salto de la Verja or “Leap Over the Railings”. The many young

men from Almonte in the Hermitage literally leap over the iron grille railing protecting the altar and hoist the portable platform carrying the image of the Virgin on to their shoulders.

Then, the portable platform is paraded around the whole village, with a stop at most of the houses of the different brotherhoods until midday on Monday.

So, the Virgin goes around the village for twelve long hours until she is returned to her altar and the main part of the pilgrimage ends.

The pilgrimage of El Rocío is an instrumental part of the history and natural surroundings of Doñana. It is, by all accounts, a strange marriage between Europe’s largest pilgrimage and one of the world’s most significant national parks, but with seven centuries of shared tradition and legend bring together a pilgrimage brimming with spirituality and warmth.

A pilgrimage of oxcarts and horse-drawn wagons that allows the faithful to recapture the spirit of Andalucia’s most famous romería. El Rocio is without doubt the most popular romería - pilgrimage - in Andalucia, and perhaps in all of Spain. The Romería commemorates the miracle of Nuestra Señora del Rocío, a statue of the Madonna which was found in El Rocio and is credited with fertility & magical powers.

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animals

A South African businessman has got himself some extra protection - a Bengal tiger called Enzo.

The 330lb big cat lives with owner Michael Jamison and his girlfriend Jackie at their home in Brakpan.

They had always wanted a pet tiger - but decided to get one after twice being targeted by armed robbers.

“I feel much safer with Enzo in the house than without him,” said Mr Jamison. “I wanted a tiger and then I got one.”

One-year-old Enzo is actually a big baby who sleeps with Mr Jamison in his bed, has a cat box and enjoys eating on the kitchen counter.

He gets bottle-fed twice a day as well as consuming around 4kg of meat. He eats rice with chicken or mince

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alongside the couple’s three dogs, with whom he is apparently good friends.

Not long after Enzo arrived, police and officers from the department of nature conservation arrived on their doorstep to check him out.

Mr Jamison added: “Everybody wanted to come and rescue the tiger.” However, after officials found nothing amiss, Enzo was allowed to stay.

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS -

E M A IL EDI T OR @ SOLT I M ES . C O M

soldiers off the streets ROJALES PANTOMIME GROUP charity.......................................... There is still time to purchase tickets for the groups show On 5 June the Queen will be on parade with her soldiers to celebrate a special day. There are many ex military recently out of the forces for various reasons living in appalling conditions with no jobs, no homes or money - no hope. www.soldiersoffthestreets.co.uk is a registered charity that volunteers to help these people.

Many people will be having parties to celebrate this special day and i thought that if people wished, a collection box could be handy for people to put 50 cents into the box - this is not a lot of money to us but each 50 cents will help these volunteers to assist these people, soup kitchens to feed them, clothe & talk with them and find out their needs and then help them. Their address is on their website or contact 966 789 063 for information.

The Cardenal Belluga Theatre Group...........................................

The Cardenal Belluga Theatre Group will be performing their latest production, at the San Fulgencio Theatre on FRIDAY 25TH MAY AT 8PM. “Here We Go Again” A Night of Variety.

The first half will be on the lines of an Old Time Music Hall with lots of audience participation expected. The second half will have a theme of the beach and the seaside. The songs will take you on a trip down memory lane and the comedy sketches will have you rolling in the aisles. It’s the way they tell ‘em! Once again the the costumes will be stunning, especially when we all go to the ball!

So don’t forget to put the 25th May in your diaries. Tickets are now on sale at the greatly reduced price of 6€ from The Tourist Information Centre and The Butterfly Children’s Charity shop both in La Marina. Or please contact Maria on 966 715 891

THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION..................................

THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION, Torrevieja Branch, meet at 1700 on the first Wednesday of each month at La Rustika Restaurante (formally Los Arcos Restaurante), Avenida Baleares, Torrevieja. Contact Mike Wright, Chairman 966 188 701 or Margaret Forshaw, Secretary 966 921 996.

PHEONIX SOLOS CLUB...................

meet Mondays 11.00-13.00 at the International Marina Club, Torrevieja. Join us for Sunday lunches, 10 pin bowling, holidays, and various other social events. Anyone welcome but very popular with the over 50’s/60’s. Please contact Kitty 96 5328 557.

THE SPIRITUALIST CHURCH, QUESADA.........................................

Meets at Sociedad Compas, 14 Calle de Toledo, Quesada. We hold a Sunday Service at 11.30 a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship at 7.30 p.m. And every Thursday there is an Open Circle where you can develop your skills commencing at 7.30 p.m. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service. Pauline Silver (U.K. Medium) will take the Divine Service on Sunday, 27th May.. On Tuesday 29th May there will be an Evening of Mediumship with the Fledglings The Divine Service on Sunday, June 3rd will be taken by Debbie Blevins. Support your church. Everybody welcome. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www.spiritualistchurchquesada.com

31

‘The Wizard of Oz’ come and see Lion, Tin man, Scarecrow and of course Dorothy, this production will take place at The Escuela de Musica Los Montesinos 31st May and 1st June starting 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee only 2.30pm.

Tickets 8€ (7€ if bought in advance!) Only 5€ for children.

Make a note for your Diaries! A treat for all ages. Various outlets for tickets call Chris 678 212 034 or 646 576 676 for info.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST CON TRICKS AND FRAUDS...............

Talks about how to take preventive measures against con tricks and frauds, organised by the Rojales Town Hall, will be held in the following dates and venues: Friday, May 25th, in the Cultural Centre of Ciudad Quesada at 6pm.

Thursday, May 31st, in the Cultural Centre of Heredades at 6pm Friday, June 1st, in the Social Centre of Rojales at 6pm Looking forward to see you there ~ José Ramón García, Ayuntamiento de Rojales, Rojales Town Hall

PASO A PASO CerocStyle and Line Dance CLUB...........................

Summer 2012 times and venues.

CerocStyle Classes with Adam and Maxine Mondays 7pm-9pm Beginners at Breakaways, Pueblo Principe (new class and venue commences 21st May) Wednesdays 7pm -10pm Beg / Int at Don Decades, Le Reigia, Orihuela Costa.

Thursdays 7pm-10pm Beg / Int at Los Rosales Restaurant, Lemon Tree Rd cv895, Guardamar.

No partner-Never Danced-No problem. Its the easy jive with latin style.

LEARN TO LINE DANCE WITH ADAM: Mondays 10.30am at The Sportsman, Quesada. (new class and venue commences 21st May) Wednesdays 5pm at Don Decades, Le Reigia. (same place, note new time) MAXINE TRUDIE ENTERTAINS AT LOS ROSALES RESTAURANT, LEMON TREE ROAD, CV895, GUARDAMAR. Every other Sunday from 13th May, 1pm-4pm.

FREE ENTRY EVENT. BBQ AVAILABLE TEL 670711408 www.modern-jive-spain.com

Strictly Dance Classes.............

Strictly Dance Classes and practice at The Club Quesada every Monday & Tuesday 8pm-10:15pm. Have you learned the brand new Argentine Waltz yet? Its the latest craze. Come and join us for more details contact Lyn on 635584431

Rojales Neighbourhood Watch ............................................

is holding its quarterly meeting at 11.00 on Monday 4th June in the Municipal centre in Ciudad Quesada. The meeting is open to all people living in the 03170 postal area and we look forward to welcoming you.

If you would like more information about Rojales Neighbourhood Watch please refer to our website: www. rojalesnw.info or contact David East david.east82@gmail. com or Helen Tudor helentudor22@gmail.com

50+ solos lunches.......................

If you are on your own and would like to have lunch and a chat with people in similar situations read the following and if it appeals to you join us at one of our lunches.

FRIDAY 25 May 13.00 for 13.30 meet for lunch at Chulletin Washington Square San Luis. Perhaps Menu of the Day or they will give us a couple of choices. Please contact Ruth 966789063 to book Price is 8.50 euros and lovely SATURDAY 2 June Crazy golf and lunch at Quesada. Great fun and lovely lunch after. we meet 11.30 approximately.

The menu can be chosen when you contact Ruth 966 789 063 to book.

CASTILLA AMIGOS..........................

We are a friendship group for single people, meeting every Wednesday afternoon from 3 p.m. at RUBY’S BAR on El Raso (off the Lemon Tree Road) Guardamar. New friends are always welcome. ANN - 965 070 247 - 666 747 398 or BERNIE - 966 849 057

Welcome Events..........................

Wednesday 13th June - Ladies Day at Mariano’s, with fashion show, raffle, bingo, buffet and drinks. Entertainment by Pat Martin. Ladies, don’t miss this one. Just €12.

Wednesday 20th June - Summer Ball at Pinoto De Oro, Aledo, with 6 course meal, all drinks, champagne reception, entertainment by Pat Martin plus mystery guest. €29. Coach available at €6.

Both the October and Christmas trips to Benidorm are now sold out.

For more details plus ticket sales, call Rosemary on 620105179.

A concert of beautiful music in Pilar........................................... FRIENDS 4US...................................

The mixed voice chamber choir, In Harmony, is putting on a concert of beautiful music in Pilar de la Horadada next Sunday, 27th May. In Harmony, conducted by leading professional conductor Nigel Hopkins, will perform a programme of liturgical church music which includes some of the finest examples ever written. The programme will include music

by Mozart, Stainer, Walford Davies, Hugh Roberton, Karl Jenkins, and many others whose names may be unknown, but whose music will last for ever.

The 24 strong ‘In Harmony’ are amongst the foremost choral groups on the Costa between Benidorm and Cartagena, and enjoy a fine reputation singing in beautiful acoustics, such as will be found in the church, Nuestra Senora de Pilar, in Pilar Square.

The concert begins at 8pm (20.00hrs) and is FREE. This will be a relaxing evening, with music to please every ear, and is highly recommended to all music lovers.

space for a little one?

Do you have any fundraising ideas? Would you like to organize or hold an event for APAH. If you have some great ideas and have some free time please contact Natasha on 616 210 850 or visit www.apahrescue.org Leo is a year and a half old. He was found under a tree in Playa Flamenca with his two brothers when he was 8 weeks old. Leo would love to go to a home that already has another dog as he doesn’t like to be on his own. He has been chipped, castrated and vaccinated.

Tyson is a year old, he was found in Campoverde in a cardboard box with his 2 sisters at only 8 weeks old. He is very energetic and needs lots of walks. He has been castrated, chipped and vaccinated.

Do you love dogs? We are urgently looking for long term foster carers, if you could give a temporary home to one of our beautiful dogs please contact Natasha on 616210850 alternatively please visit our website www.apahrescue. org Naturally, all veterinary treatment is carried out by our own vets and we supply equipment and food.

Please visit our website www.apahrescue.org under urgent appeals to see our other dogs in need of finding a foster home.

meet in Quesada area every Friday from 11am. Social and support network. Help with Spanish. Call Lynda for details 965 501 550

Torrevieja Christian Fellowship Services...................

Torrevieja Christian Fellowship Services are held each Sunday at 10.30 am. when Communion is served and children’s Sunday School, plus Wednesday at 6.30 pm. at Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas 68, (between Iceland and the Needle - opposite Maxi Dia) Torrevieja. A warm welcome awaits you!”

Pilar Christian Community Church ..........................................

Calle Canalejas 3. Pilar de la Horadada.

Sunday Service at 11am, and Thursday at 5pm for Bible study and Prayer. Home groups meet during the week. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information contact PilarChristian.CommunityChurch@gmail. com or contact Reverend Eddie on 966 769 300 or 650 509 606. Reg No:2009-SG/A

BADMINTON AT PILAR DE LA HORADADA......................................

On Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs 10.00 To 1.00 For information tel: John McGilvray 966 786 774 OR email carolejohn_3@ hotmail.com

leo

TYSON

www.way2gohire.com

32

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

to place your advertisment....

Furniture first

ALL SEASONS I Fully fitted by R C City & Guilds O Trained Installation team N Fully Legal & Insured S.L. company

WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE QUALITY FURNITURE Open Mon - Fri 10 - 18.00, Sat 10 - 14.00 C/Pablo Neruda 2, Local 5, Rojales

PLEASE CALL JAMIE ON: 966 713 075 OR 680 545 923 www.southcostablancaonline.com

electricians

building services A1 Constuction for skip hire, tipping, digging, rubbish removal & all building work, Tel: 628 505 733 or 608 179 450 (tc)

AWNINGS DIRECT

• Vertical Blinds • Window Blinds • New Covers • Repairs

COMPUTERS

At least 150 Colours To Choose From

Tel: Mick 676 583 246

from la Marina to San Javier

beauty

boats

for all your beauty needs, Call B O A T I N G Jan on 672 880 353 LICENSES ARE beds NOW A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN SPAIN Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, VHF & ICC. Own-boat tuition on sail and power. If you have a See our Advertisement on yacht or powerboat qualified and page 13 for more information get certified. Contact Centro Commercial, Flamenca Beach, Richard +34 638 La Planta, Playa Flamenca 056 224 Email: e n q u i r i e s @ serenitysailing. com or visit: www. businesses for sale serenitysailing.com

Sweet Dreams

50% off all matresses

ELECTRICS & PLUMBING IN THE COSTA BLANCA

no job too small & free estimates! specialists in all electrical & plumbing works

new icp’s fitted - swimming pool heaters & air-con, electric gates & burglar alarms hot water boilers,gas heaters & solar new bath/shower suites - spanish legal

10Mbps Internet ANYWHERE in Europe.

Phones www.electriancostablanca.co.uk for immediate installation from less than 1 cent Electrician ELECTRICITY, PLUMBING, for sale minute, no monthly AIR-CON available for all fee.

Computer in Torrevieja & surrounding Mobility Scooter works. sales and repairs from Sunshine areas.

Denia to Mazarron. Small or large.

Mobility, Royal Blue, No call out fee Call Clive 966 260 hardly used as new, Call Dave Tel: 622 381 979 403 or 648 883 With Basket 693 251 562.

Tel: 658 632 056 202 www. clivegray 495€ o.n.o. davendonc@aol.com www.hacerman.webs.com computers.eu

call clive: 617 268 346 or frank: 639 988 487

Tel:966 717 147

doors

Simply Doors Espana (Quesada)

uk manufactured, made to measure, composite & pvc doors & windows with up to 25 years guarantee over 40 styles to choose from with colour options on composite doors

Mañanas

Los Arcos, Ciudad Quesada Tel: 653 634 714 from Sheets 3.45€ Linen Mills, Calle Los Arcos, Ciudad Quesada Tel: 653 634 714

from €595 fully installed

only €595, Tel: Simply Doors on Low maintenance 966 718 738, or call Weed Free ~ Non Slip at our showroom at Calle Azul, Ciudad Matt or Gloss finish Quesada, see our Wide variety of main ad on page 17 tables, colours & patterns Pool snooker Free survey & quotation tables, table Tel / Fax 966 797 651 Mobile: 606 869 121 tennis tables, darts. email: info@pbpavingspain.com www.pbpavingspain.com Tel:666 933 726 www.spainpool.com Pattern Imprinted Concrete

OFFICES & SERVICE CENTRE LOS CARASOLES, NEAR CUCADOR

SOLTIMES N E W S PA P E R G R O U P

www.soltimes.com

TEL: 902 750 190

OFFICE SPACE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS Tel: 902 750 190 Move in and start work immediaTely TELEPHONE & INTERNET ACCESS CONVENIENTLY SITUATED - FREE PARKING

health & beauty Jane Salon in Bolnuevo for all health & beauty treatments including hair, nails, massage, skin care & much more. Tel: 968 158 433 or 611 611 858 (tc)

heating NEATER HEATER See our mail advert on Page 5

insurance asssa medical insurances Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, Tel: 968 153 396, mazarron@asssa. es

locksmiths Locks r us 24hr emergency locksmith, tel: 653 145 300, see main ad on front page.

jewellery

GOLD WANTED

English jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery, silver and coins

IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT Call Peter

664 890 990

Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths

musician

DRUMMER, seeks a band 50’s, 60’s, 70’s for sale 181 188 Camposol etc. Contact Mick Tel: 965 701 525 / 676 122 051 Linen Mills, Calle area, can deliver.

Pillows from 4.95€ Linen Mills, Calle Los Arcos, Ciudad Quesada Tel: 653 634 714 Mountain Bike (Adult) Front Suspension. 18 gear.

As New. 70€ Tel: 868 181 188 Camposol area, can deliver.

6 Mats, 1 Punch Bag and Gloves, Rubber Knives and Batons 100€ Telephone Evenings 654 666 686

Denon Music System, Amplifier, Calle azul, cuidad quesada Tuner, Tape deck and CD player tel: 966 718 738 together with two box see our main ad on page 17 speakers. 30€ euros.

Tel 647 101 663 for sale cement paving Table lamp, Thai Over 40 composite porcelain, wood base, The ultimate in and PVC doors, blue/white €40 Blue area Tel: 608 Bed bases from concrete design fully installed from Lagoon 700 698

Tel: 965 321 701

Please contact Tel: 966 781 307

sl

house clearance specialist FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE

awnings

Popular Cafe Bar in Algorfa Traspaso/Lease for sale full legal license 40 covers inside 20 covers outside Fully stocked Existing business ready for immediate takeover

est 2006

ROJALES SPECIALIST OF PRE - OWNED FURNITURE & AccESSORIES AT SENSIBLE PRICES

Prices from as little as 349€ supplied and fitted Free no obligation survey and quotation www.allseasons-spain.com email:info@allseasons-spain.com AUTHORISED INSTALLER FOR SIMULSAT TV Call John on 608279075

• Retractable Awnings Plano • Toldo

(Glorieta) • Balcony Blinds

Costa blanca areas christine 966 718 979 Costa calida area lesley 902 750 190 ext 334

Furniture

car hire

air conditioning

By PERSON: Quesada business centre, calle los arcos 7, quesada

Private sale ads are free under 300€ (3 ads per week) email them to: blancasales@soltimes.com

Baby Gate colour white €15 Tel: 965 325 083 Inshore Lalizas sailing jacket, Yellow/blue adult size S reasonable condition.

Photo available 35€Tel: 966848086.

Television, 42” Sharp LED. Excellent condition.

Superb M attresses , picture, little used brand new from 49€ 220€ ono Tel: 868

Lenny Mitchell, guitarist singer, international, professional, solo act. lenny Mitchell & his musical time machine invite you on a trip back to the 60’s & 70’s.

Available to play in any venue. tel: 658 321 891 or email lennymitchell@live.co.uk

photography

35€ Linen Mills, Calle Los Arcos, Ciudad Quesada Tel: 653 634 714 Dining table, oblong shape, med walnut finish with six chairs. Length 150cm, extends to 240cm. Width 90 cm. 160 Euros ONO. VGC. Pictures avail on request.

Campoamor area.

Tel: 966 775 768 or 688800960.

hearing aids

Digital hearing calle los arcos 7, quesada business centre

digital hearing aids

‫٭‬30 day free trial-money back guarantee ‫٭‬free no obligation hearing tests ‫٭‬fully qualified UK dispenser 95 4 ‫٭‬Michael Burke RHAD MAHA € m fro

Tel: 698 418 642 www.prestigeguides.com/hearing

piano tuner

Piano Man Qualified piano tuner & technician-piano man

607 346 658 + 665 786 226

info.pianoman@gmail.com plastering

English Plasterer internal finishing, external rendering, 15 years experience, good rates. Call Chris 671 444 246 email: c_pettit@hotmail.co.uk

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

property for sale

removals

FOR SALE

Apartment (Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi, Costa Blanca 4 Bed, 2 Bath, Large Terrace, Lounge, Sep Kitchen, Utility Room, Communal Solarium, Lift, Furnished inc. White Goods, UK TV , 90m² Interior Living Space plus, 15m² Terrace / Balcony with Awnings Spacious apartment overlooks a newly reformed Plaza, views of the church & mountains, unusually large terrace. 2 min walk away from the town’s attractive central square, all other amenities are also within easy walking distance,12 mins drive from the resort of Guardamar del Segura. Close to La Finca Golf course

VANTASTIC 3.5 tonne removals or any handyman & van service Also Spain-UK

See our main advert on page 5

Tel: 693 251 562 E MAIL: davendonc@aol. com

Tel: 968 654 667

LWB Sprinter

simply removals

van going from south to North

Spain ‹ UK › Spain

of the UK & back

• Full & Part Loads • Local-No jobs too small • Pets Welcome • Experienced owner/driver (Playa Flamenca)

every 2 weeks,

Price (Private Sale)

based near Murcia

Tel: (0034) 676 534 978

7519 186 355. or

Airport. Tel: 610

€ 79,950

846 260/ 0044

for SALE

hotmail.co.uk

For Sale

1 bedroom apartment on Cortijo Grande This is a unique spanish country cortijo Golf Course. with 4 beds, 2 bath, Open plan living areas, New kitchen & kitchen & dining room as well as a workshop, white goods courtyard front & Lovely views. back & room for a Parking. pool. Mountain views.

Close to Mojacar. possible B& B All legal with Build 256 m², Terrace 100m², Plot 1200 m² paperwork.

Telephone 649 186 107

664 291 793

CALL

• Gates 7 Grills to order • Home Security by Experts • Pool Cleaning • Car Hire & more

Express

International relocation & storage specialists

UK Spain Uk

Telephone

property services

• Key Holding • Changeovers • Cleaning Services • Starter Packs • Regular Checks

Linen Mills

€59,950 o.n.o

email for more info at thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

christinetaffe@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 603 192 957/966 848 607

UK: 00 44 790 519 8895 MEL LANDON melvyynleo@yahoo.com

email: van.man@

massive detatched cortijo with 50m2 workshop 20mins from mojacar

an absolute bargain! only €150,000 ono

33

SOLTIMES

CLASSIFIED

902 750 190

ext 330

property wanted

SALE & RENTAL PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, Orihuela Costa & Costa Calida

We have clients enquiring in this area

Contact CASASOL REAL ESTATE tel: 965 325 601 Email: tony@casasolrealestate.com

Selling Homes In Spain Since 2001 WE URGENTLY REQUIRE PROPERTIES IN COSTA BLANCA / COSTA CALIDA FOR OUR SERIOUS CASH BUYERS...!

RING NOW 0034 966 733 079 FOR AN APPOINTMENT

• International relocation & storage specialists • Professional family run business for over 35 years with prestigious trucks • Door to door - UK - France - Spain • All year service • Secure storage in UK and Spain • All areas covered - Export packing service Internal Removals available • Part / Full loads - Free in-transit insurance • Cars and motorcycles transported

weekly service 620 582 063

Export Packaging Service

Spain: 968 432 599 / 646 600 898 UK: 0044 1295 275074 colesremovalsinspain@gmail.com

Neighbourhood

Watch in

Spain

Contact & information on our website www. nhwinspain. com or Geoff Salter

Telephone 620417777

removals low cost spain - uk - uk - spain local moves full or part loads pets welcome

brian Playa Flamenca Tel: 965 326 920 666 847 648 email: beechdale@hotmail.co.uk

professional& experienced man & large van

for hire

local deliveries, pick ups & removals call robbie

644 131 825

34

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

satellite tv

body repairs

Rainbow Satellites for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact Matt or Alan 686 358 475 or rainbowsats@terra.es

swimming pools

Swimming Pool Maintenance • weekly cleaning visits • private & communal • repairs & re-grouts

661 208 917

www.swimmingpoolmaintenance.eu

watermaid europe

swimming pool maintenance, heat pumps, saltwater & Filter system. instualtions www.watermaideurope.com

tel: 636 698 501 wanted

BODYWORK & PAINT SPECIALISTs

FULLY LEGAL WORK GUARANTEED LATEST PAINT TECHNOLGY COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE PLASTIC WELDING (BUMPERS) SAME DAY SERVICE FOR MINOR DAMAGE HEADLAMPS REFURBISHED

Approved Insurance Repairers

(follow Daya Nueva road behind Fajovi)

Transport available Pick up & Drop off service

Tel 669 723 709

www.subastaladaya.com

Wanted

Scrap Gold Cash paid for all gold, jewellery or exchange for new

The Treasure Chest: 966 718 100 or 966 765 374 wigs

wanted cars for cash

Need quality new parts for any car

for sensible prices on all parts

Clutches, Brakes, alternators, service kits Starter Motors, headlights

Free quote go online or phone www.carpartsinspain.com

or telephone 692 930 326

Behind the Sunday Zoco Market CV940 Benijofar • San Miguel Finca Garroferos • Nave 8 • Algorfa 03169 Email: rapidrepairs2668@yahoo.co.uk

SPECIALISTS IN SUPPLY OF LHD HEADLIGHTS & RESTORATION OF LHD HEADLIGHTS

JT METAL NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL IN THE REGIONS OF MURCIA

Turn your old or unwanted CAR into CASH. We will dispose of in our Authorised Depollution End of Life Treatment facility.

We also take Certificates issued House & garden fridges, washing cle arances machines, , skips supp lied microwaves, CARS, VANS, LORRIES, TRACTORS, all electrical TRAILERS, PLANT MACHINERY appliances

Spanish or English Also buyers of COPPER, BRASS, ALUMINIUM, LEAD, STAINLESS STEEL

E

Don’t take a chance!

Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates 490€ plus Road Tax plus CO2 emission if applicable WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

vehicle imports & matriculation.fast and competitive rates. call 687 845 730

For re-registration of cars, Salon Margarethas 24 years in motorbikes and motor homes Torrevieja hair/wig specialist for medical contact Graham Shelton illness and hair loss problems. We offer Who after re-registering over different hair replacements, top fillers, hair 1000 vehicles will put you on the prostheses, toupees & wigs. Natural & right side of the road. artificial hair & much more. Also fashion/ 605 319 889 or 966 753 375 festival accessories. TV/TS are welcome www.spanish-number-plates.com to our service. Call Margaretha on 966 info@spanish-number-plates.com 921 846 for an appointment.

FOR SERVICING TO PRE-ITV CHECKS TO AIR-CONDITIONING RECHARGE

TEL: 966 877 145/618 547 491 EMAIL: admin@headlights4u.com

mechanic

RECYCLING

GB

telephone Tim on 662 211 993 recruitment

Established

International Real estate Company in the La Zenia Requires

cars for sale Looking for a car we have a good selection of LHD & RHD vehicles available for sale or exchange. Tel: 600 726 221 / 965 687 976. www. fwreurocars.com

Ford Mondeo 2003 5 door hatch 2.0 TDCi Auto,Guia Diesel 87,000 kms, 2 owners Alloys, Climate, High Spec model Full service history Metallic silver

€5,950

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

ToyotaRav 4 2003 - 4x2 1.8 VVTi 16v 107,000 kms, 2 owners Full service history A/C, PAS, ABS Front fog lights E. windows/mirrors Roof rails Multi CD player Remote locking Rear head restraints Dark metallic blue

€6,950

www.fwreurocars.com

600 726 221 965 687 976

Speaking Personnel for Immediate Start

Call 0034 966 733 079

for an interview

vehicles wanted

Vehicles registration

Best prices paid Spanish English Anything considered

Swedish/English

Ken brooks: 645 162 808/654 907 247

“RE-PLATE” MATE items for auction held every friday 5pm at British Indoor Market, La Daya, La Fabrica Industrial near Almoradi

Car parts

jig facilities

TEL: 645 094 339 / 950 064 763 d on ’t ch it i’ll uck ta ke it

Vehicles wanted

headlights

WANTED

dea d or ali ve

car parts

All vehicle repairs, servicing, small bodywork repairs, ITV and paperwork needs. Ken Sherwood, British Mechanic - Tel: 679 646 859 (Costa Calida area only).

Vehicles wanted

C AR S 4 CASH

WE BUY

Cars, Vans, Bikes Damaged or Scrap Reliable Cars Bought For Cash bangers4cash@yahoo.co.uk

603 100 692

WANTED

JCB’s, Mini-Diggers (All Makes), Tractors, Trailers & all other types of plant machinery.

Any age, any condition.

Cash buyer All 4x4 vehicles

Urgently Required

ALL Mitsubishi Shogun, Monteo, Pajero, Landrover & all other makes

collect from anywhere

Tel: 645 094 339 or 950 064 763

Used

Motorbikes

sell, buy & repair

transfer on Spanish reg home service pickup

Call Marcel 644 166 347 Guardamar personals

“Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the ads in this section offensive”

Spanish lady Playa Flamenca near new Carrefour before La Florida.

35 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking.

Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, prices from 40€.

Full discretion. Tel: Ana 680 735 412 natasha , Divorced, diverse super sexy, private apartment, complete massage with massage bed.

Very discreet. Call 677 676 554 San Policarpo No. 87 Apt 1-17 Cerca Calle Orihuela.

Can accommodate one person or accompanied. elegant Slim, sexy italian lady available home/house visits.

Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre pacheco & Mazarron. Escort available, home & house visits Tel: 693 357 526

CASH CASH CASH Same day collection

We pay instant cash same day for cars, vans, bikes, quads, caravans, trailers, absolutley anything!

From 1€ to 10,000€

Call Phil: 607 848 332

WANTED

Torrevieja, Private in our villa

Cars, Motorhomes, 4x4’s, Boats, Vans, Trailers, Quads, Classics

Oriental Erotic Massage,body to body, Horny 3 trio, 4 Hands ,2 couple hot Lips and

ALL VEHICLES

FOR CASH Telephone:

699 805 995

Monique,Carla and Patty

3 naughty women, for all you fantasies.

MAY OFFER

1 great ….20€ DISCOUNT!

25 m² indoor spa. private garden with pool.

70 m² Play zones with love furniture and all the sex toys you can imagine English, Spanish, Dutch & German Spoken.

Tel:635 687 396

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be?

Millions of years ago Prehistoric Woman discovered that Prehistoric Bison, once caught and killed by Prehistoric Man, tasted a lot nicer once it had been burnt a bit over a Prehistoric fire, or cooked, as we now call it.

About the same time she told Prehistoric Baby not to stick its finger in the fire, as she had done that once, and it was painful.

Prehistoric Baby probably did stick his finger in it anyway, but the moral of the story is that we learn by experience.

I put this to the test last week: Feeling the need for bladder relief I sought out the Servicios in an unfamiliar café, where, as usual, there was only one Ladies.

I tried the door, which did not yield, but instead a female voice called out

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

from within. What it called I know not, as it was rendered unintelligible by the solidness of the door, but I assumed that it was something along the lines of ‘Go away, I’m busy’ in Spanish.

I retreated a polite distance, but the calling increased, and was accompanied by an urgent knocking. While I wondered what was going on the small elderly patron approached the door with a large lethal screwdriver and a stream of Spanish.

While both sides of the door were being verbally harangued he inserted the screwdriver in the lock and twisted it, upon which the door opened to reveal a very relieved English lady, now freed from her prison of convenience.

Her releasing angel then demonstrated how to operate the lock; obviously he thought that the English were not sufficiently technologically advanced to understand its workings, (it was one of those with a small twisty bit in the

I wish I were what people could refer to as an eccentric.

I would even settle for, “I dunno, that Colin – he’s a character isn’t he”, being said about me. Mind you I reckon I am half way there, because the pre-requisite of becoming a character is to be a miserable old git, or in more recent parlance, a grumpy old man and these are traits that I am frequently accused of possessing.

During a trip back to the mother country, we happened to drive past a house on the outskirts of our village that was once occupied by one of life’s great characters and a very interesting man to boot. He was a retired colonel of The Brigade of Guards, known to

all his friends and fellow exofficers as Seamus because of his Irish antecedents. He was an aristocrat through and through, but treated everyone he came into contact with in exactly the same uncondiscending way - be they royalty or street cleaner.

His language when telling one of his famous stories to the boys, was barrack room vernacular at its bawdy best, with more f****rs flying around than in the entire German air force. But then when engaging ladies in conversation or delighting them with stories of a more romantic nature, he was the epitome of charm and courteousness. Kissing hands or tipping his hat were as natural to him as eating peas off a knife is to me.

I first came into contact with him when I was engaged in transporting some blue clay dredgings from a nearby lake to the Colonels’ trout pond that lay to the rear of his

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com

house. Blue clay is the ideal natural material to line new or old ponds in order to stop seepage and as his was losing water at an alarming rate, this was the perfect solution. He could often be seen in the early evening casting a fly from well back on his lawn, onto the pond that was about half the size of Nick Clegg’s ego. So still fairly large.

There was no short cut method or mechanical means to execute the work and it was a crude affair of manually

viewpoint

centre of the knob, which I never trust anyway) before allowing me to enter.

I surveyed my destination, which lived up to the euphemism of ‘the smallest room’, and determined that I would learn by its previous occupant’s experience, and not get locked in.

I estimated the distance between the toilet and the door, compared it with the length of my leg, and decided that I could fulfil the needs of Nature while keeping my foot firmly on the inside of the door.

Thus I emerged relieved, suffering neither the embarrassment of interruption nor the vagaries of the unreliable lock.

It brought to mind a ditty we used

My Friend The Colonel.............

lobbing great gobs of wet clay at the sides and bottom of the temporarily drained pond, until all surfaces were completely covered. It was the height of summer, and therefore hot and tiring work – but strangely satisfying. I mean, who doesn’t like to get completely messed up with muddy water and smelly gunge and get paid for it? Alright just me then.

Enter Seamus – a man of unexpectedly slight stature, sporting a clipped military style moustache and dressed

35

to sing with much giggling at Primary School; ‘Oh dear, what can the matter be? Two old ladies got locked in the……

Hold on, not so much of the old, please!

in his gardening clothes of pressed combat fatigues and clogs. With his arm extended in introduction, and without turning a hair, he grabbed my clay-caked hand enthusiastically and very soon began relating the first of what was to be a plethora of stories spread over that summer.

His mother he informed me, was of genteel birth and as with all such ladies of good breeding at the turn of the century, further education was frowned upon. The emphasis was to marry well and acquire a husband from the aristocracy or upper classes. But being something of a rebel, she had persuaded her parents otherwise, and she attended a finishing school for young gels somewhere in the English countryside – an establishment that was to all intents and purposes, a stately home of some magnificence. There was a blue-blooded principal of formidable appearance and character and an old retainer of advanced years who ‘did’ for the young ladies at meal times.

One evening over dessert the old butler shuffled in, in his usual

unhurried way and bending down painfully to engage the principals ear, said: “Begging pardon Ma’am, no need for alarm, but there ‘as been a occurrence in the kitchen and the ‘ouse is on fire”. There was a sharp intake of breath from the young ladies and I suspect a hint of nervous flatulence, but no noticeable reaction from the head of the table from where, ramrod straight, she informed her gels that the meal should be finished with due decorum.

Satisfied that nothing – no not even a raging inferno which part of the house had now become – would interrupt their set routine, they were eventually led to the safety of the gardens in an orderly and dignified manner and watched the house burn to the ground.

It was an illustration of the once famous and now sadly defunct, British stiff upper lip.

The colonel is sadly no longer with us, but he was the finest example of those few of the upper classes who have no pretentions about their status and treat everyone with the respect and courtesy they merit, regardless of background or station in life.

swimming pools

pool sureste sl made with “Gunite” FREE Dolphin & Seal Mosiac Design on base of pool. Ask for details.

Al

l sh & SIZES apes eg.

8.500 €

8m.X 4m. pool Repairs Terraces Pool Covers

www.carsupermarket.es

968 461 404 - 630 810 299 E-mail: ppsl@ono.com www.poolsureste.com

36

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

braben’s blog.... ...there is a frog in my pool I was in the waiting room to see the Doctor the other day. It was nothing serious, I had gone to see if I could have my overdraft surgically removed. The visit was a disappointment though, it turns out that the waiting list for that particular medical procedure is longer than the zeroes in a banker’s bonus! While I was there I made a discovery, waiting rooms house the biggest collection of the most boring and massively out of date reading matter in the Western world. That being the case, why, remarkably, was everyone reading any magazine they could get their hands on so avidly?

It’s true. Every person in there was absolutely riveted to an ancient copy of Readers Digest or “Hello” magazine, containing the latest exclusive photographs of Jennifer Anniston’s marriage to Brad Pitt. I have to say that I was fascinated to know what treasures were inside those magazines, as the ones nearest to me held my attention for less than the blink of a goldfishes’ eye.

Fortunately, the person devouring Readers Digest went in to the Doctor, so quicker than you can say Lllanfairpwgyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch- I swooped for it, whilst trying to unravel my tongue. What a disappointment-it was as bad as the others I had tried. Yet still the people in there were glued to every word they read, not moving their heads, not making eye contact.

Then I realised, that’s it! Nobody was looking at anybody.

Everyone in that room was using the magazines not to expand their knowledge, but to avoid making any contact with their fellow patients. I suppose you can understand it-what after all would you talk about? Swap illness stories? Compare symptoms? But then it struck me, we’re all guilty of doing it! In lifts, don’t we all ignore the stranger who is only inches from us? On the tube in a busy city, nobody stands, staring at their neighbour, rather we devour the adverts and the underground map, as if to look away would bring upon us the wrath of the communication police!

So, next time you are in a crowded waiting room, or on a rather cramped train, be aware, the rule is that you don’t look at anyone. Dare to talk to anyone and you will be immediately whisked away to a solitary room and made to listen to Hannah Montana’s Greatest Hits until you beg for mercy - shouldn’t take long!

Graham is married to Helen and has a daughter, Alice.

He lives part of the year near Albox, but works in Qatar, teaching. If you wish to contact Graham regarding this article email: helenandg@yahoo.co.uk

To mark the passing of the seasons I note the first of this or the last of that. Summer officially started for me when the cursed socks were relegated back to the drawer. In the village where we live Donkey is back in a nearby field and chomping daily on the carrots myself and another neighbour provide him.

The Swallows (or are they House Martins ?) are back and are busy making their nest in the front porch; designing it with geometrical accuracy so that when they pooh over the side it will land on any visitors head if they happen to be passing through the front door. We use the back door just in case.

The warmer months encourages nature’s creatures to strut their stuff. A frog has taken residence in our swimming pool and has cleverly worked out that if he sits in the skimmer it works like an echo chamber so giving him the loudest croak in the village! This boy racer frog will soon no doubt have the lady frogs hanging off his frog legs! In respect for his ingenuity I don’t have the heart to turf him out. This is apparently usual behaviour for frogs as a friend of mine who used to clean pools for a living told me of a frog that he removed every week from a clients pool and took him to a rambla. Every week afterwards the frog was the don key back and as summer went on he got paler and paler for returns as the chlorine bleached his skin; maybe that’s how the summer Michael Jackson did it?

I mentioned Mini Cine in Albox last week and then discovered an outdoor cinema running every Wednesday evening throughout the summer; La Montana Restaurant near Bedar hold their movie nights in conjunction with Desert Stars run by Laurence and David. Recently they showed the Almodovar film Volver starring Penelope Cruz. Screened in Spanish with subtitles it was not only very funny but I for one picked up a few new Spanish words. Every fourth week a film will be shown in Spanish so giving us all a chance to practice the language. This week is in English with the film Calendar Girls and next week is Hitchcock’s classic Vertigo. It costs 2.50€ per person with the full menu available pre-film and then snacks available during the movie featuring hot dogs, fries, and popcorn of course.

In these turbulent times all extra marketing Findmeahome can do to help owners sell their properties must be a good thing. We have a Facebook page and all readers are invited to visit it and like our page https://www.facebook.com/findmeahome Stephen Amore has lived in Almeria since July 2006 and owns Findmeahome estate agency. Writing on a variety of topics close to his heart such as environmental issues, animal welfare, food and drink, music and travel, as well as commenting on the absurdities of living in Spain! email: stephen@findmeahome.es - www.facebook.com/stephen.amore

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SOLTIMES MAY 2012

sport

FC CARTAGENA.............................

CLOSING TIME AT LAST CHANCE SALOON

BY STEVE HIBBERD It’s official. FC Cartagena are returning to div 2b after only 3 years in Spain’s second tier (div 2a). Having got themselves into a realistic position of avoiding the drop, once again they went and shot themselves in the foot - twice in a week!!

FC CARTAGENA - 0 XEREZ CD - 0 Los Albinegros went into this midweek match, with the knowledge that because Villarreal had been relegated from La Liga, their ‘B’ side would automatically be demoted from div 2a. This effectively meant that as Villarreal were a mid table side, only the bottom 3 would join them in the drop to div 2b. A huge crowd of 10,586 passionate fans inside Cartagonova Stadium, willed their team on from the very 1st minute, but alas, the expected victory was not to be delivered.

The 1st half of the 1st half (you know what I mean!), was dominated by the home side, as they completely encamped in the opponents zone. Only problem was, they failed to convert many of the chances created. Raimondi, Paz, and especially Collantes, had good chances to open the scoring, but all lacked the killer touch.

Xerez took control of the remainder of the half, but they too failed to open their

account.

Shortly after the restart, the visitors did put the ball in the net, but due to a linesman correctly flagging for offside, the goal did not stand. Raimondi and Lafuente put pressure on the visiting defence, but their efforts came to nothing.

Having already been booked in the 1st half, Gaspar not only conceded a penalty, when his mistimed tackle resulted in a clear foul, but he was rightly shown his 3rd red card of the season. Keeper Reina pulled off a magnificent save from the spot kick, leaving the 10 men of Cartagena 15 minutes to score the all important winning goal. A spectacular long range drive by Abraham Paz just missed the target, but frustration got the better of his manager Carlos Rios, who was dismissed from the bench for verbally abusing the referee.

As the game entered its conclusion, a Raimondi header was cleared off the line, before ex Cartagena striker Tato, was denied what looked a clear cut penalty, when he was blatantly tripped inside the box.

SD HUESCA - 1 FC CARTAGENA - 0 With only 4 games remaining, this was (again) a must win match for Cartagena. Unlike the spirited performance against Xerez only 3 days earlier, the words pathetic, pitiful, awful and wimpish come to mind, when describing the way a group of over paid players so

easily capitulated!!

I almost fell asleep watching this feeble excuse for a football match, in which neither side showed any urgency until Huesca should have scored midway through the 1st half, but wayward finishing let their opponents off the hook. Apart from a long range Toni Moral effort, Cartagena had offered nothing, and it was no surprise when the home side took the lead through a Mario Rosas strike, following a well worked move. On the stroke of half time, Carlos Rios men were offered a lifeline in the form of a penalty, following Toni Moral almost being castrated by a fierce belt in the nether region!! Anton shot tamely to the keepers right, allowing him time to comfortably save what can only be described as a soft spot kick (and that’s being kind!).

On for only FOUR minutes, Hector Font proceeded to pick up 2 yellow cards for mistimed challenges, and was deservedly dismissed on the hour mark.

This sending off brought the number of red cards given to Cartagena players this season, to a shameful and inexcusable FIFTEEN!!

Huesca almost added another goal, but the woodwork came to the rescue following a firm headed effort from a corner. In stoppage time, Collantes placed his free kick agonizingly wide, then with virtually the last kick of the game, keeper Juanma could only watch as Rosas somehow failed to add to his tally.

CORNISH PRIDE (LOS DOLSES)................................

Matches played on May 15th: It was a close high scoring match between MIXERS and SPLASH, which eventually ended in a 4-4 draw. Mixers won the first 2 games, by just a few pins.

But in the third game Juanjo Carral bowling for Splash, had a 233 scratch game, which helped to give his team enough overall pins to share the points. Top scorer for the Mixers was Antonio Berenguer (589). TEAM FINLAND won again, and are still chasing the runners up position, they beat RIOJA ROLLERS 6-2. Top scorer for T.F. was Jukka Koskinen (602), and for R.R it was Bill Thorpe (605).

LOS BANDIDOS ended their recent run of defeats when they beat CARP-R-US 8-0. Top bowler for L.B was Brian Tomlin who had his highest game of the season, 208 scratch & 237 hcp. The biggest cheer of the night came for the HALL y DAY bowlers when they won their second game against BANDOLEROS, those points gave them enough points to be the

new league champions, even though there is still one week to go. Top bowler for HyD was their captain Lesley Day (602), and her team had all four highest team scores of the night. A good way to win the league. LOS LOBOS had a 6-2 win over CORNISH PRIDE. Irene Lakin, bowling for L.L had her highest scratch & hcp games 180 & (219). Top scorer for C.P. was Paul Johnson (588).

SUNRISE COLEGAS lost 6-2 to BAR MOSQUITOS, even though Phil Adams had his best hcp game of the season, 231, and a 610 series. Top bowler for B.M was Stewart Hamill (583).

The LUCKY STRIKE team showed they are determined not to finish at the bottom, as they put in one of their best performances of the season, beating ODDBALLS 8-0. All three bowlers played well, but their top scorer was Sue Duke (573).

El Plantio 2 Golf Society................................................

As you would expect for this time of year here in Spain, the day started with the promise of warmth and wall-to-wall sunshine. Todays competition was a Greensome, this is where teams of two players both tee off and then choose the better ball and continue play with that one only whilst taking alternate shots.

Some great scores came in today and for those not in the top 3 places well no excuses this time as Gordon Abba went out to

play with a problem hip and still managed 3rd place, well done Gordon, that left me with no excuses for my 8 on hole 16.......

Results today: Nearest the pin hole 1 Dave Smith Nearest the pin hole 6 Ian Henderson 3rd place Gordon Abba & George Stanhope with a nett 50.02 pts 2nd place Charlie Stewart & Frank Stanhope with a nett 48.48

pts 1st place Ray Housley & William Murphy with a nett 47.94 Next week, 22nd May is the 3 club competition, remember you need a putter and two other clubs. Anybody wishing to play, Visitors are very welcome, get your names on the board in the club house by 2pm on Monday 21st May or phone Ian Henderson on 966716616 John O’Brien, Secretary

RODS AND REELS This weeks competition was the 4th round of the Summer League. The venue being the Embalse de Argos. The water level has dropped slightly, but very surprisingly the water was very clear. This is quite strange for this time of the year, as the weather of late has been very warm, which normally increases the plankton to breed and give colour to the water. Barbel never really showed by being caught up in the water, this really could be put down to the clarity of the water. We are back there in several weeks so it will be interesting to see if this has changed.

Top rods on the day 1st Doug (Welsh Goldminer) Hornblow the feeder using pellet with 38.50 kilo’s 2nd Lenny (Ex Cultural Attache) fishing the feeder using pellet with 31.10 kilo´s.

3rd Ian (Irish Wizard) Dalzell fishing the feeder using pellet with

24.98 kilo’s.

PLEASE NOTE The club has some vacancies at present, if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 966729293 or 603535771.

ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS Supplied by Terry Screen The 9th round of the Spring Series was fished on the River Segura at Murcia on the 15th May. The work on the pipe laying has now been completed and nothing further is happening at present, we await developments.

The fish have now finished spawning, there is not a lot of flow, and the water is coloured from the fish stirring the bottom up from spawning activities.

The weights are now getting back to normal with nine double weight figures and no dry nets 1st Terry (Swing Em) Screen fishing the pole using paste with 28.500kg 2nd Lennie (Ex Cultural Attache) Bolton fishing the pole using paste

and pellet with 21.540kg 3rd Bill (The Master) Reade fishing the pole using paste with 17.380kg All details are available on our website www.abbeyangling.com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 965328368 ANGLERS TOGETHER The objective of Anglers Together has been reached (which was to introduce anglers to each other).

Now that newcomers to Spain are few and far between, we have decided that monthly meetings are serving no useful purpose and the friendships that have been made over the past 4 years are now firmly established.

We will continue to provide information through our email address if contacted but there will be no membership renewals in May. Thanks to all past members for their support.

Email: anglerstogether@hotmail. com TIGHT LINES, DAVE HOARE

Top scorer of the day was Ivie Davies who retuned 38pts and of course will get a cut. He was Category One winner with Alan Moody & Seamus Martin with 32 points Second and third. We had two players on 32 points from Peter Root and Rocket Ron first and Second in Category Two with Malcolm Wood in Third place. Nearest the Pins

were Malcolm Anderson and Brian McKenzie with Seamus Martin taking the Longest Drive. Alan Clifford and Brian McKenzie were the best two Guests with 32 points each.

We returned to the St James’s gate for the Presentation and refreshments supplied by rhe Management with thanks from all players.

Next game at Alenda on Tuesday 22nd at Alenda

MAGGOTS END..

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HOME GAME AT VISTABELLA TUESDAY 15TH MAY. Today we were going to play a 6x6x6 but with the rearrangement of the course (which is better for it) because it no longer has any White tees, so we played a Stableford competition.

Some good scores were returned from the 24 players.

sucina golf society.........................................................

Played at La Torre resort on 15th May 2012 This month’s game at La Torre attracted 26 members and guests to play an Individual Stapleford.

The course was not at its best due to hollow tinning on the greens which made putting difficult.

We met for a 10a.m. start with a lovely sunny day forecast and all players prepared for a hot day wearing shorts & plenty of sun cream. Hopes were high for some good scores but this course, although the shortest of the Polaris/Global group is not as easy as it seems, with plenty of bunkers costing playing a shot or two. The negative slope came as a surprise to some players and

with only one player beating the 36 points mark {well done Doreen} the course was probably the winner on the day.

What are you guys doing in Div 3 all prizes were won by the ladies! {Well done girls} The prize presentation was held after the game on the terrace at La Torre.

The result of the competition was as follows:Division 1: 1st place Sofie Ekberg 33 points, 2nd place Roger Major 32 points, 3rd place Tom Crowhurst 28 points Division 2: 1st place Damien Garvin 35 points, 2nd place Ray Banks 33 points, 3rd place Brian

Southgate 32 points OCB Division 3: 1st place Doreen Crowhurst 38 points, 2nd place Marion Dobbins 32 points OCB, 3rd place Daphne Southgate 32 points OCB Guest division: 1st place Michael Dahl-Bere 32 points {one prize for guest’s this month} Nearest the pins: Hole 3 Tom Crowhurst, Hole 11 Roger Major, Hole 5 Sofie Ekberg, Hole 15 Daphne Southgate Hole 9 Michael Dahl-Bere Hole 17 Sofie EkbergOur next game is at Saurines De La Torre on the 19th June 2012. Start list is in F & L’s bar in Sucina or contact any committee member. Visit our website sucinagolfsociety.com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES MAY 2012

Pilar Badminton Club............ Sailing Association Mar Menor (SAMM)......

FRIENDLY BADMINTON MATCH (Sunday 13th May 2012) Two teams from Pilar de la Horadada and Los Alcazares met in a Badminton Match at the Duques de Palma Sports Centre in Pilar. The Match was a composite doubles of four mixed pairs with the four men and four ladies then forming two level doubles pairs.

The mixed doubles resulted in a win for Los Alcazares by 11½ to 4½. The mens doubles saw a reversal of fortune with Pilar coming out on top by 2½ to 1½.. The ladies doubles again saw a win for Los Alcazares by 3 games to 1. This resulted in an overall victory for Los Alcazares by a score of 16 to 8, although 14 games were won by a margin of 3 points or less.

The Pilar team were Steve Bates and Jean Yeates. Stuart Denham and Sylvia Crabtree. Geoff and Gillian Beard. Roy Aston and Linda Mersh. The Los Alcazares team were Peter Anderson and Linda Andan-Smith Graham

Bryant and Gill Smith.

Steve Nobbs and Janet Brammeld.

Roy Brammeld and Angela Bryant.

Top scorer for Los Alcazares was Linda Andan-Smith with 100% record of 10 games out of 10. Top scorer for Pilar was Stuart Denham with 7 wins out of 12.

The match was played in great spirit and all the players are to be congratulated on their competitiveness on such a humid day.

Pilar Badminton Club caters for all standards, Mondays 10am to 1 pm are for experienced players using feather shuttlecocks.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am to 1 pm is social badminton played with nylon shuttles. The emphasis of the Club is fun for all, so if you want to get fit in a fun atmosphere contact: John and Carole on 966786774 E mail carolejohn_ 3@hotmail.com

39

sport

Fourth Race Day of the Spring Series 2012 Fourth Race Day of the Spring Series for SAMM was held on Sunday May 13th. The race took place from the CAR Sailing Centre at Los Narejos on the Mar Menor. There were 10 boats taking part in a two lap race with an easterly wind of 4-5 knots. The first race started at 11.35am.

The results on corrected times were:First race: Place Boat Helm Crew First Miracle John Clarke Doreen Squires Second Sailfish Sorocco Bob Miles Marian Elias, Vernon O’Byrne Third Sailfish Mistral Mick Burgess Val Hewitt, Justine Sylvester Fourth Shoestring Cuatro John Down Phil Roper Fifth Deltania Dos Clive Wilkinson Lynn and Pete Ewers, J Humble Sixth Shoestring Tres Peter Cadwell Tug Wilson Seventh Laser Single Hander Mike Blewitt Eighth Balaton Conny Terry Chapman Robert Hudson, Dave Lees Ninth Shoestring Uno Bob Blinkhorn Donaugh O’Byrne, Kath Roper Tenth Weta 14 Brian Murray Linda Coates Second race: In the second race started at 14.20 hrs with 9 boats and they completed 3 laps with southerly winds of 5-6 knots.

Place Boat Helm Crew First Shoestring Tres Tug Wilson John Down Second Miracle John Clarke Doreen Squires Third Laser Single Hander Mike Blewitt Fourth Weta 14 Brian Murray Linda Coates Fifth Sailfish Mistral Mick Burgess Val Hewitt, Justine Sylvester Sixth Balaton Conny Robert Hudson Terry Chapman, Dave Lees Seventh Sailfish Sorocco Bob Miles Marian Elias, Vernon O’Byrne Eighth Shoestring Uno Peter Cadwell Bob Blinkhorn, K and P Roper Ninth Deltania Dos Pete Ewers C Wilkinson, J Humble, L Ewers The next race will be Sunday (May 27). For more information go to www.sailingmarmenor.com or email sammracing@yahoo.co.uk

6 Medals for Torrevieja Masters Mazarron FC Mazarron FC 1 Thader Murcia CF 0 Mazarron’s improved performances continued with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home to Thader Murcia. On a playing surface which had benefited from fewer games being played in recent weeks and a heavy downpour shortly before kick off, Mazarron created most of the chances in the first half.

A fierce Diego header from a corner was well saved by the visiting goalkeeper and a shot from Pepsi, after he had cut in from the left wing, went into the side netting. However, in the 35th minute Mazarron’s juvenile striker, Jose ran, onto a through ball and beat the entire defence before calmly slotting the ball into the net to score for the second week running.

Mazarron continued to attack and Edin had a shot saved but the resulting corner came to nothing. Then Jose again ran on to a through ball but the Thader keeper came out of his area to clear.

In the second half Mazarron seemed to lose all their composure and Thader came more into the game. Edin, back in defence to help deal with a Thader corner sliced his clearance high into the air causing Mazarron keeper, Ruben to flap at the ball before it was finally cleared.

Then Diego’s misdirected header was played towards his own goal by Pollo but fortunately, this comedy of errors came to nothing.

Mazarron should have increased their lead when, with Jose and Edin better placed, Pescau blazed well wide, but in the 75th minute the same player was unlucky not to score with a fierce left foot volley which just cleared the bar. Despite more Thader pressure in the closing minutes, Mazarron held on to register only their fourth victory of the season.

Team: Ruben, Alfonso, Pollo, Diego, Ahmed, Dani, Matt Clarke, Jose Da (Guillermo), Jose, Edin, Pepsi (Pescau).

Man of the Match: Jose.

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR SPORT REPORTS TO EDITOR@ SOLTIMES.COM - PLEASE KEEP YOUR REPORT TO LESS THAN 200 WORDS - AND PLEASE HAVE ALL COPY AND PHOTOS TO THE EDITOR BY MONDAY AT 11AM

This weekend Torrevieja Swimming Club Masters Beth Altabas and Vicki Connolly enjoyed success in the 2nd Valencian Regional Championships. Beth and Vicki collected five gold and one silver medal throughout the championships held in the Municipal 50m Pool Castellon on Sunday 20th May. Both achieved new personal best times in each of the three races entered.

In the morning Vicki started with the 50m freestyle event winning gold in the 45-49yrs category, with a time of 34:90, Beth then followed with gold and time of 4:07:59 in the 65-69yrs category 200m medley.

Second races of the morning gave Vicki and Beth two more gold medals, Vicki swimming first in the 100m freestyle with a time of 1:20:38 followed by Beth in the 400m freestyle with a new personal best of 7:03:74.

The afternoon session started with Vicki’s 50m breaststroke event, diving in Vicki lost her goggles but recovered to win silver medal, one second behind the winner, with a time of 47:81. Last race for the team saw Beth win gold in the 200m freestyle, tired but determined Beth did another personal best time of 3:25:24 gaining a third gold medal.

Arriving back late Sunday night Beth and Vicki now look forward to the Spanish Open National Masters competition in July.

The Torrevieja swimming club is always looking to invite new members.

The club meets each evening, in three sessions, Monday to Friday between 5.30pm and 9pm. The club trains in the 50m pool at the Palacio de Deportes Infanta Cristina, Torrevieja. For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Eddie Cagigao on 637869602, Rosa - 665454126 or President Felipe on 609418776 or by e-mail on ecagigao@hotmail.com or at info@clubnataciontorrevieja. com

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CLAPTON’S GOLF SOCIETY

ALENDA 18TH MAY 2012 This was to be our second visit this season to Alenda to which everybody was looking forward to. On arrival, looking at the course, we were not to be disappointed as the fairways and greens looked in excellent condition. We set off on the first tee with a chill wind behind us but this was soon to change as the sun shone and all the members had a really good days golf with some good scores coming in at the end. Our thanks to the greenkeeping staff for keeping the course in this condition, long may it last. At the end of the day we made our way back to Claptons for the presentation. Prize winners and scores as follows: Best Overall: Steve Clay 35 points Gold Winner: Ian Faulkner 32 points on c/b Gold Runner Up: Andy Trefry 32 points Silver Winner: Mike Wyatt 34 points Silver Runner Up: Rick Drake 32 points Best Front Nine: Tony Wilson 19 points Best Back Nine: Barry Bentley 16 points on c/b Nearest the Pin: 3rd Duncan Williamson 5th Tony Wilson 13th Mike Wyatt 16th Willie Buchanan Best Guest: Mick Hildebrand 37 Points Most Potential: John Harvey Club Doubles Semi-Final Competition – Paul Burletson and Rick Drake bt Steve Clay and Tony Wilson 2&1 Congratulations to all the winners.

Members had the usual Claptons feast supplied by Chris and his staff.

Many thanks for their hospitality. Next meeting 22nd June at Font de Lopp

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40 SOLTIMES MAY 2012

Quesada Golf Society

FC TORREVIEJA – LOOK BACK

The story starts in July 2011 when Torry appointed a new manager Rafa Munoz and declared their ambitions by announcing a budget of around 300,000 euros for the season, including a subsidy from the council of 90,000 euros, with the message “TOGETHER WE WILL RETURN TO BE GREAT”.

Those buying a season ticket were also given a team shirt. The target was to sell 1,000 season tickets, a very high expectation which did not materialise.

Torry initially retained 6 players from the previous season; Meijide, Ramiro, Vicente, Manu, Burguillos and Abel and also the young goalkeeper Manolo from Torrevieja CF signed on the dotted line.. Experienced proven players began to be recruited from the Andalucia, Murcian and Valencian regions including Juande from Novelda, Carrasco from Olympic Xativia, and ex Torry favourite Nico from Aguillas. Jorge was eventually resigned and so was the veteran Corcoles.

The pre-season friendlies got underway with mixed results as the manager formulated the shape and makeup of the team. 10 days before the new season was about to begin the manager resigned to take up a more lucrative position in the technical team at La Liga outfit Osusuna. Not an ideal position to be in with the start of the season looming.

The club acted promptly and appointed a replacement, Aspe based experienced manager Chema. The 3/4 players from the Andalucia region departed.

Torry then acted quickly and recruited replacements with the experienced goalkeeper Mendez, ex-Villajoyosa midfielder Corella, ex-Alzira left back Vidal coming in as well as the ex- Olympic Xativa proven goal-scorer Petu. Early in the season Torry signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with local Real Estate company TM which was emblazoned on “the shirt”. Torry started the season in a positive way and after 3 games were in 2nd place in the table. After 4 games they made another signing and brought in the experienced midfield holding player Prior from

a Segunda B team. After 6 games Torry found themselves at the summit of the table with 5 wins and a draw. After 9 games Torry slipped to 7th place. The Torry manager was a bit conservative in his tactics on the road and left out the one natural goalscorer in the squad Petu for a number of games. After 12 games with Torry in 6th place, a bombshell, when manager Chema was sacked and replaced by Torreviejan born manager Casimiro Torres.

The new manager got off to a good start but then the team was decimated for a number of games through injury and suspension, the latter being through indiscipline. When the Christmas break arrived after 21 games Torry lay in 5th place with 11 wins, 6 draws and 4 defeats having scored 33 goals and conceded 16. Their home form had been very good with only one defeat and they had served up some exciting and attractive football primarily through the silky skills of Carrasco, Juande and Ramiro and energy of Nico and Manu with goals from Petu but on their travels had suffered a few set-backs, losing a couple of games late on to inferior opposition. The defence had been strong and well marshalled by the very experienced and consistent Meijide and protected by the excellent Prior and hard running “box to box” player Corella. Burguillos had showed his versatility being deployed in central defence sometimes and central midfield on other occasions. The gates however, had been disappointing considering that this was the best Torry team to have been assembled for a number of years and capable of holding its own against any team in the division.

The Torry followers looked forward to an exciting time in the second half of the season in 2012 with the team one place outside the play-offs and ready to mount a serious challenge.

A reflective Darrylldinho who thoroughly enjoyed following his adopted team in Spain last season.

Ship Hispaniola Golf Society (in association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at La Serena on 14th May 2012.

For this months meeting we ventured to the difficult course at La Serena taking advantage of the excellent society deal obtained from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.

The weather was good with a little cloud cover to keep the sunburn away and the course was in good condition despite the fact the greens were still recovering from hollow tining the previous week and was enjoyed by all.

The winners on the day were as follows: 1st Karen Matthews 2nd – Ian Noad Hidden Pairs – Brian Burnard and Darren Holden Nearest

the

Pins

–

Paul

Greenwood and Darren Holden Ball Sweep (number of balls lost in the water = 49) – Kevin Robinson After the game we returned to the Ship Hispaniola Bar which is based at La Mata for the prize presentation and refreshments and we thank Janet for her sponsorship of our society.

The next society meeting is at Lo Romero on Monday 11th June 2012 and new members and guests are welcome.

Telephone Wayne Matthews on 671907458 or better still call in the bar.

Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our website at www.costa-blancagreenfees.com

the ball close to the hole for 3 he mis counted and picked his ball up declaring he couldnt score( silly boy ), Alan Briggs also had a senior moment by driving to Font de LLop Golf course before remembering that they should be at La Perelaja, there were a few hairy moments out there when two of us ladies had to play shots from places where we had thorny branches poking in uncomfortable places, the answer is dont hit your ball in there in the first place, I was informed that we have a gentleman that can play trick shots in golf Trevor Hobbs on hole 17 hit his tee shot to the edge of the water whereupon he proceeded to play the shot between his legs with his back to the green, his ball landed quite close to the hole and he then putted out giving him a good score on that hole, on hole 16 par 3 Darryll Wright thought he had got nearest the pin only to find out that there

was no prize for nearest the pin on that hole, dissapointed or what, if you could here much laughter coming from one group of gentlmen on hole 14 this was due to the fact that Ray Lee hit his tee shot five yards off the tee his second shot into the bushes took a penalty drop out then hit the ball back into the bushes took another penalty drop, his SIXTH shot just got past the ladies tee, needless to say he did not score on this hole so all in all you could say he didnt enjoy that hole.

Our thanks go to Charlie and Lyn at Quesada Country Club for the refreshments provided for our return these are always much welcomed by all the players, our next members meeting is on Tuesday 22nd at Quesada Country Club 10.30am .

Reported by Pam Martin

FANTASTIC WEEKEND OF 7’S RUGBY AT ITV ORIHUELA RFC

At the weekend the top rugby teams in the Alicante area played in the third round of the Alicante 7’s tournament at ITV Orihuela RFC for a great weekend of rugby by all and played in the true spirit of the game.

Orihuela seniors played against La Vila’s first team players and again for the second week in a row beating them, followed by beating Elche who are playing in the national 7’s in June followed by other victories against AKRA and Alicante University, so a brilliant weekend for the senior side.

The U19’s also had a good weekend beating AKRA and Alicante University, but drew against Elche and lost against La Vila.

The finally the U17’s who carried on the good weekend with wins against Elche and Alicante University, but lost against Getafe.

So on the whole it was a great weekend of rugby for ITV Orihuela RFC, considering they were playing against clubs

who play at least two leagues higher and La Vila from the premiership.

All of this is great experience for the players, and well done to all the players who did the club proud.

Would like to thank all of the teams and players that took part that made it such a great weekend of rugby.

This weekend is the final round of the 7’s being played in Elche, followed on 2 June by the Alan Davies memorial 7’s as well in Elche. Then the Murcia 7’s on 9 June with 10 teams taking part starting at 10.00.

So come along and see some great rugby 7’s in the area by local teams.

Also the Centurion Rugby Summer School is now up and running with two weeks already been organised in Formentera del Segura, 9-13 and 16-20 July, with the council giving us permission to use the football pitch, and a huge support to the new venture. For more information of this contact Garry on 692 767 242 or Ian Morrison

GB&I vs.Europe

19th May 2012 at Vistabella Golf This was the inaugural Ryder Cup style competition between a Great Britain and Ireland team and European team which was the idea of Pablo Riestra - Director of Golf at Vistabella Golf and Ivie Davies – Secretary of The Vega Baja Premier Golf League.

The teams consisted of 28 players each and the format was a modified matchplay with the winning players scoring a point per hole, so having a maximum of eighteen points. The first 10 matches would be singles matchplay playing off maximum handicaps and the remaining 9 matches being fourball better ball ¾ the difference, again a point for winning the hole. The champions would be the team with the best total number of points from both the singles and pairs.

It was an early “shot gun” start for the 56 players, with the weather just about perfect for golf and the course was set up well, for an exciting competition. During the competition

Shenanigans GOLF SOCIETY

Captains Day (in association with Costa Blanca Green Fee Services) at Alenda Wednesday 9th May 2012.

For Captains day had a great turn out of 32 members and guests and many thanks to Costa Blanca Green Fees Services for helping us move from our original venue to Alenda who did a magnificent

the head coach on 634 367 295 and join the rest of the children already signed up for the rugby school. We are still looking for other councils to get on board.

So come along and sign up, for the U10’s, U12’s, U14’s and U16’s. It is not important if you have not played before.

So come and join in with this new venture to help promote rugby in the area and also the clubs to get more players so that they can get bigger and strong and maybe one of the local clubs down here can play in the Amlin Cup one day, you never know.

The club is training on Tuesday

and Thursday at the Miguel Hernandez University for the juveniles and seniors starting at 20.30, while the juniors are on Tuesday and Thursday at 18.15.

So if you are interested, dig out those rugby boots and come along and see for yourself what it is like. New players are always welcome no matter of what age or skill level you are.

If you would like more information about what is going on in the club, you can contact the club by phoning myself, Garry on 692 767 242, and for the juniors contact Oscar on 600 871 606 (Spanish)

all the players were provided with Bocadillo and water by clubhouse restaurant “El Juglar del Mudo Golf” For the singles it was the first honours to Europe 5½ to GB&I’s 4½ wins, the best score in the singles was for GB&I John Wheeler versus Sjur Andar 13 – 5.

So it was all down to the pairings, the best scores for each team was 13 – 5 win for GB&I’s Paul Robinson & Nigel Synnock and for Europe’s Gordon McCadden & Martin Foulcer with a 11½ - 6½ win.

So it was a very nervous nailing biting wait to see the pairings score and the pairings total scores was GB&I 5½ and Europe 3½ and that score turned the games around.

So the final score was a narrow win, by one solitary point, to GB&I 10 to Europe 9 Following a meal and refreshments in the clubhouse restaurant the Vitasbella Ryder Cup trophy was presented to the GB&I Captain Ivie Davies by the Captain of Europe Pablo Riestra and the winning team

job in helping our players.

The weather was hot and produced a good challenge to everybody.

Results: Captains Prize: 1st Dave Ryan 35points (on c/b) 2nd Mike Probert 35 points Seniors: 1st Colin Hicks 34points (on c/b) 2nd Brian Jones 34points.

Ladies: Carol Marnier

presented with individual medals.

Congratulations to all the players for making this the first competition such a memorable one and Vistabella Golf and its very accommodating staff , also a thank you to The Real Flavour Indian Restaurant in El Raso Guardamar, for an additional prize.

The trophy will be displayed in the Vistabella Golf clubhouse, until next year 2013.

33points.

Best 9 out of 18 holes: Owen Desmond 23points.

Nearest to Pins Hole 3: S.Boyle Hole 5: B.Stobie. Hole 13: A.Craig. Hole 16: A.Byrne.

Longest Drive Hole 9: Neil O`Donoghue.

Presentation of Prizes took place in Shenanigans at La Marquesa; an excellent meal was cooked by our own Master Chef “Mandy”.

A word of thanks to Mike Probert for his help in making this day a great success, grateful

appreciation to Graham and Carol Marnier and Management of Catorce Restaurant in Benijofar for sponsoring Captains prize of a meal for 4 people on their Saturday Steak night.

The next fixture is at Lo Romero on Wednesday 13th June 2012 Report by Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or see us at our all new web-site at www.costa-blanca-greenfees. com

966 719 647 OR 902 750 190 EXT: 330

on Wednesday 16th May at La Perelaja

La Perelaja was invaded by 36 members and guests most of whom were playing the second round of our Eclectic competion, also there were three groups playing the first round of the club knockout, the course was not in the greatest of conditions unfortunately this was down to the fact that they have hollow cored a lot of the fairways but apart from this we all enjoyed the day, some more than others.

On hole 2 a little par 3 surrounded by water a team of four ladies myself amongst them were unfortunate enough not to make the green let alone finish the hole, for some reason the water consistently beckoned our balls into it, on the same hole a certain David Winchcombe flew the green with his tee shot into the water at the back, on dropping his ball for 2 and hitting

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