Soltimes Mar Menor – Issue 476

09 - 15 May 2017

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ABTA, the City of London Police and Get Safe Online are once again joining forces to warn the public about the dangers posed by holiday booking fraud. Findings from a new report, compiled by the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, reveal the scale of reported crime, and expose common tactics used by fraudsters who stole £7.2 million from almost 6,000 unsuspecting holidaymakers and other travellers in 2016.

The number of reported cases has risen almost 20% year on year from 4,910 to 5,826. The three campaign partners believe that these figures are only the tip of the iceberg with many victims not reporting the fact that they have been defrauded. The most common types of fraud relate to the sale of airline tickets, booking accommodation online as well as timeshare sales.

The average amount lost per person was approximately £1,200, but losses are not just financial they can also have an impact on health. Over a quarter (26%) of victims say that the fraud had also had a significant impact on their health or financial well-being. Most worryingly of all, 259 people said the impact on them was severe, meaning that they had to receive medical treatment or were at risk of bankruptcy. In common with previous years, the numbers of people reporting travel fraud to the police jumps in the summer and in December. This is a very clear indication that fraudsters are targeting the most popular travel periods. Customers may be particularly vulnerable in 2017 as the overseas travel industry is reporting good early booking levels with accommodation and flights at a premium. Fraudsters could take advantage of this by offering “good deals” over the summer.

These will then fail to materialise, leaving people out of pocket

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and with either no flights or nowhere to stay.

The two age groups most commonly targeted are those aged 20-29 and 30-39, with older generations less likely to fall victim, particularly those over 50 who are perhaps more wary of “too good to be true” offers. The majority of those who are defrauded pay by methods such as bank transfer or cash with no means of getting their money back. Some fraudsters now actively encourage these payment methods by claiming that only these payment methods are protected by their own bogus insurance schemes.

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09 - 15 May 2017

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09 - 15 May 2017

Local News News

Picardo accuses Spain of ‘harrassment’ In the latest statement from the outspoken and plain-speaking leader of Gibraltar, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has accused Spain of “deliberately causing problems”.

Picardo’s latest outburst alleges that a Spanish military aircraft – a P3 Orion controlled from Seville - encroached into Gibraltar airspace just before midday last Friday. Despite details of the flight being referred on to Gibraltar’s air traffic controller before the event, the government said the plane did not follow its “expected flight profile”.

This resulted in the flight being tagged as “unknown traffic” and resulted in a scheduled British Airways plane due to take off from Gibraltar at 11.50am to be delayed for eight minutes.

Chief Minister Picardo accused the Spanish military of using “politicallymotivated manoeuvres” to interfere with the movement of a civilian aircraft. “It is no secret that Spain has been deliberately causing problems for Gibraltar at our border and through its incursions into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters”, he exclaimed. “Today’s incursion into Gibraltar’s airspace, in the middle of a busy day when several civilian flights were

scheduled to arrive and depart from the Gibraltar International Airport takes the Spanish harassment of Gibraltar to new heights.”

Continuing, Mr Picardo said it was “completely unacceptable that the Spanish military have interfered with the movement of civilian aircraft in this dangerous manner. Gibraltar International Airport is an extremely busy base for civilian

passengers who are significant contributors to the tourism economy of the campo area.

“Delays caused by the politically-motivated manoeuvres of the Spanish military are intolerable, but thanks to the swift action of Gibraltar’s Air Traffic Control, delays were the only consequence.”

He concluded be saying: “Today’s incident could have been much worse.”

Madrid chemical plant explosion

Thirty-five people have been injured, three of them described as being in a ‘critical’ state, following an explosion last Thursday morning in a town close to Madrid.

Officers from the Guardia Civil immediately evacuated two high schools, two primary schools and a kindergarten in the aftermath of a series of blasts ripped through a warehouse belonging to the Requinsa solvent company in Arganda del Rey, found to the east of the Greater Madrid area.

Such was the strength of the explosion that windows in the La Poveda high school around a kilometre away were shattered, although none of the 750 teenage pupils and their teachers on the premises at the time were hurt.

As a precaution all buildings within 500m of the site, including residential homes, were evacuated essentially as a precaution as the warehouse contains toxic chemical waste and a giant cloud of black smoke filled the area around the El Guijar industrial estate. The explosion and the subsequent fire broke out around 11.30am and was finally extinguished eight hours later.

Two of those injured in the blast are thought to be employees of the Requinsa company who were admitted to hospital with severe burns, with a third person – a 22-year-old woman – suffering a broken pelvis after a fall from the shock of the explosion.

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Rajoy welcomes French President Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy says France, with Emmanuel Macron as its new president, will help strengthen the European Union at a key moment for the 28-nation bloc.

In a telegram sent Sunday to congratulate the new president-elect of France, Rajoy praised Macron for his proposed reforms and his “firm defense of the European integration process.’’

Those principles and his solid backing from French voters, Rajoy said, mean “France _ a friend, neighbor and strategic partner of Spain _ will actively contribute to the advancement and reinforcement of the European Union in a key moment of its history.’’

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09 - 15 May 2017

Navy rescues hundreds of migrants The Spanish Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a navy ship has rescued 651 migrants that were attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe from North Africa.

In a statement, it said that the frigate Canarias, taking part in a joint EU mission, took part in the rescue on Saturday morning close to the Libyan coast. They confirmed that the professional rescue operation was carried out “in complete darkness” and that the migrants came from a range of different sub-Saharan countries.

In the less than three months that the Canarias has been patrolling the Mediterranean it has saved 1,958 migrants.

News

Illness causes double flight emergency For the second time in a week, a medical emergency put urgent landing procedures into full force on flights heading to and from Spain.

The first, a Boeing 737 operated by Transavia en route from Alicante to Amsterdam had to make a detour to Paris-Orly airport after sending out an emergency signal.

The latest involved a Ryanair flight on the way to Girona Airport on the Costa Brava from Leeds-Bradford on Friday morning after a passenger became ill mid-flight. The aircraft took off from the UK at 8.25am and the alarm was raised almost immediately as it flew over Rouen in the north of France. Within minutes, the plane had landed at Paris-Beauvais and due to the advance warning a full paramedic team was waiting on the tarmac to administer treatment to the patient.

AVE train gets Elche arrival date “The train now standing in Elche is the first AVE high speed service to arrive here!”

That could well be the announcement heard in March 2018 after the Ministry of Public Works announced the date last week. Following a meeting in Madrid, Mayor Carlos González has confirmed the commitment of central government to meet this date in the spring of next year.

“The completion of the works is scheduled for December 2017”, he said, “and the entry into service is estimated by the Ministry to be March or April 2018.” He went on to say that a series of tests on the rolling stock and for the purposes of driver training will be in operation between December 2017 and March 2018 in readiness for the full Madrid-ElcheMurcia AVE line to start as planned.

The mayor also said that. “...this is very positive news

Girl dies in bouncy castle horror

A six-year-old girl has died and two other children are said to be in a critical condition after a bouncy castle blew away at a restaurant on the Costa Brava.

Although police say there was little wind at the time, the blowup attraction was swept 40 metres across the grounds of the Ca l’Oller eatery in Caldes de Malavella, in Girona, at around 15.45 on Sunday afternoon The children were flung between 10 and 20 metres and hit the ground with tremendous force. Four suffered minor injuries and three were rushed to hospital.

A nine-year-old boy was air-lifted to Parc Taulí hospital in Sabadell and a girl aged seven was taken by ambulance to Girona’s Josep Trueta hospital. Another girl, aged six, was flown to Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebrón hospital, but died later on Sunday night due to the seriousness of her injuries.

A seven-year-old girl who was badly injured, but not critical, and three others with minor wounds were also taken to the Josep Trueta.

Witnesses say they heard a loud bang a split second before the bouncy castle uprooted with the seven children aged between three and 11 on it, and police are investigating whether an explosion caused the tragedy or whether the attraction was not anchored down properly.

Owner of the Ca l’Oller said the bouncy castle was new and had been set up for the first time in mid-March.

Consumer group OCU have previously warned that boiuncy castles should not be installed or in use when winds of just 38 kilometres per hour were forecast, although at the time of the accident there was barely a breeze in the area.

for the city, since for the first time a specific date and clear deadlines are set for the implementation of a public service essential to improve the communication of our city with the rest of the country at large.”

During his meeting in the Spanish capital, Mayor raised the subject of the need to improve the AlicanteElche-Murcia suburban line which is also seen as a vital link to the future infrastructure of the area with the plan to serve the Elche Business Park and its 14,000 workers.

The suggestions and propositions were all well received in Madrid, according to González. “This improvement of the commuter line would also entail electrification, change of track width (to connect with the AVE high speed trains) and replacement of rolling stock,” he said.

BREXIT The road to nowhere Yes, it does exist. There really is a road in France called ‘Rue de Brexit’ (Brexit Road) and yes, it really does lead nowhere! Mayor Julien Sanchez, a member of the French far-right National Front party, not only took down the European flag in front of Beaucaire’s town hall that he runs but also named a street ‘Brexit’, such is his dislike for the European Union and all it stands for.

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09 - 15 May 2017

Javea cycling tragedy *SPECIAL OFFER* 10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS ADVERT

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The Ayuntamiento de Javea has declared three days of mourning after the death of two cyclists from the town in a traffic accident on the N-332 near Oliva. Eduardo Monfort Gasent and Luis Alberto Contreras were killed when a car ploughed into their group at around 8.30am on Sunday morning. Three other cyclists were seriously injured and were transferred to different hospitals in the region.

Mayor José Chulvi called an extraordinary plenary session for 5.00pm on Sunday afternoon during which three days of mourning was officially declared whilst other actions were discussed. Sunday morning’s

planned Javea Folk concert was suspended as was the planned coast cleaning initiative.

Chulvi said: “This is a terrible tragedy that affects wellknown and beloved neighbours at families in Javea. And of course all of us, as residents of this town and in many cases friends and acquaintances of the victims. The feeling we have is deep pain. This morning a group of residents of Javia went out to enjoy their sport and two of them have not come home whilst three more have been injured. It is a terrible and absurd accident that has left us all in a state of shock. I want to convey all our support to the families

affected and our sincere condolences as well as to the Club Llebeig to which they belonged. For our part, we will be at their side for everything that they need”.

Eduardo Monfort was a wellknown resident of Javea and very active on the social side, being a member of the Fiesta Commission of Loreto and of the Three Kings Parade, of the Moors and Christians as part of the Filà Ballesters, of the Club Llebéig de Javea and a volunteer with the emergency group at the Cruz Roja. Luis Alberto was a professional of sport most linked with the athletics and cyclist branches of the Club Llebéig.

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09 - 15 May 2017

Philip stands down

Following hours of speculation that something more serious was about to be announced concerning the health of a senior member of the British Royal Family, Buckingham Palace confirmed that H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is to stand down from all public duties from this autumn.

The Duke, about to celebrate his 96th birthday on 21 June and his 70th wedding anniversary in November, has made this decision of his own free will and has the full support of Her Majesty The Queen. The formal announcement came on Thursday morning less than 24 hours after he was seen in fine spirits and exceptionally sprightly as he opened the new Warner Stand at Lord’s Cricket

Ground.

Members of the Royal Household were summoned to Buckingham Palace for a meeting on Thursday morning which raised speculation as to the purpose. Sources were quick to quash that is was due to any serious health issues concerning the Queen or her husband. The ITV Royal editor, Chris Ship, tweeted at least 15 minutes in advance of the official announcement that: “It's about Prince Philip. My best guess is he is retiring properly. He'll be 96 in June.”

The official statement said: “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision, The Duke has the full

support of The Queen. Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen.

"Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.

"The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron, President or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements.

"Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family."

News

MP’s lack of theatre time

In a confidential survey, British MPs have been asked for their views on the current hours parliament sits and one suggestion has been for the debates to finish an hour earlier enabling more members to attend the London theatre!

This was just one of many suggestions made anonymously by MPs ahead of the dissolution of parliament ahead of the June 8th General Election. Another member of the House of Commons complained that there was never enough time to eat while others commented on a loss of “camaraderie” since the reduction in the number of late-night sittings.

It was during Tony Blair’s first term as prime minister, which began almost exactly 20 years ago, that the current arrangements for sitting of the Commons were revamped.

At the moment, they sit from 2.30pm to 10.30pm on Mondays, 11.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9.30am to 5.30pm on Thursdays, and 9.30am to 3pm on sitting Fridays. This was in response to many MPs at the time, especially with the increase of female members that made up the ‘Blair Babes’, that had young families and found the number of late night and even through the night debates more than unsociable.

A majority of the 217 MPs who took part in the survey supported the status quo. However, contents of the annex to the report showed a number that were uncomfortable with current arrangements.

“I think in general we should start earlier and finish earlier: that would enable Members with children in London to say goodnight to them and those without to go to the theatre occasionally,” said one MP. Those that were advocating the most change recommended options to enable them to return to their constituencies earlier in the week or to compress the current sitting hours into fewer days.

In a surprising finding, a number of respondents displayed their regret that fewer late-night sittings meant there was less of a case of togetherness among parliamentarians, lamenting that there is less time for Members to meet and discuss issues informally and there is less time to interact with colleagues on both sides of the House.

And finally, a male MP from the east of England even argued that there wasn’t enough work to do. “The sitting hours now are ridiculous,” he said. It is fixed between the whips and has become a 9–5 job but isn’t even that any more. More often than not you only have to effectively be in Parliament for 2 days. It seems to me that half the time people are scratching round for things to do or attending ‘pointless events’.”

Absolutely Fabulous news for ‘icon’ Joanna One of Britain’s acting national treasures is to be the latest recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship. In what has been described as ‘absolutely fabulous news’, Joanna Lumley, 71, will be presented with the famous and distinctive trophy at the British Academy Television Awards to be televised on Sunday 14th May on BBC1.

Commenting after the formal announcement, the quintessentially English actress and recent documentary presenter said: “Nothing could make me prouder or happier than being awarded this phenomenal honour. To be counted amongst the greatest talents and stars of our industry is an awesome gift: the BAFTA Fellowship is the grandest and most unexpected prize I have ever had the joy of receiving."

The BAFTA Fellowship is the highest possible accolade given by the Academy and the recipients are those that have made an exceptional and outstanding contribution to the film and television world during their careers. Lumley follows Fellowship awards in recent years to actor and producer Mel Brooks, comedy writers Ray Galton & Alan Simpson, and American actor Sidney Poitier. The first Fellowship award was given to Alfred Hitchcock in 1971.

For the creator of the iconic Patsy in ‘Ab Fab’, this is a culmination of a 40-year career after beginning her career as a model. She became a regular on the TV screens thanks to her role – and her famous ‘Purdey’ hair style – in the New Avengers in 1976.

Jane Lush, Chair of BAFTA said: “From high-kicking her way into our hearts as Purdey in The New Avengers to showcasing her enviable comedic credentials with her portrayal of Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, Joanna Lumley is a true icon of television.

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09 - 15 May 2017

Local News News

Trump’s obvious historical strategy Former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos was not best pleased by the U.S attack on Syria, tweeting: “There comes a day in every child’s life when his Daddy bitterly disappoints him.”

Why is he surprised? Even to his most ardent critics, Trump could never have been as uninformed, as boorish and as wholly without tactics as he appeared. And this is his appeal. The absence of an agenda attracted those tired of the establishment and terrified those in it.

The historically obvious international strategy of Donald J. Trump begins and ends with a man who was as much of a political outsider, and just as coarse: Richard Nixon.

Nixon and Henry Kissinger were famous subscribers to ‘madman theory’. Nixon’s team were determined to make Communist leaders think he was dangerous and volatile as means to ocure better terms of cooperation.

Nixon’s Chief of Staff, H. R. Haldeman, wrote that Nixon had confided to him: “I call it the Madman Theory, Bob. I want the North Vietnamese to believe ‘we can’t restrain him when he’s angry—and he has his hand on the nuclear button.’ “ In October 1969, the Nixon administration indicated to the Soviet Union that “the madman was loose” when the U.S military was ordered to full global war readiness alert. American diplomats, especially Kissinger, likewise portrayed the 1970 American incursion into Cambodia as a symptom of Nixon’s alleged instability.

The ingenuity of Trump and his advisors is that they have fanned distraction. So little is known of Trump the man that in a world of perennial observation, he is a mystery to his own electorate as much he is America’s foes.

Consider the parallels to Nixon: Trump’s reputation as a bogeyman far supersedes him as a credible president. There are no books, no charmed attempts at insightful bonhomie; there’s only an undercoating of machismo and a vacuum where easy charm normally resides.

The result is genuine fear rooted in a powerful unknown president.

And it is fear which is the most useful tool in the arsenal of any

leader who wishes to make a lasting change. Machiavelli argued that sometimes it is “a very wise thing to simulate madness.” In this, Trump is unrivalled at stoking bewilderment and panic with no resource available to extrapolate his next move.

International relations remains a diplomatic wild west of law and power, even if travel, trade and the Internet have disguised the fact that strength is still everything.

There are points of departure. Nixon, forever scoffed and laughed at, was nevertheless an experienced campaigner, Washington insider and former vice president. Where Trump and Nixon are evidently paranoid and socially awkward, there is nothing to say they are as equally as skulduggerous (merely that they were both caught saying things they’d rather you forget).

Trump is a historically determinist entity; a reactionary construct against globalisation and mass immigration that was always going to be. This is his reality and not the buffoonery which guises a succinct strategy toward the world.

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Spain’s Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) has announced the amount of gambling done online in the country has jumped by 32.6%. According to the yearon-year figures, online betting of all types increased by 19.9% to €2.9bn.

Betting on sports came out top of the industry for Q4 2016 bringing in 55.5% of the total revenue. Commenting on the data, the DGOJ said: “In terms of growth, the sports betting segment saw its revenue rise by an impressive 30.6%, with casinos surging by 58.8%, poker by just 4.6%, and bingo by a mere 0.2%.”

Operators of the websites and the apps have recently spent more than 33% of their budgets on advertising and the gamble has paid off with an increase of 10%, equating to an extra 598,000 people signing up for new accounts.

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09 - 15 May 2017

UKIP tormented by council candidate

News

It was a bad set of results for UKIP at Thursday’s local council elections, as they ended up with just a solitary seat in the country. They took the ward of Padiham and Burnley West in Lancashire from Labour with a 228 vote majority. Interestingly, this was the same ward that the British National Party (BNP) took in 2009 and their first ever success in the UK at any level.

In an ironic twist in the results, an ex-asylum seeker has beaten the UKIP leader of Thanet District Council at the county council elections.

Aram Rawf, who now lives in Broadstairs, arrived in Britain as a teenager and an Iraqi refugee and stood as a Labour candidate in the Kent County Council elections on May 4th. He didn’t win the Cliftonville ward seat but he did beat his UKIP opponent into third place by 317 votes. As expected, the Conservatives took first place but Mr Rawf was delighted with his result.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have polled more votes than a leading UKIP politician,” he said. “It was considered an unwinnable seat for the Labour Party, but I put my heart into the campaign and I’m proud to have knocked UKIP into third place. I feel I have helped wiped this party off the Kent County Council political map. I believe UKIP is a racist party and any victory against UKIP is a victory for humanity and universal human rights.”

Aram has now vowed to help his party win the June General Election. “I am a supporter of Jeremy Corbyn,” he said, “And I want to see him as the next prime minister of this country.”

Hard luck for drug sellers A Georgian national and his wife has been arrested by the National Police for selling drugs aimed at aiding male erectile dysfunction via the internet.

The investigation began when agents found the website offering the drugs as part of a series of advertisements offering generic Viagra-type tablets at a cost of €50 for a foil of ten units. The operation was centred on the city of Barcelona.

During the raid of the property where the arrested couple lived, police found 800 tablets of different brands with varying levels of the active ingredient employed to combat erectile dysfunction. The sale and prescription of such medication is strictly regulated and under expert medical control.

In addition, police found Lithuanian passports that were in no way connected with those detained alongside documentation related to their illegal activities. On top of this, a total of 27 different weapons were discovered on the premises comprising 10 pistols, 10 air rifles and seven other types of air pistols. Other equipment was found which suggested that more arms were about to be constructed. It was later discovered that those arrested had no appropriate licenses for the weapons.

Numerous and potentially fake documentation was also discovered during the detailed search of the premises which included a selection of plasticised foreign residence cards hidden behind the grids in air conditioning units.

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09 - 15 May 2017

News

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire!

Millions of Britons claim to have visited a place they have never been to, enjoyed a book they’ve never read - or eaten food they secretly can’t stand, in a bid to appear more “cultured”, according to a new study.

Researchers carried out a study into cultural experiences and revealed the exaggerations Britons tell to appear more interesting, bettertravelled and more worldly wise.

According to the survey, four in ten have claimed to have seen a film they’ve never seen, while around one in five (19%) have overplayed their interest in politics in a bid to impress their peers.

Meanwhile, 21% have fibbed about where they have been in the world - with New Zealand, New York, Australia and Rome emerging as popular places we’ve never been to. A further 35% claim they would consider a cruise to a destination such as the Mediterranean or Caribbean in a bid to appear more cultured.

As many as 17% have given the impression to their family and friends that they are more into ‘cool’ music than they actually are, and there are also a handful of people who’ve gone as far as to be economical with the truth when the topic of plays, operas and films crop up.

The study of 2,000 people by MSC Cruises UK, also looked into the films the British public are most likely to have claimed to have watched with Donnie Darko, Lost in Translation and

Citizen Kane emerging. William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and Hamlet were the top three plays Brits said they have seen when they actually hadn’t.

When it comes to books Brits claim to have enjoyed, Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace was popular, as was Ulysses by James Joyce and Yann Martel’s Life of Pi. Another 29% make out that they are ‘foodies’ to their friends, family and colleagues – suggesting they regularly dine on oysters, quinoa and sushi - when in fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Other popular pretends include joining in discussions about famous pieces of literature we’ve never actually read (17%).

Antonio Paradiso, Country Manager of MSC Cruises UK, who commissioned the research among adults aged between 16 and 65, commented saying: “As a travel company, we know that guests seek to visit new countries in order to broaden their horizons beyond the everyday. Visiting somewhere such as the Mediterranean or Caribbean on a cruise is a great way to visit different countries without having to unpack a suitcase and discover differing cultures, cuisines and traditions in a short amount of time, giving guests plenty of new stories and experiences to share with family and friends.”

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09 - 15 May 2017

News

European house of history opens European Parliament President Antonio Tajani officially opened the House of European History (HEH) on Thursday in a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony held in the presence of former EP president Dr Hans-Gert Pöttering (chair of the Board of Trustees) and Professor Wlodzimierz Borodziej (chair of the HEH Academic Committee). The museum was opened to the public from last Saturday 6 May. Mr Tajani said “This house is about the things we have in common, the events we have lived through together. This is indeed not only the House of European History, it is also the Home of European identity and European memory.”

Former EP President Hans-Gert Pöttering, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the HEH said “The House of European History is intended to help citizens to step into the future wisely and with confidence, a future which, from today’s standpoint, looks likely to be troubled and full of threats. It is a house which, by showing us the dynamics of European history, enables us to better understand recent history, as well as the present.”

The House of European History (HEH) aims to encourage citizens to reflect upon and debate about the history of Europe and of European integration. It wants to increase knowledge, arouse curiosity and, over time, become a place for the exchange of ideas, reflection and debate about Europe and its history, linking up people, institutions and networks dealing with European history. Visitors will be challenged to critically assess European history, its potential and its future.

Professor Wlodzimierz Borodziej, Chair of the HEH Academic Committee, said “Like the Union, the work of the House of European History will never be complete. It will always remain a record of the time in which modified versions of the permanent exhibition and of the subsequent temporary exhibitions will be born. Last but not least, it will remain a record of the disputes about this, our tiny appendix of Asia, where we nest and which we have the right to be proud of.”

Exhibits in the HEH permanent exhibition have been brought together from around 300 museums and collections from across Europe and beyond, and include two modest display cabinets dedicated to Brexit and feature a Vote Leave wins with both a badge and t-shirt in the glass display, alongside a referendum ballot paper.

“Interactions. Centuries of Commerce, Combat and Creation” is the House of European History’s first temporary exhibition. It will run until 31 May 2018. It illuminates exemplary moments and revealing stories of encounters and exchanges in European history.

The Museum also offers educational programmes; events for local and visiting publics; publications and a range of online information.

Animal Rights Group attack zoo

A video has been released by the Spanish animal-rights group, Fundación Alma Animal, highlighting the conditions endured by penguins held in captivity at one of Madrid’s privately owned zoos.

Shot at the Faunia Zoo and Theme Park, the footage shows the restrictions in the penguin’s tanks which fly in the face of the official information given by the zoo on the creatures, highlighting that they normally dive to a depth of 300 metres and swim speeds of up to 100kph.

The video shows some of the penguin population allegedly swimming listlessly in front of the visitors, including one of them showing signs of being injured from swimming to and from the glass in the tanks. Alma Animal has called for people to recognise that “it’s time to stop being accomplices in the exploitation of animals.”

Fundación Alma Animal was set up in 2012 to prevent cruelty to animals by bringing to the attention to the public such instances as described above, promoting animal adoption, animal welfare and where possible to provide sanctuary for those that have suffered mistreating or abuse by humans.

Quake risk forces gas plant rethink The government has announced that it will not reopen one if its large undersea gas storage facilities in the Mediterranean due to the belief that further work in the area could set off an earthquake.

Injection of gas into the Gulf of Valencia plant run by Castor was stopped back in September 2013 within months of beginning to operate, after a few hundred minor tremors and quakes in the zone off Spain’s eastern coast between Valencia and Barcelona.

A study commissioned by the government in October 2015 and undertaken by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) came to the conclusion that there was a probable connection between the quakes and the works. “The localisations of the tremors coincide with the Amposta fault line and the studies conclude that these faults were put under stress as a result of the gas injections,” the ministry said. The report went on to say, “...that there is no absolute certainty that there will be no new seismic movements in the area if the facility goes into operation”. The findings of the study convinced the government not to resume work on the facility. Originally, the underwater container was due to store gas in an oil reservoir 1.7km beneath the Mediterranean and then transport it to Spain’s national grid via a pipeline. The amount of gas held – up to 1.3 billion cubic metres – would’ve adequately covered the needs of the five million people in the Valencia region for three months.

Prior to the authorities suspended the plant’s activity in 2013 and the start of the investigation into the tremors, around 100 cubic metres of gas had been injected.

A financial consequence of the original decision was the compensation payment of €1.35 billion to the consortium that built the plant for not being able to continue operations as planned.

News

09 - 15 May 2017

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Tourist Consular Assistance final report. If you have lost or had items stolen other than your passport, that you would be looking to claim for under any insurance on your return to the UK, then it is also essential to get this report, (denuncia) as many companies will not pay out unless you possess this document.

Most British holidaymakers dread the thought of misplacing a passport while on holiday. Yet every year more than 6,000 are either lost or stolen in Southern Europe – at least 4,000 in Spain alone - forcing the victims to rely on the services of the local British Consulate.

If your passport has been stolen you will need a police report before an Emergency Travel Document (ETD), can be issued by the British Consulate. You can make a police report at the nearest Guardia Civil or National Police office, or you can make a provisional police report in English by calling 902 102 112, then go to the nearest National Police station to collect the

In addition to arranging for an ETD, for British nationals needing emergency consular assistance, they can: • provide information about transferring funds • help people with mental illness • offer support and help in a range of other cases, such as child protection and abductions, kidnappings, or someone who is missing abroad and how to make a missing persons report • provide consular assistance to British nationals who are victims of rape or serious sexual assault, or any other serious crime • help in contacting your family or friends when you are not able to do so yourself, either because you are ill, in hospital, have been arrested etc • provide advice following the death of a British national in Spain, where possible we will try to notify the next of kin • make special arrangements in cases of terrorism, civil disturbances or natural disasters • offer support and information when a British national is detained or arrested outside the UK

• get you out of prison, prevent the local authorities from deporting you after your prison sentence, or interfere in criminal or civil court proceedings • help you enter a country, for example, if you do not have a visa or your passport is not valid, as they cannot interfere in another country’s immigration policy or procedures • give you legal advice, investigate crimes or carry out searches for missing people. They can give you details of people who may be able to help you in these cases • get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people • pay any bills or give you money • make travel arrangements for you, find you work, accommodation, or make business arrangements on your behalf • get involved in private disputes over property, employment, commercial or other matters • renew or replace a full British passport

Should you need their services, the nearest British Consulate is in Alicante on 6º (Sixth Floor), Rambla Méndez Núñez, 28-32, 03002 Alicante.

Telephone - 965 21 60 22. The consulate is open to visitors, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 1.30pm, excluding public holidays. Consular phone lines are open from 9am to 5pm To get to the Consulate by car, approach the city along the coast road N332, or if approaching by motorway take the exit “Alicante Norte/ Avenida Denia”. When you reach the marina, you will find an underground car park, and the consulate is five minutes’ walk from there.

If you go by bus, the bus station is located 15 minutes walk from the consulate. When you exit the bus station, turn right and continue until you reach the Rambla Méndez Núñez on your left. Turn onto the Rambla Méndez Núñez and walk up until you see the consulate on your right. Alternatively, take a taxi from the taxi rank located outside the bus station.

Although the British Consulate will try to help British nationals in a wide range of situations as possible, they cannot:

Bring on the extra noise...

Say 3% Around six thousand people, making up 3% of the population of Cartagena, support a level of noise higher than is currently permitted under the law.

These findings were part of the overall 2015-2018 Action Plan against Noise approved by the local town hall. However, the final implementation of the recommendations and proposed solutions to cutting down on noise pollution is to be delayed.

It’s no surprise that the main source of urban noise comes from road traffic which has been identified as coming from the 26 main roads in the area which include Paseo de Alfonso XIII, Alameda de San Antón and Juan Fernández, Ramón y Cajal, Pío XII, Real, San Juan Bosco , Víctor Beltrí and Colón, as the main offenders.

One of the solutions offered in the report is to promote an improvement in public transport in the city and the provision for an increase in dedicated cycle lanes. An extension of this idea could see ‘park and ride’ schemes bringing people from the outskirts of town into the city centre.

At present and surprisingly for a city the size of Cartagena, there is no adequate method of controlling the levels of noise due to the lack of both technical resources and specially trained personnel. One of the biggest offenders of noise pollution identified came from municipal service vehicles, particularly those that clean the streets.

Additionally, the study focuses on the apparent lack of awareness from the residents themselves who are just as guilty as noisemakers! Noise levels from

outside bar terraces, inside private properties and from works in general are growing, but until now there has been no control in the amount of decibels generated. It was also noted the future planning and the development of new urban areas tend to ignore possible noise pollution issues.

Part of the plan the city intends to implement is the production of an acoustic map of the main areas of the city highlighting the worst offenders as well as

the quieter and less troublesome zones. The areas identified as being the most affected by outside noise pollution, apart from the traffic, are Teatro Romano, the Molinete Parque Arqueológico and the Barrio de Emprendedores (Plaza de la Merced-bulevar José Hierro-campus de la Muralla del Mar).

From this season, the plan is to introduce noise limiters to the main public events such as the popular fiestas and music festivals.

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09 - 15 May 2017

News

Imagination vs. Reality

By Feature writer Sandy Shore “A man of ordinary talent will always be ordinary, whether he travels or not. But a man of superior talent will go to pieces if he remains forever in the same place.” ~ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

There is a man who should know for Mozart was an avid traveller. In this one respect I am in perfect harmony with Europe’s most famous musician. As a youngster I gazed across the sea’s horizon. As I whiled away an hour or so I allowed my imagination to let me see things I hoped to one day experience.

Later, whilst in pursuit of my dreams, I was fortunate enough to make friends in the cantinas of Latin America and knock ‘em back in Melbourne.

As my feet went forward they took me to the admittedly seedy bars scattered along Durban’s waterfront.

With a shudder is recalled an occasion when I was nearly ‘run over’ by a barge towing a crane in a Middle Eastern harbour.

My longing to travel remains but my means to do so has left me in its wake.

It did occur to me that I could live the good life by offering to be a European aide of an African despot. But, such men can be as temperamental as an opera diva.

Having dropped anchor in Mediterranean Spain I now find myself back to where it all started. These days, as I saunter along our sun-kissed beaches, I still gaze out to sea. But, instead of dreaming I reminisce and to be honest both are to be recommended.

We really don’t take imagination and dreaming seriously enough. Most people settle for less by enduring a rather vapid reality. In my view the ability to close one’s eyes and daydream is opportunity to live the life you wish for rather than the existence you have been burdened with.

Your reality sees me stretched out on my patio’s recliner. Look instead inside my head and you will see the reason for my whimsical smile. Inside my subconsciousness I relish life on the sundeck of a ocean liner. As I breathe in the briny aromas of the ocean I listen to travelling companions enjoying the pool. Touchingly, beside me relaxes the companion of my dreams.

Do feel free to enjoy your reality by all means but excuse me whilst I close my eyes and live what is to me the alternative reality.

Seventy years of United Nations

The date – 26 June 1945. The place – The San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Centre in San Francisco. It was 70 years ago today that, The Charter of the United Nations, the foundational treaty of the intergovernmental organization, the United Nations, was signed.

Present at this momentous event were 50 of the 51 original member countries. (Poland, the other original member, which was not represented at the conference, signed it two months later). It entered into force on 24 October 1945; United Nations Day, after being ratified by the original five permanent members of the Security Council - the Republic of China (later replaced by the People's Republic of China), France, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (later replaced by the Russian Federation), the United Kingdom, and the United States - and a majority of the other signatories.

As a charter, it is a constituent treaty and all members are bound by its articles. Furthermore, Article 103 of the Charter states that obligations to the United Nations prevail over all other treaty obligations. Most countries in the world have now ratified the Charter.

The name United Nations originated with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1941, when he described the countries fighting against the Axis in World War II. FDR’s “Four Freedoms”, also made their way into the resulting charter of the United Nations Organization in 1945.

The name was first used officially on 1 January 1942, when 26 states joined in the Declaration by the United Nations, pledging to continue their joint war effort and not to make peace separately.

The United Nations was established after World War II, in an attempt to maintain international peace and security and to achieve cooperation among nations on economic, social and humanitarian problem. Its forerunner was the League of Nations, an organization conceived under similar circumstances during the First World War and established in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles, "to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and security." The League of Nations, however, ceased its activities after it failed to prevent the Second World War. The need for an international organization to replace the League of Nations was first stated officially on 30 October 1943, in the Moscow Declaration issued by China, Great Britain, the United States, and the USSR. At the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in 1944, those four countries drafted specific proposals for a charter for the new organization. Later, at the Yalta Conference, in February 1945, further agreement was reached on the framework and structure of the organization.

The Security Council is the principal UN organ responsible for ensuring peace and its decisions are binding on all member states. The five permanent members were given individual veto power over issues brought before the Council. Other special agencies like the WHO (World Health Organization), UNICEF (UN International Children's Emergency Fund), UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) and the World Bank provide needed help across the world and have improved the lives of millions. Today, nearly 200 nations are members of the United Nations.

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09 - 15 May 2017

Property with SOLTIMES

Home & Garden Inside

09 - 15 May 2017

Housing plan boost for young An announcement by the Spanish Minister for Development, Iñigo de la Serna, has revealed plans to bring in a series of measures to help young people up to the age of 35 get on to the housing market. The country’s poorer pensioners haven’t been forgotten either.

The ambition is to award up to €10,800 toward the purchase of a house – with a limit of 20% of the value of the property. As part of the 2018-2021 State Housing Plan, those under 35-years old and on an annual income of less that €7,455 will qualify for the scheme which is planned to enter into force on January 1st 2018.

Another initiative in the policy is to increase the maximum amount of state aid towards renting a property which will rise to €900 from the current €600. In addition, it’s also contemplated that State and autonomous community funding could also pay between €150 and €400 of rent to the most vulnerable groups.

A further announcement was that the elderly will be able to receive aid up to 50% towards their rent or up to €200 per month to pay for water, gas, electricity and community bills. To receive this aid, they must be over 65 and be in receipt of a pension that doesn’t exceed the IPREM limit by three times. (The IPREM is the minimum amount decided upon by the government which dictates whether an individual is entitled to State aid or otherwise).

Both the young people and the elderly that qualify can count on this extra aid for a maximum period of three years.

Council house smoking ban A public health chief has said that smoking should be banned in all newly built council houses in a further effort to protect children from passive smoking.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Dr John Middleton, president of the Faculty of Public Health said: “Housing associations and councils are looking at smokefree housing buildings. Where children are involved I think there is a real case for it. You wouldn’t evict a load of tenants for smoking. Where you have got new premises, you could have smoke-free agreements from the start.”

Anti-smoking campaigners consider smoke-free housing to be the next major frontier in reducing the harmful effects of passive smoking which follows on from the 2015 law introducing a smoking ban in all vehicles carrying children.

In the United States, the Obama administration passed a federal law which banned smoking in all public housing - the equivalent to UK social housing - in November last year. This legislation, which will come into effect in August 2018, will affect more than million homes. In New York alone, which has the largest public housing agency in the country, 400,000 people will be bound by non-smoking agreements. According to Cancer Research, the majority of exposure to second hand smoke happens in the home. Passive smoking is particularly dangerous for children, who are at a much higher risk of developing respiratory infections, asthma, bacterial meningitis and cot death.

Research indicates 300,000 children in the UK visit a GP each year because of the effects of second-hand smoke, with 9,500 going to hospital.

Pro-smoking campaign Forest said the proposed policy “would penalise unfairly those who can’t afford to buy their own homes”.

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Property, Home & Garden

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09 - 15 May 2017

Property, Home & Garden

Tenant passport launched An online service set to do for home renting what Airbnb did for the holiday business has launched throughout the UK. This scheme may be of particular interest to residents of Spain who might be considering renting out their British property themselves.

RentalStep allows both tenants and landlords to leave reviews of each other and their properties so everyone can make more informed decisions about future moves.

The Tenant Passport addresses one of the underlying problems of today’s rental market – landlord confidence and the cost of having to pay for pricey references.

This free service allows renters to log their verified payment history online and every punctual rental payment will improve their credit score – the key to everything from getting a mobile phone contract to securing a mortgage, and that first step on the property-owning ladder.

“Our revolutionary new platform that connects great tenants and great landlords has launched across the UK and is set to revolutionise the way we rent. Our partnership with Experian means we can offer free credit scoring and ID verification for both tenants and landlords” said Mike Georgeson, founder of RentalStep.

He added, “Our unique, secure Tenant Passport allows tenants to show a landlord just how good a tenant they are, whilst giving landlords access to a pool of verified tenants.”

The Tenant Passport, which RentalStep guarantee will remain free for tenants, means renters’ online reference will be only a click away. The Passport includes a

record of rental payments – with each payment record sent to Experian – and present and past tenancies.

RentalStep has also introduced the new concept of a Tenant Score™, which makes it simple for landlords to assess would-be tenants' suitability for a property.

Meanwhile, landlords will be able to store all of their documents for the tenancy online and share them with their tenants.

The company, brainchild of entrepreneur and landlord Mike Georgeson, has already won a massive vote of confidence, taking the £150,000 first prize from a Startups.co.uk competition following a real-life Dragon’s Den-style interview with Worth Capital.

RentalStep provides great tenants and great landlords with a win-win situation. The only losers are likely to be letting agents, who will have to start thinking twice about extracting hefty fees for matching the best tenants with the best landlords.

The Tenant Passport provides a real lifeline to tenants keen to improve their credit score and reassure landlords in a market where competition for decent lettings is increasingly fierce.

And in an industry not known for its openness to going online, a service has finally arrived that reflects the reality of Generation Rent, bringing high-quality rental services direct to the digital generation.

Renters can find out more about RentalStep and join thousands of other great tenants and landlords at www.rentalstep.co.uk

09 - 15 May 2017

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Property, Home & Garden

Planning applications on the up British homeowners are behind a building surge as soaring house prices squeeze growing families, forcing them to improve their current homes rather than move.

Research by construction consultancy Barbour ABI has found that in every area of the UK, with the exception of Scotland, there was a significant growth in the number of planning applications submitted over the last two years, rising on average 6%.

This trend was largest in areas where the rise in house prices has been strong such as eastern England, which has regularly reported exceptionally high levels of property inflation. Here, there was a 14% jump in planning applications over the past two years, while in Cambridge the figure soared by 51% to the third-highest level in the country.

Cambridge had the highest house-price growth in the UK for months last year, with values rising by 14.4% in 2015, according to the online valuation service Hometrack. That has dropped off as affordability constraints checked rises to just 1.7% growth in 2016.

Barbour ABI’s data come from planning applications for residential properties. The figures include changes such as loft extensions, but don’t always include other more minor changes under permitted development regulations, such as small extensions.

That suggests the level of building work could be even higher.

The report said home improvement activity shifts very closely in line with changes in the economy and that home improvement applications rise and fall, tracking rises or falls in Gross ¬Domestic Product (GDP) within about six months.

However, it pointed out that in addition to house prices, consumer sentiment can also boost applications.

Federation of Master Builders Chief Executive, Brian Berry said: “Demand for home improvement work is particularly

vulnerable to dips in consumer confidence, but at present there’s no sign of a negative Brexit effect.

Despite gloomy predictions from many economists in the run up to the EU referendum last summer, construction SME workloads have not only held up, they are in rude health.”

Demand for home improvement work is particularly vulnerable to dips in consumer confidence, but at present there’s no sign of a negative ‘Brexit effect’ London had the most planning permissions in the country, with Kensington and Chelsea topping the list with 6.8 home improvement applications for every 100 private homes.

The amount of such applications in the most expensive boroughs within the capital is stalling, and the outer boroughs, in areas such as Barking & ¬Dagenham, are now improving more. London had the lowest growth in planning applications of all the regions, with the exception of Wales.

The report also revealed a noticeable north-south divide in home improvement: the highest placed northern local authority for the rate of planning permissions sought was Harrogate, which was in 84th place.

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09 - 15 May 2017

Property, Home & Garden

World naked gardening day If you popped your head over the neighbour’s fence for a quick chat last Saturday - you might have seen more than you bargained for.

Many of the green fingered marked the 13th annual World Naked Gardening Day, where would-be horticulturists around the globe become one with nature by tending to their primroses in the nip and trimming their overgrown bushes.

All over the world, people were shedding their clothes to pose nude in their backyard, often aided by some strategically placed flora.

Held on the first Saturday of May, World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) has grown a large cult following since its inception in 2005, usually appearing in Twitter’s top trends on the day itself.

Organisers explain on the website: “Why garden naked? First of all, it’s fun!“Second only to swimming, gardening is at the top of the list of familyfriendly activities people are most ready to consider doing nude.

“Moreover, our culture needs to move toward a healthy sense of both body acceptance and our relation to the natural environment.

“Gardening naked is not only a simple joy, it reminds us--even if only for those few sunkissed minutes--that we can be honest with who we are as humans and as part of this planet.

While some take such sage advice literally, others seem to see it as an opportunity to get their kit off. Others are less impressed, and opt to keep their clothes on while still enjoying the sunshine.

Pick up a copy today!

Out every Tuesday

09 - 15 May 2017

Grow your own...Curry!

Perhaps you have grandchildren living in the UK that are into their food or you’d like to encourage them to get into gardening with a difference?

In an initiative in partnership with Sutton Seeds, East End Spices, Chaat! Magazine and Sweet Cherry Publishing, primary schools across the UK are invited to join the British Curry Club’s campaign, which encourage children to grow curry ingredients from seed with their gardening club in schools. This activity can be extended into a range of activities in the classroom to encourage discussion and tasks about the world around us to include global foods. Children understanding the various cuisines from around the globe can only broaden their knowledge of the world and the diverse society that we live in.

To take part in the campaign, schools will be expected to organise a gardening club as well as post #GROWYOUROWNCURRY on their schools website, Facebook or Twitter.

As a further incentive for schools to join the campaign the British Curry Club is running a competition for schools. Each school needs to register their involvement by entering the competition by the 30 June 2017. Three schools will be chosen to win £200 worth of primary school books provided by Sweet Cherry Publishing and one child from each winning school will also win £25 worth of books.

The competition is not limited to the schools that have already received packs,

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BLOOM OF THE WEEK – Bizzy Lizzy The Bizzy Lizzy or to give it the official name of Impatiens walleriana is a species of the genus Impatiens and native to countries like Kenya and Mozambique on the east African coast.

It’s a flowering herbaceous perennial plant growing to 15–60 cm (6–24 in) tall, with broad leaves 3–12 cm long and 2–5 cm across. The flowers are profuse and 2–5 cm diameter, with five petals and a 1 cm spur. The seedpod explodes when ripe in the same manner as other Impatiens species, an evolutionary adaptation for seed dispersal. The stems are semi-succulent, and all parts of the plant (leaves, stems, flowers, roots) are soft and can be easily damaged.

It is commonly cultivated in parks and gardens, typically grown in containers but also in bedding schemes in a range of colours from white to purple.

any schools can get involved by registering for the competition.

The second year of the campaign also includes the support of well-known celebrity chefs, Cyrus Todiwala, Anjum Anand and Hari Ghotra. Each chef has joined the campaign to provide vegetarian recipes for parents and school teachers to use.

Cyrus Todiwala said: Tthere is no greater sensation of elation than when one plants a seed and sees it turn from a shoot to a food provider. That is nature enticing us to do similar things in our day to day

life amongst humans and other things.

Planting something and looking after it until it bears fruit is a feeling of absolute achievement and pride and goes a long way in developing oneself for the future.

Grow Your Own Curry can only be the greatest feeling of joy and achievement and describes ones actions from Seed to Plate and a deep understanding of nature”.

For schools to register for the competition or get an entry form they simply send details to competition@britishcurryclub.co.uk

Loo with a view

A historic view with a loo has been recreated, with the rescue and restoration of a Victorian outdoor toilet in the gardens of Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire. The toilet, described as “a rare surviving example of a gentrified decorate garden privy”, is a far rarer survival than the listed mansion itself.

The little brick pavilion housing the earth closet toilet – which had disappeared under a mound of ivy – has been restored by English Heritage, complete with its discreet screens of yew hedges and surround of tactfully strongly scented plants, including orange blossom, scented geranium and roses.

The mansion was built in 1861, and was opulently plumbed, with nine flushing toilets for the family and staff. The garden toilet was strictly for the family and visitors, not the small army of staff working in the 8 hectares (20 acres) of gardens.

As there was no running water to the building, servants had the daily task of emptying the bucket below a wooden bench and using the “night soil” as fertiliser in the surrounding beds and lawns.

Daniel Hale, its current head gardner, said: “Interesting buildings come in all shapes and sizes. Toilets may not be glamorous, but they can be a fascinating source of social history.

This privy sheds a light on the Victorians’ love of gardens. Lost for years under ivy, we’re delighted to have rescued this lovely loo and share its story with visitors – although we’d ask them not to get too familiar with it.”

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09 - 15 May 2017

Legal

Money myths may bring results Timing is everything is a phrase applicable to many areas, including when to invest in the money markets or otherwise.

Between 1986 and 2015, missing the FTSE All Share index’s 10 best days would have cut your overall return from investing in the index almost in half – and no investor, private or professional, seems to have found a reliable way to time their sales and purchases of shares to get the best from the good days while avoiding the bad. Yet there are a couple of market phenomena that seem to suggest successful market timing is possible.

SELL IN MAY One of the best known investment adages is “sell in May and go away”. The idea is to avoid shares entirely between the beginning of May and the end of October, when markets are supposedly more volatile and more prone to steep falls. Both the FTSE 100 and FTSE All Share returned less than 1% on average in the summer periods between 1986 and 2015, with dividends reinvested. Without dividends reinvested, the average falls to minus 1%. The cumulative return of the FTSE 100 over those periods is 21% with dividends reinvested, and minus 30% without. But adopting the “sell in May” approach is not a certain route to stock market success: unexpected events can easily intervene. Adrian Lowcock of investment firm Architas, said: “It is impossible to predict short-term trends with enough accuracy to bet your hard-earned savings. Last year is a reminder that markets are not guaranteed to fall in the summer months.”

SOLAR ECLIPSES One of the more surprising events to exert an apparent influence on markets is the solar eclipse. Since 1900, 15 total solar eclipses have been visible from American soil. On the day of each eclipse, and on the day before, the average return of the Dow Jones index has been minus 0.3%. The average for the day after the eclipse has been 0.2%.

New £1 coin breaking in

Launched amid a massive fanfare in March of this year, the new £1 coin was promoted as being the most secure in the world...but some examples are showing signs of strain already.

The twelve-sided coin, which reminds many people of the threepenny bit of their youth, has been reported for showing signs of blemishes and cracks, gaps in the two metal parts, warping and, worst of all losing the silver centre.

Whether the Royal Mint’s statement had the latter fault in mind when they said that “defective coins will always slip through” is open for question, but the defaults have certainly caused many coin collectors to keep a special eye out for them.

Others hope to find one in their change and immediately put them up for auction on sites such as e-Bay. Examples have already been found to be up for sale for as much as £5,000!

"The Royal Mint produces around five billion coins each year, and will be striking 1.5 billion new £1 coins in total," said a spokesperson. "As you

would expect, we have tight quality controls in place. However variances will always occur in a small number of coins, particularly in the striking process, due to the high volumes and speed of production."

Security features on the new coin include micro lettering and milled edges, even a hologram that makes a "£" sign

change into the number "1" when looked at from different angles. The old £1 coin and its replacement will both be in circulation for a further six months, until the round pound ceases to be legal tender on 15 October.

The Royal Mint, based at Llantrisant in Wales, produces around five billion coins every year.

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09 - 15 May 2017

Community News Send us your what’s on information & we can keep your community in the loop, send to Production.soltimes@ewnmediagroup.com

Talks & Workshops

MABS Murcia North East - Sew’n’So’s Sewing Group Every Mon Fortuna. Taking place every other Monday at Urb. Las Kalendas from 14:00.

Email: mabsmurciane@gmail.com

Roman Catholic Church Saladillo, Mazarron (close to Camposol) Mass in English every Saturday at 4.30 pm Mass in Latin every Sunday at 4.030pm For further information please contact Father Octavio on 676 219 445 or Father Carlos on 628 824 555.

The Royal British Legion Spain District North • The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community – serving men and women, veterans and their families.

• If you feel we can help you, please ring 676 451 780 (9-5 weekdays) or email assistance.rbl.dns@gmail.com.

• Any general enquiries to 648 860 251 (10-4 weekdays) Make a difference to someone’s life..

Let’s make it happen!!

Visit the webpage below to read about Leo’s story www.gofundme.com/leothelion3

welcome EVENTS

Great MABS Murcia Mar Menor auction On Tuesday 23rd May, 2017 MABS Murcia Mar Menor in association with La Zona Bar, Los Alcazares, is holding an Auction. If you have any items you would like to sell this is an ideal opportunity especially if you have just done your spring clear-out. There is no limit to the number of items you can bring along so check the attic and the garage for forgotten treasures you no longer want.

The Details, and times are as follows: Check your goods in from 11a.m. -1.00p.m.

Viewing from 1.00p.m. - 3.00p.m.

Auction commences at 3.00p.m.

Cost per item is 4 euros.

Cost for 3 items or more is 10 euros.

Items sold over 20 euros there is 20% commission payable.

If you know of neighbours, friends or family who may be interested in any of these events, please pass this information on to them. We are always looking for volunteers and anyone interested should contact mabsmurciapr@hotmail.com, or simply call into either our San Javier shop or our Totana shop.

Cancer does not discriminate and neither does MABS

Mar Menor 1’s AGM We would like to remind you of the date of the

upcoming Annual General Meeting of the Community of Owners of Mar Menor Golf Resort which will be held on the 13th of May. You should have received the official calling by now.

If you haven’t, then please contact Mare Nostrum at info@mnlegalfirm.com

For your information there will not be a dance during July and August.

May 17th. We have something different for this months dance, a Rock’n’Roll fest. Dress up in your best gear and win prizes also a Jive competition with awards for the best.You will be dancing to a superb duo Roadrunner. €8 Ladies Afternoon – Wednesday 14th June at the Club House.

Included will be a fashion show, stalls, bingo and raffle as well as a cold buffet also entertainment by Byron (Sax) G Man. €10 June 21st The Welcome Summer Ball at La Cumbre Hotel in

PASO A PASO

Modern jive class and social dancing time and venues.

MONDAYS 12.30pm Absolute beginners / improvers plus practice time at THE CLUB, 1 Calle El Abedul, QUESADA. 03170 -----------------------------------------TUESDAYS 8pm FROM 31st JANUARY Classes for all levels and social dancing till late.

LOS ROSALES RESTAURANT, CV895 Lemon Tree Road, CAMPO de GUARDAMAR.03140.

Its great news to be back at one of our first venues although a different night -----------------------------------------THURSDAY 8pm Classes for all levels plus social dancing till late.

EL PARASIO, Calle Francisco Diez Matinez, Urb Jardin Del Mar 3, TORREVIEJA 03180..nr Carrefore.

-----------------------------------------Regular advanced workshops, private tuition and our Dance Junction Disco is available for all private functions.

No partner Never Danced No problem....

No need to book, just come along and make lots of new friends Clubs members and friends social events already planned for 2017 22nd July. Maxines Annual Shabby n Chic Ball All the above being held at Los

Puerto de Mazarron. Enjoy a 6 course meal with drinks, there is also a Mega Raffle. Finish the night dancing to the music of Rob Sweenie. €29. Coach travel is available €5 June 26th Welcome day out to Tabarca island just off the coast from Alicante, don’t forget your swimming gear and snorkel or just relax. Coach, ferry and lunch are included €39 p.p.

September 9th. Trip to the ancient Roman town of Tarrragona staying for 4 nights at the 3* Hotel Urbis Centre in the town centre on B&B. Cost includes two excursions, first to visit a Cava producer and second to the Roman amphitheatre and ruins.

Stopping on the way home for a boat trip. All this and coach travel

Rosales Rsstaurant €10.50 including a two course meal and dancing to Dance Junction Disco till late.

To book your party table call or message Maxine 670711408 / Adam 638330342 for more info or follow Paso A Paso on face book. www.modern-jive-spain.com

BADMINT0N AT PILAR DE LA HORADADA Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs. 10-1pm.

For information ring John McGilvray on 966 786 774 or Mobiles 634 658 506/695 871 707 or email carolejohn_3@hotmail.com

Friends after Bereavement. F.A.B for short We are a mixed group of people who meet on a Saturday afternoon between 2 to 4pm. The club is run by Joan. We are a very friendly group with a lot of chat but with plenty of time to listen. We try to help bereaved people to take their first steps to new friendships, we understand bereavement as each and every one of us has been bereaved.

For more information please contact Joan on phone number 634 336 103 where she will give you information on any questions you have, and where we hold our meetings. We look forward to seeing new friends and old friends alike.

for €280 p.p.

October 8th Almeria & Mini Hollywood. Staying 3 nights at the 3* Hotel Nuevo Torreluz on B&B in the centre of Almeria with a day trip out to Mini Hollywood including lunch, there is also a visit to Mojacar. Coach travel included for €165 p.p.

Welcome Christmas Trip to Benidorm – Saturday 23rd December for 4 nights at The Helios Hotel on Full Board with a Special Gala Lunch including wine and water on Christmas Day. Coach travel included. €299 p.p.

For more information or to book your tickets call Steve on 697 960 590.

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09 - 15 May 2017

Leisure

Monday and Tuesday, just about anything that can go wrong will. It takes all your energy just to feel comfortable among a group of people. And your new shoes aren’t fitting right. Wednesday and Thursday see you taking action and not letting anyone get in your way. If those shoes still hurt, by all means return them. If you’re still uncomfortable socially, find a new social group. Friday and Saturday are career-oriented: everything you do has an effect on your reputation. Sunday you’re surrounded by like-minded people and filled with optimistic thinking about the future.

Monday and Tuesday are beset by allconsuming passion. It isn’t a fun sort of passion -- not artistic or musical or anything like that -- it’s emotional. The outside world is almost distorted by the strength of your feelings.

You go into Wednesday and Thursday understandably wary of other people. The key is to not let that wariness transform into what may appear as righteousness.

That’s no way to charm someone. Friday and Saturday, something that’s dogged your understanding for a while suddenly makes sense. Until Sunday, that is. Nothing makes sense on Sunday.

Think of yourself as a space exploration vehicle on Monday and Tuesday, wandering into unknown territory, snapping pictures -- and not making any kind of judgment, just collecting facts. Let someone else figure out what it all means. Wednesday and Thursday you’re more engaged intellectually, but you still aren’t putting your hands on your hips and telling people what to think. That attitude’s just not interesting to you right now. Friday and Saturday, the shifting breeze is sending you in one direction after another, but on Sunday your feet are firmly planted and your attention is focused.

You have one foot in one camp and one foot in another. Where does your allegiance lie? What do you need most at this moment? On Monday and Tuesday, if at all possible, put off making any decisions. Wednesday through Friday, you’re just as torn. About everything. Though canceling your evening plans and cozying up in front of a DVD on Friday night sounds, perhaps, lazy, it is also wise. This is just not the week -- or the weekend -- to dazzle people in social settings. (If you find yourself in such a setting, expect to be wildly misinterpreted.) On Sunday, money is on your mind

Time to haul out the magnifying glass and take a closer look. What you’re looking at on Monday and Tuesday isn’t entirely clear, but allow yourself to hold some unknown variables in your head; it will be a while before this puzzle coheres. Wednesday and Thursday, amplification in the romantic realm intensifies everything else -- which is exactly what you’re in the mood for: more, better, richer, sweeter. Knowing exactly what you want grants you a confidence on Friday and Saturday that some might be threatened by. On Sunday, strike a minor chord. Show off your infamous reserve.

There are so many ways of seeing something -- as the opinions of your friends so amply demonstrate on Monday and Tuesday. Instead of coming down hard on those you disagree with (which is something you have been known to do), listen. Think of yourself as a pair of giant cartoon ears. Wednesday and Thursday, you are pretty sure you know how things should be done, but, again, adopt a passive role and let someone else shoulder the burden.

(Your shoulders have been taking the brunt of it lately.)

Friday and Saturday, all tension melts when you lock lips with someone. Sunday is revelational.

You sweep your arms across the table on Monday and draw all your money and possessions toward your chest. Tuesday you spend counting your chips. How can this be explained, this weird urge toward materialism?

It’d be good for you to give something away. Then, on Wednesday and Thursday, be generous in other ways: be emotionally giving, insist on hearing the long versions of stories. Friday and Saturday may have you shuffling your feet and casting your eyes downward -- you’re lost in thought about something that happened a while ago -- but Sunday is nothing short of sensational.

Your radiance is a little hard for everyone else to take on Monday and Tuesday. You walk into a room and everyone else looks slightly less magical. It’s as if you pull all cosmic energy toward you, though it’s not like you’re doing it on purpose. Wednesday and Thursday, you become a beneficiary of the very excitement you help generate; you become wrapped up in an activity you wouldn’t involve yourself in if you were alone. Friday and Saturday are less wild, days of calculations and self-control; likewise, the extent of excitement on Sunday consists of rearranging the furniture in living room.

You are like a cartoon giant walking through a cartoon forest on Monday and Tuesday -- an imaginative Goliath who’s sometimes in the mood to be alone. You have a beautiful vision for the future, but it’s all so overwhelming and vague that you wouldn’t be able to explain it to anyone.

Yet. Wednesday and Thursday, a new friendship seems to be taking off, and you might try filling this other person in on what you’ve been thinking about. Friday and Saturday you stick close to the path you know well, but Sunday finds you daringly introducing yourself to a stranger.

All the information is lined up and in order, clear as day -- all you have to do at this point is make the call. Obviously, it’d be smart not to make it alone. Ask others what they think. Then detach yourself emotionally from the proceedings and decide. Once a course has been decided, Wednesday commences a blur that extends into the foreseeable future, a blur of speed and productivity and brightness.

Discipline is important on Thursday -- you may begin to have second thoughts, but ignore them -- and modesty is important on Friday and Saturday. The weekend is a chorus of praise.

What with your career on the rocks -- or, at least, not moving at quite the pace you’d like -- on Monday and Tuesday, spend the start of the week doing something socially useful; make phone calls, help out at a community center.

Wednesday and Thursday, you’re feeling fortunate to find yourself in a group of people who agree with you on almost every issue, you come up with an excuse that would put you all in touch a lot more often. Friday and Saturday offer little in the way of satisfaction or reward, but Sunday is the opposite. Sunday is unbelievable.

It’s hard to tell the difference between what’s going on in your head and what’s going on in the outside world on Monday and Tuesday. The thing is, the outside world is just confusing.

Wednesday and Thursday, a move toward simplicity is in the stars. You, a clean kitchen, some music, some leftovers, a magazine -- that’s an entire evening right there. Friday and Saturday, too, are modest in scope. Let the direction of your evenings be guided by the people involved. No one wants a tight schedule. On Sunday, you ask a sage friend for advice. It’s good, strong advice, and it sends you reeling.

CanDu Computer Bytes

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. The only professional computer help that comes from over 38 years experience and a University education. You can contact me for an appointment at my workshop or I can come to you, by calling 689 892 745 or by Email: canducomputing@ hotmail.co.uk.

Filmon for free is Dead – long live Filmon! What is happening? Well to start with the European Court has determined that Filmon is in breach of copyright material. The landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) means that dozens of sites showing live TV in the UK, including the London-based TVCatchup.com, must now get rights clearance from broadcasters. Which the anal retentive, money grabbing, thieving BBC will probably disallow unless it is massively in their favour.

I decided to see if this was true and

after 2 minutes, the signal ended and the warning that my ‘free trail period’ had ended and I was invited to pay. NOT HAPPENING! The truth be told, we have always known that what Filmon was doing, was illegal, but as we got to watch our English TV we didn’t care! If you need to see the latest “Coronation Street” then there is a way, through ‘Kodi’ using ‘Exodus’ to watch the missed episode.

We came out here to Spain to enjoy our lives by having a better quality of life so Dance, Sing, be mobile, enjoy the many beautiful things that Spain has to offer! I have 2 great friends Dave and Gilly (my Jiminy Cricket ’s) suggested “life is too short to spend in front of a TV” which I like much better than the disparaging way I was going to end the aricle. Until next time.

This One

The Surgeon had given me a chitty for a breast prosthesis. I was to take it to Información and get it signed and my name and number stuck on it. When this was done I could go and claim the wherewithal for my new and improved front elevation from the Orthopaedic shop.

The Hospital was mega-busy that day, so I decided to leave it until next week. But when I got home and checked, the chitty was made out in my name but signed off with Pete’s name and number!

Pete was less than impressed - He felt no need of a breast prosthesis.

At my next appointment I produced my incorrectly made out chitty – there was no prevarication, both Nursie and Consulta immediately agreed that a mistake had been made and that Pete was not a suitable recipient for a breast prosthesis!

A new chitty was made out, with that day’s date, and once more I traipsed to the Mostrador to get it signed and made out in my name and number.

I explained , and produced both chitties – perhaps that was a mistake.

‘We have signed off one prosthesis, you can’t have another one.’

‘Look,’ I can’t have explained clearly enough the first time. ‘It is made out in my name, but signed off with my husband’s name and number.’ ‘I can’t do anything unless I have the original one.’

‘This is the original one.’

‘Then what’s this one?’

‘That’s the corrected one.’

She gazed at me in total incomprehension.

Clearly the combination of a foreigner, two

By Jos Biggs chitties, and the possibility of an error emanating from her department was too much for her to take in.

‘Luis.’ she called.

A gentleman of generous proportions waddled to her aid. Bearing in mind that hippopotami are reckoned to be more dangerous and responsible for more human deaths than lions, I stepped back.

In fevered tones she explained. Luis took both chitties and wobbled of, 20 stone of blancmange on the move.

‘There is nothing I can do.’ She bleated. ‘I need the original.’

‘That was the original.’ I indicated the tranquil acreage that was Luis’s receding back.

Luis’s back turned into Luis’s front. ‘Sign this one.’ He pointed calmly to the corrected chitty, and oozed back to wherever he had come from.

With shaking hands she signed it. I expect that she is still undergoing therapy – the stress of an English person with two chitties was clearly too much for her!

Leisure

“Sometimes the hating has to stop.” Engraved on Eric Lomax’s tombstone.

The Railway Man

by Eric Lomax

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09 - 15 May 2017

The film was premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2013 and released in the UK in January 2014. Directed by Jonathan Teplitzky and starring Colin Firth, Nicole Kidman, Jeremy Irvine ( War Horse) and Stellan Skarsgard.

The book was published in 1995 and it was a lifelong ambition of Lomax’s to retell some extremely harrowing stories of POW beatings and torture during the second world war. The film captures some of his enthusiasm for the railway and his childhood fascination with locomotives but fails to show his passion although the book is far more successful. In other ways too.

Eric was an officer in Singapore until its fall and then he became one of many POWs to be sent by the Japanese to work on the Thai-Burma railway, known as death railway because of the high number of fatalities. I was fortunate to visit the area a few years ago and travel on the same line up to the bridge over the River Kwai. Perhaps fortunate is rather misplaced here?

Eric and his mates have to repair the machinery used to construct the railway. Initially they have a lot of freedom and life is not particularly difficult. They find parts easily and make a rudimentary radio which allows them to follow the allies’ victories. It doesn’t take the Japanese long to realise what is happening and they discover the radio. The mechanics are treated brutally, including Lomax. Two of them die from their beatings and Lomax is left physically broken as well as mentally traumatised. The men are taken to Outram prison where disease is rife. In the film it is Irvine who is subjected to the waterboarding torture and his screams for mother are

disturbing.

Takashi Nagase was the Japanese interpreter responsible for Lomax’s nightmares. After the war it was always Lomax’s intention to track him down and kill him for subjecting him to so much abuse. He meets Patti and falls in love. Without her tenderness it is unlikely he would have pulled through. Post Traumatic Stress was not recognised and therefore not treated. Just like Laura Hilenbrand’s Unbroken we learn about the power of forgiveness and how it can heal. The film only touches on these issues. If you can cope with the torture then the book is a must to read.

REVIEW it by Carol Naylor.

OUR CHOICE Long Lost Family: What Happened Next Ep 1/3 Tuesday 9 May 10.00pm - 11.00pm ITV

OUR PICK OF THIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE MOVIES & TV

FILM OF THE WEEK

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Bradley Cooper. Director: James Gunn. Genres: Action, Adventure, SCI Fi Release Date: 28 April 2017 12A | 2h 16min Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos.

The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand. Written by Marvel Studios

The family healing series returns, with a twist. It is still sending buckets down into the deepest wells of emotion but this time, they’re wells we have visited before. You won’t be surprised to hear that the end result is just as heart-rending.

First we recap on stories from previous programmes like the case of siblings Ron and Christine, separated when they were six and four but reunited in 2015 after 60 years apart. They have formed a close bond since then – “It’s completely changed my life,” says Christine – but the story takes a twist when the programme’s farseeing researchers get wind of the possibility there may be other siblings out there…

Meanwhile, we also catch up with Cliff and his halfsister Sue, who have very much become part of each other’s lives after the programme gave them a new start.

Cruelly, there is more heartache in store for them.

ONE TO WATCH MasterChef: The Finals

Ep 25/25 Friday 12 May 9.30pm-10.30pm BBC It was a menu of winkles, cockles and parsley on toast, an Indianinspired roast lamb and a delicate take on rhubarb and custard that won Jane Devonshire the title of MasterChef in 2016. “Stunning” was John Torode’s verdict on her main course; “A piece of modern art” was how Gregg Wallace described her dessert. So she’s a tough act to follow, but the contestants this year have certainly reached a formidable standard.

There have been mistakes along the way, though: not just Fumbi’s honey cheesecake that became a sweet puddle, and an apologetic Selwyn’s raw loin of lamb, but also ill-advised innovations such as custard ravioli, tomato water and sweet potato chocolate mousse. And, of course, there was Bramblegate, when the description of contestant Brodie’s partridge dish as containing brambles rather than blackberries got everyone in a twitter.

No such diversions now: just an intense bout of cooking and a divine three-course meal stands between the finalists and victory.

09 - 15 May 2017

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Astronomy wordsearch

Find and circle all of the Astronomy related words in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secret message.

ANDROMEDA GALAXY APOGEE ASTEROID ASTRONOMER ATMOSPHERE AURORA BINARY STAR BLACK HOLE CONSTELLATION CORONA CRATER DEEP SPACE ECLIPSE EQUINOX GALAXIES

GALILEO GRAVITY HUBBLE KEPLER LIGHT YEAR METEOR MILKY WAY MOON NEBULA ORBIT PARSEC PERIGEE POLARIS PROXIMA CENTAURI PULSARS

QUASARS RED GIANT SATELLITE SOLAR SYSTEM SOLAR WIND SPACE SHUTTLE SPACECRAFT STARS SUN SUPERNOVA TELESCOPE TIDES UNIVERSE WHITE DWARF

standard SUDOKU

Hidden sentence: THE FIRST PERSON TO SET FOOT ON THE MOON WAS NEIL ARMSTRONG

easy SUDOKU

soltimes sports quiz

1. In golf what is the name given to the grassed area between the tee and the green?............................

2. In which game would you find cover point, silly mid off and square leg?...........................................

3. Who at the 1984 Olympics, won the 100m, 200m, the print relay and the Long Jump?..............

4. Which sport featured in many of the Beach Boys earliest hits?....

5. Which sport uses asymmetrical bars, rings and a pommel horse?....... ...........................

6. Who won Wimbledon every year from 1976 to 1980?.................

7. Which Grand Prix teams world champions have included Emerson Fittipaldi, Niki Lauda and Alain Prost ?.................................

8. What is the name of the method of training a horse to carry out a set routine of movements?.......................................

9. Which sport was originally called Mintonette?...........................

10. Which was the earliest of the English classic horse races?...........

11. In darts, what is the maximum check-out score?..........

12. Who has won most international soccer caps for England?...............................................

13. Which TV sports quiz show was hosted by Nick Hancock?.......

14. What nationality is tennis player Michael Chang?....................

15. For what sport is Ellery Hanley famous?..................................

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

6, John F

1, Jennifer

1. Methuselah 2. Michael Collins 3. Rogers and Hammerstein’s ‘Carousel’ 4. Singapore Sling 5. Some Like It Hot 6. A View To A Kill (Duran Duran) 7. Holland 8. King Arthur

CRYPTIC crossword

Kennedy

Lawrence

9. Pyro 10. Bergamot Orange 11. Pirates of the Caribbean, At the worlds end.

12. Ringo Starr 13. “Women and children first” 14. Elvis 15. World War One flying aces

CROSSWORD

7, Jemima Khan

2, Bill Gates

SOLUTIONS

2

10. St Leger 11. 170 12. Peter Shilton 13. They Think It’s All Over 14. American 15. Rugby League

8, Morgan

3, Britte Bardot

Answers

Freeman

1. Which ancestor of Noah is also the name of an oversized Champagne bottle that holds six litres?.....

2. Which Apollo 11 astronaut did not set foot on the moon?.................................................................................

3. FC Liverpool’s signature song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ stems from which musical?....................................

4. Which cocktail, named after a city, was invented by the Raffles Hotel barkeeper Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915?...........................................................................................

5. Spats Columbo is the bad guy in which popular black and white film?.............................................................

6. Which James Bond theme song that starts with the words “Meeting you” was the only 007 theme song to reach number one in the US charts?...............

7. Which national team introduced ‘Total Football’ at the 1974 FIFA World Cup in Germany?......................

8. According to legend, which man rode horses named Llamrei, Hengroen and Passelande?.................

9. What is the Greek word for fire?....................................

10. What kind of orange is used to flavour Earl Grey tea?...............................................................................................

11. Which 2007 film, the third in a series, was the most expensive Hollywood film ever made?................

12. Who had a top ten hit on both sides of the Atlantic in 1972 with the song ‘Back off Boogaloo’?..

13. Which famous phrase stems from the doomed troops on board the sinking ship HMS Birkenhead?..

14. What was the name of Sonny Crockett’s pet alligator in the cult TV series Miami Vice?......................

15. Billy Bishop, Roland Garros, Mick Mannock and Eddie Rickenbacker are all examples of what?.............

1

IDENTIFY THEse FAMOUS faces

Answers

9, Helen Mirren

sol times geography Quiz

sol picture quiz!

4, George

Clooney

1386 – England and Portugal formally ratify their alliance with the signing of the Treaty of Windsor, making it the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world which is still in force.

1662 – The figure who later became Mr. Punch made his first recorded appearance in England.

1873 – Der Krach: Vienna stock market crash heralds the Long Depression.

1945 – The Channel Islands are liberated by the British after five years of German occupation.

1974 - Watergate scandal: The United States House Committee on the Judiciary opens formal and public impeachment hearings against President Richard Nixon.

5, Angelina Jolie 10, Lenny Henry

on this day 9th MAY

Puzzles

1. Fairway 2. Cricket 3. Carl Lewis 4. Surfing 5. Gymnastics 6. Bjorn Borg 7. Mcclaren 8. Dressage 9. Volleyball

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09 - 15 May 2017

Puzzles

Across 1 Young cow (6) 4 Soaked up (8) 10 Gorgeous (9) 11 Excursion (5) 12 A moon of Saturn (5) 13 Proponents (9) 14 Harmful (7) 16 Genus of the dogfish (4) 19 Frozen (4) 21 Rendezvous (7) 24 Large breed of dog (9) 25 Color of grass (5) 26 Not sooner (5) 27 A loose high-necked blouse (9) 28 Bars temporarily (8) 29 Elevated open grasslands (6) Down 1 Customary (8) 2 Idle (8) 3 Consumed (5) 5 Country in South America (7) 6 Goal (9) 7 Reward (6) 8 Hate (6) 9 Obliterate (6) 15 Secretariat was one (9) 17 Slandered (8) 18 Government administrative units (8) 20 Sedated (7) 21 Current (6) 22 Expands abnormally (6) 23 Dishes (6) 25 Actor Clark _____ (5)

standard CROSSWORD

SUDOKU PUZZLES squiggle

easy

today’s famous birthdays

standard

1147 – Minamoto no Yoritomo, Japanese shogun.

1837 – Adam Opel, German engineer, founded the Opel Company.

1870 – Harry Vardon, British golfer.

1883 – José Ortega y Gasset, Spanish philosopher.

1934 – Alan Bennett, English screenwriter, playwright, and novelist.

1949 – Billy Joel, American singer-songwriter and pianist.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 7 No time to tease southern relatives (5) 8 Resist change, enshrouding middlemen after my secrets (9) 10 Boy wears most of vest, breaking what it doesn’t have (6) 11 Drunk doubles without first reaching for large stones (8) 12 Health facility tips up in headless group of fish (8) 13 Follow up small idols (4) 15 Coastal disease is disastrous (7)

17 Protracted your old

Down 1 Powerful vehicle for animal that sleeps? (9) 2 Tries to put politician in a sort of t-test (8) 3 Slob (my son) returns signs (7) 4 Fight a battle (8) 5 Dealt with commercial in the red? Not he! (6) 6 Rages about part of the engine (5) 9 Finest bighead set off (4)

14 Psychiatrist in middle-age is getting smaller! (9) 16 Some had read “Full Throttle” - it’s terrible (8) 18 Giving our genes new order (8) 19 Regular 12 attendant? (7) 21 No Princess on the outskirts of former PM’s country (6) 23 Mulder’s first eye-opening alien encounter (4) 24 Car, or it’s test to start off with (5)

following - the French at first no good (7) 20 First lady provided oriental existence (4) 22 Idealistic man in round opening of the ear (8) 25 Prison food? (8) 26 Reportedly, you smell a brilliant discovery (6) 27 Desire completely, if all goes well (9) 28 Poet puts vessel in empty vehicle (5)

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09 - 15 May 2017

Food and Drink

Bombay gin...

Pop the corks!

Everyone’s ruin Prosecco still Nº1

For the second time in less than five months a top spirit brand distributed in Canada has had to be recalled, although some consumers might not be too concerned at the reason. There’s too much alcohol in the bottles!

1.14 litre bottles of the popular Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin have been recalled across Canada after it was discovered a particular batch contained almost double the amount of advertised alcohol. Rather than the 40% alcohol content by volume, these rogue bottles had 77% due to a production line fault.

A spokesperson for the Ontario Liquor Control Board said in a statement: ““One batch was bottled before correct dilution to achieve the stated 40% alcohol content by volume, as a result, the affected batch has alcohol content by volume of 77%.”

So far, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, no illnesses associated with this error had been reported and recommended that should anyone discover they have a rogue bottle or two they should either return it to the place of purchase or simply throw it away.

Bacardi, the company responsible for distributing Bombay Sapphire, believed that the extra alcohol was only found in bottles sold in Canada, the first of which was in the Ontario province before the nationwide recall.

Georgian Bay vodka was similarly taken from the shelves in March this year after a particular batch had even higher alcohol content than Bombay Sapphire – 81% instead of the official 40%.

British drinkers don’t just like Prosecco - they love it. Back in 2015, the Italian sparkling wine overtook Champagne to become the UK’s favourite fizzy tipple. Last year, a supermarket chain even sought to cash in on the love for Prosecco by launching a range of festive tea bags that attempted to mimic its distinct and refreshing flavour.

But now one wine writer has claimed the UK’s Prosecco habit is totally misguided. Apparently, fans should all be sipping a different (and rather fancier) Italian sparkling wine instead. Nick Passmore of Forbes argues that Prosecco is a “boring, one-dimensional wine that’s currently enjoying considerable vogue because it’s possessed of one attribute, and one attribute only: bubbles.”

“So it goes “Pop!” when the cork’s pulled. Spare me please,” Passmore adds dismissively.

The wine writer then argues that another Italian fizz, Trentodoc, is far superior because it comes from the “high peaks and steep valleys of the Trentino region in the Dolomites,” which apparently gives it a “mineral-infused flavour.” He goes on to say that Trentodoc benefits from the same “slow, difficult and expensive process” that winemakers use when producing Champagne.

Now, fascinating as this may be, Trentodoc probably isn’t going to replace Prosecco in our hearts and glasses just yet. To start with, it’s much harder to get hold of - you can’t just pop into your local Tesco Metro and pick up a bottle for less than a tenner. It’s also rather pricier. M&S is selling a case of 6 bottles of Trentodoc for £120, while Wine Direct has a selection of Trentodoc blends starting at £23.50 per bottle.

So, if you´re expecting your guests to turn up with Prosecco and instead bring Trentodoc, don´t be that disappointed. Cheers, slainte or salud!

All aboard the Gin train In what is being described as quite possibly the best, and indeed most British, thing ever a gin train is coming to town...albeit London town.

One of the most well-known brands of gin is launching a brand new and unique travelling experience aboard the Belmond British Pullman.

Organised by Tanqueray, the extravaganza begins at London-Victoria Station where travellers – that have paid £450 for the experience – will be welcomed with a drink...a cheeky G&T, that probably won’t be the first of the day.

As the trip gets underway taking in the sights of the south of England countryside, a specially selected menu of seven dishes will be washed down with matching cocktails – and no doubt another G&T or two.

Dinner is followed by a Martini-making masterclass and a few more gins.

Should the guests be able to concentrate, they’ll also be able to listen to a lecture by a Tanqueray gin historian, Joanne McKerchar, who will chat about the heritage of the spirit itself and that of the company’s founder, Charles Tanqueray, himself an exponent of luxury travel – often by train.

Industry experts have described the trip – taking place this Thursday – as being an adult version of the Hogwart’s Express (but probably better!). Once the train arrives back in London, the guests will be presented with a special gift as a souvenir.

We’re betting it’s a kind of colourless spirit in a green bottle...

09 - 15 May 2017

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Food and Drink

Seared Salmon, Cucumber Gin and Gazpacho and Asparagus tonic jellies Serves 4 Gazpacho is normally made with tomatoes, red peppers, garlic and olive oil, served chilled and eaten in the sunny parts of Spain and Portugal.

Try a different twist on the traditional recipe by using cucumber and asparagus instead.

This recipe is a combination of ingredients that can be prepared and put together before you sear the fish.

Ingredients Half-cucumber, peeled 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 25ml olive oil 20 spears of asparagus 1 tablespoon yoghurt Small bunch chervil 1 tablespoon olive oil Seasoning 400g salmon fillet, cut into four Method 1. Cook the onion and garlic in olive oil without colouring for five minutes. Allow to cool.

2. Roughly chop the cucumber, mix it into the onion mix and liquidise. Pass

the soup through a fine sieve, season and chill.

3. Cut the woody ends of the asparagus and blanch in boiling salted water for two minutes. Place them in iced water to chill.

4. Pick the chervil leaves and whizz together with the tablespoon of oil and a pinch of salt.

5.Heat a pan with some olive oil. Rub a

little oil on to the fish and season. Sear the salmon for two minutes on each side. The centre should still be pink but if you want it fully cooked, add another two minutes on each side.

6. Pour the gazpacho into bowls. Arrange the asparagus in the centre and spoon dollops of yoghurt and chervil puree around. Top with the salmon and serve.

Key lime pie

Ingredients For the crust 180g digestive biscuit crumbs 50g firmly packed brown sugar 110g butter, melted

For the pie 240ml double cream 100g granulated sugar 1 (350ml) tin sweetened condensed milk 180ml key lime juice 1 tbsp key lime zest 470ml single cream Fresh lime slices. for garnish

Method 1) Preheat oven to 180C/Gas mark 4.

2) In a medium bowl, combine digestive biscuit crumbs and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into bottom and up sides of a 25cm spring form pan.

Bake for 8 minutes and let the crust cool completely before spreading the pie filling over it.

3) In a large bowl, with an electric mixer at medium speed, beat cream until slightly thickened. Gradually add the sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Add condensed milk and beat until stiff peaks form. Beat in lime juice, lime zest, and single cream. Once the mixture as reached desired flavor and consistency, gently spread pie filling over cooled crust. Cover and freeze for 4 to 6 hours or until firm. Cut into wedges and garnish with fresh lime slices, serve cold.

Ingredients 1 teaspoon gelatine 140ml tonic water 40ml gin 2 teaspoons lime juice Small wedges lime, key lime, or other small citrus Method Serves: 4 small servings 1) Pour about half the tonic into a bowl. Scatter the gelatine over the surface, do not stir, set aside until the gelatine softens.

2) Meanwhile, warm the rest of the tonic over very low heat until just simmering. Whisk hot tonic, then gin into the gelatine.

3) Pour jelly into four (55ml) shot glasses and garnish with lime wedges or citrus of choice.

4) Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours (or overnight) until set.

30

09 - 15 May 2017

Health and Beauty

Hair today and always

Approximately 56 million men suffer from male pattern baldness as well as women suffering from some type of hair loss. Medications, potions, topicals and even invasive hair transplant surgeries have been only a temporary solution. But now, The Weston System®, offers the world's only patented, one-day, permanent scalp tattooing method for hair loss.

Weston Non-Surgical Hair Restoration company owner, Mark Weston, was the first in the world to aggressively research, engineer and develop a tattoo needle specifically for duplicating a hair follicular unit and the specific pigmentation application method to the scalp. Weston filed a patent application for his needle and method in 2009 and the USPTO approved and issued the final patent in July of 2015. Since that time, Weston has turned the hair loss industry on its head.

What is The Weston System®?

The Weston System® is a technologically-advanced hybrid medical tattooing method that mimics lost follicular hair units on the scalp for men and women suffering from hair loss. This System is comprised of patented needles, proprietary equipment and pigments, as well as a specific methodology for application. Developed as a one-time permanent application that naturally blends with any hair colour and skin tone, this System is applied on the male client with a close buzz cut, blending the replicated follicles into the client’s remaining hair. For women, the same application method is used as a camouflage of thinning areas of the scalp.

This natural look is accomplished by specific varying placement of replicated follicular hair units with several shades of colour, creating an illusion of 3D hair growth. These exclusive shades of pigments are applied in a patented application technique to mimic the natural light and darker areas of naturally buzzed hair. The Weston System® scalp micropigmentation method transitions what essentially is two dimensional into what the human eye depicts as three-dimensional.

Since Weston’s unveiling of this system in 2009, hundreds of copycat providers have emerged attempting to emulate Weston’s natural look. However, these other providers require multi-session appointments (up to as many as nine) to complete the micropigmentation and costs at a minimum of $1500 more and only last one to five years. No other company has developed specific equipment, pigments nor needles for their applications, and none are patented as The Weston System®.

STROKES – SEPARATING THE FACTS FROM THE MYTHS Chances are you know someone who has had a stroke. An estimated 795,000 people in the United States alone have a stroke each year, one every 40 seconds, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of annual sufferers in the UK is around 152,000.

Despite how common strokes are, there are a lot of widely believed misconceptions. Unfortunately, not knowing the facts can put a person at bigger risk for experiencing a stroke themselves, or, not being able to assist someone else that is experiencing a stroke.

To help separate fact from fiction, the team at Life Line Screening share the truth about the top misconceptions about a stroke.

MYTH: Strokes only happen to older people.

FACT: Research found 61% of strokes happen in people over the age of 65 which indicates that almost four in ten stroke victims are under that age.

MYTH: A stroke will kill you.

FACT: Approximately only one in eight strokes results in a death within the first 30 days. A stroke is only fatal in between 10% and 20% of cases.

MYTH: Strokes cannot be prevented.

FACT: Up to 80% of strokes could be stopped before they start, with regular health screenings being an effective way of identifying and understanding risk factors so they can be properly managed.

MYTH: Only a doctor can recognise a stroke.

FACT: Everyone can and should know the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and by taking quick action can save the life of somebody.

The most common signs of someone experiencing a stroke are: 1. Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body.

2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty in understanding someone’s speech.

3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance and lack of co-ordination.

5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause or explanation.

There is also the ‘FAST’ method of recognising and treating the signs of a stroke.

F - Facial drooping, A - Arm weakness, S - Speech difficulties and T - Time to call emergency services.

If you or someone you’re with begins to suffer any of these symptoms, call 112 immediately and request an ambulance.

Weston’s unique system is the first and only in the world of its kind developed as a one-time, oneappointment only permanent application.

The Weston System® is a superior and permanent solution to hair loss that is non-surgical, produces immediate results, is virtually pain-free, requires no recuperation time, maintenance free is and less expensive than hair transplants.

Aussie favourite Goes to U.S.A. The Aussie Cordial Company advises it is launching a range of true "healthy" alternatives to the mostly sugarladen drinks sold in the USA today. Aussie Cordial is a healthy new fruit flavoured concentrate with no artificial colour or flavour, no added sugar and no calories. It is made in the U.S.A., comes in a cool new 2-litre bottle, adorned with a kangaroo called Boomer that is sure to become a household name across the U.S.A. Founder and CEO Kim Johnston says, "I grew up with cordial in Australia and was shocked when I arrived in the U.S.A. in 2006, to discover that no one had ever heard of it! I was going to import the Australian cordial, but I wasn't happy with the unhealthy ingredient choices. So I decided to create my own healthy formula.

I am super excited to release this outstanding product in the U.S.A. Aussie Cordial does not promote tooth decay, nor does it affect blood glucose, making it a really good choice for pre-diabetics and diabetics."

Aussie Cordial is firmly committed to its corporate responsibilities regarding the environment. As well as the health and taste benefits, Aussie Cordial, being a concentrate (mixed with a 1:9 ratio with water) is nine times more environmentally responsible in comparative manufacturing, packaging and transport impact than standard soda drinks. Each bottle provides over 100 servings, making it also far more economical than sodas.

Aussie Cordial will be giving away FIVE huge family holidays in a "Willy Wonka"-style giveaway planned in their first year, with one all-expenses family holiday to Australia and another four mystery trips yet to be confirmed..

Aussie Cordial has no added sugar, no artificial colour or flavour and no calories; it is a concentrate that is mixed in a 1 part cordial, 9 parts water combination.

It comes in eight new flavours – Apple & Black Currant, Green Apple, Raspberry, Lemon, Watermelon, Blueberry, Kiwi and Orange/Passion fruit. Aussie Cordial is headquartered and manufactured in Las Vegas, Nevada. Aussie Cordial will soon be available in grocery stores across the U.S.A.

May - the blood pressure month Omron Healthcare has donated over 10,750 Blood Pressure Monitors (BPMs) to the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) and World Hypertension League (WHL).

These devices will be used to record blood pressure readings of millions of patients in nearly 100 countries across the world during May 2017. Achieving this many blood pressure readings in one month in one study will make it the largest medical screening project ever.

Raised blood pressure (BP) is the most significant single contributing risk factor to global death and to the global burden of disease. This impact is largely shown through increased rates of coronary artery disease, stroke and renal disease. Raised BP currently causes approximately 9.4 million deaths each year worldwide and this figure is expected to rise given an expanding and aging global population. The aetiology of raised BP is largely explicable by identified environmental factors such as overweight, excessive intake of alcohol and dietary salt, and insufficient exercise.

As a leading company in Cardiovascular business with its main product being blood pressure monitors, Omron Healthcare has set its ambitious vision to help patients, consumers and healthcare professionals improve their quality of life and get closer to “zero cerebral and cardiovascular events”.

To realise this vision Omron Healthcare have partnered with professionals and are forging ahead with the development of technologies, products and services. As part of this effort, Omron Healthcare has made the decision to contribute to this screening programme which is a good example of a partnership with the healthcare community.

Supporting ISH helps contribute to increasing the awareness on hypertension and the significant impact it can have on quality of life.

Commentating on the donation President of the ISH, Neil Poulter said “This is a much-needed donation of devices which will help our volunteers across the world”. The CEO of Omron Healthcare Europe, Andre van Gils added “Omron Healthcare is very proud to be helping May Measurement Month. Hypertension can be a devastating condition and raising awareness of it will help drive improved healthcare for people across the world”.

09 - 15 May 2017

31

Health and Beauty

The eyes have it... and it’s not nice Allergic eye discomfort is different from the condition known as dry eye.

Here's the rub: Without itchiness, eye inflammation most likely isn't an allergic reaction caused by seasonal irritants, such as pollens and molds, or by other year-round irritants including animal dander. The difference between the two is in the tears they produce. To understand how the swelling and rawness of allergic eye response varies from that of dry eye, it's necessary to understand what tears are made of and how they work.

"Tears contain three layers: oil, water, and mucin," says ophthalmologist Paul M. Rougraff, M.D., of Naples Eye Physicians. “The oil covers the water and protects it from evaporating. Underneath the water, mucin distributes this combination of water and oil evenly across the eye. Insufficient or poor-quality tears cause dry eye's symptoms of burning, gritty scratchiness that results in wateriness and blurred vision.”

Although aging diminishes the ability to produce tears, dry eye is mostly caused by a chronic and progressive condition called meibomian gland dysfunction. In MGD, the glands become blocked and don't produce the oil needed for healthy tears. If untreated, MGD may impair vision by harming the surface of eyes.

"It's possible to have both allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye," Dr. Rougraff notes. Both can make the sufferer feel like they have a grain of dirt or some other foreign substance in the eye. Although treatment by an allergist may be necessary, he says, an exam by an eye doctor aids in determining which condition a patient has or whether they have both.

Springtime in Naples brings high levels of bayberry, juniper, and oak tree pollen. “The itchiness, redness, and swelling of allergic conjunctivitis can happen year-round," Lynn Kepple Byerly, M.D. explains, "but peaks in spring and summer." An allergic response may affect far more than the eyes, so an allergist prescribes overall treatment for it.

Treatment of dry eye, which is generally provided by an eye doctor, begins with a measurement of tear production and analysis of their content. Dr. Byerly notes that solutions to this problem may vary by patient. "For some," she says, "medical eye drops that increase tear production may be enough. Others may need to have their tear ducts plugged to prevent drainage and then use

artificial tear eye drops."

The Naples ophthalmologists add that another MGD treatment improves gland function by applying heat and massage to inner eyelids.

Contact lens use can be difficult for people who suffer from dry eye. However, some contacts, such as gas-permeable scleral lenses make contact wear more comfortable.

IHealth boosts elderly fitness regime In a recent motion research paper, iHealth’s Wave activity tracker was used to monitor movement in adults aged 64 or older. The study found that an overwhelming majority of participants showed increased levels of physical activity while wearing the iHealth Wave.

The study was conducted by Sentab Ltd, an iHealth ecosystem partner and developer of a TV-based therapeutic solution for older adults; designed to empower users with video communication and wellbeing through physical activity and cognitive stimuli. Following a group of adults in Estonia and the UK, the

study tracked changes in physical exercise and found that participants were more willing to engage in activity when supplied with an activity monitor, were given instructional exercise videos and provided with feedback on their progress.

“We’re delighted that this research reinforces our own findings and that our products are making a real difference in users lives. iHealth’s mission is to empower individuals to take charge of their own health and wellbeing. A big part of staying healthy is staying active; our range of products are specifically designed to support a healthy lifestyle.” Commented iHealth CEO EMEA, Stéphane Kerrien.

“As population in growing older, the healthcare system is under tremendous financial stress. More effort should be put into health prevention and the research that we conducted has shown that fairly inexpensive technological solution can help achieve exceptional results!” said Tarmo Pihl, the CEO of Sentab.

The global population is aging rapidly. It is estimated that 21% of the population will be aged >60 years by 2050. A major challenge of the growing number of old people is the potential increase in healthcare demands due to age-related chronic diseases and disabilities.

In total, 85% of respondents said they engaged in physical activity either somewhat or considerably more than before. The study also found that the average number of steps older adults made per day was at 4,100, while the recommended norm for the age group was at 7,000. The average time they were active per day was around 40 minutes, whereas the recommended target is 60 minutes.

“Our key findings were that activity monitoring can have a significantly positive effect on behavioural change of an older adult, prompting them to engage in physical activity more often.

Our participants graded themselves as feeling ‘good’ after engaging in exercise; this showed some correlation between a person’s mental condition and cognitive behaviour” said Mall Maasik, Sr Researcher at Sentab.

The study also found that people are physically active on an average 2.31 times per week. The paper also concludes that the self-evaluation of older adults regarding their health condition is somewhat more pessimistic than their physical abilities demonstrate. It also presents evidence that physical exercises had a highly positive effect on how people felt themselves right after the exercise.

32

09 - 15 May 2017

Travel

All aboard the luxury express Father’s day flight Ultraluxurious isn’t a word that can often be attributed to anything, but one look at the new Train Suite Shiki-Shima in Japan can justify the use of such a description.

The train made its formal debut last week departing the Ueno Station, one of Tokyo’s main terminals, started a four-day, three night trip making its way through northeast Japan before returning on Thursday.

Tetsuro Tomita, president of the train's operator East Japan Railway, or JR East, said: "With the Shiki-Shima, we would like to create a new level of service and history in rail travel.”

Another spokesman for JR East said they had received reservation enquiries from clients from countries across Asia, although declined to reveal any specifics. However, the spokesman went on to say that all planned tours for the year ending March 2018 were fully subscribed. The next 12 month schedule will be unveiled shortly.

It’ll come as no surprise that travelling on the ShikiShima isn’t cheap with fares on the 10-carriage train ranging between the equivalents of £1,500 to £7,500 but the high cost hasn’t put people off from travelling in the

height of luxury.

The train, designed by Ken Okuyama, who is noted for his work with Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati, has brought that sleek style to 21st century rail travel.

The lounge features its own piano bar, and the dining car menu has been put together by Michelin-starred chef Katsuhiro Nakamura and changes almost on an hourly basis to reflect the culinary style of the regions as the train passes through them.

There are 17 private suites, with the most luxurious - splitlevel, two beds, a sitting room and a bath tub - reported as being more spacious than many Tokyo apartments.

The understandable popularity of this unique service means that it’s not as simple as queuing up for a ticket and boarding the train. People need to first complete an application form and then await their fate to see if they’ve selected by ballot. For the train’s inaugural service, it’s estimated that only one in 76 applicants was able to secure a spot. The next stage in this luxury travel project to is extend such tours to cruise liners targeting the truly affluent market who have the means of spending unlimited amounts on such opulence.

of fancy

Don’t give a pair of socks or a new power tool this year for Father’s Day (this year on Sunday 18 June) instead treat your Dad to an experience he truly won’t forget whether he’s here in Spain and planning a trip back soon, or living in the UK. As soon as he steps through the cockpit door and takes his seat at the flight deck, your Dad will become Captain of a Boeing 737 aircraft simulator. After carrying out real pre-flight aircraft checks and talking to Air Traffic Control, a fully qualified instructor will take him through the controls of the aircraft and then allow him to fully experience the exciting sensations of take-off, climbing, cruising and landing.

FEL is the UK’s only Flight Simulator business of its kind to be classified as an ‘Official Boeing Licensed Product’. The cockpit is built from a former aircraft so the controls are identical to those you would expect to find inside a real plane - every lever and button is operational and will have an effect on the flight if used. Featuring high-definition 180 degree screens with panoramic visuals - and immersive sound and vibration sensations - you can experience flight like never before.

For most people, stepping into a cockpit and flying a commercial aircraft is only a dream but FEL is hoping to change that and provide an exciting, challenging and most importantly, fun experience that will change the way you fly as a passenger forever.

With options ranging from scenic flights around a city of your choice through to a 90 minute real-time city-to-city flight, the software at FEL allows you to fly from over 24,000 different airports, located across the globe. FEL is offering special Father’s Day Flight packages at the helm of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, including “Fly & Dine” options, starting from just £109. To find out more, visit the FEL website at london. flightexperience.co.uk

Luxury, Long Haul and Independent Travel Specialists Tel: 966 761 492

Fundraising for AECC & Pink Ladies

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Bellevue Punta Arena Playa Caleta 4* Direct flight from Madrid every Tuesday All Inclusive Departures between: 27th June – 26th Sept 2017 From just €850 pp, other Hotels available Book before May 31st!

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Fly, Stay & Cruise All inclusive 9 night cruise from New Orleans to Mexico, Cayman Islands, Honduras, Belice and Harvest Caye Flights from Alicante, 1 night pre-cruise + 3 nights post-cruise in New Orleans taxes & tips included From just €2139 pp inside cabin, other cabins available

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New Ship! Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas!

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Flights from Alicante transfers to/from Hotel 4* All Inclusive Hotel

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Combined Madeira 8 Nights & Azores Flight from Alicante, transfers in destination, 4 nights in Azores + 4 nights Madeira 4* Hotel, b&b

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Playa Capricho 4* Half Board, Transport included from Local Areas from 265€ pp sharing Dep 24th Sept 2017 from 375€ pp individual

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Southampton to Cadiz, Messina, Venice, Ravenna, Split, Kotor, Corfú & Gibraltar 19 night cruise Departs 11th from €1651 per person October 2017

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Flights from Alicante Half board Playa del Ingles Ifa Buenaventura 3* Various dates from 585€ per person, Sept 2017

• Train & Hotel Packages • Flights & Entry Visas • Foreign Currency • Package Holidays • Long Haul Destinations • Cruises Worldwide

33

09 - 15 May 2017

Animal Corner

'Shaving cats!' Virginia police probe seven pet abductions

Police and townsfolk in Waynesboro, Virginia, are trying to figure out why someone is abducting pet cats and returning them with hairless underbellies.

Since December, at least seven cats have suddenly shown up at their homes with shaved belly, groin and leg areas, Waynesboro Police Captain Kelly Walker said on Friday.

"The shaving appears to be almost surgical," Walker said.

No harm was done to the animals, but they "seemed a little skittish" after the curious incidents, he said.

The occurrences came to the attention of police when an owner asked about posting flyers to encourage the public to report suspicious activity to authorities.

"Shaving Cats!" says the poster in Waynesboro, a city of 21,000 about 140 miles (225 km) southwest of Washington, D.C. "Several neighbourhood cats have been ABDUCTED and had their lower abdomens and groin areas SHAVED. This is very upsetting to the cats and their owners," the poster says.

Walker said the cats were collar-wearing, well-groomed pets, not strays or feral cats, although some were outdoor cats.

All of them had been either neutered or spayed before the shaving incidents, he said.

The investigation focuses on five cats - some of whom were shaved twice - from one household and two cats from another, who came home partially hairless three weeks ago.

"Probably the best solution is for whoever is doing this to just stop," Walker said.

Countdown starts fund raising Mathematics brain from the popular TV series Countdown, Rachel Riley, paraded alongside more than 300 owners and their pets for the recent Great British Dog Walk at Windsor Great Park.

Celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, the event was to raise money for the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity. Rachel was the official starter of the race – with her very own ‘countdown’ – that sent the pooch party and their walkers on their way. Rachel was accompanied by hearing dog Tilly and spent time meeting owners, volunteers and other fundraisers.

The event, one of 20 being held around the country, was unsurprisingly sold out as it was the flagship event for the national charity this year that helps to change the lives of many people in the UK by teaming them with dogs to help them with day-to-day challenges.

Ms Riley said: “I hope we raised lots of money for

Monthly Raffle Prize Winners April 2017

Colin The Card – A 10€ Voucher - Marie Fletcher TCs Bar – A €15 Voucher - Jim Forrest Pricebusters – A €10 Voucher - Brian & Jenny Price Winning tickets drawn by Carol Limberg APSA shop volunteer.

Sellers: APSA Shop 6, Jean & Mac 46, Keith 44. Total Collected € 96 APSA is grateful to the Almeria Ten Pin Bowling, Colin The Card, TCs Bar, and Pricebusters for their monthly prizes and to all who purchase raffle tickets.

The proceeds of which will go towards helping the many animals in the care of APSA. Many Thanks for your continued support.

Keith Roberts

Plans to install attack dogs at entry points to Parliament are being mulled as officials respond to the Westminster terror attack in March.

Conservative candidate at the election Sir Paul Beresford, the former chair of the Commons Administration committee, said canines were being “seriously considered” in a review of security at the Houses of Parliament.

The Sunday Times reports that dogs would be stationed with police handlers at the gates through which 52year-old Khalid Masood attempted to storm Parliament before killing PC Keith Palmer earlier this year.

“If we’d had a dog there PC Palmer might have been saved,” Mr Beresford told the paper.

Other plans under review include stronger vehicle barriers and measures to keep pedestrians further away. A separate inquiry is looking into “incident management” inside the Palace of Westminster.

Mr Beresford, who is seeking re-election in Mole Valley, argued that a dog could stop a terrorist without killing non-violent intruders.

“The gates have to be open when MPs are coming in to vote, but we recognise it is a chink in the armour,” Mr Beresford said.

He added: “If some idiot who is not a terrorist runs in, and there are a few of those out there, the dog will drop them and they won’t be shot.” PC Palmer was stabbed to death by Masood in March after the attacker drove into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing four people and injuring dozens more.

Cressida Dick, the newly appointed head of the Metropolitan Police, has dismissed claims that the hero policeman would still be alive if he was armed during the attack.

Born in January 2013, Tyler and his brother Kingsley were rescued as frightened and starving puppies. Four years old now, they are medium sized, happy and confident dogs, who sadly are still waiting for their first loving home.

APAH

Almeria Tenpin Bowling – 2 course Sunday Lunch for 2 or Fish & Chips with Dessert for 2 any day of the week (Closed Mondays) - Les & Doreen Skinner

Hearing Dogs so this amazing charity can train lots more clever, loveable pups to support deaf people. I wish I had a dog like Tilly to wake me up every morning, it really was a pleasure to spend time with her.”

Southern Counties Community Fundraising Manager, Nicholas Orpin, says: “We had a great turn out from a fantastic group of people who are passionate about the charity. Anyone can go for a walk in Great Windsor Park, but the people who joined us chose to come and make a donation to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, helping us continue to do the amazing work we do.”

Attack dogs to guard Parliament

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34

09 - 15 May 2017

Motoring

U.S. Car sales going downhill

In a sign that the long-running boom in the United States motor manufacturing industry is starting to slow down, sales for new vehicles in April have declined.

These disappointing figures when compared against those for 2016 come immediately after a declining rate in March which was originally explained as being just a blip in the numbers. Two consecutive months of weakness has set off concerns in Wall Street that the entire U.S. auto industry is heading downward after an almost uninterrupted string of good returns since the end of the 2010 Great Recession.

Autodata, in the industry consultant, put the seasonally adjusted rate of sales at 16.8 million units for April 2017, below the usual average of 17.2 million.

Shares in General Motors Co fell 2.9% on the news while those held in the Ford Motor Co dropped 4.3%. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV's U.S. traded shares slid by 4.2%.

Nissan Micra is reborn again Hard to believe but it really is over 30 years ago since Nissan launched the first version of the Micra, a boxy little car whose simplicity soon made it a popular sight on UK roads and gained it a reputation for providing practical, economical and reliable transport.

Over the next three generations the remit remained the same, although the shape

became ever more rounded and the car more stodgy to drive. The main problem for Nissan was that its key competition had upped their game, with the Ford Fiesta, the Mini Hatch and the Volkswagen Polo all being much plusher and also much better to drive.

So why should this new Micra be any different? Well, for starters Nissan has given

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its small car a sharp new design inside and outside, with improved driving dynamics, plenty of personalisation options, lots of soft touch materials inside and stacks of up-to-the-minute technology.

It’s also been extremely generous on the tech front, with a level of standard kit you wouldn’t find in most executive saloons without reaching for the sometimes expensive and extra options list. Each one comes with a great range of safety devices including automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, high beam assist, and intelligent ride and cornering control.

The 89bhp turbocharged 0.9litre petrol engine, kitted out in N-Connecta trim looks the best bet for the short and longer term. It’s good value at just over £16,000 on the road, but, once

its charming Power Blue paintwork and a whole host of other desirable options is added, it actually finally comes in at over £19,000, which puts it in the same price bracket as many of its extremely competent rivals, including the Mini Cooper S, the Ford Fiesta 1.0 Titanium X and the Volkswagen Polo 1.0 R-Line.

35

09 - 15 May 2017

Motoring

Different work...

If you can get it

Making a new car is usually associated with professionals such as designers, engineers or assembly line workers. However, vehicle manufacturing also involves several curious professions that require a high degree of craftsmanship, creativity and precision. The following five are a few examples of these: THE FIRST DRIVER: 2 million kilometres per year. This is the distance covered by the team of expert drivers to test all the cars that leave the SEAT factory in Martorell in a single year. These professionals closely study the performance of the vehicles as soon as they come off the assembly line, testing them at different speeds on six different types of pavement, including cobblestones and uneven surfaces to ensure they do not make any unpleasant noise. During the process they also test that horns, lights and brakes function correctly.

THE CLAY SCULPTOR: These sculptors handcraft clay into life-sized cars that even weigh the same as a real vehicle. This requires 2,500 kilos of clay and up to 10,000 hours of patient scraping to elaborate a single clay model, which will fully display a car’s silhouette before locking in its design.

THE CAR TAILOR: They hand sew the vehicle upholstery patterns, coming up with the best combination of colours and fabrics and hides to suit the personality of each car. These expert tailors need more than 30 metres of seams to fully upholster an entire car, and their creations are crafted two years in advance.

THE SEAT TESTER: This profession consists in shaping the ideal seat. Testers and their teams also have to perform up to 20,000 folding operations for each different type of seat. The study is exhaustive: they have to find the right foams, fabrics, structure or stitching that will adapt to different body types and external conditions. They also ensure the correct design of headrests to prevent possible neck injuries.

CAR SOMMELIERS: Their most important work instrument is their nose to achieve the ultimate goal: the famous “new car smell”. This team of chemists performs more than 400 smell tests every year, exposing cars to temperatures of 60 ºC. This profession also places some curious demands on them: they cannot smoke or wear perfume so as not to alter the outcome of test results.

A sporty model for all is back The two-seater sports coupe to suit all pockets was once seen as an endangered species.

In fact, it was almost extinct in the 1980s and 1990s with only the Mazda MX-5 remaining where MG, Triumph, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and plenty of others once held their spots.

Ironically, the fact that this very typical European type of car is still in existence is down to the Japanese. The MX-5 bucked the trend and paved the way for the return of the one of the most famous models of all to make a return: the Fiat 124 Spider.

So, the question must be asked. How can the 124 Spider match up in the two-seater market?

It’s a good-looking car, prettier and more distinctive than the Mazda version. It costs from £21,000, a couple of thousand more than the MX-5, but is still competitively priced. This is a beautifully balanced car which is well equipped and has a fine 1.4 litre engine.

The downsides? It has a couple. Access for a six-foot tall driver is difficult but not impossible and the gearbox takes some getting used – you must hold it in first for longer than you might imagine to have enough power to make full use of second gear. And vision, particular out of the side windows, with the hood up isn’t ideal.

But those are purely the smallest of complaints.

On the reverse side, what are its plus points? The ride and handling is brilliant. It feels like a go-kart and corners

beautifully and sound of the engine is great. It’s hard to believe that a 1.4 litre unit which returns 55mpg on a run can sound so good.

Inside the car, it’s cosy and comfortable with easily accessible controls and finely balanced steering.

The lines are very 1960s and still as charming as the original but this one is built with 21st century quality.

36

09 - 15 May 2017

Classifieds

SOLTIMES TELEPHONE

950 633 217 Monday to Friday Between 9.30am & 7pm

ALARMS ALARMS & CCTV: All types, quality systems, very reasonable, guaranteed. Tel: 966 797 370 / 662 243 099 (250514) BUILDING SERVICES J & J PAINTERS. Inside - outside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (248074) BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR SALE FROM 4,900 EUROS. 697 834 934 (248081) CARAVAN SPACE TO LET CARAVAN space to let on private spacious land a joining a luxury

villa with mountain views near San Miguel. Peaceful surroundings and use of a private pool.

Pets welcome, £250 per month.

Contact 602 510 977 or 0044 7424 566361. (254634) CARAVANS WE BUY, sell & transport all makes of static caravans 630 055 418 Elsyd7@hotmail.com (249246) CHIMNEY SWEEP PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP. Family Business established over 60 years. 660 478 881 (250722) DAMP www.dryzone-espana.com - We

are the longest established Damp Proofing company in Spain. We can cure Rising Damp, leaking Flat Roof or Terrace problems quickly & safely. We can make your Underbuild Dry. Villa Paint Due! We can protect your villa & stop PENETRATING DAMP with a Protective Coating. Call us for a survey now; Tel: 634 322 672 (250384) Electrical MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge.

698 320 434 (245706) INSURANCE AND INVESTMENTS SOS <http://www.sosinsuran-

ceinspain.com> Insurance in Spain. Best prices available. CALL US FIRST for all your insurance needs, including best deals on Funeral plans. Buildings and contents cover from just 82 euros per year and cars from 120 euros. Tel 966 787 123 / 622 275 561 / 686 116 297 / email info@sosinsuranceinspain.com (251058) INTERNET GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop.

Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 952 561 245 or email mark.w@ euroweeklynews.com for more

details.

METAL WORK MOBILE Metal Work Any welding or plasma cutting work carried out. For a free quote call 639 487 503 (254661) MOBILITY MOBILITY equipment wanted.

Cash paid. Scooters, wheelchairs etc etc Phone Will´s 602 547 878 (254555) MOTORING For Sale Seat Córdoba 1.9tdi (Diesel).

2002 Registration Itv February 2018 183000km Great Runner ,55mpg.

Two Owners Since New €1650.

Tel: 0044 7890 996 330 WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309.

(200726) WANTED Cars, vans, caravans, 4 X 4’s British Spanish 600 781 873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com (247445)

services

Pleasure doing business with you

structural

surveys

Mark Paddon BSc Hons. MCIOB. CAAT.

Contact our business team now on 950 633 217

Property buyer’s surveys and expert defects diagnosis

962 807 247 653 733 066 www.surveyorscostablanca.com

NICK THE TILER Call Nick for all your tiling & laminate floor requirements.

Tel.. 605 305 405

LIVE-IN CARERS To Work in the UK Do you have experience in care professionally or with a family member or friend?

Above average market salary Paid holidays

Unrivalled carer support 24/7 Free induction and ongoing excellent training opportunities Paid UK travel and subsidised flight costs

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE sales.soltimes@ewnmediagroup.com

Induction training in SPAIN or LONDON

Shift patterns to suit you( typically 2wks on- 2 off, 3wks on- 3 off, 4wks on- 2 wks off.)

Make a Difference to Someone’s Life & Yours Security UNION

Contact JACKIE MAPLE on 0034 603135155 or 0034 865774423 or email: jacqueline.maple@thegoodcaregroup.com

09 - 15 May 2017

Classifieds MUSIC TUITION Guitar Lessons, Beginners And Improvers, 15 Euros Per Hour, Call Peter 629 975 378 PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (245713) PERGOLA COVERS TAILOR made, durable canvas, sails, umbrella, spa and BBQ covers. Mazarron based, and at Procomobel Market, Guardamar Saturday mornings. 667 879 399 krugercanopies@yahoo.co.uk (250714) PET CHARITIES EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare.net www. easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706) SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered

charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting re-homing. Shelter open 7 days a week 12noon - 2.00pm & 3.30pm - 7.00pm. (Spanish speaking staff) or phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama-safor. blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707) P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog, or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www. pepaspain.com EURO WEEKLY NEWS CLASSIFAX AGENT (95708) PET TRANSPORT PET TRAVEL UK Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www. pettraveluk.co.uk. Removals also arranged in other vehicles. Tel UK

0800 612 4922 or Spain 960130537 (250330) Plumbing MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge.

698 320 434 (245706) POOLS POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www. pooltechspain.com (250320) PROPERTY FOR SALE CIUDAD QUESEDA Villa 500m2 plot, 4 double bedrooms, large bathroom and shower room.

Large Balcony, Cloakroom, lounge dinner, large kitchen (white goods included). Oil central heating though out. Double glazed conservatory, car port. 10x8 solar heated pool. Screened BBQ area, plus much more seeing is believing. 340,000€. Contact 688 486 752 private sale can be ready to move immediately (254629)

REMOVALS & STORAGE MAN AND VAN UK - Spain. 2 vans travelling twice a month, Murcia - North / South UK. Storage in Spain. Tel 610 846 260 or 0044 751 918 6355 email van. man@hotmail.co.uk (249229) UK - SPAIN -Anywhere Europe!

Masses of experience. New clean vehicles. Insured with Royal Sun Alliance. Genuinely CARING service. FULL and / Part moves.

ONLINE QUOTES!! www.bmceuropean.com Tel: UK 08456 443 784 / ES 634 344 787 FIND US ON FACEBOOK! (243375) UK-SPAIN-IRELAND. Removals with the personal touch. Pets carried with care 965 696 750 / 0044 (0) 7447 918 589 e-mail chrisyounge73979@aol.com (249024) SPANISH MOVES Small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK Budget prices. Last minute jobs undertaken. www.spanishmoves.net.

Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/people carriers. Telephone UK 0800 612 4922 or Spain 960130537 (250330)

37

SITUATIONS VACANT DO YOU CARE? If so, why not join our team of carers who work in the UK. Earn from £952 £1,456 for 2 weeks. Good written/ spoken English, British or EU Passport required. Contact Sandra on 658 965 204 or email s.field@ consultuscare.com (253024) EARN 300€ to 2,500€ per month working with a reputable British PLC. Flexible Hours. No Selling.

Local Training & Support. For more information go to www.thevista-group.com (252724)

SWIMMING POOLS WOODEN POOLS LIMITED. Manufacturers & installers of wooden above ground pools. Take the plunge with one of the above ground pools. Best of all “No Planning Permission Required” Tel: 634 322 672. Phone or email for a FREE COLOUR BROCHURE & PRICE LIST NOW. www.woodenpools.limited info@ woodenpools.limited (250384)

HOMEBASED BUSINESS. GLOBAL COMPANY, UNCAPPED WILLABLE INCOME + INCENTIVES. ENGLISH + ANOTHER LANGUAGE. FULL TRAINING. CONTACT 0044 (0) 7734 864 889 or EMail dkflpglobe@outlook.com (252576) FIELD SALES positions available.

Must have own transport, English and Spanish preferred, but not essential, must have local knowledge of the area and be smart and presentable. Applications by email with full CV should be sent to recruitment@euroweeklynews.com.

LWB Sprinter van

Going from south to North of the UK & back every 2 weeks, based near Murcia Airport Storage Now Available

COAST 2 COAST

removals and transport

REMOVALS

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Tel: 610 846 260 0044 7519 186 355 or email:

van.man@hotmail.co.uk

38

09 - 15 May 2017

SOLTIMES

Sport FOOTBALL FIXTURES

Please check dates & KO times prior to travel

LA LIGA

Saturday, 13 May 16:00 Espanyol v Valencia CF 18:30 Atlético Osasuna v Granada CF Sunday, 14 May 16:00 Alavés v Celta Vigo 20:00 Athletic Club v CD Leganés 20:00 Real Betis v Atlético Madrid 20:00 Eibar v Sporting Gijón 20:00 UD Las Palmas v FC Barcelona 20:00 Villarreal CF v Depor La Coruña 20:00 Real Madrid CF v Sevilla FC 20:00 Real Sociedad v Málaga CF

LA LIGA 123

Friday, 12 May 20:00 Sevilla Atlético v Getafe CF 21: 00 Real Zaragoza v Cádiz CF Saturday, 13 Mayo 13:00 Real Valladoli v RCD Mallorca 16:15 SD Huesca v CD Tenerife 16:15 Elche v CD Mirandés 18:00 Levante UD v Girona FC 18:30 AD Alcorcón v Rayo Vallecano 18:30 Córdoba CF v Reus Deportiu 18:30 UD Almería v CD Numancia 20:45 Gimnàstic Tarragona v Real Oviedo Sunday, 14 May 12:00 CD Lugo v UCAM Murcia CF

SEGUNDA B G4

Friday, 12 May 20:00 Granada B v Córdoba CF B Saturday, 13 May 18:30 Real Jaén v FC Jumilla Sunday, 14 May 18:00 AD Mérida v La Roda CF 18:00 Lorca FC v El Ejido 2012 18:00 UD Melilla v Mancha Real 18:00 San Fernando v Linares Deportivo 18:00 FC Cartagena v Recre Huelva 18:00 Marbella FC v RB Linense 18:00 Atlético Sanluqueño v Villanovense 18:00 Real Murcia CF v Extremadura UD

TERCERA DIV G13

Sunday, 14 May 18:00 Águilas FC v Real Murcia B 18:00 CAP Ciudad v Mar Menor CF 18:00 Atléti Pulpileño v EFCD Algar 18:00 FC Pinatar v Yeclano Deportivo 18:00 Lorca FC B v El Palmar 18:00 La Unión CF v CD Minera 18:00 Muleño CF v Huercal Overa CF 18:00 Olímpico Totana v EDMF Churra 18:00 UCAM Murcia B v CF Lorca Deportiva 18:00 NV Estudiantes v CD Cieza

Samm racing re-starts

The St. George’s Day racing was the first of the racing season for The Sailing Association Mar Menor (SAMM). The start of the season had been delayed by unforeseen circumstances and also to allow the Junior Laser 4.7 European Championships to take place at C.T.D. Los Alcazares where over 330 juniors sailors took part over 9 very windy days many suffering broken masts or lost sails.

By Sunday the wind had dropped, thank goodness, to a challenging but pleasant 17 knots and eight boats arrived at the start line. The two larger Sailfish were sent off 5 minutes before the dinghies, to avoid any clashes but were soon caught up by the first of the dinghies, the Hartley 12.2 helmed by Don Clarke, closely followed by Julian Singleton, a new member, on his Topaz Uno. The wind overpowered Norman Vener on his Laser Radial who paid a heavy price by losing his rudder to the depths of the Mar Menor.

The support boat quickly took GPS Readings and hopefully will recover the rudder another day. The race continued with some helms getting stuck in “irons” and losing valuable time but all but Norman completed the four lap race. For the second race the course was shortened, by removing the third buoy to make a triangular course, as the wind appeared to be stiffening. The gusts didn’t last long but enough to cause havoc going up to the first mark with the larger Sailfish boat with Leon, Janice and Derek suffering most. The dinghies all crossed the start line together with only Bob and Geoff slightly off the pace, but it was clear that Dianne with Vernon and Ingo meant serious business aboard the Gamba. Meanwhile the support boat crew spotted a kite surfer in difficulty with the lines wrapped all around her, decided to offer their assistance and brought the young lady back to shore.

The back markers fought hard for their places with Mick winning out over Bob and Geoff , only thing left was to work out the results on handicap which were as follows. First race winner Topaz Uno, second race winner Shoestring Cuatro

Eurogolf Ken Wilson memorial trophy

On Thursday 27th April Eurogolf played a Ford/Med for the Ken Wilson memorial trophy but due to the heavy rain out of over 50 players only 16 finished the course.

Results: Cat1: 1st Pete Gartside 18c/b, 2nd George McCallum 18, 3rd Arty Crammon 21.

Cat 2: 1st John Fairhurst 20, 2nd David Blanchette 25, 3rd Robin Richards 25.

Cat 3: 1st Geoff Evans 25, 2nd David Valentine 30, 3rd Debbie Weedon 35.

Cat 4: 1st Mary Sanderson 17, 2nd Eamonn Divine 26, 3rd Bev Evans 29.

Overall winner Mary Sanderson Best front 9 Angelique Berndt 19 , Best back 9 Peter Cleaver 35 NTPs As the rain had washed away most of the names on the markers none were given. Football Chris Stanley, Steve Sayers and Norman Woods.

Tuesday toffs

On Tuesday 25th April when we first arrived at the course the rain was quite heavy so a few of the early starters decided not to play but a healthy number of 55 did.

Results : Cat 1: (0-16) 1st George McCallum 39, 2nd John Barraclough 37, 3rd Arty Crammon 33.

Línea Directa national lawn bowls championships

This year’s Championships will be held between May 13th – 27thand once again, Línea Directa has kindly agreed to be our main sponsor, which has allowed the Organisers to offer a lower entry fee, which, in turn, has resulted in a 20% increase in entries.

These entries are mainly from Alicante, which is the largest Region, but there are also bowlers travelling up from Almeria, Malaga and across Tenerife.

The opening ceremony will be at Greenlands Bowls Club on Saturday the 13thMay at 11.30 where they will play daily until the 21st, after which the competition will transfer to Quesada Bowls Club, culminating in the Finals on Sat. 27th.

Although he has a bye through to round one, If last year’s men’s champion Martin Foulcer of Vistabella is to retain his title he will have to overcome one of the region’s most consistent bowlers in Stuart Hemmings of San Miguel while, in the Ladies section, 2016 winner Ann Eagle won’t be relishing an opening round tie with Ann Marie Stevenson of the Emerald Isle.

The early rounds at Greenlands Bowls Club get underway dailyat 10.00 with play going through until approx. 17.00. Everybody is welcomed and entrance is free.

For more information contact Suzi Cooper on suzi.cooper57@gmail.com or Bob Donnelly on 646 132 362.

Cat 2: (17-20) 1st Jim Weston 36 c/b, 2nd Steve Sayers 36 c/b, 3rd David Blanchette.

Cat 3: (21-25) 1st David Valentine 36, 2nd Terry Sayers 32, 3rd David Horne 30.

Cat 4: (26 +) 1st Claire Daye-Gretton 37, 2nd Kevin Bonser 32, 3rd John Hill 26.

Overall Toffs winner George McCallum Best front 9 Dave Nicholls 19, Best back 9 Jeff Lynch 19 NTPs N/A Football Clive Horne, Brian Jones, David Valentine, Sue Pegg and Mary Sanderson.

If you would like to play with Eurogolf at La Marquesa Tuesdays and Thursdays please visit www.eurogolf-quesada.co.uk

Calle Mallorca, San Javier

Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511 www.specialistvehicles.com

new fords available VW California Edition 2.0 TDi, Auto, 2016, Delivery KM €64,950 Mercedes SLK 55AMG black, 2010, 21,000km €42,950

•bmw x5 4.0, diesel, auto, 2014, 46,000km............................................€54,950 •Mercedes ML350, 2012, Diesel, Auto, 62,000km...............................€36,950 •bmw 428i coupe 2014, 17,000km...............................................................€34,950 •MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 2016, AUTO, NEW...........................................€34,950 •bMW 630i 3.0L Cabrio, 2009, Petrol, Auto, 73,000km......................€26,950 •MITSUBISHI L200 INSTYLE 2016, AUTO, 0km.................................€27,950 +IVA •Peugeot 5008 1.6 HDi, 2016, Diesel, Auto, 26,000km.......................€23,950 •Peugeot 3008 1.6HDi, Diesel, 2014, 24,000km.....................................€17,950 •Peugeot 508 2.0 Diesel, 2013 Hybrid Auto 135,000km..................€16,950 •Peugeot 308CC 1.6HDi, Diesel, 2013, 60,000km..................................€15,950 •citroen cactus 1.6hdi, auto, 2016, 5,000km.........................................€poa •mitsubishi spacestar 2017 new, 1.5, auto......................................€14,950 •FORD C-MAX 1.6 TDCI, 2014, 29,000KM..................................................... €14,950

Mini Cooper d clubman Diesel, 2016, €32,950

•Opel Astra 1.6 16v, 2012, 51,000km.........................................................€11,950 •Nissan Qashqai 2.0DCi, 2011, Auto, Acenta, 193,000km...............€11,950 •RENAULT SCENIC 1.5 DCI, 2010, AUTO, 130,000KM................................€10,950 •NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 AUTO, 2009, 59,000KM..........................................€10,950 •kia sportage 2.0crdi, Auto, 2007 136,000km.....................................€9,950 •SEAT IBIZA 1.6 TDI, 2013..................................................................................€9,950

Hyundai Tuscan 1.7 CRDi, 2016, New €23,950

•FIAT Panda 1.2 Lounge, 2016, 28,000KM..................................................€9,950 •FORD C-MAX 1.6 TDCI, 2010, 75,000KM........................................................€8,950 •ford c-max, 1.6 tdci, auto, 2007, 87,000km..........................................€8,950 •Mercedes E280 2006 CDi, Auto, Estate, 234,000km..........................€7,950 •SKODA FABIA 1.6, 2007 AUTO, 62,000 KMS................................................€7,950

Opel Astra 1.6 16v, 2012 51,000km €11,950 opel corsa 1.3cdti, 2012, 130,000km €7,950 renault scenic 1.9dci Diesel, 2009, 135,000km €7,950 peugeot 308 sw, 1.6hdi, 2009, 189,000km €6,950

•NISSAN NOTE 1.5 DCI TEKNA, 2008, 92,000KM..........................................€6,950

BMW 116 MSport 2014, Diesel, Auto €21,950

•FIAT DUCATO HDI 2006, DIESEL, 9 SEATER MINIBUS............................€6,950 •Kia Rio 1.5crdi , diesel, 2006, 99,000KM..................................................€5,450 •renault Megane 1.6, 2007, Petrol, 113,000km......................................€4,950 •Peugeot 206CC 2.0 Cabrio, 2002, 74,000km..............................................€4,950 •Yamaha YZF R125, 2008, 21,000km..................................................................€1,950 •SEAT IBIZA 1.4, 1998, 67,000KM...........................................................................€1,650

Seat Altea 1.9TDi, Diesel, 2005, 164,000km €6,450

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Opel Zafira 2.0 Diesel, 2012, 161,000km €11,950 OPEL ASTRA ESTATE ST 1.7CDTi, 2013, 113,000km €11,950

Right hand drive vehicles •bmw 220, 2015, diesel, m-sport, cabriolet, 110,000 miles............€26,950 •rolls royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles..................................€13,950

Kia Rio 1.5CRDi, 2006, 99,000km €5,450

•PEUGEOT 3008 1.6 HDI, 2011, AUTO, 56,000KM..............................................€8,450 •Ford mondeo 2.0i petrol, 2008, 61,000 miles........................................€6,950 •Vauxhall vivaro 1.9d, 4 seats, 2004, 148,000 miles............................€3,950 •bmw 320 td compact, 2002, 128,000 miles................................................€3,950 •renault laguna 2.0i, extreme, 2006 ,83,000 miles.............................€2,450 •vauxhall vectra 1.8 petrol, 2001, 125,000 miles..............................€1,000

Right hand drive - spanish reg

citroen picasso 1.6 1.6 hdi, 2006, 169,000km €4,950

Renault •Lexus 400 Hybrid 3.3, 2005, Petrol, Auto, 70,000 miles....................€7,950 Kia •citroen c4 grand picasso 1.6hdi 2008, 85,000 miles.......................€6,950 MeganE Sportage 2.0 CRDi, •Ford Mondeo 2004 2.0 Petrol, Auto, 107,000miles...........................€2,750 1.6, 2007, 2010, Diesel, •ford focus 1.4 petrol, 2003, 130,000 miles...........................................€1,950 116,000KM 163,000km, •Peugeot 206 1.4, 2001, Petrol, 3-door, 95,000 miles..........................€1,950 €4,950 €11,950 Visit our website ~ RHD / LHD Taken in Part Exchange / purchased for cash Over 40 cars in group stock ~ Full procurement service

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