13th - 19th June
costa calida
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Total Lorca recovery in sight Six years after the May 11th earthquakes that struck Lorca, the organisation that manages public aid for those affected by the tragedy has approved almost 100% of the requests for financial assistance. A total of 16,094 requests for aid have been made with only 23 remaining to be approved. The main purpose of the joint commission set up following the disaster that killed nine people and left hundreds injured and homeless has been to co-ordinate the repair of houses and other buildings. A total of €32.7 million has been allocated to the fund from the regional government, of which almost €23.6m has been spent so far. Most of the houses that were damaged by the earthquakes that measured 5.1 on the Richter Scale have been rebuilt, although in the village of San Fernando, which had to be completely demolished, a new urbanisation is still being constructed and in its final stages of development. Two hundred families are expected to be able to move in before the end of this year. The costs of paying for rent for these families that have needed temporary accommodation in the intervening six years has also gone into many millions.
Election News Backfire: The Prime Minister never saw it as a gamble, but many did... Fewer formalities for next week’s State Opening: One of the consequences of calling the snap general election that took place last Thursday are the major changes for this year’s State Opening of Parliament... UK construction sector “vulnerable” after result : The construction sector could be left vulnerable to the negative effects of political uncertainty following the indecisive result of the General Election.. Read more on page 6
Spain seeks victim identification improvements In the tragic aftermath of the attacks in and around London Bridge at the beginning of June which saw the death of a Spanish national, demands have been made for the identification of ‘foreign’ victims to be speeded up. Spaniards have died in two of the three attacks the UK has suffered this year. The Spanish Interior Minister – the equivalent of the Home Secretary – has called on the European Union (EU) to put a standard procedure in place for identifying victims that prevents a repeat of what was seen as an unacceptable situation following the death of Ignacio Echeverría. Juan Ignacio Zoido and his counterpart in the Spanish foreign affairs ministry both criticised the delays taken in telling Echeverría’s family of his death, since it left them in ‘agony and heartache’ for four days before they heard any news. Zoido even went as far to call it “inhumane treatment.” As far back as 2015, Spain had already proposed a standard protocol across countries in light of the wave of terrorist attacks in Europe, but as yet nothing has been implemented. Minister Zoido now plans to “carry out an evaluation” of what happened in Ignacio Echeverría’s case, “when the country had all the proof it needed to identify a person” and “still took too long to do so”. “The victims should be at the centre of all actions arising as a consequence of terrorist attacks,” Zoido stated. “Ignacio Echeverría’s case must never be allowed to happen again. Once an attack happens, authorities’ priority should be, along with arresting the culprits, helping the victims swiftly and in every aspect, including identification and assisting their families. “The European
Union needs to make a qualitative and quantitative leap in this respect, because international coordination is fundamental. Spain has a pioneering and exemplary assistance framework for such situations, and only our country, France and Italy have specific laws covering terror victims. We need a specific International Statute and a network of government authorities throughout the EU.” The Association of Terrorism Victims (AVT) in Spain says European countries have upgraded their security measures, but not their back-up and support measures for surviving victims and the families of those who perish in attacks. AVT chair Alfonso Sánchez says the Association has been providing counselling to both for over 35 years, and its experience shows that assistance for victims should not be merely limited to the immediate aftermath, but also provided in the short, medium and longer term, given that the emotional damage suffered can continue for a very long time after the initial shock.
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y 19th June Tuesday 13th June to Monda
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Postman sent down
As a follow up to a story reported in the SOL TIMES a few weeks ago, the Alicante Provincial Court has handed out a one year suspended prison term for the Torrevieja postman for not delivering 226 letters and packages. He pleaded guilty at the Elche-based court and was convicted of disloyalty in relation to the custody of public documents and was also fined €900 and banned from holding any position in the public sector for four and a half years. The case goes back to between 2011 and 2014 when the guilty man carried out his dishonest practices. A majority of the mail was letters from electricity companies, banks and official organisations which he hid in his locker and when inspectors asked him to open it he claimed not to have the key with him. Instead he opened it later and threw the undelivered post in the rubbish bins or flushed them down the post office toilet. He also delivered various items of registered post without getting the required signature, signed it himself or got other people to sign who had nothing to do with the recipient.
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Drought worries continue
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The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environmental Affairs, Isabel García Tejerina, explained that the accumulated amount of rainfall since 1 October is 13% less than normal. Furthermore, this reduction is not distributed evenly and is more severe in the Duero river basin, at a level of 42% and in areas where rainfall is traditionally high, such as Galicia and the Cantabrian Coast. This deficit, she added, is lowering the water reserves, which stand at 57.2%, while the average for the last five years stands at 74.8% and for the last 10 years at
70.6%. The latest assessment of the indicators shows that the Segura river basin is in an emergency situation and the Duero and Júcar river basins in a severe situation. The Minister highlighted that these three river basins are those that meet the requirements to set in motion the measures pushed through last Friday, which will be extended to any other river basin that finds itself in the same situation. She also specified the initiatives adopted in recent years in the Segura and Júcar river basins, when a drought was declared in 2015, in order to minimise the social, economic and environmental impact. In the case of the Segura, the government approved exceptional measures that allowed more than 250 additional cubic hectometres to be mobilised without any restrictions on irrigation. In addition, more than 13 emergency works were carried out, with an investment in excess of €35m. As regards the Júcar, almost 30 cubic hectometres were mobilised and a further €20m invested in more than 10 emergency projects. These actions are in addition to those contained in the Royal Decree-Law approved last Friday. Given the situation of a lack of rainfall the necessary conditions exist to approve an exemption on the payment of fees and tariffs related to the availability of water resources.
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News
Stop the ‘advancing sea of concrete’ Local political party Cambiemos Orihuela (CO) has accused the council (PP and C’s) of having no control over the amount of building that is “devouring our coast at a dizzying speed”. They are convinced that some of the property developments being built have been started without first getting the required licence. The CO councillors said in a statement they have checked several of the building sites that were granted licences during April and May – some of them including more than 50 homes – to find that they were already at an advanced stage, “which proves they were started long before the licence was granted”.
“This situation is being repeated systematically” due to the urban planning department being “overwhelmed” and some of the town hall officials “cannot keep up” with the demand. Allegedly, some of the licences that have been granted permission weren’t issued in the order they were received. The CO have complained that there is no apparent reason for this. CO accused the council of letting chaos rule, and instead of organising the massive and uncontrolled building that had already gone on in Orihuela Costa, “they are deliberately encouraging destructive inertia and speculation that is only benefitting the same old people”.
Royal Decree on smoking products The Spanish government has approved a Royal Decree and reviewed a draft bill that seeks to culminate with the implementation of the EU law on the regulation of the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products, such as electronic cigarettes and herbal substances for smoking. The Minister for Education, Culture and Sport and Government Spokesperson, Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, pointed out that the main aim is to help protect the health of smokers, including passive smokers. Under the new regulation, electronic cigarettes and the refill liquids will have to carry health warnings. In addition, a system to monitor adverse effects will be set up and monitored. As regards tobacco products, limitations will be introduced on their sale and supply, such as cross-border sales; the sale of packs of less than 20 cigarettes will be prohibited.
They said they cannot discover how many projects are being built at the moment or whether they have licences, or what effect all this will have for the inhabitants, who already suffer from a lack of services and infrastructure in the area. They have demanded that the council take control of the situation and stop “the advancing sea of cement across our coast”.
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Well-known Irish poet dies during sailing expedition
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An Irish man has died off the coast of Spain near to the city of Vigo. Domhnall Mac a tSíthigh, also known as Danny Sheehy, was rowing in a currach with three other boatmen. Mr Sheehy, who was in his 60s, was thrown into the water when the boat capsized at the mouth of the River Minho close to the border between North West Spain and Portugal. The three others in the boat were taken to hospital, but their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. He had been taking part in the 2,500km Camino voyage from Ireland to Spain. Singer Glen Hansard and artist Liam Holden have also been involved in various stages of the voyage. Kerry native Sheehy was a well known poet, historian, author and Irish language advocate. He once circumnavigated the coast of Ireland in a naomhóg with Ger Ó Cíobháin.
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No more WiFi gaps on London tube Transport for London (TfL) plans to finally offer passengers the ability to use their smartphones in tunnels on the London Underground according to a report. The absence of mobile coverage on the subterranean railway network has long been bemoaned by commuters, despite the arrival of Wi-Fi on station platforms in 2012, given that other subways and metros around the world have connectivity. Former Mayor of London Boris Johnson had declared
that mobile coverage would arrive on the tube by 2012 – a deadline which was obviously missed – and his predecessor Ken Livingstone asked the industry for pitches back in 2005. However according to a report in the Financial Times, current mayor Sadiq Khan and TfL are going to invite bids from telecom operators now the General Election is over. When asked for a comment TfL was not available, but has in the past said it supports the
idea of a mobile rollout “in principle” but that a funding model had never been agreed. According to Greater London Authority (GLA) documents, a “number of technologies are being investigated” for tunnel connectivity and above-ground coverage. It has also confirmed that both WiFi and 4G will be offered on the underground sections of Crossrail, which will operate as the Elizabeth Line, from 2018.
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Highest civilian honour given posthumously
Following the murder of Ignacio Echeverria, Spain’s government has bestowed its highest possible honour for civilians on the brave Galician who was murdered after confronting assailants during the deadly attacks on and
near London Bridge just over a week ago. In a weekly Cabinet meeting headed by Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, ministers approved granting Echeverria the Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit. Echeverria, who had grown up in Las Rozas, Madrid and worked for HSBC in one of their London branches, was originally going to be given the Silver Cross of the Order of Civil Merit, posthumously, but this has been ‘upgraded’ to the Great Cross of the Order of Civil Merit, the highest available. “We all of us feel proud of Ignacio Echeverría,” Rajoy tweeted. Spanish Culture and Education Minister Inigo Mendez de Vigo said Echeverria was “a good man, an exemplary citizen who showed heroic behaviour by trying to save a young woman on that tragic night.” In his home town of Las Rozas, a demonstration in tribute to Ignacio was held, and a street or square is expected to be named after him. The Valencian regional Parliament also held a minute’s silence, as did the town hall in Comillas (Cantabria), where Ignacio’s mother comes from, as well as declaring a day of mourning.
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In the province of A Coruña, Galicia, the town of As Pontes where Ignacio was born and lived as a small child held three days of mourning, as well as deciding to name a park after him. The Madrid-region commuter town of Alcorcón will name a square or park after the brave Spanish expat and the opposition in Alicante has proposed dedicating a street to him. Ignacio was not directly in the vicinity of the terrorists, but was riding a bike with his friends past Borough Market when he saw one of the killers stabbing a woman. The Spaniard jumped off his bicycle and beat up the terrorist with his skateboard to get him off his victim, but was attacked from behind by the other two and is thought to have been stabbed to death.
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Backfire
Election Special
by Ray Chadwick
The Prime Minister never saw it as a gamble, but many did. She never saw it as an arrogant assumption that it was game, set and match and a simple click of the fingers to get a landslide majority, but many did. She never believed in her wildest dreams that millions of people would vote for Jeremy Corbyn, but many did. The gamble and the self-belief displayed by Theresa May was given the thumbs down by the British people who, whilst voting her Conservatives as the largest party in the House of Commons failed miserably to give her the 100 plus majority that all were expecting when the General Election was announced on the Tuesday after Easter. Yes, it was that long ago, and when people say a week is a long time in politics seven weeks must surely represent an age or an era. Signs were there 48 hours before the polls opened that the voting intentions of the British electorate were changing. A 20 point lead a month ago had dropped to a two to four percentage point lead and the squeaking noises began to be held from Conservative Central HQ. Could the Tories really snatch defeat from the jaws of an assumed and confident victory? No way...the polls are always wrong, aren’t they? Except in this case they weren’t. As the Big Ben bongs boomed 10pm, jaws dropped on all sides of the political spectrum as the results of the BBC/ITV/SKY exit poll was broadcast. “Conservatives will be the largest party” uttered David Dimbleby in rather surprised and hushed tones. Tories couldn’t believe it. Labour supporters couldn’t believe it, and all rested on whether the real results disproved the findings or otherwise. Newcastle beat Sunderland to be the first to declare for the first time and the initial handful of results showed Labour doing worse than forecast and the Conservatives doing better. Perhaps, as in 2015, the Exit Poll had underestimated the Tory vote and they would secure a small majority after all. TV studio experts even said that a 60 to 90 majority was still on the cards. The 1% and 2% swings either way were then replaced with levels of 6% and 9% and it was apparent that this wasn’t going to end up with Mrs May returning to Downing Street in the way she wanted. She finished up with 318 seats – 8 short of an overall majority – and 56 seats ahead of Corbyn’s Labour. The biggest losers on the night were the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) losing 21 of
their 56 seats including former leader Alex Salmond and Commons leader, the much respected Angus Robertson. The Liberal Democrats’ Nick Clegg lost his seat in Sheffield Hallam but were compensated with Sir Vince Cable and Sir Ed Davey regaining seats lost just two years ago. Of the 13 net losses suffered by the Conservatives, no household names lost their seats. Despite losing their third election in a row, Labour won its greatest share of the popular vote since 2001 (40%), it was the first election since 1997 in which the party gained more seats than it lost, and their swing of 9.6% was the largest by an opposition party since Clement Attlee led Labour to win a large majority in 1945. Despite losing its majority, the Conservative Party also won an unusually high share of public support, winning its highest vote share (42.4%) since 1983. Two party politics certainly seems to have returned. Following a Cabinet reshuffle on Sunday afternoon that didn’t see a single sacking – just a game of musical chairs - Theresa May is planning to meet Arlene Foster, the leader of the DUP, today (Tuesday) in Westminster to thrash out the final details of the formal ‘confidence and supply’ arrangement which will enable her to get vital pieces of legislation through the House of Commons, and begins with the Queen’s Speech... whenever that will be! It was due for Monday 19th June, but clashing with the planned start of Brexit talks and Royal Ascot throws everything into a top hat. If people believed that the United Kingdom was in a political mess BEFORE Thursday’s General Election, it’s most certainly in a bigger one now!
Fewer formalities for next week’s State Opening One of the consequences of calling the snap general election that took place last Thursday are the major changes for this year’s State Opening of Parliament.
Originally in the diary for Monday 19th June but now ‘delayed by a number of days’, the entire event will be less formal for the first time in over 40 years, seeing Her Majesty the Queen arriving in a car rather than the splendour of the carriage and she will not be wearing her Imperial Crown or Robes of State. Nor will she wear the less heavy George IV State Diadem crown which she uses for the journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. Instead, she’ll be in ‘day dress’ and a hat. However, the Imperial State Crown will be brought to the House of Lords. Weighing two and a half pounds, the Imperial Crown contains 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires and 17 emeralds, and
UK construction sector “vulnerable” after result
The construction sector could be left vulnerable to the negative effects of political uncertainty following the indecisive result of the General Election, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The surprise General Election result has left key business sectors nervous with no one political party securing enough seats to form a majority government. The construction sector is particularly vulnerable to dips in consumer confidence brought about by political uncertainty and therefore it’s crucial that this uncertainty is minimised.” Berry concluded: “In the longer term, there could be a
potential silver lining for the business community as the prospect of a hard Brexit now seems less likely. Theresa May stood on a hard Brexit platform and she has clearly not been given a mandate to approach the negotiations in this way. Brexit is inevitable but the election result will surely have a significant impact on the shape of the Brexit deal we end up with. This could be a positive for business leaders who are concerned about a broad range of issues – for the construction sector, our greatest concern is that the flow of migrant workers might be reduced too quickly and before we are able to put in place a framework for training sufficient UK workers to replace them.”
it will be carried into Parliament along with the sword of State and Cap of Maintenance. There is one main reason for these changes – being that the ceremony has been rescheduled with short notice due to the early election. The pomp and circumstance spectacular usually takes place in May; however, with no Parliament to be opened, there has been little choice but to rearrange for June. This means the army will have little time to prepare for the state procession as Trooping the Colour takes place just a couple of days before Her Majesty opens Parliament. The rehearsal for the State Opening would have to be held on the Friday morning and it was decided it simply wasn’t possible. The last time HM The Queen opened Parliament without the full ceremony followed Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath equally calling a snap election in February 1974, which resulted in Labour’s Harold Wilson coming out as the victor.
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Holy R.I.P. Batman! Adam West, star of the popular and campy 1960s “Batman” TV show, died Friday night after “a short but brave battle with leukaemia,” his family said in a statement. He was 88. In a signature role, West played Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, the crime-fighting, costumed Batman, a popular comics character who came to life on the ABC-TV series. The series lasted three seasons and enjoyed a long afterlife in syndication. West later supplied the voice of Mayor Adam West, the oddball leader of Quahog, Rhode Island, on the animated series “Family Guy.” The actor was born William West Anderson in Walla Walla, Washington, and went on to earn a degree in literature and psychology from Whitman College. Working as a disc jockey, West developed a dramatic and memorable voice, which he used effectively as the Caped Crusader. As he told CNN in an interview two years ago: “If I pick up a telephone and make an international call, the operator knows my voice immediately, as does everybody else.”
The Batman character “has to be mature enough to have a ward, he’s a mentor or he has adopted a son, so to speak,” West once said. And, his ‘adopted son’ – actor Burt Ward said: “This is a terribly unexpected loss of my lifelong friend. I will forever miss him. There are several fine actors who have portrayed Batman in films. In my eyes, there was only one real Batman that is and always will be Adam West. He was truly the Bright Night.” As Batman, West also demonstrated his strong command of vocabulary, delivering wacky one-liners worthy of any manual on gobbledegook in a deadpan style. “Catwoman, I find you to be odious, abhorrent and insegrevious,” he memorably told one villain. The list of entertaining purveyors of evil who played opposite West was long and illustrious: actresses Julie Newmar, Eartha Kitt and Lee Meriwether (in a movie spinoff) as Catwoman; Cesar Romero as the Joker; Burgess Meredith as the Penguin; and Frank Gorshin and John Astin
Local News News as the Riddler. West secured the role of Batman after he’d been working on films in Europe and returned to the United States to discover the people planning the television show liked his work in a Nestle’s Quik commercial, in which he played Captain Quik, a spoof of James Bond. He’d been hoping for a career in serious roles, but the pilot script to “Batman” changed his mind. “I knew after 20 pages it was the kind of thing, the kind of comedy, I wanted to do,” he said. Although he won his share of acting parts over the years, West became typecast, but he didn’t become bitter about it.
“When you wear a mask and funny tights ... it gets a little frustrating from time to time,” West said. “I was turned down for a number of parts over the years, I feel, because of that. Wherever I go in the world, there’s such a wonderful rapport with our Batman that it’s neat. People come up and play entire scenes for me unsolicited, but I got to laugh. ... How lucky can a person get to be part of something that is a classic?” Five years ago, West was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “I think I have the record as the actor who has waited the longest to get his star on the sidewalk,” he said.
Wherever you be may you roam free Spanish telecommunications companies, Vodafone, Orange and Telefónica, are preparing for the disappearance of roaming charges as from next Thursday, 15 June. The new regulations introduced by the European Commission mean that mobile users in all EU member states will pay the same tariffs for texts, calls and mobile data in other EU countries as they do in the country where their mobile is contracted. Therefore, anyone leaving Spain to visit another European country in two weeks’ time will not pay any extra to use their mobile abroad. Likewise, those coming to Spain from other EU countries will pay the same tariffs as they do at home. Although the new measure, promoted as “Roam like at Home” only affects EU member states, some operators have announced they will include other countries in the new change. Vodafone has already offered the same benefit to customers travelling to the US, Turkey, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Albania. Telefónica has also offered to extend the measure to Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
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Take the chains away from selling Now the General Election is over, many people living in Spain that still have property in the UK may have been awaiting for the result to decide whether they were going to sell their British based home. It would certainly help and speed up the process if, when selling your house the ultimate buyer is someone paying cash, chain free and can complete whenever you are ready to. But, what if in return you had to take 15 or even 20% under market value? To some people it sounds crazy, but to others it’s a price they are willing to pay. There are an increasing number of UK cash property buying companies which are offering house sellers this service. With the ever-growing number of companies it can be difficult to know which companies you should choose to sell your house to. To help house sellers The National Association of Property Buyers was set up in 2014. The not-for-profit organisation is a voluntary trade body for the cash property buying market. Jonathan Rolande, a founder member of The NAPB, said: “If you are considering using a professional cash property buyer then it’s important you check out their credentials. They should be a member of The NAPB which means they must be signed up to The Property Ombudsman Scheme’s code of conduct. “You should also check reviews from people who have previously sold their houses through the company and ask lots of questions.” Mr Rolande suggests some of these questions should include:
1. Do you have to pay solicitor and other fees? Some professional property buyers cover all of these fees while others add them on. It’s important you know whether you are going to have to cover these costs yourself so you can take them into account.
4. How are they going to pay for the property? Some professional property buyers buy property with their own cash while others find third party buyers. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of funds from whoever is buying your property.
2. Can you get your own legal advice? Many companies recommend solicitors which they regularly work with and they know can work to fast time scales. If you aren’t comfortable with using their solicitor you should ensure the company allows you to use a legal representative of your choosing
5. Is the price they offer guaranteed? It’s important to know if the offer is conditional and if so what the circumstances could be that mean the offer is reduced.
3. Are you tied into only using the professional property buyer? Some companies insist on a ‘tie-in’ contract for a period of time. Some of these can be very lengthy. This means you can’t sell your property to anyone else during this period - even if they make a better offer.
6. Do you need to pay any fees if you accept an offer and then don’t go through with the sale? If you decide to pull out of the sale you may be liable to pay a fee or cover the costs incurred up until that point. Some companies allow you to pull out up until the point of exchanging contracts without incurring any costs, while others won’t.
Mayday: Looking at the general election result In October of 1974, Harold Wilson called a general election and wildly hedged his bets. Wilson, who had a minority government after a hung result that same year, came to regret it: the exit poll prediction of a 132 seat majority turned out to be worth only three for the Labour prime minister. He resigned in 1976. In 2007, Gordon Brown committed the opposite sin - he didn’t hold a snap general election, lacked a mandate and was dogged by media fatigue with his oscillating. Flash forward to 2017 and Theresa May has committed electoral Hari Kari. The Prime Minister needlessly gambled the majority of David Cameron and egregiously mistook support for Brexit as support for her. The SNP committed the inverse error in 2012: they convinced themselves that their repeated political victories since 2007 meant winning the independence referendum was a shoe in. If there’s a key factor at the heart of this, it’s bad instincts. Mrs May was elected in disaster and has governed as such. She is a premier who exists as a parody of herself - a flustered grandmother at a bake sale who forgot something. She, even more so than Boris Johnson, is the bumbling wreck that has consecutively failed to think on her feet and present a manifesto or Brexit strategy beyond ‘strong and stable’. Had there been a candidate less contentious than Jeremy Corbyn, or had Labour’s majority been even greater with lesser Tory numbers, then en masse revolution would have occurred against May’s play to stay. Indeed, imagine Article 50 wasn’t yet triggered: May would have been denounced after a year in office as possessing none of the Churchillian boorishness required to tackle a continental bloc of 27 powers who all want to limit the UK making a success of its grand exit. If there is evidence to be found at how pathetically small May and her decidedly unconservative Conservatives are, then consider the band she’s now in the pocket of. The Democratic Unionist Party are climate change denying, anti-gay, anti-abortion incorrigibles. They offer nothing savoury beyond numbers to prop up a weak leader. If a change is to be made, it must be done so by looking hard facts in the eye with none of the rhetoric embellishments entwined with elections and seeing things as they really are.
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13th - 19th June 2017
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If you entered a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop in Australia to order a two-scoop serving of the same ice cream flavour, be prepared for the response, “no ice cream for you!” In protest of Australia’s Marriage Act, which refuses to recognise same-sex marriages, the company won’t serve “same scoop” ice cream orders until gay marriage is legalised in the country. “Imagine heading down to your local Scoop Shop to order your favourite two scoops of Cookie Dough in a waffle cone. But you find out you are not allowed…You’d be furious!” Ben & Jerry’s wrote in an official statement. “But this doesn’t even begin to compare to how furious you would be if you were told you were not allowed to marry the person you love. So we are banning two scoops of the same flavour and encouraging our fans to contact their MPs to tell them that the time has come — make marriage equality legal!” The goal of the popular world-wide ice cream brand is to encourage its customers to join in the fight for LGBTQ rights and contact Australian MPs to express their support for the legalisation of gay marriage. Ben & Jerry’s will also place special post boxes in the country’s 26 stores, giving their patrons the opportunity to write postcards to their MPs. The messages will be delivered to Australian Parliament later this month. This isn’t the first time Ben & Jerry’s has gotten political — in America, the company has expressed its support for the Black Lives Matter movement and spoken out against Donald Trump’s travel ban. When the U.S. Supreme Court legalised same-sex marriage in 2015, Ben & Jerry’s released a celebratory ice cream flavour called “I Dough, I Dough.”
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News
Fake licence scam uncovered
National Police have arrested a total of 116 people with Dominican nationality in and around Spain’s capital city on charges of alleged falsification of documents. Among those detained are four responsible for providing their compatriots with false Dominican driving licences, which were subsequently exchanged for Spanish ones as part of existing arrangements between the two nations. This even included being allowed to drive on Spanish roads without having to undergo any testing. At the end of last year the National Police were aware of the existence of an organized group that provided Dominican citizens upon with false driving licences of the Dominican Republic for a high price. After several months, the researchers identified and detained the four heads of the organization, as well as 112 others who’d bought the false licences. In a selection of homes and a hotel throughout Madrid, various incriminating documents were found, two laptops, 16 mobile phones and more than €4,000 in cash.
Harry joins 2017 UK Invictus team A NINETY strong team of Service personnel and veterans will represent the UK at the Toronto Games in September. Prince Harry joined the 2017 UK team of Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS) Service personnel and veterans for their first official team photograph at the Tower of London. Following the unveiling, Prince Harry, who is patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, joined competitors at a reception in Plaisterers Hall. The Invictus Games harness the power
of sport to inspire recovery and generate wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. Getting involved in sport provides significant physical and mental health benefits including increasing self-confidence and psychological empowerment. More than 300 WIS personnel and veterans applied for one of 90 places available on the team. Selection criteria included the benefit the Invictus Games will give an individual as part of their recovery,
combined with performance and commitment to training. 62% of the team are new to the Invictus Games with only 8% having competed in the two previous games, London 2014 and Orlando 2016. The UK team will join 16 other nations at the third Invictus Games from 23-30 September in Toronto, Canada. They will compete across 12 sports: athletics, archery, wheelchair basketball, road cycling, powerlifting, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby, swimming, sitting volleyball, wheelchair tennis, the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, and a new sport for 2017, golf. The 2017 UK team captain has been named as former Army Major Bernie Broad. He served in the Grenadier Guards for around 30 years and due
to injuries sustained in an explosion in Afghanistan 2009 lost both his legs below the knee. He said: “The Invictus Games are empowering and inspire all of us as competitors to be the best version of ourselves. It allows us to be judged on what we can achieve, rather than what we can’t. To simply be selected for the UK Team was an amazing achievement. To then be further selected as the UK Team Captain filled me with such immense pride and it is a huge privilege to be given this honour.” The UK delegation to the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 is being delivered by a partnership comprising The Ministry of Defence (MOD), Help for Heroes, and The Royal British Legion.
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News
Spain & India sign organ donation pact The Director General of the National Transplant Organisation (ONT), Beatriz Domínguez-Gil and the Indian Ambassador to Spain, Venkatesh Varma, signed a collaboration agreement on last week at the headquarters of the ONT, under which Spain will advise the Indian health authorities on the issue of donation and transplantation. The agreement includes support to create strategies, the creation of networks for the availability of organs and tissue, transportation and transplantation, biomonitoring and organ quality assurance, among other aspects. Spain will also train healthcare professionals as transplant coordinators. For its part, India undertakes to set up a National Register for the donation and transplantation of organs, in line with the standards of the Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation managed by the ONT, upon appointment by the WHO. The agreement, which includes a monitoring committee, has an initial duration of five years, which may then be extended. Following the signing of the agreement, Beatriz Dominguez-Gil confirmed, before representatives of the Indian Embassy in Spain, the firm commitment of the ONT to “continue contributing to the international reputation of the ‘Spain Brand’ through the dissemination of the Spanish
transplantation model. Sharing knowledge and experiences with other countries from what we have learnt in recent years forms part of the DNA of the ONT”, she stressed. India, which has more than 1.3 billion inhabitants, has a great potential to develop a donation and transplantation system, based on the principles of the Spanish model, which will allow the needs of many of its patients to be dealt with. At present, it performs live donor transplants, but deceased donor transplants are almost non-existent.
RAJOY AND MODI SUMMIT At around the same time, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, received his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, at the Moncloa Palace. Having welcomed him and thanking him for making his visit to Spain, he announced the signing of a document to serve as a guide to develop “relations at a political, security, economic, scientific and technology level”. In his speech, Mariano Rajoy praised the Indian Prime Minister for the “broad raft of economic reforms” he is pushing through in his country to ensure “good governance” and “a more developed and knowledge-based economy”. Rajoy underlined the importance of India for Spain, as shown by the fact that it is Spain’s third largest trading partner in Asia. He also highlighted that “bilateral relations are on the rise and increasingly
better”, and thus hopes that the visit by the Indian Prime Minister to this country will serve to boost this collaboration even further. Mariano Rajoy also announced the signing of a document to serve as a guide “to develop relations at a political, security, economic, scientific and technology level”, and also reported that, during the bilateral meetings to be held other issues on the international agenda were addressed as well as purely bilateral issues. Prime Minister Modi, as well as thanking
Mariano Rajoy for his “warm welcome”, expressed his interest in tackling issues with the Government of Spain relating to the global and European situations and international terrorism. On another note, Mr Modi claimed that the economic progress in India, “a huge country”, offers many opportunities and, to that end, invited Spanish companies to take part in the renewal and modernisation of infrastructures, sectors in which Spain is “highly competent at a global level”.
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Rural Spain is dying out
Spain’s battle against a severe drop in population in rural areas of the country has taken a new and surprising turn, by offering banking services closer to residents in declining villages and providing childcare at home. Whilst provincial capital cities and coastal areas tend to be densely-populated, many land-locked regions are suffering from an ongoing loss of inhabitants leading to schools closing and even entire villages becoming empty. One of the worst-hit provinces is Teruel, southern Aragón, where 80% of the population live in villages of fewer than 30 inhabitants and nearly everyone outside
Teruel city – which has barely 30,000 residents – resides in a village of fewer than 300 people. Such areas often have no infrastructure enjoyed by so many others, such as internet access and limited mobile phone coverage, since telecommunications companies would never recover the cost of their investment in setting up the networks needed – an issue regional governments in affected areas are working hard to address in line with the EU’s requirement for 100% coverage within the next three years. Spain is home to 8,125 towns, cities and villages, and over 50% of these are at risk of ‘extinction’ due to losing
Understanding political parties in Almeria Do you know your PP from your PSOE, and what they stand for?
Firstly, since Spain’s transition to democracy, there have been no coalitions, only majority and minority national governments in the Spanish Parliament, The
Cortes Generales. The People’s Party (PP) and the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) have been predominant since 1979 (the former comparable to the Conservatives and the latter Labour). PP has been the in power since 2011 and is lead by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. Pedro Sanchez is once again the leader of PSOE after a months-long leadership contest. Both parties have had extended periods of governing Spain, but both have faced a backlash against high unemployment and economic austerity after the 2007-08 recession. New political parties, notably the leftwing group Podemos and Ciudadanos on the right, have arisen in response to the disillusionment and frustration at austerity and alleged corruption.
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all their residents. Of these, 1,286 have fewer than 100 inhabitants, and 36 provinces in Spain have lost significant numbers of residents in the last year alone. The decline of rural life, which used to make up twothirds of Spain’s economy barely 40 years ago, means younger residents have to move away from their home villages to get jobs, typically heading to cities and the coast. This means few under-populated provinces have any residents of child-bearing age – in a country where the birth-rate has been in freefall for well over 15 years – and as the original inhabitants age and eventually die or move in with younger relatives, villages are literally disappearing. Spain’s Federation of Municipalities (FEMP) says some of the solution lies in making rural life viable again by providing modern services, infrastructure, mobile and internet coverage and shops, as well as buying up empty homes and selling them on. Income tax deductions and financial and professional incentives for people choosing to stay in, or move to these areas are other suggestions. “In some of the worst-hit areas, residents do not even have a cashpoint nearby or anywhere within walking distance to buy a carton of milk,” FEMP says. “And for those with children, the nearest nursery is often over 10 kilometres away.” Childcare in the family home – in the same way as better-populated towns and villages offer home assistance for the elderly – may help, at least in the medium term, FEMP believes. An increase of at least 20% in funding for home help for children and the elderly, sick and disabled is necessary to encourage residents to stay put and even move out of towns and into the country, as well as a State financial injection for ‘endangered’ villages, according to FEMP, which is due to hold a conference on the most pressing issues in Huesca, Aragón’s northernmost provincial capital, towards the end of June. FEMP believes tourism may be another useful tool in providing meaningful and well-paid jobs that prove an incentive to residents to stay in, or move to, parts of the country suffering a population exodus. As well as Aragón, provinces in Castilla y León and Castilla-La Mancha are among those with the greatest dangers of losing swathes of inhabitants and ending up with a significant portion of their municipalities completely empty within the next 10 or 20 years.
The key to understanding Spanish politics is an appreciation that Franco’s regime forcefully enforced centralism. Peripheral nationalism was regarded as a serious threat. As such, there is a diverse representation of parties at regional and municipal level. Elections for the municipalities and 13 regions occur on the same day every four years in May. Four communities, including Andalusia, can decide their own election date and the last was on 22 March 2015. Elections to the Spanish Parliament also occur every four years. At the regional level, PSOE has consistently held Andalusia since 1982 save for 2011 with support from smaller parties. Susana Díaz is the incumbent president since 2013, winning a majority in the 2015 election. The Andalusian Parliament has 109 members, including Díaz, who is elected by members to be president. Across the municipalities in Almeria, there are different electoral characteris-
tics for the 102 constituencies. Each has a mayor and an administration formed of councillors. The Provincia Council of Almeria Deputation, headed by President Gabriel Amat Ayllón (PP), has 27 councillors who are indirectly elected by the municipal councillors of the province. Spain’s fragmentation and political character receive praise and criticism alike. What is clear, is it has a fascinating practicality which, when looked at closely, makes for an interesting parallel to the UK. If there’s a true test of democracy, consider what Voltaire said: “To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticise.”
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Home , Garden & Property
13th - 19th June 2017
Property with SOLTIMES
Home & Garden Inside
Picking the right selling season The time of year can play a huge part in whether or not your house in the UK will sell fast. If you are looking to sell a property soon then you should be aware of when the quiet times for the market are and consider whether it’s absolutely necessary to put your property up for sale during these periods. The problem with putting your house on the market during quiet periods can be two-fold. Firstly, if your property fails to sell quickly because the market is quiet it can lose its ‘fresh to the market’ appeal and buyers may start to think there is something wrong with it because it hasn’t sold. The second problem is that after a few weeks of a property being on their books estate agents can get bored of it. If this goes on for a longer period of time it can get completely neglected by the agent. SPRING This is generally considered as the best time to sell a house for a number of reasons. Improving weather and in-bloom gardens can show a property at their best. An increase in warm days also puts people in a good mood, gets them thinking about the future and makes them more likely to get out and about property hunting.
Families who are looking to move to a new area with school-age children may also choose the spring to start house hunting to tie their move in with the school summer holidays. SUMMER The main summer months of July and August are generally slow for the property market, particularly August. Many people take holidays during this time and the school holidays can mean parents don’t have time to do house viewings or other people needed for the process — such as solicitors — are away. AUTUMN Behind spring, autumn is the best time to sell a house fast—as long as you don’t leave it beyond mid-November. Once the school term starts and people are back from their summer holidays the market starts to pick up again. WINTER Christmas and the cold weather really kill off the property market in the winter. People are usually focused on Christmas shopping and family rather than property hunting. However, in the days immediately after
Christmas, there can be a spike in people looking at property online. But what if you need to sell a house now? Of course, there are buyers at all times of
the year so if you really need to sell your property during the ‘off season’ then you can weigh up the pros and cons and decide whether now is the right time for you.
Home , Garden & Property
13th - 19th June 2017
Be friendly to the bees Take a walk around your local garden centre and you will see a mouth-watering range of gorgeous plants on display. You might note that some are specifically labelled as pollinator or bee-friendly, with a picture of a cartoon bumblebee on the label. If, like many, you’ve ever succumbed to the temptation to buy these plants, you may be somewhat concerned by the results of the latest research just published. Sussex University have been busy screening the leaves, pollen and nectar of these plants to see if they contain pesticides. They bought flowering plants from a range of major outlets; Wyevale (the biggest garden centre chain in the UK) and also Aldi, B&Q and Homebase, deliberately purchasing plants that are known to be attractive to bees and butterflies; most of them had a bee-friendly logo, often the RHS one. On investigation, they found that
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most of these plants contained a cocktail of pesticides, usually a mixture of fungicides and insecticides. Only two out of 29 plants contained no pesticides. Seventy six percent of them (22/29) contained at least one insecticide, and 38% contained two or more insecticides. One flowering heather plant contained five different insecticides and five different fungicides – a veritable toxic bouquet. Seventy percent of the plants contained neonicotinoids (insecticides that are notorious for their harmful effects on bees), commonly including the ones banned for use on flowering crops by the EU (for the technically minded: 38% contained imidacloprid, 14% contained thiamethoxam and one contained clothianidin). You get the picture? Plants sold as ‘bee-friendly’ plants are usually stuffed full of pesticides. Just before the results went public, B&Q (who knew that the study was appearing imminently) announced that they were prohibiting their suppliers from using neonicotinoids on their plants from February 2018. Once the results were out Aldi declared that they stopped using neonicotinoids in October 2016; the plants tested bought from them were in July 2016.
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Unexpected rise in UK house prices UK house prices held up better than expected last month although the year-on-year rate of price gains continued to cool. The average cost of a home in Britain increased by 0.4% in May when compared to the month before, to reach £220,706, according to mortgage lender Halifax. In terms of quarterly rates of change, prices dipped 0.2%, the same as in April, and were 3.3% ahead versus the same period one year ago but down from the 3.8% clip observed in the prior month. Economists had forecast a 0.2% month-onmonth fall in UK house prices and a 3.0% gain on the year. The rate of price gains peaked at 10% in March 2016, with the slowest pace, of 2.6%, having been hit in May 2013. Commenting on the outlook for prices, Martin Ellis, Halifax housing economist, said that: “the fact that the supply of new homes and existing properties available for sale remains low, combined with historically low mortgage rates and a high employment rate, is likely to support house price levels over the coming months.” Nationally, in May UK house prices were 11% above their August 2007 peak. May’s Halifax sur vey data should allay concerns that house prices in Britain are on a downward spiral and there is scope for prices to edged up over the remainder of 2017.
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BLOOM OF THE WEEK - Bird of paradise The Bird of Paradise is one of the most colourful flowers in the world. The name Bird of Paradise comes from its spectacular flower shape which resembles a bird's beak and head plumage. The Birds-of-Paradise flowers make the plant an exceptionally attractive landscape plant. The foliage resembles small banana leaves with long petioles. The leaves on the Birds of Paradise plant are arranged strictly in two ranks to form a fan-like crown of evergreen foliage, thick, waxy, and glossy green, making it a very attractive ornamental plant. Each Birds of Paradise flower is made up of three upright orange sepals and three highly modified vivid blue petals. Two of the petals are joined together in a structure resembling an arrowhead with the third petal forming a nectary at the base of the flower.
Home , Garden & Property
Welcoming the birds and the bugs
With summer coming into full bloom, it’s time to turn our attention to our outdoor spaces at home and make the most of them for the warmer months to come. Not only should we focus on using these spaces for ourselves, but also aim to make them a more welcoming environment for nature too. No matter what size garden you have to work with, take a look at some of our top tips to guide you through the dos and don’ts of how to turn your garden into a wildlife haven. Attracting birds into your garden starts with showcasing that there is food available for them, so begin by putting up a couple of bird feeders around the garden. Think carefully about the best places to locate feeders: they need to be close enough to a natural shelter, such as thick shrubs, so the birds can quickly hide if needed, but not so close that predators such as cats can pounce. Make sure the feeder is in plain sight for birds flying overhead, but in a spot that is fairly sheltered from wind or rain to stop the food from getting soggy or being blown out of the feeder. Depending on the species of birds in your local area and the ones you’re trying to attract, different foods are recommended. To give a well-rounded source of nutrients that will appeal to most birds, try buying a pre-mixed bag of bird food which includes sunflowers seeds, smaller seeds and peanuts. Fruits, such as apples and pears, are another popular food source for most garden birds and are a great way to avoid wasting bruised fruit in the kitchen. Watching birds have a bath can be an enjoyable experience so, if you have space for one, make a bird bath a new feature in your garden. Make sure it’s in a safe place — away from fences where cats can lurk — and remember to top up the water regularly so it doesn’t go stale and attract pests. Avoid washing the bird bath with any chemicals that may be harmful to the birds; using a pressure hose on a light setting or using a scrubbing brush once in a while should remove any debris from the bottom of the bath without the need for any stronger cleaning agents. It’s not just our feathered friends that will appreciate being invited into your gardens. Encouraging good insects too is key to attracting other wildlife, as it will help build up the biodiversity over time. Species including beetles, ladybirds, bees and butterflies are all beneficial to our outdoor spaces, as they act as pollinators and predators against less beneficial bugs. A bug hotel is a good way to attract insects and encourage them to stay in your garden for the season. Many stores sell pre-made bug hotels that you can simply hang up or leave in a sheltered spot in the garden.
Home , Garden & Property
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Tips for an organised kitchen Traditionally the heart of the home, kitchens tend to get even more use at this time of year. Whether you need room to roast a joint of beef or easy access to ingredients, here's a few tips on how to make the most of your space.
flour and bicarbonate of soda and so on. If you use boxes, you can paint them to blend with your kitchen’s colour scheme. Whether you decorate them or not, label the containers with their contents so you don’t confuse sugar with salt.
1. Compartmentalise your cupboards To keep your kitchen cupboards from becoming a jumble of boxes, bags and cans, gather some flat-bottomed rectangular baskets or small wooden or cardboard boxes – shoe boxes are usually ideal. Line up the containers on the shelves and reserve each for a different kind of food— one for sugar, syrups and other sweet things, one for baking-related items like
2. Organise spices by style of cuisine Is your spice rack a mess? Can’t find the cumin when you need it? Arrange spice bottles in a low-sided, unlidded box (old cigar boxes work brilliantly) by type of cuisine. So whenever you’re cooking Italian food (or Chinese, French, Thai, Indian or Middle Eastern), the appropriate spices will be together in one place. Cumin, tamarind, coriander and chillies? Prob-
ably Indian or Thai. Tarragon, parsley, sorrel and bay? French. Label each box according to its nationality and hopefully, whenever you’re in the mood for that style of cuisine, your search for the right spices will be kept to a minimum. 3. Newspaper buffers for non-stick cookware When you nest non-stick saucepans one inside the other in kitchen cupboards, it’s very easy to scratch the delicate coating. Keep your nonstick cookware scratchfree by simply tucking a newspaper sheet between each pot. 4. Storing fine china safely When stacking fine china in the cupboard, keep dinner plates scratch-free by alternating them with paper plates. For salad plates and saucers, use coffee filters. China teacups are best stored right-
side up. If the cupboard won’t take all the cups, create an extra tier of shelf space by putting a plastic-coated wire rack inside. But why not hang the cups from hooks attached to the bottom of the shelf above? Hooks are fine for everyday china, but hanging antique teacups means that they will be bearing their own weight—a bad idea if you want to give these heirlooms the tender loving care they deserve. 5. Sheathe your kitchen knives Sharp cooking knives can be dangerous, so never keep them loose in a drawer. If you don’t have benchtop space for a knife holder, create protective sheaths for knives from cardboard tubes (from paper towels and plastic wrap, etc.). Just flatten a tube, fold over one end and staple or tape it closed, then slide a knife in the other end. For smaller knives, use toilet paper tubes.
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News
Of course Wonder Woman deserves an all-female showing
Online live casinos make it real
There are only a few cinemas in Andalusia which show films in English. How would Spaniards feel if only English speakers were allowed in? That’s the ignorant comparison which some are making of the situation in Austin, Texas where the Alamo Drafthouse announced an allfemale screening of Wonder Woman. Is the comparison or the hate-filled reaction to the event justified? No, for three important reasons. Firstly, the showing of the film was by an independent cinema with a history of having select evenings aimed at specific demographics. Secondly, Spain, like most other Western nations, might have their share of politics but seldom in their culture would it be acceptable for men to light up Twitter, as some male Americans have, to protest the film. Thirdly, the same cinema held an all-female screening of Sex and the City with not so much as a flutter. Why? Because it’s a ‘chick’ film while comic books are archetypically male. Or so the idiocy goes. The character of ‘Wonder Woman’ was born of an age where this was true, though. Her status is, by definition, wondrous because of how statistically unlikely it was a heroine who rivalled her male counterparts would succeed. To denounce the appropriateness of women to see a film that represents one of the only universally recognised and popular female heroes is to dismiss the ongoing disparities between the sexes as well as those who’ve worked to fight for women’s rights. This is not militant feminism. It’s common sense - women are still most likely to suffer disparities in pay with their male counterparts; get humiliated by career setbacks if they dare to have children and are statistically more likely to be sexual assaulted. Everything from wolf whistles in the street to the fact that The Hulk, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America have all had films, but Black Widow hasn’t, is precisely why there should be a collective sigh at the protest against the movie. Remember, too that the Wonder Woman character was made an honorary UN ambassador for the empowerment of women and girls and was just as quickly dropped. Would the same have happened to Superman as an exemplar of truth, justice and the American way? We owe it to our mothers, as well as our daughters, not to decry a film showing, but rather the abject mistreatment of fifty percent of the population and the only sex that can give birth to men.
The advent of live casino games is the newest development in the world of online gambling. Live casino games offer players the chance to interact with human dealers instead of an automated system There are a lot of areas where brick-and-mortar casinos struggle to compete with online casinos. But there is one advantage that physical casinos have always had - the human aspect. When someone walks into a casino, they get to sit down at a table and interact with a real human - something that online casinos can’t compete with. Well, not anymore. Muchgames is showing us that with live casino games, players can play table games with real dealers and interact with them through video in the comfort of their own home. Not only does this give players the feeling of actually being in a casino, it also assures them that their game isn’t being rigged by some computer algorithm. In addition to having real dealers, these live casino games also let players communicate with each other via in-game chat systems and give each other gifts. The beauty of online casinos is that they can offer a huge variety of games that players can access from one website. Instead of having to get up and go to another table, players can just click a few buttons and be “sitting” at a roulette or blackjack table. The myriad of online gambling websites and mobile apps also has created a lot of great competition. Developers know that if a player is not happy with their website they will just leave and go to another one. Unlike physical casinos, which have methods of keeping players inside their buildings, there is not much preventing a player from closing their browser and leaving a website. Because of this competition, online casinos are offering great bonuses and large varieties of games in order to keep players from leaving their website. As live casino games have grown in popularity, almost every type of table game has become available online. Players can enjoy everything from roulette and blackjack to craps and poker.
Surge in support for British pubs British pubs have been declared in excellent health by a leading research firm. Data released this week by Mintel found that sales of alcoholic drinks and meals in pubs has grown by 6% and 14% respectively, while soft drink sales rose by 7% in 2012-16. Publicans will undoubtedly welcome the £7.4 billion boost brought from food. The numbers challenge the presumption that punters had abandoned British pubs in recent years because of the increased emphasis on meal and music-friendly environments. British pub fayre has also been met with approval for its quality. Over three in five (63%) are prepared to pay over £10 for dinner at a pub (excluding drinks) and
18% are happy to spend between £15-£19.99. 10% of customers are comfortable paying between £20 - 24.99 and 8% prepared to pay over £25. 23% of consumers also said they had visited a pub in the past month because of the high quality of food on offer, rising to 30% in 2017. The survey confirms a subtle shift in drinking habits among British people, with nine in 10 (89%) Britsish people saying they typically visit a pub or bar to eat, compared to eight in 10 (79%) who go to drink in these venues. In 2016, alcoholic drinks made up half of the UK pub industry’s turnover, compared to 31% brought in by food. Overall, industry turnover grew by an estimated 8% in 2012-16 to reach £23.5 billion. Richard Caines, Senior Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel, said: “Pubs that generate a higher proportion of sales from food and, as a result, attract a wider audience have generally performed more strongly than drink-led pubs. ” If there’s dark cloud, however, it might be that a majority of 65% of people would like more pubs to have quiet areas free from music and TV. However, the evidence points to a resurgence in pub culture which has suffered a sharp decline in recent years. According to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), there were 52,750 pubs at the end of last 2015, down from 54,194 in December 2014. The organisation reported that pub closure rates are slowing - with the total number of pubs closing per week falling from 27 to 21 in the last six months. CAMRA has encouraged the public to continue supporting their local pubs to ensure pub closures continue to fall.
Money
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Planning an early retirement? Think again Giving up work and entering into a long and happy retirement may be the dream, but unfortunately, it may stay just that for many. Financial pressures mean a growing number of would-be retirees are staying in work for longer, yet all is not lost, as research shows that deferring retirement could boost your pension by thousands of pounds! That’s according to research from Aegon, which revealed that staying in work until age 70 could boost pension income by two-thirds, equating to a possible £46,388 extra in pension savings and an additional £314 per month in retirement income (£771 per month instead of £457). Even those who only delay retirement by three years past state pension age and work until age 68 could still build up an extra £25,542 in savings, increasing their monthly income by £164. Not bad for a few more years at the grindstone…
The calculations are based on the assumption that the average 55-64 year-old is contributing £355 a month to a pension, and has a fund of £105,496 by the time they reach state pension age. At age 65, that fund might produce a monthly income for life of £457, yet at age 68 the fund could be worth £131,038, with a monthly income of £621 (an increase of 35%). At age 70, the fund could be worth £151,884, which might produce a monthly income of £771, a 67% increase. This kind of uplift could be increasingly common, too, as the employment rate of over 65s has doubled in the last 30 years (from 4.9% to 10.2%), and half of people now expect to work past state pension age. That figure includes a quarter of those who expect to stay in full-time work for as long as they’re able, and a further quarter who plan to continue working on a parttime basis. Just 12% say they’ll give up work immediately upon reaching state pension age, and only 9% will stop working pre-retirement, with early retirement largely being a thing of the past. Indeed, younger people in particular are getting used to the idea of a more flexible transition to retirement: 31% of millennials expect they’ll keep working full-time for as long as they are able, while 27% will work part-time and just 3% expect to stop working upon reaching state pension age. But will that be a choice or a necessity? “Those of working age today are waking up to the likelihood they’ll not retire at as early an age as their parents, and are no longer picturing state pension age as the defining ‘retirement moment’ at which they automatically leave the workforce,” said Steven Cameron, pensions director at Aegon. “For some, the decision to work on past ‘traditional’ retirement age will be a lifestyle choice, but for others an inadequate pension pot may make it a necessity.” Steven points out that the “silver lining” is that working a few more years while maintaining pension contributions means those individuals could enjoy a far higher pension income when they do come to retire, thanks to “the triple boost of continued investment growth on the pension fund, further contributions being added and ultimately fewer years to spread the fund over once no longer working. “For those early on in their working lives, starting saving as soon as possible is key. But we can’t turn back time and those approaching traditional retirement age with less than they might wish for still have choices. For those who are able, continuing to work for a few years more not only keeps a salary coming, it can also produce a substantial uplift in retirement income.” Start planning – find out more about why you need a workplace pension, and save as much as possible from as early as you can. That way, you may be able to leave work sooner than you think… Consider topping up your pension savings with a cash ISA, or perhaps the new a Lifetime ISA, to maximise your tax-free savings for the long term.
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Barking mad By Feature writer Sandy Shore House builders and real estate agents constantly search for an incentive that will give them an edge over their rivals. Inducements include fitted furniture, white goods, even the offer of a free car. As a marketing initiative I suggest a gated urbanisation where zero tolerance of dog ownership is guaranteed. Such would be a blessing for those offended by noise pollution. Don’t tell me it can’t be done as I lived in one. I recently spent three blissful dog-free days in a hotel. I endure a sort of life in a 12 house calle where five of the eight occupied homes have dogs. These public nuisances are untrained, undisciplined mutt-delinquents. It takes only a passer-by or visitor to spark a crescendo similar to the alarms going off in a fire station. In a climate where open doors and windows are to be expected I am hermetically sealed to provide a measure of peace and quiet. Dog owners expect tolerance but they would be
Made to Measure
As I passed by the pump house on my travels around our garden I noticed a trickle of water where no water should be trickling. I’ve been having several of One of Those Days back-to-back recently, and this trickle signified that I was heading for another One of Those Days. To celebrate this sure fact I expressed my feelings with an ‘Oh bother!’ or rather with a similar word also beginning with B – I would need a plumber! In this life it’s not what you know that counts but rather who you know, and I know Francisco. Francisco is the number 2 son of Jose and Matilde, who are the original owners of The Dog That Is Not Ours, and who also keep a watchful if slightly puzzled eye on our horticultural strivings. I rang him. ‘I’ll come later.’ He promised. I didn’t ask what sort of later he meant, so I settled in to the long game, ignored the leak and went about my daily chores. Minutes later his van arrived, and he bounced up our drive, all big grin and red T-shirt. His parents are best described as ‘Traditional’ in stature, so how they come by a son who is built like a racing ferret I have no idea! Our pump house is a little work of art in its own right. The tiled roof matches the house roof tiles. The walls are geometrically straight, right angled and faultlessly painted in regulation white. Even its floor is covered with perfectly laid and aesthetically pleasing tiles. Whoever designed it threw Convenient out of the window in favour of Small Is Beautiful - there is no way that any Northern European can enter its architecturally perfect interior. Francisco surveyed our unwelcome issue of water, and without pause folded himself up inside the pump house with the smooth skill of a practiced contortionist. He fitted inside completely - there was no part of him sticking out, and the only bits of him that were visible were his back and a lower leg. I’ve never been keen on contortionist acts – they make me wince, but he flowed in with an ease that that was almost balletic. I waited with bated breath. Seconds later he emerged, unfolded himself in one flowing action and announced that it was ‘Arreglado’ – mended. I wonder – was the pump house made to measure for him, or was he made to measure by Nature to be an exact fit for the pump house?
By Jos Biggs
intolerant of a teenager racing his off the road bike up and down the calle as it pleased him to do so. Would dog owners accept an uncontrolled youth practising his saxophone or drums, or a light aircraft carrying out low-level fly pasts? I am certain dog owners would be the first to express outrage if such liberties were taken. Of course it is the mutt-buffs who must be brought to account for the aberrant behaviour of their pets. Animal lovers; they don’t know the meaning of the term. Animal haters would be more appropriate. I see dogs caged in small patios illegal as a zoo animal’s living space. Some owners go off leaving the neighbours to suffer the howling of abandoned dogs. What kind of an animal lover allows their pet to release its neurosis like sewerage over the ears of neighbours? Far superior surveillance and alarm systems make guard dogs obsolete. You want something to love; foster or adopt an orphan. Trained dogs are wonderful creatures. Dogs taught by the armed forces, police and security services work quietly and unobtrusively among the public. As guardians of our airports and public buildings such dogs really are a man’s best friend. Farm dogs have better social graces than do many owners of the lesser breeds, which I wouldn’t use as a floor mop. If house builders and real estate agents promise a gated community with a 100 metre quarantined dog free zone I am certain that all other incentives can be put on the back burner.
Pause for thought Our recent Flower Festival was amazing. So many lessons to be learnt from it. Amid all the hard work, there was necessarily some disappointment as some of those who’d promised arrangements and support, for various reasons were unable to deliver. But more amazing perhaps were those who unexpectedly brought arrangements they hadn’t promised or turned up each day to give their time and energy to help in preparation, serving at the café or one of the stalls or clearing up at the end of each day, not looking for thanks, but simply enjoying being a part of it all. And of course this is a common experience of life. We often feel ‘let down’ by others and regularly find ourselves dwelling on the resultant disappointment rather than recognising and rejoicing in the unexpected support so frequently offered by others. In Matthew 28, Jesus tells a lovely and quite typical story or a man who asks his two sons to give him a hand in his vineyard. The first, he tells us declined, having more important alternative personal matters to attend, but later, on reflection, he changes his mind and goes to help his father. The second son, on the other hand, enthusiastically agrees to help, but for whatever reason, he never actually got there. So Jesus asks his audience which of the two sons actually helped his father and of course all responded that it was the first, the one who’d initially refused, recognising that words are easy and it’s what we do, rather than what we say that counts. It’s easy, Jesus explains to his audience, for us to be all ‘Churchy’ and religious, but completely let God down, whilst others, who have no outward religion, may actually, like the first son in his story, be more inclined to do his will. So let’s remember that it’s actions, rather than words that matter, and learn to rejoice in and be grateful for, the unexpected blessings in our lives, rather than bemoaning the disappointments and negatives we all experience.
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Community News Send us your what’s on information & we can keep your community in the loop, send to Production.soltimes@ewnmediagroup.com
Ex-Servicemen’s Association Mazarrón District (Founded 1 May 2006)
EVENTS – 2017 Wednesday 12th July 7.30pm for 8pm Restaurante Maypu Between Mazarron and the Port Evening Meal Wednesday 9th August 7.30pm for 8pm Restaurante Pekin 5 Chinese Puerto De Mazarron
Evening Meal Wednesday 13th September 7.30pm for 8pm Restaurante Siena Mazarron Town Evening Meal Membership enquiries, Ian 629818611 Function enquiries, Roy 634356220 or esamd.espana@gmail.com
BADMINTON 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
7:30-8:30pm. Ballroom and Latin for
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.
and keep up with the ‘strictly’ gossip.
COFFEE MATES If you would like to have a coffee and a friendly chat, please join us at the La Laguna Hotel, Lo Marabu every Friday morning from 11am ANN - 966 717 390 - 666 747 398 rock and roll class ‘Strictly Dance’ Rock and Roll for beginners and intermediates every Monday at the Emerald Isle La Florida
welcome EVENTS
There will not be a Welcome dance during July and August. 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 for €280 p.p. September Dance – Wednesday 20th at 7.30. In a tribute to the late Rick Parfitt we present a live four piece band, Fakers Quo, a night for all you head bangers. €10 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. October Dance – Wednesday 18th at 7.30. All the way from Benidorm, tributes to three great artists, Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart and the Eagles. This is a show not to be missed. €12 November 8th Ladies Shopping Trip to Benidorm. Hit the famous Benidorm market and shops for some serious retail therapy before an afternoon Drag Show featuring the fabulous Levi G from the TV show Bargain Brits in the Sun. There is room for the boys if you dare. Price includes coach travel and show €17 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. For more information or to book your tickets call Steve on 697 960 590
beginners and intermediates every Tuesday at The Country Club, Quesada 8-10pm and every Thursday at The Madhouse, Pueblo Principe. New courses every 3 weeks, singles welcome. Come and join our fun group For further info call Lyn on 966188430 or 635584431 or email strictlydancelyn@ gmail.com. Also you can follow us on facebook. Look forward to welcoming you to one of our classes soon! THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION Torrevieja Branch, meet at 1700 on the
The Royal British Legion
first Wednesday of each month at the Restaurante El Paraiso, Urb. Jardin del Mar 3, (behind Carrefour), Torrevieja. Contact Paul Edwards, Chairman, 618 644 934 or Margaret Forshaw, Secretary
Spain District North
966 921 996. A parkinsons Support Group On Tuesdays at 11am At Bobbie Jo’s, Los Montisinos For a chat and a cup of tea For further information contact Wally Williamson On 966 770 871. Table Tennis Held Tuesdays and Thursdays 13.30 to 17.30 at Casa Ventura. Equipment and coaching provided if required. Contact Del on 653564831
CHESS club
Friendly Chess group looking for more players. FRIDAYS 1.00 PM REFLECTIONS BAR SAN LUIS (Lakeside) Tele: John 966 786 774 or 634 658 506 (M)
• 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)
To the memory of the fallen and the future of the living
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Leisure
particularly if you have to cancel plans. Hang in there!
Tasks of any kind are likely to seem like the labors of Hercules today, Gemini. Overwork and strain could have you feeling a little under the weather. It might be a good idea to take some time alone to rest. If you can’t, at least try to take things easy. Also, some unexpected changes in your community might have tongues wagging. Be sure to check out the facts before jumping to conclusions.
You might have visitors, Leo, or even a hot date scheduled for tonight. By midafternoon you might feel too tired to go out and wonder if you should cancel. It’s best to keep your activities lowkey. Have coffee and cake at home instead of going out, and get the cake from a bakery! Your evening should be full of exciting, stimulating conversation. You’ll be glad you stuck with your plans.
Deliveries that you expect could be delayed, Virgo. Today you might learn something shocking about a neighbor or relative. The gossip might spread rapidly through your community. This could have you reeling even though it might be exaggerated. You might visit a few people nearby or spend a lot of time on the phone trying to learn the truth. Don’t take anything you hear at face value.
someone in your celebration plans.
Today may start out frustrating, Scorpio. Be prepared! Some equipment might go on the blink and it could take a while to get it fixed. A temporary separation from your partner could also be disappointing. You may have a lot of physical energy for which you have little immediate outlet. Take a long walk. This would not only provide an energy outlet but also clear your head.
Your level of artistic inspiration is high today, Sagittarius. Dreams or meditation may bring up some spiritual insights and revelations, and you may promptly forget them upon coming out of your dream or meditative state. This could prove frustrating! Try writing them down even if you only remember snatches. This can help bring them to the surface again. You will want a record of them anyway.
Some upsetting news regarding money could throw you into a dither today, Capricorn. Perhaps a check you’ve been expecting hasn’t arrived on time. Maybe the bank has made an error regarding your account. It isn’t anything that can’t be straightened out, though it’s going to be a pain making all the calls. Basically, all should be going very well for you. This is only a temporary setback.
A setback in your career might have you feeling disoriented, Aquarius. Equipment might be involved. Don’t go crazy. It’s only temporary. Your determination, efficiency, and practicality should take care of it in no time. Basically, you’re probably feeling optimistic about the future and unlikely to change that energy any time soon. Try not to worry about problems today. Spend time relaxing and enjoying the company of friends and family.
Today you may feel especially passionate, Aries, and desire a romantic encounter. You might even have a hot date scheduled. Don’t be surprised if it has to be postponed for reasons beyond anyone’s control. You might try to sublimate those feelings through creative activities. Romantic novels and movies could also prove good outlets, though never as good as the real thing! Money matters might be weighing on the mind of a close friend or lover, Cancer, and he or she might seek your advice. A creative project may require a larger expenditure of money, time, or other resources than you originally thought. This could make you wonder if you will be able to continue with it. It might take some tweaking on your part, but you should be able to complete it as planned. Some good but surprising news could come your way today, Libra. Perhaps a family member or friend will call or drop by with a surprising development that directly affects you. In the evening, go out together and celebrate. Don’t forget to include your special
A visitor with a few problems might come to your door in search of advice and sympathy, Taurus. He or she might also have some other news that could shock you. A professional crisis might make it necessary for you or your partner to spend most of the day away from home and family. This could be frustrating,
A delivery that you were expecting from far away might be delayed, Pisces, causing you to wonder if it might have been lost. It hasn’t. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do but wait. Mechanical equipment could also go out of whack, necessitating a call to a repair service. This could set you back some and make you antsy. Try to find something else to do!
The Sunshine Sisters
The New York Times bestselling author of Falling presents a warm, wise, and wonderfully vivid novel about a mother who asks her three estranged daughters to come home to help her end her life.
by Jane Green Ronni Sunshine left London for Hollywood to become a beautiful, charismatic star of the silver screen. But at home, she was a narcissistic, disinterested mother who alienated her three daughters. As soon as possible, tomboy Nell fled her mother’s overbearing presence to work on a farm and find her own way in the world as a single mother. The target of her mother s criticism, Meredith never felt good enough, thin enough, pretty enough. Her life took her to London and into the arms of a man whom she may not even love. And Lizzy, the youngest, more like Ronni than any of them, seemed to have it easy, using her drive and ambition to build a culinary career to rival her mother’s fame, while her marriage crumbled around her. But now the Sunshine Girls are together again, called home by Ronni, who has learned that she has a serious disease and needs her daughters to fulfill her final wishes. And though Nell, Meredith, and Lizzy are all going through crises of their own, their mother s illness draws them together to confront old jealousies and secret fears and they discover that blood might be thicker than water after all.
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Leisure
The Mummy The Mummy franchise has been struggling lately. Ever since the original 1999 movie was released, the movies have gradually gotten worse. The first “Mummy” was slick, well made and entertaining; the second was your typical B/C movie, not the worst but far from the best, and then with the third installment it was clear that Hollywood had given up on the franchise and wanted one more pay-cheque. Skip forward to 2017 and we appear to have something just as good as the original. Sure, for some, the flashy visuals may seem like a cover-up for the (occasional) uninspired dialogue, however, there is no doubt that a lot of money was invested in making this film look good, and it sure delivers on that aspect (even with The Scorpion King setting the bar very low, “The Mummy” (2017) still looks pretty amazing). Tom Cruise stars, which to some may be a turn-off, but I think some credit is due here. Tom has made a name for himself in the M:I film’s, and with his performance in “The Mummy”, he shows audiences that perhaps it’s not too late to make a name for yourself in a different franchise. He’s not the best actor in the world by any means, but he does the job and he does it well enough for the film to be taken
reasonably seriously. I think that it’s important to remember that you’re not seeing anything ground- breaking with this film; it’s not going to have the same impact as the original Mummy title and it certainly isn’t going to steal the show at the Oscars, but it has its moments of adrenalinepumping action, well-crafted visuals and smart dialogue. Some of this 1hr 47min Egyptian-fetish flick feels a bit clunky, and the story is all too familiar sounding (disturbing an ancient evil which comes back to wreak havoc on everyone), but when you consider that there have been worse Mummy films, 2 to be exact and that Alien Covenant hasn’t exactly set the bar for reboots particularly high, The Mummy has its entertainment value, it has its action and suspense, but it also has some cracks in its sarcophagi which will, hopefully, be ironed out when they inevitably make another of these in 2 or so years time.
OUR CHOICE
Mary Berry Everyday
ONE TO WATCH
The Real Full Monty Thursday, June 15th 8:30pm to 10pm
OUR PICK OF THIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE FILM & TV FILM OF THE WEEK
Taken Back: Finding Haley Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 on Channel 5 from 3:15pm to 5:00pm A distraught mother loses her daughter during a day out at a carnival because of a brief moment of inattention. After years spent searching for her, she comes across a girl living with another couple, and becomes convinced that the youngster is her child. Is she right, or are these the actions of a paranoid and grieving woman?
Monday, June 19th 7pm to 7:30pm Former Bake Off judge and food writer Mary Berry takes us on an indulgent tour of the everyday food and ingredients she has always loved. This first episode see her travel to Scotland to enjoy some of the countries best staples and she of course prepares recipes inspired by her own scottish herritage. Joined by Chef Tom Kitchin and her favourite whiskey cream on the banks of a loch.
Alexander Armstrong and a host of male celebrities including Dom Littlewood, Wayne Sleep, Harry Judd and Elliot Wright have come together to recreate the famous striptease scene from the 1997 film. Their aim to raise awareness of men´s health issues by performing the full monty infront of 2,000 people at the london Palladium. With only a few weeks to prepare will they dare to bare all?
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ANSWERS NEXT WEEK!
Wordsearch
Quick
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Eccentricity (12)
1. Unconcern (12)
7. Big (5)
2. Observe (3)
8. Squeeze (5)
3. Indigenous (6)
9. Charge (3)
4. Disgusting (9)
10. Exploiter (9)
5. Precipitous (5)
11. Lure (6)
6. Loss of affection (12)
12. Plunger (6)
7. Salute (5)
15. Bowdlerise (9)
10. House-painter (9)
17. Chopper (3)
13. Tread heavily (5)
18. Map (5)
14. Clergyman (6)
19. Impress deeply (5)
16. Clear (5)
21. Violation (12)
20. Mimic (3)
O
P
T
T
C
W
Y
A
E
Puzzles
“EASYBOGGLE” Find as many words as you can from the grid. You can go in any direction, but use each letter only once. (There are 27 in total!” 2 points for each 4 letter word, 1 point for each 3 letter word, 34 points maximum!
Cryptic
ACROSS 1. & 12 Across. Great actor, glad pens have changed, joins prohibitionist to show 21’s flag (4-8,6) 7. Admit he was a former 10 down of the 21 (5) 8. Mindful of hostilities out east (5) 9. Attempt to score in a game? (3) 10. Only half proper and harsh, but keep on trying (9) 11. How the car crossed the river? (6) 12. See 1 Across 15. Got rid of sailor who scattered oil on hut (9) 17. Acquire some strange things (3) 18. Glee a bird disturbed (5) 19. Former turn is accurate (5) 21. Being as one avers great power results (6,6)
DOWN 1. What a writer might have on his bed? (5,2,5) 2. Father goes to southern resort (3) 3. They have a definite stage in their lives (6) 4. Six feet under here - it’s serious having three feet! (9) 5. Escape publicity during the night before... (5) 6. ....Eric’s notable festivities (12) 7. A grey made brighter (5) 10. I’d go in now as leader of the 21 (9) 13. When such a mare can be quite fearsome (5) 14. Could be dearth of fibre (6) 16. Groan about a music-maker (5) 20. Fitting beginning to 8, 10 and 9 (3)
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Puzzles
Know your faces?
Picture Quiz Number 01
Number 02
Number 03
Number 04
Number 05
SODUKU
SOLTIMES Television QUIZ 1. “Can I have a ‘P’ please Bob” was part of which TV quiz show? 2. Mick Carter in ‘EastEnders’ is played by which actor? 3. How many letters are there in the “Countdown” conundrum? 4. Tony the Tiger features in a TV advert for which product?
Number 07
5. What was the first Australian soap to be shown on British TV? 6. What does Aleksandr Orlov advertise on TV? 7. Who is the host of ITV dating show ‘Take Me Out’? 8. Who in 1974 became the FOURTH Doctor in Doctor Who? 9. In the TV series, who was always found between ‘Bill & Ben’? 10. Which TV series is often set in Neptune’s Bar?
Cryptic Solutions Across: 4 Abandon; 8 Season; 9 Charger; 10 Result; 11 Loafer; 12 Dividend; 18 Penelope; 20 Forego; 21 Fencer; 22 Obvious; 23 Fierce; 24 Leagues. Down: 1 Astride; 2 Passive; 3 Toiled; 5 Beholden; 6 Norman; 7 Opener; 13 Exposure; 14 Concern; 15 Degrees; 16 Rouble; 17 Sewing; 19 Eyelid. Quick Solutions Across: 4 Emptied; 8 Amazon; 9 Interim; 10 Riches; 11 Agency; 12 Customer; 18 Languish; 20 Talent; 21 Rotten; 22 Fancied; 23 Overdo; 24 Deplete. Down: 1 Caprice; 2 Sarcasm; 3 Bolero; 5 Mandarin; 6 Teeter; 7 Evince; 13 Maltreat; 14 Cistern; 15 Phantom; 16 Manage; 17 Pencil; 19 Groove.
Number 08
HARD SODUKU
Crossword Solutions
Picture Quiz Solutions
Number 06
Boggle Solution 1. ceils(3) 2. celli(3) 3. cells(3) 4. lisle(3) 5. selle(3) 6. silex(3) 7. ceil(2) 8. cell(2) 9. cels(2) 10. eels(2) 11. ells(2) 12. ilex(2) 13. isle(2) 14. lees(2) 15. leis(2) 16. lies(2) 17. seel(2) 18. sell(2)
Number 09
Number 10
SQUIGGLE
11. In which fictional city is the “Family Guy” set? 12. Which presenter of ‘Countryfile’ was the original host of ‘Newsround’? 13. Which cricketer won the third season of Strictly Come Dancing? 14. What was the name of the character played by Frances de la Tour in “Rising Damp”? 15. Who had the catchphrase “Which is better… There’s only one way to find out… fight!”?
19. sill(2) 20. cee(1) 21. cel(1) 22. eel(1) 23. ell(1) 24. els(1) 25. ill(1) 26. lee(1) 27. lei(1) 28. les(1) 29. lex(1) 30. lie(1) 31. lis(1) 32. sec(1) 33. see(1) 34. sei(1) 35. sel(1) 36. sex(1)
Soduku Solution
Hard Soduku
Squiggly solution
Geography Quiz
1. PAULA RADCLIFFE
6. CHRISTIAN RONALDO
1. Spain
6. Mexico
11. Gateshead
2. MICHAEL JORDAN
7. REBECCA ADLINGTON
2. The 50 states
7. Hawaii
12. Dublin
3. JOHANNA KONTA
8. MICHAEL PHELPS
3. Sicily
8. Edinburgh
13. Trinidad
4. MICHAEL VAUGHAN
9. KATHERINE GRAINGER
4. Indian
9. Cannes
14. Wiltshire
5. DENISE LEWIS
10. ANDY GRAY
5. Devon
10. Truro
15. Granada
Solutions 480
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Broccoli Chicken Divan Ingredients 1 pound chopped fresh broccoli, 1 ½ cups cubed, cooked chicken, 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of broccoli soup, 1/3 cup milk, ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 2 tablespoons dried bread crumbs. Preparation – 20 minutes. Cooking – 20 minutes. Method 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). 2. Place the broccoli in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook 5 minutes, or until tender. Drain. 3. Place the cooked broccoli in a 9 inch pie plate. Top with the chicken. In a bowl, mix the soup and milk, and pour over the chicken. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese. Mix the melted butter with the bread crumbs, and sprinkle over the cheese. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly brown.
Do ye ken a gin A hugely popular Gin Map of Scotland has been updated for 2017 - with 25 new Scottish gins. An incredible 25 new Scottish gins have launched in the last year alone taking the total number of gins on the map to 53 - a visual representation of the Scottish gin boom. The colourful infographic (or ginfographic) includes the name of the gins, their location, all their botanicals and the garnish recommended by the distiller. Notable new gins on the map include LoneWolf Gin, produced by craft beer giants BrewDog, two gins from Orkney, Kirkjuvagr and Johnsmas, Misty Isle Gin from Skye, Ginerosity, a social enterprise gin from Edinburgh, along with many more. The gins reflect the creativity and resourcefulness of the Scottish craft gin market, many of which have beautifully designed bottles, locally foraged botanicals, and exotic garnishes, including kiwi fruit (Shetland Reel) and torn bay leaf (Bardowie Gin). The days of Scottish gin being considered an artisan fad are over. Traditionally associated with being an English drink, 70% of gin consumed in the UK is now made in Scotland. This is due to the increase in small craft distilleries and the arrival of whisky companies into the gin market, although the 70% figure can also largely be attributed to Diageo relocating production of Gordon’s and Tanquery to Fife in 1998 (both these brands are considered London gins). Figures from HMRC show exports of the juniperbased spirit rose to record levels last year, increasing 12% to £474m, outperforming exports of British beef and soft drinks. The Wine and Spirit Trade Association predicts that 2017 exports will pass £500m
Now it’s a Greggs Drive-Thru You can now go and get your favourite iced bun or pasty without getting out of your car. Having caved in to popular demand on Twitter, Greggs has launched its first drive-thru and it’s in Greater Manchester at the new branch at Irlam Gateway Service Station in Salford. The menu will include all the Greggs classics, from steak bakes to sausage rolls, as well as sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and buns. The new Balanced Choice range of healthier sandwiches, salads and soups - all under 400 calories will also be available to ‘grab and go’. The new concept, which follows the launch of Greggs’ delivery service in Manchester, is being tried out there before a potential nationwide roll-out, but bosses say there are no immediate plans to open any more. Roger Whiteside, Chief Executive for Greggs, said: “When it comes to food on-the- go, our customers tell us that convenience is key. We’ve been working hard to take Greggs to where our customers need and want us to be including office parks, industrial estates, retail parks and travel hubs. “A drive thru offers the ultimate convenience and seemed the logical next step for us to take. This is a first for Greggs and we are excited to trial the concept in Irlam, Manchester.” The branch opened on Monday June 5 and will be open from 6am to 9pm Monday to Friday, from 7am to 7pm on Saturday and 8am to 6pm on Sunday.
Food and Drink
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in Scotland? within the year at the current “meteoric” growth rate. UK gin sales hit £1.1bn last year, with the equivalent of 34m bottles sold last year, an increase of 12% on 2015. The sales and export figures for last year confirmed the WSTA’s assessment in December that 2016 was a “year of gin”, and were unparalleled since the body began recording sales of alcoholic drinks. Data from the research company Euromonitor predicts by 2020 gin sales will surpass whisky in the UK. Ronnie Somerville, 5pm Founder, said of the new 5pm Gin Map of Scotland launch: “The astounding number of gins made in Scotland can clearly be seen in our new map which is a lot fuller than last year’s. Scottish gin continues to be hugely popular with 5pm customers which is why we are delighted to offer excellent value gin tastings and restaurant offers to accompany the launch of our new map.” You can download your own copy of the very detailed and informative map at http://www.5pm. co.uk/Gin-Map-of-Scotland
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Wake-up Casserole
Ingredients 8 frozen hash browns, 4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, 1 pound cooked ham, cut into cubes. 7 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard. Preparation – 15 minutes. Cooking – 1 hour & 15 minutes. Method 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Arrange hash browns on the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese and ham over them. 3. Beat eggs, milk, salt, and mustard in a large bowl using a whisk; pour over ham. Cover baking dish with aluminium foil. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake until edges are golden brown and a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean, about 15 minutes more.
Say Cheese! But how can we be sure we’re getting the most from this dairy delicacy? Pay homage to your fromage by following this handy advice. Step away from the cling film Cheese keeps best when it is wrapped in waxed paper. This strikes the right balance between stopping the cheese from drying out and preventing too much moisture from building up. Cling film tends to trap moisture, which can encourage mould to grow on the surface of the cheese. Failing that, greaseproof paper will also do a good job. ‘Loosely wrap blue cheeses, which can become more liquid as they mature, in a tin foil layer over the waxed paper to stop them leaking in the fridge.’
The average Briton chomps their way through roughly 10kgs of cheese each year.
Get the temperature right Not all cheeses need to be kept in the fridge. The experts advise that hard cheeses can be stored in any cool room with a constant temperature of 8-15°C, while soft and blue cheeses should be refrigerated at a temperature of 5-8°C. About an hour before serving, take the cheese out of the fridge or cool room and let it reach a normal room temperature of between 18-23°C. Make room in the salad drawer Cheese likes a slightly humid environment. For this reason, the salad drawer is actually the best place in the fridge to store it, as it retains just enough moisture. To prevent the transfer of bacteria from one foodstuff to another, it’s best to keep salad and vegetables on a different shelf or in a separate salad crisper, if your fridge has more than one.
Buy whole cheeses It’s the advice all cheese lovers have been waiting for: cheese stores best when it’s whole. This means that it’s best to buy an entire cheese, if possible – although you might struggle to get through a whole cheddar – and eat it quickly once it has been cut. And finally... Practise good cheese etiquette. When cutting a portion of cheese, the idea is that no-one is left with the rind and everyone gets a share of the centre of the cheese, which is often the best part. With this in mind, any whole round cheese such as a camembert should be cut like a cake. If you are serving a wedge of a much larger cheese, slice it so that each person gets a triangular piece with rind along one side and the centre of the cheese at the tip.
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Health and Beauty
13th - 19th June 2017
Mon Guerlain – a lavender, jasmine & vanilla combination When it comes to creating a perfume, few brands have their own laboratory where everything is done internally. For French luxury beauty brand Guerlain, every new perfume created is done in-house, according to Thierry Wasser, Guerlain’s master perfumer. “Joining Guerlain 10 years ago and becoming the fifth generation perfumer of the house was a great step in my life. With a rich history, Guerlain has strong values and iconic creations, which I do have to take care of. I was definitely attracted by the fact that creation, sourcing and manufacturing are done in-house. And this inspires me every day,” said Wasser, 56, a Swiss who is based in Paris, in an email interview. Mon Guerlain is the brand’s newest eau de parfum that is fronted by actress, filmmaker, director and Special Envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Angelina Jolie. According to Wasser, there wasn’t a specific brief on the creation of the perfume. “To celebrate our 190th birthday, I contemplated honouring women. The house of Guerlain has dedicated its know-how and passion to beauty for almost two centuries. That’s why we wanted to pay tribute to the portrait of today’s femininity.” He also said he wasn’t aware of Jolie being the face of the fragrance at that time. “I started working on this fragrance almost four years ago and at that time, Angelina wasn’t in the picture. The idea of celebrating women wasn’t aimed at only one woman. “Then, Laurent Boillot, our CEO, brought Angelina on board as our partner. We really felt that she was a natural choice. He met her in Cambodia where she was shooting
her last movie First They Killed My Father and explained the project to her. She gave us the great gift of accepting what became our collaboration. “Angelina helped us on the visual, film, and even the choice of the bottle. The name was decided after a discussion with her, about her mother and her love for Guerlain products.” Wasser said Tahitensis Vanilla was the starting point of Mon Guerlain. “In storytelling, you select your words very carefully. For fragrances, it’s the same, you choose raw materials to represent your point. I chose to express the portrait of this woman with four main raw materials, as a painter chooses his colours. “I picked lavender as it is a very fresh and spontaneous ingredient. Then, jasmine sambac, which is widely used in South of India, in necklaces made of flower. They are given to family members, to celebrate weddings, in temples and worn by women on their hair. You see how social this flower is: presents for loved ones, for Gods or for beauty. I chose this flower to demonstrate the social skills of this portrait of woman.” Sandalwood, Wasser said, represents the resilience and the memory to fight for your rights, which is an essential element when drawing a portrait of today’s femininity, for Mon Guerlain. “Vanilla is a very ‘huggable’ scent and symbolises maternal love. That’s how you choose your ingredients.” Mon Guerlain was created by Wasser and his co-creator, Delphine Jelk: “Creation is about ideas and ideas can come out of conversation, of remembering a trip, etc. It’s also about communicating and opening your mind. I do believe that it’s always better when you are not alone. In creation, loneliness can be a deadly trap.”
When asked about the toughest part of a perfumer’s job, Wasser said, “When you have an idea and you need to make it come alive in a bottle. It’s a long process because it’s not scientific, there is no rule, and it’s a matter of trial and error, and can be frustrating.” So how would he describe the scent of Mon Guerlain? “In a few words, Mon Guerlain is a fresh oriental which is audacious, radiant and terribly sensual.” To help a perfume last longer, Wasser recommends moisturising your skin before applying perfume.
Body Shop leads animal The Body Shop’s Forever Against Animal Testing campaign has officially gone live. It’s relatively easy to shop for cruelty-free beauty products these days, but that wasn’t always the case. For a very long time, a lack of awareness around the topic meant that most people didn’t really know how the practice impacted the makeup, skin, and hair care industries. Only in the past two decades has that changed for the better — and The Body Shop has played a pioneering role in the shifting ideals. In 1989, with late founder Anita Roddick at the helm and in partnership with Cruelty Free International, the international beauty brand became the very first to campaign against animal testing. Over two decades of continued efforts paid off big time in 2003, when animal
Health and Beauty
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Avoid those holiday illness blues Over half of women who have been on holiday (54%) have had their holiday spoilt by a health issue, according to a new poll commissioned by Dulcolax. It’s awful when you become unwell on holiday or something happens to spoil it - you don’t want anything to get in the way of your precious time off. Unfortunately, digestive problems like constipation or diarrhoea are common due to the change in your routine. Spending more time sitting in a car, or on a plane or by the pool and eating different foods at odd times can cause problems and really affect how you feel. Luckily there are many ways to prevent these problems. Sneak in a daily walk or swim to keep the gut moving. Eat and go to the toilet at regular times and ensure you are eating lots of fibre like wholegrains, nuts and vegetables.” Perhaps because of this, over
3 in 5 (67%) women change their health and exercise habits in the run up to their holiday: 41% eat more healthily, almost a quarter (23%) try to tone up, and over one in 10 (11%) cut out sugar in a bid to prepare for their holiday. A last minute health kick before a holiday can produce short-term results, but making extreme changes fast can be bad for your health. To make sure you feel comfortable and confident during your break, optimising your gut health is the best most effective way to bring long-term benefits. Having a strong, healthy bowel means you won’t feel bloated or sluggish, so you’re free to focus on your plans. All it takes are some simple changes like making sure you drink plenty of water. Reducing heavily processed, salty and sugary food can also help keep bowels regular and reduce bloating.
testing campaign testing for cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients was officially banned by the European Union. That was huge — but The Body Shop is about to kick off something even bigger. The brand has joined forces with Cruelty Free International once again to announce its Forever Against Animal Testing campaign, with a goal of collecting 8 million signatures from people all over the world. One million alone will get the petition through the door at the United Nations, so they’re aiming high with this one — and for good reason. The objective is to call for an international convention that will ban animal testing worldwide, for good. With new technological advancements, there are now plenty of viable alternatives to testing on animals that are often quicker, cheaper, and more effective — so why is anyone still doing it? Look at the numbers: Cosmetics and ingredients have been tested on animals for over 50 years. Cruelty Free International estimates that 500,000 animals are used for cosmetics testing globally each year. That’s 1,390 a day, and 25,000,000 over 50 years. Plus, 80% of countries worldwide don’t have any laws against animal testing.
kim clark
benefits consultancy Do you suffer from mobility problems, breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles? Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision? You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK sickness / disability benefits while living in Spain
For advice or to book a consultation call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com
Don’t hit the gym before you go on holiday. Instead, focus on your gut health and try this pre-holiday plan to get your body in top shape. 1. Banish body clock blues: The gut is a creature of habit and loves routine, so if you’re crossing time zones it’s likely your bowel will be disrupted. Make gradual adjustments to your routine in the weeks before your holiday by going to bed a few hours earlier or later to help your body adjust to the new time zone slowly. 2. Water is key: Dry airplane
air and hot, sweat-inducing destinations can make us constipated and bloated. Making sure you’re properly hydrated in the days before can help counteract this and keep your digestive system working at its best. 3. Move it: It’s really important to get in even gentle exercise while you’re away to keep everything moving, so you might want to start with a short walk or by practising some simple yoga positions that you can do in your hotel room. Twisting moves might be particularly helpful for stimulating the bowels.
4. Fabulous fibre: High-fibre foods are vital to keep things moving through our guts. Make sure you’re eating fresh fruit, green leafy vegetables and whole grains every day before you go away so that your bowels aren’t bunged up. 5. What not to do: Certain foods and drinks can be particularly problematic for our guts so it’s best to avoid or reduce your intake before the extra strain that holidays can cause. Sugary foods may clog up your digestion and alcohol can be dehydrating.
Watermelon beauty trend Watermelon beauty is now a big trend on the social media platform Instagram – and it does looks pretty amazing... Speaking about her own unique red and green beauty looks, makeup artist Ragnhild Skjeldnes said: “Watermelon is my absolute favourite fruit. I can finish a whole watermelon by myself, so my little sister suggested that I should do a makeup look based on it, and I loved the idea.” Ragnhild decided to draw a watermelon slice around her eye, and it picked up a lot of attention. Explaining how she achieved the look, Raghnhild said, “I started with one piece of Scotch tape from the outer corner of my eye and placed it with an about 45-degree angle on the eyelid.” She then did the same step on the inner corner of her eye before applying colour from a lip colour, instead of an eyeshadow. To make the seeds, she drew teardrops with black liquid liner.
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13th - 19th June 2017
Travel
Giant of the Mediterranean
MSC Meraviglia
MSC Cruises on Saturday welcomed its new giant, MSC Meraviglia (pronounced “mehr-ah-veeya”, meaning wonder), with a star-studded christening ceremony in Le Havre, France. The ship is the biggest ever built by a European-based cruise line and boasts an array of phenomenal facilities that will keep everyone entertained throughout their entire journey at sea. Designed for all seasons, the ship comes along with a 10 metres indoor pool with a magrodome that can be opened when the ship is in port or the weather allows for it. The about 25 metres long main pool, inspired by the cool vibes of Miami’s South Beach, provides the most generous poolside space at sea. Illuminated with special lighting by night, it becomes a stunning outdoor spot for entertainment and dancing. Social centre and focal point for a broad range of leisure activities will be the Mediterranean-style indoor promenade featuring the longest LED Dome at sea (80 metres) with stunning visuals and effects. Passengers can take in the awe-inspiring atmosphere by strolling up and down, shopping in one of the boutiques, or simply sitting back while enjoying a deliciouc ice cream or crepes from the award-winning French chocolatier and pastry chef Jean Philippe Maury. A choice of 12 distinct restaurants promises something special for every taste including a buffet restaurants that opens 20 hours a day, serving Mediterranean
Delux Suite
specialities and international cuisines. Fine dining options are the American-style steakhouse, the Kaito Sushi Bar and the Teppanyaki Restaurant. A wide range of bars and lounges on board offer refreshment and relaxation. Exclusively on MSC Meraviglia, twice every night, six nights a week, guests will have the opportunity to see the world-class shows by Cirque du Soleil, the world leader in live artistic entertainment. An impressive 17 different types of cabin are available to choose from when sailing onboard MSC Meraviglia, including family options, duplex suites with a private whirlpool bath, and the highest ratio of sea-view balcony staterooms of any cruise ship. For the first time on any MSC ship, all the facilities for families, children and teens are in one place in an amusement park and children’s area. Young cruisers aged 3-11 years will love The LEGO Experience Onboard, whilst babies enjoy a larger Chicco area at the Mini Club and MSC Babycare. The luxurious Balinese spa MSC Aurea will leave you
feeling pampered from head to toe, offering signature relaxation treatments to revitalise body and soul, while the gym, equipped with state-of-the-art technogym cardio and strength-training equipment, provides a wide range of innovative fitness courses and training programmes. And there’s more! The huge open-air Aqua Park with three water slides, a splash pool and an adventurous “Himalayan Bridge” sky walk that allows passengers to cross the vessel nearly 200 feet above the water. An amusement area with race car and flight simulators, a 4D cinema and, for the first time at sea, a full-size bowling alley where guests can challenge friends and family to the last pin! With all her extraordinary features, the MSC Meraviglia will be this summer’s ultimate destination in the Mediterranean where she will spend her inaugural season, operating seven-night voyages calling in Spain, Italy, Malta and France. Don’t hesitate; book your cruise now with Falken Tours and start planning your next cruise holiday aboard this sophisticated state-of-the-art-ship.
L’Olive Dorée
Animal Corner
13th - 19th June 2017
A brief introduction to the Santa Clara dog shelter In 2010 a group of animal loving friends set up A.P.A Santa Clara, based in the town of Tobarra , Albacete. They could see the need to have a shelter as the amount of abandoned, abused and mistreated dogs were on the increase. Many local towns have a pererra (kill sation) but Tobarra had nothing and only years before, the town council would hang abandoned dogs. This was due to no other cheap alternative. So the shelter was established on a shoestring budget but with a huge amount of enthusiasm, love and care for the dogs. It is totally ran by volunteers and depends on donations to survive. We can take up to 30 dogs but often numbers exceed this and so volunteers take them into their own homes, especially if they are hurt or injured and need constant medications. We have a NO kill policy and we do not put a healthy dog to sleep. Over the past 7 years we have rescued and saved the lives of hundreds of dogs. Equally many have found their forever homes and for this, it is our reward. The land we are on has only been loaned to us and we are not able to put up any permanent structures so we have used wooden pallets and wire fences, old bed
frames as gates. Fruit crates and wheelie bins as kennels and using things like wire or rip ties to hold it together. (see photos) It is very basic and when I adopted a blind Galgo from the shelter in 2012 I saw the poor conditions and pledged to help. At that time they were being fed on stale bread as they had ran out of funds for food. I did begin to help ,telling friends and I soon learnt how to beg on behalf of these lovely animals who need us to help them. I had always supported UK dog shelters and it most certainly does not compare to any of them! Friends have visited and gone away shocked at the poor conditions but have also commented about the good, warm atmosphere that shines through at Santa Clara. The volunteers give their time in all weathers from -2 oc to 45oc plus they go to help, feed, clean and medicate the dogs showing their devotion, love and kindness. The dogs are happy and grateful for our help. All the volunteers are Spanish except for my family and we are English. We are the only English family in the area so we do not get the support from the ex-pat community. This rural area is very different to the coastal areas. We are 1 and half hours from Alicante. It is a hunting area so
Santa Clara
This beauty is CHICKY, she is a 10 month old Lab x, vaccinated, dog and child friendly, super loving and everyone’s friend. Ideal family pet. Santa Clara Dog Shelter Margaret - 697 495 315
Keep your dogs cool this summer
With the dog days of summer upon us, we have the luxury of pure, delicious sweat. Sweat glands can be found nearly everywhere on the human body (most people don’t have them on their palms or soles of their feet) making it super-easy for us to cool down. But our beloved dogs — well, they’re not so lucky. Basically! You can find some sweat GLANDS on the dog. Just “look at your dog’s nose, then at the pads (the underside) of your dog’s feet. The skin in both areas is kind of similar, correct? This type of skin — essentially the only skin on your dog’s body that lacks hair — is unique in that it’s the only skin that allows evaporative cooling.” It’s only these places where the dog can potentially sweat, though it probably has little overall effect on lowering body temp. Body temperature of a healthy dog is somewhere in the 100.5 degrees F to 102.5 degrees F range. Anything higher would be considered overheating. If the poor dog hits above 107 degrees F, heatstroke can occur, and you need to seek immediate veterinary care. Signs of heatstroke include excessive drooling, increased body temperature, red gums, rapid heartbeat, muscle tremors and seizures among others. Untreated, heatstroke can lead to serious complications — up to and including death. Have a rectal thermometer labelled “dog” readily available so you can check your dog’s temperature when you suspect overheating. You’ll want a friend to help you, for sure. Dogs cool down a variety of ways, but often need human help to make real traction. Fido may naturally make his way to a shady area while outside. He’ll begin panting to release excessive heat through his tongue. But other than that, he’ll need your help.
1. Keep water available. Even if you’re going out for a brief walk, bring water for Fido to drink, if he needs it. Always keep fresh water in his bowl and make sure you make it available during a day at the lake! 2. Monitor outside time. On those unbearably hot days, make sure you monitor how long he’s chilling the backyard — because chances are he is everything but chill. You’ll definitely want to find ways for him to play and exercise inside so he isn’t in the heat. 3. Water play. Let him take a dip in the pool or shower him with the hose. Just make sure the water isn’t shockingly cold. 4. Fans. They can help cool down dogs, though not as well as they work with humans. The fan evaporates the sweat on the nose and paws, allowing new sweat to form.
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we get a lot of abandoned Galgos, Spaniel, Pointers, and Podenca breeds. We deal with some horrendous cases of cruelty and abuse. As I say we have loaned the land that we are currently on but now it has been sold so we need to vacate very soon. The town council have granted us a bare plot of land to build a new shelter on. BUT the catch is we have to totally fund it ourselves. Total cost being in the region of 86,000 euros. We have been fund raising like crazy and the friends/associates of Santa Clara have been very generous but we still need more to be able to start the build. We BEG for your support on behalf of the dogs and ask if you can spare a few euros (or more, we will not refuse) to help us to build the new shelter. (see photo of the plans) The new shelter will still be quite basic but to these dogs and future dogs it will be like 5 star luxury. All dogs will have a kennel, run, shelter from the elements, running water and food dispenser. We will continue to rescue as many dogs as possible, care, rehabilitate them and find them a new loving home. We have been doing this in awful conditions and without much support so just think what a new shelter and more support could do? We can make a huge difference to the lives of these dogs and future dogs in our care. Your reward is knowing that your donation will really help us to save lives and make the new shelter possible. We have paypal at santaclaratobarra@gmail.com Bank transfer LIBERBANK, iban ES58 2105 4550 2930 1003 4449 Bic; CECAESMM105 In the name of A.P.A Santa Clara Tobarra. Email for more information at santaclaratobarra@gmail.com or tel; Margaret 697 495 315 or come and visit us!
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13th - 19th June 2017
New Peugeot 3008 is diesel Car of the Year
Motoring
The celebrations that have surrounded the arrival of the All-New Peugeot 3008 SUV continued at this year’s Diesel Car Top 50 Awards, with two major honours bestowed upon the ground-breaking new model. The All-New Peugeot 3008 SUV was acclaimed as the overall ‘Car of the Year’ in the Diesel Car Top 50, with a second award being earned in its class as the ‘Best Medium SUV’. On behalf of the judging panel at Diesel Car, Editor Ian Robertson commented: “Peugeot has transformed the 3008 into a fully-fledged SUV and created a real winner in the process… its engines are refined and economical, while its suspension is ideally set up to smooth out British roads. It’s a winner in every respect and we are proud to declare it number one in this year’s Top 50 awards.” Peugeot UK Managing Director, David Peel, added: “Peugeot has long been synonymous with diesel engines that set the bar for efficiency and sophistication. The 3008 SUV remains true to this reputation with a range of powertrains that offer the blend of performance, economy and driving enjoyment that today’s motorist demands. “The car’s many other refinements – notably its class-leading interior quality and technology - combine to make it a highly competitive package. The acclaim that has been bestowed upon the All-New 3008 SUV is a fantastic achievement in what is a new segment for us, and we are genuinely thrilled to receive this recognition from the industry experts.” The All-New Peugeot 3008 SUV can be configured and ordered online from start to finish using Peugeot’s Order Online facility.
Motoring
13th - 19th June 2017
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UNDERSTANDING THE PLATES BY RAY COLLINS
Number plates are things that stick with you throughout your life. I can remember the first car I drove after passing my test – in 1988 - an old green Ford Escort registration AUL 380H. The UK system of registration was based on the first three letters signifying where the car was registered. In this case, anything ending in UL meant London and the A in front indicated the year as well as the – H (1969).
UK 5YSTEM The system using letters of the alphabet in order to indicate the year of the car was introduced in 1963 and began, unsurprisingly, with A, such as DRT 452A. This carried on until the letter Y (from August 1982 to July 1983). The letters I, O, U, Q & Z were not used, due to them being able to be manipulated to look like other letters. The Q (imported cars) and Z (Diplomatic and Northern Ireland registrations) had other significances. Be honest, we all used to look on the streets from August 1st to see if we could see our first brand new car! By August 1983, the end of the alphabet had been reached, so a new system was implemented in the UK. This time, the year letter was placed at the front of the license plate such as A673 GCD, reversing the previous layout. With the same letter exclusions, this arrangement itself came to a natural conclusion in August 2001, although by this time and since 1999, two letters were issued per year changing every six months. September 2001 unveiled the new and possibly the most complicated system of car registration numbers. An example from that time would be EA51 SMR. The EA indicates it was registered in Essex (Chelmsford to be precise), the 51 means it was issued in the first six months of the system (September 2001 to February 2001) and the SMR are simply random letters. You would think that 52 would be the next number in the sequence? You’d be wrong. Cars registered from March 2002 through to August 2002 used the numbers 02 – e.g. EA02 SMR. Using this sequence, the current numbers being used are 17; 67 will be used from September this year – EA67 SMR.
SP4NISH REG1STRATION PL4TE5 Vehicle registration plates have existed in Spain since 1900. Most motor vehicles which are used on public roads are required by law to display them. The government agency responsible for the registration and numbering of vehicles is the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT). The first system, introduced in 1900, consisted of a letter code denoting the province the vehicle was registered in, followed by a sequence number of up to six digits. The codes were normally made up of the first one or two letters of the province name, or the name of the provincial capital (many provinces are named after their capitals), under the provisions of a 1926 regulation. In the earliest days, some provinces used three-letter codes, but these were abolished after 1926. A couple of examples of the first system would be M 187307 from Madrid and GR 7643 from Granada. This system came to an end in October 1971, by which time both Madrid and Barcelona were approaching the number 999999. A very rare number of these older vehicles with such registrations, usually with five or six-digit numbers, can still be seen on Spanish roads. The second system used the format XXX-NNNN-YY, where XXX was the province code or a one, two or three-letter special code (such as ET for army cars and DGP for police cars), NNNN was a sequence number from 0000 to 9999 (always four-digit numbers, padded with leading zeroes if necessary), and YY was a “counter” series consisting of one and then two letters, which incremented after the sequence number reached 9999. A couple examples of these would be MU 0688 BH – Murcia and A 8024 CJ – Alicante.
No “counter” series used the consonants Q and R (and Q has never been allowed in any way. The apparent reason for this being its resemblance to the vowel O and the digit 0 – as in the UK), while two-letter combinations ending in the vowels A, E, I and O were also forbidden, apparently to avoid the forming of potentially offensive Spanish words when combined with some province codes, (such as MA-LA, meaning “bad one”, or CU-LO, meaning “bottom”). This meant that, for instance, Z was followed by AB, while AN was followed by AP and then AS, and PZ was followed by SB.
Further examples of this system are B 6431 DD, would be followed by B 6432 DD and so on until B 9999 DD. The next registration number for this area, Barcelona, would be B 0000 DE. This system lasted until September 2000, by which time Madrid was again running out of registrations, its letter counter reaching series ZX. Barcelona reached series XG, while the next province by registration volume, Valencia, was far behind at series HJ. The allowed combinations ZY and ZZ were therefore never issued in any province. Both systems were susceptible to problems with rivalries between regions, as they caused trouble for motorists travelling out of their provinces or trying to sell their vehicles second-hand. The current format for Spanish number plates was introduced on 18 September 2000 and is used nationwide, so there is no way of knowing where the vehicle was registered. With tongue firmly in cheek, it was always useful seeing a number plate beginning with M which told it came from Madrid, the driver was probably from Madrid and you stayed well back from it and never expected to see an indicator! Now the registration plates are in the format of four numbers followed by three letters, the first one of this series being 0000 BBB. The letter counter only gives a very rough idea of when the vehicle was registered, but is less reliable for determining its age, as imported second-hand vehicles are registered in the same way as new models. As of today, the letter counter combinations are at the J series, and at the current rate of approximately five series per decade, the system will be exhausted around 2040, when the number plate reaches 9999 ZZZ. The consonants B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y and Z are used, which allows for 8,000 possible combinations (from BBB to ZZZ) and hence a total of 80 million possible registrations in the system. My money would be on the sequence being reversed after that date BBB 0000, and I look forward to still be driving at that time when I’ll be 70!
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alarms ALARMS & CCTV: All types, quality systems, very reasonable, guaranteed. Tel: 966 797 370 / 662 243 099
building services J & J PAINTERS. Inside outside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159
caravans CARAVANS WE BUY, sell & transport all makes of static caravans 630 055 418 Elsyd7@hotmail.com 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.
chimney sweep PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP. Family Business established over 60 years. 660 478 881
community GIRASOL COMMUNITY CENTRE Mosaic Classes, Art Classes, Karate, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Health Screening every 6 weeks. For Hire 5.00€ per hour Tel: 639 089 170
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
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Bose L1/2 complete sound system, this is the ultimate in sound, comes with mixer and 300 watt sub-woofer, cost over 3000€, will accept 1.350€. Call 675 878 601 anytime.
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GIRASOL HEALTH FOOD SHOP Calle Malaga, Albox. For all your dietary needs, health foods, organic foods, supplements, super food pòwders, organic eggs & veggie box scheme. Est 2006 Tel: 639 089 170
insurance
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ALBOX / MOJACAR INSURANCE Award Winning Agent for ALL your insurance needs. ALBOX OFFICE: 950 121 943 MOJACAR OFFICE 634 323 399 SOS <http://www. sosinsuranceinspain. 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
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metal work MOBILE Metal Work Any welding or plasma cutting work carried out. For a free quote call 639 487 503
mobility MOBILITY equipment wanted. Cash paid. Scooters, wheelchairs etc etc Phone Will´s 602 547 878
motoring QUE COCHES ALMERIA Buying & Selling vehicles Vera Showroom We Will Buy Your Vehicle Tel: 627 423 675 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.
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Classifieds
WANTED Cars, vans, caravans, 4 X 4’s British Spanish 600 781 873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com
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
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
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
plumbing MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (254821)
pools POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www. pooltechspain.com SWIMMING POOLS WOODEN POOLS LIMITED. Manufacturers & installers of wooden above ground pools. Take the plunge with
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property sales 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
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 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! 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
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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
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SOLTIMES
Sport
A former player , Tony is now th e world’s most author of footba prolific ll books with 15 0 published since He has also be en a PE teacher 1975. and a policem now a quiz-org an, and is aniser, fund–ra iser, for variou and sports corr s charities, espondent for Spectrum Rad io.
By Tony Matthe
ws
The 20-goal strikers!
Nowadays it is hard for any one player to score 20 goals in a Premiership season! Last term, Romelu Lukaku was the first striker to net 20+ times in the top flight for Everton since Gary Lineker in 1985-86, while Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Spurs) and Diego Costa (Chelsea) are the only players who have bagged 20 goals in successive seasons. Indeed, Kane, the 2017 Golden Boot winner, notched the most goals in a Premiership campaign since Luis Suarez hit 31 for Liverpool in 2013-14. List of the last players to net 20 or more PL goals for the 2016-17 teams: Middlesbrough, Bernie Slaven, 21 1989-90 Stoke City, Peter Thorne, 24 1999-2000 West Ham United, Teddy Sheringham, 20 2004-05 West Brom Albion, Kevin Phillips, 22 2007-08 Swansea City, Jason Scotland, 21 2007-08 Sunderland, Darren Bent, 24 2009-10 Southampton, Rickie Lambert, 27 2011-12 Crystal Palace, Glenn Murray, 30 2012-13 Manchester United, Robin van Persie, 26 2012-13 LiverpoolLuis Suarez, 31 & Daniel Sturridge, 21 2013-14 Bournemouth, Callum Wilson, 20 2014-15 Watford, Troy Deeney, 21 & Odion Ighalo, 20 2015-16 Burnley, Andre Gray, 23 2015-16 Hull City , Abel Hernandez, 20 2015-16 Leicester City, Jamie Vardy, 24 2015-16 Manchester City Sergio Aguero, 24 2015-16 Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Kane, 29 2016-17 Everton, Romelu Lukaku, 25 2016-17 Arsenal, Alexis Sanchez, 24 2016-17 Chelsea, Diego Costa, 20 2016-17
This week in sporting history… * 1905 Golfer James Braid carded a four-round 318 in the British Open at St Andrew’s. * 1908 England placed their first internationals in June, beating Austria 6-1 and 11-1 in successive games in Vienna. * 1930 Max Schmelling beat Jack Sharkey on a foul to win the World heavyweight title. * 1948 Babe Ruth appeared in his final baseball game in the Yankee Stadium. * 1950 West Indian spinners Sonny Ramadhin and Alf Valentine made their Test debuts against England; Valentine took 8-104 in the first innings. * 1955 Car crashed into crowd and killed 83 spectators during the Le Mans 24-hour race. * 1956 Future tennis star Bjorn Borg was born in Stockholm, Sweden.
Sports shorts
• In 2018 World Cup qualifying matches last weekend, England drew 2-2 with Scotland (thanks to Harry Kane’s dramatic 93rd minute equaliser; Northern Ireland beat Azerbaijan 1-0; the Republic of Ireland-Austria and Serbia-Wales games both ended 1-1; Spain beat Macedonia 2-1; Germany crushed San Marino 7-0;, Holland thrashed Luxemburg 5-0 and Sweden beat France 2-1. • Tonight, England play France in friendly. • Last Sunday England’s youngsters beat Venezuela 1-0 in the final of the World U20 Cup… the country’s first major triumph since 1966! • Manchester United will pay Benfica £30.7m for Victor Lindelof while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is to leave Old Trafford. • Gary Monk is Middlesbrough’s new manager and Russian Leonid Stutsky has been appointed boss of Hull. • Chelsea’s Eden Hazard will miss the start of next season through injury.
• In rugby, the British and Irish Lions won their third game of their New Zealand tour, beating the Crusaders 12-3. Today they play the Highlanders in Dunedin and on Saturday face the Maori All Blacks. England, with Denny Solomona’s late try, defeated Argentina 38-34 and Scotland beat Italy 34-13 in friendlies. Also on on Saturday, Argentina play England (again), Japan meet Ireland and Australia face Scotland. • In the French Open tennis tournament, Latvia’s 20 year-old Jelena Ostapenka won the women’s singles final and the brilliant Rafael Nadal claimed the men’s final for the tenth time. Maria Sharapova, however, will not compete in the Wimbledon qualifiers. • Cricket’s first Champions Trophy semi-final between England and Sri Lanka/Pakistan takes place tomorrow; the second involving Bangladesh and India is on Thursday. England ousted Australia at group level, courtesy of Ben Stokes’ superb 102 not-out. And a crowd of 24,500 will attend Saturday’s final at The Oval. • Last Sunday’s Canadian F1 Grand Prix was won for the sixth time in 10 years by Lewis Hamilton who, after starting on pole for a joint record 65th time, is now 12 points (141-129) behind Sebastian Vettel in the driver’s championship. • Andrea Dovizioso won the Catalunya MotoGP in Barcelona, ahead of Spain’s Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa. Maverick Vinales (111 points) leads the rider’s Championship from Dovizioso (104) • British drivers Ashley Sutton, Colin Turkington and
* 1964 American Jack Nicklaus won the British Open golf title. * 1970 Jockey Willie Shoemaker rode his 6,033rd winner - a record. * 1971 Jan Kodes beat Ilie Nastase in the French Open tennis final. * 1991 Batsman Graeme Hick made his Test debut for England against the West Indies * 1993 England’s Graham Gooch was given out ‘handled ball’ in a Test Match against Australia at Old Trafford. * 1994 Brian Lara scored a World record 501 not out for Warwickshire v. Durham. * 2002 In the battle of the Williams sisters, Serena beat Venus to win the French Grand Slam title * 2014 Maria Sharapova won the French women’s singles title at Roland Garros.
Mat Jackson, all won races at the BTCC at Croft, North Yorkshire last Sunday. • This weekend we have the 85th Le Mans 24-hour race. • The USA Open golf championship starts in Wisconsin on Thursday. • 30,000 fans saw Usain Bolt win his last 100m race in Jamaica. • Jakob Fuglsang won the Criteria du Dauphine cycle race; GB’s Chris Froome was 4th. • New Zealand beat GB’s Landrover BAR-sponsored yacht in the five-race semi-final play-off in the America’s Cup. • And four Brits finished 1-2-3-4 in the World Triathlon championships: Alastair Brownlee, his brother Jonny, Tom Bishop and Alan Bowden in that order.
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new fords available VW California Edition 2.0 TDi, Auto, 2016, Delivery KM €64,950 Mercedes SLK 55AMG black, 2010, 21,000km €42,950 Mini Cooper d clubman Diesel, 2016, €32,950 Hyundai Tuscan 1.7 CRDi, 2016, New €23,950 BMW 116 MSport 2014, Diesel, Auto €21,950 Opel Zafira 2.0 Diesel, 2012, 161,000km €11,950 OPEL ASTRA ESTATE ST 1.7CDTi, 2013, 113,000km €11,950
•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 •MITSUBISHI L200 INSTYLE 2016, AUTO, 0km.................................€27,950 +IVA •Peugeot 5008 1.6 HDi, 2016, Diesel, Auto, 26,000km.......................€23,950 •AUDI Q5 2.0 TDI QUATTRO. 2012, 149,000KM,....................................... €18,950 •Peugeot 3008 1.6HDi, Diesel, 2014, 24,000km.....................................€17,950 •Peugeot 308CC 1.6HDi, Diesel, 2013, 60,000km..................................€15,950 •citroen cactus 1.6hdi, auto, 2016, 5,000km.........................................€poa •HYUNDAI IX35 1.7 CRDI, 1 OWNER, 33,000KM, 2012............................€14,950 •mitsubishi spacestar 2017 new, 1.5, auto......................................€14,950 •FORD C-MAX 1.6 TDCI, 2014, 29,000KM..................................................... €14,950 •CITROEN C5 2.0 HDI AUTO, 2010, 28,000KM, .......................................... €11,950 •Opel Astra 1.6 16v, 2012, 51,000km.........................................................€11,950 •RENAULT SCENIC 1.5 DCI, 2010, AUTO, 130,000KM................................€10,950 •NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 AUTO, 2009, 147,000KM, ...................................... €9,950 •kia sportage 2.0crdi, Auto, 2007 136,000km.....................................€9,950 •SEAT IBIZA1.6TDI,2013,27,000kms ................................................................€9,950 •ford c-max, 1.6 tdci, auto, 2007, 87,000km..........................................€8,950 •CITROEN C4 GRAN PICASSO 2.0HDI AUTO, 160,000KM, 2008...............€8,450 • CITROEN C4 GRAN PICASSO 1.6HDI, AUTO, 2007, 181,000KM..............€7,950 •Mercedes E280 2006 CDi, Auto, Estate, 234,000km..........................€7,950 •FIAT PUNTO 1.3 DIESEL, 2013, 84,000KM, ................................................ €7,450 •FIAT DUCATO HDI 2006, DIESEL, 9 SEATER MINIBUS............................€6,950 •CHRYSLER GRAN VOYAGER 2.8 CRDI, AUTO, 167,000KM, 2006...........€6,950 •FORD FOCUS C-MAX 1.6 TDCI, AUTO, 2004, 138,000KM............................€5,950 •renault Megane 1.6, 2007, Petrol, 113,000km......................................€4,950 •Peugeot 206CC 2.0 Cabrio, 2002, 74,000km..............................................€4,950 •SEAT IBIZA 1.4 PETROL, 2005, 74,000KM, .................................................. €3,950 •OPEL CORSA 1.3CDTI, 2005, 165,000KM, .................................................... €3,950 •RENAULT KANGOO 1.5 DCI, 2003, 176,000KM.......................................... € 3,750 •OPEL VECTRA 2.0DTI, 190,000KM, 2000..........................................................€2,250 •Yamaha YZF R125, 2008, 21,000km.................................................................€1,950 •SEAT IBIZA 1.4, 1998, 67,000KM..........................................................................€1,650 •trailer.......................................................................................................................€795
Right hand drive vehicles •bmw 220, 2015, diesel, m-sport, cabriolet, 110,000 miles..........€26,950 •VOLVO XC60 D3 AUTO, 50,000MILES, 2012.............................................€15,950 •rolls royce silver spirit, rhd, 51,000 miles..............................€13,950 •NISSAN QASHQAI 1.6 NTEC, 2012, 26,000 MILES, ................................ €11,950 •HYUNDAI IX201.6ACTIVPETROL,2014,40,000MILES,....................................€8,950 •PEUGEOT 3008 1.6 HDI, 2011, AUTO, 56,000KM..............................................€8,450 •LEXUS RX400 HYBRID, 2006, 126,000 MILES,............................................ €7,950 •VAUXHALL CORSA 1.2 AUTO, 2011, 18,000 MILES, ....................................€6,950 •PEUGEOT 207 1.4HDI, 2011, 28,000 MILES, .................................................. €5,950 •Vauxhall vivaro 1.9d, 4 seats, 2004, 148,000 miles........................€3,950
Right hand drive - spanish reg
Opel Astra 1.6 16v, 2012 51,000km €11,950
FIAT PANDA 1.2 LOUNGE 2016, 28,000KM 9,950€ opel corsa 1.3cdti, 2012, 130,000km €7,950 SKODA FABIA 1.6 AUTO, 2007, 62,000KM €7,950 renault scenic 1.9dci Diesel, 2009, 135,000km €6,950 peugeot 308 sw, 1.6hdi, 2009, 189,000km €6,950 Kia Rio 1.5CRDi, 2006, 99,000km €4,950
•BMW X6 40D, AUTO, 64,000 MILES, 2012....................................................€26,950
Kia Renault •Lexus 400 Hybrid 3.3, 2005, Petrol, Auto, 70,000 miles.................€7,950 Sportage •citroen c4 grand picasso 1.6hdi 2008, 85,000 miles....................€6,950 MeganE 2.0 CRDi, •bmw 320 td compact, 2002, 128,000 miles...........................................€3,950 1.6, 2007, 2010, •HONDA CRV 2.0 AUTO, 147,000 MILES..........................................................€2,450 Diesel, 116,000KM •ford focus 1.4 petrol, 2003, 130,000 miles.........................................€1,950 163,000km, •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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