Soltimes Almeria – Issue 586

16 - 22 May 2017

almeria

EST 2005

Nursing crisis in Almeria

by Alistair Stewart A study conducted by the nursing union CSIF has found that Andalucia is falling behind the Spanish national average of nurses.

CSIF Andalucia claims that the community needs at least 6,662 nurses to match the national average. According to a report undertaken of health centres and hospitals, 164,385 nurses work in the National Health System, with a ratio of 350 nurses per one hundred thousand inhabitants.

In Andalucia, the total number of nurses is “22,696, with an average of 270 nurses" per one hundred thousand, one of the lowest ratios in Spain.

The report considers that the Andalucian average shows "a significant deficit", noting that it would require at least 607 nurses in AlmerĂ­a, 1,330 in Cadiz, 308 in Cordoba, 457 in Granada, 281 in JaĂŠn, 466 in Huelva, 1,576 in Malaga and 1,633 in Seville to match the national average.

The report goes on to warn that for each extra patient added to the workload of a nurse, the chances of a patient dying in the month following surgery increase by 7%.

CSIF-A calls for additional support from the Andalucian Health Service, warning that a decline in nursing staff increases the risk of stress, burnout and physical problems among staff.

The findings were released on International Nursing Day, a global event championing the work of nurses across the globe.

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16 - 22 May 2017

almeria

y 22nd May Tuesday 16th May to Monda

Edition 586

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Rajoy meets Brexit’s top negotiator Spain’s Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, had talks with the European Commission’s chief negotiator, Frenchman Michel Barnier, for the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

The meeting took place against the backdrop, on the one hand, of the extraordinary European Council of 29 April at which the guidelines were approved for negotiations with the United Kingdom and, on the other hand, the forthcoming approval by the General Affairs Council of the authorisation for the start of negotiations.

Formal negotiations are expected to begin following the UK General Election on 8 June.

In preparation, Michel Barnier is carrying out a round of visits to the Member States to explain the negotiation process and take onboard their positions and interests.

During their meeting, Rajoy and Barnier agreed on the importance of the 27 Member States and EU institutions maintaining unity during the course of the process, since only through this unity will it be possible to conclude the negotiations such that beneficial results are attained for the European Union as a whole. Mr Rajoy reiterated his confidence in and support for the chief negotiator, and expressed his conformity with the approach adopted by the European Commission.

They also addressed some of the most important issues in the negotiations, such as the rights of the EU citizens in the UK and the liquidation of the United Kingdom’s financial obligations to the European Union. Rajoy insisted on the importance of reaching an agreement as soon as possible on the rights of citizens - a top priority for Spain in the negotiations - which should be as far reaching and beneficial as possible.

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16 - 22 May 2017

News

Cycling success for Hotel Servigroup, Mojácar For the sixth year running, Sunday May 7th saw the ‘La Mojaquera 2017’, the Xtreme Mountain Bike Race that takes place around the Sierra Cabrera. Once again, it’s been proudly sponsored by many local companies, especially the Hotel Servigroup, Marina Playa in Mojácar.

The 74 kilometre route and reaching a height of 2,400 metres makes for a tough and demanding time, although the superb scenery – especially around the starting point of La Playa de Macenas and entering into the Sierra Cabrera itself – takes the competitors minds off the task ahead!

This popular race is part of the Andalucian BTT Ranking and the Almeria Circuit.

It was once again organised for a further year by its creator Gerardo Martínez, who has been behind this exciting event for six years. Once again, this cycling spectacular has attracted a very high level of participation from both national and international competitors.

At the end of the race an awards ceremony was held as part of a meal held in the hotel restaurant belonging to the Servigroup.

The winner of this sixth event of its kind in the elite category was the Cordovan Víctor Manuel Fernández Grande representing the Gsport-Valencian Esport Wolfbike team, with a time of 3 hours and 22 minutes. The second prize went to Castellón Xavier Borrás from Olympia Factory Cycling Team.

In the female category, the winner was the Master 40 Ana Dolores Jiménez, second place was Remedios Jurado de Málaga from C.D. Albox Bike and third place Lisa Anne Tobin, from Ireland.

The climate of Almería during almost all of the year is perfect to allow many cycling groups to practise and prepare pre-season for a variety of events all around the world.

Every year, the Hotel Servigroup Marina Playa welcome great in-

ternational teams such as Rabobank, Movistar Pro Cycling Team, Bouygues Telecom, Lotto Belisol Cycling Team, Omega Pharma Quick Step, Endura, Ovita, among others, who choose the hotel as a base for their tough training regimes.

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16 - 22 May 2017

News

European parliament stands up for all EU citizens In a further sign that the plight of British expats living in Spain haven’t been forgotten, MEPs will veto any Brexit deal that fails to uphold the rights of EU citizens, the European parliament’s Brexit coordinator has said.

Guy Verhofstadt said the parliament would block any Brexit deal that failed to offer adequate protections for 3.5 million EU nationals in the UK and 1.2 million Britons in Europe.

Citizens’ rights would be a crucial factor in determining whether parliament gave its consent, he said. “We will never give consent if the issues of citizens’ rights, on both sides, have not been dealt with in a satisfactory way.”

Verhofstadt was speaking at a special session in the parliament last Thursday to examine the legal and political minefield facing 4.7 million people who have, through no fault of their own, found themselves on the wrong side of the Brexit divide.

While Verhofstadt will not himself be part of the Brexit negotiations, the parliament’s right of veto is a powerful, blunt instrument, which he said he hoped to use to shape the outcome.

Emphasising that parliament would bring “the necessary pressure” to bear, the MEP urged EU leaders to think about giving special privileges – such as residency rights, the right to vote in European elections and consular protection – to British nationals after Brexit.

The proposals were couched in more cautious language than Verhofstadt’s previous assertion that “associate citizenship” for British nationals would be “on the table” during Brexit talks. That particular idea was rejected at a very early stage by the EU member states, who are conducting the negotiations. EU diplomats said the idea looked legally impossible

and politically unsellable.

Verhofstadt accepted and agreed that it was “not an easy issue”, because appetite for changing the EU treaty was “not so big”, but he called for lawmakers to study the options.

“What we could do is to envisage and to offer, as part of the future agreement, a possibility for UK citizens who have lost their citizenship … certain advantages, privileges, treatment. Can it be done? … We have asked for a conceptual paper to examine that.”

The packed room also heard from Leona Bashow, a Manchester resident and immigration lawyer, who called on MEPs to preserve the EU citizenship rights of all British nationals. “There is a duty to protect every EU citizen within the member states, including all the British citizens living in the UK, who now face the involuntary loss of their EU citizenship,” she said.

While many MEPs are sympathetic to her argument, a recent report for the European parliament’s constitutional affairs committee concluded that UK citizens had no right to keep EU citizenship after Brexit.

“General international law does not provide protection of the subjective rights and freedoms that may survive withdrawal from the treaty that created them,” was the conclusion of two law professors at the University of Castilla-La Mancha.

Claude Moraes, the Labour MEP who chaired the meeting, said Verhofstadt had done the right thing by raising the bar on EU citizenship, although he thought it could not be delivered.

“This strikes a chord with lots of young people who feel that they have really lost something: the ability to work, travel, easily in any EU

country. I think this was very underestimated in the referendum, it was ignored.”

Lawyers and campaign groups also spoke at the meeting, but the British government was not on the platform. Moraes said he was disappointed that no one from the British government had attended, despite invitations sent out three weeks ago. “We would have preferred them to be here at any level,” he said. “There is a genuine

question mark about the approach the British government are taking … It is playing a Brexit election and that makes people nervous.”

A UK government spokesperson said: “We are grateful for the European parliament’s invitation to attend the joint hearing on Thursday [11 May] and have written to them offering to send a government representative to speak to the committees about this on an alternative date.”

Spain under cyber attack too The government says several Spanish companies have been targeted in ransomware cyberattacks. This announcement came on the same day the NHS in the UK suffered their own computer issues from a suspected attack.

The Industry Ministry said on Friday that the attack affected the Windows operating system of employees’ computers, blocking files and demanding a ransom to free up the system.

It said the attacks had not affected the companies’ services or data protection of their clients.

Microsoft issued a security update on March 14 about vulnerabilities in the Windows system.

“News (of this attack) has been exaggerated and our colleagues are working on it right now,” Telefonica Chief Data Officer Chema Alonso, a well-known cyber security expert, said on Twitter.

Iberdrola (IBE.MC) and Gas Natural (GAS.MC), along with Vodafone’s unit in Spain (VOD.L), asked staff to turn off computers or cut off internet access in case they had been compromised, representatives from the firms said.

There were no details on which companies were targeted but telecommunications company Telefonica said it had detected a cyber security incident that had affected computers of some employees.

It said it had activated the necessary measures but gave no further details.

Spain’s intelligence agency recommended companies should carry out Windows updates.

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16 - 22 May 2017

News

Pension age rise ‘delayed’ by election rules The UK government has delayed its response to a report that recommended increasing again the state pension age for millions of Britons.

Ministers had been expected to publish their timetable for future state pension age increases by May 7, a legal deadline, following a year-long independent review. But the Department for Work and Pensions said it could not make decisions on long-term policy changes before the general election on June 8 because publishing its response could breach the convention that applies during the pre-election period. “This is a crucial issue for the long term management of both the public finances and the savings of individuals,” a DWP spokesperson said. “Therefore it is important that policy is made by a government with the power to act on that policy, which will now be the government formed after the general election,” they added. “The delay incurred in waiting to publish the report will have no detrimental impact on the public.”

John Cridland, the former director-general of the CBI employers’ organisation, had carried out the independent year-long review considering when and how the state pension age should be lifted.

In his final report in March, Mr Cridland recommended that the state pension age rise from 67 to 68 by 2039, seven years earlier than the government timetable suggests.

Experts said the changes would affect about 5.4m people under the age of 45. The current age at which people can collect their pensions is 64 for women and 65 for men. The threshold is set to rise to 65 for both by the end of next year, 66 by 2020, and 67 by 2028.

The government was also considering a more aggressive timetable for state pension age rises that could leave millions of people in their twenties unable to claim their state pension until they are at least 70.

Tom McPhail, head of retirement policy with Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “There are no votes to be won in telling people they have to work longer, so it is hardly surprising the government has chosen to kick the can down the road until after the general election. Nevertheless, whoever forms the next government, this challenge will have to be addressed and sooner rather than later,” he added. “Under some models explored by John Cridland and the government actuary, state pension ages could

be rising to 70 for some in their 30s today, so people need to know what to expect.”

Steven Cameron, pensions director with Aegon, a pensions provider, said decisions on future increases in state pension age would affect people for decades to come, and it was right for the government not to rush out a pre-election commitment.

“Voters deserve to know what plans each political party

has for the state pension, both the age from which it comes into payment and also how increases will be determined,” he added. “State pensions face an ongoing challenge from demographic changes and increases in life expectancy and as funded by the working population, need to be affordable long term. Party political manifestos should be bold and set out their state pension stall in detail.”

Price not paid for technology

Results obtained in a new survey shows little success in fighting online piracy, estimating lost profits of €1.8bn The consumption of pirated material dropped in Spain in 2016 by 4.2% on the previous year, according to a survey carried out by consultancy firm Gfk, commissioned by Spain’s Coalition of Content Creators.

This downturn is the first in 10 years, but in real terms, the content industry has experienced a 6.8% hike in loss of potential earnings and the number of people pirating remains unchanged. Last year, there were 4.128 billion cases of illegal access to content valued at €23.294 billion, resulting in an estimated loss of €1.783 billion profit.

According to the Observatory, had this material been paid for, it would have resulted in the creation of 21,697 new jobs. Now the industry is demanding bolder measures to reduce unlicensed downloading, as educational campaigns and current legislation have not proved effective.

The breakdown of the loss of potential profit is as follows: football €271 million, films €573 million, TV series €171 million, recreational reading material €107 million, music €414 million and video games €247 million. Particularly badly hit were the music

and film industries, with digitally downloaded music losing €398 million in potential profit and cinema losing €439 million. Online movies earned €97 million last year, while losing €134 million through piracy.

The impact on state income has been a loss of potential VAT worth €360.7 million, social security contributions worth €166 million and €29 million in income tax.

The Observatory points out that more than 67% of websites providing illegal content are financed by advertising, 69% promoting online betting and gaming, 52% dating sites and 39% adult-only sites. A third of publicity is bought by renowned brands of food products, fashion, insurance and telephones.

According to Gfk, the survey was based on 4,036 online interviews and identified two main justifications for illegal downloading: 47% said, “I’m already paying for my internet connection” and another 47% said, “If the original content weren’t so expensive, I would pay for it.”

Other justifications included: “I’m not harming anyone,” and “There are no legal consequences for people pirating, so it doesn’t matter.” The survey also noted that 78% of people who download material illegally are using search engines such as Google, Bing or Yahoo.

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16 - 22 May 2017

News

A new roundabout for Mojácar’s Paseo Marítimo

The new roundabout by Mojácar’s Parque Comercial, with its three waterfalls, is already fully operational after its recent remodelling.

The work is nearly completed with only the name of “Mojácar” still to be added.

Uniquely made in Dekton, it is an original design by the Municipal Technical Architect, Rodrigo Simón.

Its new conception features three flowing sheets of water in the form of a waterfall, an area of foliage covered with blue flowers imitating the Mediterranean and an Indalo at the very top, also made from Dekton.

Dekton is a revolutionary product and leader in architectural coatings worldwide and, has been gifted to Mojácar by its inventor, Francisco Cosentino.

For the new roundabout’s construction, three types of this new product have been employed. The Indalo is made in Dekton Keranium, for which 30m2 has been used.

The surface of the island required 250 m2 of Dekton Trilium and Keranium, whilst the white waterfalls

used 50m2 of Dekton Zenit.

This material, which has received many international awards and is used by the best architects worldwide, is the result of the research and development of the Cosentino Group, one of the most important companies in Europe.

Since its inception in 2014, Dekton has revolutionized the world of construction and despite being on the market only for a short while, has been used many times and, in some of the finest buildings. However, it is the first time that it has been chosen for the embellishment of a roundabout and, for the construction of a sculpture like the Indalo.

The decision to renew the Parque Comercial roundabout was taken due to the continuous repairs of the old fountain’s motors, which were costly and had a low operating life and therefore, was a great expense to the town.

The new roundabout, an indicator of urban architecture, has given the area a modern look that is much more appropriate to the municipality.

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16 - 22 May 2017

Spelling disaster

News

Town to carry out emergency drill Zurgena council are worried about earthquakes.

In order to tackle these fears, the town hall has teamed up with the Spanish Legion to organise a special emergency drill on Wednesday May 24.

Working alongside emergency services, civil protection and local police, the authorities will simulate an emergency situation so that residents know what to do in the event of an earthquake, flood, or other natural disaster.

Organisers are determined that the exercise be as realistic as possible, so they are currently seeking volunteers of all nationalities to participate.

During the activity, military vehicles will pick up groups of ‘injured’ volunteers and transport them to a ‘secure zone’ at the municipal swimming pool, where they will be treated and fed.

Soldiers from the Alfonso XIII brigade of the Almerian Legion will be driving and coordinating the rescue.

Security Councillor Jim Simpson said: “We need to draw up a list of all volunteers including their names, phone numbers, addresses and NIE or DNI. “It would be ideal to get volunteers from different parts of the village and of different ages, as well as with physical difficulties or mobility problems, since this would help us to test the skills of our services to handle such factors.”

Town mayor Luis Diaz thanked the Legion for “accepting our request” to demonstrate the “commendable work that they always perform in situations of this type,” adding that “at the same time this will allow us to improve the reaction of our town.”

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16 - 22 May 2017

News

British passport applications surge The number of people living elsewhere in the EU who applied for a British passport jumped by more than a third last year, as they sought to secure the right to live, work and be educated in the UK after Brexit.

Figures compiled by the Passport Office, released to the Financial Times under a Freedom of Information request, show 13,070 people living outside the UK but inside the EU applied for their first British passport in 2016, up 35% on 2015. This is more than double the rise between 2014 and 2015.

The largest number of applications came from France, where 2,369 individuals applied for a British passport last year, a 28% rise on 2015. There were also 2,140 applications in Germany, a rise of 60%. The surge was particularly noticeable in July, the month after the Brexit referendum.

British passports applications from people living in other parts of the EU were that month up 127% year-on-year in the Netherlands, 126% in Germany and 56% in France, the Passport Office data show. As the applications were made outside the UK, they are more likely to have been on behalf of people who were eligible for a British passport but never applied, such as those born in the EU to one or more British parents. Roughly two-thirds of applications contained in the FOI request were for children.

Marjorie Wessel, a Briton living in the German city of Düsseldorf, applied for a UK passport for her youngest daughter, a Dutch passport holder, to ensure she would be able to live in the UK and attend a British university as a home student after Brexit. “I am always going to be a foreigner [in Germany],” said Ms Wessel, who has a Dutch husband. “The UK is one country where I really belong. And my children, too, want to put down some roots and call somewhere home.”

What happens to EU citizens from other member states living in the UK and to British citizens in other EU states has emerged as one the most important — and potentially difficult — aspects of the Brexit negotiations. “There’s a feeling of uncertainty about the UK’s exit negotiations in general and about citizens’ rights in particular,” said Michael Leigh, a Brussels-based senior fellow

at the German Marshall Fund of the US. “The rush to apply for different passports is partly related to the concern that citizens’ rights could be restricted in some way.”

The number of applications for British passports from the EU is outweighed by traffic in the other direction. The number of Britons applying for Irish passports has risen sharply since the Brexit vote, according to Dublin’s foreign ministry, which has deployed extra staff and put additional resources into its passport

service to cope.

The ministry said the number of Britons seeking to become Irish citizens was up by about two-thirds to more than 23,000 in the first three months of 2017, compared with the same period last year. It expects to issue more than 1m passports in 2017 for the first time, compared with 733,000 last year, owing to rising demand from the UK. The Passport Office data does not include figures for 2017.

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16 - 22 May 2017

Franco’s remains voted out

Opposition parties in Spain have voted to move the remains of fascist dictator Francisco Franco out of a state-funded mausoleum, in a non-binding parliamentary motion the government is likely to resist.

The motion, backed by parties on the left and centre, reflected growing pressure from campaign groups and politicians to revamp the site into a broader memorial honouring those who died on both sides of Spain’s 1936-1939 civil war.

It was passed by 198 votes to one, while 140 MPs abstained, including those from the Partido Popular (PP) of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

The PP has long opposed attempts to exhume Franco’s body, saying this would only stir up painful memories more than four decades after his death and nearly 80 years after the end of the war. The motion also called for tens of thousands of other bodies buried at the mausoleum just outside Madrid, known as the Valley of the Fallen, to be exhumed too. Many of those interred there fought for the losing Republican side and were moved to the monument under Franco’s dictatorship without their families’ permission.

The 150-metre cross of the Valley of the Fallen monument, built by prisoners of war, towers over the Guadarrama Sierra, a mountain range west of Madrid.

Opened by Franco himself in 1959, the Valley is the home of a Catholic basilica set into a hillside, where the founder of Spain’s fascist Falange party, Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera, is also buried. It has long been a site of pilgrimage for far-right groups in Spain.

The Socialist government of the time approved a so-called ‘Law of Historical Memory’ in 2007, aimed at giving greater recognition to victims on both sides of the war. However, it’s not always been easy to implement in a country where many streets and squares still bear Franco’s name – although slowly being

removed in some areas - and the PP cut state funding for this initiative after it came to power in late 2011.

The motion was spearheaded by the Socialist PSOE party, which called for Franco to be moved to a private burial site and for the Valley to be converted into an information centre.

“The government has a democratic duty to understand that our historical memory belongs to all of us, and that the wounds of the past will only be cured with greater truth,” Socialist MP Gregorio Camara told parliament before the vote.

News

Indalo Players pantomime generates over €1000 for charity It gives me great pleasure to announce that due to the determination of Ruth Johnson-Wood and Sue Mehmet our Pantomime “Robinson Crusoe” generated well over €1000 for charity. Part of it was from box office takings, which was shared between “Centro de attencion de niños en Vera”towards the upkeep of the Vera Orphanage and PAWS for their cat neutering program. Stepping Stones were able to benefit from the profits made from running the bar. Last week we paid a visit to “Centro de attencion de niños en Vera” where we met Sister Antonio who was delighted to receive our donation. This charity was founded in the 16th century and has branches in 92 countries. The home in Vera was founded in 1996 and has places for a total of 16 boys and girls whose ages vary from birth to18 years of age. The children are mainly from families who could not take care of them or were being maltreated and a few are orphans. Although some have descended from other nationalities, all were born in Spain. The children all attend local schools until they are 18 years old and then the orphanage helps them to find work and accommodation in the communityAside from looking after the children the sisters also run a food and clothing bank for the less fortunate in Vera. Funding for the charity originally came from the Junta de Andalucía, but with the crisis this has been cut to a very bare minimum which only covers specialists such as psychiatrists.

The money for food, staff, clothing and maintenance of the building is funded by donation and at present the centre is running at a huge deficit and desperately needs more funds. Since its inception the Indalo Players has donated a huge amount of money to local charities and you may rest assured that we will continue to donate money to worthy causes. Bill White

News

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16 - 22 May 2017

Spain and Morocco getting closer The Spanish city of Bilbao recently hosted a “Morocco Day”, highlighting the economic and investment climate in the Kingdom and the commercial and tourism opportunities available between Morocco and Spain.

The event, organized by the Consulate General of Morocco in Bilbao in partnership with the Spanish Agency for Export and Investment (ICEX) and the Chamber of Commerce of Bilbao, hosted more than a hundred Spanish companies.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Morocco’s General Consul in Bilbao, Kamal El Mahdaoui, outlined Morocco’s favourable investment climate as one of stability, security and credibility.

“Morocco Day” aimed to raise awareness among investors in the Basque region about the economic opportunities in Morocco and attract its investors, reinforcing the efforts of the Moroccan Consulate in Spain to strengthen the economic ties between Morocco and the six regions of northern Spain, explained El Mahdaoui.

The Consul also highlighted the opportunities offered by the positioning of Morocco in Africa, namely its return to the African Union and accession to ECOWAS, but also as a strong partner of the EU, noting that the Kingdom is ranked first in the African continent in terms of investment.

El Mahdaoui stressed the solid commercial links between Morocco and Spain and the substantial volumes of trade with the Basque region in areas such as the automotive, agri-food, agriculture and energy sectors. “These exchanges reflect a desire for partnership at the highest institutional level,” he stated, expressing Morocco’s “interest in creating added value in a win-win approach with the Basque Countries.”

Myriam Pérez, Deputy Director General of Trade Policy with the Mediterranean, African and Middle East countries in the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, pointed out that “Morocco is a leader on the African continent, a position reinforced by its return to the African Union, as well as being a priority partner for Spain.”

Pérez also noted that strengthening the Spanish presence in Morocco is one of the priorities of her department, by using available financial instruments and exploring the opportunities provided by the Full and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).

Many of the Basque companies based in Morocco, such as Campezo, Sener, Banco Sabadell and Tavex, presented their

respective experiences by expressing their satisfaction with their establishment in the Kingdom. These companies welcomed the benefits of investment in Morocco, including the competitiveness of production and labour costs, the political and economic stability of the country, its hospitality, proximity and institutional support.

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16 - 22 May 2017

Feature

The joys of empathy

By Feature writer Sandy Shore Perhaps the most beautiful of emotions we are gifted with is that of empathy. Mutual understanding is the almost soul-mate power to see and to sympathetically experience life through the eyes of those we come into contact with.

This gift allows us to leave ourselves and to become others for a short while at least. It is nature’s way of liberating us from our egos. Those unable to experience empathy crunch diamonds beneath their feet unaware of their beauty.

Robert Burns (1759 ~ 1796) possessed the gift of emotional altruism when he penned those immortal words, “Oh the gift that God could give us, to see ourselves as others see us.”

It is a wonderful thing to be able to look at others and to experience how they live. Here is Pandora’s Box waiting to be opened.

When you do so be prepared to see through a child’s eyes what lies under the Christmas tree.

The next time you are in a tavern gaze unobserved at that old Spanish wine grower. Nearby sits his wife chatting to her friends whom she likely grew up with. Remove your ego just for a moment to look at their past, their present and their future. You see what I mean about Pandora’s Box. With mutual understanding you share the joys and experience the suffering of others. By empathising you acquire awareness and experience the sharing of burdens borne by fellow travellers.

It is when you empathise that you feel the urge to give rather than to take. This emotion teaches you that the joys of giving are far greater than the pleasures of receiving.

There is no harm in giving alms to the needy. If you give a beggar 50 cents he will thank you and he will forget you.

However, gifts are much richer if they are of emotional rather

than of monetary value.

Instead of looking at a person try looking inside them. You can do this by holding eye contact. At such point you will understand that mutual understanding is far more eloquent than is the written or spoken word.

The electrickery has dimmed Best known for his role in the 1970s TV series ‘Catweazle’, Geoffrey Bayldon has died at the age of 93.

The Catweazle Fan Club said: “It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that we have to inform you of the passing of our beloved Geoffrey. At the age of 93 and after battling respiratory problems of late, he passed away on the morning of May 10.” It described Bayldon as a ‘lovely, witty, talented and generally charming man’.

He played eccentric wizard Catweazle in the show of the same name from 1970 until 1971 bringing words such as ‘electrickery’ and the ‘Telling Bone’ into the language of the era. After joining Worzel Gummidge in 1979, he won a following of young fans for his role as The Crowman, which he played until 1981.

At the beginning of his career, Bayldon served in the RAF before training as an actor at London’s famous Old Vic theatre. He began his rise to stardom in the 1960s, with roles in Sidney Poitier’s To Sir With Love and landing the part of Q in the original Casino Royale.

He later appeared in the 1979 movie version of hit sitcom Porridge, playing the Governor.

Despite his growing fame, Bayldon is said to have turned down the chance to play Doctor Who twice, but even though he declined the chance to play the Time Lord in the hit sci-fi series, he still went on to become involved in Doctor Who on several occasions.

His later work included roles in Rumpole of the Bailey (1987), The Chronicles of Narnia (1989), Waking the Dead (2004), Heartbeat (2004), a number of appearances in Casualty between 1991 and 2006.

Before retiring from acting, he also had parts in New Tricks (2007) and My Family(2010).

When eyes meet, fingers lightly touch the hands or shoulder of others, the compassion exchanged will be remembered long after the monetary donation is forgotten. The shared understanding that comes from a genuine word of compassion will be a joy forever.

Yes, We Have No Pyjamas

Pete was at Torrecárdenas Hospital in Oncology and a bad way.

Oncology was that day in the care of 3 nurses – Small, Medium and Large – their ranking was matched by their physical size.

I requested a pair of pyjamas from Medium, and she presented me with a pair suitable for an anorexic telegraph pole.

‘Have you got any larger ones?’ I queried.

‘No. This is the only pair.’ She looked at me as if I were an idiot. ‘This is a Hospital.’ She added, with emphasis on the ‘Hospital.’ In my ignorance I had presumed that a Hospital would be just the place to find a range of pyjamas to fit normal sized humans, but I set about covering as much of Pete as possible. I managed to cover his middle with the miniscule amount of material available, but still the majority of him was outside rather than inside the pyjamas.

Small then appeared in a flurry of self-importance. ‘You have to go to X-ray.’ She commanded Pete. ‘Can he walk?’ She rounded on me.

‘No.’ She bustled off to get reinforcements in the form of Medium.

‘He has to go to X-ray. Can he walk?’ Medium enquired.

As Jesus hadn’t appeared and worked a miracle within the previous minute, I answered ‘No.’ They stood and cogitated.

‘He needs a wheel-chair.’ I interjected.

‘He needs a wheel-chair.’ Small repeated to Medium.

‘We haven’t got one.’ Medium replied.

‘We haven’t got on.’ Small explained to me.

‘Can’t he go on the bed?’ I asked.

Enter Large.

By Jos Biggs

‘He has to go to X-ray. Can he walk?’

‘No.’ Large decided to approach the problem from another angle. ‘Why is he not wearing his pyjamas?’

‘Because they are too small.’ I would have thought this would have been obvious to her, but then maybe she doesn’t realize that she is not a size 10 herself.

‘Could he have a gown?’ I ventured.

‘Get a gown.’ Large commanded Medium.

‘Get a gown.’ Medium commanded Small.

Small returned with a gown which would have covered all 5 of us at a push.

Large was not content. ‘He can’t go in a gown. It’s not decent. Can he walk?’

I decided to short-cut the conversation. ‘No. Can’t he go on the bed?’

Large then had one of the few brainwaves of her life. ‘Wrap him in a sheet and take him on the bed.’ With this gem of genius she left.

‘Wrap him in a sheet and take him on the bed.’ Admonished Medium.

Small wrapped him in a sheet and took him on the bed.

16 - 22 May 2017

News

15

His name is Barry... He is a singer I remember all my life a great singer by the name of Barry Manilow. I happily played his old songs on the radio and more than often was caught up in the world of uphill climbing of the high notes in such classic tracks as ‘Mandy’ as I warbled my way across the local karaoke scene.

His latest outing on the ITV show ‘Tonight at the London Palladium’ on Wednesday evening has finally convinced me – and judging by my Facebook and Twitter timelines, many others – that it’s perhaps now the time for him to spend more than a weekend in New England and stop singing the songs that now make the whole world cringe!

It was actually very sad to watch the 73-yearold Brooklyn boy struggle through one of his most famous show-stoppers, ‘Copacabana’, as a show-opener on the world’s most famous stage, and it was even sadder to see hoards of female and male fans on their feet singing along out of tune with him, and missing his reinvented phrasing of the Latin favourite. Most of Lola’s famous story was spoken with no tune in the voice; a voice that has no doubt been affected by the amount of facial cosmetic surgery that has turned this previous Gene Wilder lookalike into a reincarnation of Joan Rivers.

And yet the still-adoring fans whooped and cheered at every mumbled syllable and gave him the standing ovation at the end of a cringe-worthy three minutes. This previous

fan thought he was truly dreadful, and I turned almost immediately to my YouTube Channel to remind myself just how good he was. Oh yes, he WAS good.

I struggle to understand the thousands and thousands of fans all around the globe that pay inflated ticket prices to go to watch people that simply don’t cut that particular mustard any more. Let me give you a sporting analogy to explain my dilemma…

One of my sporting heroes is Ray Reardon.

I met this great Welsh wizard of the green baize in 1972 when he was giving a snooker demonstration at Pontin’s Camber Sands Holiday Camp. I got his autograph, and the evening before the entertainment he was playing on a pinball machine next to mine in the games room and I had to look twice when I realised who had given me a 2p piece (yes, that long ago!) to replace one of my own that didn’t work! He still holds the record as being the oldest man, at 45, to win the World Championship.

Fast forward almost 40 years. Let’s imagine that this icon, now 84 entered the Crucible festival again and I’d paid money to go to watch him. He loses 10-0 in the First Round to a virtual unknown, misses every pot and hardly scores a point.

You would give him a well deserved welcome when he arrives at the table, but would I stand

and cheer and whistle as he puts his cue away at the end of the annihilation? It would be the same if a 76-year old Geoffrey Boycott began playing for Yorkshire again and was out for 0 in every innings. These once former greats of their craft would now be totally completely out

of the depth.

It’s now time for one of the world’s greatest entertainers of the 20th and 21st century to realise that he’s also out of his own depth and that the time has come to basically, in a short phrase, give up!

16

16 - 22 May 2017

Property, Home & Garden

Legal formalities & costs involved in purchasing property in Spain Panorama always recommends that purchasers of property in Spain retain a qualified solicitor to represent them and qualified financial advisors to deal with tax issues.

Purchasing property in Spain is a relatively straightforward procedure. The “last word” in property ownership is the property registry, which will show immediately if the seller owns the property free of liens and encumbrances. Most frequently, unless an immediate payment of the full purchase price is made, a private contract of purchase is drawn up wherein the details of the purchase are reflected – the legal description of the property, purchase price, form of payment, date of completion, date of possession, etc. Upon signing the private contract, a payment on account of the purchase price is always made which can vary substantially according to the terms of the sale and the date of completion. A quite normal deposit for completion within 30 to 60 days would be 10% of the agreed purchase price.

New properties which are unfinished obviously are paid for over the construction period, and all payments on account before finishing must be guaranteed, according to the BUILDING ORDENANCE LAW (LOE), LAW 38/1999, by a bank or insurance company: if the property is not finished by a certain date, a purchaser has the right to reclaim the monies paid, plus legal interests. Additionally, this law obliges the property developer to arrange a TEN YEAR insurance policy with respect to any basic building defects with the purchasers as beneficiaries.

When the entire purchase price is paid for the property, the seller will issue the public deed of conveyance (escritura) to the purchaser, free of liens and encumbrances. This deed is issued before a Spanish Notary, is passed from the notary to the tax office to be assessed for Transfer Tax if the property is a resale or second hand property, or assessed for Stamp Duty if the property is sold directly by the developer. Is then presented to the Property Registry for inscription. A provisional inscription in the registry is made immediately upon issuance of the deeds.

PROPERTY PURCHASE COSTS Transfer Tax (I.T.P.) scaled at 8%, 9% & 10% - Payable by the buyer for the purchase of any real estate (villas, flats, land, commercial premises, garages), provided the vendor is not a developer or normally trading in the business of resale properties.

If the “minimum fiscal value” of the property, as per the Regional Government, is greater than the price, then the minimum fiscal valuation applies: 8% is applicable up to the amount of 400,000€ or 30,000€ in the case of garages except those belonging to the dwelling and with a maximum of two; 9% is applicable to the amount between 400,000€ and 700,000€ or between 30,000€ and 50,000€ for garages; 10% is applicable to the amount exceeding 700,000€ or 50,000€ for garages.

Example: For a property of 1,250,000€ Up to 400,000€ - 8% = 32,000€ On 300,000€ (400,000€ to 700,000€) - 9% = 27,000€ Excess 550,000€ (700,000€ to 1,250,000€) – 10% = 55,000€:- Total 114,000€

VAT at 10% and STAMP DUTY at 1.5% - For any VILLA or APARTMENT, or GARAGE that is annexed to an apartment, where the vendor is a developer, promoter or habitual trader for BRAND NEW PROPERTIES.

an apartment with the same sales price to be registered in the name of 2 persons and purchased with a mortgage loan, will cost around €800.

VAT at 21% and STAMP DUTY at 1.5% - for PARCELS OF LAND, COMMERCIAL PREMISES or COMMERCIAL GARAGE SPACES, where the vendor is a developer, promoter or habitual trader. This covers virtually all NEWLY URBANIZED LAND PARCELS and NEWLY BUILT COMMERCIAL PREMISES. This only covers resale properties when the vendor falls into one of the above categories.

MUNICIPAL ADDED VALUE TAX (PLUSVALÍA) This is an “added value” tax based upon the increase of the Town Hall index value of the land only, from the prior (vendor’s) purchase to the present sale. It is usually not a significant amount with respect to apartments or townhouses – less than €1000 for the most part for an apartment or townhouse which last changed hands five or six years ago – but can be more in the case of villas with a large tract of land.

This tax corresponds, by its nature, to the vendor who is responsible for its payment, unless otherwise negotiated. As there are several variable factors used in calculating this tax, especially the length of time of ownership of the property, the amount payable can vary substantially and should be verified before proceeding with the purchase.

NOTARY FEES AND PROPERTY REGISTRY INSCRIPTION FEES Notary fees can cost up to approximately €1.750 although the cost increases according to the number of pages or complexity of the title deed (e.g. transcription of statutes, payment in stages, property partially finished, etc.). As an example, an apartment costing €300,000 will cost around €546 in notary fees, whilst a property costing €600,000 will cost around €678 in notary fees.

Any higher than this amount, the fees go up marginally. The property registry inscription fees also depend on the complexity of the transaction. For example, fees for an apartment costing €600.000 to be registered in the name of one person and purchased without a mortgage loan, will cost around €300. For

SUMMARY The total official costs involved in purchasing a constructed residential property should be around 9-10% for resale properties or around 12% for new properties if VAT is paid on the purchase price, plus lawyer's fees

by Christopher Clover http://www.andalucia.com/

O Olive

TURRE

Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466 C/Llanos, Bedar (Next to the Miramar Restaurant) Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm

www.olivehouse-es.com

This surprisingly spacious 2nd floor, 2 bed apartment is in the centre of Turre and has a larger than average build size and a lovely terrace from the living room. Steps lead you to a fabulous, very large, private roof terrace with great views where you have access to a communal pool and sunbathing area. This apartment boasts a secure underground parking space and lock up storage room also.

NEW TO THE MARKET 89,950€

oLv1228

17

16 - 22 May 2017

Property, Home & Garden

If it’s time to sell it’s time Spaniards believe to update time is right to buy If you’re looking to sell your home quickly and for more money over the next few months – particularly with summer visitors to Spain being tempted to buy property – there are a few tips and ideas to enable you to achieve your aim.

It’s essential to make popular areas of the house look appealing to potential buyers. With just a little planning and some DIY effort, you won’t have to spend a fortune on home repairs.

1. PAINT THE FRONT DOOR - First impressions count when it comes to a home sale. You want your entryway to be inviting so homebuyers want to look further. An easy way to update an entryway is to paint the door with a new colour that complements your home and surroundings.

Simply remove the hardware. clean the surface, prime and topcoat with the new paint colour.

While you’re at it, consider painting exterior features - such as shutters or grills - the same colour for a cohesive look.

2. REPAIR AND REFRESH WALLS - Painting is an easy and affordable way to freshen an entire home so that buyers take notice.

3. UPDATE KITCHEN AND BATHROOM HARDWARE - Do you have kitchen and bath hardware that you’ve had since you’ve had your property? If so, it may be worth your time investing a few Euros in renewing and updating. Adding small features such as modern bathroom cabinet hardware can visually update the room, so explore affordable options at your local home improvement store. Once you select the style you like best, just get your screwdriver and swap out the old for new. Potential buyers are sure to note mould, mildew, dirt, and stains on the walls and appliances. Give them a thorough clean.

4. LIGHTING - Proper illumination isn’t just useful, it can open up a room and highlight beautiful architectural features. All lighting should be dusted, but for those fixtures that are old, outdated, or broken consider inexpensive replacement options. Something as simple as replacing glass globes can add high-impact style. Adding task and accent lighting is another smart investment. For example, under-cabinet lights in the kitchen are easy to install and are likely to impress potential buyers.

Preparing a home for sale doesn’t have to be a daunting process. With these four projects, you’ll be well on your way to have a beautiful home ready for listing. You’ll thank us when you sell it!

Now is the time to buy Spanish property, say 7 in 10 Spaniards, as confidence in the country’s real estate climbs.

71% of those responding to a survey

by Solvia and Kalvar TNS said that it is “good time” to buy property. The poll of 1,000 people asked for them to score their views from 0 (pessimistic) to 200 (optimistic), resulting in an average of 112, which suggests that domestic buyers think that the country’s property is an attractive investment – a marked turnaround from a few years ago.

Factors fuelling the increase in confidence include the fall in prices since the

PRESENTATION ON SITE

housing crisis, the fact that real estate is a stable asset and the recovering market, which now offers “real opportunities”.

Buyers, however, were more downbeat about their finances, with 61% believing that now is not the right time for them to afford an investment, due to poor employment stability and a lack of savings.

With 35% saying that prices are now rising and 43% saying that prices are stable, though, for those who can afford property, such as foreign investors, can be reassured by the spreading positive mood surrounding Spain’s property market.

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18

16 - 22 May 2017

Property, Home & Garden

A Place in the Sun Live

A huge success for Almeria Property Finder!

Almeria Properties Spain Diego Oller - Sales Manager

info@almeriapropertiesspain.com almeriapropertiesspain.com +34 659 056 082

almeria dream homes

property sales, rentals and maintenance we urgently require more properties for sale and rentals for waiting clients. in all areas commiss io

only n 1.5%

for more information and to arrange viewings contact us on:

634 306 690 Steven

634 361 183 Rachael

950 930 536 Office

almeriadreamhomes@gmail.com

With over 7400 visitors, A Place in the Sun Live was very productive event for Albox estate agency, Almeria Property Finder, the only agency representing inland Almeria at this year's London Olympia exhibition, which was held from 5th-7th May. Cathie, Bronwen and Mark represented the growing agency who have already had a very successful start to 2017.

Cathie reports "It was a really busy and successful event. We met with hundreds of clients, some of whom we were already in contact, and many new cli-

ents who are looking to buy in the next 12 months. There really didn't seem to be much concern about Brexit."

Whilst many visitors were already aware of the Almeria area, the team was able to enlighten those who were not familiar with all that the area has to offer, and are pleased to report that inland Almeria has now been included in the search area of many potential buyers. Bronwen advises "We have registered hundreds of new clients and are looking forward to a busy summer showing and selling them

properties in this diverse and beautiful area of Almeria Province."

Almeria Property Finder are now in urgent need of properties, particularly villas, to add to their portfolio so if you have a property for sale, or are thinking about selling, please contact them or call into their office which is situated opposite the rear of Mercadona on Avenida America, Albox. Almeria Property Finder.

Tel: 950 431 624.

Email: info@almeriapropertyfinder.com.

Web: http://almeriapropertyfinder.com.

20

16 - 22 May 2017

Property, Home & Garden

Barefoot friendly patios for all

1. CREATE A SMOOTH SURFACE UNDERFOOT Few building materials take more punishment than decking. Whether it spends hours under scorching sunlight, withstanding wintertime blizzards or gets soaked during water fights and pool parties, your decking is bound to take abuse from the elements. Selecting deck boards that can stand up to these harsh conditions is critical to ensuring a smooth surface underfoot.

Exposure to moisture and the sun's UV rays can deteriorate wood decking, particularly if it's not maintained regularly and correctly. While composite decking provides greater durability, several brands have been known to rot, crack or warp as a result of moisture intrusion.

To keep your deck looking good no matter what the weather, consider composite decking made of small-size wood fibres that are fully encased in plastic. This protects against moisture intrusion all the way to the boards core and such boards will not rot or warp, preventing dangerous cracks and splinters from forming. To create an even smoother surface, install the composite deck boards with hidden fasteners. This technique eliminates popped nails, dimples from screws and other hazards to warm-weather fun.

2. BEAT THE HEAT Once you've narrowed your composite decking selection to brands that can withstand the toughest Mother Nature can throw their way, look for ways to beat the heat. When the sun is blazing, the plastic in composite decking can retain heat and become uncomfortable to walk on with bare feet.

One great way to avoid the hot-foot hustle dance without compromising on your deck's surface appearance is to use composite decking with innovative cooling technology. By combining a durable core with a cap that is specifically engineered to optimize heat reflection and minimize heat absorption, the boards make for a more comfortable deck on sunny days.

If you live in an area where the sun's rays are hot year-around, you may also want to consider using shade structures to help provide relief from direct sunlight and reduce the temperature on deck. Pergolas, lattices and breezy overhead fabrics can block the sun beautifully and add to your deck's style.

3. PREVENT SLIPS ON DECK If you're installing decking near a pool or hot tub, live in close proximity to the water or experience frequent rain, it's also important to protect against slips. Composite deck boards with a textured, wood-embossed surface have a higher coefficient of friction and better slip resistance than PVC and composite decking products with a non-embossed surface. The added traction will help friends and family stay steady on their feet as they enjoy your outdoor living area, and help ensure the party never has to pause for injuries.

Before

The Metal Works

fOLLOW SIGNS FOR centre

after

mobile: 638 900 949 office: 950 930 520 www.themetalworksspain.com info@ themetalworksspain.com

Near Albox ITV Centre, poligono industrial, albox

shot blasting and powder coating service available for all metalwork: the ONLY powder coating company in the area!

The Metal Works

security grills - garden gates & railings spiral staircases - motorised sliding gates garage doors - ornate gazebos

COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE COMPLETE MOJACAR PLAYA

RENTALS - SALES -MANAGEMENT - MAINTENANCE

We urgently need more properties for sale & rental for waiting clients

VM/LAI - beautiful 2 bed, 2 bath 2nd floor apartment, Veranda Mar complex, outdoor & indoor heated pools, padel tennis, landscaped gardens, play parks, a/c, underground private parking.

VERA PLAYA - €84,950

MT/SRL – Lovely 3 bed/2 bath apartment on front line to golf course, 100 metres to beach, full a/c, pool, fully furnished.

MOJACAR PLAYA - €99,950

LG/GGL – Wonderful, architect designed, modern , 3 bed/2bath country villa, on 10,000 m2 plot, 370 olive trees (yield approx. 2000 litres/year) mains water/electric, electric gates, private setting, pool license pending.

LOS GALLARDOS, NR MOJÁCAR €329,950

PR/MG - Lovely 2 bed/1.5 bath first floor apartment, with a/c, internet, terraces, views to beautiful pools and gardens, close to fantastic Vera sandy beach, Garrucha port and Aqua Park.

PUERTO REY - €84,950

Paseo del Mediterraneo 19, Mojacar Playa, Almeria (near the Hotel Best Indalo)

Tel: 950 478 612 / 610 808 631 

info@almeriaholidays.com

www.almeriaholidays.com

21

16-22 May 2017

Property, Home & Garden

Life begins at 41...in the garden

Would you recognise a pansy if you saw one?

A new survey has revealed that 41 is the age people officially get in to gardening.

Researchers took an in depth look into the precise time in our lives that we turn our attention to our outdoor spaces - and found that it is not until we reach 41 that we become green fingered.

Up until this point, nearly three in ten adults continue to rely on elderly parents to sort out their outdoor space - with one in twenty even calling on grandparents to tend to their gardens.

A further one in ten resort to watching clips on YouTube to help remedy their horticultural issues.

The poll by garden tool supplier Fiskars revealed a third of clueless adults have NEVER trimmed a hedge and nearly a quarter haven’t ever potted a plant.

A further 23% of the 1,500 adults polled claim to have NEVER mown a lawn or raked leaves in the garden.

Botanist and broadcaster, James Wong, comments: “The study shows there is a lack of engagement between the younger generation and gardening, but it’s so important we don’t lose that passion for our outdoor spaces.

“A lack of enjoyment or interest in maintaining a garden usually stems from people not knowing where to start. That’s why developing an interest in gardening and showing the rewards that outdoor spaces can bring is essential, such as growing plants in small spaces, which can be fun and productive — you just need a little sunshine and some imagination.”

A spokesman for Fiskars commented: “Getting in to gardening

at the age of 41 may seem late, but with many adults not getting on the property ladder or living in flats until their late thirties, it’s becoming the norm.

“Gardening can seem daunting at first and it’s only natural to want to call upon parents or grandparents who tend to be much more knowledgeable. Our innovative range of products makes gardening easy and hassle free, helping you to reconnect with your outside space, no matter your level of skill.”

The survey showed more than a third of respondents describe their garden as a place to escape it all and one in ten said they were immensely proud of the way their outdoor space looked.

James Wong added: “Despite these findings, there is still some hope that Brits get into gardening at an earlier age. Nowadays there are plenty of cutting-edge gardening tools at hand which are ideal for all types of gardeners – amateur to novice – making light work of transforming outdoor spaces. Gardening is a great hobby for people of all ages and is particularly beneficial. It’s a fun, healthy activity plus the sense of satisfaction you feel when you watch something you’ve had a hand in growing is immeasurable.”

A quarter of Brits see themselves as a keen gardener – with more than half of adults itching for summer to arrive so they can get back out in to their gardens.

However, half of the adults that took part

in the poll said they wouldn’t be able to identify a fuchsia, 40% would struggle to spot a pansy and more than half wouldn’t know a germanium when they saw one.

Getting stung by stinging nettles, pulling up a flower, mistaking it for a weed and trapping fingers in deckchairs are just some of the calamities Brits have faced when trying to tackle the garden.

Cutting the grass with no blade in the mower, putting your hand in cat mess and treading on an upturned rake were other common faux pas.

Despite spending on average five hours per week in their gardens, Brits say they are ashamed of the state of their outdoor areas, yet in a typical year they will invest just £119 in maintaining and improving the space.

Kid’s toys strewn everywhere, the grass growing too quickly and not having the right tools for the job are among the things that annoy us about our gardens.

“Our Experience is your Guarantee”

Offering New LONG TERM RENTALS

Casa Isa Cano : 3 bed 600€ per month

Casa Tarrant : 3 bed 695€ per month

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22

16 - 22 May 2017

Money

Take your pick – cash now or pension later?

Most of the UK’s 100 largest listed companies are offering staff cash in lieu of pension contributions as recent tax changes drive higher earners out of pension saving.

A survey of FTSE 100 companies by LCP, the consultants, found that 84% were offering cash supplements, such as a salary top-up, as an alternative to pension contributions to employees who are worried about breaching the annual or lifetime saving allowances. Some are offering the cash option to all employees, not just the top earners.

“The current tax regime has seen companies reduce how much they put into their employees’ pension schemes for fear of them being hit with significant penalties for breaking the new allowances,” said Alasdair Mayes, a partner with LCP. “Our survey shows just how sensitive pensions are to changes in the tax regime.

Threats to change the tax treatment further will lead to a continued, and rapid, shift to flexible alternatives to pensions. This could have a significant impact on retirement incomes in the decades ahead.”

The current lifetime and annual allowances, which govern how much can be saved into a pension and thus benefit from tax relief, are £1m and £40,000 respectively.

Tax changes that took effect in April 2016 included the introduction of a “tapered” annual allowance, which saw it fall gradually from £40,000 to £10,000 for those with total income of £150,000-£210,000.

At the same time, the lifetime allowance was also cut from £1.25m to £1m. The government said this would make the system of pension tax relief “fair, sustainable and affordable”.

Savings amounts that go over the new allowances are subject to tax charges. The Treasury says only those with pension savings near or at the £1m cap will be hit by the lifetime allowance cut.

23

16 - 22 May 2017

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

JOHN MACDONALD (EL SORDO) www.caratacus.eu

Happy first anniversary - Alqueria Coffee Spanglish

Coffee Spanglish was initiated in 2016 when the Almanzora Group of Friends approached the Ayuntamiento de Albox to discuss how they could work together to integrate their members (the English speaking residents in the area) into the Spanish community.

Maura Hillen, Councillor for Tourism and International Relations, said that the most pressing need for the Spanish residents, wanting to progress in their career, was to practice their English.

Sarah Makin and Shelagh Copeland, from the Almanzora Group of Friends, agreed that a great deal of English speaking residents had expressed a desire to improve their Spanish. So Coffee Spanglish was born.

They began at the Bar El Saliente on 14th April 2016 and our first Spanish participant was Pedro Chacon who arrived using a walking frame – which then became crutches. Nothing would stop him coming and supporting our group. He has been present throughout the year since we started.

Dolores Naylor (Loli) was our first English

speaking participant and has also been present throughout our year. She and Pedro have become the mainstay of the group and when people asked if they could meet on another day as well, Pedro and Loli were happy to accommodate them.

The Language School in Macael also forged links with our group – and the Professoras encouraged their students to come to the meetings, swelling our numbers to 40 at one point.

The emphasis of the group is to improve our language skills and build on the work we are doing at home and/or at classes. Most importantly – it is for every ability and it is FUN!!!

Lots of laughter!!!

We now meet at the Café Bar Oasis on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5pm to 7pm and have a core of around 20 regular participants with others coming and going depending on their commitments elsewhere.

We thank the Café Bar Oasis for providing an excellent spread for our anniversary fiesta.

The Core Group. For further information send an email to coffespanglishalbox@gmail.com

Aljambra chapel, Albox. Anglican chaplaincy of Costa Almeria & Costa Calida Fun weekend

As part of the celebrations of 10 years since the first Anglican services, a flower festival is going to be held on 26, 27, 28 May. Friday 26th 3 – 8pm, Saturday 27th 10am – 8pm, Sunday 28th 3 – 8pm, Sunday 28th 26 – 7pm open air service.

A Café Friday afternoon, Saturday all day, Sunday afternoon.

BBQ Saturday only Classic Car display Saturday 12 – 3.30pm Paintings on show and for sale – all weekend.

Stalls, Friday afternoon and all day Saturday stall holders welcome 5€ Friday afternoon, 10€ Saturday Free Entrance - donations very welcome. (all donations to Anglican church and association Español contra cancer) More information: aljambra.flower.festival@gmail.com

Alquiexit

Alqueria has been a member of the European Union for some years now, it was however the result of a spelling mistake. Ballsakia in the Balkans had applied for membership but a defective mainframe processor in Brussels misspelt the country’s name and a letter duly dropped onto the doormat of the Ayuntamiento in Alqueria welcoming them into the fold. Ballsakia was too involved with invading its neighbour Ponsienegro to notice, when they finally did it was too late to reverse. Alqueria had applied for and received E.U. funding for everything from new sanitation in the town hall to the building of a Remitroot powered particle accelerator.

Some five years has passed since Alqueria became part of Europe during which time our Pueblo had thrived. Manuela and Antonio Poyato, who were the closest thing to a government Alqueria had pondered the political awareness of their constituents. Poyato said it was ninetyfive percent apathy, Manuela argued for one hundred percent inertia. A bet was made with a month’s supply of Remitroot Wine to the winner. The issue would be decided by referendum. The issue E.U. membership, the question, ‘out’ yes or no.

With only three hundred people eligible to vote it was easy to arrange.

Only one person voted.

Daft Diego thought E.U. stood for ‘Erotic Union’ and so obviously voted ‘yes’. The result failed to settle the bet with Manuela and Poyato sharing the wine during an evening which they both want to forget but Rodriguez has the photographs and won’t let them forget. The photographs are changing hands for five hundred Euros

Royal British Legion, Mojacar Branch

a print in the side streets off Madrid’s Grand Via. The referendum however attracted the notice of the international press. It was for this reason that Manuela and Antonio Poyato wrote to Brussels with the wonderful news that Alqueria had decided to remain in the European Union.

Brussels was quick to reply. In a passionate and lengthy letter they pleaded with Alqueria to leave. Member nations had ‘chipped in’ to pay into Alquerian coffers a large annual retainer if they left the E.U. Manuela and Antonio Poyato agreed the terms on the behalf of the Republic of Alqueria and promptly went on an extended holiday to the Caribbean.

The Alquerian passport retained its red cover and the reference to the E.U. however, otherwise the Alquerian Government website would need changing. Visit it at www.alqueria.eu and apply for citizenship.

Alqueria once more stands along, a nation of individuals gazing at a hostile world through Remitroot glazed eyes.

All the Alqueria radio plays are archived at www.alqueria.eu.

Church Service In English Every Sunday

At 10.30am. Everyone welcome at Turre Evangelical

Church next to Muebles Nuñez just across form the vet.

Tea, coffee and fellowship after every service. Transport can be arranged. www.turrechurch.com 950 617 549

The Royal British Legion

Spain District North

The branch meets the first Thursday of the month at the

• The Royal British Legion provides lifelong

centre of multi uses (Artisan Centre) Mojacar pueblo at

support for the Armed Forces community –

11.15. All are welcome, we plan to continue having our

serving men and women, veterans and their

second meeting of the month, which is the third Thursday,

families.

as a coffee/lunch meeting, venues to be notified, see press.

Diary for May 2017 Thursday 18th 11.30 branch social, Hotel Tika, Garucha.

Wine tasting with lunch.

Saturday 27th RBL golf day Aguilon golf club, Aguilas, for details contact Tom Tannant on thomastannant@outlook. com

• 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

A belief that you know what’s best for you and certain others could grow stronger. However, an obstacle exists in terms of how you’re conveying your point and how understood you are them.

Coming events could highlight why you must remove assumption from your efforts. You might be assuming others have had the same train of thought as you have about a shared matter or objective. Once it becomes clear they haven’t, you’ll be able to tailor your message accordingly – and much more effectively.

By focusing on the potential downside to a certain situation or dwelling on perceived negative aspects, you’re only seeing the proverbial glass as half empty. You know reasons exist to feel more positive, inspired and enthused yet negative factors outweigh these. This week, it might become clear that you can’t change a particular situation. The good news is, you can alter how you’re choosing to view it. Ignoring what’s negative in favor what is truly positive will transform your perception of it.

Coming events could boost your faith levels surrounding a plan you’ve felt isolated with.

Progress has relied on your efforts and there might have been a time when you felt your efforts were appreciated by certain individuals.

This week, it becomes clear you have a new level of support or assistance on offer. Your mission is to ensure a certain person understands a shared objective. They’re going to need input and advice and couldn’t want someone better placed to provide both.

You’re likely to be viewing a certain plan close to your heart in new light. This might have something to do with support on offer that you haven’t had previously and whilst many hands make light work, it also means you’re having to share or collaborate in ways you hadn’t planned to. Don’t be quick to dismiss assistance coming your way but, at the same time, be willing to make clear where you believe you’re best placed to take the reins. You don’t have to accept every bit of help on offer.

Albert Einstein apparently said the definition of insanity is ‘doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’ Let’s assume, for the sake of this forecast, he did say such words because they’re relevant to you this week. A new way of tackling an old problem is presenting itself. You know what worked in the past yet are also – hopefully – encouraged by what’s about to be done differently from now on. That’s a change you have every reason to feel enthused and inspired about.

Sometimes, we’re suspicious of obvious answers or solutions. They stare us in the face, begging for attention yet we dismiss them through believing they’re too simple to be helpful. In an area of your world, you’ve tried to apply a complex solution to a seemingly convoluted problem.

You dismissed, some time ago, the easier option. This week, perhaps through weariness at trying to make progress with a complex solution, you’re about to see how helpful the less complex alternative really is!

As much as you would prefer not to rock a proverbial boat and accept rather than question a certain situation, if you’re not already seeing evidence of a need to take the initiative and bring change where it’s needed, then you will do shortly. Fortunately, you’re about to see ways in which communication between you and a certain person is improving. You’re about to understand a point they’ve been trying to make for some time. Once done, you’ll be better placed to ensure your point is heard and understood. A long overdue compromise is imminent.

A redefining of boundaries might involve you detaching yourself from certain others. Don’t succumb to a belief that the only way to remain connected as things stand presently is to fully commit yourself in certain ways. You could be at risk of absorbing and shouldering responsibilities that aren’t yours to absorb or shoulder. As your place or position within a certain arrangement becomes clearer, you’ll become more willing to explore untried options – and it’s these that promise an arrangement is about to suit you more than it has done.

A drain on your resources exists in some way but, fortunately, you’re about to see a way to solve this problem. Rather than lay down laws or dictate to a certain person how things are going to be from now on, adopt a cleverer strategy instead. Be subtle, even if you feel like being anything but subtle. If you’re willing to look closely at how improving aspects of yourself will improve you as a person, then you can expect a victory much more worth having that will resolve the tiring issue in ways confrontation could never achieve

We are often advised to ‘be careful what we wish for’. This week, assess carefully what - or whom - you wish for. Risk associated with this doesn’t necessarily involve you failing to get what or whom you want. It could surround you attaining what you want only to wish you’d aimed your wish elsewhere! The best way forward surrounds being flexible, adaptable and non-specific. A sudden commitment or pursuit embarked upon now could prove difficult to backtrack or get out of in the future!

We all know the saying about the need to break eggs to make omelets. We often need to address or accept something is broken before we can identify how to fix or improve it. This week, in an area of your world, something hidden is being brought into the open. Something that has been viewed as ‘wrong’ is in an excellent position to be put ‘right’. This will involve a valuable discovery. You might not like what you discover initially but, through recognizing what’s ‘broken’ or ‘wrong’, will be in a perfect position to fix it and make it better.

We learn from experience that, if we set our sights higher than what we believe are necessary, we can exceed our expectations.

As a vision of the future becomes increasingly important this week, balance will be needed between overconfidence and realism. Look closely at what you want to make happen and ensure realism and realistic timescales form the basis of your efforts. Avoid any tendency to be unnecessarily forceful or overly determined and, provided what you want is right and appropriate, then it will a strategy to attain it will become crystal clear.

Book Review

James Patterson 16th Seduction Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the most explosive case of her career.

Lindsay Boxer is learning to love again. After the picture-perfect world she shared with her husband, Joe, and their beautiful young daughter shattered under the weight of Joe’s double life, Lindsay is determined to put the pieces back together. But before she can welcome Joe back with open arms, their beloved hometown of San Francisco faces a threat unlike any the city--or the country--has ever seen.

When the danger hits even closer to home, Lindsay and Joe find a common cause and spring into action, with quick results. But what at first seems like an open-and-shut case quickly turns into anything but, when the suspect threatens everything that Lindsay has worked a lifetime to build.

As Lindsay’s investigation is scrutinized and undermined by a criminal as brilliant as any high-powered defense lawyer, and her motives are called into question by everyone she thought had her back, not even the truth may be enough to save her.

In a desperate fight for her career-and her life--Lindsay must connect the dots of a deadly conspiracy before a fiendish enemy puts her on trial-and walks free with blood on

his hands.

Filled with the trademark suspense and emotion that have made James Patterson the world’s #1 bestselling writer, 16th Seduction is the Women’s Murder Club’s toughest case yet--and an exhilarating thrill ride from start to finish.

Leisure This American fantasy swashbuckler film, and the fifth instalment in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series is out on general release from May 26th. The film is directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg from a script by Jeff Nathanson, with Jerry Bruckheimer serving again as producer. Johnny Depp, Kevin McNally and Geoffrey Rush reprise their roles as Jack Sparrow, Joshamee Gibbs and Hector Barbossa, respectively, and the film also stars Javier Bardem as Armando Salazar, Brenton Thwaites as Henry Turner and Kaya Scodelario as Carina Smyth. Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley as Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann are also back on the screen, following their absence from the fourth instalment, On Stranger Tides.

Pirates of the Caribbean: salazar’s revenge

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16 - 22 May 2017

franchise. However, on March 4, 2017, director Joachim Rønning stated that Salazar’s Revenge was only the beginning of the final adventure, implying that it would not be the last film of the franchise and that a sixth film could be in the pipeline.

This rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazer (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea – notably Jack.

Jack’s only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Benton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifull small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has never faced.

Shortly before the release of On Stranger Tides, it was reported that Disney was planning to shoot the fifth and the sixth films back-to-back, although it was later revealed that only the fifth film was in development.

With the release of the official trailer of Salazar’s Revenge and subsequent television spots, it was suggested that this will be the last film in the

OUR CHOICE

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

Total Recall (1990) ITV 11.05pm Saturday 20th May Classic but brutal sci-fi action thriller set in 2084, based on a Philip K. Dick short story.

Douglas Quaid has an ordinary life, although he dreams nightly of Mars - a planet he has never visited. Determined to find the meaning of these dreams, he visits Rekall Inc - a specialist in memory implants - intent on buying a memory ‘holiday’ trip to Mars. But the implant does more than give Quaid a holiday memory!

Nightmare Neighbours Next Door

Thursday 18th May Channel 5 8.00pm

A compilation of cases in which boundaries have been crossed. Rita’s new neighbours put up a fence that encroached on her land, Anna’s riverside idyll is destroyed by the arrival of new tenants in the pub next door, and Suzie and Grant go from being best friends to the best of enemies after a row over shared rights.

ONE TO WATCH

The Truth About Sleep BBC1 Tuesday 16th May 10.45pm

We are one of the most sleep-deprived countries in the world. In The Truth About Sleep, insomniac Micheal Mosley finds out what happens if we don’t get enough sleep and looks at surprising solutions to help us get more.

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16 - 22 May 2017

Puzzles

Wordsearch Soduku

Quick

Across

Down

1. Taking Hostage (10)

1. Recognises (5)

7. Perch (5)

2. Explode (8)

8. Secluded (7)

3. Apprehend (6)

10. Stronghold (8)

4. Compassion (4)

11. Overtake (4)

5. Recount (7)

13. Tell (6)

6. Promotion (10)

15. To this (6)

9. Jarring (10)

17. Every single (4)

12. Under obligation (8)

18. Perverse (8)

14. Permission (7)

21. Defensible (7)

16. Contrive (6)

22. Overwhelm (5)

19. Expiate (5)

23. Contrition (10)

20. Clever (4)

Cryptic

Across 1. Nevertheless, there’s no variety (3,3,4) 7. It has been known to be tickled to death (5) 8. I left the priest in church (7) 10. Told but possibly not needing to be (8) 11. Given a start in life (4) 13. What the unsatisfied audience may shout!! (6) 15. Afternoon service? (3-3) 17. He employs us with hesitation (4) 18. Continues to make money (8) 21. Drunk, but not canned! (7) 22. A small island passage (5) 23. The aggregate is an impressive sum (5,5)

Down 1. A fool disposed to be distant (5) 2. Possibly it rarely is about books (8) 3. Play for the village (6) 4. Invest capital in kitchen equipment (4) 5. Became acquainted with brickcarriers’ ways of working (7) 6. Surprise someone more than they can say? (6,4) 9. Gets blooming old? (4,2,4) 12. An inclination to write and sing (8) 14. He makes a new reactor (7) 16. Believe one side of the account (6) 19. Stand by a new lease (5) 20. Blueprint for a tail-less aircraft (4)

27

16 - 22 May 2017

Puzzles

Picture Quiz

Know your faces?

Number 01

Number 02

Number 03

Number 04

Number 05

Number 06

Number 07

Number 08

Number 09

Number 10

11. Who won the Best Supporting actress Oscar award for her part in the 1990 film “Ghost”?

12. What was the sub-title of 1991’s “Terminator 2”?

13. The film “The Last King of Scotland” was about which African dictator?

14. Which rock star won the Oscar for Best Original Song from “Philadelphia”?

15. Which “record breaker” starred as Doctor Who’s assistant in the 1965 film “Dr. Who and the Daleks”?

10. THERESA MAY 9. CAROLINE QUENTIN 8. KEITH DUFFY

3. DORIS DAY

7. JULIE GOODYEAR

2. ADAM BOULTON

6. ROY ‘CHUBBY’ BROWN

1. JOE McELDERRY

Picture Quiz Solutions

1. Woody 2. Sheffield 3. Frozen 4. Richard Attenborough 5. The Bourne Identity

6. Kevin Spacey 7. Chim Chim Cheree 8. Hugh Laurie 9. The Commitments 10. Babe

11. Whoopi Goldberg 12. Judgement Day 13. Idi Amin 14. Bruce Springsteen 15. Roy Castle

Solutions

7. Which song from “Mary Poppins” won the Oscar for best song?

8. Which British actor appeared in ‘Stuart Little’, ‘Maybe Baby’ and ‘101 Dalmations’?

9. What was the title of the 2008 film directed by Alan Parker that told the story of a Dublin soul band?

10. What was the name of the orphaned piglet adopted by a sheepdog in the 1995 movie of the same name?

4. RICHARD OSMAN

1. What was the name of the cowboy in “Toy Story”?

2. In which city was “The Full Monty” set?

3. Which Disney film features the line “Some people are worth melting for.”?

4. Who directed the 1992 biopic “Chaplin”?

5. The Bourne Supremacy was the sequel to which film?

6. Which actor won the Best Actor Oscar in 2000 for his part in the movie “American Beauty”?

5. ANGELA RIPPON

SOLTIMES FILM QUIZ

Film Quiz

Cryptic Solutions Across: 1 All The Same; 7 Trout; 8 Minster; 10 Informed; 11 Born 13 Encore; 15 Tea-Set; 17 User; 18 Proceeds; 21 Bottled; 22 Aisle; 23 Grand Total.

Down: 1 Aloof; 2 Literary; 3 Hamlet; 4 Sink; 5 Methods; 6 Strike Dumb; 9 Runs To Seed; 12 Penchant; 14 Creator; 16 Credit; 19 Easel; 20 Plan.

Quick Solutions Across: 1 Kidnapping; 7 Roost; 8 Retired; 10 Fastness; 11 Pass; 13 Relate; 15 Hereto; 17 Each; 18 Untoward; 21 Tenable; 22 Drown; 23 Repentance.

Down: 1 Knows; 2 Detonate; 3 Arrest; 4 Pity; 5 Narrate; 6 Preferment; 9 Discordant; 12 Beholden; 14 Licence; 16 Invent; 19 Atone; 20 Able.

Crossword Solutions

Soduku Solution

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16 - 22 May 2017

Food and Drink

Tea fit for a Princess A UK chain of tea rooms has become the first restaurant in the world to introduce a Cinderella Carriage as a dining table in its two London branches at House of Fraser Oxford Street and House of Fraser Victoria Street.

The Tea Terrace restaurants and tea rooms announced that it has installed the unique carriages at its two London branches and says that demand has been overwhelming as customers rush to book it for afternoon tea or lunch.

Ehab Shouly, Managing Director of The Tea Terrace, said the company is proud to be the first in the world to introduce this kind of unique dining experience at its restaurants.

He explained that he came up with the idea after hearing many of his customers refer to the interior design of their tea rooms as a fairytale or Alice in Wonderland themed.

“We are always looking at innovative ways to attract new customers. We want to reinvent the concept of eating out and dining. It’s no longer about just the food, it’s now more about the experience and the photo opportunity that the restaurant presents to its customers so they can share the photos on social media,” he said.

Shouly added that The Tea Terrace first introduced high-back ‘throne’ chairs at its three branches in London and Guildford (Surrey) two years ago in order to create a unique look for their “very English” tea rooms.

“We have these amazing high-back throne chairs which we had custom made for our tea rooms. They look very regal so fit in perfectly with the ambience of a very English tea room serving afternoon tea. But we found that people love sitting in them and taking photos, especially tourists who like to pretend they are royalty by sitting in the thrones. We even bought faux crowns that they can wear on their heads for the photos, and customers love them,” he said.

As The Tea Terrace started attracting more younger families because of its blue and pink pastel interior design, Shouly decided to create something even more unique which will be attractive for young families and even young ladies in the 20 to 40 age range.

After a brain-storming session with his and business partner Rowena Shouly, they decided that they would recreate a Cinderella carriage and build it with a table that can be folded down for people to sit in it.

“We looked and looked for a furniture company that can build it for us and everybody thought we were crazy. We finally found a company abroad that builds carriages. We submitted a sketch which I hand-drew myself and told them this is what we want.

So they built a working carriage for us with the table and seating for 6. It looks amazing,” the Tea Terrace executive said.

The carriages are huge and weigh half a tonne each. To get them to the 5th floor of the House of Fraser department stores where The Tea Terrace is located, they had to go through a special design process to have them built in sections so they can be dismantled when they arrive in the UK and taken up to the tea rooms and reassembled.

“This required a lot of planning but we’re thrilled with the results. When we installed them yesterday, the customers who were dining at our tea rooms couldn’t believe what they were seeing. They all wanted to take photos in the carriages and were

First plant-based cookie launched Rapidly growing UK nutrition brand Battle Oats yesterday launched a new protein cookie product to complement its ‘free from’ range of high protein oat bars.

It is believed to be the only protein cookie on the market which uses plant-based protein and is both gluten free and vegan. Initially launching with two flavours, chocolate chip and double chocolate, each cookie contains 10g of protein and 8g of fibre as well as being non GMO. Initially, the protein cookies will be available online at BattleOats.com and through selected wholesalers and distributors, and the company is planning to add three additional flavours to its protein cookie range over the next six months. “We have built our brand with the aim of providing healthy, high protein snacks, designed for active people on-the-go, but which are also satisfying and taste good. All of our products are wholesome and are oven baked by a small British bakery to strict gluten free guidelines,” explains Kevin Smith, Co-Founder of Hull-based Battle Oats.

“Generally, people love cookies and when they see that ours are non-GMO and high in protein and fibre, then their ‘treat’ actually becomes part of a healthy lifestyle. We believe that our product could be the world’s healthiest cookie!

“Our cookies can be seen as a healthy indulgence and

we expect their appeal will reach far beyond exercise enthusiasts needing to repair muscles and quickly replenish energy. The current ‘clean eating’ trend has seen this type of nutritious snacking becoming more mainstream with many consumers now looking for a grab ’n’ go healthy protein snack and consequently we’re keen to talk to new retailer partners throughout the UK, whether supermarket chains, convenience stores or garage forecourts, who want to extend their range of gluten free high protein products.”

Co-Founder Shaun Gibbins adds: “It’s estimated that there are now half a million vegans in the UK and over a million vegetarians, so there is a growing demand for a wider range of suitable products as people choose plant-based proteins which are not only healthier, but are also more sustainable than milk-based protein.

Uniquely, our cookies use pea protein which is more environmentally friendly to produce and also gives a softer texture to the cookie which our research has shown consumers prefer to the whey protein-based products currently on the market.”

Having recently secured a contract with Holland & Barrett to stock its high protein oats bars, the listing is expected to be extended to Battle Oats protein cookies later in the year.

telling us they will come back with their children or their friends to dine in the carriage,” Shouly said.

The Tea Terrace posted photos and announcement of the carriage on their Facebook and 12 hours later they had more 25,000 views and 300 comments and more than 30 requests for booking the carriage.

“People are booking it for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or for a romantic date. We even had a bride-tobe email us asking if she can book out the entire tea room to have her wedding in it. A young lady also booked the carriage for her parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. She said her parents would love it.”

16 - 22 May 2017

29

Food and Drink

Fresh or frozen for health?

Fresh or frozen? That is the question. And it’s one that’s caused no end of debate and argument over the years since Mr Birdseye chose to freeze his first pea.

Those who advocate fresh is best, believe that nutrients suffer from being frozen, but there’s no denying that frozen food is an easy fix for a quick and easy midweek supper.

They’re already washed, prepped and are ready for a quick zap in the microwave or saute in the pan.

A study, about to be published in June of this year, found the common belief that fresh has much more nutritional value than frozen is wrong.

Researchers looked at nutrients in certain fresh and frozen produce as well as a third category they dubbed ‘fresh-stored’, which equates to the five days that consumers typically store produce after buying and bringing it home.

In the study, they looked at vitamin C, vitamin A and folic levels in broccoli, cauliflower, sweetcorn, peas, spinach, blueberries, strawberries and green beans and in most of the comparisons, they found no major differences in how much a vitamin was preserved.

However, they did find that in some instances, frozen actually had more nutrients than fresh-stored, debunking the old myth that fresh is better than frozen.

The reason frozen produce retains it’s nutrients is through a technique called fresh freezing, which freezes food quickly so it doesn’t go through the process of waiting around on lorries before being transported to the supermarket or grocery store and then taken home.

Frozen vegetables are usually nutritionally equivalent to fresh vegetables because they’re generally flash-frozen onsite, immediately after harvest.

So, where does that leave the fresh or frozen debate? Well, no further forward is the simple answer.

The truth is, all fruits and vegetables are simply good for you and have proven to reduce your risk of diseases, such as coronory disease and cancer.

So, it appears that the best advice is to include a good mix of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables in your diet.

In addition, try and aim for the new health department guidelines which suggest at least ten portions should be consumed daily.

Cheers!

More Scotch on the way The global Scotch whisky market is predicted to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.35% during the period 2017-2021.

The report, Global Scotch Whisky Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts.

The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

The latest trend gaining momentum in the market is increase in demand for premium Scotch whisky. The growth of the Scotch whisky market is mainly driven by factors such as increasing demand for premium whiskey and the changing perception of Scotch whisky among consumers.

Blended Scotch whisky has the majority market share globally. The increase in disposable income, especially in emerging countries, has increased the affordability of such products among consumers.

According to the report, one of the major drivers for this market is premiumisation. Premiumisation is a critical driver for the spirit category and for Scotch whisky. Consumers consider whiskey to be an affordable luxury.

Due to this, manufacturers are launching more premium and super-premium products to meet the demand.

Mature markets such as the US and France are still driven by premiumisation. In China, despite the ban on gifting luxury goods, including premium whiskey, Diageo’s super-premium brand Johnnie Walker Blue Label reported an increase over the past few years.

NEW VEGETARIAN MENU cous-cous, risottos, vegetable lasagne, fresh pasta, pizzas, soya burgers, vegetable soups, vegetable pies, tofu salads, all serve with fresh vegetables and potatoes or rice.

MENU DEL NOCHE

20OZ T-BONE STEAK, 16OZ BEEF ENTRECOTE, 12OZ PORK TENDERLOIN, ROASTED LAMB SHANK & sHOULDER, ROASTED PORK KNUCKLE AND MORE. SERVED 7PM - 10PM

SUNDAY ROAST MENU DEL DIA

4 COURSES WITH BOTTLE OF RIOJA WINE PER COUPLE, COFFEE INCLUDED, ROAST LAMB SHOULDER & PORK KNUCkLE, 20OZ T-BONE STEAK, 12OZ ENTRECOTE, 10OZ PORK TENDERLOIN, ROAST POTATOES & FRESH VEGETABLES. SERVED 1PM - 4PM

Booking Recommended

Spanish Speaking 950 430 145 English Speaking 647 730 103 Poligono Industrial Albox, Near the ITV Garage

www.mesondeirene.com

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16 - 22 May 2017

Health and Beauty

App for asthma There are around 5.4 million people in the UK alone that have been diagnosed with asthma. Every 10 seconds, there is an asthma sufferer somewhere that is experiencing a potential fatal attack and an average of three people in the UK die every day from it.

Technological advances in the form of a new smartphone app may, in future, come to the aid of sufferers to stay away from areas that can increase their exposure to the causes of the condition.

Called ‘MyAsthma’, the free app tracks the location of the user and provides vital information on local weather conditions and the all-important pollen count – both of which can easily trigger wheezing and breathing difficulties. Another aspect of the app allows the user to track their previous attacks and to control their medication.

Chief Executive of Asthma UK, Kay Boycott, said: “New technologies offer great hope for people with asthma to help manage their symptoms and monitor their health. Just like every other part of our lives, the use of technology to help people with asthma ensure they are taking their medication as prescribed is likely to become the norm. With the support of doctors, new technologies could support people to seek help when their asthma is not under control.”

The app has been created by GlaxoSmithKline and is the first pharma-supported service of its kind available as an app. It won the AXA PPP Health Tech & You Awards 2017 which were created to promote awareness of health technology.

Other winners at the recent awards ceremony included a finger prick blood test monitor that allows chemotherapy patients to monitor their treatment.

Gluten free food risk More and more people seem to be gluten intolerant and are forced to stay faithful to a gluten free diet to avoid all the associated conditions such as gastroenteritis, nausea, joint and muscle fatigue, and migraines, to name but a few.

Gluten-free diets have in recent years become a popular health trend with the celebrity endorsements from the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham and Miley Cyrus. Beforehand, the wheat-free lifestyle was essentially observed by people suffering with coeliac disease.

However, scientists in the US have discovered that those living a wheat-free regime that haven’t been diagnosed with any underlying illnesses could be eating less whole grains which help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions and increasing their risk of a heart attack.

The British Medical Journal published the study, with the researchers saying: “The avoidance of gluten may result in reduced consumption of beneficial whole grains, which may affect cardiovascular risk. The promotion of gluten-free diets among people without coeliac disease should not be encouraged."

Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye as well as in a variety of foods such as pasta, cakes, breakfast cereals, most types of bread, certain types of sauces and some types of ready meals.

Halitosis?

Take a deep breath

We all know the feeling. Starting off the day with fresh breath gives you the confidence to tackle your day. But that feeling starts to dissipate after our first meal, and the fresh feeling from brushing is slowly replaced with the fear of bad breath. So, how can you maintain that deep clean feeling in your mouth throughout the day? GSK Consumer Healthcare medical expert and dentist Dr. Jim DiMarino shares a few handy tricks: GET CHEWING Bad breath is often caused by food particles and debris that get stuck in and around your teeth.

"I recommend that my patients chew sugar-free gum after meals to promote saliva production and free bits of trapped food." said DiMarino. Look for gum that contains xylitol, an ingredient that inhibits the growth of oral bacteria.

TAME YOUR TUMMY In some cases, bad breath can also arise from excess stomach acid. A good way to fight this is to start your morning off with an alkaline-rich green juice, made with ingredients like kale and spinach, which can ease a sour stomach. Follow up with a glass of water to balance the pH of your mouth to keep your teeth strong.

FLOSS ON THE GO "We all know about the importance of flossing." said DiMarino. 'When food and debris aren't removed, they promote bacteria growth, causing the release of volatile sulphur compounds that lead to bad breath. Flossing doesn't only have to happen at home: store single-use flossers at your desk at work or your car for use on the go7 HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE A dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Drinking water helps to prevent bad breath by assisting to clear out unwanted debris and bacteria.

It is important to try to drink water with every meal to ensure you get at least 48 ounces a day.

31

16 - 22 May 2017

Health and Beauty

Geko seems a swell idea

Teeside patients are getting to surgery faster thanks to the innovative thinking of The James Cook University Hospital trauma team.

Every year up to 200 people undergo ankle fracture surgery at the Middlesbrough hospital.

For some this can mean spending up to a week in a hospital bed waiting for the swelling to reduce to a level on which surgeons can operate.

But now a neuromuscular electro-stimulation device known as a geko™ is being used to help reduce the swelling to get people into the operating theatre quicker.

The geko™, which looks a bit like a watch, sticks onto the patient’s leg above their plaster cast and causes the muscles to contract to help increase blood circulation and reduce swelling.

The device is more commonly used to help prevent DVT (deep vein thrombosis), but experts at James Cook recognised that it could potentially benefit trauma patients so they teamed up with manufacturers Sky Medical Technology to trial the idea.

An initial study involving 20 patients produced extremely positive results – patients were happy to wear the device and in many cases swelling had greatly reduced within 24 hours.

Orthopaedic surgeon Paul Baker is now planning to carry out more in-depth research and to use the device on future patients.

“This could be a game changer for the treatment of swelling for ankle fractures,” he said.

“As far as we are aware this has never been used

for ankle fractures before. It’s much better for patients as sitting in a hospital bed for a week can be very frustrating and can also cause people to lose muscle mass.”

Senior sister Stacey Brown said it was exciting

to be the first to use the device in this way: “Patients have tolerated it really well and the results have been remarkable.”

The collaboration helped Sky Medical Technology scoop a Medilink North West Healthcare Business

Just for men – the aftershave guide

Award for partnership working with the NHS. The geko™ device has secured National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance recommending its use to the NHS for DVT prevention and has FDA clearance for the USA.

Monica Algañaraz

Over 40 years experience in physiotherapy and osteopathic treatment. General postural assessment and holistic health checks available English spoken PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT MONICA ALGANARAZ: 695 355 381 Email: monica@centrophysis.net www.centrophysis.net EAST VALLEY (A7 Exit 529 Golf Course - Business Centre) Very near Garrucha, Turre, Los Gallardos Mojacar-Vera, Albox

Osteopath Naturopath Enrique Arias, N.D, D.O Tel. 629 289 385 for info and appointments

A new online buying guide, ‘The Aftershave Guide’ has been launched to help purchasers sniff out the best deals - a price comparison tool is available to help purchasers find the best prices online.

The Aftershave Guide categorises fragrances into three pots – designer, popular and luxury which gives purchasers a fighting chance to logically consider the vast amount of aftershaves available and compare the notes featured in each aftershave. The guide shares information about the smell of the aftershave from first application until the fragrance has been on the skin for six hours.

The Aftershave Guide features the most recently launched fragrances such as Dunhill Pursuit and Joop Go! It also provides information on traditional and popular fragrances such as Aramis, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan.

“We want people to find the scent that best suits them rather than someone buying the latest thing that turns out not to be quite right. Everyone is different and The Guide points out that the first smell of the chosen scent matures over a matter of hours and can become quite different to the original skoosh.” says John Straw, CEO of Net Additions.

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32

Travel

16 - 22 May 2017

Location, vacation, London Perhaps you’re back visiting family and friends this summer? Why not make the most of a day or two out with a difference?

One of London's legendary landmarks and sites made famous by blockbuster British movies are among the new attractions waiting for visitors exploring the UK's capital city with the London Pass.

The popular city sightseeing card, available at www.londonpass.com, provides entry to more than 70 attractions, tours and experiences across London. And attractions now include St Paul's Cathedral, which has returned to the London Pass after a three-year break.

One of London's most iconic and recognisable buildings, St Paul's was designed by Britain's leading architect Sir Christopher Wren as part of the major rebuilding of the city after the 1666 Great Fire of London. Among the city's most popular places of interest, the stunning Cathedral famously played host to the 1981 Royal Wedding in which Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer.

Normally priced at £18 per adult and £8 per child, entry to St Paul's Cathedral is now included with the London Pass. Guided tours and multimedia guides are included, and London Pass holders also enjoy line-skipping privileges, enabling them to avoid any delays during busy periods.

St Paul's regularly featured in the top 10 London Pass attractions before 2014 and is certain to be just as popular this time around.

Also due to be introduced to the London Pass this month are themed walking tours which

showcase the stand-out locations from some of Britain's best-loved movies and TV shows. London Pass holders will be able to choose between four exciting options with Brit Movie Tours:

HARRY POTTER LONDON WALK Explore a world of silver screen wizardry on this 2-hour tour! See the locations used for The Leaky Cauldron in The Sorcerer's Stone, try your luck with the ticket barriers Arthur Weasley struggles to go through with Harry in The Order of the Phoenix, and sneak around the site where Harry, Ron and Hermione infiltrate the Ministry of Magic using polyjuice potion in The Deathly Hallows. Even muggles will love this look behind the scenes of this magical movie series.

JAMES BOND WALKING TOUR London has always featured heavily in this famous spy film series, but in Bond's most recent adventures it has assumed a starring role.

This 2.5-hour tour visits more than 10 locations seen in films including For Your Eyes Only, Die Another Day and Skyfall; among the highlights are the secret offices of Bond's London HQ 'Universal Exports' and the safe house from SPECTRE. As part of the tour, participants will get to learn about aspects of the British secret service and judge where fantasy meets reality.

SHERLOCK HOLMES WALKING TOUR Grab a deerstalker hat and explore places featured

in the original Sherlock Holmes novels, real sites that inspired author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and spots made famous in the many TV and film adaptations of the detective's great adventures - including locations seen in the BBC's global phenomenon Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

DOCTOR WHO WALKING TOUR A British institution and popular with sci-fi fans the world over, this 2.5-hour tour follows in the footsteps of the 'modern' Doctors including David Tennant and Peter Capaldi. Visit the spot of Cybermen invasions and see where the Doctor rode an anti-gravity motorbike up London's tallest building!

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A one-day London Pass costs £62 per adult and £42 per child, but two-, three-, six- and even 10-day passes are also available. On a one-day London Pass visitors can save money by using the pass just three times: the combined cost of independently visiting the Tower of London, London Bridge Experience and taking a hop-on/hop-off bus tour would be more than £13 more expensive than the pass.

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33

16 - 22 May 2017

Animal Corner

Animal cruelty in zero tolerance push Spanish animal-rights party PACMA (Partido Animalista Contra el Maltrato Animal, or ‘Animalist Party Against Mistreatment of Animals’) has announced that it will present a proposal this week to Spanish political parties represented in the national Congress of Deputies for the passage of a comprehensive law covering all aspects of humane treatment of animals in Spain.

Dubbed the Ley Cero (‘Zero Law’), the proposed legislation will call for “zero” tolerance of animal mistreatment in Spain and will include measures that would ban bullfighting and bull-baiting festivals, prohibit the use of animals in circus acts and

halt the routine practice of sacrificing stray dogs and cats carried out by animal shelters throughout Spain. The proposal calls on the national Congress to unify into a single national law the various criteria for humane treatment of animals contained in regional laws in each of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities. In addition to the bans on bullfighting, circuses and animal sacrifice by shelters, the law would also prohibit hunting, cockfighting and animal attractions at fairs and festivals, while setting aside federal funding to educate the public and raise awareness on the issue of humane treatment of animals.

Pinky poo Dog poo blighting the streets of Epworth in Lincolnshire is to be spray painted bright pink in a bid to shame owners who let their pets go in the street and to prevent pedestrians from stepping in the results.

Epworth Town Council has approved plans to buy eight spray cans and a team of councillors will take to the streets over the coming weeks to use the paint to highlight areas of dog mess.

The move comes after figures showed a rise in recent years in complaints about dog fouling across the Isle of Axholme with 21 people raising the issue in 2014/15 compared to 17 the previous year.

Councillor Don Stewart MBE, aged 76, said there

A woman is absolutely delighted to have been reunited with her beloved family pet following months of agony after her dog was branded a ‘dangerous breed’. after police called at the home of Claire Leonard on an unrelated matter. Claire, 44, of Newhouse Road, Marton was left devastated when Poppy and her other dog Izzy were both taken away by officers who suspected they were a banned pitbull breed. Nine-year-old Izzy was returned almost immediately but Poppy spent two months on the equivalent of doggy death row after it was determined she measured up as a banned type. That has led to weeks of agony for Claire, who faced losing a beloved family pet. She said: “It’s been awful to be honest; not knowing what is going to happen, not knowing if I’m going to get Poppy back.

When we got her we understood she was a cross of some kind, an English Mastiff and maybe a Staffie. I knew both parents.

“I didn’t think for a second she’d be considered a dangerous dog, a banned breed. We’ve had her from a puppy. The mother didn’t bond with the pups so we took her early, from nine weeks. She’s grown up with us; she’s part of the family.” Claire, who lives with her teenage daughter, was shocked when officers, who called at her house to follow up a missing person’s enquiry, started asking about her dogs. She said: “They caught a glimpse of Poppy. They started asking questions about what breed the dogs were. When they took both the dogs I was so upset. Izzy came back almost straight away but they kept Poppy. “They came with a warrant, saying she was suspected under the dangerous dogs act of being a banned breed. They took measurements. It’s all down to the measurements, it’s not breed specific, and there are no tests, just measurements of the dog. When they said she fit the conditions to be classed as a banned breed I could not believe it.” Since Poppy was seized by police Claire has been paying £11 a day in kennel fees. And even now Poppy is home she has to abide by strict conditions imposed by the courts which will hit her in the pocket. Claire said: “I’ve been given an exemption order but there are conditions. I have to have third party insurance, renewed every year.

Poppy has to be muzzled, she’s not allowed off the lead. The

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

APAH

Pet dog branded ‘dangerous’ reunited

was a lot of support for the scheme and the plans were passed unanimously at an environment committee meeting of the town council in March.

He added: “This has been used effectively in other areas so we thought we would give it a trial run. The vast majority of dog owners are responsible and put the mess in a plastic bag and into one of the dog bins. But it will serve as a reminder for the people who might forget from time to time. I don’t think Epworth is any better or worse than other places for dog mess, but you do see it and it is not nice. For the cost of £30 or £40 for a few cans of the paint we hope it will be effective in reducing the amount of dog mess on the streets.”

630 422 563 or 616 210 850

police will be checking up that we are doing everything the court has ordered. I don’t want to risk losing Poppy again. She is on a contingent destruction order; if we breach the conditions she will be destroyed.” But Claire believes Poppy would never harm anyone. She said: “She is a lovely dog; she’s never been aggressive to anybody. I was shocked at how she was, how we’ve been treated. But it’s lovely to get her home.”

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34

16 - 22 May 2017

Motoring

Toyota cruises to speed record It’s usually kept for the military but the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California has witnessed a remarkable speed record set by an SUV. Short for Sport (or Suburban) Utility Vehicle, a modified Land Cruiser made by Toyota reached a speed of 230mph (370kph).

As the custom built vehicle rocketed along the 2.5 mile long runway, it easily beat the existing record of 211mph (340kph).

On top of the usual 381hp, 5.7L V8 engine two turbochargers were added to make it a powerful 2,000 horsepower – some five times the original engine size. Apart from a series of other engine modifications, wider tyres and a reduced suspension combined to boost its top and record-breaking speed.

Former NASCAR driver Carl Edwards needed just two attempts to break the SUV land speed record; he had to slow down on the first attempt because he’d run out of track. After his record drive, Edwards said: “At 225 mph, the thing was wandering a little bit. All I could think was that Craig said, ‘No matter what, just keep your foot in it,’ and we got 230 mph. It’s safe to say that this is the fastest SUV on the planet.”

Toyota test driver Craig Stanton explained that the adjustments to the vehicle added extra stability to the SUV as it undertook ‘terrifying’ top speeds and gave the car ‘unbelievable acceleration.’

“I wanted the Land Speed Cruiser to provide the confidence you need, as a driver, to keep pushing even when the world around you becomes a high speed blur,”he said.

Toyota may well have claimed the overall title with this successful record attempt, but it’s Bentley that still holds the record for the fastest unmodified production SUV, having reached 187mph (301kph) in September 2015 on a test track prior to its release.

Self-drive cars get German approval

Germany cleared the way for its giant automotive industry to develop and test self-driving cars, when the upper house of its parliament approved a law setting out the conditions under which they could take to German roads. Under the law, first suggested by Chancellor Angela Merkel last year, a driver must be sitting behind the wheel at all times ready to take back control if prompted to do so by the automatic vehicle. Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW, some of the world’s largest car companies, have their home in Germany all of which are investing heavily in a technology seen by transport minister Alexander Dobrindt as the “greatest mobility revolution since the invention of the car.”

That’s not to say that German automakers have been standing still in the face of autonomous technology. VW recently outlined its vision for autonomous vehicles. BMW has already demonstrated self-driving vehicles in the United States, and MercedesBenz has partnered up with German auto supplier Bosch on autonomous technology.

This latest legislation allows German car companies to road-test vehicles in which drivers will be allowed to take their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road to browse the web or check e-mails while the vehicle handles steering or braking autonomously. The legislation requires that a black box record the journey underway, logging whether the human driver or the car’s selfpiloting system was in charge at all moments of the ride. This will be crucial for apportioning blame in should there be any accidents and subsequent claims.

Under the legislation, drivers will bear responsibility for accidents that take place under his or her watch, but if the self-driving system is in charge and a system failure is to blame, the manufacturer will be responsible. The law will be revised in two years’ time in the light of technological developments, with data protection and the use of the data collected during rides a key point that has yet to be fully addressed.

Companies around the globe are working on prototypes for selfdriving vehicles, but such cars are not expected to be available for the mass market before 2020.

35

16 - 22 May 2017

Motoring

We’re going for Ibiza

The clock is ticking for the most important event of 2017 so far for Seat, with initial orders being taken for the new Ibiza. To start with, at least, there is an all-petrol line-up.

“Ibiza is an iconic model for Seat, a best-seller that’s been at the heart of our line-up for more than 30 years,” said Richard Harrison, Director, Seat UK. “With that kind of heritage, you can be sure the new model will be a benchmark car, taking Seat quality, design, engineering and technology to an even higher level.

“The New Leon range and the Ateca, our first SUV, have set the scene perfectly, generating huge customer response and helping raise UK sales to record heights already this year. The All-new Ibiza will complete a powerful trio at the heart of our brand and we cannot wait to introduce it to British buyers.”

The new Ibiza arrives at launch with a choice of four petrol engines, with a concentration on a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit.

The massive choice takes in five

trim levels. At entry point, the S version includes air conditioning, electric front windows, automatic headlights, Bluetooth and advanced safety features including Front Assist. Moving up a grade, the SE level delivers the following extra features: 15-inch alloys, front fog lights with cornering function, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control and multi-coloured cabin lighting, together with Seat’s Media System Colour multimedia package.

The new SE Technology is the expected top pick for UK buyers, coming equipped with Media System Plus with eight-inch colour touchscreen, navigation with 3D map display, voice recognition, DAB digital radio and two USB ports. The FR focuses on sportier looks with 17-inch alloys, darktinted rear glass, brilliant black and chrome bodywork details and twin exhausts; the cabin is fitted with sports front seats and flatbottom steering wheel and Full Link smartphone integration.

Family car confessions British parents are quite literally ‘going round the houses’ when it comes to discussing serious issues with their children - by using the family car as a travelling confessional.

Today, Renault Scénic reveals new research that explores the importance of family time in the car as a place of honest conversations and storytelling. The study found that over half (54%) of kids are more likely to open up about topics such as what happened at school and trouble with friends when mum or dad is behind the wheel.

More than a third (38%) of parents think their conversations with their children are far more honest in the car than anywhere else. Over 40% believe this honesty is down to their kids not being under a judgmental stare and one in five (19%) think it’s because their kids can’t immediately be sent to their room.

It’s not just parents, who are wise to the benefits of using the car as a place for talking openly. Picking their moment perfectly, more than one in five kids (22%) admitted to getting into trouble with a teacher or not doing well in a test (22%). A further 14% have owned up to forgetting to do homework and almost one in 10 (8%) to getting a detention.

A third of parents (32%) find it easier to talk about more delicate subjects with the kids when on the road. Well over half (59%) of parents

instigate awkward topics such as the ‘birds and the bees’ in the car so they don’t have to engage in eye-contact.

33% discuss troubles with friends, 17% talk about troubles with a boyfriend or a girlfriend, 10% of children have discussed changes in their body shape and 8% of kids wanted the ‘sex chat’.

One in 10 parents deliberately embarks on a car journey in a desperate bid to get their child to talk more. 28% of parents admit to learning more about their children in the car then they would at home. In fact, 31% feel more clued up on their kids’ favourite music and TV shows after a journey and 22% say they know more about their friends.

A third of parents said they listen more in the car than at home. Of those surveyed, 49% believe it’s the absence of having to cook and 44% having the pressure to leave the house on time (44%) that distracts them at home.

Dr Linda Papadopolous, leading family psychologist said: “This research suggests that the car journey can be a really important time for families, as for some it can be the only time where a conversation can take place with very little distraction.”

Based on the findings of the study it appears that parents feel that their children are more comfortable addressing deeper and more meaningful issues if they’re not under the spotlight - if mum or dad are focused on the road they can’t be under their watchful gaze, and sometimes this can make it easier to open up. And given the fact most parents are driving their children around in excess of eight times a week; this means families have plenty of time to talk.”

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16 - 22 May 2017

SOLTIMES

Sport

Which sport should you take up after you retire?

127 SHOTS – TIME FOR THE 19TH HOLE Next time you’re hacking your way around one of the local golf courses, summon the spirit of the player who not only failed to card a single par but only managed two bogeys on his way to an astonishing 127 in US Open local qualifying - finishing 55 shots over par.

On the 10th hole at Silver Lakes in Glencoe, Alabama, Clifton McDonald began badly with a double bogey seven. Things got much worse, and he was 14 over par after six holes by the time he stepped on to the 16th tee. Fourteen furious swipes later, he had completed the par five.

Most people would have walked off, throwing their clubs into the nearest water feature...but not Clifton. He carried on regardless to make what the Alabama Golf Association says is without doubt “the highest score we’ve had in any qualifying event”. “The guy was really nice. It’s just you could tell he was in over his head. It was a beautiful sunny day, it wasn’t breezy at all. It’s just a tough golf course. The feedback we got from other players was that it was firm and fast. Honestly it’s good qualifying for the Open at Erin Hills. We got his scorecard and he confirmed what he had shot, but we didn’t speak to him for very long. You could tell he had had a long day. But I will say one thing, the gentleman played it out.” Lee McCoy, who finished second to take one of five qualifying spots, tweeted the scorcard, adding: “The scorecard of the guy that played in front of me at US Open qualifying today. Shot 68 on his front 9 and decided to finish #NeverGiveUp.” McDonald was, perhaps not surprisingly, bottom of the pack in 67th. This year’s US Open takes place between 15-18 June in Erin Hills, Wisconsin.

About half of the field is made up of players who are exempt from qualifying - such as the defending champion, Dustin Johnson.

But any professional golfer, or an amateur with a handicap of 1.4 or lower, is eligible to enter local qualifying, which is played at 114 courses around the US and Canada. Those who are successful advance to sectional qualifying, which takes place at 10 sites in the US as well as in Japan and at Walton Heath in Surrey.

Retirement doesn’t (and shouldn’t) mean you have to stop having fun – think of it as a new window of opportunity; the next chapter in your life so to speak.

Many people find a whole new lease of life upon retiring, making them keen to try new things and get out and enjoy themselves.

Whether that’s by making new friends, travelling the world, or just getting in some me-time, there’s a lot of fun to be had when you’re retired. Of course, it’s also important to maintain a healthy weight and good level of fitness. That doesn’t mean you should be in the gym every day doing press ups or lifting weights. A little bit of regular exercise offers great health benefits.

There are many benefits of exercise after retirement, including: • STRESS-RELIEF - If you’ve been used to working a nine to five day your whole life, it can be difficult to switch off and just stop.

Many people can feel anxious and stressed when their working life comes to an end – and exercise can provide a healthy relief for that.

• ENERGY BOOST - Exercise can also give you plenty more energy which is ideal if you’re leading an active social life and are constantly on the go.

• MOOD BOOST - You may already be aware that exercise is great for boosting your mood – that’s on account of all of those endorphins (feel good hormones).

• WEIGHT MANAGEMENT - It can be all too easy to pile on the pounds once you stop working. A lazy morning here and a lavish fry up there can make you feel a little heavier than you’re used to.

Regular exercise will help you manage your weight and reduce the risk of weight-related illnesses.

• LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE - Exercise is good for lowering your blood pressure, reducing your risk of coronary heart disease

as well as osteoporosis (brittle bones).

• BETTER BALANCE - Your balance and coordination will improve with regular exercise, lowering your risk of painful falls.

• MAKE NEW FRIENDS - You may also find that you make some new friends from exercising – giving you further opportunity to be social.

As mentioned earlier, lifting heavy weights and holding the record for the most press ups in a minute is not so important when you’re at retirement age. Whilst many play and enjoy the benefits of playing Bowls in their retirement on this part of Spain, the most popular five sports and their benefits are listed below: 1. SWIMMING - Great for general fitness levels and can help to reduce your risk of illnesses, such as strokes, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

2. DANCE - Good for meeting new people and making new friends; doesn’t feel like exercise so ideal for people who have never really been a fan of sport.

3. WALKING - Join a walkers association and make some new friends. There will be walks for all abilities, helping to maintain your fitness level and keep you mobile.

4. NORDIC WALKING - Ideal for those with back or joint problems, Nordic walking uses poles to help support your weight.

5. STRENGTH TRAINING - Good for preventing osteoporosis as it keeps your bones strong and healthy. Also helps to speed up your metabolism so will burn calories.

NB: It is important to speak to your GP before undertaking new exercise for the first time.

Motor horsepower on Derby day

An added touch of horsepower will be on show at this year’s Epsom Derby Day, with the inclusion of a new classic car rally.

Flat racing’s showpiece event will feature a display of more than 100 cars on the inside of the track near Tattenham corner, part of The Hill area which is free for members of the public.

Entry for cars, including the driver and all passengers, is £29 and must be booked in advance.

The Jockey Club is working in partnership with experienced motoring events organiser Mortons for the new attraction on Saturday, June 3.

Its commercial director, Nigel Hole, said: “This is such an exciting opportunity to hold what will certainly be a unique rally at a prestigious sporting event.

“We hope to welcome enthusiasts who might never have even been to the horses before, and I’m sure the thousands of racegoers will enjoy the chance to look at some stunning vintage, veteran and classic vehicles that’ll be parked on site.”

Those attending the rally can also access the rest of The Hill with its market stalls, live music and funfair that run throughout race day. A new Hillside Enclosure in the centre of Epsom Downs’ famous track has also been introduced for 2017. It features a family zone, children’s entertainment and garden party area.

16 - 22 May 2017

FOOTBALL FIXTURES

Please check dates & KO times prior to travel

LA LIGA

Wednesday 17th May CELTA VIGO ‘V’ REAL MADRID Friday 19th May GRANADA ‘V’ ESPANYOL Saturday 20th May DEPORTIVO ‘V’ LAS PALMAS LEGANES ‘V’ ALAVÉS SPORTING ‘V’ REAL BETIS Sunday 21st May – Final day of the 2016/17 season ATHLETICO MADRID ‘V’ ATHLETICO BILBAO BARCELONA ‘V’ EIBAR CELTA VIGO ‘V’ REAL SOCIADAD MALAGA ‘V’ REAL MADRID SEVILLA ‘V’ OSASUNA VALENCIA ‘V’ VILLAREAL

39

Hamilton and Vettel in friendly disagreement After their thrilling duel for victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel disagreed with who was to blame for the wheel-banging moment which nearly ended the fight prematurely on lap 38.

With strategy key to the race, it was vital Vettel emerged ahead of Hamilton from his final stop as he was finishing the grand prix on the slower, but more durable, medium tyre. Hamilton behind had taken on the soft tyre at his last stop after Mercedes flipped his strategy earlier in the contest, a response to Vettel snatching the lead at the start.

As Vettel exited, the pair entered Turn 1 wheel to wheel, Vettel on the inside and Hamilton on the outside. Vettel took the inside line and then drifted across the corner - taking the normal racing line - while Hamilton held firm, with the pair banging wheels.

Hamilton bailed out across the kerbs and had to slot in behind the championship leader.

Though Hamilton would later catch and overtake Vettel for the win, he complained he had been far enough ahead of the Ferrari driver to expect the championship leader would give him space on the inside.

Speaking on the podium afterwards, Hamilton said: “I think in the heat of the moment it’s difficult to know from the outside view what it’s like. I felt I was running out of road and I was alongside, it was definitely close but again as I said, that’s how racing should be and I loved it, I wouldn’t change it for the world.” Vettel then said: “Then he came out and I was a bit surprised when we came out that is was already so close, a love tap.

I don’t know if we touched but I managed to stay ahead so it was really close.”

The two men spoke in good spirits on the podium and in a respectful atmosphere that has been a common theme of their title battle so far this season.

Weekend Football Results

LA LIGA

Saturday 13th May ESPANYOL – 0 VALENCIA – 1 OSASUNA – 2 GRANADA - 1 Sunday 14th May ALAVÉS – 3 CELTA VIGO – 1 ATHLETICO BILBAO - 1 LEGANES – 1 REAL SOCIADAD - 2 MÁLAGA - 2 VILLAREAL – 0 DEPORTIVO - 0

Liverpool: a dominating force 40 years ago

By Tony Matthews Forty years ago, in 1977, Liverpool dominated English and European football, winning both the European Cup and the Football League Championship, and also lifting the FA Charity Shield, but they missed out on a ‘real competitive treble’ by losing in the FA Cup final.

They won their tenth second successive League title by a point from Manchester City (57-56), claiming the Championship with one game remaining, and at the same time it was their second League title triumph in a row – the first team to do this since Wolves in 1959.

Liverpool were unbeaten at Anfield, winning 18 and drawing three of their 21 matches. They scored 47 home goals and 15 away, conceding just 33 overall, 11 at home.

Their biggest wins were 5-1 v. Leicester, 4-0 v. Stoke City and 4-1 v. Birmingham, all at home.

Kevin Keegan top-scored in the League with 12 goals (one a penalty); John Toshack netted 10 and Steve Heighway eight. Keegan bagged 20 in all during the campaign.

The average attendance at Anfield was 47,284 – bettered only by Manchester United with 53,709.

Unfortunately, Liverpool lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup final - the defeat preventing them from becoming the first English club to win three major trophies in the same season.

En-route to Wembley, manager Bob Paisley’s team knocked out, in turn, Crystal Palace, Carlisle United, Oldham Athletic, Middlesbrough and Merseyside rivals Everton (in a semi-final replay) before succumbing 2-1 to Tommy Docherty’s United in front 99,252 spectators.

And for the record, all three goals were scored in the space of four second-half minutes (51-55) with Jimmy Case on target for the Reds.

West Bromwich Albion knocked Liverpool out of the League Cup earlier in the season, winning a 2nd round replay 1-0 at The Hawthorns.

However, four days after their FA Cup final defeat, Liverpool bounced back in style by winning the coveted European Cup for the first time, beating Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, thus becoming the Second English and the Third British club to win the trophy since it’s introduction in 1955-56.

A crowd of 57,000 saw the Reds lift the trophy in Rome,

courtesy of goals from Terry McDermott, Tommy Smith and Phil Neal (penalty).

The final was also Kevin Keegan’s last outing for Liverpool before moving to HSV Hamburg for a British record transfer fee of £500,000.

Earlier, another transfer virtually passed unnoticed when Liverpool secured the services of defender Alan Hansen from Partick Thistle for £100,000.

And finally, skipper Emlyn Hughes was voted FWA Footballer of the Year for 1977.

Did you know...

Did you know the Grand Canyon can hold around 900 trillion footballs Did you know the average golf ball has 336 dimples Did you know if you filled a matchbox with gold it could be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court Did you know tennis was originally played with bare hands Did you know the Olympic flag was designed in 1913 Did you know a bowling pin will fall at a tilt of 7.5 degrees

This week in sporting history

By Matt Anthony 1734 The jockey club was formed.

1935 Cricketer Ted Dexter was born (later captained England).

1952 Johnny Lowden became the second jockey to ride 4,000 winners.

1953 Rocky Marciano k’od Jersey Joe Walcott to become heavyweight boxing champion.

1954 Marciano retained his title by beating GB’s Don Cockell.

1959 Sam Snead set a PGA record with a score of 122 for the first 36 holes at the US Masters.

1960 It was Real Madrid 7 Eintracht Frankfurt 3 in an epic European Cup final in Glasgow 1963 Tottenham Hotspur beat Atletico Madrid 5-1 in the ECWC final.

1975 Muhammad Ali became world champion in the boxing ring.

1985 Everton defeated Rapid Vienna 3-1 to win the European Cup-winner’s Cup. 1987 World number one tennis star Andy Murray was born in Glasgow.

1991 It was Manchester United 2 Barcelona 1 in the European Cup final.

1992 Barcelona edged past Sampdoria 1-0 to win the Champions League final.

1998 Real Madrid pipped Juventus 1-0 to lift the Champions League title. The Italian club will seek revenge in Cardiff in two-and-half weeks time (3rd June)

1977 Footy Fact File: * Wolves, Mansfield Town and Cambridge United (under boss Ron Atkinson) were the second, Third and Fourth Division champions respectively. * Workington lost their Football League status – replaced by Wimbledon. * Celtic, St Mirren and Stirling Albion won their respective Divisions in Scotland. Celtic also won the Scottish Cup while Aberdeen were League Cup winners. * Aston Villa won the League Cup and Scotland the Home International Championship. * Andy Gray (Villa) – the First Division’s joint top scorer (with Malcolm Macdonald) in all competitions with 29 goals, was voted both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year. * Peter Ward (Brighton & Hove Albion) was the country’s leading marksman with 36 goals (32 in the League) * Willie Hamilton (ex-Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United) and Peter Houseman (formerly with Chelsea and then of Oxford United) both sadly died.

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