Soltimes Almeria – Issue 589

6th - 12th June

almeria

PART OF EWN MEDIA GROUP

EST 2005

The names they are ‘a changing As from the end of this month, the system of how a Spanish family name their child is changing. Up until that point – June 30th – the surname of the child’s father always has precedence over that of the mother in the double surnames that every Spaniard has. This is as a result of the reform of the Civil Registry which means that parents must now agree on the order of the surnames used.

The Director General of Registries and Notaries of the Ministry of Justice believes that in most cases there will be agreement between the father and the mother in the order of surnames, and in any case the registration must be made within three days of the birth should there be any difference from the status quo. In this scenario, the father’s name will take preference.

These changes in the law were first discussed as far back as 2010 when the automatic right of the father’s name to be used first was muted.

Spaniards have two surnames, and under current law either can come first. Traditionally, however, it is the father’s, and in cases of a dispute the father’s name automatically takes priority.

Spanish women do not change their surnames at marriage. There has, however, always been a certain flexibility about which of their two surnames Spaniards give most prominence.

Artist Pablo Picasso, for example, chose his second surname, as did the actor Antonio Banderas. Their first surnames, Ruíz and Domínguez respectively, were obviously too commonplace. Footballer David Silva also prefers his mother’s surname and former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is more commonly known by his second surname. The full name of pop singer Enrique Iglesias is Enrique Iglesias Preysler. He is the son of Julio José Iglesias de la Cueva and María Isabel Preysler Arrastia.

The practice of a person being given two family names became the custom in Spain largely because of Arabic influence.

The example below gives an example of a typical Spanish family and the wealth of surnames used. In most of the world, they would have just one...

Father – José García Rodríguez Mother – Anna Cifuentes López First child – Juan García Cifuentes, who marries Sofia Martínez Riquelme Grandchild – Davíd García Martínez.

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6th - 12th June 2017

almeria

12th June Tuesday 6th June to Monday

Edition 589

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Balearic bullfighting ban beckons

President of the Balearic Islands and leader of the regional Socialist (PSOE) party, Francina Armengol, reiterated that her government will move forward with amendments to the region’s 1992 animal welfare law, further restricting bullfighting and bull-baiting festivals in the islands despite warnings from the opposition Partido Popular (PP) that it will overturn the new law if it comes to power in the next regional elections in 2019.

Under proposed legislation filed during early last month by the Partido Socialista de las Islas Baleares (PSIB) with support from Podemos, MÉS per Mallorca and MÉS per Menorca deputies in the regional parliament, bullfighting in the Balearics will be allowed but with strict limitations.

The new law would limit the number of bulls to three per bullfight, each in the ring for a maximum of ten minutes, and the bulls can neither be spiked with banderillas nor killed with a sword by the matador, but must be returned alive after the ‘fight’ to the ranch that supplied the animal. The new legislation would also prohibit bullfighting on horseback, ban the sale of alcohol at bullfighting events and prohibit entry to minors under the age of 18.

In the Balearic regional parliament last week, PP regional spokesperson Margalida Prohens called the new law “ridiculous” and said it is an attempt to circumvent the national protection of bullfights as part of Spain’s cultural heritage, a position that has been upheld by the country’s Constitutional Court. Prohens said that should the PP win what are expected to be hotly contested regional elections in 2019, the conservative party would make overturning the proposed restrictions on bullfighting in the Balearics one of its top priorities.

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Iberdrola scam warning A major scam involving e-mails purporting to be from electricity board Iberdrola has been uncovered by Spain’s National Cyber-Security Institute in the centre-northern city of León.

The Institute, or INCIBE, said fraudulent messages have been received by many customers explaining that an error in their billing system means they are now due a refund for overpayment.

It requests that the recipient should click on a link, which takes customers to a website that appears to be Iberdrola’s, and prompts them to give their personal data and bank account details.

Once this information has been disclosed, the scammers then help themselves to victims’ funds.

As yet, the INCIBE is not aware of whether any customers have suffered major financial losses.

Iberdrola would never ask for bank details by email, since it already has clients’ data to process refunds if necessary and, if this is not the case – because of the customer paying all bills in cash – would deduct any overpayment from the next bill due.

6th - 12th June 2017

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News

Homes justice for Brits at last After many years of legal issues, thousands of British homebuyers who were caught up in the Spanish property market crash are finally beginning to recover the millions they paid for holiday homes that were never built.

Back in December 2015, a ruling in Spain’s Supreme Court opened the way for an estimated 130,000 Britons to make a claim directly from the banks rather than the property developers, many of whom promptly declared themselves bankrupt overnight.

It has been estimated British buyers are owed £5.3bn in both deposits and stage payments on properties purchased off-plan, most of which were never completed. In total, approximately 500,000 people were affected; but it’s not just the British as it’s estimated around 300,000 Spaniards were part of the group.

Before the ruling, only those with bank guarantees – about 5% of those affected – could claim directly from the banks. The Supreme Court then ruled that regardless

of whether they had guarantees, the banks had an obligation to safeguard buyers’ money. The average case takes 12-15 months to complete so it is only now that the banks are starting to pay out.

Luis Cuervo, CEO of Spanish Legal Reclaims, the company that has taken on hundreds of cases said: “Many people are so fed up they can’t face the idea of going to court again. What they need to understand is that they now have a good chance of recovering the money. It’s not property developers we’re up against now, it’s banks – and they have the money to pay.

“People who took developers to court were badly advised because they all just went bankrupt. They spent more money, won the case but got nothing. Only a minority who had bank guarantees went to court and won.”

Cases must be filed within 15 years of the expected completion date of the property, and claimants must provide evidence of a contract with the developer, payments made into the developer’s account and the fact that the property was never delivered.

Claimants must beware the high cost of fees charged by Spanish legal firms. Cases are generally fought on a no-win, no-fee basis, and in the case of Spanish Legal Reclaims, the fee is 30%-35% of the claim. However, any compensation award is likely to include a large amount of accrued interest, so claimants may not end up out of pocket. Banks usually appeal against the first decision so it’s important to ensure the no-win, no-fee contract covers the entire process. Some judges will award legal costs, typically 10% of the claim plus a further 5% if the case goes to appeal.

If you think you are eligible you should first seek independent and impartial legal advice, and you will need the following: • A signed contract between the client and the developer.

• Proof of payment into the property developer’s bank account. In many cases, the client will have transferred money to their lawyer rather than directly to the property developer’s bank. In such cases, your lawyer has to locate the developer’s lawyer to get proof it received the funds.

• Judgments – if you have previously tried to take the developer to court, it is important to let your lawyer know.

• Other supporting documents for the property, such as paperwork or email exchanges, should be shared with your legal adviser to give them the best chance of reclaiming your cash.

The deadline for claims is 7 October 2020.

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6th - 12th June 2017

Opinion: Terrorism can’t become normalised

By Alastair Stewart The most recent attack in London is a horrific reminder of the continuing vulnerability of British people to indiscriminate murder. The third such attack in three months has seen a wretched pattern emerge. Absolute horror ensues, the emergency services rally to their duty; heroes prevail and a torrent of ‘we will not yield’ rhetoric flourishes from the political class. This is not to be dismissive; merely to note that no explication is ever presented save for a totemic indulgence of what it means to be British.

When is, as Theresa May said, enough going to be enough?

Both Conservatives and Labour and the other main political parties have, once more, suspended their general election campaigns in response to a terrorist incident (for the second time after the wretchedness of Manchester). To what end?

The definition of terrorism, according to the Oxford Dictionary is “the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.”

We know the political objectives: the establishment of a medieval-style caliphate ruled by pure Koranic and Sharia law (just as in parts of Syria and Iraq that have fallen under ISIS).

The general election is to be held in

four days. When does the suspension of elections, done so out of respect for the dead, turn into the gradual diminishment of our democracy?

Blaming Muslims is lewd, inaccurate and dangerous. Their religion has been hijacked by murderers and thugs and Muslims, as much as any other British ethnicity, are as vulnerable to the whims of madmen.

The real danger is not only in terror, but the normalcy that it breeds. Expecting horror, knowing it will come, is how a problem is perpetuated, not solved. It is decidedly wrong to continue to delay any ballot - it is precisely how radical jihadists want to destabilise the British way of life.

The last time a general election was delayed was from 1940 to 1945 because of the Second World War. And British democracy does not, and never has, answered to thuggery.

Something must be done, an honest conversation free of accusation, hyperbole and insinuation about how to root out further attacks must be had. There can be no justification, no cerebral excuse for supporting extremism and no apology given for its excision.

Accepting horror as the new normal is the red line, the last line, that cannot be embraced.

Opinion/News

Surge in support for British pubs British pubs have been declared in excellent health by a leading research firm.

Data released this week by Mintel found that sales of alcoholic drinks and meals in pubs has grown by 6% and 14% respectively, while soft drink sales rose by 7% in 2012-16.

Publicans will undoubtedly welcome the £7.4 billion boost brought from food.

The numbers challenge the presumption that punters had abandoned British pubs in recent years because of the increased emphasis on meal and musicfriendly environments.

British pub fayre has also been met with approval for its quality. Over three in five (63%) are prepared to pay over £10 for dinner at a pub (excluding drinks) and 18% are happy to spend between £15-£19.99. 10% of customers are comfortable paying between £20 - 24.99 and 8% prepared to pay over £25.

23% of consumers also said they had visited a pub in the past month because of the high quality of food on offer, rising to 30% in 2017.

The survey confirms a subtle shift in drinking habits among British people, with nine in 10 (89%) Britsish people saying they typically visit a pub or bar to eat, compared to eight in 10 (79%) who go to drink in these venues.

In 2016, alcoholic drinks made up half of the UK pub industry’s turnover, compared to 31% brought in by food. Overall, industry turnover grew by an estimated 8% in 2012-16 to reach £23.5 billion.

Richard Caines, Senior Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel, said: “Pubs that generate a higher proportion of sales from food and, as a result, attract a wider audience have generally performed more strongly than drink-led pubs. ” If there’s dark cloud, however, it might be that a majority of 65% of people would like more pubs to have quiet areas free from music and TV. However, the evidence points to a resurgence in pub culture which has suffered a sharp decline in recent years.

According to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), there were 52,750 pubs at the end of last 2015, down from 54,194 in December 2014.

The organisation reported that pub closure rates are slowing - with the total number of pubs closing per week falling from 27 to 21 in the last six months.

CAMRA has encouraged the public to continue supporting their local pubs to ensure pub closures continue to fall.

Sex attack in El Ejido Two people have been accused of sexual assault against a 14-year old. The attack is alleged to have occurred on the night of the 20th in Almerimar near El Ejido.

The investigation began in the early hours of the 21st after police learnt a minor had been transferred by ambulance to the Hospital Poniente in El Ejido.

The Guardia Civil arrested two teens aged 17 and 18 years old in connection with the attack. The case was referred to the Prosecutor’s Office of Almeria.

The 18 year old man has been remanded into custody without bail. Judicial sources have reported that the adult testified before the judge, who ordered him to enter prison. The 17 year old has been granted bail and released on charges pending further investigation into the alleged offence.

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5 News

Garden of reflection

CHARITY CONCERT SOLD OUT

In the aftermath of the murderous attacks in Manchester, communities up and down the Costa Blanca got together to pay their own respects to the dead and injured. Whether they or their family and friends knew someone directly involved or just simply wanted to show their support, they gathered in their hundreds to show their solidarity. Sadly, such demonstrations will no doubt be repeated in the wake of the atrocities in London at the weekend.

During one such organised vigil on Urbanisation La Marina, San Fulgencio the idea was casually raised about having a permanent place in the area to be used as a memorial garden. Local resident Debbie Alger, originally from Manchester, who organised the event explained her thoughts.

“With my roots in the affected area, and being so far away here in Spain, I just wanted to show my feelings and support to those affected. I know one of the families personally,” explained Debbie.

But it was during this emotional time that Debbie had her idea to create something more permanent; not just a memorial for the Manchester victims but a place to remember all loved ones that have passed.

“As I lit my candle that night, all of a sudden I remembered my own Dad who died a few years ago having lived on La Marina for years and thought that I had no place to light a candle for him or lay some flowers on his birthday,” said Debbie. “It then occurred to me that so many other people here would be in similar situations who would appreciate somewhere nice and quiet and close to home to visit and remember and to reflect whenever they wanted to.”

Debbie floated her idea for a ‘Garden of Reflection’ on Facebook and received an incredible amount of feedback almost immediately. She has now embarked on organising and encouraging a series of local fundraising events to help with the construction and maintenance of the planned area which has been given to Debbie by the local San Fulgencio council. It will be in the shaded garden area next to the La Marina market place complete with wheelchair access and open to people of all nationalities who wish to remember their loved ones.

Debbie said: “I have a vision of how I would like it to look but it’s not just my garden; it’s for everyone so any ideas are most welcome. I’ve already been overwhelmed with the amount of support and encouragement from friends, colleagues, businesses and strangers alike. This is going to be a big team effort” If anyone would like to make a donation toward the Garden of Reflection, contact Debbie on 634 366 273.

The recent charity cabaret evening held in Alhaurin el Grande was a complete sell-out and was enjoyed by almost 100 people.

The audience was treated to some top class singing, with popular numbers from the 50’s right through to present day, and showed their appreciation by joining in with the chorus’s, dancing in the aisles to a rock n roll number, and explosive applause.

The event was held to raise much needed funds for “Gift of Life” Cat Rescue and A.R.C.H. (the Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses). Both organisations are based in the Alhaurin el Grande / Coin area, and, like many charities, are always in need of funding to continue their vital work.

Organiser of the event, Cath Bradley, said she was overwhelmed with the support shown by everyone, and is delighted to report that over €1200 was raised from this event.

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6th - 12th June 2017

Avatar comes to Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has unveiled a world out of this world consisting of massive mountains floating in the sky, rainforests pulsing light and breathtaking flights for explorers soaring above an alien moon on the backs of great winged banshees.

Pandora – The World of Avatar will transform, transfix and transport Walt Disney World Resort guests to an allnew Disney land beyond belief – 4.4 light years away from Earth. The spectacular new attraction opened to the public at the weekend.

Set with artifacts found throughout the Pandoran landscape, the dedication stage was a tapestry of sights and sounds. Drummers pounded out traditional rhythms, colourfully dressed performers led a procession full of pageantry and artful banners fluttered in the morning sky.

Inspired by the blockbuster motion picture AVATAR from filmmaker James Cameron, the new 12-acre land immerses guests in the lush world of Pandora in a time frame a generation after the human-Na’vi conflict in the Oscar-winning film.

In a collaboration of two master storytellers, Disney joined with Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment in a multi-year project to bring to life the mythical world of Pandora.

“Working with Jim and his team was a dream come true for us, as we pushed the limits of creativity and innovation to bring the digital world of Pandora to the real world of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “Now anyone who has ever dreamed of visiting this extraordinary world can explore the astonishing landscape and ecosystem, soar on the back of a banshee and actually become part of the AVATAR adventure.”

The breathtaking, otherworldly beauty of Pandora that amazes by day will glow at night when bioluminescent flora and special night-time programming add to the fascination guests will feel.

Na’vi, the indigenous blue people in the film, call Pandora home. Cave paintings give hints of the Na’vi culture, and totems they weaved point guests down pathways threading through the overgrown rainforest, punctuated by bizarre sounds of animals not of this world and alien plants that glow with light. Disney Imaginers created a soundscape meant to evoke an alien jungle.

Some of the most creative sculptors in the world were

recruited to help shape the new land, with the overriding message of connecting everything to the value of nature - and the transformative power of adventure and conservation.

“I never thought I’d see the day when the Pandora I imagined could be made physically real,” said Cameron.

“Working with Disney to bring this world to life has been an amazing experience, and the result is something I think everyone will love for generations to come. It really feels like you’re stepping into a dream.”

While inspired by Cameron’s film, Pandora – The World of Avatar was not envisioned as an extension of the film.

“It’s not the movie AVATAR that we are portraying,” said Joe Rohde, Walt Disney Imagineering portfolio creative executive. “It is the planet Pandora where you can come; you can visit, and have your own unique adventure. Rather than reliving the adventures of characters from the film, you’re going to come to the planet where those things happened - and have your own set of adventures you can own.”

And what an eye-filling, sky-filling planet it is.

Crossing an entry bridge, rusted-over across the years, guests follow a winding forest pathway to where the surreal landscape first comes into view. The exotic Valley of Mo’ara spreads before them.

Other-worldly sights, sounds and scenes abound.

Adventurers roam verdant pathways underneath floating mountains laced with waterfalls dropping to quiet ponds. They venture deep inside a bioluminescent rainforest amid the sounds of Pandoran creatures roaming the underbrush.

Two extraordinary attractions anchor the new land: 1. Avatar Flight of Passage sends explorers swooping and soaring on a simulated flight above the awe-inspiring world of Pandora on the back of a winged banshee.

Floating mountains, rushing waterfalls, vast seas and dense jungle pass under-wing. This multi-sensory, windin-your-face experience is unlike anything Disney has created before. “You are grounded on a winged predator and flying through these amazing environments with

Choirmaster required

The late winter and spring around Limaria do their best to fulfil the optimistic promises of those glossy and idealised brochures designed to attract the nature loving holidaymaker.

Things green up and show promise of future floral output. Pine trees push up their best efforts at flowers; timid little miniature Century plants peep out from under their mother’s skirts, wondering if it is safe to grow; the Wild Sage erupts like Lazarus from deader than dead to sturdy bushes coating every hill and mountain with wave upon wave upon wave of soft yellow profusion. The Red-legged Partridges run around apparently in utter confusion, the Little Owls sit in the middle of the roads in catatonic stillness, Hares leg it, while Rabbits attempt suicidal road crossings at the mere sight of a car. Swallows and Swifts appear as if they have never left, Magpies engage in swearing competitions with Cuckoos, and that glorious harbinger of summer, the Bee Eater, fills the sky with its rolling warble. The Starlings and Sparrows are permanent residents. They begin fighting over best chimneystack, best ventilation tile in roofs, in fact any spot that is non-accessible by cat. They fill every daylight hour with their negotiations, discussions and opinions. They attend to their affairs of state with far more dedication and a much higher decibel count than any Member of Parliament

News

special effects to add to the thrill,” Rohde says.

Aboard the eight-person reed boats of Na’vi River Journey, families follow a sacred river deep into the bioluminescent rainforest under a canopy of exotic glowing plants, passing rock formations and Pandoran creatures on the move. This mystical journey culminates in an encounter with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends positive energy out into the forest through her music.

After roaming a landscape pulsing with entertainment happening throughout the day and night, adventurers can recharge at Satu’li Canteen, the fast-casual restaurant for Pandora housed in an old Quonset hut.

Windtraders stocks Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more. Pongu Pongu, with a design as eclectic as its expat owner, is a specialty-beverage kiosk that serves up cooling refreshments and a treat called Lumpia (loom-pee-ah), a pineapple-cream cheese spring roll.

2. Pandora – The World of Avatar expands the day-intonighttime adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including new after-dark experiences such as the majestic Rivers of Light show, sunset safaris, live-entertainment street parties and vivid, animated imagery bathing the Tree of Life, centerpiece of the adventure park.

– if the loudness of the noise that comes out of the beak of one small Sparrow were to be sized-up to the equivalent amount of loudness of noise for one average sized human, there would be no need of mobile phones – we would be able to hear each other over a distance of several miles!

Starlings aren’t so bad – at least they can mimic. We have one which can wolf-whistle, imitate a dove, a wheelbarrow and somebody spreading gravel. At least there is a bit of variety.

Sparrows, however, have Chirp and Cheep – not a wide vocabulary! The boys flit about conspicuously shouting Chirp. The girls hop around with more decorum answering Cheep. I’ve counted; on average for each pair of Sparrows there is one Chirp and its answering Cheep per 2 seconds. Multiply this by a whole gardenfull of Sparrows and you get a random cacophony of Chirps and Cheeps! Perhaps this uncoordinated effort could be channelled into something more rewarding? Could Gareth Malone be persuaded to mould them into a choir? To make it easy for them maybe he could start with the Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep Song, so that they wouldn’t have to learn the words. Perhaps I’ll ask him.

By Jos Biggs

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6th - 12th June 2017

Flower festival, Aljambra Chapel, Albox.

Celebrations were held at Aljambra Chapel over the weekend of 26-28 May to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the start of Anglican Services at Aljambra. The centre point of the weekend, which included many stalls, refreshments, a BBQ and a show of vintage cars was a wonderful show of 51 fantastic flower arrangments, some of which were sold at a silent auction. The weekend concluded with an open air Songs of Praise service.

To date, €2300 has been raised for the Chaplaincy and AECC (Spanish Research into cancer). Congratulations to all the organisers.

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Trains, planes and bins: how Almeria works

In Spain, as in the UK for that matter, government and bureaucracy can often seem very confusing.

For expats in Almeria, it might be just a little bit harder to figure out who exactly has responsibility for the bins, the roads or the hospitals, given the often stark language barrier. Unlike the UK, Spain has a constitution which sets out the responsibilities of every level of government. The Spanish Government, El Gobierno de Espana, led by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, has exclusive competencies over things like defence, foreign policy as well as immigration.

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities of which Andalucia is the most populated and the second largest. The powers of the Comunidad Autónomais are asymmetrical, some have more powers than others, and all of them have an established regional identity.

As a general rule, community powers extend to all matters not allocated to the state by the constitution. Principal competencies include regional transportation, health and education. They also have individual legislative processes and implement state legislation, while the judiciary of Spain remains supreme.

Communities are split into provinces, of which Spain has 50 and Andalucia eight.

The Diputación Provincial collectively represent municipalities, foster cooperation in the promotion of economic and social development and provide public services of a supra-municipal character. Provinces are largely more relevant as electoral districts for national elections and as geographical references like postal addresses and phone codes compared to the communities.

Some divisions in communities also band together into comarcas to achieve common objectives, albeit with its not a formal tier of government.

On a day-to-day basis, it’s actually municipalities which control most of what expats will be affected by. Almeria has 102, and whether from public safety, the protection of public health, the management of healthcare and tourism, the Ayuntamiento, or local council, are most residents initial encounter with the Spanish state.

More specifically, becoming a Spanish citizen, getting resident cards, your NIE or anything to do with employment fall under the purview of the Spanish Government.

There will always be areas of overlap and confusion is not rare. Issues of contention between central and regional government are settled by the Constitutional Court, Tribunal Constitucional de España.

Spain is not a federation, but is extremely decentralised and comparable to devolution between Westminster, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

As a great man once said, “bureaucracy is the only constant in the universe.”

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6th - 12th June 2017

News

Distinct lack of harmony

If bad behaviour isn’t your thing it’s best to avoid the under the stairs lot notorious for their unsociable conduct. Better to put on one’s best party frock and attend a soiree. Why risk a coup d’état if there’s a tête-à-tête to be enjoyed.

At a dinner party one is sure to mix with people of refined taste who are above making coarse and tasteless remarks. If attendees include the best of classical musicians well what more could one ask for; well, quite a lot actually.

German composer Johannes Brahms is in a class of his own but his table manners were notorious. The gifted musician was once heard to remark: “If there is anyone here who I have not insulted, I beg his pardon.”

ling snow than scribbling on manuscript paper.”

If SOL Times has Australian readers I suggest they stop reading right now. After a successful tour of Australia the esteemed Sir Thomas Beecham was asked when he would return. Looking the nervous hack in the eye, Sir Thomas asked, “Does anyone ever return to Australia?”

Brits love their Gilbert and Sullivan operetta but the talented twosome had their critics too. When a singer insisted he knew better than Sullivan how a certain song should be interpreted, Sullivan told him: “In future I will get you to sing my songs first, then I will compose them afterwards.”

Whilst on the opera circuit we are reminded of American broadcaster Ed Gardner’s comment: “Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back and instead of bleeding he sings.”

When asked to define good music a pundit replied: “if you like it is good. If you don’t like it, it is bad.”

Critics too are often on the receiving end of spiteful remarks. “Pay no attention to what critics say. There has never been a statue set up in honour of a critic.” ~ Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.

Gifted Russian composer, Tchaikovsky, wrote: “Music is an incomparably more powerful means and is a subtler language for expressing the thousand different moments of the soul’s moods.”

Fine sentiments, Pyotr Ilyich, but surely your comment that Handel was only fourth rate might have been left to the German composer’s music to say.

Of his compatriot Maurice Ravel the French composer Saint-Saens remarked, “If he had been making shell cases during the war it might have been better for music.”

I do find myself in agreement with Richard Strauss who of Schoenberg commented, “He’d be better off shovel-

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6th - 12th June 2017

News

How do the Spanish feel about the UK general election?

Jeremy Corbyn’s victory is increasingly possible. In recent days, the passion of his convictions has seen even tempered next to the joyless hubris of Prime Minister Theresa May and her acolytes.

Britain’s next government is the subject of intense interest to its European neighbours. Will they continue to play derisive hardball with May or will they sit down with bonhomie toward Corbyn?

For Spain, it’s apparent that the most pressing issues with Britain are two-fold: their disputed claim to Gibraltar and how a Brexit deal might set a precedent for the Basque Country and Catalonia.

Neither Labour nor the Conservatives have set out what a good or bad Brexit deal looks like. Nor have they said what their negotiating strategy is (save for the usual cliches about the ‘national interest’).

In fact, there’s a curious irony at play between May and Corbyn. Euroscepticism has punctuated the Labour leader’s career (although he’s defended the social benefits of the EU in recent years). May, on the other hand, has emphasised the economic benefits of EU membership while now usurping parliamentary ac-

countability at ever turn to expedite a Brexit. Go figure.

In Spain, there will be different readings of the election. The conservative People’s Party under Mariano Rajoy would no doubt quietly cheer the victory of the right-wing Tories; albeit as short-term EU partners and potential long-term foes to a clean Brexit.

Corbyn would, without a doubt, be the most likely to negotiate for the shared sovereignty of Gibraltar, as well as the fairest Brexit break without the jingoism of the Tories.

Undoubtedly, Corbyn would be best for Madrid, but a hung parliament of some sort, or a massively reduced majority for May, would severely restrict her ability to act unilaterally with no consideration to the Remain movements.

Whatever the result, Nicola’s Sturgeon’s Scottish Nationalist Party pose a significant threat to Spain’s delicate regional politics. If the SNP claim most of Scotland’s Westminster seats, the democratic deficit of a Tory government, coupled with a hard Brexit, will likely fuel calls for a second independence referendum.

It’s entirely within Spain’s interests to keep an eye on UK affairs, and even more so for expats who want to predict the Spanish reaction to Brexit.

A Corbyn victory would be a serious, albeit understated, delivery of electoral upset that began with Brexit and gave the world Trump.

We live, as they say, in interesting times.

Why Spain and Britain are two peas in a pod The funny thing about Spain and Great Britain is they’re really the two distant cousins who always wrangle at family gatherings.

Over the last three years alone, the Spanish Government has rebuffed Scottish independence, threatened the rights of British expats in the EU and promised to veto post-Brexit access to the single market.

As a riposte, the UK Government has refused to deny that it will use the 129,000 Spaniards in Great Britain as a bargaining chip (a poor one, given that 309,000 British citizens reside and work in Spain). The UK Government, of course, never admits that its Brexit plans are a flummoxed policy fudge.

Nevertheless, the Spanish and the British have more in common than their foreign policies might suggest.

Both countries, perhaps more than any other two, are littered with

monuments to their past imperial glories which can legitimately be said to have shaped the modern word over the last 600 years. They’re post-imperial, but have never found a comfortable seat for themselves at the global table because they’re no longer at the head of it.

The frustration of living in the shadow of such a tall past makes for an almost excusable explanation as to why both Spain and the UK are seeing the rise of reactionary politics in the first decades of the 21st century.

So often the answers to

the future rest in the past.

If the UK is to reevaluate its relationship with Europe and genuinely wants to move forward with bilateral relationships, then it must do more to ensure its people move past populist cliches about international history. For Spain, if it is to salvage its economic and political gains from being a part of the EU then it must step up and turn vitriol into a positive vision for EU-UK relations.

There is, of course, nothing but poetic irony in Spain maintaining Ceuta and Melilla, on the Af-

Good news for the unemployed The number of people registered as unemployed in Spain fell by 111,908 people in May since April, according to data released by the Ministry of Employment and Social Security.

The ministry reported that over the last 12 months, unemployment had fallen by 430,275 people.

The total number of unemployed people stood at 3.4 million, falling below the 3.5 million for the first time since February 2009.

Looking at the individual sectors of work, unemployment fell by 11,677 people in agriculture, by 10,724 people in the manufacturing industry, by 14,907 people in construction and by 70,994 people in the services sector when compared with the April 2017 figures.

The number of unemployed men dropped by 68,103 to 1.4 million, while the number of women fell by 43,805 to 1.9 million.

Fatima Banez, Spanish Minister of Employment, said that Spain had recovered one in three jobs lost during the economic crisis, stating that data revealed last week was positive.

“I am happy because Spain is witnessing an intense employment recovery, “she said, highlighting that from the beginning of the year to May, a total of 500,000 new jobs had been created.

rican coast opposite Gibraltar, which the Spanish proclaim is self-evidently theirs. Gibraltar, forever a thorn in the side of Spanish-British relations, is now the prototype for how an amicable international solution can be secured which puts the rights of citizens before political grievance.

To create a meaningful settlement that puts

citizens first, both nations must, as Robert Burns advises, “see themselves as others see them’.

Only then can there be any real hope that the post-Brexit world might offer some semblance of friendship over enmity.

6th - 12th June 2017

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6th - 12th June 2017

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National Pensioners Convention analyse social care proposals The NPC believes that one of the greatest issues facing both the older population, and the country as a whole at the General Election, is that of the crisis in social care.

Given that the three main English parties have now all published their manifestos, it is possible to compare their proposals and offer an initial analysis.

Conservative Manifesto • Everyone who has property and assets worth more than £100,000 will pay for their home care. This is a change to the existing rules, whereby in England property values are disregarded and those with separate assets over £23,250 have to pay towards their care at home.

Under this change, someone needing an hour a day’s care will pay an extra £140 a week. The number who will be paying more under this proposal is estimated at around 250,000-500,000.

• Those in a care home with property and assets worth more than £100,000 will have to pay until the value these assets fall to £100,000. At the moment, everyone with property and assets worth more than £23,250 has to pay the full cost of their care until their wealth drops below this level. However, anyone who owns their own home (average house prices in England stand at £217,000) will still have to pay and many will need to sell their homes after they die to pay for the care costs that they have deferred during their lifetime. The number affected by this proposal is estimated at around 75,000.

• Whilst the party has yet to declare how much money this proposal would raise or cost, the Conservatives have stated that money raised by scrapping the state pension triple lock in 2020 and means-testing the winter fuel allowance (only giving it to those defined as living in fuel poverty) will go towards funding social care in the future.

• In the long-term, Labour aims to create a National Care Service for England and secure long-term funding for the service through policies such as wealth taxes, an employer care contribution or a new social care levy.

Lib Dem Manifesto • The Lib Dem manifesto does not suggest any changes to the current home care arrangements, in the same way as Labour.

• Again like Labour, they support a cap on care home costs, which is currently what has been legislated for under the Health and Social Care Act 2014 and is due to come into force in 2020. This means anyone with property and assets over £118,000 will have to pay up to £72,000 towards their care, but will then have the rest funded by the state. In addition, they will still have to pay an annual accommodation cost of around £12,000.

• In the long-term, the Lib Dems aim to introduce a hypothecated tax for health and social care (possibly based on National Insurance) and to establish a crossparty convention to look at long-term future of health and social care services.

Overall NPC analysis It is fair to say that no-one saw the Conservative proposal coming – and as such it took most commentators and experts completely by surprise. Essentially, they have abandoned the legislation that they put through in 2014

to introduce a cap on care costs of £72,000 and instead put forward the idea that everyone in a care home will get to keep £100,000 worth of assets. This is obviously not as generous as the original legislation envisaged.

Furthermore, the claim that people will not have to sell their homes during their lifetime in order to pay for care is really the same idea put forward by Labour’s Andy Burnham in 2015 – which at the time the Conservatives branded the “death tax”. What makes it different is that Burnham was suggesting the estate would pay 15% towards care fees, whereas the Conservatives are suggesting considerably more.

An even greater change to the current system is the Conservative plan to include property values in the charging of care at home. Almost overnight this will mean everyone who owns a property and requires care at home will have to pay.

At the heart of the Conservative’s proposal is the idea that it is unfair to ask younger generations to fund the care of older people. Yet there has never been any suggestion that pensioners who pay tax shouldn’t do so because it goes to families with young children.

There is no doubt that the proposal is less generous than the Health and Social Care Act 2014 promises for 2020.

Many more pensioners receiving care at home will now have to pay, and those in care will still face huge bills and have to sell their homes in order to meet the costs.

Labour Manifesto • Labour plans to maintain the current home care arrangements, that mean in England property values are disregarded and those with separate assets over £23,250 have to pay towards their care at home.

• The Labour manifesto calls for a cap on care home costs, which is currently what has been legislated for under the Health and Social Care Act 2014 and is due to come into force in 2020. This means anyone with property and assets over £118,000 will have to pay up to £72,000 towards their care, but will then have the rest funded by the state. In addition, they will still have to pay an annual accommodation cost of around £12,000.

EU plans more WiFi hotspots Europe plans to add thousands of free Wi-Fi hot spots to public spaces across all EU member countries over the next few years.

The hot spots will be added as part of a plan called WiFi4EU, which was agreed to on Monday by the European Parliament, Council, and Commission.

The parties agreed to add between 6,000 and 8,000 Wi-Fi hot spots by 2020.

The goal, says Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who introduced the WiFi4EU plan last year, is to have free Wi-Fi in “every European village and every city ... around the main centres of public life.”

Areas with hot spots could include public squares, parks, and hospitals.

The EU bodies will set aside €120 million to fund the launch of these hot spots. The money will pay for the equipment needed to set up and run

the hot spots, but local municipalities will be required to pay ongoing internet access costs.

While the specifics haven’t been finalized yet, the plan is to allow local authorities to apply for funding to add Wi-Fi to any applicable public space that doesn’t already have service.

WiFi4EU is part of the EU’s “Digital Single Market” initiative, which is meant to strengthen and streamline technology and regulations of it across the continent.

Andrus Ansip, who’s in charge of the initiative, said in a statement that the Wi-Fi plan “is a welcome first step, but much more needs to be done to achieve high-speed connectivity across the whole EU territory.”

Eurostat says that 85% of EU households had broadband internet access in 2016. That’s a high figure, but it means there’s still a gap to bridge.

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Home, Garden & Property

6th - 12th June 2017

House hunters await election outcome The number of house hunters registered with estate agents in the UK fell in April and the supply for sale also dropped, according to the latest research.

One reason could be buyers and sellers adopting a brief wait and see attitude ahead of the UK general election this week, says the latest monthly report from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

In March there were 397 house seekers per branch, down from 425 in January and February, but this figure dropped 4%to 381 in April.

Last April amid Brexit uncertainty, the number of house hunters searching for properties was 17% lower at just 325 per member branch.

The data also shows that supply fell in April. In March there were 39 properties available to buy per branch but in April this figure dropped by 8% to just 36 per branch, the lowest level seen since April 2016 when agents had just 35 properties to market, as sellers held off until after the European Union referendum.

The number of sales agreed per branch fell from 10 in March to eight in April, while the proportion of sales made to first time buyers stayed the same at 25%.

The rate of sales agreed above asking price rose to 7% in April from 5% in March. In line with this, the number of properties which were sold for less

than the asking price dropped from 75% in March to 72% in April.

“Periods of political uncertainty tend to halt activity in the housing market, and this is exactly what we’re seeing this month. All of the main political parties have outlined significant housing promises in their manifestos and we’d hope to see these policies rolled out in the new Government’s first six to 12 months in Parliament. Buyers and sellers alike are recognising this and adopting a wait and see strategy to decipher how or if the value of their existing or future homes will be affected,” said Mark Hayward, NAEA chief executive.

“However, despite the fact that increasing housing stock is playing a part in the election campaigning, more often than not we find these pledges are unachievable and turn out to be empty promises,” he pointed out.

“It’s therefore important that the market doesn’t totally stall as this could trigger an unintended domino effect, which we could still feel the effect of years later before supply increases.

A business as usual approach will ensure house hunters are met with a healthy supply of properties to view, and sellers get a fair price and a good buyer,” he added.

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Home, Garden & Property

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6th - 12th June 2017

Queen gets her birthday bloom

Gardeners will finally be able to grow a new daffodil raised to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016...albeit one year later than originally planned.

It was named for the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, bodyguard to the British monarch, formed in 1509.

Grown by Walkers Bulbs of Holbeach in Spalding, it is a single, mid-season flower with yellow petals and a red centre growing up to 17in (42cm) high.

The new bloom has been named ‘Gentleman at Arms’.

Managing director Johnny Walkers, who holds 23 Chelsea gold medals for daffodil displays, said the reason for the delay in launching the bloom was to enable the Queen to have it exclusively at first.

“Representatives of the Corps presented her with a bouquet last April 21st, her birthday, and bulbs have been planted in the gardens at Windsor,” Johnny explained.

“We will have a small quantity for sale this year and hopefully more next year,” he added

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Home , Garden & Property

6th - 12th June 2017

UK in talent crunch crisis

Jobs in sectors like Science and Healthcare could well be sitting open on the jobs market for months as employers struggle for skilled applicants, according to new research by job search engine Adzuna.

The study, conducted last month in May, analysed the proportion of advertised jobs lying unfilled after 90 days, to shine a light on the talent crunch currently gripping some of the UK’s regions, cities and sectors.

Over a fifth (21.2%) of Science & QA jobs currently on the market remain unfilled on after 90 days, followed by 9.5% of Healthcare & Nursing vacancies, as these sectors struggle for skilled workers.

This is hitting some cities particularly hard. Employers in areas like Cambridge and Brighton are struggling in particular, with 6.3% and 6.2% of jobs in these cities sitting unfilled for 90 days respectively. However, it is ‘Benefits Street’ Middlesbrough where jobs remain on the market for longest, with 6.31% of positions still open after three months on the market.

On a regional basis, London is suffering the most from the talent drought, with 5.5% of positions unfilled after 90 days, followed by Eastern England (4.9%), the North East (4.9%) and the South East (4.8%). Doug Monro, co-founder of Adzuna, commented: “Some areas of the jobs market have clearly fallen victim to a talent shortage – which has only been worsened by Brexit uncertainty. A vacancy lying open for three months

Worst UK housing trend for eight years

or more means a job needed but not done - an employer’s nightmare - seriously dampening prospects for our STEM hubs like Cambridge. Never has it been more important to focus on up-skilling home-grown talent for our shortage sectors. Reassuring overseas talent about their long-term prospects in the UK would also take some of the pressure off these struggling areas.”

Graduates may be one group who can benefit from the talent drought, however. The stats show 7.4% of grad vacancies remain unfilled after 90 days – making it one of the Top 5 sectors struggling most for staff – suggesting students graduating this summer will be in an advantageous position when looking for work.

Part-time positions are currently the most sought-after, with only 0.2% of roles remaining unfilled after 90 days, followed by Energy, Oil & Gas (0.8%) and Teaching (1.6%).

The financial and professional services sectors are also thriving. Only 2.5% of Accounting & Finance jobs remain unfilled after 90 days, followed by Legal (2.5%) and Consultancy (2.6%) roles.

Across the UK, Northern Ireland and Yorkshire are seeing jobs filled most quickly, with 89% of jobs filled within 90 days in both regions. At a city level, unemployment hotspots Chester and Belfast saw roles fill fastest, both seeing 91% of advertised positions snapped up within 90 days.

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Nationwide’s measure of UK house prices fell 0.2% month-on-month in May, well below the +0.2% predicted by a poll of economists.

That means that house prices have fallen for three consecutive months for the first time since February 2009, and are now standing 0.9% below their February peak.

The year-on-year growth rate dropped to 2.1% from 2.6% in April, which was also below the 2.4% consensus.

While individual month-on-month indexes are subject to volatility, year-on-year trends point to a major loss of momentum in the UK housing market.

Nationwide’s chief economist, Robert Gardner, said that stagnant wage levels, rather than election uncertainty, were the main cause of the slowdown.

“While real incomes are again coming under pressure as inflation has overtaken wage growth, the number of people in work has continued to rise at a healthy pace.

Indeed, the unemployment rate fell to a 42-year low in the three months to March.

“If history is any guide, the slowdown is unlikely to be linked to election-related uncertainty. Housing market trends have not traditionally been impacted around the time of general elections. Rightly or wrongly, for most home buyers, elections are not foremost in their minds while buying or selling their home,” he said.

Samuel Tombs, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, also said constrained affordability was the primary cause of the slowing market.

He said: “The squeeze on real wages has constrained affordability, while growing public concern about the economic outlook has undermined confidence.

“For now, we still think house prices will return to a slowly rising path, given that surveys suggest supply is tightening rapidly, employment growth looks set to remain steady at about 1% year-over-year, and mortgage rates still have scope to fall a little further.”

Tombs forecasts 2% overall growth in the UK market in 2017.

Home , Garden & Property

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6th - 12th June 2017

Manufacturing up across euro zone According to data released late last week, manufacturing across the euro zone grew at the fastest rate in more than six years during May, increasing activity as price increases failed to slow their new orders.

Signs the bloc’s economy is enjoying a stable and broadbased recovery, alongside inflationary pressures, will be welcomed by policymakers at the European Central Bank (ECB).

IHS Markit’s Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index for the euro zone rose to 57.0 in May, up from April’s 56.7

and its highest level since April 2011. The figure matched a preliminary reading.

An index measuring output, which feeds into a composite PMI due next week, also climbed further above the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction. It reached 58.3, its highest in more than six years high, up from April’s 57.9.

Chief business economist at IHS Markit, Chris Williamson, said: “The euro zone upturn is developing deeper roots as factories enjoy a spring growth spurt. Demand for goods is growing at the steepest rate for six years, encouraging manufacturers to step up production and take on extra staff at a rate not previously seen in the two-decade history of the PMI survey.”

A new-orders sub-index nudged up to 57.8 from 57.7, its highest since March 2011. The upturn came even though companies raised prices last month, albeit not as sharply as they did in April.

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, led the charge, but IHS Markit said solid upturns were recorded in other countries as well. France lagged behind but is still enjoying its best quarter for six years.

As the bloc’s economic performance improves, the ECB is likely to signal a move away from its ultra-easy monetary policy by September, economists in a Reuters poll forecast last month.

However, consumer prices rose just 1.4% from a year ago in May, compared with 1.9% in April. That was weaker than expected and below the ECB’s 2% target.

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20

6th - 12th June 2017

BOMAD – The true family bank

The current trend of the Bank of Mum and Dad (BOMAD) will lend 23% more funds in 2017, putting it on a par with the UK’s ninth largest mortgage lender.

Research by Legal & General and economics consultancy Cebr, shows that parents providing housing funding for their children will breach the £6.5 billion mark this year, up from £5 billion in 2016.

The Bank of Mum and Dad will provide deposits for over 298,000 mortgages, helping others to purchase homes worth £75 billion. According to the report, these figures indicate a symptom of a ‘broken housing market’, rather than increasing generosity from the nation’s parents. It stresses that there is a supplyside crisis in the UK and there is a critical need to build more homes, across all tenures and all forms of construction, to satisfy demand. The study also found that a third of prospective homeowners received financial help to buy from friends and family last year – a figure which will jump to around 42% in 2017.

Unsurprisingly, millennials are the biggest recipients of parental funding, with 79% of Bank of Mum and Dad assistance going to people under the age of 30.

The Bank of Mum and Dad will actually fund less purchases in 2017 than in 2016 (a -2.5% decrease from 305,900 to 298,300) – but only because overall housing market transaction volumes are down. What’s more, 76% of Bank of

Mum and Dad assistance goes towards the deposit – just 4% goes solely on mortgage payments. “The growing role of the Bank of Mum and Dad in supporting young people get onto the housing ladder signifies that the UK property market is simply not building enough homes,” comments Bill Hughes, head of LGIM Real Assets. “This is not sustainable and as an industry we need to work together to fix the housing market so that we are providing housing in areas which are well connected and where people want to live.” “The right approach is to regenerate not just residential housing but the totality of the built environment of towns and cities in which the homes are built. Infrastructure, local economic growth and jobs are all key to creating thriving communities.” James Lidgate, director of housing for Legal & General Capital adds: “This research further highlights that as an industry we need to diversify the housing market in order to keep up with the UK’s housing demands.

There is no single solution to housing – it is about all tenures and all forms of construction.

Good quality, well connected housing is critical to supporting the UK’s economic position and fuelling future growth.”

Money

British Mortgage Approvals Dip

According to new figures from the Bank of England, mortgage approvals fell for a third consecutive month, as the UK housing market struggles to gain momentum amid political uncertainty and the increasing squeeze on household finances. The total number of mortgages approved fell by over 3,000 to 118,370. The Bank’s Money and Credit report showed that the number of mortgage approvals for house purchases fell 2.1% to 64,645. A total of 40,575 remortgage loans were approved, down from 42,250 the previous month, taking the total value of remortgaging for the month down to £7.2 billion. Economist at the Centre for Economics and Business Research, Kay Daniel Neufeld, said the figures suggested that the housing market was slowing as a result of buy-to-let tax relief changes and uncertainty surrounding the election. “Activity in the market is likely to be further suppressed by political uncertainty ahead of the general election on 8 June. “A reduction in the mortgage interest tax relief, which came into effect last month, impacts the profitability of leveraged buy-to-let investors, who will look more closely at the market and the rental income they can expect before buying property. “All in all, these factors have led to subdued activity and weak price growth in the first half of 2017 – a situation that we expect to continue until the end of the year and into 2018 as well.” The significant drop in approvals comes amidst a background of lenders offering record low rates to borrowers. At the start of the calendar year it looked as if the era of record low rates could be over, but recent cuts by a number of lenders suggests competition in the mortgage market is heating up again. The figures add to the increasing collection of data which points to the housing market becoming increasingly affected by the growing squeeze on consumers after last year’s Brexit vote. The Bank of England has slashed its prediction for average wage growth to 2%, while inflation is predicted to peak at just below 3% in December. With rising inflation and slowing wage growth, households are beginning to feel the pinch as their disposable incomes start to fall. As buyers adopt a wait and see approach, the housing market has dipped, with average prices falling by £1,000 in the past month. According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, on a monthly basis house prices fell 0.6% to £216,000 in March. Figures from HM Revenue and Customs show that the number of residential property transactions fell by 3.2% to 99,910 between March and April. Nationwide also reported that house prices fell 0.4% in April, the first time house prices have fallen in consecutive months for nearly five years. “This prolonged cooling-off phase in the housing market is also partly due to more challenging times for households. As inflation has eclipsed nominal wage growth, real household incomes are falling.

“This means that individuals will feel their budgets squeezed by rising prices in stores and have less money left over to save for a deposit,” Neufeld said.

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6th - 12th June 2017

A very dear friend once wrote to me that Andalucia is an untapped marvel in tourism. I’d add that Albox is a rural delight unmatched in its authentic Spanish charm.

Not as well-known as say, Ronda, it’s just as traditional while a good distance away from the overwhelming affectations of modernity.

Located in the middle of the Almanzora Valley (about 130km from Almeria city and 420m above sea level), it can

be reached by a stunning drive through the Cierra de Las Estancias and the Sierra de Los Filabres mountain ranges.

Olive groves, citrus orchards and sunlit rolling hills line the way, and at the right time of year temperatures are a com-fortable average of 18 topping over 30 in the summer months and getting chillier in the winter time.

Albox is one of the few unspoilt villages in Spain (save for an earthquake in 1503). It’s surrounded by trees and

6th - 12th June 2017

the Almanzora and Albanchez rivers.

There’s a real agricultural thrill to the area; an unapologetic smell of nature and fresh air. It will come as no surprise that ‘Albox' is derived from the Arabic for a forest.

With a population of nearly 12,000 inhabitants and a long history; the white-washed town is an idyllic spot to experi-ence a montage of Spanish traditions including the All Saints Fair, the St. Francis Fair and Easter

week. There’s even an active chess and football tradition as well as an an-nual rock concert to boot; all of which bring thousands to-gether with an emphasis on community and celebration.

Boasting a history that dates back to the Medieval times, Albox is a market town of such quiet vibrancy, colour and tradition that it brings all that is best about the meeting of old and modern Spain together.

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Leisure

Career-related progress is blessed by Venus in more than one way and as inspiring as a professional aspiration might be, it could become clear this week how much you’ll need to knuckle down to make it happen. Determination and consistent effort will be needed but Venus isn’t dangling cruelly the financial rewards on offer. They are very real and can be yours if you’re willing to implement a sensible and realistic strategy based on hard work to achieve them.

It might become clear this week how far you’ve gone from adhering to an attitude along the lines of ‘you have to speculate to accumulate’ to what’s really ‘in it’ for you to continue investing effort in a particular way. A new strategy and possibly a new set of boundaries need to be established between you and a certain person or organization. An arrangement has, for some time, been a bit too one-sided for your liking and you’re being encouraged this week to redress that imbalance.

There’s truth in the saying about each of us being known by the company we keep and the coming week could bring an opportunity - or possibly a need - for you to reassess your interactions and involvement with certain others. If you sense a need to detach yourself from the social scene in order to take realistic stock of what’s strong, balanced and reciprocated in your personal world, then that could be time well spent. If one or two people need to fall by the wayside, then so be it.

You might still be weighing up your options regarding a career move and much of what you’re considering you’re likely keeping to yourself – for now, anyway. It’s also possible you’re having to take into account new methodologies or possibly technologies that a career move will require you to get your head around and have to learn quickly. There could be pressure for you to make a swift decision and you owe it yourself to give this move the thinking time it needs and deserves.

The coming week could bring closure to an ongoing financial matter. If this involves a friend, then it’s possible the two of you can reach an agreement, shake on it and move on, especially if this saga has tarnished your relationship in some way. In any case, some level of healing is on offer through your willingness to take action to bring it. An authority figure might try to intervene or involve themselves but you can keep things strictly between you and a colleague.

You might be aiming your sights higher than you’re used to and this could be happening due to a need to do so rather than wanting to. However, if you haven’t yet seen what boosting your ambitions and reaching a bit higher have brought so far, then the coming week could be an eye-opener. This is particularly true for Virgos keen to remove themselves from a rut or who understand the path of least resistance can lead to mediocrity. Get ready to set a new precedent for yourself!

Push might come to shove this week but in a way you’ll likely be grateful for rather than resent. In fact, taking action – or possibly a stance – you’ve been wanting to take for some time might need events like those the sky insists are unfolding in your world this week to help you step across a line you’ve vowed to stay behind for reasons for your own. Try to connect with a sense of adventurous making its way to you. It could lead to independence you’ve wanted for some time.

If you’re typical of your sign, then you know a thing or two about stubbornness. Even if you believe you’re not a typical Scorpio, then events this week could remind you of what occurs when you choose to be unyielding. However, your approach to a situation needn’t involve obstinacy. There are ways your stubbornness could work in your favour if you’re willing to channel it toward being determined and persistent to bring a result that benefits you and someone else. Your tenacity might be all that’s needed.

Your adventurous nature needs to be connected with your inquisitive nature this week. It’s possible to form more than one intriguing friendship or close bond but this will require you to ask questions that fall outside those you feel comfortable or ‘safe’ asking. If a true meeting of minds is to occur, then you’ll need to take conversations down less predictable avenues. If you’re willing to remove yourself from a safe conversational comfort zone, then the week could be a memorable - and pivotal - one.

The coming week offers a chance for you to become more focused professionally than you have been in recent weeks. Through no fault of your own, you’ve had to assess numerous options in order to determine where your time, effort and talents are best focused.

This has probably relied on input or guidance from someone else. Now, you can expect to see clearly what’s required and the more you focus on options that offer the greatest sense of achievement and reward, the happier you’ll be.

Asking yourself what you have to lose by taking a particular risk might be a natural question to ask.

However, it appears the likelihood of gains will far outweigh losses if you’re willing to remove yourself from a comfort zone, cross a line or take a brave step you’ve likely been considering for some time. The coming week brings a boost to your confidence that will be needed to not only encourage you to take action but will also boost your ability to persuade or convince others significantly.

The sky speaks of a significant development occurring in your area of ‘foundations’ and this is likely to involve home-related changes or improvements.

Something connected with home, family or someone with whom you share your abode is shifting and in a way that promises more comfort, harmony and security. Your domestic set-up is about to become happier or even more peaceful, bringing the end of one era and the start of another.

The Seamstress by Maria Duenas

His kiss was so intense, so carnal, so prolonged that my body was startled by it, ready to melt and be transformed into a puddle of honey.

This wonderfully exciting story is set during the Spanish civil war and moves into the second world war. Duenas spent some time researching the period thoroughly and she has successfully managed to integrate historical characters such as Franco, Beigbeder and Serrano Suner into a compelling fictional novel about a young seamstress known as Sira which chronicles more than six turbulent years in which her mettle is tested and she develops a resilience and courage to outwit adversity. An incredible transformation from a naïve 12 year old living in the poorer quarters of Madrid with many constraints placed on her, fatherless, growing into a wiser, self-assured woman with determination to succeed as a business woman.

Within the novel, the protagonist Sira proves a testimony to bravery and determination. By the end of this epic novel, she feels more in control of her life, no longer

allowing herself to be manipulated like a puppet or like someone moving a pawn on a chessboard. People are NOT political pawns.

In the early days her life seems mapped out-apprenticed as a seamstress which she describes as her logical fate.

Her talent was soon recognised by the owner Dona Manuela Godina and Sira’s “greatest joy” was in taking the finished garments to exclusive residences in Madrid where Sira witnessed lavish and affluent surroundings, trappings of wealth which contrasted sharply with the poverty that surrounded her. She refers to it as the “incongruity” that existed in society.

The reader is made to feel that Sira will yearn for life’s riches too once she becomes an accomplished seamstress owning her own atelier and dressing wealthy European women which in fact is what will eventually happen.

Ignacio was the first man in her life and because Sira was unambitious and without any professional expectations, girls like her had few options other than getting married, settling down and having children. She did feel intense affection and described him as “sweetly gentle as a pillow” but she had not discovered passion until her engagement and imminent wedding. It was in the shape of seductive and alluring Ramiro Arribas that she tasted the forbidden fruit.

Their first meeting is sensual and evokes passion. Sira was unaware that he was scrutinising her body: “He had absorbed the outlines of my body and the slow cadence of each of my movements.”

She is naïve and still chaste although she recognises the dangerous signs when she compares him to a wolf that scented food or danger in the way he imposed himself on her. His caresses gave her goosebumps and she felt on the “threshold of paradise” but simultaneously and worryingly perhaps heading towards the “slaughterhouse?” She became so obsessed with his powerful seduction that instead of opting for comfortable domesticity she chose

to launch herself into the void out of desire, nothing more. He desired me, he revered me and clung to me as though my body were the only mooring in the turbulent oscillations of his existence.

Unbounded love is how Sira describes it.

When the political situation is about to explode, Sira and Ramiro relocate to Morocco. It is March 1936. Amidst the height of their passion, Sira’s soul becomes battered and an unscrupulous con man emerges, one who can disappear and reinvent himself to take advantage of other unsuspecting victims like Sira. She is left devastated during those penurious times: useless, unfit to face life, unable to survive. Candelaria Ballesteros known as the Matutera offers a sanctuary followed by a dangerous plan to escape from their poverty trap and salvation. But everything comes with a price. A heavy one.

The story then takes on a different dimension with espionage: Discreet campaigns of resistance. Observing.

Infiltrating. Obtaining information and strengthening a network of underground collaboration. The civil war divided and destroyed the peninsular causing starvation, broken families, mistrust, suspicion and people prepared to sell their souls to the devil to survive and feed their already emaciated and helpless families. It gave the Germans and British an opportunity to exploit and infiltrate into political activities. Some of this was achieved by undercover agents acting as spies. What are the options for a metamorphosed Sira to continue surviving and surviving well? Should she play with fire and get mixed up with espionage, throw caution to the wind?

Yes, she certainly grows up and learns to profit from this dirty art of war but she compromises her integrity and risks her life. Once the story moves from Morocco to Madrid then Lisbon you will find it riveting and it ends on a sentimentally, romantic note!

Review it by Carol Naylor. Publishers: Penguin ISBN: 978-0-670-92003-7

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Leisure

Churchill

A robust star vehicle for Brian Cox, but otherwise underwhelming, Churchill dramatizes the agonizing private doubts that Britain’s wartime leader felt during the build up to the D-Day landings in June 1944.

Cox fans will enjoy seeing the veteran Scottish bruiser give a powerhouse, mischief-laced performance that feels too big for the flimsy production around him. Historians and military scholars may also flock to see the film, if only to violently disagree with its distorted take on real events. Churchill debuts in French and U.S. theatres this week, just ahead of the June 6 D-Day anniversary, with further global openings to follow throughout June. It premieres in the UK on June 16th. Sporting a shaved head and bulked-up body, Cox joins Albert Finney, Richard Burton, Michael Gambon, Timothy Spall and John Lithgow in the illustrious line of actors who have played Churchill. The 70-year-old Scotsman is sometimes prone to scenery-chewing and wobbly accents, but he does a generally solid job here, nailing the late prime minister’s declamatory speech patterns, hulking gait and jaw-jutting scowl. The film is bookended by lyrical scenes of a solitary Churchill wandering a deserted beach, haunted by ghostly visions of blood-soaked waves and young bodies piled on the sand. These are flashbacks to the catastrophic Gallipoli Campaign of World War I, when the Allies sacrificed more than 56,000 soldiers, the vast majority of them British.

Such macabre horror-movie images may seem lurid, but they are lifted directly from Churchill’s warnings to General Dwight D. Eisenhower about the high price of getting the D-Day plans wrong. New Zealand-born historian turned

screenwriter Alex von Tunzelmann collapses several months of doubt and debate into a few dramatic days, thus upping the stakes and amplifying the personality clashes involved. In reality, Churchill was fully committed to the Operation Overlord invasion plan by the time D-Day loomed. In the film, he is still fiercely arguing for strategic delays and decoy tactics at the 11th hour, butting heads with an implacable Eisenhower (Mad Men alum John Slattery, underused here) and an exasperated General Bernard Montgomery (Julian Wadham). “We must fix this broken plan before it ends in tragedy,” warns Churchill. Energized by qualified support from King George VI (James Purefoy) and starry-eyed fan worship from keen office junior Helen Garrett (Ella Purnell), Churchill throws himself into forging an alternative Allied invasion plan for D-Day. In the process, he becomes an irascible, insufferable, booze-soaked bully. Only delicate ego-flattering by his long-suffering wife, Clementine (Miranda Richardson), can bring Churchill back around to common sense and patriotic duty. “He needs to feel part of it,” she explains to wary colleagues. Behind every great man is an infinitely patient woman, silently rolling her eyes. Kudos to Teplitzky and von Tunzelmann for showing Churchill not just in his familiar heroic light as a great statesman, but also as a needy, thin-skinned, tantrum-throwing baby. Certain world leaders could learn valuable lessons from this film.

Cinematographer David Higgs gives Churchill a pleasingly painterly look, using silhouettes and reflections as recurring visual motifs. The Scottish-shot locations provide plenty of scenic backdrops, though keen-eyed viewers may wonder why wartime London looks uncannily like Edinburgh. Lorne Balfe’s twinkly musical score has a touching delicacy at first, but drags over the long haul.

OUR CHOICE

ONE TO WATCH

British Soap Awards

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

Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)

Wednesday 7th June on ITV From 11:25pm to 1:25am

Directed by Shekhar Kapur, Cate Blanchett returns as Queen Elizabeth I. Threatened by Mary Queen of Scots (Samantha Morton) at home and from abroad by the King of Spain.

Confused about her feelings towards to Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen), Elizabeth must decide between love and her duty to her country.

With the threat of the Spanish Armada and a religious war looming large.

Tuesday 6th June, on ITV From 8pm to 10pm

Gogglesprogs Friday 9th June on CH4 From 8pm to 9pm The spin-off show from the popular Gogglebox series is back. This is the first of the 6 new episodes. See the reactions of the junior TV critics as they catch up on the latest television highlights and classic movies.

With regulars from the previous series joined by a tribe of newcomers, Roma, Joel, Jack, Sadie, Declan, Amelinda and Yoana. All offering their unqiue take on the world of TV. Included in this first episode is coverage of the General Election and Mary Berry along with the film Grease.

The awards show hosted by Philip Schofield from the Lowry in Salford.

With the stars from Coronation Street, Eastenders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks celebrating the best of this years soaps.

Categories including the Best Actor and Acress of course along with Villain of the Year, Best Newcomer and Scene of the Year.

Will Emmerdale retain the most coveted Best Soap award

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ANSWERS NEXT WEEK!

Wordsearch

Quick

ACROSS

DOWN

4. Deprived of contents (7)

1. Whim (7)

8. Female warrior (6)

2. Irony (7)

9. Meantime (7)

3. Spanish dance (6)

10. Affluence (6)

5. Orange (8)

11. Means (6)

6. Stand unsteadily (6)

12. Client (8)

7. Show (6)

18. Droop (8)

13. Abuse (8)

20. Ability (6)

14. Reservoir (7)

21. Decayed (6)

15. Apparition (7)

22. Favoured (7)

16. Regulate (6)

23. Carry too far (6)

17. Writing instrument (6)

24. Exhaust (7)

19. Rut (6)

E

L

X

I

E

L

S

L

C

Puzzles

“EASYBOGGLE” Find as many words as you can from the grid. You can go in any direction, but use each letter only once. (There are 36 in total!” 3 points for each 5 letter word, 2 points for each 4 letter word, 1 point for each 3 letter word, 61 points maximum!

Cryptic

ACROSS 4. Leave while an orchestra is performing (7) 8. Time for a sailor-boy? (6) 9. Does he fix the price of a horse?

(7) 10. Outcome of Ulster riot (6) 11. Idler who needs bread to eat? (6) 12. Finished about six to return from capital (8) 18. Girl to run away with writer (8) 20. Resign because of one’s selfimage? (6) 21. Perhaps he used swords to keep people out (6) 22. It’s clear the old boy has five debts (7) 23. Savage versifier, censorious in part (6) 24. The lengths associations will go to? (7)

DOWN 1. It’s dear with legs apart (7) 2. Entry ticket I have acted upon (7) 3. Worked, having been lubricated to a T (6) 5. Had gone round cargo store, and was indebted (8) 6. He could be French like William (6) 7. Writer in over-poetic beginning (6) 13. Unmasking in dark room? (8) 14. Anxiety for the firm (7) 15. Steps by which letters are obtained (7) 16. Bother going topless - currency needed (6) 17. Needlework is displayed in the south-east part of the building (6) 19. Look at the cover - the pupil’s cover (6)

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Puzzles

Know your faces?

Picture Quiz Number 01

Number 02

Number 03

Number 04

SODUKU

SOLTIMES Geography QUIZ 1. In which country did the wine, Rioja originate?

2. What do the stars on the USA flag represent?

3. What is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea? 4. In which ocean does the island nation of Mauritius lie?

5. In which English county is Dartmoor National Park?

Number 05

6. BILLIE JEAN KING

2. MERYL STREEP

7. JUSTIN BIEBER

3. RYAN GOSLING

8. JENNIFER ANISTON

4. HILLARY CLINTON

9. ROBERT DOWNEY Jnr

5. HARRISON FORD

10. MAGGIE SMITH

Number 08

Number 09

Number 10

SQUIGGLE

6. In which country would you find the region of

11. Near which town would you find “The Angel of

Tabasco?

the North”?

7. Which was the 50th and last to join the United

12. In which city would you find the Ha’penny

States of America?

8. Which city is home to the Scottish Parliament?

9. Which city in the south of France is famous for

Bridge, Temple Bar and Phoenix Park?

13. Of which Caribbean Island is Port of Spain the capital?

14. In which English county would you find

its annual film festival?

Stonehenge?

10. Which is the most southerly city in the UK?

15. In which Spanish city is the Alhambra Palace?

Cryptic Solutions Across: 1 Pick; 3 Starling; 8 Soul; 9 Trumpery; 11 Point of order; 13 Rental; 14 Limpet; 17 Standing-room; 20 Operetta; 21 Solo; 22 Latitude; 23 Left.

Down: 1 Passport; 2 Caution; 4 Thrift; 5 Remarriage; 6 Irene; 7 Goya; 10 Attainment; 12 Stamp out; 15 Propose; 16 Jilted; 18 Theft; 19 Fowl.

Quick Solutions Across: 1 Deep; 3 Prepared; 8 Sips; 9 Asterisk; 11 Bewilderment; 13 Strays; 14 Snatch; 17 Imprisonment; 20 Assuaged; 21 Isle; 22 Hesitate; 23 Onus.

Down: 1 Disabuse; 2 Empower; 4 Roster; 5 Pre-eminent; 6 Reign; 7 Dyke; 10 Play truant; 12 Chattels; 15 Treason; 16 Ascent; 18 Moses; 19 Rash.

1. JURGEN KLOPP

Number 07

HARD SODUKU

Crossword Solutions

Picture Quiz Solutions

Number 06

Boggle Solution

galax (2 pts)

Soduku Solution

Hard Soduku

garda (2 pts)

argal (2 pts)

graal (2 pts)

claro (2 pts)

halal (2 pts)

coral (2 pts)

kahal (2 pts)

coxal (2 pts)

karoo (2 pts)

drawl (2 pts)

lahar (2 pts)

drool (2 pts)

loord (2 pts)

gadjo (2 pts)

loral (2 pts)

galah (2 pts)

rolag (2 pts)

Squiggly solution

Sports Quiz 1. Wales 6. Swimming, cycling and 2. 10 running 7. December 3. 6 8. German 4. Albatross 9. Sir Andy Murray 5. Adam Peaty (Swimming) 10. Paul Pogba

11. Judo 12. Golf 13. 9 14. Ronnie O’Sullivan 15. Cool Runnings

Solutions 588

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Slow-Cooker Barbecue Ribs

Food and Drink

Aldi wine wins silver medal Fans of rosé wine had better get themselves down to Aldi this summer because a bottle of the budget supermarket chain’s wine has been voted one of the best in the world.

Aldi’s Exquisite Collection Côtes de Provence Rosé was awarded a silver medal in the International Wine Challenge – and it will set you back just £5.99.

“It has been a huge year for innovation at Aldi,” Tony Baines, Aldi’s joint managing director of corporate buying said. “We’ve not only expanded our sparkling range, but also introduced a brand new French initiative. We have been working closely with renowned winemaker Jean Claude Mas to change perceptions around French wine, which is often perceived as expensive and intimidating, so it is fantastic to see some of these products acknowledged as some of the best in the world.”

This is not the first time a budget bottle of wine has held its own against the more expensive offerings. Last year, a £4.37 bottle of Malbec from Asda was voted the best wine in the world at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Ingredients 4 pounds pork baby back ribs, salt and pepper to taste, 2 cups ketchup, 1 cup chili sauce, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 4 tablespoons vinegar, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 dash hot sauce.

Preparation & Cooking Preparation – 10 minutes. Cooking – 8 hours & 30 minutes.

Method 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

2. Season ribs with salt and pepper. Place in a shallow baking pan. Brown in oven for 15 minutes. Turn over, and brown another 15 minutes; drain fat.

3. In a medium bowl, mix together the ketchup, chili sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt and pepper. Place ribs in slow cooker. Pour sauce over ribs, and turn to coat.

4. Cover, and cook on Low 6 to 8 hours, or until ribs are tender.

Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Ingredients 1/2 cup ketchup, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 crushed cloves of garlic, 6 (4 ounce) (1-inch thick) pork chops.

Preparation & Cooking Preparation – 10 minutes. Cooking – 15 minutes.

Method 1. Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the tray.

2. Whisk ketchup, honey, soy sauce, and garlic together in a bowl to make a glaze.

3. Sear the pork chops on both sides on the preheated grill. Lightly brush glaze onto each side of the chops as they cook; grill until no longer pink in the centre, about 7 to 9 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre should read 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

Go www.soltimes.com for all the latest news updates!

Food and Drink

6th - 12th June 2017

29

Not such a Barmy idea With the domestic cricket season and international cricketing summer underway, British brewer Greene King and cricket’s most passionate supporters’ club, the Barmy Army, have teamed up to launch a new partnership – and a new beer.

The agreement will see Greene King IPA and the Barmy Army working together to help cricket fans make the most of the 2017 season highlights, which include the ICC Champions Trophy, the ICC Women’s World Cup and two separate series against the West Indies and South Africa.

The collaboration starts with a limited-edition golden beer, ‘Barmy Army IPA’, which will be available in pubs across the country until the end of September. The easydrinking 3.7% golden ale, launching in cask and 500ml bottles, delivers tropical, citrus and spicy notes and was created with the help of the Barmy Army team who visited the Westgate Brewery to develop the recipe with Greene King brewers.

Specially selected pubs and bars across England will also become must-visit destinations for Barmy Army members and other cricket fans to soak up the atmosphere during the summer’s Test Matches – and more on trade activities and promotions, including social competitions, are planned as well.

George Johnston, Greene King brewing and brands marketing director, said: “Our investment in cricket is well known, from Greene King IPA being the official beer of England Cricket to our support of community clubs raising funds for new facilities and kits.

“With our shared passion for the sport, we can think of no better partner for the season than the Barmy Army and we are delighted to work them to bring fans together over great beer and a great atmosphere during an exciting summer of cricket.”

Paul Burnham, co-founder of the Barmy Army, said: “Greene King is a strong supporter of England cricket, and they make great beer - they are the perfect partner for us.

Processed food ignorance exposed A third of adults are unsure what the term ‘processed food’ means and believe they only indulge in two items daily but analysis of diets revealed it is over 11 times that number.

Despite health warnings to eat more fresh food and cook from scratch, on average Brits eat around 23 types of processed food every day.

One in three tucking into their bacon sandwiches made with sliced white bread, using ready meals and even putting sugar in tea has no idea they are guilty.

According to a study, a third of adults are unsure what the term “processed food” means, and on average they believe they are indulging in just two types of processed food daily but analysis of diets revealed it is closer to 23.

The survey by clean eating brand The Primal Pantry found Brits were confused over healthy options and did not realise staples like tinned soup, low calorie bread and white rice came under the “processed” category.

Almost six in ten said they were baffled by mixed messages put out by the food industry over what was healthy or not.

Two thirds said they listened to their bodies and used either their BMI (body mass index) or energy levels to decide

which food to include or exclude from their diets.

Four in ten said price was a key factor when doing the weekly, family shop and a third said they looked at labels for fat content.

The NHS website defines processed food as “any food that has been altered from its natural state in some way, either for safety reasons or convenience.”

It adds: “This means you may be eating more processed food than you realise.

Processed foods aren’t necessarily unhealthy, but anything that’s been processed may contain added salt, sugar and fat.”

Nutritionist Suzie Walker, founder of The Primal Pantry said: “We are horrified by the results of our research which reveals the shockingly high amounts of processed foods that Brits are consuming, often without knowledge nor intention.

“We are urging people to think more about what they

eat and get real when it comes to their diet. A simple rule is that if something is in a packet - turn it over and read the ingredients list. If you can’t pronounce it, it probably shouldn’t be in there. Also, if you can’t pick it, grow it or feed it, it’s not real food.”

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Health and Beauty

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Exercise to extend your life Being resourceful with your daily routine can deliver big payoffs when it comes to increasing your activity level. Incorporating physical fitness into your everyday activities can save you time and also burn calories...and it doesn’t have to take much time or effort.

“For many people, the biggest obstacle to getting more exercise is time”, says Danielle Johnson, physical therapist and wellness physical therapist for the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program. “People feel stretched between their career, child care demands and family commitments. Thinking of spending an hour extra at the gym may feel overwhelming.”

If you don’t have time to fit in a scheduled workout, try using daily tasks to incorporate fitness. Johnson advises. “You’ll still be able to reap the benefits of exercise by using small bouts of movement throughout the day. Two 10-minute walks, a few sets of stairs and some five-minute intervals of bodyweight squats, lunges or push-ups can add up to big health benefits.”

“Every little bit counts”, Johnson says. “Research suggests that as little as 10 minutes of cardiovascular activity can make a big difference in your health and fitness measures. I often equate health to putting away money for retirement. Putting away savings, even in small amounts, will add up big over time. The same can be said for your health. Investing in opportunities to be active, even for short periods of time, adds up.

The key is to be consistent”

Here are some tips to get moving throughout the day:

1. Turn chores into exercise. Mow the lawn or do some gardening. The physical benefit is good for your health, plus gardening can enhance your mood and the food you grow offers great nutritional benefits.

2. Try cycling to run errands. Leave the car in the garage and bring out your bike for a quick run to the market or local shops.

3. Turn household cleaning into a mini workout. For example, mopping floors gives your shoulders and back a workout and can burn more than 100 calories in just 30 minutes.

4. Instead of going out for dinner or drinks with friends, do something physical, like taking a walk, or engaging in a physical hobby.

5. Take your dog to the local fields if you have any nearby, or play with them in your own garden. A game of fetch is not only great exercise for your faithful friend — it works your muscles too!

6. Join or start a sports or exercise team with your friends. Whether it’s bowls, golf, dancing, zumba, keep-fit club, walking football or swimming taking part in a sport you enjoy will improve both your physical and mental well-being.

7. Do you already walk daily? Try walking faster or choose a challenging route with hills. If there’s a cause you feel passionate about, try training to participate in a run or walk to raise funds. If you play golf, walk the course and carry your own clubs instead of using a cart and caddy.

Elderly warned to watch their salt intake Even more figures are confirming that people are living longer than ever before, but in some areas the downsides outweigh the benefits. In fact, one of the fastest growing demographics is people over the age of 85 who will represent 20% of the population by the year 2040, but because we are living longer, certain conditions specific to ageing are also on a steady rise.

Dehydration, falls, fractures, Alzheimer’s and dementia are now becoming more commonplace. In a recent paper titled “Salt Appetite Across Generations” presented at a medical conference in Switzerland.

Israeli researchers from the

University of Haifa indicated that among seniors, a reduced sense of thirst could increase the increased risk of serious dehydration. They also noted that the appetite for salt does not diminish with age, and suggested that this could be used to help sustain hydration and prevent the dangerous symptoms that result from dehydration. In 2013 a task force of 12 professional medical, nursing, and nutritional organizations assembled by the Pioneer Network published the New Dining Practice Standards.

Their report concluded that low salt diets were contributing to malnutrition and weight loss among a significant percentage of

elderly people in a range of care facilities.

Low salt diets can also cause seniors to suffer from mild hyponatremia, an electrolyte imbalance in the blood which may not sound bad but can lead directly to walking impairment, attention deficits and a much higher frequency of falls. Several recent medical pap ers found a direct relationship between hyponatremia and unsteadiness, falls, and subsequent bone fractures.

Some older people do need a low salt diet but many don’t, and it shouldn’t be assumed that they all do or benefit from when in fact the opposite may be the case.

Health and Beauty

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6th - 12th June 2017

UK aim for dramatic reduction in smokers

Setting an ambitious UK target of a smoking prevalence of less than 5% by 2035 would avoid nearly 12,500 new cases of serious disease and save more than £600 million in healthcare and lost productivity costs in that year alone, conclude researchers in Tobacco Control. Over the past 35 years, the number of active smokers in England has plunged to 17%, but on the basis of recent trends, smoking prevalence is projected to fall to 10% by 2035. And most of that decline will be among the most well off rather than the poorest. Bolder action is needed if real and equitable inroads into the rising personal and societal costs of treating and managing the conditions associated with smoking are to be made by that time, say the researchers.

Despite the adoption of similar ‘smoke-free’ targets by New Zealand, Finland, Ireland and Scotland, the UK has not committed to this ambition.

And while policies, such as stop smoking services, smoke-free workplaces, and standardised packaging are extremely welcome, alone they are unlikely to achieve a smoking prevalence of less than 5% by 2035, the researchers point out.

In a bid to work out the extent of the personal and societal gains to be made by adopting the target, the researchers drew on a wide range of national and research data to calculate the potential number of serious diseases avoided and the healthcare and lost productivity costs saved. They focused on 14 different types of cancer associated with smoking, including acute and chronic myelogenous leukaemia (blood cancers), as well as coronary heart disease, stroke, and COPD, the umbrella term for chronic and disabling lung disease. Using a mathematical model that includes a broad range of risk factors and which has been used in more than 70 countries to date, the researchers calculated that 12,350 new cases of disease would be avoided—particularly lung cancer—in 2035 alone, and nearly 100,000 between 2015 and 2035.

And they worked out that the NHS would save £67 million in direct costs, while savings in non-health costs would stack up to £548 million in 2035 alone. The researchers highlight

that the diseases included in their calculations didn’t cover the full range of those associated with tobacco use, nor did their model include passive smoking or other products, such as hand rolled tobacco, shisha, cigars and pipes. And they were unable to include wider societal costs, such as litter and house fires associated with smoking.

Nevertheless, “Findings from this study demonstrate that (A) there are clear health benefits delivered through achieving a [‘tobacco free’ ambition] by 2035 and (B) maintaining current trends in smoking prevalence is still likely to produce a sizeable disease and economic burden,” they emphasise.

“Smoking rates only decline with action,” they insist, adding: “Establishing a [tobacco free ambition] is an important policy endeavour to improve the health outcomes of the UK and a predicted baseline scenario of policy interventions to rid the country from the lethal grip of smoking.”

These should include sustained rises in taxation on cigarettes and renewed efforts to curb smuggling, they suggest. But achieving long lasting reductions in smoking prevalence will require cash, particularly if marginal groups of smokers are to be helped to kick their habit, they point out.

The reverse seems to be happening, they note, prompting them to urge: “With a substantial number of local authorities in England cutting back on their budgets for smoking cessation activity and mass media campaigns, a sustainable approach to public health funding should be sought in the immediacy.”

Earn your own Best Make-up award Whether you’re looking to enhance your daily beauty routine or for tips to add glam to your style for an upcoming special occasion, Hollywood’s red carpet is the best source for trends and inspiration.

Fortunately, many of today’s hottest looks are easy to create at home. Celebrity makeup artist Matin Maulawizada has tips to help you recreate your favourite red carpet looks in less time than you’d think.

1. Get glowing with toner Celebrities always seem to have a special “glow” on the red carpet with dewy, fresh skin. This effect is intentional and it all starts with proper hydration. To achieve luminous skin, Matin starts by spraying the face with a toner or rose water to balance the skin. He likes to pair this glowing look with dramatic eyes and a soft pink lip.

2. Apply foundation Get flawless skin thanks to perfectly blended foundation. For better application, Matin’s quick tip is to always warm the foundation first. “To get a sheer wash of foundation, I warm the foundation up in my hands before evenly distributing it on the brush and then I wipe the excess off the back of my hand.” he says. “This helps it blend seamlessly into the skin.”

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3. Prime the lips Before applying any product to the lips, it’s important to ensure they are prepped and smooth. Matin starts with ChapStick Total Hydration Conditioning Lip Scrub to gently exfoliate the lips and remove any dead skin cells.

“I love this scrub because it is made from naturally sourced ingredients, including sugar crystals, maracuja and coconut oils, shea butter and vitamin E.” he says. “It leaves the lips soft and smooth and turns them into a perfect canvas for any other products I will apply” 4. Swap lip liner for concealer Matin recommends shaping the lip line with concealer rather than a lip liner to add definition. Contouring around the lip creates a natural-looking full pout. The bonus is that it prevents any colour from bleeding, just as a liner would.

5. Bring out your natural beauty Tinted lip balms are great for a beautiful, subtle lip. Matin’s go-to is ChapStick Total Hydration Moisture + Tint because it adds a hint of colour to enhance the lips’ natural colour, while providing moisturizing benefits the lips need. It’s currently available in three shades — Rose Petal, Merlot and Coral Blush — so there is a tint for any occasion. “Tinted lip balms

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are perfect for creating a naturally beautiful lip look.” says Matin. “Not only do they provide alluring colour to the lips but it is also easy to maintain throughout the night’ 6. Use soft shades for a dramatic eye One of Matin’s favourite trends seen on this year’s red carpets is the pairing of a sheer lip and strong eye. This classic look is ideal for any age because it lets your true beauty shine while drawing the focus to the eyes. Matin recommends using a lighter pencil to get started and then smudging with a brush. You can use a powder shadow to fill in space and add definition. “For a dramatic eye, start with softer shades until you get the hang of it” he says.

“Use beige, taupe or grey to get a smoky effect that adds depth and drama:’ With these simple tips, anyone can recreate popular trends and add some glam to their daily look.

You may not be walking down your own red carpet, but you’re sure to get noticed and feel beautiful.

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32

Travel

6th - 12th June 2017

Luxury resort for Ibiza in 2020 Six Senses Ibiza will enter the portfolio of the company in order to boost the wellness of body and mind, among the amazing panoramic view of the Balearic island in the Mediterranean Sea. “We’re very excited to open our first resort, spa and residential project in Ibiza, a project that celebrates wellness, sustainability and community spirit. This third European property complements our sister resort in Portugal’s Douro Valley, residential project in Courchevel, France and seven fabulous spas in France, Greece, Spain, Switzerland and the UK,” declared Neil Jacobs, the CEO of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

The resort will be inaugurated in 2020 in collaboration with Beach Box Ibiza S.L. and will feature 134 guest accommodation suites, 9 private villas and unique design, entertainment and cuisine concepts.

Guests here will be enabled to capture the authentic Ibiza experience while surrounded by the best spa services featuring top cuisine and luxury accommodation.

“It is the first full-service hospitality experience with rich amenities not yet offered on the island. Partnering with a world-class operator such as Six Senses, together we will deliver a resort and residential community for all ages, while promoting the importance of sustainability and healthy living,” concluded Jonathan Leitersdorf from Beach Box Ibiza.

Multi-generational holidays all the rage Almost half of over 50s have been on a multi generational holiday The survey of more than 10,000 over 50s undertaken by SAGA, shows that a quarter have enjoyed a multi-generational holiday within the last year and almost two fifths (39%) have done so at some point in their lifetime. Only one in eight (12%) have never holidayed with close family.

Over 50s from the East Midlands have attempted to bridge the generation gap the most with 53% travelling as a family group in the last 5 years, closely followed by families in Yorkshire (52%), the North West (52%) and Scotland (51%). Families from Wales are least likely to have been away together (44%).

The most popular reason for getting away with the family was simply to have an opportunity to spend time together (75%). Other reasons include travelling together to celebrate important family occasions (23%) such as weddings, grandparents offering to share child care responsibilities whilst away (12%) and because of a desire to travel to the same destination (21%) or save on costs (7%).

More than half (56%) of those

surveyed said that their multi-generational holiday had been self-catering with a third (35%) booking a villa to live as a family unit and give their break a real home-away-fromhome feel.

Whilst a small number of holidaymakers admitted to some minor differences in opinion whilst away, including deciding what activities to do (9%) or where to eat (7%), it seems families that holiday together stay together with four in five multigenerational getaways going ahead

without a single disagreement.

Kevin McMullan, Head of Saga Travel Insurance, commented: “It is great to see different generations of the same family getting away and building lasting memories together.

Whether people have decided on self-catering, an all-inclusive package or even a B&B, it’s wise to have insurance in place that covers all of the travelling party to give everyone peace of mind so they can concentrate on having a great time.”

Venice in tourism dilemma

It was back in June 2015 within days of the new mayor of Barcelona taking up her post, that Ada Colau stated one of her aims was to introduce a limit on the number of tourists to “stop the city becoming Venice”. The Italian holiday hotspot appears to be taking notice of what she said two year ago...

Venetian authorities have said they are bringing in a series of new measures to stop the snowballing of fast-food outlets that are claimed as being “not compatible” with the heritage of the city. The new law which was passed last week has banned the opening of any new kebab shops, fast-food outlets and even selling pizza by the slice in the popular tourist destination.

However, the law doesn’t affect establishments selling artisanal ice cream.

“We want to put the brakes on types of activities which are not compatible with the preservation and development of Venice’s cultural heritage,” said Paola Mar, Tourism Chief of Venice.

She stressed that she didn’t have any problem with people eating outside but consumption of takeaway food in St Mark’s Square is prohibited.

“The problem is that with a tourist city like ours, there is a risk of it losing its identity,” she continued. “There are local products that we must try to promote, this would be better for the spirit of the city and, at an environmental level, would be more sustainable.”

Back in November 2016, the Mayor of Florence was sued for $20m by McDonald’s after he refused to let them open one of their restaurants. The proposal was refused by the Mayor saying: “McDonald’s has the right to submit an application, because this is permitted under the law, but we also have the right to say no.”

In a statement to the BBC at the time, McDonald’s said, “We completely agree that the cultural and artistic heritage and the Italian historical town centres have to be protected and guaranteed, as well as the traditions and the historical small shops, but we cannot accept discriminatory regulations that damage the freedom of private initiative without being advantageous to anyone.”

Last year too, Verona banned the opening of new kebab shops in the Italian city, while Florence had clamped down on “foreign food” after ruling that all new restaurants and food shops in the city should ensure that at least 70% of their produce is local.

The tourist influx angered the city and messages that read: “Tourists go away!!! You are destroying this area!” were circulated and posted as graffiti around the affected areas.

Animal Corner

6th - 12th June 2017

33

More Fat Cats... and Dogs

A new study has found more than half of British pet owners let their cats and dogs pig out on chips, popcorn, cheese, pizza, curry and even cake.

2,000 pet owners were surveyed as part of the study and the findings reveal that others admit feeding their animals high calorie foods including rice and bread.

Worryingly, 4% even confessed that they give their pets chocolate, which is poisonous to cats and dogs and can result in shaking, vomiting and seizures.

The poll, from Animalfriends.co.uk showed that 14% of British cats and dogs are currently overweight - making a whopping 2.2 million animals. Of those, three quarters have an overweight owner.

And that’s not surprising as a quarter of owners claim

they regularly dish up their leftover dinner scraps for their cuddly companions.

One in five furry friends are being given a snack because they beg for them, while one in four give snacks to pets between meals.

In 2015, the PDSA released an Animal Welfare report which estimated that by 2020, obese animals would be more common than healthy ones.

According to the results, the average pet owner spends £21.74 a month feeding their pet; while almost one in five splash out over £40.

Dave Leicester, head of clinical intelligence at pet emergency experts Vets Now, said: “The results of this poll are very concerning. Pets should never be given toxic

foods such as chocolate. We see thousands of cases of chocolate poisoning a year and, in rare cases, dogs do not survive.

“Owners should also avoid giving their pets human foods which can be high in fat, salt or sugar, and especially take-away and processed food with hidden toxins like onion or garlic powder and the artificial sweetener xylitol. High fat or sugary foods can lead to obesity which, in turn, have been linked to heart disease, cancer and diabetes, as well as debilitating life-limiting conditions including joint problems and respiratory Kittens looking problems. for homes “Too many pet owners remain unaware of the huge risk of feeding their These small kittens were pets unhealthy and dangerrecently ous foods. This needs to abandoned in Albox. change.”

Westley Pearson, Managing They are healthy, litter tray Director at AnimalFriends. trained, eat well and are co.uk, said: “Many of the very friendly. foods we eat contain things like natural flavourings.

For more These can make your pet information please extremely nauseous. Salt, contact raisins, garlic and onions are just a few of the eve626 720 951 ryday items we eat without question, but could cause significant harm to your pet.

“Frequent feeding on this type of high fat, salt and sugar diet could result in numerous health problems, such as obesity and diabetes.”

Family pets do age too It seems like just yesterday you brought them home and made them a part of the famergy to move, run and play. ily. If you own a cat or dog, you have fond memories of your furry family member from c. Right balance of phosphorus and sodium - not too much and not too little - helps day one. maintain a healthy bladder, kidneys and heart.

Fast forward to today. Just like with people, age sometimes creeps up slowly on pets. d. Antioxidant vitamins E and C along with beta-carotene and selenium to protect cells Every pet is unique, so changes happen at different times. What’s more, age-related and support healthy immune function. changes can be easy to miss because they appear so gradually over time.

In addition to making nutritional adjustments, consider these smart tips for helping Being aware and proactive is the best thing pet owners can do to help their pets stay your pet get the most out of life and unlock their ageless spirit: healthy as they age and it’s recommended that pets have a full ‘MOT’ at about age 1. Providing regular exercise and opportunities to interact with family members helps seven. This allows the vet to address any current concerns or potential health risks, keep older pets in shape and their minds actively engaged. including nutritional considerations.

2. Just as with people, maintain a healthy body weight and body Aging in pets can potentially impact the relationship you have with them, so being proportion (more muscle, strong bones, less body aware of the signs and what to do can help keep your older pet in the game. To help fat) by avoiding overfeeding, doing regular you understand what to look for the “TELL TAILS” signs of aging in cats and dogs is weigh-ins and avoiding unhealthy snacks. worth remembering.

3. Regular veterinary checkups (once T = Thinking. Your pet gets confused by ordinary things, like how to find their bed. per year for middle-aged pets A = Activity. Your pet is less active. Naps are now more appealing than playing or and twice per year for older exploring. pets over the age of seven) I = Interactions. Your pet doesn’t socialise with you as much as before. are recommended so any L = Loss of control. Your pet is well-trained, but has started to have accidents. concerns or S = Sleep-wake cycle. Sleeping patterns have changed, with more awake time during potential the night. health risks You’re the one who spends the most time with your pet, so it’s important to note any can be adof these changes and communicate them to your local vet. Consistent vet visits and dressed. changing your pet’s food are just two things that can help older pets to continue to remain healthy in their later years.

“As pets grow older, aging occurs inside every cell in their body”, says Kathy Gross, Director of Clinical Nutrition at Hill’s Science Diet. “Our research shows that gene Dog & Cat - Sitter service expression and activity are different in pets aged 7 and • Your home or ours older compared to their younger counterparts. Through • Honest & trust worthy this research we’ve identified natural ingredients and nutrients that change gene activity and used that knowledge • 5 years experience of to create pet foods for pets of this age.” all types of animals When selecting food, consider key nutrients important for • References pets aged 7 and older which includes: available a. High-quality protein with balanced levels of essential on request amino acids to support muscles. b. L-carnitine, to help the body convert nutrients into en-

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Motoring

6th - 12th June 2017

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Charity launches road safety manifesto A lower drink-drive limit in England and Wales and a compulsory 12-month minimum learning period for new drivers are among plans set out in a “road safety manifesto” announced recently.

Raising the driving licence renewal age and practical solutions to the growing problem of distraction at the wheel are also among the key points set out by IAM Roadsmart.

The UK’s biggest road safety charity has created its own manifesto designed to drive down the number of people killed or seriously injured every year on Britain’s roads.

It points to the 1,730 fatalities on the roads in 2015 and the fact that this figure has changed little from the previous four years as evidence that progress on road safety has stagnated and needs fresh impetus. Among its key proposals are a minimum period of learning for new drivers. Their manifesto says that experience is “the key to a safe driving career” and calls for new motorists to receive training for at least a year before being allowed to sit their test. Previously, IAM Roadsmart

had proposed this approach as part of a graduated driving licence and the manifesto also calls for changes to post-driving test rules to improve driving skills.

It is also calling for England and Wales to follow the examples of Scotland and Northern Ireland and reduce the drinkdrive limit from its current 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. In 2015 1,380 people were killed or seriously injured in accidents involving a driver over the drink-drive limit.

Drivers currently have to apply to renew their licence when they turn 70. Under the IAM manifesto, this age would be raised to 75 but would require applicants to pass a compulsory eye test.

It also proposes that doctors should be encouraged to “prescribe” driving reviews for older motorists if they feel their health may be affected their abilities behind the wheel.

The proposals are part of an overarching call for road safety professionals, employers, authorities and vehicle manufacturers to work together to improve road safety standards. Other points call for better government procurement to speed up the use of vehicles with advanced safety features; efforts to address the distraction caused by mobile devices and the protection of road maintenance budgets to ensure roads are safe to use.

Sarah Sillars, IAM RoadSmart chief executive officer, said: “The UK has one of the best road safety records in Europe, but still 1,730 people a year are killed.

“We believe by working together with government and the road safety ‘industry’ we can deliver a step change in road safety and significantly reduce the fatalities and injuries which occur daily on our roads.”

The manifesto in full

1. Partnership is the best way to get our accident figures heading downwards again.

With widespread support the ‘Road Safety Industry Consortium’ can help reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our road.

2. Driver distraction is now a top priority safety issue. We want legislators, car makers, social media and smartphone companies to work with road users on practical solutions.

3. Support more research on the transition to driverless cars and on the education and training challenges their introduction will bring.

4. Support the raising the licence renewal age to 75 with a compulsory eye test. Family doctors should be encouraged to ‘prescribe’ driving reviews for older drivers.

5. Believe road safety at work is a critical health and safety issue that requires higher priority at the Health and Safety Executive and should be at the core of good corporate governance for every employer.

6. DEFRA to implement cross-government procurement rules which accelerates the uptake of safe new vehicles with features such as autonomous braking. Public and private sector companies should only issue contracts to firms with driver risk management policies in place.

7. Promote motorcycling as a safe mode of transport that can help solve congestion and pollution problems 8. Believes experience is the key to a safe driving career and supports a 12 month minimum learning period for new drivers.

9. Believes a reduction in the drink-drive limit in England and Wales will save lives 10. Encourage all highway authorities to aim towards a minimum ‘three star’ risk rating on their ‘A’ roads.

11. Local councils and central government to protect long-term funding that will eradicate the road maintenance backlog.

12. Seeks a Brexit deal that maintains the UK’s exemplary road safety record and does not add additional burdens to drivers and riders visiting the EU.

Motoring

6th - 12th June 2017

35

Mitsubishi Shogun Sport is back... or is it?

The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport – already on sale in Asia as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – will go on sale in the UK early in 2018 says Mitsubishi boss.

The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport disappeared from the UK a decade ago, and although it’s sold as the Pajero Sport in other markets, it’s never made it back to the UK. But that looked set to change last year when Mitsubishi’s UK boss, Lance Bradley, said that Mitsubishi UK were planning to deliver the Shogun Sport to the UK and that it would be here by the end of 2016. That was in May last year.

Now it’s June 2017 – and still no sign of the Shogun Sport – Lance Bradley has popped up again to say that the Shogun Sport is going through the final stages of UK homologation and will be on sale in the UK in January 2018.

The Shogun Sport will come with a single 2.4 litre diesel engine option with 179bhp mated to an eight-speed auto ‘box and Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD II. Sitting between the Outlander and the Shogun, the Shogun Sport will fill a gap and find a ready market in the UK, although, by now, many of those prospective buyers will probably have gone and bought an alternative after Mistubishi went quiet on the subject.

Nissan X-Trail Nissan’s biggest SUV has received a mild facelift, including a new grille and bumpers, mildly revised head and taillights and new alloy-wheel designs.

The five-seat X-Trail’s boot has also been enlarged from 550 to 565 litres with the rear seats in place, although the seven-seat model’s boot space remains the same.

Updates inside include gloss-black air vents and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, featuring new wheel-mounted controls that are said to reduce the amount of time drivers spend looking at the dashboard controls.

The new X-Trail will come with a DAB digital radio as standard, while Tekna models get an eight-speaker BOSE stereo. A new, ‘shark fin’ antenna is said to improve radio reception, while models fitted with satellite navigation get and updated screen layout, which according to Nissan, resembles smart phone apps.

No changes have been made to the engines, all of which are diesel and comprise a 128bhp and 161bhp 1.6 and a 175bhp 2.0-litre.

Options include front and rear heated seats, two-tone leather seats and Nissan’s ProPILOT autonomous drive technology. The latter will be available in 2018 and can automatically control the car’s steering, acceleration and brakes when it’s travelling in a single lane on an A-road or a motorway.

Effectively a stepping-stone towards fully autonomous cars, the ProPILOT system can take control in a traffic jam and when the car is cruising at motorway speeds.

The X-Trail will also be available with other driving aids including Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition (a form of autonomous emergency braking) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which warns the driver if they try to reverse when another vehicle is approaching from the rear.

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6th - 12th June 2017

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR SALE FROM 4,900 EUROS. 697 834 934 (248081) CARS WANTED CARS Wanted For Cash. Classic Cars & Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Defenders & Discoveries.

Please call: 659 685 133 (245913)

Community

CRAFTS AND HOBBIES

GIRASOL COMMUNITY CENTRE Mosaic Classes, Art Classes, Karate, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Health Screening every 6 weeks.

For Hire 5.00€ per hour Tel: 639 089 170

Elaine´s Wools Quality UK Wool and accessories.

Come & view my DISPLAY Also available at TOTAL ENTERTAINMENT Albox & Arboleas Tel: 667 273 889 elaineswools@gmail. com

Electrical

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (245706)

FOR SALE

SINGER INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC SEWING MACHINE GOOD WORKING ORDER INCLUDING SEWING MACHINE TABLE 100 EUROS

Classifieds TELEPHONE 950 475455 MOBILE 661016366 COMPLETE FRUITS OF THE FOREST DINNER AND TEASET, INCLUDING TEAPOT MILK JUG, SUGAR BASIN, AND COFFEE POT. COMPLETE 75 EUROS TELEPHONE 950 475455 MOBILE 661016366.

Soltimes services

GardeninG e x p e r i e n ce d & knowledgeable lady g a r d e n e r ava i l a b l e .

L i g h t w o r k o n ly.

Mojacar Area.

12€ an hour.

Tel: 0044 7722646288

Steven Smith - Arboleas Builder

Building Maintenance & Property Repair No job TOO Big or TOO Small

Extensions - Garages/Car Ports - Swimming Pools - Walls - Patios Roofing - Tiling - Plastering - Painting

Cladding Specialists

Solar Wind Power solutions

Over 15 years installation experience. established 12 years in Spain.

Call Phil for competitive prices

636 261 240

950 930 536 / 634 306 690 ArboleasBuilder@gmail.com

email:info@sunergy almeria.com www.sunergyalmeria.com

potty finca services

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professional tree felling & pruning,

Works within 20 mins and can last up to 24 hours.

including all types of palm trees

Mens blues pil s blister pack of 10 for €35.

Find us on Potty Finca

spanish registered. ring john or Ruth on 616 855 294 or 950 163 930

Same day discreet delivery money back guarantee.

Confidentiality Assured

call 620 166 719

BABY HIRE

Everything for the visiting baby Car seats, high chairs, stair gates, cots etc 950 436 581/666 375 688 expectingababy.2006@gmail.com

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6th - 12th June 2017

Classifieds HEALTH

GIRASOL HEALTH FOOD SHOP Calle Malaga, Albox.

For all your dietary needs, health foods, organic foods, supplements, super food pòwders, organic eggs & veggie box scheme.

Est 2006 Tel: 639 089 170

INSURANCE

ALBOX / MOJACAR INSURANCE Award Winning Agent for ALL your insurance needs.

ALBOX OFFICE: 950 121 943 MOJACAR OFFICE 634 323 399 MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now!

(200726)

INTERNET

GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or

Lady Would Like To Meet gentleman 65 – 80 years for company and social evenings.

Owns own car, hobbies gardening, diy, driving, walking doghs & photography.

Tel: 0044 7722646288

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

LOCKSMITH

PHIL THE PICK, LOCKSMITH 24hr. Locked Out? Locks Fitted/Upgraded, House Safes.

Arboleas & Surrounding. Special Weekend Rate. Tel. 697 243 181

MOTORING

QUE COCHES ALMERIA Buying & Selling vehicles Vera Showroom We Will Buy Your Vehicle Tel: 627 423 675 WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726) FOR SALE Pick up with double cab MAZDA B 2500 Many Extras Leather Seats, A/c, Factory Fitted Towing Hitch, 4WD Diff Lock A go anywhere motor, with the driving luxury of a nice car RHD, English Plates ONLY 3,950€ Tel: 950 361 887 or 678 612 320 CAMPER VAN FOR SALE New Horizon – Roma Home. RHD, Selling for medical reasons.

2 berth Citroen E15 diesel, 40 mpg plus, 4 new tyres New 12/240 volt compressor fridge High Level Cupboards…..Plus More, Roll down side canopy

All ready to go 5,250€ Tel: 638 676 527 Email: mayeseunice@ gmail.com

PETS

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs 6 euros, medium dogs 6.75 euros, big dogs 7.50 euros, cats from 5.25 euros a day . 630 234 556 / the5bonehotelturre@ gmail.com New opening hours MonSat 9.30-12.30 and 18.00 – 19.00 Sundays 9.30-10.30 (251818) THE FIVE BONE HOTEL TURRE DOG grooming salon is getting very busy.

Anita asks all clients to please book well in advance to avoid disappointment 662 344 734 or the5bonehotelturre@ gmail.com New opening hours MonSat 9.30-12.30 nd 18.00 – 19.00 Sundays 9.30-10.30 (251818)

Plumbing

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (245706)

REMOVALS & STORAGE

FULLY Insured UK/ Spain Removals & Storage, UK Trading Standards Approved www.indalotransport. com 634 33 64 68 or Freephone Uk 0800 999 33 68 (251905) WE ARE looking for a full time local reporter for the Almeria edition of our newspaper.

Candidates must have relevant experience and Spanish is a bonus. Please contact me for further details jackie@

RENTAL WANTED

euroweeklynews.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

Job: Optical dispenser Skill required: Experience in Optics, with good customer service skills, ideally fluent in German, English and Spanish (German nationality would be preferred as the role will be working with German clients) Please send Cvs to Martin Blake at dir.santaponca@ st.uk.specsavers.com

SOLAR ENERGY/ POWER

SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience.

Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@ sunergyalmeria.com (250224)

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STAFF WANTED

Property wanted for long term rental, must have sea view and be on one level, no steps. Mojacar, Garrucha, San Jose, Costal Areas. Willing to pay up to 500€ per month

Wanted Experienced gluten free cook with light housekeeping duties for 2 hours a day for 1 month, seven days a week. If successful, it could be permanent.

Tel: 0044 7722646288

Tel: 0044 7722646288

removals and transport MAN AND VAN (Transit Med Wheel Base/Med High Top)

SMALL TO MEDIUM REMOVALS ALSO PART/FULL HOUSE CLEARANCE COLLECTION AND DELIVERIES. NO JOB TOO SMALL, ALL JOBS CONSIDERED AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK PLEASE CALL FOR FREE QUOTE CONTACT TONY OR LYNN ON

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6th - 12th June 2017

SOLTIMES

A former player, Tony is now the world’s most pr olific author of football books with 150 published since 1975. He has also been a PE teach er and a policeman, and is now a quiz-organiser, fund–rai ser, for various charities, and sports correspondent for Spectrum Radio.

Sport Sports shorts

By Tony Matthews

Rory´s raring to go

• Congratulations to Real Madrid, magnificent 4-1 Champions League final winners over Juventus last Saturday. This is the first time a team has retained the coveted trophy since its inception in 1992 and Real’s star man Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, including his 600th goal at club/international level.

• On Sunday we have the Canadian F1 Grand Prix in Montreal.

• There are several 2018 WC qualifying games also coming up including Belarus-Belgium, Holland-Luxembourg and Sweden-France on Friday; Azerbaijan-Northern Ireland, Germany-San Marino, Norway-Czech Republic, Poland-Romania and Scotland-England on Saturday and the Republic of Ireland-Austria and Serbia-Wales on Sunday.

• The French Open Tennis tournament ends on Sunday with the men’s singles final; the women’s showdown is scheduled for Saturday.

• Ice hockey’s Stanley Cup is taking place, along with the NBA (basketball) finals in Canada/USA.

Rory McIlroy, the world Nº2, has recovered from a rib injury that has kept him out of action since the middle of May and has declared that he is fit to compete at this month’s US Open, the 28-year-old has said.

The four-times major winner has been regaining fitness at the Quinta do Lago resort in Portugal and will return to action at the year’s second major in Erin Hills, Wisconsin when the tournament begins on June 15.

“I am ready for Erin Hills and looking forward to playing there for the first time. The last few weeks have obviously been frustrating... but it was important I got back to a level of fitness where I felt like I could give myself the best possible chance at the US Open.

“As I have said many times before, majors will ultimately determine my golf career, but I have had the rest of this busy season to consider as well.”

McIlroy sustained the injury earlier this year and suffered a recurrence during the Players Championship, where he finished tied for 35th.

He subsequently withdrew from the European Tour’s PGA Championship and the Memorial tournament on the PGA Tour.

The Northern Irishman won the 2011 US Open at Bethesda, Maryland by eight strokes, and will be seeking his second title in the event.

• And in sailing, GB’s Land Rover BAR team, with helmsman Ben Ainslie, are competing in the Americas Cup in Bermuda.

•

In football, Yaya Toure has signed a new contract with Manchester City; Arsenal want Atletico Madrid’s Alexandre Lacazette and Roberto Mancini is Zenit St Petersburg’s new manager.

• Last Friday, Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud became the first player to score a hat-trick for France since 2000, doing so in a 5-0 win over Paraguay. In the same game, Spurs’ keeper Hugo Lloris set a new record with his 88th cap.

• The 2017 Epsom Derby was won by 40-1 shot Wings of Eagle (Padraig Beggy); Cliffs of Mohar (Ryan Moore) was second at 5-1 with 3-1 favourite Cracksman third.

Twenty-four hours earlier, Frankie Dettori won the Oaks on Enable.

• England beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets in their first Champions Trophy Group game. Their second is against New Zealand today while their third is on Saturday versus Australia. India also started off with a win over Pakistan.

• The British/Irish Lions were unconvincing when beating the Provincial Union XV 13-7 in the opening match of their New Zealand tour. The ‘Lions’ play the Blues in Auckland tomorrow and the Crusaders on Sunday.

DID YOU KNOW? Barcelona players’ wage bill for 2016-17 was a world record £279m; Manchester United’s was £265m; Chelsea’s £256m and Real Madrid’s £250m.

6th - 12th June 2017

39

The Bhoys of ‘67 Fifty years ago in May 1967, Celtic became the first British football club to win the European Cup (now the Champions League) by beating Inter Milan 2-1 in the final at the Estádio Nacional in Lisbon, Portugal in front 55,000 fans.

For Celtic, it was their first appearance in a major European final while for Inter it was their third and it was they who scored first after seven minutes via Sandro Mazzola’s penalty, conceded by Jim Craig.

But Celtic, matching their opponents kick for kick, tackle for tackle, equalised through full-back Tommy Gemmell on 63 minutes before Stevie Chalmers deflected Bobby Murdoch’s shot into the net with six minutes remaining to bring glory to Glasgow!

Manager Jock Stein and his team received acclaim from all corners of the globe after this triumph and were given the nickname the ‘Lisbon Lions’. To this day, despite their 2016-17 triple triumph, the 1967 side is said to have been the greatest in the club’s history.

These are the players, 10 locals and a foreigner, born just 30 miles outside Glasgow, who did Scottish football proud half-a-century ago.

• Ronnie Simpson (goalkeeper) Born in Glasgow, 1930. He also played for Queen’s Park, Newcastle, Third Lanark and Hibs and made 188 appearances for Celtic, 196470, and twice won the FA Cup with Newcastle. He died in 2004.

• Jim Craig (right-back) Born in Govan, 1943. He played in 231 games for the Bhoys before joining Hellenic in 1972. On retiring, he became a dentist.

• Tommy Gemmell (left-back) Born in Motherwell, 1943. The first Brit to score in two European Cup finals, doing so for Celtic in 1967 and 1970 (v. Feyenoord), ‘TG’ also played for Nottingham Forest. He netted 63 goals in 418 games for Celtic, 1961-71, and died earlier this year.

• Bobby Murdoch (wing-half/midfielder) Born in Bothwell, 1944. He scored 102 goals in 484 appearances for Celtic, 1959-73, before moving to Middlesbrough. He died in 2001.

• Billy McNeill (centre-half) Born in Glasgow, 1940. He captained the side and made 790 appearances for Celtic, 1957-75. Later manager of Aberdeen, Celtic, Manchester City and Aston Villa, he is now suffering with dementia.

• John Clark (defender) Born in Bellshill, 1941. McNeill’s partner at the back, and nicknamed ‘The Brush’, he played 284 times for Celtic, 1958-71, before joining Morton. He’s now the club’s kitman.

• Jimmy Johnstone (right-winger) Born in Glasgow, 1944. ‘JJ’ was a fiery red-head who was voted as the club’s greatest player in 2002. After bagging 130 goals in 515 appearances for Celtic, 1961-75, he went to San José (USA) and later assisted Sheffield United. He died in 2006 from motor neurone disease.

• Willie Wallace (forward) Born in Kirkintilloch, 1941. Signed from Hearts for £30,000 in 1966, he served Celtic for five years, netting 134 goals in 232 appearances. After a spell with Crystal Palace, he went to Australia but is now living in Glasgow.

• Stevie Chalmers (striker) Born in Glasgow, 1936. He scored 219 goals in 406 games for Celtic, 1959-71, and later assisted Morton. Sadly, he also has dementia. His son, Paul, played for Celtic in the 1980s.

• Bertie Auld (outside-left) Born in Glasgow, 1938. Moved from Celtic to Birmingham in 1961 but returned to Parkhead in 1965. Another fiery character, he hit 120 goals in 505 club/international appearances, with 79 coming in 275 outings for Celtic. He’s now living in Glasgow.

• Bobby Lennox (forward) Born in Saltcoats, Ayrshire, 1944, thirty miles from Parkhead. One of the great strikers of Scottish football, he struck 273 goals in 589 appearances for Celtic: 1961-80. He now lives in Glasgow. His son, Gary, played for Dundee, Ayr United and Falkirk.

• Jock Stein, CBE (manager) Born in Burnbank, Lanarkshire, 1922. He made 102 appearances in Celtic’s defence, 1951-57, before injury ended his career. Later manager at Parkhead and also the Scotland national team. He died at the end of a WC qualifier between Wales and Scotland in Cardiff in September 1985.

FACT: Celtic won all five competitions they entered in 1966-67: the Scottish League title, the Scottish Cup, League Cup, European Cup and Glasgow Cup.

It’s a Real double

Once Ronaldo took the microphone, he couldn’t resist joining the crowd in chanting “Cristiano, Ballon d’ Or!,” a call for him to win the prestigious best-player award.

Ronaldo scored twice in the final, as Real became the first team to win back-to-back titles in the Champions League era.

Two weeks ago, Madrid celebrated their first Spanish Primera Division title in five years.

With a third European title in four seasons, coach Zinedine Zidane has re-established Madrid as the premier team on the continent.

Real Madrid celebrated their record 12th European Cup with thousands of fans on Sunday, after returning to the Spanish capital after beating Juventus 4-1 in the Champions League final in Cardiff, Wales.

The team was first greeted by Madrid’s mayor and regional president before the players got on an open-top bus for a slow ride through throngs of supporters to a packed Cibeles Square, Madrid’s traditional gathering spot for celebrations.

There, team captains Sergio Ramos and Marcelo climbed a temporary set of stairs to present the European Cup from atop the stature in the fountain in the square.

The team then headed to the Santiago Bernabeu

Stadium, where the packed stands were treated to an elaborate light and video show while each player was individually introduced.

Cristiano Ronaldo believes winning the Champions League for the fourth time is as sweet as his first with Manchester United.

The biggest applauses were for Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo, who waved a Portuguese flag as he walked out in the spotlight toward his teammates waiting on a makeshift stage in the centre of the pitch.

“This team believed from the start, and after a lot of hard work we reaped the benefits,” Ramos told the crowd while wearing a fake crown on his head and a Spanish flag draped around his shoulders.

Tony’s Golf

• New and Used Golf Clubs

For Sale Or Hire.

• Balls, Shoes, Trolleys, Bags & More

• Club Hire15€ PD or 60€ PW • We will sell your clubs 4 you Find us at Turre Market Friday, & Villaricos on Sunday Or Call 607-645-175