Soltimes Almeria – Issue 594

EST 2005

14th - 20th July 2017

Keep your shorts on BEACHGOERS heading for the 17 kilometres of coastline between Palomares and Pozo de Esparto in Cuevas de Almanzora will be forced to cover up this summer.

The town council has unanimously approved a motion to ban naturism among a raft of other new regulations, with clothing now obligatory.

According to a town hall statement “the beaches of Cuevas de Almanzora have the qualification and exclusive consideration of a clothed zone, meaning that naturism, nudism and being naked are expressely prohibited.”

The move comes after councillors last year outlawed nude sunbathing on urban beaches, but it remained

legal on beaches classified as natural with specific naturist zones.

But now there is a blanket ban with offenders to be slapped with spot fines of €100 to €750.

It is one of several new laws designed to “improve the tourist image of our town,” the council said.

In addition, it is now illegal to make fires, fish with a rod, camp, erect tarpaulins, park, sell drinks and food, leave rubbish, have parties,

or be accompanied by animals except guide dogs on the beach.

The most serious offences carry sanctions of €1,500-€3,000.

NO MORE NUDITY: It is unclear whether women can sunbathe topless.

Pot luck!

AN enormous cannabis plantation including more than 3,000 plants has been discovered in a run-down unit on the Los Grillos industrial estate in Nijar.

A 30-year-old man was arrested and charged with growing and distributing drugs, illegally tapping into the public electricity supply and animal mistreatment.

The extensive indoor farm is the largest found in the province in recent years, and police were initially alerted after spotting two men entering the apparently abandoned unit.

After watching several people come and go, a search warrant was obtained, but when officers approached the unit they

PLANTATION: Discovered in a run down unit.

saw a man run inside before pointing a shotgun at them through a broken window The police responded by drawing their own guns and entering the building,

at which point the gunwielding individual surrendered.

In addition to an elaborate ventilation system, investigators found a dog chained and semi-starving.

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News

14th - 20 July 2017

Why Brexit matters in Almeria FOR British expatriates living in Almeria, Brexit is the elephant in the room. Everyone will have different ties back to the UK, but most will have some financial connection whether by property, pensions or family.

In the last two weeks, Theresa May’s pricey £1bn deal to forge a pact with the DUP represents the most immediate impact for Britons in Spain. Whenever the prime minister makes any Brexitrelated political decision, exchange rates stagger, flutter or fall.

If you’re transferring money or travelling back to the UK, it’s invaluable to keep an eye out for any events as insignificant as May having dinner in Brussels or EU meeting leaders. These developments can, even in the short term, make the financial difference to the pennies in your pock-

MARIANO RAJOY: Cannot predict.

et mainly, as so often happens now, a policy statement follows them.

The biggest question facing British expatriates is what rights and privileges they, and Spaniards in the UK, will enjoy when a deal gets struck. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy

THERESA MAY: Forged a pact with the DUP.

and Mrs May have taken to making bold pronouncements on what ‘will’ occur. Their ministers either state, insinuate or proclaim the same. This is nonsense - not one of them is a soothsayer, and no one can predict what the final agreement between the UK and EU will look like, to say nothing of

the concessions likely required from both sides.

What is key to remember is a game of hostages is getting played. Whatever one country does to the other’s citizens will be returned in kind. Access to healthcare and benefits will be top of the negotiating agenda,

but, despite the differences in expatriate numbers, Spain and Britain remain matched. Spain is the number one destination for Brits living abroad, which means a significant level of taxable income and property for Madrid.

Additionally, Spain reclaims costs of healthcare provided to British citizens, yet Britain’s ability to do the same on foreign nationals is significantly less efficient.

Proclamations from either side should be taken with a pinch of salt because there is nothing yet set in stone for the 125,000 Spanish people in the UK, or the 310,000 British expatriates who live in Spain, of which 12,459 live in Almeria. Indeed, if there’s a lesson to be had it’s that what politicians say should be differentiated between what they want to happen and what is in place by agreement, treaty or law.

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News

14th - 20th July 2017

El Ejido summer season launches

GUARDIAS VIEJAS: 17th century castle.

EL EJIDO is kicking off the summer season with a series of concerts in Guardias Viejas Castle. Singers and bands will perform at the 17th century castle throughout the summer, and revellers can enjoy everything from rock to flamenco.

The series will run from early July to the end of August and are expected to be sell-out events.

Guardias Viejas Castle was renovated in recent years by El Ejido’s town hall. Summer concerts are always in high demand in the area, and music fans are advised to book their tickets early from the Auditorio in El Ejido as capacity is limited.

PSOE calls on the PP to clean-up PSOE councillors in Almeria are calling on the ruling Popular Party to clean up the city.

Councillor Indalecio Gutiérrez has warned that residents of Costacabana are gravely concerned at the general sanitation

and the risk of fire in neighbouring La Algaida. Specific complaints include unlit areas leading to drug use, sexual encounters and gang-related crime. There’s also a fear unkempt areas pose a higher risk of fire in the summer.

Almeria’s diversity revealed FIGURES from the Ministry of Employment and Social Security have revealed Almeria’s ethnic and cultural diversity.

Of 701,211 residents in Almeria Province, 74,571 are foreign residents. While the population remains mostly Spanish, 10 per cent of foreign nationals come from a diverse background.

Romanian expatriates comprise the bulk of the population with 38,317 residents accounting for 51 per cent of the population. Britons are a distant second, with 12,459, followed by Bulgaria with 4, 514.

News

14th - 20th July 2017

Clean bill of health for Almeria beaches IT’S great news for beachgoers this summer as Spain’s beaches are hailed as the best in the world.

Two independent sources have both proclaimed Spain to be the home of the most beautiful sandy getaways in the world. Blue Flag International, a Denmark-based foundation, analyses bathing areas and

awards a Blue Flag status based on factors like sanitary conditions, accessibility, safety and lifeguard availability.

Spain was in first place, with 579 sites, including Almeria, deemed to be excellent. Blue Flag season runs from Jun 23 Sep 4, covering the summer months.

Concurrently, a report on European bathing wa-

SPAIN’S BEACHES: Hailed as the best in the world.

ter quality in 2016, compiled by the European Environment Agency, also gave a clean bill of health for Almeria’s beaches with all of them meeting the ‘excellent’ criteria.

Across Spain, 1,732 areas of coastal bathing areas (88.9 per cent) met the ‘excellent’ criteria, with 121 inland bathing areas (or 50 per cent) also achieving high marks.

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News

14th - 20th July 2017

Checking out GREENPEACE activists have once again scaled the controversial Azata del Sol hotel on El Algarrobico beach in Carboneras.

Six protesters climbed the front of the 20-floor, 411bedroom hotel to repaint the ‘Hotel Ilegal’ (illegal hotel) graffiti which has adorned the building in various formats since 2007.

After being freshened up in 2014, disgruntled locals erased the initial letter ‘I’ so that the text read ‘Hotel legal,’ but this has now been amended.

The move comes after the Greenpeace vessel Esperanza arrived in Spanish waters on July 8, travelling down the Mediterranean coast to promote conservation of stretches that remain

PHOTO CREDIT GREENPEACE ESPAÑA

6

GREENPEACE: Activists once again scaled the hotel.

free of construction.

Spokesman Pilar Marcos explained that it forms part of a wider campaign to force the Junta de Andalucia to uphold a 2016 Supreme Court ruling to demolish the hotel, which is built on protected land but has remained in place since construction was halted in 2006.

The organisation has al-

so launched a campaign under the social media hashtag #TiraelAlgarrobico for members of the public to submit ‘risky’ demolition ideas which will be sent to Junta leader Susana Diaz.

Whoever submits the most creative proposal will spend a day aboard the Esperanza, which is to stay in Spain for the remainder of the summer.

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Feature

14th - 20th July 2017

Till Girl Tests PETE had come over all fuzzy, and had gone back upstairs to sit in the car, leaving me a trolleyload of Mercadona shopping, a €50 note, and midway up a fairly random queue.

I’ve got my checkout strategy off to a T; I put everything on the belt in order of hard and heavy first, small and squashy last - that way they arrive hard first, to be packed at the bottom, and squashy last, thus avoiding unplanned ketchup made by six litres of water landing on top of the fresh tomatoes.

The system was working perfectly; my strategically ordered shopping was sliding gently along the belt, being passed through the magic eye by Maria and delivered to the out tray for me to pack.

The shopping, Maria and I were working in perfect harmony. As I packed the sliced loaf and the bananas Maria said cheerfully ’55 euros.’

It had the effect of a stun gun on a galloping rhino. I froze in mid-pack. Weakly I fished the €50 note out of my pocket. I took a deep breath to summons my Spanish. ‘I’ve only got 50. My husband’s

By Jos Biggs

got all the money, upstairs in the car park.’ I flustered.

‘I’ll have to go upstairs to get it. Can you hold my shopping back?’

I glanced back at the queue, trying not to notice the collective thought bubbles coming from the waiting customers, and all saying Idiot. ‘Can you get it now?’

Maria queried, still smiling.

Without further ado I galloped off up the stairs and flung open the car door. ‘I haven’t got enough money.’

Pete grasped the urgency of the situation, and without prevarication produced a €20 note. I grabbed it and hurtled back down the stairs.

I arrived to see Maria, still smiling and cheerful, dealing with her next customer, an English gentleman, whose wife had left him to pay - with insufficient funds!

Without batting an eyelid Maria rang our totals up, took the proffered notes, handed us our till receipts, and released our shopping from her custody.

I wonder if all prospective Mercadona till girls have to pass a test in unflappability and cheerfulness under stress?

Feature

14th - 20th July 2017

9

We are all photographs

by Sandy Shore WHEN a dear friend of many years unexpectedly passed away my wife and I were shocked and saddened. We were shocked because Phil’s joie de vivre was infectious.

We were dismayed because we fondly thought nothing was going to change but of course everything changed.

I recalled many enjoyable occasions when we two had bantered as the band played.

How often the chitchat between Phil and his family ricocheted across our patios. On his passing there was a photomontage of memories for me to dwell upon.

To say his passing brought closure to our relationship is of course wrong. But, there is finality of a sort when you re-

A LEGACY: All photographs act as a bridge from the past.

alise that the mortal past cannot be repeated except by recollections.

Never again was I going to hear his voice; “Hi Mike! You fancy a drink? How about .. .. .. ?

It then occurred to me that we are all destined to be photographs; that is all. One day, after my passing and yours, folk will look at our photographs. Some will be able to

join the dots because they shared our lives.

There are many photographs of people, some well-known and some not so famous, who we never shared life with. Others did enjoy that privilege and are able to colour the pictures in with their recollections of happy and sad reminiscences. I suppose this is where the saying comes from; ‘a picture tells

one-thousand words.’

Some stories we know already because we and the dearly departed wrote the diary together. In other cases it is up to us to imagine what life was like for the person in the photograph.

In this way all photographs act as a bridge from the past.

Our recollections of a personal friendship during a shared mortality allow us to occasion-

ally wander back down the time-bridge span and share poignant or jolly moments.

We again hear their voices and each recollection is a sip of sparkling Champagne.

Thanks to modern technology illustrated life stories are no longer the preserve of the rich and famous. Hallelujah to that. From my ghost-writing experiences I can tell you that the lives of the less famous are far more interesting, exciting and inspiring than were the lives of most of the closeted royals.

I was part of Phil’s biography and this allows me also the pleasure of being a part of the life photograph of my friend. This was his legacy; make sure yours is as good and inspiring.

R.I.P Philip Heath.

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Feature

14th - 20th July 2017

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News

14th - 20th July 2017

Why doesn’t Spain love the iPhone?

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All adverts must be prepaid whether they are placed at our offices, by email or fax, or via our sales team. The advertisers full name, address and ID number must be supplied (not for publication). Sol Times does not accept any responsibility for claims made by adver tisers, either in advertisements or advertorials, nor can it be held responsible for any inaccuracies, errors, or the non-appearance of advertisements or advertorials. This publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors as a result of poor quality artwork or logos supplied by advertisers and no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement or advertorial. Every effort will be made to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of articles and advertisements in this publication, however the publisher does not accept responsibility for claims or opinions in the same. The publisher does not accept responsibility for opinions expressed by readers in the ‘Mailbox’ section of this newspaper. Reproduction of any part of this newspaper without the consent of the publishers is prohibited. E:&O.E. Deposito Legal Sol Times Almeria Edition MA 811-2017

AS Apple celebrates the iPhone’s 10th anniversary, it might be worth pondering why Spain has no love for the acclaimed device.

The numbers are not flattering. According to research group Kantar, Google Android has a 90 per cent market share in Spain with the iPhone falling way behind on 4.3 per cent.

And the numbers have consistently been like that. Statistics firm Tech Thoughts thinks that it’s because the iPhone, and Apple generally, never became a ‘thing’ like they did in other parts of Europe.

One reason for the disparity is Spain’s grinding experience in the 2007-09 recession. Apple products, and iPhones particularly, are notoriously pricey.

They’ve likely not embedded themselves in everyday Spanish life because there’s still a high unemployment rate of 18 per cent and an even higher rate IPHONES: Never became a ‘thing’ in Spain. of 39 per cent for youngsters.

Although costs can be offset with phone contracts, the Spanish are not generally good at advertising discounts save for when you specifically ask for them. Other countries are more inclined to saturate you with the product and the discount in one go, ensuring a hook, line and sinker guarantee for customers.

And this has no doubt affected how people see themselves in Spain.

Where Apple has thrived is by making their users feel part of an evolving family of devices. Or a cult, if you believe the detractors.

While the death of Steve Jobs begs the question of what direction the company might have gone in, extremely well synchronised devices and easy set-up, as well as generally intuitive functionality, continue to be why the devices are loved.

NEWS BITES

Clean bill of health PULPI Council has announced that the water off San Juan de los Terreros beaches is of “excellent” quality and “very suitable” for swimming according to a Junta de Andalucia report.

Bone dry NATIONAL Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and the Environment minister Isabel Garcia Tejerina has been in Almeria to discuss how best to guarantee irrigation water as the province continues to be affected by drought.

Name game PATERNAL surnames no longer have priority over maternal names. New parents in Almeria will be asked to agree on the naming order within three days or the civil registry office will decide.

Heavy hitter A BOXER from Almeria won the Andalucian super-heavyweight title by first round KO after only two years’ training. ‘Kiki,’ aged 27, has set his sight on the Spanish national championship.

Top shops A HUGE new El Corte Ingles is planned for a 35,000 square metre space in central Almeria near the La Salle school, which itself has secured planning permission to build a new premises.

Weekender

14th - 20th July 2017

• Features • Property • Home & Garden • Horoscope

• Film & Book Reviews • Crosswords • Health & Beauty • Food & Drink

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Home & Garden

14th - 20th July 2017

Making the most of a small garden SMALL gardens, tiny terraces and petite patios can be transformed into an elegant outdoor retreat.

Small gardens are great spaces to be creative, as even the smallest additions, from colourful cushions to stylish lighting, will have a dramatic effect.

Paint walls white White paint is often used to make the most of a small space because of its brightening and lightening properties, and gardens can benefit from this trick, too. With white painted brickwork and white garden furniture, this creates a beautifully summery scheme.

Plant a lush garden with pots You don’t need a lawn to create a lush garden. A low-maintenance op-

tion such as gravel is great for small gardens. Add lots of pots, filled with everything from the tiniest flowering plants to tall and bushy trees. Finish off with some garden furniture.

Brighten up with colourful furniture Even the tiniest terrace can be transformed into something exceptional.

Try garden furniture paint to make the space special. Your seating colours don’t have to match – bright hues like orange and pink go really well together and aqua would work well too.

Focus on furniture Place objects of interest at the end of your garden and create the illusion that your space is bigger than it is.

Choose white garden furniture and

position it towards the back of a paved area. Add interest with plants at all heights and in all areas.

Trick the eye With space at a premium in city areas, create an illusion of space with a contemporary mirror panel. Use it to visually double the amount of space you have and increase light levels in darker corners. Enhance the sense of privacy with ornamental grasses, potted evergreens and climbing plants.

Play with colour Even if your outdoor space is supersmall, there’s no reason why you can’t transform it into a vibrant al fresco dining area. Choose a small round table and chairs and a large parasol.

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SUMMER Special

14th - 20th July 2017

Summer season hits Summer on the beach.

THE Culture, Tourism and Sports delegate for Andalucia, Alfredo Valdivia, has released projections suggesting a record tourist boom for Almeria this summer.

Hoteliers in the province are already reporting a 2 per cent increase in summer hotel stays. Hotels are also estimating that for July and August, occupancy will var y between 75 to record highs of 90 per cent across Almeria including the capital.

In the limelight UNDER the ‘European Hollywood’ branding, Almeria continues to attract international filmmakers decades after Western director Sergio Leone put the province on the map with his Dollars Trilogy starring Clint Eastwood. The American director Brian de Palm is currently filming part of his upcoming movie Domino, starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau of Game of Thrones fame, while British singer Jamiroquai is to shoot the video for new single Cloud 9.

Restaurateurs have likewise noted that there has already been an increase of 10 per cent in the number of reser vations they’ve received compared to 2016.

The forecasts confirm a consistently upward tourist trend for the province in 2017. From Januar y t o M a y, 3 2 2 , 8 4 2 p a s s e n g e r s passed through Almeria airport, a 2.4 per cent increase on 2016.

Additionally, in the same period, a total of 114,012 travellers have stayed in hotel establishments in Almeria, 11.3 per cent more than

On the buses THE Metropolitan Transport Consortium for the Almeria area has boosted public transport for the summer period, offering 14 new services connecting Roquetas de Mar, Cabo de Gata and Gador throughout July and August. The consortium was created in 2007 and its network reaches 505,284 people, equivalent to 72.5 per cent of the province. For timetables (in Spanish) see www.ctal.es/ho rarios.html.

SUMMER Special

14th - 20th July 2017

a high in Almeria last year. Overnight stays also rose to 219,581, an increase of 17.5 per cent on the previous year.

Valdivia believes that competitive prices are the primary explanation for the surge, as is the reduction in high-priced seasonal rates for hotels and travel. An improvement in the frequency of flights to Andalucia, and in particular Almeria, has also given a boost to tourism numbers.

He reiterated the commitment of the Andalucian government to

strengthen tourism given that the industr y forms two-thirds of businesses in the region. The Board Boosting tourism numbers. plans fur ther steps including specific marketing actions to ensure tourist numbers increase and that visitors keep coming back.

Alfredo Valdivia said that it’s vital the results continue so they’ll promote business, growth and stability which benefits the region and Almeria.

Vital the results continue.

Water worry ALMERIA Provincial Council has launched a summer course designed to investigate the region’s dwindling water resources, as fears mount over a combination of drought and excessive water extraction for agriculture, golf, and other human activities. It comes after President Gabriel Amat called for “better organisation” in water management “because tourism and agriculture, our two economic pillars, need water here.”

Talking shop A REPORT by the Andalucian Consumers Union has revealed that Almeria spends the most money per capita during the summer sales. With a spend per head of €68, the province leads the regional ranking ahead of Malaga (€67), Cadiz (€66), Granada and Sevilla (€60), Jaen (€56), Huelva (€54) and Cordoba (€53). Clothing is the most popular purchase, accounting for 60 per cent of expenditure.

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18

Property

14th - 20th July 2017

Falling home ownership fuels rise in inequality ACCORDING to a recent report, it has emerged that a fall in home ownership is fuelling the return of rising wealth inequality across Britain. Booming house prices in the run-up to the financial crisis between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s led to a decade-long fall in the uneven distribution of the country’s wealth, however comprehensive new analysis of the UK’s wealth

PROPERTY WEALTH: The trend has started to reverse.

divisions has found the trend has begun to reverse.

The study, by thinktank Resolution Foundation, found wealth is distributed far less evenly than earnings or household income. Using the Gini coefficient (a common measure of inequality), it found just a 10th of adults own around half of the nation’s wealth, with the top 1 per cent owning 14 per cent of the total. By contrast, 15

per cent of adults in Britain have either no share of the nation’s £11.1 trillion wealth, or have negative wealth.

However contrary to the popular perception that wealth inequality has been rising for decades, the report shows the inequality of net financial and property wealth fell steadily between 1995 and 2005, with the Gini coefficient falling from 0.71 to 0.64.

This fall in inequality was driven by high and rising home ownership, which meant more households further down the wealth distribution gained a key asset and were able to benefit from the pre-crisis property price boom. The proportion of property wealth owned by the bottom four-fifths of adults grew from 35 per cent in 1995 to 40 per cent in 2005.

However, the Foundation warns that with home ownership steadily falling since its mid-2000s peak, the proportion of property wealth owned by the bottom four-fifths of the population has started to fall again. Since the financial crisis, home ownership among the least wealthy half of the population has fallen by around 12 per cent, while it has continued to rise by 1 per cent for the wealthiest 10 per cent.

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Leisure

14th - 20th July 2017

YOUR WEEKLY HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Finances may be the last thing on your mind at the moment but deal with matters now and get them out of the way. There are other directions that your thoughts are taking.

TAURES (April 21 - May 21) Please, please be organised. Not to be so would mean problems on the financial side for months to come. Money is good and this, combined with a romantic interest, means that you will be sorely tempted to overspend. When it comes to giving of yourself, emotionally, remember that you will only receive back what you are willing to give.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) A pet love is given a helping hand from someone close. You may have criticised this person in the past but now they are showing you their best side. To keep this going, be sure to show your appreciation.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Steaming ahead this week, it will surprise you just how much you get done. A relationship that seemed to be going nowhere perks up and the chance to show just how versatile you are in that direction sees you shine. Generally, your confidence is good so don’t be surprised if someone starts singing your praises.

LEO (July 24 - August 23) That niggling disagreement that you had with someone should not be allowed to take up your time any longer. Be sure to take the bull by the horns and get it sorted out. It may not be possible to use your charm in this situation but, if you look and sound determined enough, the message will get across.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) This is a great week for parties and socialising.

Libra is shining on you and the light is shooting right through your love life. Other relationships benefit, too, and it is a good time to ask favours. When it comes to showing your affections, avoid being super-cool. This will only give the impression that you do not care, which is far from the truth.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Making changes in your surroundings takes priority this week. You want to be ready for a busy party time ahead and that means making a special effort. You do so love making your friends comfortable and giving them pleasure. As money is not likely to be so tight at the moment you have the chance. Your love life is going to give you pause for thought both in a good and not-so-good way.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Some disruptions from Jupiter’s influence mean that this is not likely to be a smooth week. However, there are some niggling drawbacks that you do not even notice until they are already past. That is no bad thing because time often solves these matters. Be aware that someone is waiting for a decision on the romantic front.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Why has that special plan not been started?

Could it be that you are waiting until next year?

Best strike while the iron is hot and not delay a moment longer. While others are having a good time this week, you can steal a lead.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Joint efforts and team projects go hand in hand this week. Your social life will improve dramatically if you make a special effort at the weekend. Realising and then admitting that you need others is the start of real progress. Only foolish people insist that they are self-sufficient. Sooner or later, they realise differently.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Changes are to be made as soon as possible.

There are people in your life who give you nothing but trouble. Being kind to them seems to do no good at all. Why not be kind to yourself for a change? Arrange not to be available to them all the time and they will soon find some other outlet.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Being firmly in control this week shows results. Although you prefer to accommodate others, this is not the time. Once you have realised how much easier your life is when you put your foot down, there will be no looking back.

BOOK REVIEW

The Wrong Girl

by Laura Wilson

WE can all sympathise with being in the wrong place at the wrong time can’t we? But imagine having the wrong life and being the wrong person? Does that make any sense? Once you've worked through the complexities of this plot with these dysfunctional characters that all seem to have fragile egos appearing to be very unstable and grossly unhappy it should make sense. This is typical of Guardian crime reviewer, Laura Wilson

"Everything was in a me ss. She's been left in thi s horrible room because she was the wrong girl. She wa sn' t good enough to be Phoebe or have a mum like Meliss a.

Of course she wasn't. How could she ever have thought she was?"

PUBLISHER: QUERCUS PUBLISHING LTD. ISBN: 978-1-78206-312-4.

and this one is worthy of your time.

Wilson reminds us throughout that whatever actions we have taken in the past, they will always come back to haunt us. Guilt unfortunately, may define us, so how do we choose the guilt we can live with and repress it as long as we struggle through day- to-day living?

Can we ever escape the burdens and actions of the past? Probably not.

The prologue intrigues us with a Mr

Fix-it, alias mystery man, sounding dejected and suicidal. “Everything had gone wrong too many times.” Our mystery man was a roadie in the past, 40 years back. He refers to a missing child and inevitably, his inability to be able to bring back the child. Sounds ominous, doesn't it?

The story contains so many twists and turns it will keep your interest throughout. Enjoy.

Leisure

14th - 20th July 2017

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FILM REVIEW

6 DAYS

6 Days is a British film directed by Toa Fraser and written by Glenn Standring. It is based upon the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London and stars Jamie Bell, Abbie Cornish, Mark Strong and Martin Shaw.

In April 1980, armed gunmen stormed the Iranian Embassy in Princes Gate, London. Over the next six days a tense standoff took place after 26 people were taken hostage

inside the embassy by six gunmen, who demanded the release of Arab prisoners in the Khuzestan Province of Iran, as well as their own safe passage out of the UK. All the while a group of highly trained soldiers from the SAS prepared for a raid the world had never seen the likes of.

The film was shot on location in London, in and around Knights-

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

The Lone Ranger Sunday 16th July, BBC2 9pm to 11.20pm Armie Hammer stars as the Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp as his eccentric comic sidekick, Tonto, in this sprawling action comedy.

Lawman, John Reid, (Hammer) is left for dead after an ambush and is saved by a Native American fugitive (Depp). He conceals his identity behind a mask and the duo set off to hunt down the outlaws behind the ambush, with plenty of action and adventures along the way.

bridge. The framework for the film largely follows the perspective of three people who played a vital part in the events at the time - Hostage negotiator Max Vernon, the man responsible for communicating with the terrorists in the building; News Reporter Kate Adie, who was covering the events for the BBC and Rusty Firmin, leader of one of the SAS assault teams that ended the siege.

6 DAYS: Based upon the 1980 Iranian Embassy seige.

OUR CHOICE Nadiya’s British Food Adventure Monday 17th July, BBC2 9.30pm to 10pm The Great British Bake Off 2015 champion, Nadiya Hussain, embarks on a culinary road trip around the UK in this new series. She meets with producers, farmers and fisherman all across the country, creating her own recipes based on their produce. Nadiya kicks off the tour in the Home Counties, visiting an asparagus farm in Oxford with her next stop, Milton Keynes, where she tries her hand at smoking food in Milton Keynes.

ONE TO WATCH The Barbara Windsor Story

Friday 14th July, Channel 5 9.30pm to 11pm In the year of her 80th birthday, costars and friends including Ross Kemp, Michael Sheen, Bernard Cribbins, Pam St Clement and June Brown help to celebrate the landmark by remembering the life and career so far of one of Britain’s favourite screen icons.

With her naughty giggle and cheeky wiggle, this real-life Eastender has been entertaining us for seven decades. This documentary explores the life and career of a British national treasure that was awarded a well-deserved damehood last year.

22

Puzzles

14th - 20th July 2017

Wordsearch The Simpsons Characters

Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms. No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.

TARGET: • Average: 16

• Very good: 31

• Good: 22

• Excellent: 40

ANSWERS NEXT WEEK!

SCORING: CLETUS KRUSTY SMITHERS WILLIE CARL

NELSON SIDESHOW BOB BART LENNY MOE

MR BURNS HOMER PATTY OTTO APU

RALPH BARNEY MARGE NED LISA

Quick

Across 1 Medical practitioner (6) 4 Attempting (6) 9 Arrives (5) 10 Impressively large (7) 11 Zone (8) 12 Lure (4) 14 Classified (6) 16 Poses for (6) 19 Guide (4) 20 Speculating (8) 23 Grinning (7) 24 Courageous (5) 25 Stable (6) 26 Latest (6)

Down 1 Makes up one’s mind (7) 2 Tent areas (5) 3 Watched (8) 5 Hazard (4) 6 Copy (7) 7 Visitor (5) 8 Hit with an open hand (5) 13 Achievable (8) 15 Understand (7) 17 Section (7) 18 Arbitrate (5) 19 Continues (5) 21 Representation (5) 22 Discover (4)

• 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points • 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points • 8 or more letters: 11 points

Cryptic

Across 1 Seasoned lad set about (6) 4 Sticks graduate to new direction (6) 9 Celia changed her name (5) 10 Radical former Tory leader's mere blunder (7) 11 Manages and speaks about exercise (8) 12 Make a choice from five of the entrants, initially (4) 14 Traps laid for tin god (6) 16 Makes fun of back-combs (6) 19 Grumble about strobe effect shows (4) 20 A veil can hide a Spanish city (8) 23 Go score another for cheapskate (7) 24 American lawyer in apt suit (5) 25 Upset some Mossad denigrators (6) 26 Trader who hands out cards? (6)

Down 1 Secretly trails Cliff's backers (7) 2 I have knowledge about long French river (5) 3 Eve dealt out grand (8) 5 Performs in contact sports (4) 6 Coolest wild cats (7) 7 Screen is back with First Lady (5) 8 Ward off a returning pariah (5) 13 Promotion in tranquil evening air (8) 15 Reported a few slipped up (7) 17 The rats run amok then go to pieces (7) 18 Went steady with someone who was behind the times (5) 19 Origin of book unaltered (5) 21 Swim or go on all fours (5) 22 No, Lawrence, pay attention (4)

Puzzles

IRREGULAR SUDOKU

SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : COPS ON THE BOX 1. In which city was the early American police series Dragnet set?

2. Which Canadian-born actor played wheelchair-bound police chief Ironside?

3. In which television drama series that ran from 1982 to 1986 did Star Trek actor, William Shatner, play the part of a police officer? The show also starred Heather Locklear as Officer Stacy Sheridan, Adrian Zmed as Officer Vince Romano, Richard Herd as Captain Dennis Sheridan and James Darren as Officer Jim Corrigan.

4. In the television police series The Bill, what was the nickname of the character Alfred Lines, played by actor Kevin Lloyd?

5. Which police drama series that aired from 2007 to 2008, was a spin-off of the successful medical dramas Holby City and Casualty?

6. Actor Nicholas Ball first found fame on television in 1978 starring as which policeman turned private detective?

7. What was the name of the NYPD police officer in the cartoon series Top Cat?

8. Which television series of the 60s and 70s was developed from Police Surgeon starring Ian Hendry?

9. Which number completes the title of comedy police show set in New York’s The Bronx, which premiered in the US in 1961: Car [number] Where Are You? 10. In which 1960s television police series did actor Gene Barry play the part of a multi-millionaire captain of the Los Angeles homicide squad, who was chauffeured around to solve crimes in his Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II?

Kakuro

1. LOS ANGELES, 2. RAYMOND BURR, 3. T J HOOKER, 4. TOSH, 5. HOLBY BLUE, 6. (James) HAZELL, 7.

OFFICER Charlie DIBBLE, 8. THE AVENGERS, 9. 54 (CAR 54 WHERE ARE YOU?), 10. BURKE’S LAW

SUDOKU

23

14th - 20th July 2017

CrosswordSolutions 593

Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.

ANSWERS NEXT WEEK!

24

Health & beauty

14th - 20th July 2017

Men are sensitive too...

FEELING self-conscious can have an impact on men’s behaviour and with dry, sensitive or reddened skin a key cause for anxiety amongst UK men, it’s no wonder skin concerns are one of the biggest factors preventing men from enjoying everyday activities.

With over one in three (34 per cent) of the 7,074 men surveyed describing their skin as sensitive, there is no doubt that sensitivity is a major skin issue. And whilst UK men are looking after their skin better in recent years, increasingly demanding lives and environmental aggressors such as pollution and UV rays are taking their toll, leaving them more prone to sensitivity, dryness and irritation.

This in turn is having a major impact on men’s self-confidence and behaviour - with over half (52 per cent) of all men surveyed saying they’d feel self-conscious going on a date with dry, sensitive or slightly red skin, half saying it would affect them if they were heading for a job interview (50 per cent) and just under a third (32 per cent) conscious of their skin on a night out with friends.

Only one-in-10 men said that they

A SHAVE: Key for many.

wouldn’t feel at all self-conscious if their skin was looking below par on a date (11 per cent), and 21 per cent claimed skin issues would make them feel self-conscious if they were playing sport.

Men blame anything but poor shaving routines and lax skincare for the way their skin feels. The weather is cited as a main factor, with many men blaming cold, hot or dry weather for irritating their skin (57 per cent).

Over half (55 per cent) say getting sweaty impacts on how their skin feels while an astonishing 47 per cent believe greasy food has an impact - despite research to the contrary.

Urban life comes in for criticism too, with a quarter believing air-conditioning determines how their skin feels (25 per cent) and over a third (39 per

cent) saying pollution affects how their skin looks and feels Just 15 per cent of men identified wrinkles as their number one worry.

Two thirds (66 per cent) of men say they’ve delayed shaving because of their skin being sensitive whilst more than one-in-10 (13 per cent) would skip shaving altogether if their skin was dry, sensitive or red - despite a daily shave being key for many men in boosting their self-confidence and projecting a crisp, clean and professional persona.

The good news is that men are beginning to take the right steps to solve their sensitive skin issues.

Nearly half (48 per cent) reach for the moisturiser when skin is dry and irritated and a third drink more water (35 per cent).

Overcoming the diet myths WHEN it comes to trying to improve your health, lose weight or build muscle, it’s hard to know who to listen to.

Here are five of the most common diet myths that we all most likely know, and the real truth behind them...

1. For weight loss, stop eating carbs after 6pm Truth is, your body is constantly burning fuel, so those carbs will still be burnt for energy regardless of the time of day - they won’t automatically be stored as body fat as soon as the clock strikes 6pm!

2. Weight-training makes you ‘bulky’ In truth, weightlifting actually does wonders for improving body shape and composition. Lifting weights while still eating too many calories can increase body fat levels, which may add bulk, but lifting weights while eating a reduced calorie diet will help to reveal a leaner, improved shape as body fat levels drop.

3. To lose weight, you have to cut out junk food Of course, you would imagine that healthier food choices need to be made to lose weight... That means

no takeaways or treats, right? Wrong! Even though these foods are higher in calories, in moderated quantities, they are absolutely fine to include within a balanced diet to achieve the weight loss you want.

4. ‘X,’ ‘Y’ or ‘Z is the best way to lose weight There are countless products, methods and diets which promise immediate weight loss, but the only way to successfully lose weight is by burning off more calories than you consume. Weight-loss comes from addressing the body’s energy balance and creating a calorie ‘deficit’ this can be done by reducing your intake of food, increasing activity levels, or a mixture of both.

5. Eating 6-8 small meals a day is best for weight loss At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it’s total daily calorie intake which will determine weight loss or weight gain across a 24-hour period, not when those calories are eaten. So if you’re eating a suitable number of calories, you’ll successfully lose weight.

Health & beauty

14th - 20th July 2017

Keeping those legs fresh all summer SUNNY weather is always welcome, oily fish / fish oil. Turmeric can be but be that as it may, summer heat- added in smoothies, soups and alwaves also bring with them heavy, most all food recipes and curcumin is puffy legs and water retention which available as a supplement.

• Horse chestnut and escin - have can make life difficult for many women. Sitting for long hours, stand- a long history of use against water reing at work or when shopping / tention and as circulation enhancers. sightseeing and taking mid or long Available as a supplement in all good health food stores. haul flights can make it even worse.

• Berry fruits - contain polyphenols However, there is plenty you can do to keep legs in top form in the heat of which are known to protect vein functhe summer: many foods and nutri- tion and support microcirculation. ents can help keep legs feel light and Blueberries and blackberries are the best, but all berry fruits are healthy and offer valuable relief for the perfect summer heavy, puffy legs. snack.

• Oily fish and fish oil - these days also available in vegan varieties, help keep blood vessels in top form and red blood cells elastic, and fight inflammation, thereby helping keep circulation going and legs healthy in the heat of the summer.

• Turmeric and curcumin - are known for their antiLEGS: Keep inflammatory action and them light and healthy. are an ideal companion to

• Vitamin C - is crucial for blood vessel health and is found in tomatoes, citrus fruit and other fruit and vegetables, as well as supplements • Protein - is normally not associated with leg health and wellness, but considering that skin and blood vessels are made of protein, it makes sense to get enough in order to be able to repair your skin and blood vessels.

• Water - is not a food per se, but plays an important role in keeping the lymphatic system healthy and functioning well and helps prevent constipation. Two litres of water a day are essential in the summer.

Activist joins leading model agency MISS SOUTH AFRICA 2016 finalist, plus-size model and body-positive activist, Marciel Hopkins, has been signed by Europe’s leading model agency, London-based MOT Models. The motivational speaker and Instagram star has joined the MOT Models ‘Curves’ Division, which celebrates plus size models and encourages body positivity.

Marciel Hopkins has appeared in campaigns for leading brands across Europe; recently appearing in a Marks and Spencer Summer Lingerie campaign. She will be in London for a limited time before travelling to Germany.

She is now working on a course for young women to teach body acceptance, holistic health and mental wellness. It has been de-

veloped with schools in South Africa and is the first course of its kind led by a professional model.

Marciel said, “It is not worth fighting a daily battle with your food and body. Bodies are different and we can’t all look the same. We are spoon-fed images of unrealistic body goals where people are airbrushed to perfection.

“Social media has influenced the way people want to look and this is dangerous for those of a younger generation as this could influence their health for the rest of their lives.

“Too many young girls think they have to be skinny and slim in order to be healthy. People instead need to strive towards being the healthiest and happiest version of themselves whatever their natural

shape. I’m happy and healthy as a natural size 14. I haven’t weighed myself since the Miss South Africa pageant. Weight does not determine anyone’s worth.

“I want to encourage people to embrace who they are and realise that a healthy body can take many forms. I work as a life coach and there is nothing better than seeing the transformation of someone who has been fighting with body issues.”

Founder of MOT Models Mike Illes said, “We are very excited to welcome such an inspirational individual to MOT Models.

Marciel stands out as an individual for her positive attitude and star personality. Marciel understands the importance of being healthy in your own way.”

25

26

Food & Drink

14th - 20th July 2017

All-day breakfast... that could last all-day A CAFÉ in Bristol has added a breakfast eating challenge to its menu so large that people must sign a waiver before undertaking it.

If a customer manages to clean the plate of an 8,000 calorie, 59item fry-up you get a trophy, a key ring and a special t-shirt. As an added incentive, it will be free and the café will donate £50 to a charity of your choice.

The gut-busting breakfast is the brainchild of The Corner Café in Portishead, which is challenging people to give the full English their best shot.

Six is the magic number for these sadistic chefs as the plate is filled with six bacon rashers, six sausages, six eggs, six black puddings and six hash browns.

The monstrous meal also comes with two three-egg omelettes and four portions each of fried potatoes and fried mushrooms.

It also has four onion rings, four slices of toast, two portions of stewed tomatoes, two portions of baked beans, two slices of fried bread and half a grilled tomato.

And if that was not all, there’s a bowl of chips and a full pint of milkshake to tackle too, just to

help it all go down.

Those ordering the Monster Mega Challenge are required to sign a waiver, to take full responsibility for their eating binge.

Café manager Lucy Butler revealed how many had taken on the brekkie and the fact that you only have an hour to munch your way through it all.

She said: “We’ve had 191 customers in the past two years (who have taken on the challenge). The last one was about two weeks ago, when we had a man fly over from the Czech Republic last month. He only had a few bites

left too, but couldn’t break past ‘the wall’.”

Café owner Jim, was impressed with the Central European’s efforts. Jim enthused: “He was from one of those eating clubs and he really went at it.”

Jim gave the full details of the challenge: “You get the £15 cost of the breakfast refunded and we will donate £50 to a charity of your choice. There is also a trophy, a key ring and a t-shirt to celebrate your achievement.”

Hitting the wall seems to be the

BREAKFAST CHALLENGE: Created by sadistic chefs.

tale of everyone that has taken up the challenge as, so far, no-one has managed to actually crack it and clear their plate.

Lucy believes that they have got their strategy wrong so far and that the chips could be key.

She said: “Chips are left a lot, maybe that’s where they go wrong - that’s where they should begin. Most rest for 10 minutes then get back to it but nobody has completed it yet.”

Food & Drink

14th - 20th July 2017

27

Be proud to eat the rainbow HAVE you ever noticed that the majority of processed foods are beige or brown? Many whole and natural foods, on the other hand, are brightly coloured - and eating them can help you to feel vibrant. Here’s why...

Red helps your heart Studies show that lycopene, a red-coloured phytonutrient found in tomatoes, can help reduce the risk of heart attack due to its potent

antioxidant activity. What’s more, fresh tomatoes and tomato extracts have been shown lower LDL cholesterol - the ‘bad’ kind that can lead to clogged-up arteries.

Orange maintains your immune system Carrots’ bright colour comes from beta-carotenes - compounds that are converted to vitamin A in your body.

Vitamin A, in tur n, plays a pivotal role in the healthy functioning of your immune system, helping you to fight ever ything from cancer to the common cold.

Yellow supports your eyes The humble corn-on-the-cob contains a compound called lutein, which is also f o u n d i n y o u r e y e ’s retina. A report in

VIBRANT: Many whole and natural foods are brightly coloured.

Egg Salad for Sandwiches Ingredients 8 eggs, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard, 1/4 cup chopped green onion, salt and pepper to taste, 1/4 teaspoon paprika.

Preparation 10 minutes Method 1. Place egg in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat.

Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.

2. Place the chopped eggs in a bowl, and

stir in the mayonnaise, mustard and green onion.

Season with salt, pepper and paprika. Stir and serve on your favourite bread or crackers.

the British Journal of Ophthalmology suggested that eating lots of yellowcoloured foods can support the function of your eyes, thus reducing your risk of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration.

Blue protects your brain Pterostilbene is a phytonutrient that’s found in the skins of blueberries and grapes. Recent animal studies have shown that supplementation with pterostilbene can improve cognition, reduce anxiety and enhance mood.

Tr y adding a cup of blueberries to your morning muesli, or throw together a fruit salad with grapes.

Green assists your liver Cabbage, kale and broccoli are all full of glucosinolates - compounds t h a t s u p p o r t y o u r l i v e r ’s a b i l i t y t o eliminate toxins. Aim to eat two large handfuls of these vegetables daily.

There’s no need for soggy vegetables, though, as steaming them is the best way to preserve their health-boosting properties.

28

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14th - 20th July 2017

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30

Sport

14th - 20th July 2017

SPORTS

By Tony Matthews

* The Wimbledon women’s singles final takes place tomorrow, followed on Sunday by the men’s… and we have three doubles finals to slip in as well.

Hopefully we’ll see a Brit in one of them, perhaps even in two after Johanna Konta reached the semi-finals of the singles and Jamie Murray and Martina Hingis were going well in the mixed doubles. Konta, in fact, became the first British woman to reach the last four since Virginia Wade in 1978. And if you’re interested in tennis, you’ll already

A former player, Tony is now the world’s most prolific author of football books with 150 published since 1975.

He has also been a PE teacher and a policeman, and is now a quiz-organiser, fundraiser, for various charities, and sports correspondent for Spectrum Radio.

Diary of sporting events!

What’s going on in the World of Sport in Paris a week on Sunday, July begins today and run on until Ju23… and leader right now, Chris ly 20. * We have the British Formula Froome, can without doubt, 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone this clinch his fourth title. * The football Gold Cup is un- Sunday where Lewis Hamilton will be aiming to reduce Sebastderway in the USA, until July 26. * The second cricket Test be- ian Vettel’s 14-point lead in the tween Joe Root’s in-form England driver’s championship. * The Women’s Football Euro and South Africa started yesterday at Trent 2017 championship gets underway today and continues until Bridge. * The Disability August 6.

The game ended level at 1-1 after * The Darts World Match-play S p o r t s / Wo r l d 120+ minutes of sometimes tense footPara-athletic cham- tournament is on from July 22ball and the first 10 spot-kicks were all pionships com- 30. converted in order with England in the * And all the top golfers will be mence today and lead all the way through until the scorein action in the Open Champifinish on July 23. line stood at 5-5. Then up stepped cur* The swimming onship at Royal Birkdale from rent head coach Gareth Southgate and diving world next Thursday, July 20 (see my Chris Froome. who saw his rather indecisive penalty championship also preview). saved by the diving Andreas Köpke.

Then it was all down to another Andreas - Möller - to fire home his penalty and so book Germany’s place in the final… which they won, beating the This year’s Open Golf Championship starts at Royal Birkdale next Thursday, Czech Republic 2-1 with a ‘sudden 20 July, and I believe that one of these players will be the overall winner…. death’ goal.

• Brookes Koepka, recent US Masters win- long. He’ll be in the mix.

And it was the same again in the re• Fellow American Jordan Spieth can easner in Wisconsin, must have a chance of cent Euro U21 championship in ily finish in the top three. doubling up.

Poland. England, under head coach • Spain’s US Masters champion Sergio • Hideki Matsuyama will, eventually, beAidy Boothroyd, reached the semi-final come Japan’s first winner of a Major… it Garcia who has been in pretty good form so stage after Group ‘A’ wins over Poland far this year. could be this year. and Slovakia and a draw with Swe• Rory McIlroy, if he concentrates, might, • Rickie Fowler has been near to winning den. But, like it had been all those a Major many times; he could go close just might, have a chance. years before, eventually the pressure • And never write off Henrik Stenson, Jaagain this time. told on two players!

• Thomas Pieters has the temperament to son Day, Adam Scott, Bill Haas, Brandt The teams had played out a 2-2 Snedeker, Branden Grace, Charl Schwartzer win - but he must stay focused. draw after extra-time, before England’s • Tyrrell Hatton loves playing on links and Emiliano Grillo.

Tammy Abraham missed from the spot • Having aid that - we could quite simply courses and he has the guts to win. early on and then Nathan Redmond • After an excellent US Masters, Tommy see a rank outsider drive, chip and putt brilsaw his effort saved towards the end of Fleetwood is the most fancied Brit and if his liantly to become the 2017 champion. the shoot-out, as the German’s went putting goes well, he’ll be there or therethrough 4-3. And once again they Fact: An Englishman has never won on abouts on the final day. came out on top in the final, beating • Spain’s Jon Rahm Rodriguez could be this course, and previous winners include Spain 1-0. the surprise package; the outsider in the Padraig Harrington 2008, Ian Baker-Finch Summing up, victory for Germany 1991, Tom Watson 1983, Johnny Miller pack if you like. was the right result! They were by far • Dustin Johnson is certainly in with a 1976, Lee Trevino 1971 and Peter Thomthe better side, especially in normal chance - a champion doesn’t lie down too son, twice, 1964 & 1965. time, and deserved to win.

know who will be in the female showdown, and later today we’ll learn who will battle it out in the all-male contest. * The Women’s cricket World Cup continues until July 23 with England going extremely well right now. * The Tour de France will end

LAST month in the semi-final of the European U21 Championship in Poland, an England team once again lost to Germany in a penalty shoot-out!

The first time the ‘Lions’ fluffed their lines against the Germans (then it was West and East) was back in the World Cup semi-final of 1990 in Turin. After topping Group ‘F’, England then knocked out Belgium and Cameroon before meeting their arch-rivals for a place in the final on July 4.

The scores were level at 1-1 after 120+ minutes of on-field action, Brehme’s deflected effort being cancelled out by a Gary Lineker goal, but then it all went wrong for Bobby Robson’s side when it came to penalties!

Unfortunately it was agony for leftback Stuart Pearce and wide-man Chris Waddle who both missed from the 12-yard spot, allowing West Germany to go through 4-3 on penalties.

They then went out and beat Argentina 1-0 in the final.

Six years later it was the same old story when Germany reached the final of Euro ‘96 with another penalty shootout against England, this time managed by Terry Venables.

En-route to the semis, England beat Scotland 2-0 and Holland 4-1 and drew with Switzerland 1-1 to top Group ‘A’. They then accounted for Spain, albeit on penalties after a goalless draw, before tackling the Germans at Wembley.

FOTOREPORTER SIROTTI STEFANO

More penalty for England!

Open golf preview

Motoring

14th - 20th July 2017

Luxury in Canada

convertibles built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini’s birth in Italy. All 40 of the V-12 supercars have already been sold to buyers across the globe.

If the arrival of the car in Canada, and the delivery to a private owner was something of a secret, the pride of the staff at Grand Touring Automobiles has been hard to hide.

“The world’s finest automobiles are the stock and trade of the staff at Grand Touring Automobiles,” explains dealership President and Chief Executive Paul Cummings; “but, the Centenario really got everyone excited. The remarkable technology of the car, its arresting design and physical presence; and, the honour of delivering such a rare car to one of our very special customers, made this a real occasion.”

If and when it appears on the street, the car itself is sure to steal the spotlight.

SOUGHT AFTER: The Lamborghini Centenario.

PHOTO CREDIT: LAMBORGHINI

ONE of the world’s most exotic and sought-after Lamborghini sports cars quietly arrived in Canada last week; and, was delivered to its new owner by Grand Touring Automobiles in a carefully orchestrated operation that could have been a chapter in a spy novel.

The Lamborghini Centenario, one of only 20 Roadster versions in the world of the company's carbon fibre technological tour de force, was delivered to its discerning owner in a private ceremony at the owner’s home - the culmination of a two-year process in which Grand Touring Automobiles handled every aspect of the acquisition of a highly coveted production spot through vehicle configuration and ultimately delivery.

At approximately $4 million CAD, the Centenario is the only one of its kind in Canada; and, one of only 40 of the Centenario coupes and

31

Manufacturers call for tariff agreements AHEAD of the bilateral EU-Japan summit to conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) called on negotiators to ensure a balanced outcome for the European automobile sector.

“Concretely, this means that Japan should resolve the remain-

ing non-tariff measures facing EU vehicle exports. This should at least partially offset the negative impact of increased Japanese imports on the competitiveness of the EU auto industry, caused by the elimination of EU tariffs,” stated ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert.

Today, EU import duties on

passenger cars amount to 10 per cent. Duties on commercial vehicles are 10-22 per cent. ACEA requests that any schedule for the elimination of these tariffs should reflect the status of automobiles as sensitive products and should be a minimum of seven years.

Despite the South Korea free trade agreement being in force

for almost six years, certain nontariff measures have remained unresolved, resulting in significant costs for EU manufacturers.

“It is therefore of vital importance the EU negotiates a more robust automotive annex in the EU-Japan free trade agreement, which encourages regulatory collaboration, but also allows for is-

sues to be addressed in case of non-compliance,” said Jonnaert.

ACEA also requests that the agreement should provide rules of origin provisions that are consistent with other EU free trade agreements. Despite the current EU import duties, Japan already accounts for the highest import value for cars in the EU.