EST 2005
21st - 27th July 2017
PHOTO CREDIT: GUARDIA CIVIL
Off the hook
RETURNED: The snatched statue.
Statue swindler THE Guardia Civil has arrested a 31-year-old man, known only as SM, for the robbery of a bronze statue in La Ecareda, Almeria. Officers were called by the owner of a farm in La Ecareda after he noticed that a 1.9 metre high ballerina statue had gone missing from his property. The victim spotted the accused fleeing the area after another neighbour had caught him dragging a second statue along the street. Investigators tracked the crook to his home in Vicar and found the statue in question abandoned in his front garden. The accused has been handed over to the Almeria courts under robbery charges.
ALMOST 100 homes built illegally in the La Aljambra neighbourhood of Albox between 2004 and 2006 are not to be demolished. The decision by an Almeria judge to dismiss a petition to have the 98 houses bulldozed has ended a decade of despair for families, including many British expatriates, and is a major victor y for the AUAN (Abusos Urbanisticos Almanzora No) Association. According to a court report, two primary factors influenced the decision, firstly the fact that the buildings had been purchased in good faith by “bona fide third parties, mostly people of British ori-
ALBOX HOMES: Will now not be demolished.
gin and of old age.” Second, there remains the “possibility of legalis-
ing” the houses “according to the measures that Albox Council is taking.”
The town hall has been working on regulating the homes for several years, actively participating in amendments to the Law of Urban Planning in Andalucia, part of which now allows the splitting of a single plot into two or more, as has occurred in La Aljambra. A housing developer with initials JFAH was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence after admitting his part in the scam which involved building the homes on land classified as ‘non-urbanisable’ and without the mandatory building permit. He is also banned from working in the construction trade for two-and-a-half years.
2
News
21st - 27 July 2017
All of space, time…and Spain FOR 54 years Doctor Who has been travelling to new and strange worlds. For most of that time, it was touring the quarries of Great Britain. Every now and again, though, the show took a left turn and went to the Iberian Peninsula. As of 2017, Doctor Who has filmed seven stories in Spain. Despite launching in 1963, it was Peter Davidson’s Fifth Doctor who was first to make it to Lanzarote in 1984 as part of the story ‘Planet of Fire.’ This penchant for holidaying lead to Sevilla in 1985 for the special ‘The Two Doctors’ (starring both Colin Baker and Patrick Troughton as the eponymous Time Lord). After the show’s hiatus in 1989, it returned in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor. Although it had swapped the
FILMING IN SPAIN: The Doctor in Sevilla (1985) and Almeria (2012).
quarries of England for a big budget Welsh film-set, on-location jaunts remained rare. It was only in 2012 that Matt Smith as the 11th Doctor got to go to the Sierra Nevada for the story ‘Asylum of the Daleks’; albeit the mountain range was used as a Dalek moon (none have
been spotted since). Later that season Almeria’s famous Mini Hollywood stood in for the real Wild West in ‘A Town Called Mercy’ for a memorable showdown between the Doctor and a cyborg sheriff (something like a robot Clint Eastwood). By 2014, Lanzarote again dou-
bled as the surface of the moon in ‘Kill the Moon’ with Peter Capaldi in the starring role as the 12th Doctor. Fuerteventura, another Canary Island, likewise doubled for New Mexico in 2015 under his tenure in ‘The Zygon Invasion’ later that season. Only last week the show re-
turned to Spain, albeit Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences doubled as a future human colony full of killer robots in ‘Smile.’ The country’s history and famous faces have also been referenced hundreds of times on screen, in books and audio versions of the show. A favourite surely must be that by 2059 Spain has its own space programme or that by 2108, and don’t hate the messenger for this, Malaga is an independent country… Spain, if not the new quarry, is definitely the new exotic for Doctor Who. It’s staggering beauty, and continually innovative architecture make it a prime filming location very close to home. Will the Time Lord return in the near future? Given it’s burgeoning global dominance, it seems more than likely.
News
21st - 27th July 2017
NEWS BITES
Flamenco fun
PHOTO CREDIT PSOE ALMERIA
4
ALMERIA BUSES: The city is working to resolve any issues which remain.
Calls to fix bus routes in Almeria THE PSOE in Almeria City has called upon the ruling Popular Party to solve bus issues in Vega de Acá and La Goleta neighbourhoods. PSOE criticised the lack of available public transportation, demanding that action is taken to remedy “the chaos of communication” caused by changes to bus
routes in the city. They have also claimed alterations to existing routes have left residents without available public transport. The Popular Party have said the changes have in fact streamlined and improved government-run services in the city and that while issues remain, they are working to resolve them.
ALMERIA CITY is enjoying its flamenco season with a series of events, workshops and spectacles for children and adults alike. The public are invited to come along and participate or to watch a celebration of Spain’s most famous dance at public venues.
On set LEGENDARY screen director Brian de Palma is filming his latest film, ‘Domino,’ in Almeria. The thriller tells the story of a police officer out for revenge and stars Game of Thrones’ Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in the central role with Christina Hendricks also starring.
News
21st - 27th July 2017
Sánchez Haro celebrates fishing fleet of Garrucha
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE: Rodrigo Sánchez Haro (second from right).
THE Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Rodrigo Sánchez Haro, has praised the fisheries sector of Garrucha for its “drive and capacity to generate wealth and sustainability.” The municipality boasts 172 jobs in the sector and moves more than 421 tonnes of fish and seafood
a year. The district makes up 42.9 percent of the Andalucian red shrimp production with 29 vessels. Haro applauded the volume of catches in the first half of 2017 compared to 2016. The Minister addressed fishing representatives of Garrucha, saying that the Andalucian Plan for Fisheries Management
for the Mediterranean will make recommendations for self-regulation in search of sustainability from the EU. The proposal would tackle the limitation on bottom trawling and call for an increase to 210 days a year. Andalucia has 1,533 fishing boats, and 6,500 sailors worked from January to May 2017.
5
News
21st - 27th July 2017
Schools needed THE Popular Par ty of Almeria has raised concerns that there are insufficient special education schools for students in the province. Aránzazu Mar tín Moya, the PP representative for the province in Andalucia’s parliament, has requested that the Andalucia Board construct special education schools in the Almanzora Valley. Currently, the only centres which offer this provision are in Almeria City and El Ejido. She cites a 2010 Ombudsman for Children repor t which concluded there was an insuf ficient network of specific centres. The Board’s subsequent Plan of Action 2012-
PHOTO CREDIT PARLAMENTO DE ANDALUCIA
6
PP REPRESENTATIVE: Aránzazu Martín Moya.
2015 was produced to address the issue which the PP say has failed to handle any long-standing deficiencies. The province of Almeria has a total of 240 places already of which 139 are in Princesa Sofía and 60 in Rosa Relaño in the capital. Five places are also in Asprodesa in
El Ejido, 18 in Down Almería and 18 in the Jesus Trade centre. Mar tin calls on the Board to readdress the disparity, saying that painful situations for families and children are made worse if accessible facilities are not available to of fer suppor t to students.
Feature
21st - 27th July 2017
7
Advertising Feature
It’s holiday time again. Have you got that Liberty feeling? ONCE again, summer is here with a vengeance. Temperatures soar and with the influx of tourists, you have to keep your wits about you at all times when driving. Holidaymakers who rent a car, may also be driving on the opposite side of the road to their home country, like the British, so you need to be extra vigilant and try to anticipate their possible mistakes. One very common incident happens on roundabouts where drivers take the wrong lane. For example, if you want to carry straight on then it’s best to take the outside lane, and if you intend to turn left, take the inside lane. What many people do, is take the outside lane with the intention of turning left but the driver on the inside lane who is going straight on, has to be very careful to avoid a collision with the vehicle going all the way round. Aside from the inevitable increase in traffic accidents with the huge influx of tourists from around the world, you need to make sure your car is up to scratch too. For example, always make sure that your tyre pressures are correct by checking them at least once a month, especially as road sur-
HOLIDAY TIME: Keep your wits about you when driving at all times.
faces become very hot indeed and will affect the pressures. Needless to say, check the tyres too and make sure they are in good condition with enough tread. Also check the car’s radiator water level; the last thing you want is to overheat if you’re stuck in a queue and worse still have to wait for a breakdown truck. It’s also illegal to run out of screen-wash so keep this topped up. Driving with flip-flops or shoes without backs is not permitted either. Obviously seat belts must be worn all round and children need safety harnesses. And stating the obvious too, mobile phones must not be used for speaking (unless using a built-in hands-free device) and definitely no texting!
If you do have an accident, remember the following: Stay calm and use the reflective vest. Use your vehicle’s emergency flashers and use two warning triangles at appropriate distances from the vehicle. Stay away from oncoming traffic. Call 112 if necessary. Take photos of the incident when safe to do so. Get statements and contact information from any witnesses. Complete the accident report forms. If your car insurance is with Liberty Seguros, the Expats’ No.1 Choice in Spain, you can call their 24-hour help free phone
number on 900 101 369, where you will be assisted in English for your convenience. LIBERTY SEGUROS Car Insurance is tailormade with you in mind and is perfect for expats in Spain. It offers total coverage to both the driver and passengers in case of an accident, as well as roadside assistance from kilometre zero. It also includes a courtesy car in case of accident, theft and even for breakdown, as standard cover. Liberty Seguros brokers, with many years of experience, can give you in-depth information about the different policies on offer and advise you on the best cover to suit your family, be it in English, Spanish, German, Dutch or Scandinavian. With LIBERTY SEGUROS you will always be in safe hands. With over 175,000 international clients and over 300 brokers, LIBERTY SEGUROS is the leading expatriate insurance provider in Spain, with a wide range of products to protect all that really matters. So, call Liberty Seguros on 913 422 549 for further information, or visit: www.liber tyexpatriates.es to find out the name of your nearest broker.
8
News
21st - 27th July 2017
Will apps kill pubs?
CHEERS: Customers can now order food and drink to their table through mobile apps.
HAS the death knell been sounded for pubs and restaurants? Customers can now order food and drink to their table through downloadable mobile apps. Food, drink and re-orders are paid for with the push of a button with ser vers left to deliver them. The ‘order and pay’ app has already been adopted by pub chains in the UK and across Europe, raising the fear that Spain is not far behind. For customers, the innovation represents a quicker, smoother dining experience, especially in the summer months when footfall increases. Pub and restaurant managers are ready to embrace the technology, too, as it cuts waiting times by 2/3 for the average visit at peak business times. While the app is still something of a novelty, there’s a burgeoning concern that it might signal a
shift away from the human contact that often defines a night out and underpins an establishment’s reputation. Waiting staf f are the first to challenge the idea, not least as it curtails opportunities to make personal recommendations and to go the extra mile to earn tips. So is doomsday among us for pubs as we know it? It’s worthwhile remembering that the same conversation was had 10 years ago by those who said e-books heralded the end of paperbacks and a descent into darkness. The opposite happened - books bounced back because the novelty wore off quickly because a certain je n’ais se quoi was lost. Is it likely to decimate waiting staff jobs? One manager explained the new technology only enhances the dining experience of the customer, while the actual logistics
of service remain in place from order to table service. They argue that it has benefits for all involved, including those without a smartphone, because it allows for a faster distribution of human resources, expressly at peak times when queues look like a devil horde in the distance. As for the decline in tête-à-têtes, it depends entirely on where the app is adopted. A busier restaurant or large bar makes perfect sense, particularly for parents with small children or people with disabilities who don’t want to leave their table. Smaller locals, on the other hand, are less likely to adopt the model precisely because their size and waiting times don’t need an improvement. So is a pub extinction near? Join me for a pint, and we’ll find out.
News
21st - 27th July 2017
PHOTO CREDIT ALMERIA JUNTA/TWITTER
10
WORK INSPECTION: Gracia Fernandez (left) checks on progress.
Investment in schools in Albox and Zurgena THE Board of Andalucia is investing more than €414,000 in schools in Albox and Zurgena for general repairs and classroom upgrades. Gracia Fernández, the delegate for Almeria, was accompanied this month by the territorial delegate for Education, Francisca Lourdes, to inspect the work underway. Both representatives were joined by the head of Planning Service, Gabriel Mori, and they attended the CEIP Velazquez and CEIP Virgen del Saliente schools in the
town of Albox. They also visited the municipality of Zurgena to see the development of the works at the CEIP Juan Andrés de Toledo. Works to the schools are expected to include enhancements to sports facilities, structural repairs and protecting against water damage. Urgent technical repairs will also be completed, including repairing broken concrete and rusty railings. There will be classroom upgrades and general modernisation to equipment for pupils. These repairs and upgrades form part of a €107 million package for schools in the eight Andalucian provinces. These are included in the 20162017 Investment Plan in Educational Infrastructures framework launched by the Ministry of Education. The plan is implemented through the Andalucian Public Education Agency.
News
21st - 27th July 2017
Almeria Museum launches summer programme THE Museum of Almeria programme offers more than 70 cultural activities throughout the summer. Alfredo Valdivia, the Cultural delegate for Andalucia, said at a press conference, “three months of proposals for the public in addition to the activities will also be free.” He added that locals and visitors to the city can find out more through the web site or by calling 950 100 409. To accompany the exhibition programme, a series of tours have been organised around the city in which specialists and guides will explain areas of the museum, its collections and the history and culture of Almeria.
MUSEUM OF ALMERIA: Offering cultural activities.
Valdivia added that as usual, there is a commitment from the Museum of Almeria to “protect the cultural heritage” of the city and that “history has no secrets.” To that end, there is an emphasis on workshops for children. There will also be an In-
stagram contest with a theme focusing on the sea and fishing. Visitors are encouraged to follow developments and learn more on social media and to include the hashtag #Vera noMusal. Visitors should plan their visit and reserve places in advance.
11
12
When in Rome by Sandy Shore A DAY visit to Cartagena, easily within reach of most of us, has much to recommend it. As Murcia’s ancient port and naval base has been welcoming visitors 2,300 years your visit doesn’t have to be tomorrow. Well, in truth, not all tourists were welcomed. There is much age-old fortification that suggests that the unwelcome holidaymakers got more than tapas for their trouble. Here in Cartagena you trace the footsteps and mark the transition of history through the Moor-
Feature
21st - 27th July 2017
ish, Phoenician, Byzantine, Roman and Christian periods. Do move quickly; the way things are going in Europe the region could soon be returned to Moorish governance. During our visit to the city’s spectacular Roman theatre and museum I enquired about a pensioner’s discount, which I received. The museum’s teller was deserving of the Oscar in diplomacy: “The saving is not because I am retired. It is a reward for your being more experienced and much wiser.” The young lady’s finesse was
CARTAGENA: Murcia’s ancient port has been welcoming visitors for 2,300 years.
soon afterwards followed by the phwoar factor. Nothing prepares you for the experience of suddenly being brought face to face with such a beautifully preserved Roman amphitheatre. With a little imaginative dexterity you picture yourself in a tribune’s toga nodding benignly in the direction of your adoring electors. Adjusting your laurel wreath and hoping the missus cleaned your sandals you acknowledge applause of the citizenry. It is genuine; Roman democracies were far superior and much less corrupt than the faux democracy we in the EU are
burdened with. On an equally happy note we didn’t during our visit see Christians being martyred. I am no expert on the Roman Empire or its complexities. If we can’t figure out the American and Soviet empires set to fizzle out after less than 100 years what chance to analyse Rome’s Imperial might that lasted 1,500 years. Cartagena back then would have been just another outpost of Rome’s imperial power. But, to us locals the lovely Spanish port provides a small but exotic meander through a living museum. Tourist numbers have yet to
catch up with elsewhere so a visit is an experience to wine, dine, saunter and socialise in what is essentially a very Spanish city. Oh, eat your heart out, Benidormitory, dear friend. If your powers of discernment ever liberate you enough to savour quintessential and ancient Spanish life as it is lived then abandon yea the false gods of debauchery. When in Cartagena do as the Romans do. Your seats in the amphitheatre await you but it is recommended you bring your own Christian slave and be ready to give the City of Ages Past the Tribune’s thumbs up.
Pause for thought JUST how did we manage before the advent of mobile phones? Can you remember calling home when on holiday from a phone box? And how about those early boxes with buttons A and B, when you had to remember which one to press when the call was answered? What a long way the phone has come from those days. Or even from the first mobiles, that looked and weighed more like a brick than a phone! So now, they’re so much more than just phones, being cameras, videos, GPS systems and computers, with far more processing power than the early computers that required more space than a large house! But sadly we take these small gadgets for granted, and get highly stressed when they fail. So, a few weeks back we visited our family in Tanzania, and despite having sought and received prior assurance from the service provider all should be well; that Vodacom or Hits TZ were partners, we suffered three phoneless weeks. Email, camera and GPS all
worked fine, so you’d think I’d have been delighted, but it’s not quite the same as a telephone when you need to book a taxi, meet someone at a bar, arrange a visit or just want to chat to family back home. Almost continuous email contact with the Service Provider failed to provide any solution until minutes after phoning home from Schiphol on my return journey, I received a call confirming they noticed my telephone was now working correctly, so would close my enquiry! So yes, we’re far too reliant on communications technology, which is great when it works, but so frustrating when it doesn’t, which caused me to contemplate the amazing character of God’s communications network, generally known as prayer. Most of us, much of the time seem to have this switched off, but the moment trouble hits or we need help with anything, then it’s absolutely instant access, with God always ready to hear our prayers, wherever we are or whatever the time.
Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida (further detail available at www.mojacarchurch.org) and he may be contacted at djburr@avired.com.
14
Feature
21st - 27th July 2017
NEWS BITES
Sweet Ed. 596
General Enquiries 950 633 217 Albox Office 950 633 217 Mobile 642 454 311 Sales enquiries: sales@ewnmediagroup.com Accounts: accounts@ewnmediagroup.com International enquiries: marketing@ewnmediagroup.com Distribution enquiries: distribution@ewnmediagroup.com Complaints enquiries: complaints@ewnmediagroup.com Call now for rates and distribution areas SOLTIMES Publishing and Media SL
PART OF EWN MEDIA GROUP
By Jos Biggs
I OPENED the kitchen cupboard and peered in. Unlike the cupboard of Old Mother Hubbard, it was full to bursting. I heaved a resigned sigh and commenced unpacking the cupboard with the autonomous precision of a robot. I needed sugar, and sugar was at the back, therefore everything in front had to come out without being dropped. I know that anything dropped on the tiled floor of a Spanish kitchen will at the very least make a hell of a din, and if at all possible, will break and scatter its contents throughout the entire house. I wanted to avoid both those possibilities, especially regarding sugar. I unpacked: The small sugar tin (I needed lots of sugar, not just a little tin full), the coffee tin, the tea tin, the Nesquick tin, the sweetener, the unstarted tea and coffee bags and another Nesquick before catching sight of the sugar bag. I know sugar - it is a treacherous substance. It is a tsunami in granular form. Once freed from its bag it will flow relentlessly over every inch of surface, overrunning anything in its path, and
rendering everything within a 10-yard radius sticky. Which idiot decided that a paper bag was an appropriate container for such an elusive substance? I opened a tiny corner, poured some into a cup, then closed tand sealed it with a strong clothes peg. Ha! No spillage! I allowed myself a grim smile of triumph. I picked up the cup and began to pour its contents into the wasp trap - one of those globular ones, with a sort of moat round the edge but open in the middle. I swear it acted of its own volition - the sugar, although poured with the utmost care, spontaneously overran the moat and formed an independent pyramid of sugar on the kitchen worktop. I said not a word. With dangerous self-control I wiped up the pyramid. Then I wiped everything which had somehow become sticky, and the entire worktop, before getting the mop and washing the whole kitchen floor. Most of the kitchen has now been deep-cleaned, and all for a wasp trap that caught only one wasp!
Huge success for El Ejido EL EJIDO THEATRE has concluded its 40th anniversary with record visitors throughout the last month. The city’s town hall reports that there have been
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
more than 26,000 festival goers who have enjoyed a packed season of theatre, dance and celebrations in honour of the theatre’s four decades. The celebration kicked
off with the spectacular ‘colours of our life’ party in which more than 6,000 people descended on the city’s municipal park and town centre to enjoy the shows. Representatives of city hall had hoped the festival programming would reinvigorate the city’s cultural reputation and the wider Almeria region as a whole. Councillors remain modest about their achievements this season, saying that it represents nothing more than highquality programming which resonated well with audiences. They added that the success proves El Ejido offers exciting cultural spectacles for the entire family and that the festival theatre continues to be an integral part of it.
Dried out THE mayor of Almeria, Ramon Fer nandez-Pacheco, has demanded the Andalucía Board subsidise desalinated water for far mers. The mayor calls for a solution to water scarcity in the province and an end to 20 years of temporary solutions for the sake of citizens and businesses.
TV star ACCLAIMED C4 property series ‘A Place In The Sun’ is returning to screens this week and is expected to feature properties in Almeria and Almerimar, El Ejido. The show was spotted filming by residents earlier this year.
Port of call THE Vice-President of the Board and advisor to the Presidency, Manuel Jiménez Barrios, has signed an agreement in Almeria by which the Board will join the collaboration protocol for PortCity Planning, initiated by the City Council, to improve the city’s ports.
Green light WORK is under way to repair, clean and clear public roads in HuércalOvera. The city hall is launching a plan to maintain and improve 80km worth of road. The council notes that these roads also allow access to many farms, improving business as well as public access.
Weekender
21st - 27th July 2017
Green fingers Page 16
New kitchens Page 18
Sleepless nights Page 20
Cheesy corn
Gym injuries
Page 25
Page 26
16
Home & Garden
21st - 27th July 2017
Spanish green fingers GARDENING - isn’t that hard work and reliant on a regular water supply? A Spanish or Mediterranean garden doesn’t have to require regular watering. Green fingers can still work their magic under the Spanish sun without having to search far and wide for plants. Nearly everyone loves the warm rays of the Spanish sun, and a holiday here both invigorates and recharges the batteries, as much as safely topping up that longed-for golden tan. But gardening in Spain is another ball game entirely, and it can be quite frustrating trying to maintain an oasis of colour and scent when the sun is at its zenith. The summer months don’t mean that you have to live
in desert-like conditions though, there are plants that will thrive on very little water, and they’re perfect for gardening with satisfaction in Spain. Just a ramble through the countryside will show you that plants can survive anywhere, the mountains of
Andalucia burst with colour and scent in spring, dormant shoots pushing through what looks like dry and barren earth, making a Spanish-style family hike a very pleasant alternative from the beach. So, whether you have a patch of land to call your
Check out the sunniest corner and likewise the shadiest.
Your garden can still impress your neighbours and friends.
own, a few acres or even hectares of terra firma, or even just an unloved balcony or terrace, your garden can still impress your neighbours and visitors. A few simple rules and tips, which are easy to remember and abide by: 1. Look at the leaves. Choose ones that feel like felt, are furry, waxy or silvery in colour. The latter reflects light, the first ones mentioned are all tougher and less susceptible to damage by sunlight. 2. Plant according to what you’ve got, check out where the sunniest corner is on your patch, likewise the shadiest, and use these natural locations wisely. 3. Mulch. A layer of bark will protect he roots from the drying effects of the sun, keep in any water, and look pretty and neat into the bargain. See what the neighbours are up to! Have a peek over the fence and see what grows best before you splash out your hard earned cash at the garden centre.
Home & Garden
17
21st - 27th July 2017
COMMISSS IO
ONLY 1.5%
BE CAREFUL: Decide how often you need to water your lawn and the type of grass you have.
Watering the right way SPAIN may not be the easiest spot in the world to think of a small lawn, but when you can and you have access to water, then it’s very rewarding. Lawns, unfortunately, take a lot of the clear stuff, something like an inch or more of water a week. The factors that decide how often you’ll need to water it depend on soil type, the type of grass you have, the climate where you live hopefully warm - and the amount of sunlight.
Watering a lawn can bring the authorities down on your head if you’re not careful so using the right techniques is vital. Make the most efficient use of the water at your disposal so don’t water an area that isn’t grass. Using a timer which is programmable and smart helps moderate water usage. Check out the local guidelines to conserve water so you can get it deep into the roots meaning irrigation does not have to happen so often.
Set your timer to water during low water-use hours but not at night. Every so often you’ll need to check how far the water is going into the root system. You may then need to aerate the soil if the grass roots are not deep enough. A lawn is rewarding but like everything in your garden it needs TLC. Don’t neglect it or you’ll end up with something that is dr y, parched, brown and unsightly. And rescuing that will take a long time!
N
18
Property
21th - 27th July 2017
NEW KITCHEN: Make sure tradesmen are registered.
BATHROOMS: Have adequate insurance before work begins.
Bathrooms and kitchens top improvements list SOME 43 per cent of home owners in the UK have carried out major work in their home in the last five years with bathrooms, kitchens and new heating topping the list of improvements. Top of the list was installing a new bathroom which new research shows 39 per cent have done, followed closely by 38 per cent fitting a new kitchen and 34 per cent a new boiler or central heating system. The research from GoCompare Home Insurance also found that 26 per cent have opted for a garden makeover and the same number in-
stalled double glazing, while 17 per cent built an extension, 12 per cent fitted solar panels, 10 per cent an attic conversion and 9 per cent added an extra bedroom. However, the study also revealed that 41 per cent of those carrying out renovations did so without telling their home insurer, potentially invalidating their policy. “While you don’t need to inform your insurer about routine decorating or maintenance, you should inform your provider if you’re planning on carrying out any major building or renovation work, otherwise you could
risk invalidating your policy,” said Matt Sanders, home insurance spokesperson for GoCompare. “When planning a major renovation project, one of the first things you should do is to review your buildings and contents insurance to make sure that you have adequate cover both during and after the work has been completed,” he explained. He pointed out that another important thing to note is most home insurance policies don’t cover tradesmen or their work and it is also sensible to check that tradesmen are qualified to do the work and are registered.
20
Leisure
21st - 27th July 2017
YOUR WEEKLY HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Be ready for a refreshing cycle of possibilities, as the Sun is in charge of your short and longterm aspirations. Regardless of what is happening in the background, or whatever thankless tasks niggle you on Wednesday and Friday, your efforts will reward you at work, or wherever you need to improve your situation. Meanwhile, watch your diet.
TAURES (April 21 - May 21) You, of all the signs, best know the value of taking each day as it happens. It’s the old story of making time to catch up with life’s little routines. Spread your efforts, and you’ll reach your goals much faster. The tempo is picking up, and what you encounter will confirm that you’re getting somewhere.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Both kind-hearted Venus and butterfly Mercury flutter with luck. This week’s planetary soundbites suggest that you widen your social circle and conquer new horizons. Also, the lively Sun is ready to dawn on a positive outlook for any long-term changes. Forget the hassles, and dig deep. Take Thursday and the weekend in your stride.
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) If you cannot avoid conflicting opinions or certain odds and ends, accept them and show just how tactful you can be. You might not hold a winning hand, but at one point you’ll be able to teach as well as learn. In your head-to-head discussions, leave things as they are until the signs are right.
LEO (July 24 - August 23) Even if you’ve been feeling out of sorts or confused about a certain person or your future, it won’t be long before you get a clearer picture. All things change eventually, so don’t apply any unnecessary pressure to yourself or others. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel, especially if you’re expecting a gleam of hope.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Considering some of the things that are about to happen, you’ll be wise to follow your feelings. Your ability to analyse and understand other people is one of your supreme assets. The links between your job, personal and family lives suggest that you need to be a jot more flexible. Remember, you were born to succeed.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Regardless of the weather or other mixed blessings, you should try and get off the grindstone. Although the emphasis seems to be on home, family and practical property tasks, you'll be running true to Libran form, trying to help everyone around you. Don’t forget that the planets are positively geared towards fresh steps and new projects.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Your workaday, family and financial trends offer little respite from ironing out a variety of comings and goings. This is par tly because not ever yone is being co-operative, but it would be a big mistake to rock any boats close to you.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) If you’re single, get out and about, and if you’re job hunting or working towards a particular result, stay on course. This is definitely a phase to follow your instincts. With the spotlight on your social, home and self-motivated activities, you could be in for some unexpected surprises. Nothing is ever lost by trying.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Your ambitious streak will be in full flow. Stay glued to what you do best, and it will be much easier to get others on your side. The new Moon in Capricorn will heighten your chances of making the right contacts or receiving some useful advice. If you’re tempted to buy home-related items or useful gadgets, budget with care.
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) During at least one par t of your week the glamorous Sun comes out to shine, and together with the new Moon in realistic Capricorn, sweeps across your working, home and social life. Go-getters will definitely benefit from whatever moves are afoot.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Trust your instincts about those who chop and change. Chill out on Tuesday, and start planning next year’s ideas - with the Sun making friendly aspects with determined Saturn, you should be concentrating on promoting all you have to offer.
BOOK REVIEW
Heads or Tails HEADS or Tails is the highly anticipated latest novel in the bestselling DI Nick Dixon Crime Series. A man has been mutilated and left to drown on the incoming tide, handcuffed in his van. With the murder bearing a striking resemblance to a string of sadistic killings carried out with surgical precision in 1990s gangland Manchester, it can mean only one thing: the killer is back. Transferred to the Major Investigation Team, DI Nick Dixon is assigned a new partner and sent to Manchester. Meanwhile, the gruesome murders in Somerset continue.
by Damien Boyd
Convinced of a connection with the unsolved gangland killings, and with the odds stacked against him, Dixon takes the ultimate gamble, determined to bring the killer to justice before it’s too late. But is it the same killer? If so, why has he resurfaced now? And how many more must die? This is the seventh novel that features the principal character of Detective Inspector Nick Dixon. He works in the Avon and Somerset Police Department, which is attached to the Bridgewater CID. He is aged in his early 30’s and lives a single
life. Dixon owns a Staffie called Monty and drives an old model of Land Rover. He is diabetic and lives in a cottage which he has rented and located in Brent Knoll. Nick Dixon is the winner of the George Medal and is not allowed by his landlord to keep pets in the cottage as per the agreement.
Leisure
21st - 27th July 2017
21
FILM REVIEW
A ghost story THIS tale of a man who dies young and lingers around the property where he and his wife once lived is bound to be one of the most divisive films of the year. Its main character is a person who dies and spends the rest of the movie walking around mute, wearing a white sheet with eyeholes cut out of it. The film is a ghost story, in the sense that there’s a ghost in it, but it’s also many other things: a love story, a science fiction-inflected story about time travel
and time loops, and a story about loneliness and denial, and the ephemeral nature of the flesh, and the anxiousness that comes from contemplating the end of consciousness (provided there’s no life after death - and what if there isn’t?). The characters are so archetypal that they don’t have names, just initials. C (played by Casey Affleck) is a musician who lives with his wife M (Rooney Mara) in a small house surrounded by undeveloped property some-
Film & TV Guide
where in the vast flatness of Texas. C dies in a car crash early in the story but continues to linger on as a ghost, silently observing his wife’s grief and her eventual exit from the home they once shared. He stays in the house as new tenants move in. Time keeps moving forward, and the house gets levelled and replaced by a luxury condo-hotel development. C stays rooted to the spot where he died, as if he’s still stuck in the “denial” phase of the grieving process.
OUR CHOICE Wild Alaska Live
OUR PICK OF THIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE FILM & TV FILM OF THE WEEK
ONE TO WATCH Bear About the House: Me & My Supersized Pet Monday July 24, Channel 4 9pm to 10pm
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Saturday July 22, ITV 9pm to 12.15pm THIS first instalment of the three-part film adaptation of The Hobbit is set in Middle-earth, 60 years before the events of the Lord of The Rings. A reluctant Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) is convinced by wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) to accompany 13 dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), on a quest to reclaim the lost dwarf kingdom of Erebor. The journey leads them through dangerous lands teeming with orcs and goblins. With their destination to the east, they must first escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life, forever.
A GHOST STORY: But is also a love story and a tale of time travel.
WHY do owners around the world choose to live with animals that could so easily kill them? This new documentary series aims to answer the question by exploring the unusual relationship between the colourful owners and their potentially deadly pets. Sunday July 23, BBC1 8pm to 9pm LIVE from the Alaskan wilderness and presented by Steve, and Liz, this series will cover one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet. In the first of this series, Steve Backshall will attempt to join millions of salmon as they embark on one of the most incredible animal migrations in the world. Matt Baker will introduce us to a black bear family, including three loveable cubs. Meanwhile, Liz Bonnin will be living amongst the largest protected population of brown bears on the globe.
22
Puzzles
21st - 27th July 2017
Wordsearch Family Guy 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:
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
PETER LOIS CHRIS MEG STEWIE
BRIAN CLEVELAND BONNIE EVIL MONKEY MAYOR WEST
GRIFFIN FRANCIS THELMA MORT QUAGMIRE
HERBERT DEATH
Quick
Across 1 Commends (7) 5 Hurl (5) 8 Oblivious (7) 9 Sharp (5) 10 Happening (5) 11 Aversion (7) 12 Period of 10 years (6) 14 Disperse widely (6) 17 Capable of being seen (7) 19 Little (5) 22 Cheek, impertinence (5) 23 Belief (7) 24 Great fear (5) 25 Good behaviour (7)
Down 1 Intermission (5) 2 Cognisant (5) 3 Began (7) 4 Fixed (6) 5 Sport groups (5) 6 Everyday procedure (7) 7 Friday evening to Sunday evening (7) 12 Invented (7) 13 Dressing, clothing (7) 15 Strong feeling or emotion (7) 16 Change for the better (6) 18 Combine into one (5) 20 Similar (5) 21 Loans (5)
• Average: 16
• Very good: 32
• Good: 22
• Excellent: 41
agile cite gait gilt gild grit grief girl tilde tile tire tier tiered tiers duet drew rice rite rile lice lite utter lire lief lien lewd relic crew crews hilt hire elite elder blew bred brew brews beige belie belt beret screw felt fern nerd news weir welt weld welder were webs dwelt
SCORING: • 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 Excited as Spurs excel (7) 5 Spotted in embarrassing tapestry (5) 8 Bouquet from a romantic affair (5) 9 Strange new aura in the dark (7) 10 Register brew or rest (6) 13 Pete’s recipe prepared for Harry (6) 15 Be ill from beer it’s said (3) 16 Make money from The Bear Necessities (4) 17 Gemstone from old friend (4) 19 Caught first goal on television (3) 21 Cheats maybe innocent (6) 24 Be quiet near pear prepared for mountain guide (6) 28 Postponement concerning bad feeling (7) 29 A constituent that is excluded (5) 30 Weary author discovered in the road (5) 31 Baseball player’s large jug (7)
Down 1 Is star unhappy with Steps (6) 2 Or sit out fights (5) 3 Saw a Danish leader get older (5) 4 I feel comfortable returning guns (4) 5 Lower a support (5) 6 About turn, come back (5) 7 Quiet queen’s railway drink (6) 11 Mates forming bands (5) 12 Choice of kitchen appliance (5) 13 Parking on a great many building sites (5) 14 Climb over a weighing machine (5) 18 Marks football results (6) 20 A cricketer’s clobber (6) 22 Sale I organised for part of the church (5) 23 Dramatic turn for Oliver (5) 25 Core of Earth is in a bad way (5) 26 Fish in Ebro, a charming idea (5) 27 He and father returned for Mass (4)
Puzzles
23
21st - 27th July 2017
IRREGULAR SUDOKU
SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : I’VE STARTED, SO I’LL FINISH All the answers begin and end with the same letter 1. By what name was the northeast African country of Ethiopia formerly known? 2. According to Queen’s hit single Bohemian Rhapsody, who ‘has a devil put aside for me’? 3. What name is often applied to someone who is abnormally afraid of closed-in places? 4. Which famous theme park in Anaheim, California was opened on July 17, 1955? 5. What is the name of the river in central Europe that arises in north-western Czechoslovakia and flows northward through Germany to empty into the North Sea?
6. Which famous comic character appears in three plays by William Shakespeare? In the two Henry IV plays he is a companion to Prince Hal and in The Merry Wives of Windsor he is the buffoonish suitor of two married women? 7. Which seaport in southwest Sweden on the Kattegat strait is the second-largest city in Sweden? 8. Which Leonard Cohen song was the UK Christmas number one in December 2008 for The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke? 9. Which type of canoe, originally used by the Inu-
it, is made of a light frame with a watertight covering having a small opening in the top to sit in? 10. What is the surname of the Czech-born former tennis player who won the Australian Open in1989 and 1990, the French Open in 1984, 1986 and 1987 and the US Open in 1985, 1986 and 1987? Not a lot of people know that... Abba is not only the name of a hugely successful pop act but also the name of a well-known fish-canning company in Sweden.
Kakuro
ANSWERS : 1. ABYSSINIA, 2. BEELZEBUB, 3. CLAUSTROPHOBIC, 4. DISNEYLAND, 5. ELBE, 6. (Sir John) FALSTAFF, 7. GOTHENBURG (Swedish name GÖTEBORG), 8. HALLELUJAH, 9. KAYAK, 10. (Ivan) LENDL
SUDOKU
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.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
CrosswordSolutions 594 Quick
Cryptic
Sudoku
Irregular Sudoku
24
Health & beauty
21st - 27th July 2017
Lack of Vitamin D detrimental to the unborn child PREGNANCY: Vitamin D is important.
A NEW study in the British Journal of Nutrition which examined data gathered from over 7,000 mothers and their children found that Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women has an impact on the social development and motor skills of preschool age children. Conducted by researchers from the University of Sussex and the University of Bristol, the study found that women with less than 50 nmol per litre in blood of vitamin D were more likely to have children with low scores in tests for motor development. The tests took place when the children were aged two years six months old. These tests assess co-ordination through activities such as
PREGNANCY: Vitamin D is important.
kicking a ball, balancing, jumping and building towers of bricks. Insufficient levels of vitamin D in pregnancy were also found to affect a child’s social development a year later. However, no associations
were found in children aged seven to nine, who were tested for IQ scores and reading ability. Previous evidence from animal studies had demonstrated that the neuro-cognitive development of foetuses
is negatively impacted when mothers have low levels of vitamin D. Researchers hypothesise that the interactions between vitamin D and the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a crucial role in the parts of the brain which control motor and social development. In addition to these findings vitamin D, which is derived from food and sunlight, also regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which is vital in reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Sufficient vitamin D may also be associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, infectious and autoimmune disease and diabetes.
Spain leads the way in assisted reproduction SPAIN is Europe’s most active country in assisted reproduction treatment (ART). The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has collected the national registry data of ART cycles performed in Europe since 1997 and for its latest report (for 2014) found that a record 109,275 treatment cycles were performed in Spain, which now sets the pace of European ART ahead of Russia (94,985 cycles) and former front runner France (90,434). The cycles monitored by ESHRE include treatments with IVF, ICSI, egg donation and intrauterine insemination (IUI). The report covers a total of 707,171 treatment cycles performed in 2014 and 146,232 babies born - and represents the largest and most accurate snapshot of ART in Europe. Dr Carlos Calhaz-Jorge, chairman of ESHRE’s European IVF Monitoring Consortium, will present the results in Geneva at the 33rd Annual Meeting of ESHRE. Dr Calhaz-Jorge estimates that around
80 per cent of all European assisted reproduction fertility treatments are included in the monitoring programme - but this year (ie, for 2014) without the data so far of the UK. This, said Dr Calhaz-Jorge, may slightly compromise results in terms of favoured treatment type (IVF or ICSI). In 2013 the UK performed 61,000 treatments. Clinics in Europe continue to favour ICSI over IVF by around two-to-one (123,809 IVF, 336,123 ICSI), a pattern now evident throughout the world. However, European results consistently show that pregnancy rate (per embryo transfer) is higher with IVF (34.6 per cent) than with ICSI (33.1 per cent). ICSI was developed in the early 1990s as a specific treatment for male infertility (low sperm counts, poor sperm quality) but is now clearly used for fertilisation in non-male cases. Pregnancy rates seem to have stabilised in Europe at about 35 per cent for IVF and 33 per cent for ICSI.
Health & beauty
21st - 27th July 2017
25
Gym injuries on the up
SLEEPING PATTERN: Quality is more beneficial than quantity.
Poor quality sleep issues addressed A FORMER London primary school teacher and fitness model has become a best-selling author following the release of his book, ‘The Fitness Mindset’. Health expert and author Brian Keane, now based in Galway, Ireland, reveals in his book the top tips to help improve health in every aspect of life. He also explains how understanding your sleeping pattern can boost your energy, improve your will power and benefit your general health. In a study by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one in three adults does not obtain the recommended hours of sleep. According to the NHS, not sleeping enough can lead to immune system problems, weight gain and mood disorders in extreme cases. Brian Keane said, “As someone who has been a notoriously poor sleeper, I understand how poor-quality sleep can affect people’s everyday lives. It can affect everything from your energy levels to your will power. “We waste time falling
asleep and spend hours in a light sleep state, which doesn’t have the same body and brain boosting benefits of deep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Your sleep quality is more beneficial than your sleep quantity.” REM is the dream state we enter whilst sleeping. This usually occurs 90 minutes after the onset of sleep or 30 minutes if someone is sleep deprived. Brian continues, “We’ve all been told, ‘you need to get at least eight hours of sleep every night,’ but why? This brings us back to REM sleep. We have about four or more REM periods per night and they go in 90 minute cycles. This is why if you sleep for seven and a half hours and wake up, you feel more refreshed as you have finished that ‘cycle’ and your body finds it easier to wake up. “If you wake up after 10 hours, you’re mid-way through a cycle, which is why you feel tired and need a ‘kick’ just to get going the next morning. “Given that sleep is an essential way of resting,
recharging and nourishing both your body and mind, sustained, unbroken sleep and dreaming are part of our lifestyle that determines the quality of our health. There are two simple ways to improve your sleep and fall asleep properly. “The first is avoiding the ‘second wind.’ There is a window from 10.45pm to 11.00pm when most people get naturally tired. “This window differs a little based on each person or the current season, but it falls in line with the circadian cycle (the biological clock representing changes in our bodies). If you don’t go to sleep, you’ll get a cortisol (a steroid hormone) driven ‘second wind’ that can keep you awake until 2.00am or 3.00am. “The second tip is to switch off your brain. You may feel unable to switch off from feelings of stress, tension and anxiety. As a London primary school teacher, who was running a personal training business on the side, it did become stressful and if I didn’t get enough sleep I wouldn’t be performing at my best.”
ALMOST half of Brits have injured themselves in a desperate bid to shed the pounds for summer, according to a new report. New research has revealed more than one in 10 Brits have sought medical attention for an exercise related problem. And with millions of people hitting the gym to get ‘beach body’ ready the study has revealed almost half the nation (41 per cent) have suffered a ‘gym-jury’ in their quest for the perfect physique. In fact, 12 per cent have seen the doctor or visited A&E at least once after a work-out went wrong with one in 20 now visiting a physio or chiropractor after developing long term exercise related injuries.
The study by personal injury solicitors, Hayward Baker, found that when it comes to their health, one in 20 British adults admit they don’t know how to
use gym equipment correctly suggesting that they might never have been shown at the time of signing up for their membership.
26
Food & Drink
21st - 27th July 2017
One in four Brits can’t make tea without a kettle BRITAIN has become a nation reliant on appliances, unable to carry out basic tasks without the help of a gadget, according to new research. A survey of homeowners carried out by leading household appliances retailer, AppliancesDirect.co.uk, as part of its Power On: The Evolution of Appliances report, found that almost half of British people (46 per cent) would not be able to reheat food without a gadget to do it for them. Reheating food is not the only basic task Brits would struggle with without the help of appliances, as 40 per cent would struggle to make toast without an appliance, despite this only requiring a grill. And a quarter of Brits (25 per cent) wouldn’t be able to make a cup of tea or coffee - a task that in most cases involves simply boiling water with a pan, without using a kettle. Almost one in four confess to not know-
ing how to wash their clothes without having a washing machine on hand to do most of the work and, shockingly, one in five wouldn’t know how to dr y their clothes without a tumble dryer. Washing machines (81 per cent) topped the list of appliances British adults confessed they couldn’t live without. These are closely followed by dishwashers (36 per cent), toasters (33 per cent) and coffee machines (18 per cent). Mark Kelly, marketing manager at AppliancesDirect.co.uk comments: “Appliances have become an integral part of the home and while they definitely make everyday tasks a lot easier, it is amazing to see how many people say they wouldn’t be able to make a cup of tea, or even dry their clothes if their appliance packed in. “Advances in technology mean household tasks such as cooking are likely to get even simpler. That said, Brits should ensure
they know how to do basic things such as boil water and wash their clothes, in case their appliances break or there is a power cut.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, millennials - those aged 18 to 30 years old many of whom will have grown up with mobile phones and access to the internet are the generation that would fare worst if they had to do without electrical appliances in their home. Forty per cent wouldn’t know how to make tea or coffee without a kettle while more than half (63 per cent) wouldn’t know how to wash or dry clothes without an appliance to do so.
KETTLE: Could you make a cup of tea without one?
Food & Drink
21st - 27th July 2017
Cheesy corn on the cob Ingredients 4 corn cobs, 30g melted butter, 30g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), finely grated Preparation Preparation Time – 5 minutes. Cooking Time – 10 minutes. Method 1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Plunge in the corn cobs and cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender, then drain. Can be done a day ahead – put the corn in a
roasting tin, cover and chill until needed. 2. Season the corn, put on a hot barbecue and cook for 5 minutes, turning regularly until it begins to blister and some of the kernels have popped and charred in places. Alternatively, heat a griddle pan over a high heat and griddle the corn for 4-5 minutes each side for a similar effect. 3. Brush on all sides with the melted butter, then scatter over the Parmesan and some black pepper.
Sweet potato Tex-Mex salad Ingredients 600g sweet potatoes, cut into even chunks, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp chilli flakes, 400g can black beans, drained and rinsed, 198g can sweetcor n, drained and rinsed, 2 avocados, chopped, 250g tomatoes, cut into chunks, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 1 small pack cor i a n d e r, r o u g h l y chopped, juice of 1 lime Preparation Preparation Time – 10 minutes. Cooking Time – 30 minutes.
Winning team SPANISH singing sensation Enrique Iglesias has teamed up with basketball star Pau Gasol and tennis hero Rafa Nadal to open a new branch of his Madridbased restaurant Tatel in Miami, United States. The kitchen is headed by executive chef Nicolas Mazier, formerly of Nobu Miami, who prides himself on serving authentic Spanish fare rather than fusion, although tapas it is not. Signature dishes including Spanish omelette with truffles and veal Milanese topped with egg, with dinner for two plus drinks costing upwards of €175. Located in the former David Bouley Evolution space at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach hotel, the multi-room dining space is a plush affair with white linen
table cloths and an elevated DJ booth that pumps out tunes from 10pm each evening, while the walls are bedecked with contemporary Spanish art.
27
Method 1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6. On a baking tray, toss the sweet potato in 1 tbsp of the oil with the chilli flakes, sea salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes until tender. 2. Once the sweet potato is nearly ready, combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl with the remaining 1 tbsp oil and season well. Mix everything well but take care to avoid squashing the avocado. Divide the salad evenly between plates, or serve sharing-style with the sweet potato chunks.
28
BUILDERS ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders.c om (253556)
CARS WANTED CARS Wanted For Cash. Classic Cars & Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Defenders & Discoveries. Please call: 659 685 133 (253556)
CHARITIES/CHURCHES GIRASOL COMMUNITY CENTRE. Mosaic Classes, Art Classes, Karate, Yoga, Thai Chi, Pilates, Health Screening every 6 weeks. For Hire 5.00€ per hour. Tel 639 089 170
Classifieds
21st - 27th July 2017
ELECTRICIANS MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (254821)
HEALTH & BEAUTY GIRASOL HEALTH FOOD SHOP, Calle Malaga, Albox. For all your dietary needs, health foods, organic foods, supplements, super food powders, organic eggs and 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
INSURANCE 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 shop. Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 952 561 245 or email mark.w@euroweekly news.com for more details.
LOCKSMITH PHIL THE PICK, LOCKSMITH 24hr. Locked Out? Locks fitted/upgraded, house safes. Arboleas and surrounding. Special Weekend Rate. Tel 697 243 181 (253423)
MOTORING 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)
PLUMBING MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (254821)
REMOVAL/STORAGE FULLY Insured UK/Spain Removals & Storage, UK Trading Standards Approved www.indalotransport.c om 634 33 64 68 or Freephone UK 0800 999 33 68 (251905)
SITUATIONS VACANT 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@euroweeklynews .com ARE you self motivated and hard working? We are looking for administration/telesal es candidates. Experience not essential as full training is given. Applications by email with full CV should be sent to recruitment@euroweekly news.com.
SOLAR ENERGY 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 (253422)
Services
BABY EQUIP HIRE
29
21st - 27th July 2017
CONSTRUCTION
BUILDERS
FOR SALE
DRAINAGE
PAINTERS & DECORATORS
SERVICES
GARDENING
XXX RELAX
REMOVALS & STORAGE
See Your Advert Here!!
Next Week
30
Sport
21st - 27th July 2017
SPORTS
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.
By Tony Matthews
The facts about WIMBLEDON 2017 IN the two-week tournament 757 professionals, men/women, participated. There were 32 seeded players in both singles categories. Roger Federer won a record eighth men’s sinROGER FEDERER: Won the men’s singles title.
gles title, and the 19th Grand Slam of his career, defeating Marin Cilic. He also won the championship without dropping a set. Garbiñe Muguruzu beat Venus Williams in the women’s final to become the first Spanish señora champion since her current coach, Conchita Martinez, won in 1994. American Sam Querrey played 27 sets in 12 days and spent 17 hours 35 minutes on court. Querrey also sent down the fastest serve at 137.2
mph and delivered the most aces, 139 out of a total of 1,100. The winners of the singles each received £2.2 million; the two runners-up both earned £1.1 million; the two losing semi-finalists each earned £550,000 and the four beaten quarter finalists each banked £275,000. Total prize money paid out (all classes/events) was a record £31.6 million. A record number of spectators, 496,812, ‘paid’ to watch 674 matches (2,145 games/222 sets) during the fortnight with 35,000 entering the grounds daily to see action on 40 grass courts… and another 4,000+ on ‘Henman Hill.’ You can add to the overall attendance: 3,250 media (reporters/photographers); 375 Life Members of the All London Club; 120 of their guests and 74 Royal Box tickets, plus 6,100 staff, including 2,200 caterers; 360 umpires (140 from overseas) and 254 ball boys/girls out of 750 applicants.
This week in sporting history * 1815 * 1845 * 1877 * 1893 * 1938 * 1950 * 1951 * 1963 * 1966 * 1969 * 1970 * 1980 * 1986 * 1988 * 1989
The first flat race for horses took place at Cheltenham New York yachting club held its first public regatta Spencer Gore (GB) beat Bill Marshall (GB) 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in first men’s Wimbledon tennis final Arthur Shrewsbury (England) became the first cricketer to score 1,000 Test runs Kent’s Arthur Fagg scored 244 and 202 on the same day of a county match v Essex Record crowd of 199,850 saw Uruguay beat Brazil 2-1 in World Cup final in Rio First sporting event televised in colour was the CBS horse race in the USA Frenchman Jacques Anquetil won the 50th Tour of France cycle race England beat Argentina 1-0 to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup Over 1,000 people were killed in riots after the El Salvador-Honduras football match Denmark defeated Italy 2-0 to win the women’s first-ever football championship Australian golfer Adam Scott was born in Adelaide Tim Witherspoon (USA) k’od Frank Bruno (UK) in round 11 to win world heavyweight title Jackie Joyner-Kersee amassed a world record 7,215 points in the women’s heptathlon Real Madrid and Welsh international footballer Gareth Bale was born in Cardiff
The shortest match completed was Petra Kvitova against Kiki Bertens which lasted for just 35 minutes. The longest match involved Gilles Muller and Rafael Nadal which spanned four hours and 47 minutes; Muller winning the fifth set 15-13. Of the 54,250 Slazengermade tennis balls used, around 5,000 were stolen/given away as souvenirs. During the tournament, the Wimbledon ‘shop’ sold 28,977 ‘souvenir’ towels; 15,407 ‘inscribed’ pens; 7,905 keyrings; 6,944 ‘Wimbledon’ fridge magnets and 5,451 caps/sun hats with Wimbledon logo. Around 14 million people in the UK watched the women’s singles final on TV and 21 million saw the men’s final.
The Centre Court roof was closed three times during the fortnight; it rises 16 metres above the centre-line tape.
GARBIÑE MUGURUZU: Won the women’s singles title.
Ali at the double WORCESTERSHIRE and England cricketer Moeen Ali recently completed the double of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets in Test matches. In fact, he became the fifth player to reach the ‘double’ milestone in the quickest time in terms of Test match appearances, completing the run and wicket feats against South Africa at Lord’s on the second day of the first Test on July 7… doing so with a first
innings score of 87 and bagging 10 wickets in the match (four and six) to help England register a convincing 211-run victory. Ali scored his 2,000th run at an average of 35.03, with five centuries, including a best of 155 not out against Sri Lanka, while his century of wickets came at an average of just over 39 with a best return of 6-53 in that recent victory over the Springboks.
Motoring
21st - 27th July 2017
Peugeot 3008 wins Auto Express award ANNOUNCING the results of its 2017 Awards, Auto Express named the Peugeot 3008 SUV the winner of the much fought-over ‘MidSize SUV’ category, beating all of its competitors including models such as the SEAT Ateca and Mazda CX-5. It’s the latest high profile victor y for the All-New Peugeot 3008 SUV, which has already been voted European Car of the Year 2017 and has been a huge success with more than 10,000 sold in the UK since January. Judges had lots to praise about the All-New Peugeot 3008 SUV, but singled out its premium design, both inside and out, ‘upmarket feel’ and features such as the state of the art Peugeot i-Cockpit interior layout, which of fers a more intuitive and engaging driving experience, with a compact multi-function steering wheel, 12.3” head-up digital instrument display and 8.0” capacitive touchscreen with Mirror Screen functionality comprising, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Mirror Link. Plaudits were also given to the All-New Peugeot 3008’s range of efficient engines such as the 1.2L PureTech 130 Stop&Start. With its combination of CO2 emissions of 117g/km, fuel economy of 55.4mpg combined
and strong performance, Auto Express described it as ‘one of the best engines around’ and one that offers exceptional refinement, ‘the 3008’s strongest trait’. It was this unbeatable blend which gave the All-New Peugeot 3008 SUV its victory. Graham Hope, Editor at Auto Express, commented: “The 3008’s win in the Best Mid-Size category and the 2008’s commendation in the Small SUV class show how Peugeot has a clear understanding of SUVs and knows exactly what customers want. “These are hugely impressive results in two of the most competitive and important sectors. Factor in the Expert’s commendation in Van of the Year and it’s immediately obvious that
Peugeot is ticking all the boxes for its commercial vehicle customers too.” David Peel, Managing Director at Peugeot UK, said: “Winning the Auto Express award of Best Mid-Size SUV is an exceptional achievement for the All-New Peugeot 3008. In such a fiercely competitive sector, for Auto Express to say that the 3008 is the best mid-size SUV you can buy is just incredible. “We are proud of Peugeot’s talented team of designers and engineers they set out to build and beat the best and that is exactly what they have done. “We will very happily add this prize to the 3008’s already growing trophy cabinet which includes 2017 European
PEUGEOT 3008: European Car of the Year.
Car of the Year, Car Buyer ‘Car of the Year,’ Diesel Car ‘Car of the Year’ awards, as well as What Car? ‘Technology award’ for the Peugeot i-Cockpit all victories from just six months on sale. “I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings. Finally, I would like to thank Auto Express for the commendations for the Peugeot 2008 SUV and Expert which prove once again that we are a multi-talented brand.”
31