25th - 31st August 2017
EST 2005
British anger over terror in Barcelona BRITISH expatriates in Spain have condemned the carnage in Barcelona. On August 17 a van was driven into pedestrians on La Rambla in Barcelona, killing 14 and injuring at least 100. A woman was murdered in a related attack in Cambrils and another in Alcanar. Resident Jon Budd said the attack is a “horrifying reminder of how vulnerable we all are in Europe. It’s a cowardly act perpetrated by people who murder women and children and run away.” Mr Budd praised the Spanish response, adding “the police in the UK can learn from the Spanish police - when five men get out of a car with a suicide vest, you shoot them on the spot.” Jessica Smith, visiting Almeria at the time, echoed the sentiments, saying “the Spanish responded in kind. Governments need to be unequivocal in their defence of people. It’s getting out of hand. Nowhere is safe.”
VERA BEACHES: In need of attention.
Troubled waters R E S I D E N T S ’ a s s o c i a t i o n Ve r aplayazul has called on Vera Council to investigate the pollution of local beaches. “If the origin is not in Vera we have to find out where it is coming from,” said president Miguel Jurado. “We also want to know the cause of the bubbles and slicks, although we are convinced that they come from the inadequate water purifier at Villaricos and the under water pipes at Cuevas de Almanzora.” Polluted water is currently seen on a near daily basis along Vera’s seven kilometres of beaches, including Marina Bolaga, which has been awarded a blue flag for its cleanliness. Most common in the afternoon, Veraplayazul claim that the dirty water has forced many beachgoers to seek alternative spots for bathing. The 8,000-member association urged the mayor, Felix Lopez, to take action at a town hall meeting last Wednesday. They also highlighted a number of
issues that they say remain unresolved or are worsening each year, such as a need for more intensive beach cleaning, the lack of progress on the seafront walkway, which has been mooted for ‘decades.’ Three residents of the naturist area and Pueblo Salinas neighbourhood described the ‘total abandonment’ of certain municipal ser vices including street cleaning, gardening, lighting, childrens’ facilities and modern dustbins. The mayor himself agreed that he had been taken aback by the state of the Pueblo Salinas neighbourhood on a recent visit, before urging delegates from municipal cleaning services to ensure that their staf f perform their jobs more diligently. Other issues raised included the need to protect the Salar de los Canos wetland, to complete a cycle path on the Rio Antas bridge, and to reduce noise pollution from the Dreambeach music festival and local nightclubs.
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News
25th - 31st August 2017
Asylum numbers on the increase FIGURES released by the Spanish government reveal that in 2015 there were 14,887 new asylum applications to Spain. The period 2015-16 is the last year that official statistics are available, revealing a 150 per cent increase on the previous year. Eurostat also reported that there were 15,570 new applications in 2016 and 6,715 new applications in the first quarter of 2017. Germany, by comparison, received 8,789 asylum seekers per one million inhabitants representing 60 per cent of all new applications in 2016. Syrians, Ukrainians and some Latin American nationalities comprised the largest number to Spain. People from sub-Saharan African constituted less than one-tenth, but they were the biggest group attempting to reach Spain by land and sea. According to the Human Rights Watch, migrants interviewed said that the Spanish police actively discourage asylum applications in the Andalucian port facilities. They added that they had received information about the procedure for asylum and their rights from the Red Cross and UNHCR, which has two officers in Andalucia who visit the ports, rather than from the police. The UNHCR representative in Spain, Francesca Friz-Prguda, expressed concern about limitations on access to asylum in Spain. She said that 25 per cent of the world’s forcibly displaced people are sub-Saharan Africans and better consideration should be made for informing migrants of their rights.
ALMERIA: Was twinned with Mijas and Telde.
Almeria worst municipality for transparency in Spain ALMERIA has failed an openness and transparency rating conducted by Transparency International Spain. This sixth edition of TIS (2017) assesses the transparency of the 110 largest municipalities in Spain with an integrated set of 80 indicators. Of 110 evaluated localities, Almeria came last with a score of 40.6 out of an available 100 per cent. While 25 scored 100, Almeria was twinned with Mijas and Telde with less than 50 in the last three places. El Ejido came in at 102 with a score of 70.5 as did Roquetas de Mar at 58 with 93.8. Some of the areas evaluated include economic and financial transparency, web-
site and relations with citizens, transparency in contracting agreements and public works as well as access to information. The Transparency Indexes prepared and published by TIS are specifically aimed at measuring the level of transparency of the public institutions, but do not measure any level of alleged corruption. Despite this, the score will undoubtedly make for difficult reading for politicians across Spain who have struggled with the perception of corruption with repeated scandals in recent years. Between July 2015 and the end of 2016, almost 1,500 people in Spain faced trial for corruption, and around 70 per cent of them were found guilty.
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News
25th - 31st August 2017
Swimming pool course ends on a high
WELL DONE: The students at the end of the course.
THE Town Hall of Cuevas del Almanzora has concluded its second course of swimming in the municipal swimming pool. The Sport councillor Miriam Quintana, councillor María Isabel Alarcón, and Catalina López, swimming monitor for
the area, have all been in charge of delivering the course. At the end of the course, they bestowed medals of recognition on the 30 students involved. These courses continue throughout the summer, lasting for 15 days at a time and feedback has been positive.
Gov warns Brits abroad to be vigilant THE UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has warned the threat of further terrorist attacks in Spain is ‘likely.’ The official guidance by the UK government advises that “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.” It continues: “The Spanish authorities take measures to protect visitors, but you should be vigilant at all times.” The FCO adds that “over 12 mil-
lion British nationals visit Spain every year. Most visits are trouble-free.” However, Rob Wainwright, British civil servant and the director of Europol, warned “Terrorism at its most simple and brutal. And highly challenging for police to stop. Highest threat in Europe for a generation.” Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, the UK lead for Counter Terrorism Policing, likewise said that: “We remain on a heightened state of
readiness and are continually reviewing our security arrangements to reflect the threat we are facing. “We ask that people remain alert, vigilant but not alarmed and report anything suspicious to us at the earliest possible opportunity.” Simon Manley, British Ambassador to Spain, said “My thoughts are with the victims. Support to the emergency services and solidarity with #Barcelona. United against terror".
News
25th - 31st August 2017
NEWS BITES
Record number of operations in Andalucia
Motor free THE Paseo de Almeria closed for the first time during the city’s feria. The lack of cars has been welcomed by shoppers, tourists and local businesses.
Thumbs up BATHING water across Almeria’s many beaches is well within established quality levels. The Ministry of Health carried out 92 samples in the province during the annual tests for pollution.
Lotto scoop A LUCKY lotto winner scooped €100,000 in Almeria with a ticket through ONCE. The lottery is dedicated to helping the disabled in Spain.
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SOLIDARITY: People gather on Las Ramblas to show respect.
Reaction to Barcelona tragedy SPANISH politicians in Almeria have reacted with horror and disgust at the Barcelona terrorist attacks. President Susana Diaz tweeted: “Our love and solidarity with the victims, family and all the people of #Barcelona.” All political parties at the national, regional and provincial level have expressed their condolences and solitary with those lost in the tragedy. The Popular Party in Almeria has expressed their sup-
port, saying: “Only with the unity of all institutions and society can we overcome terror. Almeria sympathises.” PSOE in Almeria also echoed the sentiments, saying: “Our solidarity with the victims and relatives of the attack in # Barcelona. All united against terrorism.” Government institutions and municipalities across Andalusia and Almeria have been marking the tragedy with moments of silence and flags at half mast.
Gatherings are also taking place across the province attended by citizens and government officials to express unity. In the capital, more than 100 people concentrated in silence for five minutes in the mayor’s gardens with Mayor Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco in attendance. The mayor said that: “There are only two answers: unity in the face of terror and support for the work of the various State Security Bodies and Forces.”
ACCORDING to statistics released by the Andalucian government, there have been 563 organ operations in the first seven months of 2017. From January to July there has been a 17.5 per cent increase in operations, as well as 253 organ donations, an improvement of 6 per cent on 2016. Of these transplants, 365 were renal (10 on children), 138 were liver (six on children), 21 were heart (two on children), 31 were lung transplants, and eight were pancreas transplants. The average age of donors is around 60 years. Two hundred and fifty two families granted permission for a donation to be made from deceased loved ones, which managed to reduce the transplant waiting list by 100 people. In July of this year, a total of 631 people were waiting to receive transplants, while in July 2016, 741 people were waiting, 110 fewer people. The annual rate of donors per million in Andalucia (from July 31, 2016, to July 31, 2017) stands at 48.7, the highest ever in history and above the average of the Spanish National Health system. Additionally, the annual average rates achieved by the European Union countries (19 donors per million population) have doubled.
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FAST Camposol volunteers FAST (First Aid Support Team) are a group of volunteers who reside on Camposol near Mazarron. They respond to medical emergencies around Camposol for residents and visitors alike. There are currently seven new recruits being trained by in-house instructors, the training team led by President Barry (Baz) Hamilton will instruct the new recruits in life saving techniques and first aid. For the last few months the group has not been able to provide the 24-hour cover that they did in the past. Some responders returned to the UK or stopped responding for other reasons. FAST is always looking for new recruits who can spare a few hours to help the people of Camposol, and the cover of 12-hour duties can now be split to suit responders’ availability. It is very rewarding and you get to meet a great group of people who are
FAST: Volunteers respond to medical emergencies around Camposol. all good friends and meet regularly for training and social events. Why not come along and give it a try? No previous first aid experience is required. Among the group of supporters and responders are ex-police, ex-
army, navy, teachers, engineers and social workers. When numbers have increased the group hopes to be able to give 24-7 cover again. In July FAST responded to 11 calls of which three required an ambulance. If you require medical emergency assistance on Camposol, you should call 112 first, ask for someone who can
speak your language, and explain the problem to them. Then call FAST on 968 970 626, give your name address and a brief description of the emergency. The group is looking to replace its number two vehicle as it is now 10 years old, so they will be spending a lot of the money donated by local businesses, residents and visitors to Camposol.
The president of CST/FAST presented a certificate of appreciation and voucher to Patricia (Paddy) and John Snell at a training session at the social centre. John and Paddy have now left Camposol for the UK after living in Spain for 14 years. They will be sorely missed by FAST as they have been staunch supporters of this organisation since its inception. During their time with FAST, John compiled the responder monthly duty roster. He was official photographer and also Matron to the FAST nurses as well as collecting as a nurse. Patricia (Paddy) has been secretary, publicity officer and FAST responder, recently helping at the bookstall. If you would like to get in touch email recruitment@fast2016.org or secretary@fast2016.org. The group is at the cultural centre on B sector every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm.
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Read this before you see Dunkirk CHRISTOPHER NOLAN’S latest epic is just that. It’s a self-contained piece of cinematography the likes of which audiences have not seen in decades. From flawless direction to edge-of-your-seat suspense, it’s not so much a film as an experience. And it can only be enjoyed at the cinema. A lot has been made of Dunkirk’s cinematic and musical virtues, but remember as well the Dunkirk veteran moved to tears by the accuracy of the film. Do we not owe this generation understanding as much as ticket stubs? Firstly, Dunkirk isn’t a political film. The Nazis aren’t mentioned
News
25th - 31st August 2017
NEWS BITES
Green rush CUCUMBER export prices from Almeria shot up by 42.4 per cent from January to May, raising a record €214.9 million, despite production falling. Olive oil and avocados also performed well.
EPIC STORY: It’s not so much a film, as an experience.
and Winston Churchill gets two name checks. It’s sentimental, but never saccharine, in its final moments but only as an epilogue. There are no fluttering flags. Those who would try and imbue the film with a false sense of nationalism are committing a cardinal sin against a human stor y through and through. Young men died, in circumstances nothing short of catastrophic and unprecedented, and the battle against tyranny shouldn't be politicised for today’s debates. Secondly, the story is misunderstood. The ‘Dunkirk spirit’ is an English idiom for pulling together. It was also, in the words of
Churchill, a colossal military disaster. The rescue of 338,226 men was miraculous, particularly given Churchill’s prediction of only 30,000. Nevertheless, thousands of thousand tonnes of tanks, weapons and other equipment were lost as well as hundreds of ships. Thirdly, never, ever forget that until Churchill, the British political establishment favoured a negotiated peace. As American journalist Edward Murrow said, ‘He [Churchill] mobilised the English language and sent it into battle to steady his fellow countrymen and hearten those Europeans upon whom the long dark night of
tyranny had descended.” Churchill convinced the nation, and its leaders, that a negotiated settlement would produce the same conditions as total surrender. As he said, “If this long island story of ours is to end, at last, let it end only when each one of us lies choking in his own blood upon the ground.” Fourthly, Dunkirk literally changed the world. Had the British army been lost, it’s highly likely Churchill could not have made the case for war. Even if the subsequent Battle of Britain had been won, the Nazi’s would not have stopped as they did if Britain had no further defence.
Clocking off A 35-HOUR working week is within sight for Almeria’s public workers. After years of working 37.5 weeks due to the recession, they’d won a reduction, but the move was opposed by Madrid.
Bath body THE body of a man, aged 67 and identified as Miguel LC, was found in the bath of his Almeria farmhouse. Police don’t suspect any foul play.
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NEWS BITES
Greedy girls
Ed. 600
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TWO teenage girls were arrested for shoplifting from a plush El Ejido department store. They tried to smuggle out almost €500 worth of clothes and fled when the shop’s alarms rang.
Oven baked MAJOR investment will bring efficient air conditioning systems to schools across Almeria. Before term ended students were sitting exams in sweltering 35-degree classrooms, despite laws protecting them.
Hefty haul PORT police stopped two sneaky fishermen from smuggling out 30 kilos of illegally caught grouper. The Almeria force handed the haul over to charity.
ABUSED: The malnourished dog.
Skin and bones
A SEVERELY malnourished dog which had its identification chip cut out has been found. The suffering canine was found in an advanced state of malnutrition in El Pinar, Chirivel.
Guardia Civil officers responded to a call from a nearby resident who had seen the pooch disoriented and staggering around the area, they located it after a brief search. It had symptoms of caniine leishmaniasis (an incurable parasitic disease) and dehydration. The electronic identification chip, which is used for identifying the owner, had been forcibly removed as evidenced by a scar in the area where they are usually placed. Officers treated the dog at the scene, ensuring its comfort and providing water before contacting Huel-
la Fiel (Faithful Footprint), a dog rescue charity, who collected and transferred it to Huercal-Overa to receive treatment from a veterinarian. Police are conducting investigations in order to search for the owner and track down their whereabouts. A new campaign has begun this summer which encourages people to report animal abuse and neglect. The #Yosipuedocontarlo social media hashtag has been created and the Guardia Civil are hoping that this raises awareness of the mistreatment of animals in Almeria.
Baby got back A SEVEN-MONTH-OLD baby boy has been given a clean bill of health after being rescued from a locked car in Huercal-Overa. Local Police received a call from the infant’s frantic mother, who had pulled up on Calle Ramon y Cajal and left the car for a few moments, leaving the keys inside. The modern car proceeded to lock itself automatically, trapping her son with the air-conditioning switched off. Officers were forced to break two windows to free the tot, who was slightly dehydrated but otherwise unharmed.
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SUMMER Special Tourism impact Page 18
Air-con harms Page 22
Page 16-17
Triple pong Page 20
Perfect steak Page 23
Feature
Weekender 13
10 years of progression PHOTO CREDIT GUARDIA CIVIL
Out to sea
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SEIZED: Five stolen cars were also sniffed out.
OPERATION PASO EL ESTRECHO is due to end on September 15, and the Almeria arm of the Guardia Civil has announced that it has located a total of 32 people hidden in vehicles during the first half of the venture. The scheme began on June 15 and aims to tackle the massive increase in travellers between Spain and North Africa during the summer, with more than one million people and over 250,000 cars expected. According to a statement, the immigrants were most commonly concealed within the chassis of articulated lorries or buses. All were without documentation, with the
Guardia Civil taking them to the National Police station in Almeria port for attempted identification. The number of officers operating during the summer has been boosted due to the continued Level 4 anti-terrorism alert which has been in place since June 2015. In addition to the asylum-seekers, five stolen vehicles and four engines have been seized alongside 597 packets of contraband tobacco, with eight people held. The Guardia Civil is responsible for carrying out checks on people and vehicles disembarking from ships bound for Almeria from Nador, Morocco, and vice versa.
OVER the years I have progressed. Some of it has been good - moving to Spain, for instance. Some of it has been inevitable but has certain benefits, such as getting to the age where I can use ‘I forgot’ as a valid excuse. Some of it has been less welcome - I used to be a size 12, b u t d o n ’t a s k m e w h a t I a m n o w, I’ve forgotten! However, the progress of technology is one which I endeavour to embrace. To say that it is not easy is as much an understatement as to say that Donald Trump can be a little tactless. But I am nothing if not determined! I have my own Facebook page, complete with flattering if not recent photo, but more than that, I have a link to my other page - Jos’s
By Jos Biggs
Points to Ponder @jos.biggs.livingi nandalucia where my musings get an airing every Sunday. Should anyone wish to reply, or share their own thoughts then I have a bespoke email address - josbig gs@hotmail.co.uk - This used to be on my Sol page, but has mysteriously disappeared! And then of course there is my Linkedin page, which also gets a Sunday update - but now I’m only boasting! The world has progressed to a state where communication is instant and electronic. Yet to me manners and basic courtesy still remain a cornerstone of a civilised society, and should be preserved. If you agree then let me know electronically, of course!
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Feature
25th - 31st August 2017
IT is natural that those in the public eye consider their life stories to be more interesting than the memoirs of us plebeians. Sure, some celebrities have led colourful and exciting lives, especially those whose careers were in travel or entertainment. In my experience the most readable people are ordinar y men and women. Often and unexpectedly those we consider conventional people were cast by fate into extraordinar y situations. Having read the accounts of such people I can vouch for their being far more thought-provoking than are kings, queens, celebrities and politicians. We tend to take people for granted as we go about our daily routine. How dif ferently we would view outwardly commonplace people if everyone wore a ‘magic jacket.’ Printed on the back of each jacket is a photomontage that reveals their most important life experiences. We would see men who had faced death in battle, carers, nurses and doctors, who had given much to others. The elderly lady at the checkout; I imagine she might have been a corporate secretar y or globetrotting journalist. I see an ageing road sweeper who, as a young man, wore the uniform of his countr y. He was quite prepared to give his life for his nation’s liberty. Over there I see the fetching
All our yesterdays by Sandy Shore
MARILYN MONROE: Eat your heart out.
middle-aged lady who in her 20’w was ver y much a fashion model or sports icon. Passing the time of day with an elderly gent I see he was once a sea captain. As his wife turns and I study the photomontage on the back of her coat I see a cabaret artiste. Life would be much more interesting if we were to have printed even one image of what we looked like when y o u n g . We s e e s u c h i m a g e s o n F a c e book. It is very much a fun thing to show images of ourselves when we were young and a little more beautiful than we are now. I have many friends who are also getting on in years. Change is inevitable for us all but I often take a deep breath when I see ageing friends as they once were. Marilyn Monroe, Bridget Bardot, eat your hear ts out, ladies. My neighbours, Janice and Maureen were far more attractive when they once strutted their stuff. Furthermore, their lives since were much more interesting. Perhaps if a page be set aside for an ‘ A s We O n c e We r e ’ p h o t o c o l l e c t i o n pulses would be set to race. But please, don’t go over the top; not all of us have a pacemaker fitted.
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Weekender
SUMMER Special
25th - 31st August 2017
The Alcazaba of Alm ALMERIA Province has a rich history, torn throughout the centuries between Christian and Muslim occupation. Since the province fell to Franco in 1939, both the economy and city has flourished. Tourists and residents alike can now appreciate the rich architecture formed throughout years of conquests, with each side attempting to make its mark. In the centre of Almeria, sightseers have a chance to observe Roman, Arab and Renaissance architecture within a few metres of each other. The Alcazaba fortress, pri-
Tapas crown BUSINESSMEN from Almeria have rejoiced after passing the requirements to be part of the internationally renowned ‘route of tapas,’ following a visit from the regional tourist minister, Francisco Javier.
marily built during Muslim occupation in 955, has been expanded throughout the centuries by royals and Christians making it the second largest Muslim structure in Spain. King Charles III of Spain added an enclosure within the fortress, which came to be called the ‘Muro de la Vela’ (‘Wall of the Sail’), named after a bell which would warn residents in the case of danger or fires. Between 1014 and 1040, governors built a second enclosure, featuring the mosque, baths and residencies for their soldiers.
Prime sauce REBECA RUIZ has won the 13th edition of the Gastronomic Contest at Almeria fair, using her ‘Grandmother’s Chicken’ recipe. Choosing the winner took longer than expected as finalist plates were of such a ‘very high level.’
SUMMER Special
25th - 31st August 2017
meria The most recent improvements were made under the Catholic monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand of Aragon, who built a castle at the highest point in order to better defend against gunpowder artillery. The Alcazaba of Almeria has gained worldwide renown after being featured in Indiana Jones movies, and most recently, the sixth series of Game of Thrones. Throughout the year it is open to the public for free, between the hours of 9am and 6pm, excluding Sundays and bank holidays.
Part of Alcazaba’s medieval wall.
Make-over ALMERIA Provincial Hospital is set to close its doors in September for the first phase of its renovation work. The Provincial Council has invested â‚Ź1.1 million in the first phase of the project, which aims to protect and improve the 60th century building.
Open air THE Municipal Symphonic Band played in front of more than 300 people at Almeria Feria, bringing well-known works from Disney productions such as Star Wars and Mickey Mouse.
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Property
MADRID PROPERTIES: Every neighbourhood has homes being used to accommodate travellers.
Tourists move in UNDER the current heatwave regarding the impact of tourism in Spain comes the latest news relating to AirBnB, one of the number one platforms for tourist accommodation rental. New figures have revealed the American company connects properties in every single neighbourhood in Madrid to tourists with over 13,000 homes being used to accommodate travellers. Figures relating to competing firms proclaim the same news. HomeAway and Rentalia show the same stor y resulting in what appears to be towns and cities across Spain with tens of thousands of properties almost exclusively handed over to the tourist market. Starting from humble beginnings, three years ago AirBnb had less than 5,000 homes. Since then, the growth has been exponential thanks to media coverage of the compan y, i t s a p p a n d t h e generally positive feedback that it receives from customers, content with largely reduced prices and often hospitable landlords, not to mention the ‘homefrom-home’ experience. AirBnB have in fact tripled their supply leaving no single district across Madrid in absence of an AirBnB apartment.
Of course, the situation regarding this type of rental, originally intended as an escape from city centre hotel experiences to more ‘ r e a l ’ c o r n e r s o f S p a i n ’s l a n d s c a p e , i s v e r y dif ferent depending on the area. The focus of the initiative still rings true for ‘escapes’ to the costas and campos in S p a i n ’s s m a l l e r t o w n s b u t n o t i n i t s m a j o r metropolises such as Madrid and Barcelona. Unlike in Barcelona where protests have surged regarding the expulsion of residents to the outskirts of town due to space shortages, in Madrid, businesses, tourists and the wealthy still dominate and AirBnB is well h u d d l e d w i t h i n t h i s h u b b u b . Ta l k i n g s t a t i s t i c a l l y, m o r e t h a n 6 4 0 , 0 0 0 A i r b n b ’ e r s v i s i t e d M a d r i d l a s t y e a r, a n i n c r e a s e o f 7 8 p e r c e n t on 2015. All this looks set to change as the impact and hold of AirBnB on Madrid is uncovered. Figures released in recent weeks demonstrate that more than 23,000 residents have been forced to leave central districts since 2010 as a result of the tourist takeover. Smaller areas of main city centre areas do not escape this exodus either. They too are becoming swamped with tourist apartments thanks, not only to demands to live in the area due to business expansion or opportunities, but also due to the success of platforms such as AirBnB and the power indeed of here-say. Since this revelation, the city has woken up to a reality which perhaps is more difficult to chew. They are gradually realising the need to manage the increasing tourist population and ultimately perhaps take measures such as have been seen in Valencia and Mallorca.
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Weekender
Home & Garden
25th - 31st August 2017
Triple pong in Washington A BOTANIC garden on the grounds of the US Capitol Building has experienced a stinky first as a trio of socalled corpse flowers opened and released an
odour likened to the smell of rotting flesh. According to US Botanic Garden spokesman Ray Mims, the event has marked the first time that
three of the giant plants, also known as titan arums, have bloomed at the same time at a North American institution. The biggest plant has surged to about seven feet (2.13 metres) and made its rare opening just for a few hours. The Botanic Garden, at the foot of Capitol Hill, opened later into the evening once the flower bloomed to handle the crowds. “When you’re above it, you need a gas mask. This is really one of the rock stars of the plant kingdom,” said Todd Brethauer, a volunteer who carries a jar with a sample of the odour to give garden visitors a whiff. The stench from the opened corpse flower, or Amorphophallus Titanum,
has been alluded to a combination of rotting flesh, smelly socks, garlic and dirty nappies. It is a great draw for pollinating carrion beetles and flies. Corpse flower blooms, once rare, have become more prolific, with seven occurring this summer in the United States alone. The increase resulted from the greater number of flowers in US institutions, including 15 or 16 plants at Washington’s Botanic Garden, Mims said. “People think flowers are pretty, they smell good. A lot don’t,” said Jim Adams, the Garden’s horticultural manager. The interior temperature on a fully blooming flower reaches 115 Fahrenheit (46 Celsius), heat that helps spread the smell, Adams said.
Health & beauty E-CIGARETTES may be prompting UK teens to start smoking cigarettes, and to escalate tobacco consumption according to the first UK study to report this trend whose results have been published online in the journal Tobacco Control. Rates of e-cigarette use among teens are low, but the proportion of those who have tried them at least once are reasonably high, at 13-22 per cent, and the trend is creeping upwards. However, studies suggesting that experimentation with e-cigarettes may act as a gateway to smoking in adolescents have been carried out in the US. The researchers therefore wanted to see if there were any similarities between patterns in the UK, as well as to explore several potential risk factors and influences that have not been looked at before. They used data from 2,386 teenagers from 20 schools across England in 2014 when
25th - 31st August 2017
E-smokers tempted to try the real thing
E-CIGARETTES: Experimentation may act as a gateway to smoking.
respondents were aged 13 and 14, and again a year later. Three years ago, the teens
were asked about their vaping and smoking behaviours - how much and how often. And they were asked whether any of
Belly fat is no joke IF you’re carrying a few extra pounds, you’re not alone. But this is one case where following the crowd isn’t a good idea. Carrying extra weight - especially belly fat - can be risky. The trouble with belly fat is that it’s not limited to the extra layer of padding located just below the skin (subcutaneous fat). It also includes visceral fat - which lies deep inside your abdomen, surrounding your internal organs. Regardless of your overall weight, having a large amount of belly fat increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, sleep apnoea, premature death
from any cause and high blood pressure Your weight is largely determined by how you balance the calories you eat with the energy you burn. If you eat too much and exercise too little, you’re likely to pack on excess pounds - including belly fat. Ageing does play a role too. As you age, you lose muscle - especially if you’re not physically active. Loss of muscle mass decreases the rate at which your body uses calories, which can make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. According to the 2015-2020 dietary guidelines, men in their 50’s need about 200 fewer calories daily than they do in their 30’s due to this muscle loss.
their friends or family smoked and what their attitude to smoking was - factors associated with smoking uptake
Weekender 21 among the young. A year later they were asked whether they smoked cigarettes, and if so, how many; and their breath carbon monoxide levels were re-assessed. In 2014, nearly two thirds (61.5 per cent, 1,726) of the sample had neither tried vaping nor smoking - 16 per cent said they had only tried e-cigarettes, 4.4 per cent had tried the real thing, but not e-cigarettes and nearly one in five (18.1 per cent) had tried both. Starting to smoke over the next 12 months was significantly more common among those who had friends and two or three family members who smoked. And it was significantly less likely among those with negative attitudes towards smoking. But it was strongly associated with e-cigarette use, particularly among those without friends who smoked - a group usually thought to be less vulnerable to taking up smoking.
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Weekender
Health & beauty
25th - 31st August 2017
Think twice about air-con THERE is no doubt that people across Spain have suffered more than most from the heat this summer, and there’s still a few weeks left at least of the high temperatures. September, in 2014,
had the country’s hottest day of that year, so don’t start thinking about getting those sweaters and duvets out just yet. How many times have we heard people say: “Can’t wait to get home
UNHEALTHY: Some people suffer from too much air-con exposure.
and put the air-con on!”? Great idea on the surface, but for some, it can be doing more harm than good.” Fatigue and headaches usually become chronic for those who
chose to sit under the air conditioner for a long time. Also, working or living in a constantly aircooled room could make you experience constant mucous membrane irritation, along with breath-
ing difficulties. Another major issue associated with the air conditioning is the dr y air. Those who spend hours and hours in the air conditioned environment will feel the effects
on their skin and eyes. Speaking about the eyes, ever yone should know that one can easily experience dry-eye syndrome by staying in an air-conditioned area. Also, one’s skin loses its moisture level, and star ts breaking down. If you already have a chronic disease of any kind (especially respiratory system), you should be advised to stay away from the air-conditioned areas for one main reason: they will enhance the effects of your illness. Air conditioning systems are known to increase the symptoms of low blood pressure, arthritis and neuritis. Spending a lot of time in an air-conditioned area can reduce the body’s tolerance to heat, which will make a person dependent on the air conditioning system, which will then make the person suffer from all the issues previously mentioned. Moving from a hot area inside into a cool environment can cause the body to suffer from stress.
Food & Drink
25th - 31st August 2017
The Perfect Steak
PERFECT STEAK: Cooked just the way you like it. 4 steaks of your choice 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar freshly ground pepper 2 tsp dijon mustard 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp olive oil DIRECTIONS 1. Trim excess fat from the steaks. In a heavy, resealable
Ziploc bag combine the remaining ingredients. 2. Marinate the steaks for 1 hour at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. If refrigerating, bring steaks close to room temperature 1 hour before grilling for more even cooking. 3. Preheat the barbecue on HIGH. Brush grids with olive oil. Proceed as directed in the Steak Grilling Guide.
Jerk beef satay INGREDIENTS 1 lb beef tenderloin cut in 1/4� slices 2 green onions, sliced 2 tbsp fresh thyme 1 tsp ground allspice 1 tsp salt 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1/2 tsp freshly ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced 2 jalapeùo peppers, seeded and minced 1/2 cup hoisin sauce 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp rice vinegar DIRECTIONS 1. Soak wooden skewers at least 1 hour before grilling satays. 2. In a glass dish or heavy-duty resealable bag, combine all the ingredients for the marinade. Mix well. 3. Thread the beef on the soaked skewers in a serpentine pattern. Set the skewers in the marinade and refrigerate 1-4 hours. 4. Preheat the barbecue on HIGH and brush the cooking grids with vegetable oil. Reduce heat to MEDIUM and grill approximately 2 minutes per side for medium rare meat.
Weekender 23
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Weekender
Puzzles
25th - 31st August 2017
Wordsearch Grey’s Anatomy
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
MEREDITH GREY BAILEY SEATTLE YANG
GEORGE IZZIE ALEX KAREV MERCY WEST
SHEPHERD SURGICAL WEBBER SLOAN ARIZONA
LEXIE TORRES
Quick
Across 1 Enters by military force (7) 5 Outer garments (5) 8 Offers for a price (5) 9 Colonist (7) 10 Unique or specific (7) 11 Have in common (5) 12 Disturb the balance of (5) 14 Requested information about (5) 19 Falls vertically (5) 21 Observe closely (7) 23 Confidential (7) 24 Make fun of (5) 25 Take without the owner's consent (5) 26 Most immense (7)
Down 1 Maintain firmly (6) 2 Worth (5) 3 Aversion (7) 4 Furnish (6) 5 Prepares food by heating (5) 6 Lacking exceptional quality (7) 7 Arranged into groups (6) 13 Commit to undertake (7) 15 Disperse (7) 16 Makes fit or suitable (6) 17 Make visible (6) 18 New (6) 20 Gastropod mollusk (5) 22 Representation (5)
• Average: 22
• Very good: 43
• Good: 30
• Excellent: 56
eons even event events evenest evens envied envies entente ententes erns dent devise devisee devisees deist deists denies dents dens dense eves ever evert everts inert insert inserts invert inverts invent invents intent intents intense inst inset eosin
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 Test end product with special rail (5) 4 Level-headedness in Montreal is mixed (7) 7 Feeling of joy from damaged toenail (7) 8 Part of stair is Eritrean (5) 9 Police officer in Home Counties area (5) 10 Pele mentioned part of kettle (7) 11 Most pleasant French city street (6) 13 Merchant returns scarlet paintings (6) 17 Refuse to leave book in service station (7) 19 Head of clan calls for drums (5) 21 Downgrade a pedestal (5) 22 Sit dear, not straight but with one leg on each side (7) 23 Manual dexterity is unimportant by the sound of it (7) 24 A good man holding small Scottish dessert (5)
Down 1 Unpleasant reasons to hide betrayal (7) 2 Some proclaim a golden rule for an adult insect (5) 3 Lags: Rot! Lies! Deviation! (7) 4 About a tenner for curdled milk (6) 5 Alternatively, some of Britain’s tea drinkers (7) 6 Worth me having a right to it (5) 8 The odd rioter has eggs (3) 12 Devastation of old horse in care (7) 14 Quotes poetry in acts of worship around Ecuador (7) 15 Look up to unnatural spectre (7) 16 The banquet is about Dad’s last bet (6) 17 The informer is back in the flats, Sarge (5) 18 Yes, start another youth establishment (3) 20 Spike nips back with sweetheart (5)
Puzzles
25th - 31st August 2017
IRREGULAR SUDOKU
SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : I BET YOU THINK THIS SONG IS ABOUT YOU Who had UK Top 10 hit singles with the following songs, all containing a girl’s name?
1. A Boy Named Sue (September 1969) 2. Angie Baby (January 1975) 3. Annie I’m Not Your Daddy (October 1982) 4. Barbara Ann (February 1966) 5. Black Betty (September 1977)
6. Caroline (September 1973) 7. Carrie-Anne (June 1967) 8. Cindy Incidentally (February 1973) 9. Clair (October 1972) 10. Come on Eileen (July 1982)
Kakuro
Answers: 1. JOHNNY CASH, 2. HELEN REDDY, 3. KID CREOLE AND THE COCONUTS, 4. BEACH BOYS, 5. RAM JAM, 6. STATUS QUO, 7. HOLLIES, 8. FACES, 9. GILBERT O’SULLIVAN, 10. DEXY’S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS
SUDOKU
Weekender 25
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 599 Quick
Cryptic
Sudoku
Irregular Sudoku
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Weekender
Leisure
25th - 31st August 2017
YOUR WEEKLY HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 - April 20) That little bit of extra cash has made you realise something. Not everything is as simple as you would wish it to be, and throwing money at a problem will not make it go away entirely. There are some things that you need to come to terms with. It is much easier to incorporate the uneasy into your life if you take a more relaxed attitude.
TAURES (April 21 - May 21) Sometimes, when we are making a journey, it is not the usual route that is best. Something has changed in your sphere and there is a need to adjust to it. There are other options that will bring the same result and maybe even a more convenient one. You will need to do two things. The first is to open your mind to the possibilities. .
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Someone needs to learn to stand on their own two feet. It isn’t you, but it’s close. Finding a balance between helping and idly standing by while mistakes are made is necessary. It’s not easy but it has to be done. You may break into a sweat this week and it won’t suit your nerves, but you’ll get through.
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) A way opens up before you that can bring wealth. Branching off from that is a path to certain happiness. Which will you take? If having that money means changing your nature (or trying to) is that going to make you happy? On the other hand, if you sidestep the money can you still be happy? Keep things simple. You know where you are.
LEO (July 24 - August 23) Are you looking for guidance? Maybe you are thinking that a recent acquaintance will be able to provide it. You ran something by a few friends and they are not so sure. That is because this is a situation where you need an expert, not a well-wisher. Best not to waste your time and jangle your nerves. Get that expert even if it costs a few pennies.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) It appears at times that you are in the middle of a play. The lights are on you, the mike’s wired, your audience awaits, then nothing. Not that you are lost for words. You know exactly what to say and do. What you are wondering is why you are there in the first place. Maybe where you are was not intended.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) There’s a lot of buzzing going on in your head. No, it isn’t tinnitus, it’s something quite different. You know it’s a great time to get ideas and act on them. However, trying to act on too many at once is causing some confusion. Maybe there’s too much going on.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) You’ve been working hard, maybe in the dark some of the time. This week someone shines a torch on your situation and you see exactly where you are. Are you surprised? You shouldn’t be.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Getting a creative project started has opened your eyes to many things. Perhaps you question why you did not do it before. The fact is that it doesn’t matter. You are where you are right here and not because that was where you were heading. Enjoy the feeling, the praise and the satisfaction.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Just imagine for one day that you have achieved everything your heart has desired. When you wake up in the morning believe it is so. Feel how your spirits lift and your heart sings. Carry that feeling through the week and beyond. If you believe that you are a success you can be. Why stop when it feels so good?
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Yours is a big ship. You are able to take a lot on board but you don’t have to. In this special week, when you see things so clearly, be selective. Allow into your life only that which is valuable and worthwhile. This is not selfishness, it is providing a source of inspiration for the present and the future.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Your old shoes are comfortable and still have a lot of wear in them but someone is suggesting that you should buy some new shoes and throw the old ones away. They are no longer shiny. They are no longer fashionable. They do, however, provide all that you need.
BOOK REVIEW
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley WHEN Saroo Brierley used Google Earth to find his long-lost home town half a world away, he made global headlines. Saroo had become lost on a train in India at the age of five. Not knowing the name of his family or where he was from, he survived for weeks on the streets of Kolkata, before being taken into an orphanage and adopted by a couple in Australia. Despite being happy in his new family,
Saroo always wondered about his origins. He spent hours staring at the map of India on his bedroom wall. When he was a young man, the advent of Google Earth led him to pore over satellite images of the countr y for landmarks he recognised. And one day, after years of searching, he miraculously found what he was looking for. Then he set of f on a journey to find his mother.
If you think you recognise the plot of this book, this remarkLION: Has been made into a able stor y feature film was indeed made into the film, Lion, starring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman.
Leisure
25th - 31st August 2017
FILM REVIEW
Weekender 27 NEW TAKE: Soderbergh’s new film is pulpier and quirkier
Logan Lucky Directed by Steven Soderbergh Starring: Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Riley Keogh, Daniel Craig, Hillary Swank, Katie Holmes STEVEN SODERBERGH returns to the big screen after a self-imposed ‘retirement’ with a movie that’s very much in the vein of his Ocean trilogy but pulpier and quirkier and tons of fun. Whereas the Ocean movies were slick and sophisticated with a big-city sheen, Logan Lucky offers a ‘country cousin’ side of the coin, focusing on members of a more
close-knit, laid-back rural community, whose lives follow an entirely different rhythm. The characters’ southern drawl recalls some of the Coen brothers’ funniest films (Raising Arizona, O Brother, Where Art Thou? etc), and their criminal cleverness is reminiscent of some of Quentin Tarantino’s work. The screenplay by Rebecca Blunt - her first - cooks up a sharp, air-tight, surprising heist plan, as well as many hilarious, offbeat lines of dialogue. But, like so many writ-
Film & TV Guide OUR PICK OF THIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE
FILM OF THE WEEK
Captain Phillips Saturday August 26 ITV1 11:25pm to 1:55am DANGER looms large for an American cargo ship traversing the coast of Somalia. Local warlords force four men to become pirates and they make the bold move to hijack the vessel and take the crew hostage. A five-day crisis sees Captain Phillips use ever y skill he has to tr y and save his crew and outsmart the ambitious thieves. Fact-based drama starring Tom Hanks.
ers who pen movies of this type, Blunt fails to consistently balance both elements. The first half of the movie is funnier, and the second half is more thrilling, but the mixing of the two tones doesn’t happen as easily as it could have. Still, Logan Lucky is packed with so many sparkling moments, so many belly laughs and so many truly clever ploys, that it’ll be worth several viewings.
ONE TO WATCH Sue Perkins’ Comedy Greats: The Entertainers Sunday August 27 Channel 4 11:30pm to 12:55am THE comedian and presenter introduces some of her favourite comedy performances across stage and screen. Includes some rarely broadcast footage and clips of Graham Norton, Joan Rivers, Bruce Forsyth, Bob Monkhouse, Dame Edna as well as the lightening-fast wit of Muhammad Ali on chat show appearances.
OUR CHOICE Game of Thrones Monday August 28 Sky Atlantic 10pm to 11:30pm ‘THE Dragon and the Wolf’ as the 79-minute season finale serves as the longest episode to date. A great battle beckons as one of the most important treaties in the history of Westeros is attempted in an effort to battle the Ice King. Unsullied and Dothraki surround a Kings Landing heavily guarded by Lannister forces. Tensions rise in what is sure to be en explosive end to a shorterthan-normal season.
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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
25th - 31st August 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 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@euroweeklyn ews.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)
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@euroweeklyne ws.com
HGV Class 1 Drivers Required. Earnings up to £1000.00 per week. Tramping in the UK. Various shift patterns/ depots. Work for a couple of weeks, months or ongoing. Guaranteed tramping for the duration you are here. You choose your location. We supply the work. Trusted, reliable, professional. Enquire today: 0044 1487 842165 Text/ WhatsApp - 0044 7846624312 info@cambscontractor s.co.uk www.cambscontractor s.co.uk Find us on Facebook (252187)
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@eurowee klynews.com.
HGV drivers required for UK tramping work. All new fleet. Not agency. 3 weeks on 1 week off negotiable. Immediate start. Call Scott 00447490043357
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.c om (253422)
Services
25th - 31st August 2017
CAR VALETING
BUILDERS
PAINTERS & DECORATORS
SERVICES
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DRAINAGE
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Sport
25th - 31st August 2017
SPORTS By Tony Matthews
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.
The 72nd La Vuelta a España THE 2017 Tour of Spain annual cycle race began in Nimes, France last Saturday -only the third time it has started outside Spain - and Team Sky and four-time Tour of France winner Chris Froome, former champion Vicenzo Nibali, Spain’s Alberto Contador, Tom Dumoulin and Frenchman Romain Bardet all started strongly. The race, with some 200 riders taking part from 23 officially registered teams, will cover a distance of around 3,300 kilometres (2,050 miles) spread over 21 stages, and it will end in Madrid on Sunday September 10. These are the routes the riders will take over the next week: Today - Lliria to Cuenca (207km) Tomorrow - Hellin to Xorret de Cati (199.5km) Sunday - Orihuela to Cumbre de Sol (174km) Monday - Rest day (thank god) Tuesday - Caravaca Ano Jubilar to El Pozo Almentacion
(164.5km) Wednesday - Lorca to Observatorio de Astronomino de Calar Alto (187.5km) Thursday - Motril to Antequera los Dolmenes (160.1km) Next Wednesday, August 30, the riders will hug the coast for a fair distance and here are the approximate times and places to be if you want to see the two-wheel action: * Leave Lorca at 12.15pm local time… then it’s into Aguilas, 1.10pm… forward to San Juan, 1.30pm… Vil-
laricos, 1.40pm… Vera Playa, 1.50pm… Garrucha, 2.10pm… Mojacar, 2.30pm… Turre, 2.40pm… Los Gallardos, 2.50pm… Los Castanos, 3pm… Sorbas, 3.15pm…
Tabernas, 3.30pm… then up to the finish at the Observatorio Astronomico de Calar Alto around 6.15pm-6.30pm. Don’t miss it - it’s something special.
The World Athletics Championship
A TOTAL of 701,189 spectators attended the 10-day meeting at The Queen Elizabeth Stadium in London: August 4-13 inclusive. The games, overall, were a huge success with the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team reaching their target of six medals… with Sir Mo Farah winning gold in the 10,000m and silver in the 5,000m, while the other four were CHRIS gained by the men’s and women’s relay teams. FROOME: The men’s sprint quartet collected gold in 4x100m in the third fastest-time ever, with the Strong start. USA second with Japan third. Then, some 24 hours later, GB’s 4x400m men’s relay team took bronze behind Trinidad & Tobago and the USA. GB’s women relay teams collected two silver gongs - in the 4x100m relay behind the USA, with Jamaica third, and in the 4x400m relay, with the USA first and Poland third. These were excellent achievements, considering the opposition. Sadly Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt pulled up injured in his last ever track race - falling to the ground down the home stretch in the 4x100m relay. The ‘human superstar’ retired with 19 global golds to his credit. My individual gold winning ‘performances’ of the games came from Aussie Sally Pearson in the 100m hurdles… from 1804 Alice Meynell became the first woman jockey - riding at York racecourse Kenya’s Hellen Obiri in the 5,000m… 1885 Boxing’s first heavyweight fight (with three ounce gloves and three minute rounds) took place between James L Sullivan and Dofrom Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim in the men’s minick McCaffery in Ohio, USA. Sullivan won on points high jump… and from Elijah Manangoi, 1925 Tennis stars Bill Tilden and Helen Wills Moody won the men’s and women’s singles titles at the US Open also from Kenya, in the 1,500m. Also I 1930 Italian Woolf Barnato - this time with GB driver Glen Kidston in a Bentley - won the Le Mans 24-hour race for the third year in was mightily impressed by the Trinidad & succession Tobago’s quartet who won the 4x400m 1940 Joe Davis (England) was set to become the world snooker champion for the 14th successive year gold medal and, of course, all the runners 1950 Sugar Ray Robinson (USA) k’od José Basora (Puerto Rico) to win the world middleweight title… and in tennis, Australia beat the who starred in GB’s relay teams. USA 4-1 to claim the Davis Cup Final medal table 1952 Hungarian runner Emile Zatopek won the Olympic marathon gold medal in Helsinki Country Gold Silver Bronze Total 1956 England regained the Ashes as Surrey bowler Jim Laker destroyed Australia by taking 46 wickets in the five-match Test series, inUSA 10 11 9 30 cluding 19 in The Oval encounter. Kenya 5 2 4 11 1960 The 17th summer Olympics opened in Rome and almost immediately GB swimmer Anita Lonsborough won the 200m breastChina 2 3 2 7 stroke gold medal GB/NI 2 3 1 6 1963 The West Indies beat England 2-1 to win Wisden’s Cricket Trophy S. Africa 3 1 2 6 1968 Arthur Ashe became the first black tennis star to win the US singles title France 3 0 2 5 NB: Five athletes from Team GB and 1992 Sri Lankan spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan made his Test match debut against Australia and took the first of his record 800 caNI finished fourth in their respective reer wickets events, two came home in fifth place 2012 At the age of just 15, New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko became the youngest-ever winner of a women’s LPGA event - and the first while six more were placed sixth. amateur since 1969
This week in sporting history
Motoring
25th - 31st August 2017
THE Ford GT will be available in a new limited-edition Heritage theme honouring the GT40 Mark IV race car driven to victory by Dan Gurney and A J Foyt at Le Mans in 1967. The car will feature unique interior and exterior colour themes and an exclusive wheel finish. “In creating a worthy successor to the ’66 Heritage edition, we logically looked at our next historic Le Mans victory with the all-American team of Dan Gurney and A J Foyt,” said Dave Pericak, Global Director at Ford Performance.
NOSTALGIA: Fifty years flashback for Ford GT.
“The Ford GT ’67 Heritage edition pays homage to that win, with a modern take on one of the most important vehicles in Ford’s storied history of racing.” The Ford GT ’67 Heritage edition features a gloss-finish Race Red exterior with white stripes and exposed carbon package. The car sports Frozen
White No 1 hood and door graphics, and 20-inch one-piece forged aluminium wheels in silver satin clear-coat with black wheel nuts. Red callipers and silver rearview mirror caps complete the look. The interior features new leather trimming for the carbon fibre seats, with red accent stitching, which carries over to the steering
wheel. The seat belt webbing is now red and the paddle shifters are anodised grey. Satin dark stainless appliques are used on the instrument panel, door register bezels and x-brace. Rounding out modifications to the ’67 Heritage edition car are a unique serialised identification plate, plus a centre console.
Nissan owners getting personal NISSAN retailers are reporting higher-than-expected demand for personalisation options on the allnew Nissan Micra. Approximately one-in-four are choosing to enhance the car’s expressive design with additional exterior and interior parts. The news comes as Nissan reveals a new video showing the ‘hand-finished’ nature of adding exterior personalisation parts to the B-segment hatchback. The ‘behind-the-scenes’ footage focuses on the attention to detail which goes into the Mic r a ’s p e r s o n a l i s a t i o n p r o gramme, guaranteeing high-
quality results every time. Customer research amongst the first buyers of new Micra reveals that 60 per cent are attracted by the dynamic and expressive styling of the car. This is the number one reason for purchasing the new Micra. And when it comes to personalisation, Nissan’s offer to customers is second to none. More than 100 combinations are available for both the Micra’s exterior and interior and in a variety of vibrant colours. Around 18 per cent of customers are choosing to personalise the exterior of their Micra. Bespoke components include ex-
PHOTO CREDIT: FORD
Ford offer tribute to sixties classic
clusive bumper finishers, body side mouldings, 17-inch alloy wheels, door mirror caps and high-quality decals applied to the bonnet and roof. Helen Perry, General Manager, Small Cars, Nissan Europe, commented: “The personalisation programme for the all-new Nissan Micra was created to allow customers to express their individual character and design flair when they buy their car. Feedback from retailers has highlighted that the mix of fantastic choice and affordability for personalisation means it’s more popular than we expected.”
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