1st - 7th September 2017
EST 2005
Rub of the green
Future fish PHOTO CREDIT INTERNATIONAL CARNOGRAPHIC
OFFICIALS from the national government and regional councils gathered in Almeria to discuss new regulations for commercial and recreational fishing in the Mediterranean Sea. Spain is under European Union pressure to develop a sustainable fishing policy and the new measures, which include revised limits on purse seine and trawl nets, plus a June ban on fishing in depths of less than 60 metres in Almerian waters, are seen as an important step.
GUARDIA CIVIL have arrested a man after residents complained about the stench emanating from his property. The 37-year-old is accused of growing cannabis in his Mojacar home. The pungent stench of his home-made farm and the chemicals he used on it became so strong that residents of the Barranco Las Pepas neigbourhood were forced to make a complaint to police. Officers attended the area and followed their noses to the property where they discovered a total of 14 marihuana plants as well as equipment used in their cultivation. The illegal vegetation was found to be hidden among legal plants in a form of camouflage police refer to as ‘guerrilla cultivation.’
PHOTO CREDIT ROBERT GREEN/FACEBOOK
That’s no herb! Guerilla growing is an increasingly popular trend.
DOWNPOUR: An unsual event.
Right as rain! MORE rain fell in Almeria last week than in the previous 50 months of August combined. An average of 50 litres of water per square metre was recorded, with climate analysts celebrating the boost for local dams and aquifiers after a period of extended drought. The downpour was so strong that state meteorological agency AEMET issued an orange weather warning across much of the province on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a yellow alert in place in other areas. Prior to the unusual event the most water that had fallen during August since 1968 was 5.2 litres per square
metre on August 30 in 2013 and 3.6 litres on August 4 and 28 in 1981. But on Tuesday 18.3 litres per square metre was recorded and this was bettered on Wednesday with 29.7 litres per square metre. Farmers have said that the rain was extremely welcome and has not damaged crops while allowing collection of water for irrigation. The Irrigation Federation of Almeria issued a statement which said that although the water deficit remains a problem, the unseasonal weather at least “offers hope of a hydrological cycle that is normal and not like the last year.”
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News
1st - 7th September 2017
Mojacar Royal British Legion SEPTEMBER DIARY 7 - Coffee Morning. San Bernabe Restaurant. Mojacar. 11.15 Come for coffee and a chat. All welcome. 8 - Quiz night with Fish ‘n Chips (alternative menu). Beachcomber Restaurant, 7.30. All profits to Poppy Appeal. Contact Beachcomber, contact Mick Coote on 678 101 471. 21 - Branch Meeting , Artisan Centre (Centro de Multi Usos), Mojacar Pueblo. 11.15. Guest speaker, Bryan White on ‘Life as a Marine - and more.’ For more information on further events or about the Royal British Legion, contact Christine, Branch Secretary on secretary.rblmojacar@gmail.com or Andrew, Branch Chairman on chairman.rblmoj3485@gmail.com. DON’T MISS OUT The Branch is holding a Poppy Appeal Dinner and Dancing evening with music by Driftwood on Saturday October 28 at Avent hotel (previously Vera Hotel), tickets 35€, includes Cava and canapes, three-course meal. Accommodation available. Tickets available from secretary.rblmojacar@gmail.com During the evening there will be a Grand Raffle. First Prize - 2 return tickets with Monarch to any destination, with luggage Second Prize - £200 voucher for Brittany Ferries Plus - many more. Raffle tickets available now from Oasis Bar, Palomares, Total Entertainment, Turre or Mick on 678 101 471.
Fruit basket of Europe FOREIGN exports from Almeria have shot up in 2017. Income earned from sales abroad rose by 15 per cent in the first half of the year to more than €2.2 billion. In six months Almeria has earned more than double what Malaga and Cordoba gained from exports, and more than triple Granada’s profits. Almeria’s success comes as Andalucia posted record exports from January to June. The region passed the €16 billion mark in exports value for the first time in its history. With a small population, Almeria punched well above its weight in achieving the regional record. Andalucia is now the second-biggest exporting region in Spain, and the fastest-growi n g i n t h e c o u n t r y. F o r e i g n sales of fruits and vegetables have soared by 23.2 per cent this year, double the national
FRESH: Almeria’s fresh produce famous as far afield as China. average. The news isn’t just a boon for local farmers. Almeria now has one of the best import-export balances in the country and is in far better economic shape than most other provinces. France is the biggest buyer of Almeria’s produce, followed by
Italy, the UK and Germany. But exporters are also looking outside of Europe and are developing closer ties with China. It is now the fastest-growing market for local produce. Chinese scientists have also been dispatched to Almeria to learn about pioneering growing techniques.
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News
1st - 7th September 2017
Cuevas to join Europe Direct Information Centre THE town council of Cuevas del Almanzora has applied to join the Europe Direct Information Centre Network of the European Commission. The centres aim to meet the needs and concerns of European citizens, and it is hoped the application can be implemented within the municipality in two years (2018-2020). Mayor Antonio Férnandez Liria explained the decision to apply, saying: ”we want Cuevas del Almanzora to adopt an intelligent and efficient management system. With it we intend to collect the needs and concerns of the citizens, as indicated in our Strategic and Integral Plan of the municipality.” The Europe Direct Centre would establish multiple outreach activities, training programmes, workshops, legal advice and technical assistance as well as holding commemorative events. The information centres have qualified staf f who maintain direct
NEWS BITES
Break in A WOMAN was seriously injured during a violent robbery on Calle Calatrava in the village of La Curva, Adra, and remains in hospital as the Guardia Civil investigate the incident.
Shell shock
CUEVAS DEL ALMANZORA: Wants to adopt an efficient management system. contact with the citizens and inform and answer questions on all kinds of European issues. The proposal forms part of the Town Hall’s Strategic Plan 2016-2025 to guarantee access to the activities that are developed through the Information Centre Europe Direct.
A SEA TURTLE named Adelia is said to be improving after having three flippers partially amputated. The reptile was rescued after becoming entangled in a fishing net off San Juan de los Terreros.
Fire starter THE Irish cycling team Aqua Sport Blue sufffered a mystery attack after an unidentified arsonist torched the team bus while parked overnight in Almeria City.
News NEWS BITES
Gold digger A 19-YEAR-OLD man from Zurgena has been held on suspicion of stealing jewellery worth €1,200 after breaking into three shops in the HuercalOvera area at night.
Pedal power COLOMBIAN rider Miguel Angel Lopez won stage 11 of the Vuelta a España cycle race which passed through Almeria last Wednesday, ending at the Calar Alto Astronomical Observatory. Brit Chris Froome finished second.
1st - 7th September 2017
Spain ranked high for corruption SPAIN has been given a high corruption rating by Transparency International. The organisation creates a global ranking of countries based on levels of bribery, extortion, access to information and integrity of public officials. On a scale of 0-100, lower ranked countries are “plagued by untrustworthy and badly functioning pub-
lic institutions like the police and judiciary.” It adds that “higherranked countries... have higher degrees of press freedom, access to information about public expenditure, stronger standards of integrity and independent judicial systems.” In its latest Cor-
ruption Perceptions Index, Denmark had the highest score of 90 and Somalia the lowest with 10 of 176 countries. Spain came only 58, a decline from its top score of 65 in 2012. Transparency International said: “The global average score is a paltry 43, indicating endemic corruption in a country’s public sector.”
On the house ALMERIA City Council has given the green light to a study of two potential plots for the province’s first IKEA store.
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SPAIN’S RATING: Came in at 58, a decline from its top score of 65 in 2012.
They added, “more countries declined than improved in this year’s results, showing the urgent need for committed action to thwart corruption.”
Both the UK and the US are lagging behind as well, with the former at 10th place with a score of 81, an improvement of its score of just 74 in 2012.
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Embassy warning TOURIST NUMBERS : Figures show that Spain enjoys a sizeable lead over Greece.
Spain still top for summer destinations
AS summer 2017 draws to a close, recent figures have revealed that Spain remains the top destination for British holidaymakers. Official figures from Gfk Leisure Travel Monitor show that as of June 2017, Spain was up by 270,000 passengers. Figures show that Spain enjoys a sizeable lead over the second most popular destination, Greece, with almost double the number of visitors. The statistics also suggest that
Europe’s issues with terrorism and the refugee crisis are nominally impacting tourist figures and a desire for British holidaymakers to visit the continent. France, however, is down on last year suggesting a lingering fear of terrorism after a series of high-level incidents in the past 12-months. By contrast, the data shows that countries in the Middle East, including Egypt, have seen a significant decline in tourist numbers from the UK. Turkey has also suffered a sharp drop of 70,000 on
last year, reflecting continued uncertainty over its political stability. Not, perhaps, surprisingly, the figures also showed that tourist numbers to the United States are dwindling under the ‘Trump effect’ and the continued perception of America as an unsafe destination. Other growing destinations include the Caribbean, Croatia, Cyprus and Portugal, with marginal growth to the Cape Verde Islands, Portugal, Mexico and Italy.
THE British Embassy in Madrid has warned Britons about “actions which are tolerated in the UK [which] are illegal in Spain.” The advice comes after figures reveal more British citizens are incarcerated in Europe than anywhere else in the world. The charity, Prisoners Abroad, which provides advice and support for prisoners in foreign jails, said Spain has 115 (10.7 per cent) British inmates second only to the USA with 253 (23.5 per cent) and 1,077 citizens are detained across the world in total. The organisation warns that while European prisons are unlikely to have food or water shor tages, the lack of a shared language “only increases the
isolation of imprisonment” and Britons are therefore “excluded from work and education opportunities available to local inmates.” They help to “maintain prisoners’ mental health by sending magazines, books and languagelearning materials, and fight social isolation with phone cards and freepost envelopes for those wishing to contact home.” Some have been less sympathetic. One expatriate, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Brits in prison are part of the wider problem. People go to Spain for a booze up and forget themselves. They embarrass the rest of us there who live and work and resent the stereotype of ‘the pissed up English.’”
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News
1st - 7th September 2017
Teens in Almeria struggle with tech addiction NEW research from the global research firm GfK has revealed that a third of people (34 per cent) in 17 different countries ‘find it difficult to take a break from technology, even when I know I should.’ Broken down by country, the data shows that 27 per cent of Spaniards said that they find it difficult to take a break, with 21 per cent saying that there was no issue. Teenagers (15-19-year-olds) are the most likely to struggle with technology addiction. Just under a half (44 per cent) say that they find it difficult to take a ‘tech break’ as do 41 per cent for those in their 20’s and 38 per cent of TAKE A BREAK: It’s difficult.
those in their 30’s. This changes to 29 per cent for 40-year-olds, 23 per cent for 50year-olds and 15 per cent for the over 60’s. For people living in high-income households, 39 per cent find it difficult to take a break from technology compared to 30 per cent of those in low-income households who find it difficult. Globally, China (43 per cent) has the highest percentage of those who find it difficult to break from technology, followed by Brazil (42 per cent). Germans lead in finding it easy (35 per cent), followed by the Netherlands (30 per cent), and Belgium (28 per cent).
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1st - 7th September 2017
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Moggmentum is the last straw of sanity ‘MOGGMENTUM’ is sweeping the UK and it’s gotten a little out of hand. The online campaign to elect Jacob Rees-Mogg Conservative leader is rooted in a pseudo-ironic play on the ‘Momentum’ movement that launched Jeremy Corbyn to the Labour leadership. The problem is people presume contemptuous political positions must be held by reasonable people if they don't hide them. Mogg has consistently voted against equal gay rights, same-sex marriage, laws to promote equality,
human rights and assisted suicide. The public is so tired of politicians pretending to be likeable that they prefer politicians to be unlikable as proof that they are not pretending. Corbyn, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump sound so absurdly unelectable they must be sincere if their hat is in the ring at all. Traditionally the left can’t do humour, preferring the burning intensity of statistics and policy. The right, on the other hand, enjoys a lighthearted freedom imbued with self-deprecation and wit.
JACOB REES-MOGG: A parliamentarian of ilk.
The result is Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson, and now Mogg, indulging in reactionary policies with disarmingly merry displays of faux self-deprecation during Question Time and Have I Got News For You appearances. Mogg’s foppish charm hides extreme snobbery and contempt. While he’s a parliamentarian of ilk and eloquence, his quintessentially aristocratic demeanour shouldn’t be confused with a liberal alternative to Theresa May. The patrician age of gentlemen politicians might seem alluring but are we now seriously turning to a religious climate sceptic who hates the EU and praises Iain Duncan Smith’s disability cuts?
The Tory party would have to take leave of their senses to turn to Mogg, but what’s been proven in the last year is that a small, dedicated band of outsiders can turn the electoral tables. In this case, the nationalist fantasy of Brexit could fulfil itself with the preposterousness of Mogg as prime minister. So do not mistake his throwback, pragmatic, seemingly non-ideological, disposition as progressive. Mogg lives in a mansion called Gournay Court, has never changed a nappy, is the son of a lord and was educated at Eton and Oxford before going on to work in the City. As an aspiring MP, he proudly toured Fife in a Mercedes with his nanny.
Queen for the day THE traditional ribbon race for married couples was revived for the first time in years as Sopalmo celebrated its Cristo Rey Fiesta. One of the highlights of Mojacar’s summer season, the festival embraced some of the small hamlet’s vital traditions and celebrated its peaceful way of life. There was a traditional mass to honour Cristo Rey, Sopalmo’s patron saint, and speeches from Mayor Jose Fernandez and Mojacar tourism manager Carmen Garcia. She described Sopalmo as the Mojacar of old, somewhere which had managed to hold on to the culture and way of life of centuries past. There was live music, dancing and an award ceremony to declare the festival queen. The glory went to Maria Isabel Montoya.
Weekender
1st - 7th September 2017
Albox Feature Think colour Page 15
Child obesity Page 20
Page 16-17
Record lending Page 18
Potato curry Page 23
Feature
1st - 7th September 2017
Pause for thought “WHERE was God”, I’ve been asked several times recently, “when this or that terrible event happened?” “Where was God when so many were lost in the Grenfell Tower fire?” “Where was God when dozens were maimed or killed by evil men in Barcelona, Manchester, London or Paris?” “Where was God as the mountain collapsed in Sierra Leone, taking hundreds of lives with it?” “Does God,” many question, “not care?” Such questions are entirely natural and to be expected in our current circumstances, defying any easy answers, but the Christian view is that in all these terrible situations, God is in exactly the same place as
By Duncan Burr when evil men similarly took Jesus, humiliated, tortured and crucified him. Oh yes, beyond doubt, God could have intervened to save him. Jesus himself pointed out that God could have sent legions of angels to rescue him, but Divine intervention necessarily brings consequences beyond our imaginings as this World, and indeed the Universe, is bound together by an immensely complex series of ‘natural’ laws. So just imagine the universal devastation that
would have occurred if God, for example, had ‘switched off’ gravity for a while, to allow those trapped in the upper floors of Grenfell Tower to leap to safety! For these terrible problems weren’t caused by God, but by the evil of individuals pursuing hatred or jealousy; by selfishness in misusing the resources of our planet, with little thought for the potential damage being caused. But yes, God is right there, as He was at Calvary, grieving at the desolation and pain being caused, and longing to see humanity taking truly responsible and caring attitudes to each other and to the universe.
Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida (further details available at www.mojacarchurch.org) and may be contacted at djburr@avired.com
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Feature
1st - 7th September 2017
What could possibly go wrong? by Sandy Shore HURRICANE HARVEY is devastating large swathes of Texas, Louisiana and Alabama. The calamity is yet again a reminder of the omnipotence of nature. The Spanish climate lures tens of millions to its sun-drenched beaches. Many are drawn to our laissez-faire café society and its therapeutic benefits. This is what in 1988 inspired me and my wife to load the car, not forgetting our two infant sons. Having prepared everything needed for life al fresco we set out as paying guests of Brittany Ferries. Disembarking at Santander I didn’t have far to drive to our hotel in Laredo. You know the routine: We couldn’t wait to pack for a day at the beach. Parasols and paperbacks, sandals, toys, and buoyancy aids quickly stuffed into the beach bag. What could possibly go wrong? My wife’s nose was buried deep in her paperback whilst our infants buried each other. Occasionally, the two boys
HURRICANE HARVEY: A reminder of the omnipotence of nature. paddled in the ripples gently lapping the beach 20 metres away. Far across the bay I could make out the hotels set out along the Santona’s beaches. Then, mysteriously, these buildings, many of them 15 storeys high, became curtained by an ominous dark seascape. Like a carpet was being pulled across the far off peninsula I watched anxiously
the approach of the tsunami-like hurricane. Horrified, I saw the once distant shoreline was now just five metres away. Low pressure had squeezed the sea up the beaches. My children’s abandoned sandals were now kissing goodbye to their little piggy toes. The heated gales increased, bowling sun loungers and towels, beach umbrellas and picnics along the beaches and parades.
Grabbing my sons, one under each arm, I bellowed at my wife to abandon everything, to run for our lives. Like kittens caught up in a spin-drier we and other beachgoers made it to the esplanade parks. There, an elegantly dressed Spanish lady had wisely hurled herself on to the pavement to escape the Hurricane’s ferocity. Lamp posts, shrubs and palms, were going down like skittles. Heavy restaurant chairs, tables and sun awnings became tumbling tumbleweed. As day turned to darkest night and the howling winds screamed I dragged my wife and sons into a telephone shelter. Somehow, I made it to our car parked 100 metres away. Skidding to a halt at our makeshift shelter I grabbed and threw the infants into the backseat. Then, using the car as an air raid shelter we sat the storm out. Some never made it, several people, including a child, lost their lives that day. Live every day as if it is your last as one day it will be.
Home & Garden
1st - 7th September 2017
Think garden think colour A STUNNING garden is a great investment for you and your family to enjoy while adding value to your home. Gardening is a great pastime and is good for your health and well-being while adding a pleasant area to your home for enjoyment. Traditional cottage style plants or perennials are exciting plants which bring an abundance of flowers to gardens for all seasons. Many gardeners consider perennials hard work but this isn’t necessarily true as all plants respond to regular maintenance. Many perennials need a small amount of attention throughout the year and they respond by giving you a beautiful floral/foliage display. We have helpful notes about the care of all our plants that we promote to help every gardener. Planting a garden is great for the envi-
ronment and can encourage nature back into your backyard. Birds and butterflies are attracted to a garden with flowering plants and you would be surprised who might drop in. Planting a perennial border gives you traditional charm whilst giving the birds a great place to nest. Many perennials are also wonderful for their scented flowers or foliage and also make beautiful cut flowers in the home. When considering new plantings or designing new garden beds, colour can certainly be important. Gardeners often mix and match different colours to achieve a certain feel or look. The individual colours themselves are not so important, but how those colours are used together. Similar colours planted together can achieve a sense of harmony and can result
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CONTRASTING COLOURS: Can create a sense of drama.
in a soothing feel to the garden. Contrasting colours can be dramatic and can create a sense of drama. It is also worth considering the colour of your house or fence when selecting the colours for your garden. Decide on an overall colour before selecting your plants. It is also important to know the growing conditions of your garden and also the eventual height and shape your new plants will attain. Container gardening is becoming more popular due to many people having smaller gardens. Many perennials have become increasing popular on balconies, patios or courtyards in containers giving
a splash of colour. Combination plantings are where several plants are chosen suiting the same sun or shady position, one growing taller and the other spilling over the pot. These combination plantings are very rewarding and can be changed at any time. This gives your outdoor room a place to take pleasure in with family and friends.
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Weekender
Albox Feature
1st - 7th September 2017
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Devastating 16th century earthquake punched mark on town By Kat Ashton ALBOX is the perfect town for nature lovers. Quiet, temperate and situated in the middle basin of the Almanzora River; its fantastic surroundings means there is always some beautiful new thing to look at or explore. It is also perched between two mountain ranges, the Sierra de las Enstacias and the Sierra de los Filabres, so it should come as no surprise that Albox has a rich geological past - the pinnacle of which was in 1503 when a powerful earthquake destroyed a large part of the town. As a result, most of the historic buildings from this era had to be demolished and completely rebuilt from scratch, including the castle. The consequences of this devastating event left its mark on the town as many houses were rebuilt using stone recycled from the castle’s ruptured walls; a perfect symbol of everything the residents had lost and
gained from the quake. It is said that while reparations were underway, many neighbours slept outside on La Rambla until it was safe to return to their homes. The region has been hit by many other earthquakes over the years, but fortunately none to rival the de-
struction caused in 1500. The town underwent a large amount of development in the 17th and 18th centuries to fortify the town against the tremors and floods that continue to plague the area. Now the locals are much more prepared for these events.
ALBOX: The perfect town for nature lo
Avenida Lepanto 13 04800 Albox Almeria Tel: 950 633 217
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Albox Feature
1st - 7th September 2017
Aces in Albox ONE of the most impor tant tennis tournaments in Almeria is coming to Albox next weekend. Some of the best players in the Spanish national league will shortly descend on the Albox Tennis Club for the ‘38th Summer Grand Open National Tennis Tournament,’ one of the sporting highlights of the summer. Since the tournament began 38 years ago, it has continued to draw in national and even international players of great esteem. The council has worked hard to ensure that the
overs.
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level of quality is maintained so the competition remains an exciting and important event for the town. The winner will receive a grand prize of €600, with an additional prize of €300 awarded to the runner-up. The tournament will take place over the weekend commencing Friday September 8 and finishing September 10.
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Historic fountain brought back to life THE Albox City Council has begun reparations on the gorgeous, historical fountain in the Plaza Mayor to give it a new lease of life. The council is prioritising maintenance of key points of interest for the benefit of locals and tourists alike and the plaza is one of the town’s main attractions. This latest project foll o w s t h e c o u n c i l ’s a n nouncement that the Convent of Albox will be remodelled to the tune of €500,000. Once completed, this historic building is set to be transformed into the town hall, which all residents will be able to use.
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Property
1st - 7th September 2017
MORTGAGE MARKET: Also reveals an improving picture for first time buyers.
Record high for successful UK mortgage applications SUCCESSFUL mortgage applications in the UK reached a record high in the second quarter of 2017 with almost nine out of 10 done through intermediaries being granted. Overall some 88 per cent of home buying applications led to offers, up 13 per cent year on year, according to figures from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA).
In spite of political uncertainty, the success rate is the highest on record since the IMLA’s mortgage tracker started in 2016 and comes at a time when gross mortgage lending reached £60.3 billion in the quarter. The quarterly survey report also found that 96 per cent of intermediaries in the mortgage market feel optimistic about its future and suggests
the current record trend will continue. It also reveals an improving picture for first time buyers, saying they have taken advantage of an extended period of low interest rates and lender support, which despite affordability pressures meant the number of mortgage applications by this group resulted in offers increasing to 88 per cent in the second quarter.
Weekender
Health & beauty
1st - 7th September 2017
UK childhood obesity plan THE UK Department of Health has announced £5 million of funding for a new obesity policy research unit at University
ACTION: One in three children obese in UK by the age of seven. PHOTO CREDIT: FLICKR
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College London. One year on from the launch of the childhood obesity plan, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Obesity Policy Research Unit has been set up to provide resource for long term research into childhood obesity. It will give independent advice to policy makers and analysts, and develop understanding on the causes of childhood o b e s i t y, l o o k ing at social inequalities,
the early years of childhood, and marketing to children and families. It will also help to evaluate action that has been t a k e n s o f a r, t o m a k e sure the plan works for those who need it most. In addition, the government tasked Public Health England (PHE) to look at why children are eating too many calories. Philip Dunne, Minister of State for Health, said: “ To o m a n y o f o u r c h i l dren are growing up obese, which can lead to serious health complicat i o n s . We a l l h a v e a r e sponsibility to help people live healthier lives, but with a third of children leaving primary school obese we must take a comprehensive ap-
proach and now focus on excess calories. “This can only be done through strong guidance, grounded in evidence. That’s why we have funded a new £5 million dedicated obesity policy research unit to understand the deeper causes of obesity.” One in three children are either over weight or obese by the time they leave primary school, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds more likely to be obese. Obesity can also lead to other conditions which is also being highlighted with more children in the UK than ever before being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, some as young as seven.
Get thos ASK people what they love about the warm weather and you’ll get various answers. They love the sun, the heat, swimming, walking and being outside with family and friends. However, if you ask them what they like least about being outdoors during those same months, the answer is simple... mosquitoes. Ever yone is familiar with the buzzing of a mosquito by their ear or the itchy sensation that accompanies a mosquito bite. However, concern regarding mosquitoes has grown in recent years as these insects are capable of transmitting potentially serious diseases to humans, including the West Nile virus and Zika virus. Follow these tips:
Health & beauty
1st - 7th September 2017
Curing and preventing that sore throat WHETHER the onset of your sore throat is the result of too much screaming, an early symptom of a cold or the result of working in a dry office, there are plenty of ways to soothe your sore throat or even prevent it happening in the first place. The most popular of the medicines to provide temporary relief from a sore throat are over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol and in Spain, many locals prefer a brand of throat tablets called Lizipaina. However, there are a number of tried and tested home remedies. There’s nothing to beat an old-fashioned saltwater gargle. Salt acts as a mild antiseptic and also draws water out of mucous membranes in the throat, which helps to clear phlegm. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water (use the warmest
you can safely tolerate), gargle and spit out. Repeat every hour if it helps. For a spicier gargle, add 10-20 drops of Tabasco sauce to a glass of water. Tabasco is made from hot chillies so it works like capsaicin and it has antiviral properties. Don’t swallow the gargle as it may irritate your stomach. Alternatively, gargle with a bicarbonate of soda solution, using half a teaspoon of bicarb dissolved in a glass of warm water. It will soothe the inflammation. According to folk tradition, you can cure a sore throat by taking three tablespoons each of honey, lemon juice and red or white vinegar, three times a day for three days. You can also chew or suck a zinc lozenge every three to four hours until your sore throat is gone, but
never for longer than five days. In one study, people who sucked on a 13mg zinc lozenge every two hours got rid of viral sore throats three to four days sooner than those who didn’t. But too much zinc can actually damage your immune system, which is why you shouldn’t take the lozenges over a long period of time. IRRITATION: Choose the best cure for your sore throat.
se mozzies to buzz off 1. Ditch standing water. A small puddle of water may seem insignificant to you, but it is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Eliminate stagnant water areas - including emptying water from gutters, flower pots, bird baths and children’s pools - and you deny mosquitoes a place to lay their eggs. 2. Protect the indoors. Adding screens to your windows and doors allows you to welcome warm, fresh air into your home without letting mosquitoes in as well. Carefully inspect existing screens and repair any holes using a patch kit. 3. Minimise outdoor activity at peak times. Mosquito species are most active at dawn and dusk, so
try to remain indoors during these periods. 4. Double your protection. Long clothing that is loose fitting will make it harder for mosquitoes to
bite. Also, use a repellent that contains at least 20 per cent of either DEET, picaridin or IR3535, or at least 30 per cent lemon eucalyptus oil.
PHOTO
ER : TWITT CREDIT
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Food & Drink
1st - 7th September 2017
Healthy snacks at home THESE days, having three set meals is becoming rather oldfashioned, and an increasing number of people are choosing to pick at several small plates every few hours instead. This new trend in eating also fits in particularly well with the Spanish lifestyle, where people tend to snack on small plates of tapas, particularly in the evening, rather than sit down for one large meal.
HALLOUMI: A healthy alternative.
Traditional Spanish tapas aren’t always the healthiest options, however, as many dishes such as patatas bravas and albondigas tend to be dripping with salt and oil. If eating often and less is up your street, however, there are plenty of low-sugar, high-protein alternatives you can rustle up at home. A few of the current, healthy options popular in the snacking
community include low-fat pitta pockets with grilled chicken or halloumi, a grown up’s take on egg and soldiers with lightly boiled asparagus instead of toast, and sweet potato wedges with tzatziki. You can also try a healthy take on Spanish tortilla, swapping in sweet potato and spinach to create a fantastic, flavoursome twist to the classic dish.
Back on the menu: courgettes SEPTEMBER is the season for courgettes, and you can rustle up a lot more with this versatile vegetable than you probably imagined. Great in soups, salads and even using as a healthy alternative to pasta; there’s really not much you can’t do with a courgette. It isn’t just the main part of the plant that you can eat either; the Italians do wonderful things with courgette flowers. Try frying them in batter or stuffing them with ricotta and nutmeg for a great side dish.
Fried courgette slices make a healthier alternative to crisps, and go really well with a glass of vino and a few olives before dinner. Have a go at making courgette fritters if you fancy a change from chips, or you can serve them as a tapa. You shouldn’t limit these super veggies to savoury dishes either - they actually go great in cakes and muffins, believe it or not. Try your hand at a courgette and orange cake with cream cheese frosting or a courgette and lemon bake, you might be pleasantly surprised!
VERSATILE VEG: Try frying courgette strips in butter.
Food & Drink
1st - 7th September 2017
Spicy Vegan Potato Curry Ingredients 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 yellow onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper, 4 teaspoons curry powder, 4 teaspoons garam masala, 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger root, peeled and minced, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained, 1 (15 oz) can peas, drained, 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk. Preparation Preparation time - 30 minutes. Cooking time - 30 minutes. Method 1. Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and allow to steam dry for a minute or two. 2. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned
SPICY CURRY: With potatoes.
translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, curry powder, garam masala, ginger, and salt; cook for 2 minutes more. Add the tomatoes, garbanzo beans, peas, and potatoes. Pour in the coconut milk, and bring to a simmer. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Bacon Clapshot
BACON CLAPSHOT: Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper.
Ingredients 1 ½ pounds potato, peeled and quartered, ½ pound turnips, peeled and cut into chunks, 3 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup milk, 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled, 1 pinch ground nutmeg, salt and ground black pepper to taste Preparation Preparation Time - 20 minutes. Cooking Time - 30 minutes.
Method 1. Place the potatoes and turnips in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes. 2. Drain the potatoes and turnips, return them to the saucepan and mash until creamy. Add the butter and milk and beat until fluffy. Stir in the crumbled bacon and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Weekender 23
24
Weekender
Puzzles
1st - 7th September 2017
Wordsearch Star Trek
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
BORG ARCHER RODDENBERRY FERENGI SULU
WORMHOLE KLINGON PICARD ROMULAN SCOTTY
SPOCK BAJOR VOYAGER UHURA KIRK
SISKO NACELLES SHUTTLE CAPTAIN
Quick
Across 1 Meet the requirements or expectations of (7) 5 Instances (5) 8 Enraged, angry (5) 9 Pamphlet (7) 10 Small lake (4) 11 Situation (8) 13 Scallywag (6) 15 Wreckage (6) 18 Ready (8) 19 Heroic poem (4) 22 Draw back (7) 23 Depart (5) 24 Be worthy or deserving (5) 25 Admit to a wrongdoing (7)
Down 1 Ship's captain (7) 2 Educate for a future role or function (5) 3 Look for (4) 4 Lemon or banana coloured (6) 5 Single-reed woodwind instrument (8) 6 Person engaged in military service (7) 7 Smooth fabric of silk or rayon (5) 12 Long-tailed parrot (8) 14 Protective covering that provides protection from the weather (7) 16 Triumph (7) 17 Marked by intense agitation or emotion (6) 18 Jewish holiday (5) 20 Stage of development (5) 21 Blueprint (4)
• Average: 23
• Very good: 46
• Good: 32
• Excellent: 60
hemp hero come comer comrade coma comp compare compared core cored corm coracle corp cred cram cramp cran crore demo derma derro dame damn damp dare dance dace arco armed armor anna annal anal from frame framed franc farce came cameo camp care cared carom caromed carr carp canna canal clean clear clan calx apace anadem arcade arcana afar elan earn alec
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 Furniture material from quite a known source (4) 3 Resident's money in account mix-up (8) 8 Saint has lots of paper for courses (7) 9 Sweden and Norway take in country girl (5) 10 South Carolina beer measure (5) 11 Warning! Former girlfriend has sufficient (7) 12 Mr Spielberg's seen TV production (6) 13 Mix boron with spice for muscles (6) 16 Put off ill feeling after religious education (7) 18 Belgian port without an oaf (5) 20 Sent back elegant passenger vehicles (5) 21 Piece of music features feline in loose coat (7) 22 Sample of epic men's design (8) 23 Play around with stew (4)
Down 1 Team leader inquires about work assignments (5) 2 A number eager about land area (7) 4 Famous general seen in classic US terminal (6) 5 A funny pose for a Greek author (5) 6 Small boats feature in an Eastenders’ episode (7) 7 Thrill seekers did several spins (10) 9 Figures its cat sits awkwardly (10) 12 Small, quiet religious ceremonies for fairies (7) 14 Improve leave, set off with Lawrence (7) 15 Annoy the French after final tee (6) 17 Criticise leaders of sportsmen leaving after the exercises (5) 19 It’s reported the dogs have reached the tops of the mountains (5)
Puzzles
1st - 7th September 2017
IRREGULAR SUDOKU
SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : PRESIDENTIAL TERMS All the answers contain the surname of an early US president 1. Famous for playing ‘dumb blonde’ characters, which American actress and model was born in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926 and christened Norma Jeane Mortenson? 2. ‘Is She Really Going Out With Him’ (1979), ‘It's Different For Girls’ (1980) and ‘Steppin' Out’ (1983) were all UK Top 20 hit singles for which English singer-songwriter? 3. In which cycling event do two teams of two riders compete together to score points at the intermediate sprints, held every 20 laps, and gain laps by attacking? 4. Lindum Colonia, was the Roman name for the settlement that is now which English city? 5. What was the maiden name of ‘Posh Spice’, Victoria Beckham? 6. What was the name of Doctor Who’s travelling companion character played by Billie Piper, who first appeared in 2005?
7. What was the name of the pioneering English aviator who, in 1930, became the first woman to fly solo to Australia? She later set records with her solo flights to Tokyo (1931) and to Cape Town (1932). 8. Which American actor reprised his role of Han Solo in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’, which premiered in the US in December 2015? 9. Which American writer is best known for ‘The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent’ (1819–20), which contains such tales as ‘Rip Van Winkle’ and ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’? 10. Which Scottish boxer defeated Rubén Navarro in Los Angeles in February 1971 to become the Undisputed World Lightweight Champion? Not a lot of people known that... the 18th president of the United States, Ulysses S Grant, was given a $20 speeding ticket for riding his horse too fast down a Washington street.
Kakuro
Answers: 1. Marilyn MONROE, 2. Joe JACKSON, 3. MADISON, 4. LINCOLN, 5. ADAMS, 6. Rose TYLER, 7. Amy JOHNSON, 8. HARRISON Ford, 9. WASHINGTON Irving, 10. Ken BUCHANAN
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 from last week Quick
Cryptic
Sudoku
Irregular Sudoku
26
Weekender
Leisure
1st - 7th September 2017
YOUR WEEKLY HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Having been dashing about like a mad thing, you find this week a refreshing change. Only when you slow down do you realise how much you have been doing and just how tired you have become. There are some social engagements that you would not miss for the world, however.
TAURES (April 21 - May 21) By using your intuition midweek, you will be able to solve a small problem at the weekend. Thinking ahead sometimes seems a waste of time to you because circumstances have a way of changing, but it makes sense to put in a bit of extra effort if you are able to avoid aggravation.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) A mistake seems a small thing until someone notices it. Although you feel that they are making a mountain out of a molehill, it still leaves a nasty feeling. Get out and do something completely different at the weekend. Not only will it blow the cobwebs away, but it will also put in perspective any negative thoughts.
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) A business colleague may be less than honest with you. When it is a small matter you are used to them bending the truth. This is not, however, something that you will want to let go by, so stay on your toes. On the home front, you tend to be snappy with loved ones because you are feeling stressed.
LEO (July 24 - August 23) Looking for answers? They are there if only you go to the right source. There is no 'quick fix' this week and you need to delve deeper to get the information you need. It will be tempting to take a short cut but,believe me, it will not be worth the hassle in the longer term. Once you have the right facts you are truly in charge of what happens next.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) You are very much in two minds about how to deal with a personal situation. Ask yourself which approach will help and which will do nothing. Although you want to shout at someone and feel negative at times, hold fire.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Getting a romantic situation wrong could cause a humourous moment this weekend. I am not telling you this so you can avoid it. You could do with a good laugh right now. Planning ahead is your preferred method but sometimes it is the lastminute decision that brings the best results.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) The thing that you have to tackle this week is uppermost in your mind, but don't dwell on it. Write it down and what you intend doing about it, then put it away. Relax and get on with other things. When you do come to take it out again and face the situation it will be so much easier.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Imposing restrictions on someone else also imposes restrictions on you. Why? Well, you have to hang around and see that your wishes are followed and take further action if they are not. Wouldn't it be easier to find some kind of compromise?
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Avoid getting involved in other people's arguments. There is no way that you can come out a winner if you do. Taking a step backwards is sometimes the best thing. You have been down this path before, and did your intervention do any good? Go and trim the roses or sort out those rockery stones instead.
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) The need to be popular midweek could see you veer off track on a business matter. You have been warned and will be able to avoid it if you wish. Do not under-estimate how much hassle a wrong move could cause you. On the domestic front, you are able to fully relax and enjoy good company.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) As someone is not showing the required amount of interest in your activities, you need a plan. Telephoning them and pointing out what you have achieved is one way, but it's not cool. Getting a few people together and using someone else to blow your trumpet for you is better.
BOOK REVIEW
"We are like candle flame s, so fragile, so easily blown out by a gust of wind."
Tess and Tattoos GETTING up in the morning ‘meant facing the same inevitable truth - that all she was really waiting for was death to make its appearance and, when it did eventually happen, she’d not even know. Dead was dead.’ This short story is taken from ‘Manipulated Lives,’ a collection of five stories but it can be purchased as an ebook on its own. It’s the story of Tess, an 82-year-old, living in a serviced apartment for the elderly for
three years, sadly waiting to die like many others. The setting provides a degree of tranquility and beauty for the elderly, frail occupants. It is autumn, symbolic of the end of summer and everything it represents moving towards winter, reflecting the sad tone of a life coming to an end. Home is an attractive three-storey, red-brick house built to outlast its occupants with ‘weathered faces and aching bones.’ We experi-
by H.A. Leuschel
ence the wind howling as someone plays the piano whilst outside the gardeners are hard at work. The staff leave the home smelling of apple pie or the scent of lavender. Tess is less dependent on the nurses than some of the others but she does crave attention and tries to hold onto the moment which she relishes. She does not have any visitors, and her only son, Daniel lived in Australia with his wife and four children.
TESS AND TATTOOS: A short story.
Over six months we learn about tensions between son and mother and the need for forgiveness.
Leisure
1st - 7th September 2017
FILM REVIEW
Destination: Dewsbury BACK in the 80’s, five friends are making the most of their final schooldays. Twenty years on and they’ve got jobs they didn’t want, and wives who don’t want them. The leader of the gang, Frankie, moved up to Yorkshire and now he’s dying. The others find out and, after decades apart, they get together. And so they set off on one last sad, mad, bad road trip to Dews-
bury, before it’s all too late. Mix in a dollop of The Inbetweeners’ intellectual wit, add a pinch of bromancing from The World’s End’s and then stir in a few ladles of The Hangover and you’ve got Destination: Dewsbury which is destined to be one of 2017’s funniest releases. Jack Spring is one of the UK’s most promising young directors having won
Film & TV Guide OUR PICK OF THIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE
FILM OF THE WEEK
Pacific Rim Saturday September 2 ITV2 9pm to 10:30pm A DISTANT future sees monsters from another dimension invade earth through an undersea portal. The gigantic alien monstrosities (Kaiju) wreak havoc and threaten to destroy the planet as they make regular arrivals from beneath the ocean. The increasing frequency of their arrivals necessitates the need for a team of gigantic robots (Jaegers) to battle them as they seek to close the portal for good. Starring Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam and Rinko Kikuchi.
several awards around the world including ‘Best Drama at the Co-Operative Film Festival.’ After being selected to represent the UK at a number of events including Union Internationale du Cinéma. He is set to become one of the youngest ever to direct a six figure budget feature film. DESTINATION DEWSBURY: Five friends go on a road trip.
ONE TO WATCH My Secret Sex Fantasy Monday September 4 Channel 5 12:25am to 1:20am A NEW series investigating the secret sexual fantasies that people harbour in their minds. This first instalment takes a look at the deepest desires of ordinary men and women who volunteer to reveal them on camera as they are asked what the deeper meanings are behind their normally-untold cravings.
OUR CHOICE The 21st Century for Space Tuesday September 5 BBC2 10pm to 11pm AS a new age of space exploration sees humanity break even further into the final frontier, space programme methods vary greatly from the 1969 moon landing. Private companies headed by maverick billionaire businessmen are now funding separate projects as government budget cuts see space exploration put on the back burner. Brian Cox goes behind-the-scenes at Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin and Spaceport America in order to get a closer look at what is really going on in privately financed spaceflight and research right now.
Weekender 27
28
BUILDERS
FOR SALE/WANTED
ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders.co m (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
DRAINAGE
ELECTRICIANS MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (254821)
INSURANCE ALBOX/MOJACAR INSURANCE, Award winning Agent for ALL your insurance needs. ALBOX OFFICE: 950 121 943. Mojacar office: 634 323 399
CARS WANTED CARS Wanted For Cash. Classic Cars & Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Defenders & Discoveries. Please call: 659 685 133 (253556)
Classifieds
1st - 7th September 2017
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
FOR SALE
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@euroweeklynew s.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)
PROPERTY TO LET WANTED - LONG TERM RENTAL in Oasis del Mar one or two, Mojacar. No agents. 619 692 780 (256625)
REMOVALS/STORAGE FULLY Insured UK/Spain Removals & Storage, UK Trading Standards Approved www.indalotransport.co m 634 33 64 68 or Freephone Uk 0800 999 33 68 (253596)
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/telesales candidates. Experience not essential as full training is given. Applications by email with full CV should be
sent to recruitment@euroweekly news.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@cambscontractors.c o.uk www.cambscontractors. co.uk Find us on Facebook (252187)
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.co m (253422)
Services
1st - 7th September 2017
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Sport
1st - 7th September 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
England’s 100 tests at the oval THIS summer’s final Test Match between England and South Africa was the 100th staged at The Kennington Oval and overall England have a pretty good record at the Surrey ground of 41 wins, 37 draws and 22 defeats. Fact File The first Test took place in September 1880 when England (420, with W G Grace scoring 152, and 57-5) beat Australia (149 and 327) by five wickets. The first Ashes Test followed two years later when the Aussies won by seven runs as England, chasing just 85 to win, collapsed from 51-2 to 77 all out in their second innings. The tourists had scored 63 and 122 while England mustered a modest 101 first time round. Aussie bowler Fred Spofforth took 14 wickets (two sevens) in the match. England’s first Ashes win on the Surrey ground came in 1886 when they whipped Australia by an innings and 217 runs. W G Grace scored 170 in England’s total of 434 before bowler George Lohmann took 7-36 and 5-68 to destroy the visitors. In 1902, England had already lost the Ashes series 2-0 but went out on a high, winning the third and final Test by one wicket. Set 263 to win by Australia, at one stage they were struggling on 48-5 but Gilbert Jessop, batting at number seven, struck 104, before bowlers George Hirst (58 not out) and Wilfred Rhodes saw England home. In the space of 11 days, in August 1912, England won two Oval Tests - beating South Africa by 10 wickets (176 and 14-0 against 95 and 93) and Australia by 244 runs (245 and 175 versus 111 and 65). This, in fact, was the first ‘time-
less Test’ staged in England. And it was opening bowler Sidney Barnes who mesmerised the visitors, taking 18 wickets in those two matches (13 v South Africa). Over a five-year period between 1928 and 1933 England twice defeated the West Indies by an innings; they also overpowered New Zealand with an innings to spare, while Australia did precisely the same to England in 1930. England’s biggest-ever victory over Australia at The Oval came in 1938, when they won by an innings and 579 runs. In one of the most one-sided Tests of all-time, Len Hutton struck 364 in 13¼ hours - a top-score that would stand for 20 years until West Indian Gary Sobers beat it with 365 against Pakistan - and Maurice Leyland hit 187, as England amassed a world record score at that time of 903-7 declared. Aussie bowler FleetwoodSmith’s only wicket cost him 298 runs, Maurice Waite’s figures were 1-150 and Bill O’Reilly’s 3-178. The Aussies were dismissed for 201 and 123 on a batting wicket! The great Sir Don Bradman retired from Test cricket at The Oval in 1938. Australia were 117-1 when the ‘Don’ walked to the crease, needing just four runs to earn a Test average of exactly 100. Ooch! He was bowled second ball by Warwickshire’s Eric Hollies for a duck. The Aussies went on to amass 389 and ousted England for 52 and 188 to win by an innings and 149 runs. In 1953, having drawn the first
ENGLAND: Have a pretty good record at The Oval. four Tests of the series, England desperate to win back the Ashes were full of confidence before the last encounter against the Aussies at The Oval. And they did the business, bowling out the tourists for 275 and 162 with first Fred Trueman (4-86) and then Jim Laker (475) and Tony Lock (5-45) the star bowlers. Having scored 306 first up with 82 from skipper Len Hutton, England’s Denis Compton hit the winning boundary off Arthur Morris to earn his team an eight-
wicket victory at 132-2. Cape Town-born allrounder Basil D’Oliviera was England’s batting star in their 226-run Ashes win over Australia in 1968. The all-rounder hammered a brilliant 158 in England’s first innings score of 494. The Aussies were then dismissed for 324; England, second time round, for 181 and the Aussies again for 125 with Derek Underwood taking 7-50. In the 1976 Oval Test, West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding took 14 wickets (all of them bowled or lbw) as Tony Greig’s England ‘grovelled’ in crashing to a 231-run defeat. The Windies smashed 687-8 declared with Viv Richards purring a majestic 291, and 182-0 declared, while England replied with 435 (Denis Amiss hitting a double century) and 203. In the 1994 Test, Middlesex quickie Devon Malcolm was hit on the head by a delivery from South African Franie de Villiers as England scored 304 all out in reply to the visitors 332. At the time, Malcolm said: “You’ll pay for this”… and the visitors did! They were bowled out for 175 in their second innings with a revved up Malcolm taking 9-65. England then eased home by eight wickets, scoring 205-2. The 1998 Oval Test was all about Sri Lankan spin bowler Muralli Muralitharan. England scored 445 in their first innings and Sri Lanka 626 in theirs. Then ‘Murali’ turned on his magic, taking 9-65 as the hosts were dismissed a second time for just 181, leaving the
tourists 35 to win! England led the West Indies 2-1 going into the final Test of the 2000 series. If England won it would give them their first victory over the ‘Caribbean kings’ since 1969. In a cracking encounter - one of the best seen at The Oval for almost 50 years with a sell-out crowd of 25,000 on the final day, England won by 158 runs courtesy of two fine innings by Michael Atherton (83 and 108). Even the great Brian Lara was out for duck, dismissed by Craig White whose five-wicket haul destroyed the Windies in their first innings Moving on five years to 2005, and it was Kevin Pietersen who was the star performer in the final Test at The Oval against Australia. Leading 2-1, a draw would secure a series win and the Ashes for England, but at one point in their second innings, they were struggling at 126-5 and facing defeat. Enter Pietersen who scored a majestic 158 to save the day, seeing England through to 335 all out to secure the required draw and with it a series win. Despite centuries from the two Andrews, Strauss and Flintoff, England were all out for 373 in their first innings, but hit back by ousting the Aussies for 367, ‘Freddie’ taking 5-78. Earlier this year, Moeen Ali’s second innings hat-trick earned England a 239-run victory over South Africa in the Oval Test. It also clinched the series 3-1 as the Springboks replied to England’s scores 353 and 313-8 declared with 175 and 252. Ali became the first player to achieve a hat-trick in an Oval Test; he’s his country’s 13th hat-trick hero and the first spinner to grab ‘three in a row’ since Tom Goddard’s feat against South Africa in Johannesburg in 1938.
Motoring
1st - 7th September 2017
Twizy makes driving ‘too easy’ THERE’S nothing else like the Twizy on the road. It was designed from the wheels up as a new concept in urban transport - a compact all-electric vehicle that’s ideal for the cut and thrust of city and suburban driving. Emissions-free in use, safe, comfortable and easy to drive, it once again shows Renault setting the agenda in forward-thinking design and engineering. In little more than two years the Twizy (a name that captures the idea of ‘two’ and ‘easy’) was brought from concept to reality, with key input from Renault Sport Technologies into chassis, driving dynamics and clever regenerative braking technology. Its curvy structure and wheel-at-each-corner design may look avant-garde, but the Twizy is highly practical. Its overall length is just 2.34m, the width 1.24m, allowing the Twizy to slot neatly into parking spaces too tight for other fourwheeled vehicles. The unbroken curve of the panoramic windscreen into the roof and side wind deflectors create good protection from the elements, as well as excellent visibility, but owners can specify a ‘clear sky roof’ for an even better all-round view. Expression versions of the Twizy are fitted with grey Snowflake wheel trims; 13inch Diamond gloss alloys feature on the Dynamique model. Renault’s ‘Design Your Own Twizy’ wraps allow customers to choose from a
selection of existing designs (including animal prints or weather patterns), or to create a bespoke design for all or part of the vehicle. Doors and windows are both available as options to give further protection from the British climate. The doors open with a scissor action -
THE TWIZY: Makes parking a pleasure again.
ideal in narrow parking spots. The windows can be fitted in minutes. The ingenious system comes in two parts - a rigid metal frame which attaches to the door and a flexible, transparent ‘window,’ which fastens to the frame by means of a zip.
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