Soltimes Almeria – Issue 616

On cloud nine A FILM directed by Almerian, Manuel Martin Cuenca, is up for nine prestigious Gayo awards.

EST 2005

CREDIT: TWITTER

ISSUE 616 • 15th - 21st December 2017

NOMINEE: Cuenca on the set of The author.

‘The author’ follows the stor y of a man obsessed with the idea of writing high literature and in order to write

€1m safety boost THE A-332 road between Cuevas de Almanzora and San Juan de los Terreros is being made safer.

Regional and provincial councillors this week visited the site of a €1 million project to improve access to an industrial estate, with a link bridge to be completed by next summer.

the perfect story, he begins to cause conflicts so he can write about them.

Cuenca himself is up for two awards, best director and best writer, while ‘The author’ is also up for Best Actor (Javier Guttierrez), Supporting Actor (Antonio de la Torre), Supporting Actressb(Adelfa

Calvo), Revelation Actress (Adriana Paz), Sound (Daniel de Zayas, Pelayo Gutierrez, Alberto Ovejero) and best original song (‘Sometimes’ by Jose Luis Perales).

The 32nd Gayo Awards will take place at the Marriott Auditorium Hotel in Madrid on February 3, 2018.

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News

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Law and paw-der

NEWS BITES

Doc shock

Fired up A FATHER has been sentenced to 60 days’ community service after physically assaulting his son and wife after he found the child playing with a packet of cigarettes.

Bag bandit A 39-YEAR-OLD man has been held in Adra after snatching a rucksack from the back of a female pedestrian before threatening her boyfriend with a knife when he gave chase.

TWITTER

A HOSPITAL patient has been held in Almeria City after punching a doctor in the face when he was told that he was not ill enough to be admitted to Torrecardenas Hospital.

PROTEST: Thousands of farmers turned out to demonstrate.

Farmers march FARMERS from Almeria have protested in Murcia to demand solutions to water shortages.

Thousands of farmers and irrigators from three provinces, Murcia, Alicante and Almeria took part in the demonstrations.

According to reports, 20,000 people joined the demonstration, insisting that fair tariffs are applied and the production of the desalination plants is maximised.

They also demanded that all the irrigation systems are modernised and not only for irrigators, but also for domestic and industrial consumption Protestors claim that they will not stop protesting until there is a ‘definitive and long-term solution.’

Several political parties, including the PP, PSOE, Podemos and Ciudadanos, also joined the mass protest demanding the dismissal of water authority officials.

NIJAR City Council has introduced strict new rules regarding the treatment of animals.

Animals may not be tied up for more than eight hours a day, be fed on public roads or stay locked up for more than an hour inside a vehicle. It is forbidden to cause any physical or psychological animal abuse, which includes abandonment and inadequate treatment. The new ordinance, which also includes the prohibition of their use at fairs and circuses, distinguishes between minor offences with fines of €50, serious crimes (ranging from €101 to €750) and very serious (ranging from €751 to €3,000).

Not collecting animal waste is classified as ‘serious.’ Grave crimes are reserved for the use of animals in fairground rides, circuses or any public spectacle involving animal suffering or any breach of animal welfare, including disturbing colonies of cats.

Man dies during rescue mission A MAN has died after a large number of migrants were rescued from the Alboran Sea. A total of 114 people, including 16 women, a child and a baby were rescued from three boats yesterday (Thursday). The man, who was aboard the first boat, was found in a poor state of health and died after a resuscitation attempt. According to reports, 68 people were rescued from the first two boats, which were located close to the island of Alboran, before a further 46 were picked up 22 miles north of the Beyota cove on the coast of Morocco.

It comes just two days after 31 people were saved on Tuesday, December 11 after falling into the sea west of the island of Alboran.

NEWS BITES

Off the hook AN Almerian man has been cleared of bombarding a woman he had been dating for three weeks with over 300 text messages before trying to run her over with his car.

Light fight A GROUP of mayors and council members from the Almanzora, Levante and Los Velez comarcas staged a candle-lit protest against power cuts outside the Spanish government offices in Almeria City.

Van theft A 50-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested accused of carrying out four robberies and a robbery with force.

He is also accused of stealing a van from Valencia.

News

15th - 21st December 2017

Two arrested THE National Police have arrested two individuals from Almeria who are accused of storing more than 5,000 photos of sexual abuse of girls aged six to 10 years.

Through international police co-operation, a complaint came to Spain’s specialised agents who located and arrested the alleged paedophiles in Barcelona and in the province of Almería.

Those detained had reportedly uploaded thousands of illegal images to a cloud storage service managed by a company in New Zealand.

The investigation began following a complaint filed by the New Zealand web company to authorities in Spain.

In a separate police operation, poALMERIA was battered this lice officers also arrested six people week by storm ‘Ana.’ The who were exchanging child pornogprovince was placed on or- raphy over the Internet using the ange alert for high westerly same mail service to distribute and winds from midnight until share illegal material.

6am on Monday.

The arrests were made in Almería, The 112 emergency ser- Mataro (Barcelona), Tarragona, vices managed nearly a Madrid, Valladolid and Barcelona hundred storm incidents. City.

Across Andalusia, hundreds The National Police has advised all of incidents were reported citizens to come forward in complete including broken trees and confidence if they have information road accidents. about any alleged criminal websites, AEMET, Spanish weather publications or any situation that enagency, confirmed the dangers children and email: denun cias.pornografía.infantil@policia.es. winds were up to 90 mph.

Unfair treatment

PHOTO CREDIT: CARBONERAS TOWN HALL

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Storm causes chaos

COMPLAINTS: Residents in Carboneras.

HOMES on Maria Cristina Avenue have reportedly had no connection to the sewerage network since their construction in 2007.

Homeowners have been forced to maintain a sewage pumping system contributing to unsanitary conditions and frequent breakdowns.

City Hall has approved construction works which will begin in the coming weeks including

160 metres of pipe and shutting down all cesspools.

Earlier this week, the mayor of Carboneras, Salvador Hernandez, met with representatives of the residents to communicate the start of work and the administration’s commitment that in mid-Januar y the problem would be solved.

A total budget of €22,000 has been allocated to the project.

News

PHOTO CREDIT: ALMERIA JUNTA

15th - 21st December 2017

HOUSING ISSUE: Property crisis is addressed.

Aiming for a home run TERRITORIAL delegate of Public Works and Housing in Almeria, Joaquín Jiménez, has met with representatives of the real es-

tate sector in Almeria to promote renting empty houses in the province.

Mr Jimenez said: “one of the purposes of the Hous-

Family welfare tackled THE Provincial Council of Almeria has held a plenary session as part of its family action plan for 2018.

Among a series of critical items debated among stakeholders and welfare groups, particular emphasis was placed on protecting victims of domestic violence or people at risk of social exclusion. Initiatives were also discussed to help support patients and families coping with different diseases.

ing Plan 2010-2016... is to facilitate access to housing by citizens on affordable terms and avoid social exclusion by promoting rental market housing, particularly unoccupied properties.”

The delegate added the government’s role would be to mediate between the public and private sector to answer the supply and demand for homes to benefit property owners and citizens seeking a home.

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ALMERIA had one of the lowest mortality rates in the countr y in 2016, according to a new report.

The Spanish National Institute of Statistics has released its latest demographic report relating to mortality

across Spain and in the province of Almeria, the number of deaths stands at 6.87 per thousand, compared to the national average of 8.34.

The data, which refers to 2016, indicates the mortality rate declined in most cases including for the most advanced age groups.

It did, however, identify people close to 50 years old as being the most vulnerable age group last year.

Only the provinces of Ceuta, Melilla, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz d e Te n e r i f e a n d t h e Madrid region have a mortality rate less than Almeria.

AYUNTAMIENTO DE CUEVAS DEL ALMANZORA

Low death count

RESTORED: The Andrés Soler Guerrero football pitch.

€200k football field CUEVAS DEL ALMANZORA Town Hall has obtained a grant of €200,000 to restore the Andrés Soler Guerrero football field.

The improvement works, which will s t a r t n e x t y e a r, w i l l c o n s i s t o f t h e restoration and expansion of the changing rooms and upgrade of the stands and toilets.

The grant represents 50 per cent of the total cost and has been provided

through the Ministr y of Tourism and Sport.

The town hall will fund the remaining total.

Mill to win A TRADITIONAL oil mill has been installed on one of Albox’s main access roundabouts after it was donated to the council by a local olive grower.

News

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DOCUMENTS RESTORED: To their original condition after years of wear and tear.

History in the making CARBONERAS is set to receive restored documents relating to the town’s foundation in 1813.

The material has been repaired by a former councillor of the city, José Estaban, and taken more than 30 years to restore to their original condition after centuries of wear and tear.

Over the coming weeks, the town hall will formally accept the documents for conservation. They will then be made

publically available for viewing by visitors and citizens on account of their historical value to the town.

Information includes details of the original population and the decree granting permission for a new city.

The mayor of Carboneras, Salvador Hernandez, has expressed his sincere thanks “for relaying these valuable documents back to the City.”

Citizenship up in Almeria ALMERIA is the second largest Spanish province for new Spanish citizens according to statistics released by Spain’s National Statistics Institute.

The institute’s data for 2016, the latest recorded period, reveals that 2,154 people acquired Spanish nationality in Almeria, representing a significant increase on 2015 when the number was 1,487.

Only 61 people came

from European Union countries, and 1,160 people came from Africa with most from Morocco.

Of all new citizens, most were male aged between 30 and 39 years.

Across Spain, a total of 150,944 foreign residents acquired Spanish citizenship in 2016, a 32 per cent increase on 2015. The most common countries of origin were Morocco, Bolivia and Ecuador.

Water win ARBOLEAS Council has revealed that a new wastewater treatment plant in the Los Menchones-Rulador district is in place, with the town now able to treat the waste of 3,500 residents.

Civil weddings triple THE latest census data released by Spain’s National Institute of Statistics have revealed that civil weddings have tripled in the province of Almería.

During the first half of 2016, a total of 650 marriages had been civil, out of 905 registered in total in Almeria. Conversely, only 225 were Catholic, and just four ceremonies were of other faiths. The average age of marriage for men was 36 and 33 for women compared to a national average of 35.

Significantly, there have been more divorces than marriages since 2015 throughout the region with a total of 924 divorces between January and June of 2016.

Paseo del Mediterraneo 30, Mojacar Playa, Almeria

T: 950 473 104

E: info@mojacarhomeimprovements.com www.mojacarhomeimprovements.com

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News

15th - 21st December 2017

Arithmetic whizz kid the test held at the Genting Highland Centre in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

He solved 140 problems in just eight minutes to secure the silver medal.

PHOTO CREDIT: POPULARES DE ALMERÍA

AN eight-year-old boy from El Ejido has come second in the world mental arithmetic championships.

Rodrigo Molero Duran came second out of 3,500 who took part in

DELAYS: The Almeria Hospital.

Hold-up in hospital ops PP Member of Parliament Rosalia Espinosa has denounced delays in operations at Torrecárdenas Hospital due to the lack of anaesthetists.

According to the Ministry of Health, there is an outstanding waiting list for surgery for over 2,000 people in Torrecárdenas.

Espinosa explains that “In Torrecárdenas all existing operating rooms cannot work because they would have to hire be-

tween 38 and 40 anaesthetists... so the surgical activity of the hospital is suffering.”

She added that “our intention is not to alarm society,” but notes that there have been numerous complaints from patients, relatives of patients and health professionals and “therefore we have nothing else to do but go public and call on the Ministry of Health for a commitment to health in Almería.”

Top of the tree!

ALMERIA has the highest amount of educated farmers in Spain, according to a new survey.

According to a study carried out by the Institute of Agricultural and

Fisheries Research and Training of Andalucia (IFAPA), approximately 82 per cent of farmers in Almeria have received some form of official education.

Up and away CANTORIA Council has joined the fight against gender violence by launching a giant hot air balloon in a nod to a book edited by the Andalucian Women’s Institute entitled ‘The journey by balloon.’

News NEWS BITES

Street smart

Ring thing

THE Andalucia Board has agreed to support €35,000 worth of public improvement in Vícar.

The territorial delegate of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, Miguel Angel Tortosa Lopez, visited the Vícar work to upgrade the street market of the town.

The work is supported by two grants awarded by the Ministry of Employment and Trade totalling €35,000.

Subsidised renovations have included asphalting, remodelling and conditioning the two roads where the street market stands, constructing a public lavatory and improving areas of supply, loading and unloading.

AFTER two years of ‘hard negotiations’ Laujar de Andarax Town Hall has confirmed that it has completed the purchase of the crumbling municipal bullring, which will now be restored.

Fire risk A PREGNANT women was treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out due to a faulty lamp in the cellar of her house in Roquetas de Mar.

Cash boost ALMERIA Provincial Council has donated €2,000 to the See Olula disabled peoples’ association in Olula del Rio, with the money to be used for a new social project.

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ALL SMILES: Lorraine and David wityh APSA volunteer Margaret.

APSA receive generous donation MEMBERS of the Almanzora Charitable Theatre (ACT) have presented the Animal Protection Society Albox (APSA) with €250.

Lorraine and David, representing ACT presented the €250 to APSA after raising the money during their latest production ‘House Guest,’ performed in Maloans and at the Zurgena theatre.

Margaret, a volunteer with APSA, was

delighted to receive the donation which will go to help the many animals in the charity’s care.

The dogs are in need of blankets, old bedding etc, in this colder weather.

There are many dogs of all shapes and sizes needing homes, particularly older dogs who would love to be nearer a warm fire this Christmas - please see the APSA Facebook page for more information.

Festival of faiths MOJACAR has held an emotional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in the Parish Church of St Mary.

The celebration was officiated by pastor of the Catholic Church of Santa María, José Miguel Esteban Jerez, and Father Gerardo Reilly, now retired.

The Nine readings begin with Genesis and end with the Gospel of Luke, follow-

ing the story of the fall of man, the promise of a new covenant and the coming of a Messiah, and concluding with the birth of Jesus Christ. The readings are interspersed with traditional carols and choral music.

Both priests closed the service with readings in Spanish and English for the large crowds and local officials in attendance.

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School’s out Ed. 616

General Enquiries 950 633 217 Mobile 642 454 311 Sales enquiries: sales@ewnmediagroup.com Accounts: accounts@ewnmediagroup.com International enquiries: marketing@ewnmediagroup.com Distribution enquiries: distribution@ewnmediagroup.com Complaints enquiries: complaints@ewnmediagroup.com Call now for rates and distribution areas SOLTIMES Publishing and Media SL

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ACTIVITIES: A programme of cultural activities will be available during the Christmas break.

THE Junta de Andalucía has designed a programme of cultural activities specifically for children and families over the Christmas break.

The events are free with a ‘mix of learning, leisure, knowledge and fun for children of all ages’ and will be held at the Monumental Citadel and the Museum of Almería.

Events will run from Wednesday until January 7 and include a mix of exhibitions, tours and children’s workshops.

For more information, you can call 600 142 982 or visit the website www.juntadeandalucia.es/cultura/alcazabaalmeria and the Junta’s social media channels.

Walk the walk

All adverts must be prepaid whether they are placed at our offices, by email or fax, or via our sales team. The advertisers full name, address and ID number must be supplied (not for publication). Sol Times does not accept any responsibility for claims made by advertisers, either in advertisements or advertorials, nor can it be held responsible for any inaccuracies, errors, or the non-appearance of advertisements or advertorials.

This publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors as a result of poor quality artwork or logos supplied by advertisers and no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement or advertorial. Every effort will be made to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of articles and advertisements in this publication, however the publisher does not accept responsibility for claims or opinions in the same. The publisher does not accept responsibility for opinions expressed by readers in the ‘Mailbox’ section of this newspaper. Reproduction of any part of this newspaper without the consent of the publishers is prohibited. E:&O.E. All rights reserved / Todos los Derechos Reservados Deposito Legal Sol Times Almeria Edition MA 811-2017

Baby baskets ALBOX has launched a new delivery of welcome baskets to newborn babies.

Councilman José Campoy has spearheaded the plan for families who have recently had a baby.

Tennis time CREDIT: JUNTA DE ANDALUCIA

Albox Office 950 633 217

NEWS BITES

THE Rose & Crown pub and Mojacar Area Cancer Support (MACS) are teaming up to raise money with a holiday walk along the Mojacar paseo.

To p a r t i c i p a t e a n d raise money for MACS, walkers will need to donate €5 per person, and the event will take p l a c e o n Tu e s d a y a t 12.30pm. The walk will begin and end at the Rose & Crown with the trail taking one hour to complete.

Organisers encourage participants to get into the festive spirit with a Christmas sweater or hat to help raise money for charity.

The Rose & Crown will ser ve hot wine and a mince pie for returning walkers.

WORK has recently started on the construction of two tennis courts at the Water and Health centre in Albox.

The addition will allow tennis enthusiasts to practise in early 2018.

Castle sale A CHARITY bazaar will be held at St Andrew’s castle every day until the end of Christmas. The funds raised by the sale will go towards activities for the anniversary of San Antonio De Padua.

Cinema open YESTERDAY (Thursday) the cinema in Huercal-Overa re-opened at 8pm. The first films shown will be a series of short films by Cosas Varias Films. Times are available online.

Dance show ON Sunday, there will be a meeting of the intercultural exchange in the pavilion of Deportes y Juventud-Huércal-Overa. From 10pm audiences can discover the dance, traditions, music, food and culture of 17 participating countries.

Cycling race HUERCAL-OVERA will host a cycling challenge with provincial competitors. It will begin at 10am and 11am for different competing categories on Sunday, January 7. Registrations can be made through the web at www.cronomur.es.

Weekender

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Arboleas Feature Party time

Pages 16-17

Internal patios

Page 15

Page 18

Xmas spirits

Spicy balls

Page 20

Page 22

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Every shop should have one

By Jos Biggs

IN search of a nice Christmas card Pete stumbled into Colin the Card (or should that be Glen the Card?)

This tiny Tardis-alike source of all things necessar y for festive occasions was positively bulging with those engaged in eager search for cards or nik-naks.

He ground to a halt, outnumbered and over whelmed, a solitar y stationar y being in a swirling sea of humanity, a look of terminal perplexion on his face.

‘Can I help you?’ a gentle female voice asked at his elbow.

Gratefully Pete answered ‘I’m looking for a wife.’

‘Would a card do?’ she replied unfazed and with all the tactful skill of a Nato Chief Negotiator. ‘Wife cards are over here. Shall I hold your shopping so that you have

both hands free to look?’Pete doesn’t look with his hands, he looks with his eyes, but I know what she meant.

At that point I came into the shop to find Pete happily riffling through the Wife cards, with his Personal Shopper standing patiently at his elbow and loaded with his previous purchases, yet still managing to create around him a little oasis of calm amid the surging sea of shoppers.

The Wife card chosen, she spirited it away and discretely inserted it into a paper bag, upon which she wrote Wife – just so that I would not inadvertently open the bag, see my card before time, and spoil my surprise!

In my opinion every shop should have a Noreen, for that is the lady’s name!

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

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Feature

15th - 21st December 2017

Christmas Eve in the casa

by Sandy Shore WITHOUT inspiration there can be no communication. Every line we read be it a news report, biography or poem, is inspired by someone or something.

Such was my inspiration when from my rooftop garden situated on the highest home in Mijas Pueblo I watched a sunset to die for. Yes, it was indeed Christmas Eve 2011. Inspired, I then scrawled my thoughts down.

CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE CASA It was Christmas Eve in the casa, On that charming Spanish hill; And high in the star-filled dome above, Was mirrored an earth so still.

It slept through the noise and tinsel, For it cared not when nor why, That man will fight among themselves, And some are prepared to die.

The chapel bells were tolling, They talked from vale to vale, High up in my hillside casa, I felt that God prevailed.

A melody of eventide, Each tower sang its song, In AndalucĂ­a hillsides, I was where I belonged.

In vales below the twinkle lights, A bed of stars it seemed, I felt as one with God above, I dreamed, I dreamed, I dreamed.

Let others do their worship, At altars of their choice; But let me be where I would be, Where God will have His voice.

The chapel bells are singing; His hills are filled with hope; From eventide, be by my side My small heart filled with hope.

Happy Christmas from Sandy Shore

Home & Garden

15th - 21st December 2017

Post party clear up tips PARTY season is upon us and although hosting a party at home is a joy for many, cleaning up after wards tends to be a different matter altogether.

This step-by-step guide should help take the morning-after from nightmare to nothing (although sadly there’s not much we can do about the hangover!)

- Store leftovers you want to keep, wrapped in clingfilm, as soon as possible (in fact this is the one thing you really should make yourself do before you head for bed rather than the next morning).

- Open the windows, e v e n i f i t ’s a b i t c h i l l y outside, to get rid of that stale smell.

- Put an apron on

over your pyjamas and grab a pair of rubber gloves.

- Clear up bottles and glasses first to avoid causing extra spillages, putting bottles straight into a recycling bin or bag and emptying dregs into a bucket as you go to avoid trips to the sink before putting glasses on a tray lined with a damp cloth to stop them toppling over.

- If you have a dishwasher, pop the glasses in and turn it on, otherwise wash them now by hand and leave them to drain on tea towels on the worktop.

- Put one bin bag inside another (to avoid leaks if one tears) and go round the house collecting all non-recyclable waste.

- Put plates and cutlery in to soak to soften anything that has dried on and stop them smelling until you wash them.

- Now tackle stains on carpets and upholster y with an all-purpose stain remover.

- Give tablecloths a blast with a pre-wash product then put them in the washing machine.

- Hoover the whole house thoroughly.

- Put the glasses away and load the dishwasher up again with the plates and cutler y (or hand wash them and leave to drain).

- Wipe surfaces down with a multisurface cleaner and mop hard floors, working from

CLEAN UP: The clearing up is always the worst part of the party.

the outer rooms towards the kitchen.

- Sit down with a well-deser ved cup of tea and put your feet up, the job is done!

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Arboleas Feature

15th - 21st December 2017

Location

ALMERIA: Arboleas is located within the Almeria Province.

PHOTO CREDIT: GOOGLE

ARBOLEAS is a small town which is located within the Almeria Province, in the community of Andalucia, Spain.

Sitting on the bank of the Almanzora River, in the beautiful Valley of Almanzora, the vista from the viewpoint below the Torre de Arboleas (Tower of Arboleas) of the Sierra de lo Filabres (mountain range) is quite breathtaking.

The Torre de Arboleas THE Torre de Arboleas was originally built in the 15th century as a watchtower, but it is now used just as a clock. This ancient building is located just above the viewpoint.

KEEPING WATCH: The Torre de Arboleas was originally built as a watchtower.

PHOTO CREDIT: FACEBOOK

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Arboleas Feature

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AROUND the beginning of the 20th centur y Arboelas consisted mainly of immigrants, passing through the area in order to reach places such as South America or Argentina.

Later on in the same centur y there was another emigration movement through Arboleas, but this time towards European countries, especially Germany.

N o w, a c e n t u r y o n , Arboleas has around 5,000 inhabitants and has been growing

steadily and with more speed over the past 10 years.

The town hall has registered citizens from more than 20 different nationalities within the area with British nationals making up the majority of that population.

Money Agriculture and stockbreeding have always been the traditional economies on which Arboleas has been based. In the 1990’s subsidiary from

the European Union (EU) provided a muchneeded boost to Arb o e l a s ’s c o u n t r y s i d e and building work on both public and private developments began to take off.

Histor y Historically, the river that crosses, the Almanzora, has been used as a pathway by different peoples and cultures wishing to enter the Peninsula.

Human settlements have been found in Arboleas which date

PHOTO CREDIT: FACEBOOK

The people of Arboleas

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CHRISTMAS: Decorations on the streets.

back to the Neolithic period, Bronze Age, as well as Carthaginian and Roman remains.

These remains have mainly been from Islamic cultures who populated Arboleas before 1488 when the province was transferred to the Christians, following Moorish revolts throughout the 16th century.

Weekender

Property

15th - 21st December 2017

Coveted courtyards A patio can make a home an eco-palace INTERNAL courtyards are typical feature of Spanish architecture, with the Roman and North African-influenced style of the ‘patio Andaluz’ one of the most evocative images of life in the south of Spain.

Andalucia loves its flower-draped and decoratively tiled courtyards so much they are celebrated in many towns and cities with special fiestas, like the Festival de Patios Cordobeses in the city of Cordoba, which takes place in the middle of May. Participants open the doors to their patios to invite the public in, and a coveted title awarded to the most beautiful.

In recent years, the contest in Cordoba has been split into two categories, for patios in historic buildings and more modern creations, reflecting the continuing popularity of the architectural style.

And it’s a style that’s spreading, with architects worldwide picking up on the benefits of an interior patio. “Adding

JOSÉ LUIS FILPO CABANA/WIKIPEDIA

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INTERNAL PATIOS: Valuable space. valuable outside space and light to urban homes, internal courtyards are increasingly being included in new developments and also being added to older homes,” says the Daily Telegraph’s property section, looking at current trends in home construction.

A couple of years ago, scientists at the University of Sevilla established what Spanish families had known all along - that temperatures in a courtyard are cooler than out on the street.

There’s some complex thermodynamics behind that common sense asser-

tion, says architect Juan Manuel Rojas: “These spaces create a mixture of phenomena: stratification (hot air rises and cold air falls); convection (the walls heated throughout the day project air upwards); and flow patterns (whirlwind formation depending on the geometry of the space).”

But learning how it works is helping developers to build homes with smaller carbon footprints, making efficient use of the courtyard’s cooling and heating capabilities.

The social and psychological benefits of courtyards are also being considered by architects. They provide private, quiet outside space for houses in densely populated cities, or for small communities of homes a courtyard can be a social place for shared activities.

But above all, such patios are beautiful spaces, which put daylight, greenery and colour at the heart of the home.

Read fine print before signing a mortgage agreement UNDERSTANDING the fine print on a mortgage agreement is very important.

Real-estate experts agree there are a few things prospective mortgagors

should double check and fully understand before signing their name.

Firstly, ask if the agreement lists specific insurance requirements or any special conditions pertaining to the insurance and make sure to fully review the mortgage agreement to find out if it includes the right to sue the lender for any misrepresentation in the loan.

Mortgagors should also make sure to receive a copy of the mortgage agreement and of all related signed documents in case they need to review them at a later time. Hold off on signing the agreement until all necessary copies have been delivered and make sure to avoid signing unless a certified notary is present.

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Health & beauty

Cheers! Teeth can suffer from Christmas spirits PROSECCO, mulled wine, and colourful cocktails are set to be a concoction best avoided.

When it comes to wine, the darker and more pigmented it is, weekly staples as Christmas party season approaches.

While these drinks are by no means overflowing with the more likely it is to leave you with a magenta hued smile. The healthy benefits, some are better than others when it comes to cracks in enamel allow the pigmentation to settle on teeth and soak your smile after just a few sips. oral health.

While a warm cup of mulled wine may be the perfect addiThe team of in-house dentists at White Glo have put together a guide on the best and worst drinks for teeth this Christmas, tion to a cosy night in, opting for hot chocolate will save the inevitable stains. Making a milky hot chocolate will also strengthwith tips to maintain good oral health throughout the festivities.

Gin and tonic is on the menu this season, for more reason en teeth and better protect them against decay. Just skip the than one, but the dentists advise to strike rum and coke off the marshmallows!

Swapping from red to white wine may avoid the instant list. The low acidity levstains, but the high acidity will soften enamel, making teeth els in a G&T more susceptible to picking up stains from other foods. Instead mean it is far try the Spanish sparkling wine, Cava, which has a PH level beless likely to tween three and four, meaning it contains relatively low levels of damage the acid. tooth enamel For those hoping to catch someone under the mistletoe this and adding Christmas, ditch the vodka-based cocktails. Vodka dries the ice will furmouth out which reduces saliva and leads to bad breath. ther reduce When it comes to beer, choose light over dark. Not only will acidity. Howthis reduce staining, the lighter opever, the combition has a higher water content nation of dark rum TRADITIONAL: G & T won’t ruin and therefore less acid. and sugar filled coke is your Christmas smile this season.

22

Weekender

Food & Drink

15th - 21st December 2017

Traditional Christmas Cheese Ball Ingredients 1 ½ (8oz) packets cream cheese, softened, 1 (2.5oz) packet thinly sliced smoked beef, chopped, 1 (2.25oz) can pimento-stuf fed green olives, chopped, 1 small

Cock Ingredients 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 egg, 2 tables p o o n s w a t e r, 1 / 2 c u p breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons minced onion, 1 (8oz) jar of cranberr y j e l l y, 3 / 4 c u p c h i l l i sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice

sweet onion, minced, 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce, or to taste, 1 cup chopped Preparation Preparation time – 25 minutes. Ready to serve – 145 minutes.

CHEESE BALL: Sprinkled on the outside with walnuts.

Method 1. Mix the cream cheese, beef, olives, onion, and Worcestershire sauce together in a bowl until evenly blended. Keeping the mixture in the bowl, scrape it into a semi-ball shape. Cover, and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.

2. Place a large sheet of waxed paper on a flat surface. Sprinkle with walnuts.

Roll the cheese ball in the walnuts until completely covered. Transfer the cheese ball to a serving plate, or rewrap with waxed paper and refrigerate until needed.

Preparation Preparation time – 20 minutes. Cooking time – 85 minutes.

Method 1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC).

2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, water, bread

Kitchen hacks how to juice a lemon SQUEEZING a lemon should never result in an eyeful of juice and yet it so often does. Check out these five pain-free ways to juice a lemon so you can extract ever y last drop without potentially blinding yourself.

1.

Roll t h e lemon, cut in half crosswise, squeeze cut-side up using only elbow grease.

2. Cut lemon in half crosswise, stick a fork in the centre and make up and down motions to extract the juice.

3. Cut lemon in half crosswise, stick a spoon in the centre then twist to extract the juice and squeeze cut side up.

4. Cut lemon in half crosswise, use a citrus press or a beater from a hand-held mixer.

5. Put the lemon in the microwave to warm up, cut in half lengthwise and use a citrus juicer.

So now you know and need never stumble around your kitchen with an eyeful of citric acid to deal with.

HOW TO: squeeze a lemon

Food & Drink

15th - 21st December 2017

Weekender 23 DATES: Baked in the oven.

ktail Meatballs

Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese

MEATBALLS: In a chilli cranberry sauce. crumbs, and minced onion. Roll into small meatballs.

3. Bake in preheated

oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once.

4. In a slow cooker or large saucepan over low

heat, blend the cranberr y j e l l y, c h i l l i s a u c e , brown sugar, and lemon juice. Add meatballs, and simmer for 1 hour before serving.

Ingredients 1 pound sliced bacon, cut in half, 1 pound pitted dates, 4 ounces blue cheese Preparation Preparation Time – 20 minutes. Cooking time – 40 minutes.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC).

2. Slice dates in half, and open them up. Pinch off pieces of blue cheese, and place them into the centre of the dates. Close the halves of the dates, and

wrap a half-slice of bacon around the outside. Secure each one with a toothpick.

Arrange in a baking dish or on a baking sheet with sides to catch any grease.

3. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven or until the bacon is crisp. Turn dates over after the first 20 minutes for even cooking.

24

Weekender

Puzzles

15th - 21st December 2017

Wordsearch Katy Perry

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:

MUSIC ORIGINAL POP KATY PERRY INCREDIBLE

BEAUTIFUL TALENTED WIDE AWAKE COLORFUL FIERCE

KIND PRISM HOT N COLD PART OF ME BIRTHDAY

ROAR JOYFUL WEIRD

Quick

Across 1 Disagrees (7) 5 Ways for pedestrians (5) 8 Getting older (5) 9 Requiring (7) 10 Impartial (7) 11 Joint connecting foot with leg (5) 12 Drowsy (6) 14 Feel remorse for (6) 17 Categories (5) 19 Places of worship (7) 22 Highest (7) 23 Glower (5) 24 Egg parts (5) 25 Young cats (7)

Down 1 Flow off gradually (5) 2 Lack of success (7) 3 Keen. (5) 4 Unmarried (6) 5 Make ready (7) 6 Not thin (5) 7 Part cut off (7) 12 Meet the requirements of (7) 13 Own (7) 15 Stop holding on to (7) 16 Unbroken series of events (6) 18 Student (5) 20 Physical strength (5) 21 Appears to be (5)

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

• Average: 9

• Very good: 19

• Good: 13

• Excellent: 24

fens eons eosin emit emir sire inside imps imide imam item itemise aside arise arisen aria arid idem idea aimed ample amps amine amines amino amir amid amide aide admire abed ease easel eras erase disarm dimple dimples dime dire dais damp damps dame demise demit bait bade bemire bema beam bead bedim

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 Secretly trails Hank's group (7) 5 Assembly appear without a document (5) 8 Support British nation (5) 9 Pull at a parcel (7) 10 Last former partner initially thought about me (7) 11 Doctor follows a Latin American siege (5) 12 Calm accused ate contents (6) 14 Woos casual workers with a car (6) 17 A king gets an honour and a traffic warning (5) 19 Agitated, real mad and distressed (7) 21 Hangs around and changes its role (7) 22 Robin Goodfellow appeared in The Numbers Game (5) 23 Tired writer found in the middle of the road (5) 24 Name another one flower (7)

Down 1 Deal includes British fur (5) 2 Ted's after a free pad that's been modified (7) 3 Nothing about a mineral (3) 4 Divides up financial holdings (6) 5 Rover, perhaps and me under quiet volcano (3,4) 6 City square up in the Graz Alps (5) 7 Prepared roast in fixed portions (7) 12 Small bits of furniture for the livestock stalls (7) 13 Rushing stream from hill crack (7) 15 Workers in the quarry love this sweet pepper (7) 16 Sickness from dining in a US eatery (6) 18 Carrot or cheese around bun initially (5) 20 Doctor takes one for a layabout (5) 22 Bishop notes insect (3)

Puzzles

15th - 21st December 2017

IRREGULAR SUDOKU

SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : CHINESE PUZZLES 1. According to the Chinese calendar, 2016 (February 8, 2016 to January 27, 2017) is the ‘Year of’ which creature?

2. How many gold stars are there on the national flag of China?

3. In which 1960s television Western series did the happygo-lucky Chinese cook Hop Sing, played by actor Victor Sen Yung, appear?

4. The name of which Chinese game played, usually by four people, with 136 or 144 rectangular tiles, is derived from the Chinese for ‘sparrows’?

5. What is the name of the famous cinema palace situated at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, which is renowned for the hand and/or foot imprints of around 200 Hollywood stars?

6. Which fruit is also known as the Chinese gooseberry?

7. Which group topped the UK singles charts in 1987 with China in Your Hand?

8. Which herb is sometimes referred to as cilantro or Chinese parsley?

9. Which Liverpool-born actor played the title role in the 80s television drama series The Chinese Detective?

10. With which instrument would you principally associated the Chinese musician Lang Lang?

Not a lot of people know that… as a teenager, singer Barbra Streisand earned 60 cents an hour working as a waitress at Choy's Chinese Restaurant

Kakuro

Answers 1. MONKEY (FIRE MONKEY), 2. FIVE - the large gold star represents communism, while the four smaller stars represent the social classes of the people, 3. BONANZA, 4. MAHJONG, 5. TCL CHINESE THEATRE, also known as GRAUMAN'S CHINESE THEATRE and MANN'S CHINESE THEATRE, 6. KIWI FRUIT, 7. T’PAU, 8. CORIANDER, 9. David YIP, 10. PIANO

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

15th - 21st December 2017

Leisure

YOUR WEEKLY HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 - April 20) The importance of making the right choices is clear to you. Where to begin seems to be a sticking point. Starting by taking away the things you really do not want is essential. Be practical and logical. This is not a time for sentiment or muddled thinking. Although you will need patience in abundance as the week progresses, take one thing at a time.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Although you have the feeling that younger members of the family are not interested in your point of view, this is far off the mark. They, in their inexperience, may not know how best to approach you in this regard. Getting out family photos or starting a family tree with them can be both entertaining and fascinating.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) The prospect of travel sets you thinking. Have you been spending too much time considering others? Should you take steps now to get time alone then these plans cannot be changed. This will save any discussions as to how or when.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) With the best will in the world it is only possible to spend money once. We are all guilty of trying to get over this truth, but it never works. Have patience when looking to improve your possessions. There are more pressing needs and these, in the long run, prove more satisfying.

LEO (July 24 - August 23) Going over old ground is counter-productive.

There is nothing to be gained from repeating methods that did not work in the past. If it is not possible to find a fresh approach then seek the opinions of others. You do not need experience of a situation to be able to come up with a useful idea. Staying in the same old rut has not served you in the past and will not do so now.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Getting together with others to entertain is sure to be successful after the 26th. Before that there may be some irritations, particularly with people who refuse to be positive and make decisions.

Those moving house or going on a journey need a lot of patience, and forward planning is essential.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) This is an important week for both your physical health and your mental well-being. Because of things beyond your control, you may have let your diet or exercise slip. Having sorted out any problems that side-tracked you, there is a need to be particularly strong.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) This is a week to let yourself be heard. Be it writing letters, sending emails, making phone calls or making conversation, you must express yourself. Being honest and outspoken need not mean upsetting people. Think of the way that a child gets its point over.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Having problems with that new computer? Fallen foul of the new mobile phone? That wouldn't be surprising this week. As you are prone to mistakes and misunderstandings, try not to tackle anything vital. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and fresh air. Someone who is supposed to help you proves more of an irritation than a saviour, and you may wish that you had stuck with the manual.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) You are in for a bit of a bumpy ride this week.

Some things will go well but other outcomes can be quirky. People change their minds, technology doesn't work, phone calls don't come. Be assured, however, that if you keep your sense of the absurd it could all be quite amusing.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) When it comes to throwing wobblers, please don't. It is so important this week to stay cool and unruffled. Change nothing that you can avoid changing. Even having discussions about change can set your nerves jangling.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) This month, there is much to be celebrated. So much has happened in the latter part of the year.

Certainly, congratulations are in order. When you have made such an effort and are rewarded for it, the satisfaction level is high. Be aware, though, that someone close also needs to feel that there is progress.

BOOK REVIEW

Murder Games DR DYLAN REINHART, a renowned Ivy League expert on criminal behaviour, is in a happy, long-term relationship and is the author of a bestselling textbook on Abnormal Psychology.

Suddenly Dylan is dragged headfirst into a murder case when a copy of his book is found at the gruesome scene. The killer hasn’t left many traces, except a playing card and a threatening message addressed to Dylan himself.

Elizabeth Needham, the wildly intelligent and headstrong NYPD Detective in charge of the case, soon convinces Dylan to help her solve the case but before they know it, they have another murder - and another playing card - on their hands.

Dylan begins to suspect the cards aren’t just the murderer’s signature; they’re deadly clues leading them directly to the next victim.

New York City quickly falls into panicked frenzy as the killer now known as The Dealer dominates headlines. With the cops stumped, it turns out only Dylan has the knowledge and

expertise to hunt down a serial killer, the likes of which the city has never seen.

Dylan and Elizabeth soon become trapped in a race against time to connect the dots before The Dealer runs through the entire deck.

Meanwhile, the power-obsessed mayor of New York City pushes them for updates as he snoops into Dylan’s past and a journalist on the crime beat becomes bloodthirsty for all the headlines the case is generating.

It soon becomes clear that Dylan has a secret of his own, perhaps the reason he was tapped by The Dealer in the first place. As the case and his personal life seemingly implode, Dylan must find the murderer before he becomes a victim himself.

SMCM LAMC /TWITTER

By James Patterson and Howard Roughan

MAKING A MURDERER: Patterson and Roughan keep readers on their toes with their latest thriller.

Leisure

15th - 21st December 2017

Weekender 27

IN June 1971, The New York Times, the Washington Post and the nation’s major newspapers took a brave stand for freedom of speech and reported on the Pentagon Papers, the massive cover-up of government secrets that spanned four decades and four US Presidents.

At the time, the Post’s Katherine Graham (Streep) was still finding her footing

Film & TV Guide

Sports Personality of the Year

FILM OF THE WEEK

Saturday, 6:45pm-10pm, BBC One GARRY LINEKER, Gabby Logan and Claire Balding present this year’s ceremony live from Liverpool’s Echo Arena.

This year’s shortlist includes Anthony Joshua, four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, short-track speed skater Elise Christie, Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, British tennis number one Johanna Konta, world superbike champion Jonathan Rea, Paralympian sprinter Jonnie Peacock, track legend Mo Farah, breaststroke world champion Adam Peaty, England cricketer Anya Shrubsole and Olympic taekwondo medallist Bianca Walkden.

The awards for Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Overseas Sports Personality of the Year, Young Sports Personality of the Year, Unsung hero and the Helen Rollason award will also be handed out.

TWITTER

TOY STORY 2 Sunday, 2:50pm-4:20pm, BBC ONE Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack and Kelsey Grammar IN the second instalment of the famous trilogy, Cowboy doll Woody is stolen by a toy collector, Al, at a yard sale because he knows that the rare cowboy is worth a fortune as a collectible.

Fearless Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear assembles a team of the bravest toys in Andy’s bedroom to partake in a daring across-town mission to save him.

Despite their noble efforts, Woody contemplates whether to spend his life languishing in the safety of a Japanese museum or face the prospect of growing up without an owner.

showbiz awards handed out by happily comforted and inspired Democrats.

It has recently won the prestigious TIME Magazine’s ‘Movie of the Year’ title and has only this week been nominated for six Golden Globe Awards.

ONE TO WATCH

OUR PICK OF THIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE

OLD FRIENDS: Woody meets some old colleagues when he is stolen.

straight-down-the-middle Hollywood liberal picture that might drop a big studio bomb on the year’s smaller Oscar hopefuls. The Post just hits so many of the right buttons, so effectively, that it seems like something made in a lab to win big

OUR CHOICE

Life in Polar Bear Town with Gordon Buchanan WILD: Buchanan visits the ‘polar bear capital of Sunday, 7pm-8pm, BBC Two the world.’

WILDLIFE enthusiast Gordon Buchanan visits Churchill, Manitoba on the shores of Canada’s Hudson Bay. For two months every year, huge packs of polar bears invade Churchill as they gather at the bay and wait for the ice to form in order to begin their winter hunt.

Buchanan goes on patrol with the town’s ‘bear cops’ who ensure that both residents and bears remain safe.

He also meets the bin-men who must dodge the bears every day as they deliver refuse to the dump and also illustrates the dangers of living in the ‘polar bear capital of the world,’ interviewing a young woman who was mauled by a bear.

TWITTER

The Post

as the country’s first female newspaper publisher, and Ben Bradlee (Hanks), the paper’s volatile, driven editor, was trying to enhance the stature of the struggling, local paper.

Together, the two formed an unlikely team, as they were forced to come together and make the bold decision to support The New York Times and fight the Nixon Administration’s unprecedented attempt to restrict the first amendment.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Post is a cannily made, rousing film. It’s a

TWITTER

FILM REVIEW

28

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15th - 21st December 2017

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 THE SPIRITUALIST Centre, Benijofar meets at Hamilton´s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Service at 11.30 a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship at 7 p.m.

Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service. We are closed until Tuesday, 9th January 2018 with the service taken by Len Cox. Contact Wendy on 965 323 028. www.spiritualistcentrebenijofar.com New email is phoenixchurch23@gma il.com or info@spiritualistcentrebenijofar.com Identificacion Fiscal G54713789.

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

ARE YOU self motivated and hard working? We are looking for administration/telesal es candidates.

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Services BABY EQUIP HIRE

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Next Week

CAR VALETING

29

30

Sport

15th - 21st December 2017

SPORTS

By Tony Matthews

The greatest goalscorers of all-time?

ARE current La Liga stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest ever goalscorers?

Some say yes, some say no… but their personal records, without doubt, are quite brilliant and speak for themselves.

Cristiano Ronaldo, born in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal on February 5, 1985, was a junior with Andorinha (1992-95) and NaGREATEST OF ALL-TIME? Cristiano Ronaldo recently cional (1995-97) before secured his fifth Ballon d’Or. spending six years with Between the two superstars, they have Sporting Club Portugal (1997-2003). He then assisted Manchester United (until scored 1,225 goals in a combined total of 2009) and is now in his ninth year with Re- 1,636 appearances on football pitches, al Madrid, who signed him for €94m/ worldwide. The imperious duo also stand one-two in the all-time list of Champions £80m (rate at the time).

As at December 10, 2017, the Por- League marksmen with Ronaldo on 114 tuguese superstar had scored 622 goals in goals and Messi 97. Ronaldo, in fact, is 885 appearances for club and country, in- the first player to score in every Champicluding 118 in 292 games for Manchester ons League group game in one season, United, a staggering 420 in 413 outings doing so between September-December for Real and 79 in 147 full internationals 2017.

‘CR and LM’ have also collected medals for his country.

Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Ar- galore and between them they have a haul gentina on June 24, 1987. He was a ju- of 55 - Messi 31 and Ronaldo 24.

Both players have also won several indinior and youth team player with Newell’s Old Boys before joining Barcelona, as a vidual awards including the European 17-year-old in 2004. He is still at the Nou Player of the Year and the coveted Ballon Camp, nearly 14 years on, having played d’Or. Indeed Ronaldo was award the latter at four different levels for the Spanish gi- again in December.

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing both in ants, scoring 525 goals in 606 first-class appearances. He has also represented his action live and on TV, and having been in country at three different levels, bagging football myself for many years, as player, coach, manager, reporter and author, I will 61 goals in 123 full internationals.

His overall record for club and country is certainly put this duo high up on my ‘greatest-ever goalscorers’ menu.

603 goals in 751 match appearances.

EURO ACTION THE draw for the last 16 of the Champions League is: Bayern Munich-Besiktas, Chelsea-Barcelona, Liverpool-Porto, Manchester City-Basel, Manchester United-Sevilla, Real Madrid-PSG, Shakhtar Donetsk-Roma and Spurs-Juventus.

In the Europa League last 32, it’s Arsenal-Ostersunds and Celtic-Zenit SP.

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 world’s richest sportsmen!

ACCORDING to Forbes, the leading source for reliable news and updated analysis on investing, the following (in their own right) are officially the world’s 10 richest sports personalities - with two of them based here in Spain. Their annual ‘income’ from club/team and various sponsorship deals, is given in euros/£s.

1 Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal footballer: €87m/£76.m 2 LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers basketball hero: €82m/£72.2m 3 Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina footballer: €80m/£70.4m 4 Roger Federer, Switzerland’s tennis ace: €53.8m/£47.4m 5 Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors basketball star: €51m/£44.9m 6 Andrew Luck, quarter-back with NFL team Indianapolis Colts: €42m/£37m 6 Rory McIlroy, Ireland’s Ryder Cup and champion golfer: €42m/£37m 8 Stephen Curry, also a Golden State Warriors basketball star: €39.7m/£34.9m 9 James Harden, Houston Rockets basketball player: €39.1m/£34.4m 10 Lewis Hamilton, GB’s F1 World Champion: €38.6m/£34m Surprisingly there are no baseball players or boxers in the list.

Fascinating Sporting Facts THIS is part seven of a new series covering fascinating, interesting, even sensational and quite bizarre incidents and achievements that have occurred in the world of sport over the course of time. These ‘facts’ have been selected at random, in no specific date order or significance. Take a breath and read on.

• Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe - known as the ‘Torpedo’ - was born in October 1982 and specialised in freestyle, but also competed in the backstroke and individual medley races. He has won five Olympic gold medals - the most by any Australian - and with three gold and two silver medals, was the most successful athlete at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

A year later, at the World Aquatics Championships, he became the first swimmer to win six gold medals in one World Championship. In total, Thorpe has won 11 World Championship golds to his credit, the thirdhighest number of any swimmer. He was the first person to be named Swimming World Swimmer of the Year four times and was the Australian Swimmer of the Year from 1999 to 2003. His athletic achievements made him one of Australia's most popular athletes of all-time and he was duly voted ‘Young Australian of the Year’ in 2000.

• Indoor gymnasiums were introduced in 900 BC when mainly Greek athletes practised in the nude to the accompaniment of music!

• Wayne Rooney (Everton and Manchester United) has gained more England caps than any other outfield player - 119 between 2003 and 2016.

• As at October 1, 2017, Ahmed Hassan, an Egyptian footballer, held the all-time record with 184 full international caps. The first player in the world to gain 100 senior caps was Billy Wright of Wolverhampton Wanderers and England in 1959.

Motoring

15th - 21st December 2017

BMW celebrate their best-selling i3 THE BMW i3 shows the way ahead to a new era of mobility.

It is recognised the world over as a symbol of driving pleasure, sustainability and intelligent connectivity in the urban traffic environment, which is why it has become the best-selling electric car in the premium compact segment.

The recipe for success of the BMW i3 has now been fur ther improved,

thanks not just to refreshing styling accents, cutting-edge equipment features and new digital services, but also to the addition of a new model variant.

For making its debut alongside the new edition of the first ever premium car to be conceived from the outset for all-electric mobility is the BMW i3s.

With a higher output, model-specific chassis technology, noticeably more dynamic driving qualities and design

Vehicle checks system reformed THE European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) welcomes the fact that the European Parliament, EU member states and the European Commission reached a final agreement on a reformed system for approving vehicles before they are placed on the EU market (‘type approval’).

Under this agreement, member states will have to carry out checks on vehicles circulating on their roads at the rate of at least one for ever y 40,000 newly-registered vehicles (with a minimum of five tests per member state).

Twenty per cent of these tests will be on emissions.

The European Commission will also be empowered to conduct audits on each national type approval authority every five years.

The deal foresees the creation of a Forum for Exchange of Information and Enforcement, which has the potential to bring uniform interpretations to the system and increase EU oversight. The strict criteria for technical ser-

EMISSIONS: Will account for 20 per cent of revised test regime.

vices that conduct the tests, based on international standards and applied by accredited bodies, should also further improve the quality of vehicle testing.

“ACEA has always supported the core objectives of strengthening market surveillance and improving the current system, as well as further harmonising it,” stated ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaer t. “The agreement reached yesterday seems to strike a balance between the aim to make the whole type approval system more robust and efficient, and the need to

avoid excessive administrative burden for car manufacturers.”

The compromise deal requires approval from the Parliament and member states before becoming law.

Jonnaert: “This proposal is expected to give the legal certainty and clarity needed by our industry.

We are confident that this more robust approval and surveillance system will enable the automobile industr y to regain consumer trust.”

ACEA will fur ther analyse the details once the full agreement is available.

features all of its own, it generates a particularly intense blend of the unrivalled sporty driving pleasure associated with electric cars from the BMW Group. By offering a premiumquality, all-electric driving experience, meaning zero local emissions, together with a whole new level of connectivity technology, both models represent the future of urban mobility.

The BMW i3 has reigned as the topselling premium electric car in its class since 2014, not just in Europe but worldwide too. And in Germany, it has actually been topping the new vehicle registration statistics for the electric car segment as a whole, also since 2014. It’s not just the visionary

FORWARD THINKING: BMW i3 described as a driving pleasure.

electric vehicles and inspirational design that help to make BMW i so popular, but also its innovative mobility solutions and the revolutionar y new form of premium character, with sustainability as a key defining element.

By offering such products while also adopting an all-embracing approach that takes into account the complete lifecycle - from raw material production, through the manufacture and operation of the vehicles to their later recycling - the BMW i brand has established itself as a pioneer for forward-thinking mobility.