ISSUE 622 • 2nd - 8th February 2018
EST 2005
A model town By Benjamin Park AN Italian village has based its new urban regeneration plan on a model first rolled out by Mojacar more than half a century ago. Gangi, a small, quaint town in the Sicilian mountains, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, similar to how Mojacar is regarded in Spain. In a new development, the town’s mayor has launched adverts in the local press offering free housing to anyone who settles there in the hope of relaunching its economy. The idea is reportedly based on a system used by former mayor of Mojacar, Jacinto Alcaron, in the 1960’s. Alcaron placed advertisements in the local newspaper offering free plots and abandoned houses to anyone who would build
PLAN: Sicilian town Gangi (bottom) is suffering the same problems that Mojacar (top) did in the 1960’s. and rehabilitate them. At the time, there were no more than 500 hundred residents in the town, with many emigrating to Catalonia and Andorra. But with the help of local writers, artists and businessmen, Mojacar soon began to fill and was shaped into the beautiful town that it is today. Gangi has suffered a similar fate in recent years
and has seen a number of residents leave due to lack of job prospects, with resident numbers falling below 7,000. Potential residents will
have to pay a deposit of 5,000 to guarantee that work will begin and will have three years to completely rebuild it, reform it or turn it into a business.
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Snowed in
NEWS BITES
HUERCAL-OVERA’S newly reopened cinema is set to host a real-time live streaming of an opera from London’s Royal Opera House. The screening will be held on next Wednesday with tickets priced at €12 each.
IKEA bid HOUSING company Almeria XXI has reportedly submitted for public tender of the first phase of urbanisation works of the new IKEA. The brand new IKEA is expected to open in 2019, creating an estimated 750 jobs.
Two injured TWO people have been left seriously injured after a head-on collision in Cuevas del Almanzora. The incident occurred at kilometre seven of the A-1201 between Los Lobos and El Pozo de la Higuera.
GUARDIA CIVIL
Live from London
FOUND: All six dogs have been recovered. TWO people have been investigated by the Guardia Civil after officers recovered six stolen hunting dogs. An investigation began in the middle of December, after two separate complaints were filed by the same victim who claimed that a total of six hunting dogs, valued at an estimated €3,000, had been taken from his farm in Tabernas. The first theft reportedly took place on December 12, when two of the animals were allegedly stolen, while the other four were taken on December 17. After collecting all the in-
Hunted down formation from the alleged victim, officers began searching for the dogs in adverts and on different purchasesale pages online. Officers reportedly searched through a large amount of adverts and managed to find some similar dogs that fitted the description given by the owner. When images were shown to the original owner he agreed that the dogs seemed to be his, officers, along with the victim, reportedly attend-
ed an appointment with the seller in Portugos, Granada, claiming to the sellers that they intended to buy the dogs. With the help of a microchip reader, officers were reportedly able to confirm that the dogs for sale were in fact the dogs that were stolen. As a result, the six stolen dogs were recovered and the two people allegedly attempting to sell them, were investigated on suspicion of theft.
THIRTY-SEVEN people have been rescued by police after becoming trapped in a shelter due to excessive snowfall. According to Spanish media, they had been staying in a shelter known as the Refugio Ubeire in the Fiñana region when they became trapped by snow. They reportedly had cold-weather clothing as well as snow chains for their vehicles but the unexpected high snowfall on Saturday night, approximately 20 centimetres, left them snowed in. Police were reportedly first alerted to the situation on Sunday afternoon, when they learned that several families had become trapped in the Ubeire. Officers moved to the shelter in offroad vehicles but reportedly had to go on foot along the road that leads directly to the shelter for an estimated kilometre due to the large amount of snow. Once they eventually reached the shelter, police and Guardia Civil officers reportedly found all 37 people in good health, before safely escorting them away from the scene to the locality of Fiñana.
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News
2nd - 8th February 2018
Not natural
@CIUDAD_ALMERIA/TWITTER
HEADLINERS: The film announcing the lineup was shot in Almeria’s Oasys MiniHollywood de Tabernas.
EQUINAC/FACEBOOK
FIVE dolphins have been left stranded on the Almeria coast since the turn of the year. According to animal rescue agency Equinac, in the first month of 2018, five dolphins, one of them common, have been found dead, washed up on various parts of Almeria’s coastline. The animals were reportedly found on the Playa de los Genoveses, Nijar, Almerimar, El Ejido, Roquetas, Retamar and in the Cabo de Gata. The numbers follow an alarming trend in the region, which saw more than 155 animals stranded on Almerian beaches between 2013 and 2015. And data released by Equinac earlier this year revealed that an estimated 80
NEWS BITES
SAD SIGHT: One of the dolphins to become stranded last month. sea animals, including dolphins, whales and sea turtles, died on Almerian shores last year. According to animal conservationists quoted in Spanish media, the majority of strandings are not produced by natural causes. In the hope of saving more animals in the future, Equinac has revealed what to do when stumbling across a
stranded animal. They strongly advise not to try and re-introduce it into the sea straight away as it has obviously become beached for a reason, while they also recommend immediately calling 112 to report the stranding. In a post on social meda, the organisation said: “When a dolphin appears on the beach, everyone wants to take pictures with him. “We have had scenarios in which we have been surrounded by hundreds of people taking pictures and children who want to touch it. “They are so delicate that they stop breathing and die of stress, we must let ourselves work as quietly as possible.”
Back to the Wild West BARCELONA’S famous Primavera Sound festival has announced its eagerly anticipated lineup with a short film shot in Almeria. The ‘vibrant western,’ filmed in Almeria’s world-renowned Oasys MiniHollywood de Tabernas, showed a western scene to reveal one of the most anticipated lineups in recent years. British Indie giants The Arctic Monkeys along with Björk, Nick Cave Lorde, and The National will headline the event, with several more artists playing across the festival. Other well-known artists such as Tyler t h e C r e a t o r, C h v r c h e s , M i g o s , A $ A P Rocky and Haim will also perform at the festival as they form part of a 200-strong lineup of artists. Primavera will take place from May 28 to June 3 in Barcelona. Tickets for the event are currently on sale, at a price of €215 plus distribution fees, and can be purchased at either Ticketmaster or the Primavera Sound Portal.
Energy saving ALMERIA’S Provincial Council will invest €200,000 into 10 municipalities in the coming months. The implementation of 1,110 LED light bulbs will reportedly save an average of 20 per cent on the energy bill.
New album ALMERIAN Singer Maria Jose Perez will present her new album ‘Strokes’ on February 3 at Almeria’s Apollo theatre. Tickets cost €12 and are available from the Apollo theatre’s box office and at www.almeriacul tura.com.
Cancer care MOJACAR Council has announced it will be sending out information about its free breast cancer screening programme. A free mammography is available to all women aged between 50 and 69 at Mojacar Playa.
Park progress ALMERIA’S City Council has taken out the new tender on the Family Park in the city. The new tender comes after bidding was suspended
News
2nd - 8th February 2018
BRITISH AIRWAYS: Now flying to Almeria from Heathrow.
London calling! First route to Heathrow announced BRITISH AIRWAYS has announced flights between Almeria’s El Aquian and London Heathrow for the first time in 50 years. There will be two flights a week between Almeria and Europe’s biggest airport, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and the route will officially begin on March 27. Previously, since the Almeria airport was first opened in 1968, all direct flights to London have been between Gatwick, Luton and most recently, Stanst-
ed. The flights will last in principle until October 27 and is believed to be to the slots left open after the collapse of Monarch. It comes after both Ryanair and lowcost British airline Jet2 announced that they are also adding routes to Almeria. Ryanair announced a new flight route from Manchester to Almeria will begin on June 3, while Jet2 have added three more routes from London, Birmingham and Belfast.
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2nd - 8th February 2018 MARCH: The region’s children walked and read manifestos to promote World Peace.
NEWS BITES
Charity collection THE Garrucha tourism office has begun a campaign aiming to collect nappies and powdered milk for refugee children. Donations will be accepted at the tourism office between 9am and 2.30pm from Monday to Friday.
Awardwinning ALMERIAN films including Summer 1993, I Don’t Know How To Say Goodbye, Cachorro and The Author, by Almerian director Manuel Martin Cuenca have won nine prestigious Association of Cinematographic Writers of Andalucia (ASECAN) awards.
AYUNTAMIENTO DE HUERCAL-OVERA
No to violence, yes to peace HUERCAL-OVERA Council, together with the region’s schools, has held an event promoting World Peace. Children and young people of Huercal-Overa joined together on January 30 to ‘say no to the violence and yes to peace’ in commemoration of the School Day of Non-violence and Peace. Every year since 1964, the ‘School Day of Non-Violence and Peace’ has been celebrated throughout Spain on January
30, commemorating the death of Mahatma Ghandi, one of the icons of world peace. Deputy mayor, Monica Navarro, councillor for Education, Belén Martínez, together with representatives of the different educational centres of the municipality also participated in the event in Huercal-Overa. The event began at the Trade Fair Centre, before the children and those participating walked along Guillermo Reyna Avenue to the Plaza de La Paz. Once in
the Plaza de la Paz, the manifestos have been read by the children from different schools. The deputy mayor stressed that “all together we have to work to build that peace and we have to do it with the hope that it will be a reality. That is why today our children and young people come together to claim a world without violence, which we all aspire to achieve. “Let's start with our closest environment to advance in the global terrain.”
Walk in the park MAYOR of Almeria, Ramon FernandezPacheco has visited the brand new Dog park in El Toyo, the third of its kind in the province. Located in El Toyo, near the Interalmeria TV facilities, the park has more than 2,000 square metres for dogs to play and exercise in. The space is completely fenced and contains benches, bins and there are plans for the installation of dog toys and games. Close to €21,000 has been invested in the project, which was spent due to an increase in neighbourhood demand. Mayor Fernandez-Pacheco visited the new facilities alongside the Almeria Town Hall delegate for Urban Ser vices, Juan José Alonso and confirmed that it is down to those using the park to look after it. He told Spanish media: “Once opened it is the responsibility of the users who take care of it and keep it in the best conditions.” The park becomes the third of its kind in the province, following in the footsteps of parks already established in the Parque del Andarax and one between Calle Gustavo Villapalos and Calle Jorge Guillen in the Nueva Andalucia neighbourhood.
News
2nd - 8th February 2018
NEWS BITES
AYUNTAMIENTO DE ALMERIA
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PRESENTATION: Mayor Ramon Fernandez (centre) with fellow council officials and event organisers at the official launch.
Twenty-one hit wonder MORE than 4,000 runners are expected to take part in the 21st edition of the Almeria Half Marathon. An estimated 4,600 people will take part in the annual race, which officially begins at 10am this Sunday. This year’s Almeria City Half Marathon will be the pinnacle point of the Runners Fair weekend, which starts on Saturday at 3pm with the Corridor Fair in the Palace of Mediterranean Games. There will be exhibitions, animations, conferences, photo booths, master classes, concerts and raffles before the big event on Sunday. Deputy of Sports for Almeria, Angeles Martinez, has highlighted the importance of the half marathon to the Province. He said: “Although it takes place in the capital, it is a very important test for the province of Almeria because it is the one with the greatest participation of all those that are organised and we have not hesitated to join because of its great scope at all levels: economic, participation and human and logistic resources.”
Children’s workshops BRAND new children’s workshops, including learning how to recycle, making carnival masks and games in English, will take place at the HuercalOvera library this February. They will be held on Saturdays, with free registration available at the library.
Cultural feel THE Provincial Council of Almeria will invest an estimated €430,000 in a new ‘House of Culture’ in Viator. Work will be carried out on an existing building on Calle Alpujarra to turn the premises into a point of culture.
Job fair FROM Februar y 5, Cuevas del Almanzora Town Hall will launch their Employment Search workshops. The workshops, which will aid people in a number of skills, are limited to 13 places and will take place between 911am on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Free parking
Paseo del Mediterraneo 30, Mojacar Playa, Almeria
T: 950 473 104
E: info@mojacarhomeimprovements.com www.mojacarhomeimprovements.com
AGUILAS Town Hall has announced that there will be more than 1,000 free parking spaces available during this year’s carnival. There will be 1,044 parking spaces open at the Aguilas Plaza for 24 hours on February 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17.
Tourism trade ALMERIA has been presented as a Sports Tourism destination at the World Holiday Show in Dublin. The area’s golf courses, including the Alboran, were reportedly a particular pull to potential visitors.
News
2nd - 8th February 2018
Immo-Carlos celebrates 10-year anniversary THE Sol Times would like to congratulate Karel Willemsens, sole owner of ImmoCarlos, who has now been officially operating in the property market here in Almeria for 10 years from the February 1, 2018. The first Belgian Estate Agent to establish a presence in the Albox and Arboleas area. Immo-Carlos was formed in the financial crisis, originally selling predominately British houses to Belgians. However, since the shop opened three years ago, Immo-Carlos has also been very busy carving out its own share of the British market too. Recently, they have had much success with the
PROUD: Owner Karel Willemsens outside Immo-Carlos.
Dutch and Scandinavians also, so it seems the number one Belgian agent in the centre of Albox is fast becoming an international agent as well. Karel told the Sol Times: “We are just normal guys, offering a fair fixed fee commission and just doing the best we can! Honesty
and customer service is our responsibility and our specialty! So if you are thinking about selling or buying and you want a good ser vice, give us a call.� Immo-Carlos, 10 years of quality ser vice in Plaza Nueva in the centre of Albox.
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A helping hand General Enquiries 950 633 217 Albox Office 950 633 217 Sales enquiries: sales@soltimes.com Accounts: accounts@soltimes.com International enquiries: marketing@soltimes.com Distribution enquiries: distribution@soltimes.com Complaints enquiries: complaints@soltimes.com Call now for rates and distribution areas SOLTIMES Publishing and Media SL
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
Discount fashion THE Antas Town Hall will hold a fashion outlet fair this weekend. The fair will take place tomorrow (Friday) between 4pm and 9pm and Saturday between 10am and 9pm.
Ed. 622
Mobile 642 454 311
NEWS BITES
SUCCESS: Almeria’s ‘active ageing’ workshops proved a success last year. ALMERIA’S Provincial Council will invest more than €400,000 in programmes aimed at elderly people this year. The majority of the money will go towards supporting the region’s Home Help Service (SAD), which provides 3,000 people across 97 different municipalities with quality comprehensive care. However, there are also
a number of projects planned in the coming year in the hope of helping community participation. One of which is the popular active ageing workshops, where basic aspects of life are addressed with activities aimed at working on psychology, health, education and physical exercise in the hope of avoiding social isolation.
Approximately 100 of the active ageing workshops are planned this year after they proved hugely successful in 2017. Another initiative planned by the council is intergenerational workshops, which aim at promoting the transfer of knowledge and experiences. The first ‘Intergenerational plenar y session’ took place in November last year, and saw almost 200 people between the ages of 10 and 80 years old take part. Deputy of Social Welfare, Angel Escobar, explained: “The commitment to our seniors will this year have a lot of strength because in addition to initiatives promoted by Social Welfare we do a transversal commitment, involving other areas such as Sports, Women and Family, to enrich their day-to-day activities that make them more active and help them feel fulfilled, cared for and cared for."
Appy days A L M E R I A’ S P r o v i n c i a l Council has presented a new app containing more than 30 different cycle routes in the hope of boosting cycle tourism rates. According to reports, more than 10,000 cyclists currently visit province every year.
Big plans A P P R O X I M AT E LY 1 2 0 proposals have been submitted to the Almeria Town Hall for the contest of ideas on how to reform the San Miguel tower in Cabo de Gata. The winner will receive a €44,000 prize.
Free paddle CHILDREN under the age of 14 can enjoy free paddle sessions at Aguilas’ Padelante Dep o r t i v o C l u b . Yo u n g people between the ages of 14 and 17 will receive 50 per cent discount on court rental prices.
2nd - 8th Februar y 2018
Weekender Valentine’s Passion flower Page 15
Health matters Page 20
Raising chickens Page 17
Opel news Page 31
Page 18 - 19
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Weekender
Advertising Feature
Quality gifts for all BANGLES & BOWS Gift & Accessory Shop has been trading for just over six months and is extremely busy and well received by customers. Our range is growing all the time as I listen to what people want, source products and get them into the shop as soon as possible satisfying customers’ needs is key to my business! From Monday February 5, the gift shop will be ex-
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2nd - 8th February 2018
BANGLES & BOWS: Satisfying customer needs. panding again with the addition of bespoke hand-
made cushions and peg bags, kitchen accessory section, unusual pictures, wall art and picture frames. We aim to offer quirky, quality gifts not found in other shops nearby and at affordable prices. A wander around allows you to see and touch items before purchase and we’re always on hand to offer help and advice. A free gift wrap service is also available and we sell handmade greetings cards to complement your purchase. Not visited yet? Once you have I guarantee we will be your first stop for all your gift and accessory needs. Bangles & Bows, Calle Malaga in Albox (next to Gladrags Boutique).
Off with her head! By Jos Biggs I WAS lying comfortably on my bed in Huercal-Overa Hospital, waiting in the queue to go into surgery on my defective right breast, my notes lying heavily on the end of the bed. An absolute dreamboat the upper side of six-foot emerged from the surgery area wearing a fetching purple cap, looked at my notes, and said in a voice of silk ‘Hello Cho-se-feen.’ Tenderly he took my hand. ‘I am an anaesthetist.’ Oooh goody, I thought. Pity I’ll be asleep. ‘But not your anaesthetist.’ I made a noise like a balloon deflating ever so genteelly. He squeezed my hand, laughed, and moved on. With that a slightly shorter but very muscular dreamboat appeared, wearing a multi-coloured cap and a mischievous expression. He looked at my notes, and said ‘Hello Cho-se-feen. ‘I am an
anaesthetist.’ I know,’ I said, ‘I can tell by your cap.’ With a suitable air of solemnity he looked me in the eye. ‘I have come to discuss the operation on your right knee.’ With great care, as though it were a priceless Ming Dynasty knee, he caressed it. His face was poker-straight, but I know when I’m being jossed! ‘I think the operation is going to be a little higher.’ I grinned. He laughed. He knew that I knew he was jossing me. ‘In fact,’ I added, ‘you should cut my head off, then all our problems will be solved.’ That got him on the funny bone - I’d jossed him back! But when I woke up my head was still attached. Can’t these hospital staff get anything right?!!
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk
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2nd - 8th February 2018
Advertising Feature
Convenience of courtesy car cover IF your car has to go in for repairs, or has been written off following a claim, you may have to rely upon public transport or forking out for taxis while your vehicle is off the road. Car insurance policies from Línea Directa offer customers the optional cover of a replacement vehicle, very useful if you rely on
your car every day.
How it works Línea Directa has a nationwide network of approved repairers that can provide you with a courtesy car for use while yours is being repaired. This optional cover can be taken out at any time
and means customers can keep on the move and remain mobile due to commitments such as work.
All eventualities are covered In the event of the hire car office being too far away, or the customer prefers to use their own trusted hire car company, then not to worry because Línea Directa will directly compensate them for an amount of €30 each day they re-
main without a car, up to a maximum of €120, as per the general terms and conditions of their policy.
Free cour tesy car for up to three weeks Línea Directa provides their customers with courtesy cars for up to a maximum of 21 consecutive days if your car has been written off or stolen (and not recovered).
COURTESY CAR: Available for a maximum of 21 consecutive days. Please refer to the Línea Directa general policy terms and condi-
tions for more information about this optional cover.
We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 902-123-309 More information about Linea Directa online at
www.lineadirecta.com
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Weekender
by Sandy Shore I IMAGINE very few people have their lives set out for them from childhood. I envy those like chanteuse Nana Mouskouri who from an early age knew their destiny and achieved it. As the saying goes, ‘if you enjoy your job you will never again work for a living’. I was about eight years old when a kindly man asked me what I wanted to be when I was grown up. I replied that I would be a sailor and so I was until I was 24 years of age. I then discovered that swallowing the anchor was for young men and for old salts whose end is unclear; there were no in-betweens. Sailors miss out on conventional life and forfeit the joys of bringing up children. They cannot go to theatres, spend nights in the pub and suchlike. A lover of great music I envied members of touring orchestras. It must be fun to travel
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The odd pianist thrown in with saxophonists, percussionists with the odd pianist thrown in. Then, I remind myself that for every glorious moment on stage before a rapturous audience many hours are spent at tedious practice sessions. Only the sons of merchant bankers seemed to have their careers and often their spouses arranged for them. I didn’t envy their passage through life at all. Being a people person I was good at selling but there was a snag. It was important that whatever service I provided was good value for money, which narrowed the choice down. I recall a job interview by a home improvement company. There was mutual agree-
ment that I was an unsuitable candidate as I was too honest. This failing meant there was no point in my seeking a career in banking, journalism, or following the cloth into an ecclesiastical career. Nor would I be a politician as I preferred my hands being in my own pockets. What to do with the rest of my life was a growing dilemma. I could throw in the towel and become a benefit scrounger but I had already decided that politics was not for me. Now, in my dotage, I realise that Fate had the final say and I wonder if I should have stuck to its original decision. To have spent my life exploring the
world, mixing with different peoples and experiencing new cultures might have been the better option. But, no worries, they now visit me. I wonder how m a n y readers on reflection can look fondly back on their career choice. It could be that far too many are cast adrift and make the best of what Fate offers.
SAILORS: Miss out on conventional life.
Home & Garden
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Plant some passion PASSION FLOWER (or Passiflora) makes a perfect addition to any S p a n i s h g a r d e n . Yo u might even get lucky and get a few passion fruit out of it. There are more than 400 species of Passiflora. Boasting beautiful, exotic flowers, this evergreen climber grows best against walls or well-sheltered from any intense weather spells. The flowers can range from one and a half to 18 centimetres wide and the plants can reach up to six metres tall. Although passion flowers are traditionally found in Central and South America, some variations of the species have proven to grow well in other countries, such as the blue passion flower which now grows wild in Spain. You can grow passion flowers either free or in a container and they
are not fussy about soil types. Either way, ensure that the soil drains well as the plant will not sur vive in waterlogged conditions. Make sure to plant it in a spo t which gets a good amount of sunlight as this helps it to produce more flowers. Once it’s in the ground, gently pat down the soil and water well. Carry on watering generously through the growing season, especially if there is light rainfall, but hold off during the winter in order to allow the plant to rest. Sprinkling the ground with well-balanced fertiliser twice a year should help to keep the plant thriving. Although the plant does not require much pruning, it may help it to produce fruit by allowing sunlight to reach more areas of the vine.
FEELING BLUE: The blue passion flower can now be found in the wild in Spain.
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Property
2nd - 8th February 2018
OSCAR-WINNING actor Robert De Niro’s Hotel Empire is continuing its European expansion after announcing two new Nobu hotels in Spain. Five years after De Niro, along with celebrity chef Nobu Matshuhisa and Hollywood producer Meir Teper, opened their first Nobu Hotel in Las Vegas, the group has now announced they will be opening further Spanish resorts in Marbella and Barcelona. Nobu Hotel Marbella will have direct access to the beach, providing picturesque scener y, while there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from at the nearby Plaza. The adults-only hotel will also reportedly offer its guests private VIP access to club La Suite, which has its own private outdoor terrace for moonlight nights out. The group’s first Spanish project, the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, opened on June 30, 2017 with 152 guestrooms and suites in the Talamanca Bay. Alongside the Ibiza resort, they
De Niro splashes the dinero!
TWO MORE: Nobu group owners Robert De Niro and Matsuhisa Nobu (inset) are planning further Spanish hotels following their Ibiza resort. also have hotels in Manila, Miami, Malibu, California and London Shoreditch. In total, the company hopes to
have to have 15 hotels by 2020 with hotels in Marbella, Barcelona, Riyadh, Los Cabos and Chicago all expected to open.
Food & Drink
2nd - 8th February 2018
Raising and eating your own meat HERE at Olive Tree Farm, our plan was always to try to raise our own meat for the table. Whilst we understand this isn’t for ever yone, we were determined that we could do it. The very first meal we enjoyed as a family, was a chicken and it took a lot of time to prepare. To kill your own bird is one thing, and you have to build yourself up to doing the deed.
O L I V E T R E E FA R M was set up about four years ago with the intention of achieving a level of self-sufficiency. We have poultr y for meat and eggs, goats for milk, rabbits and small pigs for meat and harvest our 70 olive trees each year for oil. We a l s o g r o w a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Afterwards comes the plucking and cleaning. We were also worried that we might not be able to eat it after caring for it ourselves. The first time, it took three of us three hours to pluck, and then another hour or so clean and gut it. It then had to rest for 24 hours or so in the fridge, before finally cooking it. Unlike the chickens you buy in the supermarket, which are processed at just weeks old, are white fleshed, and often contain a lot of water, ours are very different. They are months older and the flesh is dark; even the breast meat. The legs are much bigger than a shop bought bird, but the breasts are smaller. It can also take hours to cook, as there is much more muscle due to them being free range.
One trick we have lear ned, is that after resting the bird for 24 hours, we then soak it in buttermilk for another 24 hours. The acidity in buttermilk helps to tenderise the meat and keeps it moist. Even a bird as old as two years, becomes a delicious meal, rich in flavour and far more filling than shop bought. The downside to raising your own is it costs a lot more than store bought. It isn’t just financially more either. The time spent preparing and soaking their feed, feeding them, cleaning out the hen houses and then the preparation makes it an expensive way to eat. But is it worth it? The answer is absolutely yes! We know exactly how it has been raised, and what it has been fed. That is what makes the difference!
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Valentine’s
VALENTINES Feature
Feature
Can you feel the love? WHILE not a traditional holiday in Spain, Valentine’s Day is still celebrated as it is in most countries, with flowers, chocolates and all manner of heart-shaped presents. However, many Spaniards just see it as another commercialised event imported from the US, like Halloween, and even refer to it as the ‘Dia de El Corte Ingles’ (Day
of Corte Ingles), after the department store. You can still expect to see shop windows and restaurants decked out to the nines in every shade of red and pink imaginable, and you may even find a few special offers around to tempt you and your loved one inside. Many regions of Spain also celebrate their own ver-
LOVED UP: How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
sion of Valentine’s Day throughout the year that corresponds with the area’s patron saints. People in Valencia celebrate love on the same day they celebrate ‘Valencia Day’ on October 9, as it also the Day of Saint Dionysius - the patron saint of lovers. It is custom on this day to offer women a ‘mocadora’ a package filled with marzi-
pan figurines handmade by local confectioners and wrapped in a piece of silk - as a token of affection. The day is also celebrated with parades and parties in all the main town squares in the region. Meanwhile in Cataluña, couples celebrate on April 23 on St George’s Day - the region’s patron saint - which is also known as ‘El Dia de la
PHOTO CREDIT; UNSPLASH
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Rosa’ (The Day of the Rose) or ‘El Dia del Llibre’ (The Day of the Book). The tradition is for men to present women with a rose and women to give the men a book, and the streets of the towns and cities are lined throughout the day with stalls selling colourful blooms and second-hand books. So why not take some inspiration from Spanish traditions this Valentine’s Day and present your loved one with a book or handmade marzipan sweets instead?
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Health & beauty
2nd - 8th February 2018
MIND over matter SCIENTISTS have reportedly created a new diet that may help slow the cognitive decline of stroke survivors. The MIND diet, short for Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) mixes both Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) dieting. Both diets have reportedly been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, strokes and heart attacks. Key elements of the MIND diet include vegetables, fish and berries while foods to steer clear of are products containing a lot of sugar and pastries. Researchers at Rush University Medical Centre pre-
HEALTHY MIND: The MIND diet can help slow cognitive decline. liminary findings were presented at the American Stroke Association’s Internaional Stroke Conference in Los Angeles. Dr Laure J Cherian, a vascular neurologist and assistant professor in Rush’s Department of Neurological Sciences, told the Independent : “The foods that promote brain health, including vegetables, berries, fish and olive oil, are in-
cluded in the MIND diet. We found it has the potential to help slow cognitive decline in stroke survivors.” Researchers found that following the diet could reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in the elderly and even reduced the risk of cognitive decline for those who didn’t adhere to the diet strictly. The diet is made up of 15 dietary components, 10 ‘brain healthy food groups’
and five unhealthy groups. Foods that make up the ‘unhealthy list’ include red meat, butter, cheese, pastries, sweets and fried or fast food. Butter is limited to less than 1.5 teaspoons a day, while you should have less than five servings. In order to follow the diet, you must eat at least three servings of whole grains a day, as well as two portions of vegetables, one of which must be a leafy green. Surprisingly, a glass of wine a day is also promoted, and snacks should be eaten most days, including nuts and beans every other day, while poultry and berries should be eaten at least twice a week, with fish once.
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Weekender
Leisure
2nd - 8th February 2018
FILM REVIEW
Den of Thieves NICK O’BRIEN is a hard-drinking, no nonsense kind of guy. He is the leader of the ‘Regulators,’ an elite unit of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department known for their tough ways of handling business. Ray Merrimen, recently let out on parole, is the leader of a rival gang, the Outlaws.
The Outlaws are made up of ex-military men, who use their expertise and tactical skills to evade the law and have plans to pull off a seemingly impossible heist. The two groups soon find themselves on a direct collision course as the criminals put their plan into practice as they attempt to rob the city’s Federal Reserve Bank
Film & TV Guide OUR PICK OF THIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE
FILM OF THE WEEK
CAST: Gerard Butler stars as Nick O’Brien.
ONE TO WATCH
Natural World: Nature’s Miniature Miracles Saturday, 8pm-9pm, BBC Four HUGH DENNIS narrates this documentary telling how the world’s smallest animals manage to survive in the big wide world. The programme reveals how they have evolved to have extraordinary skills and SMALLEST ANIMALS: How they evolved to achieved mindboggling feats. have extraordinary skills. From the wild’s greatest artists to the animal kingdom’s tiniest creatures that provide humans with so much of the air they breathe, the documentary discovers just what it takes to be a miniature miracle.
OUR CHOICE
Inside Man Saturday, 10pm – 12:25am, Sky One Starring: Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster, Clive Owen, Willem Dafoe A POLICE hostage negotiator is called in when a robbery turns into a siege. The chairman of a bank involved has suspicions that the person behind the heist may have secrets that he needs to remain hidden. He enlists the help of a political fixer to aid him in stopping the secrets getting out, but the elaborate nature of the thief’s plan keeps him one step ahead of the law, causing serious problems for the detective assigned to the case.
Six Nations coverage Saturday 1:45pm-4:15pm, BBC ONE JOHN INVERDALE presents coverage of this year’s Six Nations tournament. The coverage starts with the opening match, SIX NATIONS: The tournament returns this Wales against Scotland, held at the Principality weekend. Stadium. In the corresponding match last year, Scotland prevailed 29-13 at Murrayfield thanks to 19 points from the boot of Finn Russell. Both sides will be looking to improve on last year’s tournament after the Scots finished fourth place, level on points with third-placed Ireland and France, while Wales ended up second from bottom. Analysis comes from Jonathan Davies, Martin Johnson, Andy Nicol and Sam Warburton, and commentary by Andrew Cotter, Chris Paterson and Martyn Williams.
CREDIT: TWITTER
DENZEL WASHINGTON: Stars alongside Jodie Foster.
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Weekender
Puzzles
2nd - 8th February 2018
Wordsearch Movies with One Word Titles 1
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:
JAWS BRAVEHEART TITANIC ROCKY ALIEN
WATCHMEN JUMANJI TWILIGHT ARMAGEDDON JUNO
SAW HALLOWEEN ERAGON EVITA SEVEN
TOOTSIE GREASE HANCOCK
• Average: 10
• Very good: 20
• Good: 14
• Excellent: 26
Down 1 Rigidly accurate (6) 2 Shows the way (5) 4 Whole amount (5) 5 Opposed to (7) 6 Assisted (6) 7 Compact (5) 9 Edition (5) 14 Immediate (7) 16 Legendary tales (5) 17 Made less hot (6) 18 Very tired (5) 19 Clothe with insignia of office (6) 21 Kitchen appliance (5) 23 At a higher position than (5)
atone atones atonic atom atoms anon ascot asci cots cost costa cosh fens inst insane hots hone hones host hosing hose hong home homed gist gins gnome ghost demo demon demons demos demonic dens dense endmost
SCORING: • 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points • 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points • 8 or more letters: 11 points
Cryptic
Quick
Across 1 Not often (6) 3 Fasten together (6) 8 Comprehend completely (7) 10 Lag behind (5) 11 Expenses (5) 12 Absence of sound (7) 13 Conceals (5) 15 Containing nothing (5) 20 Watch (7) 22 Coach (5) 24 Gain knowledge (5) 25 Make good (7) 26 Obligations (6) 27 Law-abiding (6)
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
Across 1 Former lover modelled in the open (7) 5 Today I join the EU and say farewell to the French (5) 8 Do come back to Spain for a poem (3) 9 Forgive for breaking axe on tree (9) 10 Waste second tablet (5) 11 Exhibit a fast train (7) 12 Finishes ahead of crazy beast (5) 14 Earliest evergreen found by holy man (5) 19 Priest is around a power plant (7) 21 Wait to start a tennis match (5) 22 Block news to all by mistake (9) 23 Expert in bracelets (3) 24 Court orders corsets (5) 25 Kindly get pudding for heartless lady (7)
Down 1 Self-love in San Diego is mutual (6) 2 Accurate summary at the end of June (7) 3 She will be a hard case (5) 4 Goes on and on about one in doctor's (6) 5 Had pile repaired for a London theatre (7) 6 The brigand, needing no introduction, is very angry (5) 7 Use any doctor if anxious (6) 13 Del Boy's family have no registered Rolls (7) 15 Helper raves about centre of fountain (7) 16 Judge ways to make appointments (6) 17 Really fears what head of department studies (6) 18 In this place some youngsters start religious dissent (6) 20 A halo used as a greeting (5) 21 Explain Costa del Sol vegetable smuggling (5)
Puzzles
2nd - 8th February 2018
IRREGULAR SUDOKU
SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : SPACE PROBES 1. Developed concurrently with Stanley Kubrick's film version and published after the release of the film, who was the author of the 1968 science fiction novel ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’? 2. Established in 1958 as an independent agency of the US government responsible for aviation and spaceflight, what does the abbreviation NASA stand for? 3. ‘I'm The Urban Spaceman’ was a UK Top Five hit single for which ‘surreal’ pop group in November 1968? 4. In astronomy, what name is given to a region of space having a gravitational field so intense that no matter or radiation can escape? 5. In which year did the Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin become the first human to journey into outer space? 6. Meaning ‘barker’ in Russian, what was the name of the Soviet space dog who, in November 1957 became one of the first animals in space and the first animal to
orbit the Earth? 7. What is the name of the British chemist who, in 1991, became the first British astronaut and the first woman to visit the Mir space station? 8. What space first was achieved on March 18, 1965 by the Soviet cosmonaut Alexey Leonov? 9. Which 1979 British-American science-fiction horror film was promoted by the tagline ‘In space no one can hear you scream’? 10. Which TV variety show featured the recurring sketch ‘Pigs in Space’, a parody of science fiction programmes like ‘Star Trek’? Not a lot of people know that… the Kármán line (or Karman line) lies at an altitude of 100 kilometres (62 miles) above the Earth's sea level and commonly represents the boundary between the Earth's atmosphere and outer space. In theory if you could drive your car upwards, you could be in space in less than hour.
Kakuro
Answers 1. Arthur C CLARKE, 2. NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION, 3. BONZO DOG DOO-DAH BAND (also known as the BONZO DOG BAND or THE BONZOS), 4. BLACK HOLE, 5. 1961 (April 12), 6. LAIKA, 7. Dr Helen SHARMAN, 8. SPACE WALK or EXTRA VEHICULAR ACTIVITY (EVA), 9. ALIEN, 10. THE MUPPET SHOW
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
2nd - 8th February 2018
YOUR WEEKLY HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 - April 20) After a relaxed weekend, it might prove difficult to take up the reins of work again. However, midweek sees you trotting along happily and minding your own business when someone stops you in your tracks. When a challenge is issued, your natural stubbornness comes to the fore.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) With a mind as sharp as a needle, you spin through the week, weaving your own charming spell. A bit of extra confidence works wonders for your mood. Something that you read sets you thinking about doing some writing or creating something artistic, perhaps even a musical.
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) The imagination stirs and the heart races at a suggestion this week. Your strong intuition tells you it is the right thing to do.
LEO (July 24 - August 23) Reading the small print or being sure what is offered in a personal encounter is most impor tant this week. Leave nothing to chance or you could be out of pocket.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Although energy is not high, there is the need to have some kind of challenge. With the brain active, it is an ideal time to plot and plan your next moves. Maybe something that has been delayed might now be advanced. You find it hard to choose between opportunities.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Being over-generous with cash midweek could see you making a poor move. Perhaps someone needs to be more hardworking or perhaps less of a spendthrift. Propping up a bad habit would be doing them no favours.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) A suggestion made by you recently did not seem to be taken seriously. This week, however, negotiations could be opened. Circumstances change and it may seem someone gave up too early. Bide your time and even hold your tongue when someone in a strong position spouts rubbish.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Confidence in a close relationship should be maintained. Possibly someone who envies your position would like to see discord. A matter of spiritual or religious faith is questioned, but the answer comes more clearly and sharply than you would have thought.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) An emotional cut-off from the past is not as bad as anticipated. Indeed, it confirms in your mind who you are and what your place in the world is. Inherited traits knit easily with your present life and bring contentment.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) An investment made recently is built upon and brings peace of mind. Finances do need consideration but more in the long than the short-term. Much is happening in the background that does not require your attention but, all the same, be aware.
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) You realise this week how liberating it is to share your thoughts and feelings with someone close. It is not always easy to do this, until you realise everyone has them. Some hopes and dreams are more attainable than others, of course, and someone has to find out which are which.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Time is precious this week because you are in demand. A chance lost in the past presents itself again but won’t be too easy. Holding back just a little makes you more desirable. A want to travel could be cramped by financial considerations. If making extra money is too difficult, consider sharing something of value with someone else.
BOOK REVIEW
Dogs at the Perimeter By Madeleine Thien JANIE, a researcher at the Montreal Neurological Centre, was once known by several different names in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Once upon a time, she was part of a middle class family, had a father, mother and brother before war struck in Cambodia, killing scored of people and making hundreds flee. Made to leave their home by the Khmer Rouge, her life and family are never to be the same
again. Her father disappears; her mother subsequently goes mad from starvation and grief while her eight-year-old brother is taken away to train as an interrogator Now living in Canada with a family of her own, she finds solace in friend and colleague Hiroji Matsui, who has his own past problems. But when Hiroji returns to Cambodia to search for his
missing brother, a doctor who worked with a relief agency in the countr y, things begin to spiral out of control. Janie’s trauma soon returns as she continues to be haunted by the memories of the past and the atrocities that she faced begins to fall apart. Leaving her husband and young son behind, she knows that she must confront her grief and guilt, at b e i n g h e r f a m i l y ’s l o n e survivor. Thien writes with elegance and grace to describe the depths of her characters’ traumatic pain and produces a beautiful and deeply moving novel that addresses universal questions.
PHOTO CREDIT; FACEBOOK
DEEPLY MOVING NOVEL: Written with grace and elegance.
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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. Open/Development Circles held on Thursdays, where you can develop your skills commencing at 6.30 p.m are cancelled until
Classifieds
2nd - 8th February 2018
further notice. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service. The Divine Service, with Mediumship, on Sunday 4th February will be taken by Ray Bailey. The Evening of Mediumship on Tuesday 6th February, will be taken by Len Cox. The Divine Service on Sunday,11th February will be taken by Jackie Kershaw. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www.spiritualistcentrebenijofar.com New email is phoenixchurch23@gm ail.com or info@spiritualistcentre -benijofar.com Identificacion Fiscal G54713789.
FOR SALE / WANTED
HEALTH & BEAUTY GIRASOL HEALTH FOOD SHOP, Calle Malaga, Albox. For all your dietary needs, health foods, organic foods, supplements, super food powders, organic eggs and veggie box scheme. Est 2006. Tel 639 089 170
INSURANCE ALBOX/MOJACAR INSURANCE, Award winning Agent for ALL your insurance needs. ALBOX OFFICE: 950 121 943. Mojacar office: 634 323 399
MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (
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 951 386 161 or email mark.w@euroweeklyne ws.com for more details.
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)
REMOVALS & STORAGE FULLY Insured UK/Spain Removals & Storage, UK Trading Standards Approved www.indalotransport.c om 634 33 64 68 or Freephone Uk 0800 999 33 68 (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@euroweeklyne ws.com
ARE YOU self motivated and hard working? We are looking for administration/telesale s candidates. Experience not essential as full training is given. Applications by email with full CV should be sent to recruitment@eurowee klynews.com.
SOLAR ENERGY SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@sunergyalmeria.c om (256950)
Services BABY EQUIPMENT HIRE
CAR VALETING
2nd - 8th February 2018
BUILDERS
29 LOGS FOR SALE
30
Sport
2nd - 8th February 2018
SPORTS columnist thanked
AFTER many years of service, Tony Matthews’ contribution to the Sol Times has come to an end. A former player for West Bromwich Albion, Tony is arguably the world’s most prolific sports author of football books, with 150 published since 1975. Over the years, Tony has worked as a PE teacher and a policeman and now works as a quiz-organiser, a fundraiser for various charities and is also a sports correspondent for Spectrum Radio. The Sol Times would like to thank Tony for his consistent and entertaining content, and wish him the best in his future endeavours.
19th Hole Golf Society
ALL SMILES: Paul and Sylvia, winners of the Mixed Pairs (left) and Brindle Bowl Hong Kong Pairs winners Peter and Sandra (right).
Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club January round-up CABRERA Lawn Bowling Club hosted t w o t o u r n a m e n t s i n J a n u a r y, t h e Brindle Bowl and the Mixed Pairs Ladies Choice Competition. The Mixed Pairs - Ladies Choice Competition was played between Januar y 18 and 22. After some ver y competitive rounds and excellent bowling, the final on the Sunday was between Sylvia Byre and Paul Cartwright against Janet and Ian Jackson. To say Sylvia and Paul got off to a flyer would be an understatement as after only eight ends they were 15-2. No matter what Janet and Ian did Sylvia and Paul came in time after time to win the end. The final score after only 16 ends being played was 22-6 to Sylvia and Paul. Many congratulations to Sylvia and Paul who had both bowled excellently throughout the competition and commiserations to Janet and Ian. Earlier in the month, the Bowling Club played host to the Brindle Bowl
Hong Kong Pairs. The Brindle Bowl, although a pairs competition, is played on a slightly different format with each of the two players of the team taking it in turns to lead and skip. The first player bowls two woods, the second player bowls all four woods and then the first player bowls their last two woods. There were some very good rounds and closely contested matches, but the standout pairs throughout the competition were Sandra and Peter Marriott and Rod and Lyn Band who deservedly met in the final. Sandra and Peter got off to an excellent start and after 12 ends were 21-7. Rod and Lyn, however, never gave up and pulled back to 23-17 but unfor tunately for them Sandra and Peter won the last end and the final 24-17. The many spectators who braved the cold weather thoroughly enjoyed the display of bowling.
MARINA golf course was the venue for the 19th Hole Golf Socie t y t o p l a y a Wa l t z competition and the scoring, apart from one team was very poor. The winning team of Willie Ellis, Micke y S m i t h e r, V i n c e Swain and Rocket Ron Cur tis seemed to adapt to the very hard underfoot conditions better than
the rest as they amassed a score of 91 points. In a distant second place were Paco Grajal, Terr y Ayling, Alan Brigden and John Stevenson with 80 points, just one point ahead of Brian L o w d e n , P e t e D o w, Tony Rivers and Steve Tucker. There was only one two recorded by Terr y Ayling on the 2nd
hole. Nearest the pins:2nd John Briddon. 5th Chrisssie Edwards. 1 3 t h i n 2 Te r r y Ayling. 14th Terr y Ayling. 17th Alan Brigden. The 19th Hole Golf Society play every week on local courses. For more information, contact mikeesposito54@ya hoo.com.
Med Bar Golf Society report ON A lovely winter’s morning the Med Bar Golf Society travelled to Alterreal full of hope for a good day out. Weather was overcast but not a hint of rain, although for some members it was still a bit chilly. Looking at the score cards, it was clear that some members took longer to warm up than others. Results for this outing: Gold and overall winner with 32 points was Andrew Drinkall Runner up, Peter List Silver division winner with 30 points - Martin Morgan Runner up - Tony Alcock Best guest on the day - John
McAdams - 33 points N e a r e s t t h e p i n s o n p a r 3 ’s : Dennis Newman, Phil Harris, Bob McDermont and Peter List Nearest pin in 2 on par 4: Eric Owens Nearest the pin in 3 on par 5: no-one. Two’s pot was not won, so will be carried forward. Football card winners: Dennis Newman and Jeff Ellis Anyone wishing to join the society is welcome and can make contact by e-mail at: medbar golf2016@gmail.com or pop into the bar where all details can be left and a member will get in touch with you.
Motoring
2nd - 8th February 2018
OPEL out Brand threatens to pull Spanish production GERMAN car giants OPEL are considering cutting further investment into their Zaragoza plant in Spain. The move comes after the company repor tedly failed to reach a deal with unions on wages and working conditions. If it were to go ahead, it would likely threat-
en production of the O p e l C o r s a ’s p r o d u c tion at the company. According to reports, P S A
Group, who purchased Opel from General Motors last
year, have said that the Zaragoza factor y is less competitive than their two other Spanish plants. It is believed that this is down to higher wages, lower hours and lower flexibility and Corsa production could be moved to another plant if a deal still cannot be reached. The Zaragoza plant, which has been running since 1982, reportedly employs
PRODUCTION: The Opel Corsa has been produced at the Zaragoza plant for decades.
approximately 5,300 people and made a total of 383,250 vehicles last year. But, after months of talks with unions aiming to increase the plant’s competitiveness, a spokesperson said that a deal had not
31 been reached. An Opel Spain official told the media: “There will only be investment if a plant is profitable, but the Opel plant in Spain is at a disadvantage to other PSA factories in Spain.”