ISSUE 623 • 9th - 15th February 2018
EST 2005
A pawsitive start
FIRST OF MANY: The cast of Hotel La Resistance who raised €585 towards the fund. MOJACAR charity PawsPatas has launched an urgent fundraising appeal as they need to raise €10,000 for an essential quarantine unit. The Executive Committee has agreed that Paws-Patas desperately requires the construction, following the deaths of several puppies last year who were left abandoned at the gates of their shelter and were infected with the lifethreatening Parvo virus. Fundraising has already begun for the unit, after Shoestring Productions and the cast of Hotel La Resistance managed to raise €585 from ticket and raffle sales at
their performance at the MontMartre Bar/Restaurant in Mojacar. The money is the first donation towards the quarantine unit and will go towards purchasing the materials to build the safe haven away from the main kennel block. Paws-Patas has a number of future fundraising events planned already, but are desperate for volunteers’ suggestions for further events. The charity’s next event will see FUSION play at Solare in Turre on Saturday at 1.30pm. Chrissie Cremore from PawsPatas will be there to tell those interested more about the charity and
answer any questions. Following that, they will hold a celebration of the Chinese New Year, Year of The Dog, on Friday, February 16 at The Roof Gardens in Parque Commercial in Mojacar. The event begins at 2pm and there will be a special menu for €15, with live music from Andy and Nadine, Lady Ellen and Stuar t Drur y plus a fun quiz and raffle.
Tickets can be purchased from Paws-Patas locales in Mojacar, Turre and Buganvillas or at the restaurant. All proceeds to be donated towards The Quarantine Unit Fund. For further information regarding this project, details about volunteering and supporting this animal charity, or to submit a fundraising idea, please visit their website: www.paws-patas.org.
NEWS BITES
Sexual stealing POLICE in Almeria have opened an investigation after more than 1,000 items were stolen from an erotic shop in Almeria. According to reports, the stolen items were worth in the region of €9,000.
Animal abuse PROSECUTORS have asked for a 20-month sentence against a man accused of animal abuse and allegedly killing four chickens. The man was reportedly caught committing the crimes on the far m owner’s security camera.
Woman dies AN elderly woman has died following an apartment fire in Roquetas de Mar. The 82year-old died after a fire broke out in a block of flats,while her 90-year-old husband was rushed to hospital.
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Still going strong! ALMERIA Airport has celebrated its 50th anniversary this week. The airport was officially inaugurated on February 6, 1968 after an investment of 350 million pesetas and currently generates work for approximately 50 companies and an estimated 400 people. It received its first commercial flight just two days later at 5.30pm by Iberia from Madrid that had 38 passengers on board. Since its inception, the airport has played host to more than 542,000 aircraft and more than 27.2 million passengers. It had its best passenger rate in almost a decade in 2017, with 1,007,446 passengers using the airport. According to Airport Operator Aena, there will be a number of events throughout the year to celebrate the anniversary. In a statement, the operator said: “With the aim of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Almeria Air-
ANNIVERSARY: Almeria Airport officially opened on February, 6, 1968. port, highlighting its historical link with the territory and thanking employees for their commitment to the common project it represents, the airport has designed a programme of commemorative activities, which will be distributed to throughout 2018.”
Popular councillor passes away POPULAR Huercal-Overa councillor, Monica Sanchez, has died following an illness. The 45-year-old councillor for Social Services passed away on last Friday, confirmed by a short message posted on social media by Huercal-Overa Town Hall. In a short statement released on their Facebook page, the Huercal-Overa Town Hall said: “Today is a sad day for all of us who are part of this City Council and for Huercal-Overa after the passing of Mónica Sánchez, councillor of Social Services. “In us and in your town there is always effort in your work, in your day to day, with your elders, associations, your kids from the
AYUNTAMIENTO DE HUERCAL OVERA/FACEBOOK
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REST IN PEACE: Monica Sanchez has passed away aged 45. Occupational Centre, young people and children, the most disadvantaged ... and many more. “We will always remember her with her smile and her perseverance, for having fought with effort and determination. “Our support and love to your family. Rest in peace.”
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News
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The steaks are high ONE of the most exclusive meats in Japan is now available in Almeria. The exclusive Wagyu Kobe meat has been brought in directly from
Japan by small familyrun business Dehesa Gastronomica, based on Calle Haza de Acosta, and can cost up to €300 per kilo. The meat is described as having a ‘unique and special’ flavour which is soft to taste and melts on the palate, and has reportedly already been well received in the area. After deciding to sell the meat, Dehesa Gastronomica have become the sole
distributor of Wgyu Kobe in Almeria, and one of only a few places in Spain to sell it. Despite its high price, experts reportedly say only 100 grams are needed to satisfy the appetite and it is recommended that a professional cook the meat to get the full flavour of the meat. Dehesa Gastronomica are also available online at http://www.dehesagastro nomica.com.
NEWS BITES
Bank buildings MORE than 12 per cent of buildings in Almeria are owned by banks, according to a new study. The figure is one of the highest in the countr y, only behind Toledo’s 12.8 per cent and Murcia with 13.7.
Card theft A 36-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of stealing more than €4,000 from an 82-year-old. The man allegedly stole the woman’s card and made 11 unauthorised withdrawals, accounting for a total of €4,600.
Big crash A DRIVER has miraculously escaped uninjured when he lost control and smashed through a wall in Vera. In what has been described as a ‘spectacular crash,’ the man reportedly careered off the road after hitting a kerb.
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SURFING THE WEB: Cuevas councillors using the new Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi comes to Cuevas CUEVAS DEL ALMANZORA Town Hall has installed a new free municipal Wi-Fi network. It has been added to the town centre and several areas across the district in the hope of providing the main public areas with more technological services The Salón de Actos of the Cuevas Town Hall alongside social areas in the districts of Palomares, Los Lobos, Las Herrerias, Villaricos, El Alhanchete, Los Guiraos, Guazamara, El Largo, Burjulu and Cuevas del Almanzora are just
some of the municipal areas to have access to the free Wi-Fi. The new Wi-Fi network comes as part of the Strategic Plan of Cuevas del Almanzora 2016-2025, which aims to create the town into a ‘Smartpueblo’ by the end of 2025. Councillor for Economic Development, María Isabel Alarcon, said: “One of the main objectives of this project is to provide services, infrastructure and high-level technological solutions to our municipality.”
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Levels low WATER levels in the Cuevas del Almanzora reservoir are now at just 5.63 per cent capacity. The reservoir only has 8.89 billion litres of water held, but is capable of holding up to 157.87 billion.
Mojacar on show THE Fuente de Mojacar Municipal Art Centre has opened its doors to a photography exhibition by Italian photographer Ivan Mazocco. The free entry show is Mazocco’s first in Spain and has 40 examples of his most recent works, which have architectural shapes and colours as the main theme. The snapshots have been taken on his travels around the world, mainly in Italy and Spain, featuring Mojacar and his current home town of Garrucha. A trained professional photographer, Mazocco studied in Italy before further studying in the Canary Islands and has worked in both digital and traditional
Mojacar’s councillor for Culture Raquel Belmonte (left) alongside photographer Ivan Mazocco. techniques since 1988. Mojacar’s Culture Councillor, Raquel Belmonte, was at the opening and said that photography opens up to the art world as the “photographic camera acts as a traditional brush and canvas,” ex-
pressing the artist’s concepts to the viewer. The current exhibition will run until the end of February, and can be accessed on Tuesdays to Fridays, 9am to 1pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 1pm.
Hunting dogs demo A DEMONSTRATION against the ‘massacre’ of hunting dogs took place in Almeria last Sunday, as part of protests across Spain. Demonstrators gathered to demand an end to the use of dogs such as greyhounds in hunting and the alleged breaking of animal welfare law by owners. The protest, which coincided with the end of the hunting season, took place at the Almadrabillas Park. Demonstrators claimed the practice of killing puppies that do not meet hunting standards was ‘genocide.’ Protests took place in more than 30 cities in Spain, which is the only country in the EU that still legally allows greyhounds to be used in hunting.
News NEWS BITES
Family feud THREE people have been arrested after a fight broke out during a family party in Tabernas. According to reports, two people were left with broken noses while one required stitches to their cheekbone.
Water works THE Provincial Council of Almeria is set to invest close to €700,000 on improving the water networks to both Dalias and Lubrin. The works will ensure that residents of both municipalities have direct access to water.
Death scare A DRIVER has been left uninjured after driving their car through the window of an Almerian funeral home. The car was left embedded in the window of the Funeraria Guillermo building in Roquetas de Mar.
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Lost his marble A MAN has been arrested in Almeria after allegedly stealing €21,000 worth of marble pieces. He is believed to have stolen the marble on a number of different occasions and also is accused of stealing scrap metal estimated to be worth a further €3,000. Guardia Civil officers were first informed of a potential theft from a factory in the Almanzora region after the owners of the company filed a complaint. They reportedly claimed they had suspicions about an alleged worker in their factory, who they believed would come to work ‘a little before the workday’ to load his vehicle with the stolen vehicle. It was also reportedly claimed that the process would be repeated on ‘several occasions’ throughout the day. Officers then proceeded to investigate the alleged suspect’s vehicle and reportedly found thick pieces of black marble, valued at an estimated €130, under a rubber mat and the man was subsequently arrested.
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Radio ready MAYOR of Mojacar, Rosmarí Cano, along with the Tourism Councillor, Emmanuel Agüero, recently spoke on Spectrum Radio. They appeared on the show to answer questions from local listeners and popular presenter, Richard Shanley. Both regularly use this means of communication to announce municipality news as well as answer residents’ queries, maintaining a direct personal contact with the people of the town. During this particular appearance, the pair answered questions and concerns about future parking for the Pueblo Indalo, the new phase of the Paseo Marítimo and, the works in
ANSWERS: Mayor Rosmarí Cano and councillor Emmanuel Aguero answered listener’s questions on the British radio channel. the Plaza de la Estrella. Both the mayor and Tourism councillor reported on the work done whilst attending the recent FITUR International Tourism Fair, which focused on ways of enhancing winter tourism. They also spoke about dates for upcoming events in Mojácar including the welcome return of the Tu-
nas musical gathering in April (after a break last year) and a brand new event for the town, a Rockabilly Festival, in May. Mojácar’s Spectrum Radio Station is located in the town’s Parque Comercial on the beach road and has the largest audience in the region among the Englishspeaking population.
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NEWS BITES
NIJAR’S Municipal Information Centre for Women has added two new hiking routes to their programme. Sixty people walked the new Las Negras and Cala de San Pedro routes at the group’s most recent meet.
New Yoga VERA’S Regio Theatre will host a session of ‘Air Yogym’ classes every Wednesday at 7.30pm. Air Yogym combines aerial acrobatics, dance, yoga, Pilates and fitness and more information is available on 607 877 492.
Tango show ARGENTINIAN music and dance company Arches of Buenos Aires are set to perform their show ‘A night in Buenos Aires’ in Arboleas. The performance will take place at the Pedro Gilabert Museum on Friday, February 16 at 8pm, with tickets costing €10 each.
New exhibit A BRAND new art exhibition has opened at the Patio de Luces named ‘Gomez Abad, live the painting.’ The exhibition, which is open until February 27, has 50 paintings by famous artist Jose Gomez Abad’s children and other Almerian artists.
Fighting fears ALBOX author Maria del Carmen Quiles Cabrera has presented her new children’s book Zombies Mummies and spells to outsmart the fear . The book includes 42 poems that debunk childhood fears in humorous fashion.
HARMONYCOMMUNITYSUPPORT/FACEBOOK
Taking a hike
SUPPORT: Harmony provide information and guidance to those in need.
Charity race set for La Alfoquia A RACE night in aid of the Harmony Community Support charity is set to take place at the Bar La Union on Friday February 23. Organisers hope that more than €1,000 will be raised at the event which features a cooked buffet and the chance to sponsor races and name horses for a donation. The races will be followed by a disco, some of the proceeds of which will go to the charity. There will also be oppor tunities to bet on the races with €20 in winnings up for grabs. The charity will receive 10 per cent of takings. Harmony Community Support provide help and information for people coping with illnesses and bereavement and practical assistance to those in need. Tickets are priced at €10 for the evening which starts at 6pm. Those wishing to attend have been encouraged to pay and RSVP as soon as possible.
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PERFORMERS: Dancers at the event in Turre.
ONCE again, Stage Door theatre group have put on a thoroughly enjoyable evening after performing at a private event for the Masons in Bar Solare, Turre. All in all, it was a great evening and a large amount of money was raised for local charities through the generosity of all who came. The group have already got their next performance
planned for February 20, when they are travelling a little further afield to La Atalaya in Huercal-Overa. But the group are expected to return to the Playa in March, where they have another home grown Murder Mystery planned, set on a Mississippi showboat around 1885. One of most well established, best equipped and active groups in the area, Stage Door are always on the lookout for new people who may want to act or help back stage or with publicity. For anyone interested in becoming a member and take part, simply telephone Bill White 671 810 819 or email williamwhite9552 @aol.com
9th -15th Februar y 2018
Weekender HuercalOvera Carnival Page 18
Outdoor space Page 16
The Mercy Page 22
Benefits of yoga Page 20
L200 test drive Page 31
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Weekender
Pause for Pancakes PANCAKE DAY!! How many of us, I wonder, remember having fun as children each year on Pancake Day, tossing pancakes, having pancake races or just enjoying eating them? And have we any idea what Pancake Day is all about? Or even when it is? Well answering that last question first, this year, Pancake Day is on Tuesday, the day before the perhaps better known Valentine’s Day. Always on a Tuesday, and more correctly known as Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day is set as being 47 days before Easter Sunday, which is why the date varies. It is, in fact the last day before Lent, a time in preparation for Easter, when Christians the World over traditionally fast as they remember the 40 days when Jesus fasted and was tested by Satan as he prepared for his ministry. So traditionally, in preparation for that six-week period of fasting, Shrove Tuesday was the last day, prior to Easter when folk
Feature
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could ‘let their hair down’ or enjoy a good feast; so it was a time to clear the cupboards of any eggs, fat or sugar, which simply wouldn’t last out. And what better way to clear these products than to make pancakes and enjoy them while you can? So Pancake Day was born, and is still celebrated in various ways around the World, with perhaps the most famed event being the Parliamentary Pancake Race, with members of both houses and the press competing against each other, tossing their pancakes as they sprint through Victoria Tower Gardens, by the Houses of Parliament. In this part of Spain, as we prepare for the discipline and reflection of Lent, many will enjoy Pancake Day in traditional fashion, with, for any living in the Almanzora Valley area, one option being at Aljambra Chapel, see the Anglican Church website. Or you can always of course celebrate Pancake Day alone, with family or friends and reflect, as you enjoy eating, the background and history of this fun food.
Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida (further details available at www.mojacarchurch.org) and may be contacted at djburr@avired.com
Hieronymus By Jos Biggs I AM no par ticular fan of housework - it is not a pleasure, but it must be done. It is a chore, and gets in the way of things which I would rather do, which is most things. I am in favour of anything which makes housework less onerous. I have a dustpan, which co-ordinates with two brushes - one picks up fluff and ignores dust, while the other one enjoys a good meal of dust, but spits out fluff like a child spits out broccoli. I also have Lawrence, the purple Dyson. Lawrence, in all his multitooled magnificence, is only brought out when I feel able to control his desire to suck up everything within his range, including small birds and rodents, should any be unwise enough to enter the house while Lawrence holds court.
I felt the need of something in between the omnipotent Lawrence and the manual drudger y of the brush and pan, so with that in mind we set out for MediaMart to search for a middle way. Standing in line with an array of plug-in stick shaped vacuum cleaners which claim to be the ultimate joy that a housewife could experience stood the sleek and silver Hieronymus. Hieronymus was purchased, carried home with glee, and used with as near to enthusiasm as I can muster - he does the job and does it well. He is a Bosch by breeding; therefore it seemed appropriate to call him Hieronymus - though he is far less sinister and disturbing than his artist name-sake!
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk
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Advertising Feature
Your chance to get in at the start - Amazing value homes in new ‘Over 50’s Village’ in Murcia AN exclusive and secure complex with 24-hour security, designed with the rest of your life in mind. Set in the vicinity of Ramonete, and close to the historic town of Llorca, the retirement village will have stunning views and tranquil surroundings being between mountain ranges and close to the sea. The village is designed for those who, although independent now, appreciate the different stages of life yet to come, and wish to grow old in the caring environment of a small community. At the hub of the village will be a Community Residence incorporating a number of build-
A well-deserved retirement
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ings including a cafe, restaurant, hairdressers, indoor gym, craft shop, librar y, geriatric nurse and therapy rooms, and 24/7 assistance. There will be a swimming pool (covered in winter and open to the air in summer), vegetable gardens, an observatory to the sea, and activities such as walking, hiking, and golf will be available. In short, this is a fantastic opportunity to plan for the future for a stress free and enjoyable older age. For more details email con tact@homes24seven.property, telephone 0044 750 660 6091 or office 0044 208 214 1106.
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Home & Garden
Enjoy your outdoor space WHETHER you have a pint-sized plot or a couple of acres, it’s important to make the most out of the space so you can enjoy all the health benefits of spending time outdoors. Growing your own fruit and vegetables, dining al fresco and having a standout water feature are just some of the things you can achieve if you organise it well, regardless of the size. Installing structures in your garden are just one way to make your outdoor
HAVEN: Spending time outside has its benefits. space feel like home. Especially if you are blessed to be living in Spain, there’s no better way to make the
most of the glorious weather than by spending as much time outside as possible. Outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity, with the focus on special areas for cooking, eating and entertaining becoming a must have feature. You can now get special ‘Plug and Play’ pergolas which have their own lighting, heating and drainage systems so you may never
need to set foot inside your house again - until it starts raining that is! Eco friendly gardens which are designed to help out the environment and attract wildlife - are predicted to be the next big thing for 2018 and allow you to get your fingers even more green. They are remarkably easy to create; just plant more native plants local to your area, use less pesticides and bring in more locally sourced materials when decorating. Growing your food will also help towards this end, as it will help cut down emissions produced transporting food. You will also have access to your own fresh, organic produce that will save you money off your monthly shopping bill.
Food & Drink
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Waste not, want not MAKING the most of your own food means ideally not wasting anything! As well as making feather dusters from the wing feathers of birds we have plucked, we also have the pleasure of the offal to eat. Going back a few years in time, before refrigeration was available, offal was the first thing to be eaten, as that was the part of the animal which spoiled first. These days however, we are lucky to have fridges and freezers, so we can collect enough chicken livers together and make a decent dish from them. For larger animals for example a pig, much of the meat was either salted or smoked to help preserve it; but let’s start simple and look at the offal. One of our favourite dishes is Chicken Livers in
Sherry and cream! It sounds quite decadent, and although easy to make, is a very rich dish. Serve it with a freshly baked bread, absolutely delicious. If you have never tried
this, but are happy to eat chicken livers, give it a go, they are easily available in the supermarkets. Pick up next week’s Sol Times for the recipe! The Olive Tree Farm
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HUERCAL-OVERA Feature
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CARNIVAL season! FESTIVAL: Huercal-Overa carnival returns today (Friday).
HUERCAL-OVERA’S an-
Guillermo Reyna at the
will see the return of the
tense night awaits us with
nual carnival officially
Plaza de La Paz.
adult parade, with more
live music and a great at-
than 30 groups expected
mosphere to enjoy our
to take part.
Saturday of Carnival. ”
begins later today (Friday).
It will then parade through the streets of
The carnival will con-
Mercado, Ancha, Grana-
S p e a k i n g i n J a n u a r y,
According to Mayor
tinue until February 18
d a , M a y o r, P o s a d a s , a n d
Councillor for Culture,
Domingo Fernandez, the
and begins at 4.30pm this
Av d a G u i l l e r m o R e y n a
Belen
told
prizes for this year ’s best
afternoon with the chil-
before finishing in the
Spanish media: “This
floats will be €550 for
dren’s parade.
municipal tent located
y e a r, t h e p a r a d e r e t u r n s
first place, €400 for sec-
where there will be inflat-
from the Plaza Reina
ond, €300 third, €200
Children from a number of
the
Martinez,
m u n i c i p a l i t y ’s
ables, animations and fan-
Sofía, which was a novel-
fourth, €150 for fifth and
schools will take part in
tasy workshops for chil-
ty of the last edition, from
€100 for sixth place.
the parade, which will de-
dren.
where it will travel part of
The top three will also
Av e n i d a D o c t o r J i m é n e z
be invited to participate in
Díaz, arriving at the Plaza
the Cavalcade of the
de España, Calle Doctor
Kings in 2019.
p a r t f r o m t h e Av e n i d a
To m o r r o w ( S a t u r d a y )
Severo Ochoa, to continue
Other events over the
along Avenida Guillermo
course of the carnival will
R e y n a , M a r k e t , Wi d e ,
include further parades,
Granada, Mayor, Posadas,
masquerade festivals and
Constitution
Square,
performances, before a fi-
Guillermo Reyna Avenue,
nal parade takes place at
ending in the tent of the
5.30pm on Sunday, Febru-
Plaza Mayor where an in-
ary 18.
O
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Health & beauty
All the benefits of yoga YOU only have to look on Instagram or any health blog to see picture-perfect posers practising yoga, radiating happiness from the inside out. While it may sometimes seem a bit contrived, the truth is yoga does work and its many health benefits - including a peaceful mind, weight loss and maintaining a strong and flexible body have long been proven. Yoga is also so much more than just poses. It encourages mindfulness through meditation and allows you to get in sync with your body. Practising yoga for a few minutes each day can also help to combat stress, in both the mind and body. Gentle exercise and meditation are known to relieve stress and calm the brain when it’s working on overtime, so doing something that combines the two is essentially doubly effective. It also helps to boost your immune system, as certain yoga poses massage the organs, as well as strengthening
JUST BREATHE: Yoga has been proven to reduce postworkout pain.
muscles and releasing tension, which in turn helps to release any tension and keep certain illnesses at bay. As it also helps to improve flexibility, this also helps to protect from future injuries when practising other forms of exercise. Keeping your muscles supple, toned and strong helps to prevent any strain, pulls or soreness and will hopefully keep days spent resting to a minimum. Practising certain poses regularly can also improve your body posture when sitting, standing or walking which helps to eliminate any pain caused by having incorrect posture. This certainly comes in handy if you work at an office as spending all day sitting behind a desk can cause numerous problems of this ilk. Attending just one yoga class a week could also make a big difference to your energy levels, helping to recharge your batteries in the middle of a stressful week and keep you focused and alert.
Health & beauty SPAIN’S Health Ministry has launched a new scheme which will see more than 500 Spanish companies reduce the salt, sugar and fat contents in over 3,500 products by 2020. Dubbed the ‘Collaboration Plan,’ a total of 511 firms have voluntarily pledged their commitment to the scheme including manufacturers, retailers and caterers to public hospitals and schools. The plan, which has been launched in collaboration with the Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB), is expected to come into effect over the next two years and covers a wide range of food and drink products. Spanish Minister for Health, Dolors Montserrat, called the move “pioneering” and also thanked the food and drink companies that have signed up to the initiative. Speaking at the official launch, she said: “The promotion of the Spanish people’s health is our priority hence the importance of this plan, which represents a great lean, not only in the improvement of products we consume at home, but also in the menus we eat outside or our children in the school canteen. “This plan will serve to address in a direct and effective way the great challenges that lie ahead in the field of health such as the greater lifespan of people that causes a higher incidence of chronic diseases or obesity.” The pledge is expected to cover a total of 15 separate food groups. Prepared dishes such as surimi, nuggets, lasagna and croquettes will see both salt and saturated fats reduced by 10 per cent each by manufactur-
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Say goodbye to sugars! Hundreds pledge to reduce salt, sugar and fats ers, while manufacturers of dairy products, including flavoured yoghurts, dairy based desserts and milkshakes will reportedly cut sugar levels by 10 per cent. Those who cater to hospitals and school cafeterias will reduce the amount of pre-cooked and fried foods that they use, while also using more fish and seasonal fruit and
BIG PLANS: The scheme will see sugar, salt and fats in more than 3,500 products.
vegetables and using lean meats over other cuts. Single-serving salt sachets will reportedly be cut by a third and sugar sachets will be halved. Condiments such as mayonnaise, salsa and tomato ketchup will see sugar reductions of up to 18 per cent, while their salts will be reduced by up to 16 per cent. Finally, vending machine stockers have pledged to purchase ‘only reformulated products’ to increase ‘balanced foods’ from 30 to 50 per cent and reduce the added sugars in hot drinks machines by 15 per cent. Motserrat continued: “(It) marks a ‘before and after’ in Spain. It is a transformation, not only social but a business transformation, because the companies that join will invest in constant innovation to achieve healthier products.”
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Leisure
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FILM REVIEW
The Mercy
Film & TV Guide OUR PICK OF THIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE CREDIT:TWITTER
FILM OF THE WEEK
PREHISTORIC: Jurassic Park becomes a reality in Jurassic World.
Jurassic World Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Irrfan Khan, Vincent D’Onoforio Sunday, 6.40pm-9pm, ITV2 DECADES after it was first created, located off the coast of Costa Rica, the Jurassic World is now fully operational as a luxury resort. The resort provides a habitat for an array of genetically engineered dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, including the brand new attraction; a vicious and intelligent dinosaur named the Indominous Rex. When the massive creature manages to outwit those in charge of keeping it contained and escapes, it sets off a chain reaction in the park and causes other dinosaurs to run amok. Former Navy seal, Owen, who has been working at the park training raptors, is called in to use his special skills to help save tourists and two young brothers from an all-out, prehistoric nightmare.
MERCY: Colin Firth puts in a stand-out performance.
CREDIT: TWITTER
ONE TO WATCH
CREDIT:TWITTER
He leaves his wife, Clare, and young children behind and embarks on his epic journey with an unfinished boat and business, house and life on the line. Crowhurst’s dangerous and treacherous solo voyage is harder than he could have ever imagined and the struggles he faces across his travels prove to be one of the most enduring mysteries of recent times.
Live Winter Olympics 2018 Opening Ceremony Today (Friday), 10.30am-1.30pm, BBC One COVERAGE: Begins on BBC One today CLARE BALDING presents coverage from (Friday). PyeongChang, South Korea as the 23rd staging of the Winter Olympic Games is officially declared open. Following a live performance by the tournament organisers, athletes from all of the competing countries will parade around the PyeongChang Olympic Stadium. Teams will include those from Ecuador, Eritrea, Kosovo, Malaysia, Singapore and Nigeria, who are all making their Olympic debut, while a small contingent of Russian athletes, who have applied to compete under the International Olympic Committee, will also join the parade.
OUR CHOICE
The World’s Most Luxurious Cruise Ship Saturday, 8pm-8.55pm, Channel 5 THE first of a two-part documentary follows engi- LUXURY: The Seven Seas Explorer. neers and designers as they construct the Seven Seas Explorer liner. Frank Del Rio has his sights set on making the ship the most luxurious of its type, designed to host just 750 passengers when others of its size would hold an estimated 5,000. It is a race against time to produce the €409 million ship for Italian shipbuilders Fincantieri as tickets for the Seven Seas Explorer’s main voyage go on sale long before it is completed. The most expensive suite onboard boasts a grand piano, a butler and its very own spa at a price of just under €9,100 a night. Elsewhere, the owner plans to furnish the ship’s rooms with new art works, spending just under €5.7 million on masterpieces.
CREDIT: TWITTER
COLIN FIRTH puts in his best performance for years as he portrays Donald Crowhurst, an amateur sailor who competed in the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. Crowhurst entered the around-the-world race in the hope of becoming the first person in history to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe without stopping.
Feature
9th - 15th February 2018
by Sandy Shore IT wasn’t supposed to be like this. Surely I should have been blissfully unaware of my surroundings and oblivious to what was going on around me. But, after strolling through reception I wandered at will around tastefully furnished funeral rooms set aside for reflection. Here and there were well-kept facilities useful to those yet to shrug off their mortal coil. A pleasant receptionist enquired if there was any way she might be of assistance. I told her yes but better on the next occasion. Today, I had decided that rather than wait for my last exit I would visit Torrevieja’s modernistic ASV Grupo tanatorio. After all, on occasion of my next visit to the city’s funeral home my spirit would be elsewhere. Within moments of my passing my conscious self would drift to pastures new. Like evaporating steam which changes only in form my spirit will be blown by chance or by fate; its seeds will pollinate a future life form. Celts believe mortal death is rebirth. As Spartacus loftily declared, ‘I am no more fear-
The last exit
DEATH: The last exit. ful of death than I was of birth.’ On the occasion of my visit my legs carried me; on the next occasion the legs of others will bear my remains into one of the two beautiful chapels. One well laid out sanctuary is for those who
prefer a Christian send-off. The smaller is for those whose faith is ambiguous or at least not of the Christian calling. In case I forget to mention it I prefer the former. “Death is nothing at all. It does not
Weekender 23 count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything has remained exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the life that we lived so fondly together is untouched and unchanged. “Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. “Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, and pray for me. Let my name be the household word it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. “Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolutely an unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner, waiting for you.”
Handmaid’s Tale season 2: Everything you need to know Richard Shanley
Dishing the Dirt
OF EUROPA DIGITAL
THE HANDMAID’S TALE’S first season saw Emily (Ofglen) being forced into a black van after she ran over a guard in a car. This left fans assuming she was being taken away to be executed or sent to the Colonies, as her partner was hanged right in front of her. But actress Alexis Bledel will be back for the upcoming second season, and it’s now been confirmed that we WILL learn more about Emily’s life. Executive producer Warren Littlefield spoke to TV Guide and suggested that the character is a critical part of the upcoming season - through both flashbacks and present-day scenes. “We’re able to, using flashbacks, go
PROPHETIC: The Handmaid’s Tale. back into her past as well as bring her to the present,” he explained. “I think it’s highly effective, particularly as we explore the character of Emily. Alexis is quite remarkable.” Flashbacks were used to see Offred’s life
Photo credit: HBO
before the rise of Gilead, and no doubt we’ll be seeing Emily’s life during this time as well. Perhaps we might also learn in season two whether Emily is still part of the resistance. New cast members have been announced for the next season - including
Cherry Jones, who is set to play June, Offred’s mother. And show runner Bruce Miller has also revealed that he’s planning 10 (10!) seasons of the hit series, assuring fans that the show won’t stray too far from the world and tone established by Margaret Atwood. Handmaid’s Tale series two will air later this year on Channel 4. If you would like me to answer any questions you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europa-digital.com. I look forward to your comments and questions. Don’t forget to listen to my radio show every weekday from 10am on Spectrum 96.1 & 106.8FM, now covering over 3,000sq kms of Costa Almeria and Calida or listen online at costaalmeria.spec trumfm.net for the latest news and views from the world of satellite television.
24
Weekender
Puzzles
9th - 15th February 2018
Wordsearch Movies with One Word Titles 2
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:
HULK BEWITCHED HITCH CLUELESS MEMENTO
HOOK GHOST VERTIGO AIRPLANE SUPERBAD
TRAFFIC HEAT MILK MISERY SIGNS
JARHEAD PLATOON FARGO
Quick
Across 1 Overly self-confident (5) 3 Shoulder firearm with a long barrel (5) 7 Unbearable physical pain (7) 9 Another time (5) 10 Dwelling place (5) 11 Frighten greatly (7) 12 Small, fried Indian pastry (6) 14 Utter a sudden loud cry (6) 18 Share (7) 20 Book of maps (5) 22 Limit in quality or quantity (5) 23 Expect to be true (7) 24 Expect to be true (5) 25 At or in the front (5)
Down 1 Short, curved sword formerly used by sailors (7) 2 Goods carried by a large vehicle (5) 3 Turn like a wheel (6) 4 Natural talent (5) 5 Look at closely (7) 6 Irritate (5) 8 Bet with equal chance to win and lose (5) 13 Time period between dawn and noon (7) 15 Hold firmly and tightly (5) 16 Deceive (7) 17 Playing in opposition to (6) 18 Aggressive (5) 19 Spacious (5) 21 Not tight (5)
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
• Average: 11
• Very good: 23
• Good: 16
• Excellent: 29
ends gate gait avow avocet acne acetic coat coatee coati cain cayenne catena catenas cane caned canes cans cense censed eaten enatic enate dens dean deans fiat city cite cute cutey
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 Speaks publicly about spots, on the radio (7) 5 Gets ready to fire roosters (5) 8 Throw away the bandage (5) 9 Critical of a profit on the street (7) 10 Drunk put into rare state of extreme delight (7) 12 Retreats without authorisation by head of state (5) 13 Lone wolf from central Denmark is healthy (6) 15 Require no retreat for libertine (6) 18 The first to loan out a nail (5) 19 Listens by mistake and volunteers (7) 21 Short article at home, then call at the theatre (7) 22 Scarf belongs to leading characters (5) 23 Keats minced meat (5) 24 Relative has fancy gem to put on (7)
Down 1 Funny sort with funny stage (7) 2 Note Republican is quietly getting pub snack (5) 3 Get a gift containing a game (3) 4 Communist supports spring being saved (6) 5 Protective covering for tea in post (5,4) 6 Associate with a regal spouse (7) 7 Is set to change places (5) 11 Fashioned a junk coin into a national emblem (5,4) 14 Overindulge returning records on impulse (7) 16 Sodium perfume is promising (7) 17 Endlessly hearing about painful affliction (6) 18 Signs of approval for arachnids (5) 20 Damage copse area (5) 22 Sadly a genius starts to slump (3)
Puzzles
9th - 15th February 2018
IRREGULAR SUDOKU
SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME 1. According to a 1941 Orson Welles mystery drama film, which newspaper magnate's dying word was ‘Rosebud’? 2. Paper Roses, in 1973, was the only solo UK hit single for which US singer? 3. The Mary Rose was a carrack-type warship of the navy of which Tudor monarch? 4. The most prominent line-up of which English rock band, formed in Manchester in 1983, consisted of Ian Brown, John Squire, Mani and Reni? 5. The Rose Bowl is the home ground of which English county cricket club? 6. The sentence ‘Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose’ was written as part of the 1913 poem Sacred Emily, by which famous American novelist,
poet, playwright and art collector? 7. What was the name of the boat in which Sir Alec Rose circumnavigated the globe single-handedly in 1967-68? 8. Which actress played the part of Rose Tyler, the companion of the 9th and 10th Doctors (Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant) in Doctor Who? 9. Who wrote, directed and starred in the 1984 American black-andwhite comedy film Broadway Danny Rose? 10. With which sport would you principally associate Justin Rose, who was born in Johannesburg to English parents on July 30, 1980? Not a lot of people know that… the tallest rose bush on record is over 23 feet (seven metres) tall
Kakuro
Answers 1. Charles Foster KANE (CITIZEN KANE), 2. Marie OSMOND, 3. HENRY VIII, 4. STONE ROSES, 5. HAMPSHIRE, 6. Gertrude STEIN, 7. LIVELY LADY, 8. Billie PIPER, 9. Woody ALLEN, 10. GOLF
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
9th - 15th February 2018
YOUR WEEKLY HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Emotional and monetary wealth go hand in hand at the beginning of this energetic week. Someone is likely to make demands that you find unacceptable and you will need all your tact to avoid unpleasantness, but any resistance by you will, in the longer term, only gain you respect.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) You may feel a bit like Sherlock Holmes when you solve a tricky dilemma. With your intellect soaring, it is little surprise that others come to you with their problems. A natural agony aunt because of your interest in others, this suits you well enough.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Someone with a romantic interest in you starts buzzing around. This is all very well if you are willing, but if not keep your distance. As thoughts turn to summer, it is not surprising that a holiday is on your mind. There is, however, a question mark over with whom you want to go.
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Small matters start to clog up the emotional works. You would rather be somewhere else, but grit your teeth and deal with necessary matters. Finances certainly must be watched most carefully. Get your glad rags on at the weekend and really let your hair down. Of course, there are more serious matters to be considered but not all the time.
LEO (July 24 - August 23) Mutual plans are exciting but make sure that others know your needs exactly. As a Leo, you will never willingly accept second best but how can others know your standards? Your needs and desires are close to your heart but are sometimes held so close that others cannot see and respond to them.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Putting your thoughts and feelings on a par with someone else will help you to understand their point of view. As painful as it seems, there will need to be some compromise if everyone is to be happy.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Sometimes, you retreat into your shell and your normally gregarious personality takes a back seat. Although you may not have received the expected response to a question recently, it is no reason to brood. Show yourself in your true colours this week.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) The way to bring energy levels up this week is to spend time with energetic people. You may feel a little on the fringes initially but, at the end of the day, your spirit will be lifted. Fresh air and group activities bring the most satisfaction, although a one-toone task proves particularly fruitful.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Look ahead to see how exactly you can make this spring extra special. Making your plans clear to others means a smooth journey as opposed to unnecessary delays. A particular place brings back memories of a love long past. However, this love is not truly lost because it will always be a part of who you are.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) There is an incredibly romantic week ahead if you only enter into the spirit of it. Let your feelings be seen and felt, showing appreciation for loved ones. You do not need the excuse of a birthday or anniversary to give a gift, just a heart full of love. Contentment surfaces several times this week and is down to your own past efforts.
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Being at the forefront of a learning experience is pleasurable this week. An unexpected offer seems small but could have a big effect. A friend in need may go over the top and annoy you. It may be necessary to distance yourself and give help through others.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Even as you prepare to go on a trip or start something new this week, the future beckons. In small things there are clues to the way forward. A chance encounter brings humour and opens your eyes to a friendship lately neglected.
BOOK REVIEW
The Melody By Jim Crace RENOWNED in his town for his musical prowess, Alfred Busi, a widower mourning the recent death of his wife, is quietly living out his life in the large villa he calls home. One night he disturbs a creature as it raids his larder and it attacks him, but he is convinced that the strange being was not an animal, but human; a child, ‘innocent and wild.’ His testimony adds fuel to a fire which causes an old myth in the town to catch alight again, of an ancient race of people who live in the ‘bosk’ surrounding the town and soon there are
calls to wipe out the feral squanderers once and for all. In just a few days the town Busi loves becomes irrevocably altered while battle lines are traced out between the musician and Joseph, his repugnant relative, who plans to purge the town of any wildlife in order to build a new apartment block. Busi is told to shoot at anything lurking in the darkness of his backyard; his experience with the creature is reported as an ‘ape attack’ in the papers. However, he still feels a strange kinship with his attacker, with its strong smell of ‘earth
and mould and starch,’ and boyhood memories of his own savagery come back to him. He dreams of seeing animals take back the streets; ‘great scar ves of starlings, rooks and sparrows’ lead the charge followed by deer and native cats. It is never clear to what extent Busi’s experience is real, and how much has been conjured up in the dream world bleeding from his own sheltered existence. A ghost story traversing the mythical boundaries that separates the worlds of man and beast, The Melody has glimmers of a classic ghost story inter mingled with a dichotomy of what it truly means to be human.
BOOKTIME/TWITTER
THE MELODY: A ghost story traversing mythical boundaries.
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BUILDERS ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders. com (253556)
CARS WANTED CARS WANTED For Cash. Classic Cars & Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Defenders & Discoveries. Please call: 659 685 133 (253556)
CHARITIES & CURCHES 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 further notice. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the
Classifieds
9th - 15th February 2018
service. The Divine Service, with Mediumship, on Sunday 11th February will be taken by Jackie Kershaw (UK Medium). The Evening of Mediumship on Tuesday 13th February, will also be taken by Jackie Kershaw. The Divine Service on Sunday, 18th February will be taken by Corina Talbot. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www.spiritualistcentrebenijofar.com New email is phoenixchurch23@ gmail.com or info@spiritualistcentre -benijofar.com Identificacion Fiscal G54713789.
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
DRAINS
See Your Advert Here!!
Next Week
MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)
INTERNET GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop. Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 951 386 161 or email mark.w@euroweeklyne ws.com for more details.
LOCKSMITH PHILL THE PICK, LOCKSMITH-24hr. Locked Out? Locks fitted/upgraded, house safes. Arboleas and surrounding. Special Weekend Rate. Tel 697 243 181 (257799)
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. com 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 POWER SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@sunergyalmeria. com (257746)
Services
9th - 15th February 2018
BUILDERS
CONSTRUCTION
REMOVALS & STORAGE
LOGS FOR SALE
REMOVALS/STORAGE
SERVICES
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30
Sport
9th - 15th February 2018
Almeria Bowling Club host Dyer Cup and Appleby Vase ALL SMILES: Players from Malaga, Almerencia and Spanish squads.
Indalo hosts bowling extravaganza
VICTORIOUS: Ladies winner, Maureen O’Hara (left) and Men’s winner Bryan Thompson (right). THE Dyer Cup and the Appleby Vase Men’s Singles commenced on Thursday February 1 with preliminary rounds, followed by both men and ladies singles on the Friday reaching the Semis and Final on Sunday February 4. The Club Singles Champion in the Ladies F i n a l , A p p l e b y Va s e was Maureen O’Hara over Sylvia Pritchard, while Br yan Thompson defeated defending champion Ken Richards o n i n t h e C l u b M e n ’s Single Championship, Dyer Cup. Maureen beat Cath Patrick, Sylvia won over Viv Sykes. Br yan beat John Fitzgerald and Ken Richardson won over Reg Birmingham in the ver y good semi-finals.
Appleby Vase Final Both finalists played well in the early rounds to reach this stage and on paper a great final was expected. Supporters were not disappointed. Maureen put the early pressure on, but Sylvia was in no mood to let this continue. Scores level on 15th, 20th and 23rd end respectively at 12-12,16-16 and 19-19. Although the quality of play throughout from both players was excellent, the next two ends were Maureen’s as she took the championship. Dyer Cup Final - This was going to be a tough game for both players. Br yan went well for eight ends leading comfortably 10-3.
Ken then battled well to level the scores on the 14th end, 12-12. Unfortunately for Ken, Br yan wasn’t going to allow himself to relax, playing excellent bowls to win, taking a welldeser ved championship. All in all, the four days went well, with an excellent standard of play by all. Reg Birmingham, the club Captain, thanked ever yone who had played and suppor ted t h e p a s t d a y s , To n y Lear for running the competition, the markers who without the competition couldn’t take place, John Fitzgerald who did a grand job caring for the carpet despite bad weather conditions and finally Colin Wright for umpiring the final.
INDALO BOWLING CLUB recently hosted a four-day extravaganza competition between three different squads. The tournament was contested by a Malaga squad, made up of the best players from the Malaga area, the recently formed ‘Team Almerencia,’ made up of the best players from the Almeria area, and the Spanish squad. The weather was chilly and very windy, but even so, the bowling was of the highest quality and it made for an extremely exciting few days. The first day was full with exhilarating action, with Team Almerencia edging ahead six matches to five against Malaga, with one drawn. There were also some teams made up of Indalo players, who did a good job of challenging Malaga by winning some ver y close fought matches. The second day was also a very close tussle with Malaga winning six games to four with two drawn matches. Overall Malaga came out on top in the contest 11 matches to 10 with three draws. On the third day, Spain played Malaga and, with a real wind blowing, the Malaga squad just edged ahead by winning nine matches to seven. On the final day the weather faired a little, but was still windy and cold. The results from the morning’s play were Spain five, Malaga three. This made the scores all square going into the afternoon’s play at 12 - 12. Spain had to dig deep but managed to find that little bit extra to win the afternoon five - three which made the final score Spain 17, Malaga 15.
Texas scramble return for 19th Hole Golf Society THE 19th recently played a pairs Te x a s S c r a m b l e a t t h e g o r g e o u s Aguilon golf course. It was a format that had not been played for a ver y long time and some of the more fancied teams seemed to struggle with it. However there are always exceptions, and the team of Terry Ayling and Jerr y Edwards came to the fore with an impressive nett 66.5, just pipping Nigel Greenwood and John Stevenson on nett 66.7. In a ver y creditable third spot with nett 67.7 were Karyn Esposito and Peter Death. There were four
two’s recorded on the day:- Paco Grajal and Jerry Edwards 3rd, Brian Lowden 12th and Nick Pogson 17th. Nearest the pins: 3rd Bob Tagg. 8th Peter Death. 11th in 2 Tommy Seed. 12th Vaughan Williams. 14th Jerry Edwards. 17th Nick Pogson. The 19th Hole Golf Society play ever y week on local courses. Contact mi keesposito54@yahoo.com for more information.
Motoring
9th - 15th February 2018
31
Test driving the Mitsubishi L200 By Tim Saunders THERE is one vehicle that allows its driver to feel infallible. The fifth generation Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian compact pick-up truck. A series of frustrating challenges occur during my time with this off-roader. It is delivered during our move from a Victorian mid-terrace on a busy main road to a detached residence in a quiet close… the stuff of dreams. Back in reality it’s completion day and the fridge needs shifting, so do the mattresses. The big Barbarian is parked outside our front door at some ungodly hour to allow my wife Caroline and I to hoist the fridge into the back. It quickly becomes apparent that the Mitsubishi is not as user-friendly as the Nissan Navara, which I had been driving previously. The latter had various gizmos that could be adjusted depending on the load carried for straps or ropes to be tied through, making it a real joy to work with. Not so on the L200. We get there though and successfully move the fridge. One of our new neighbours helps me unload it. On my return to the old house the weather becomes a bit questionable but this doesn’t matter because while a truck is usually open at the back, this particular L200 has a nifty heavy duty plastic retracting and lockable Tourneau cover, providing complete protection from the elements. A definite one up on the Nissan Navara I tested that did not have such a fitting. However, it’s not the easiest of systems to operate, sometimes jamming with the actual fitting, moving and requiring pushing back into
Facts at a glance • Price: From £18,299 + VAT • Top speed: 109mph • 0-60mph: 14.6secs • Power: 134bhp • Economy: 27mpg Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz
The Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian ready for work. place. The mattresses fit and eventually we are able to get the cover to stay in place and lock. Later in the test it seems much easier to operate so perhaps this early experience is user error, which is possible… On moving in we discover the recycle bin has not been collected. I toy with complaining to the council but think better of it instead deciding to shove the recycle bin in the back of the Barbarian and take it to the tip myself. You can’t do that in a Ford Fiesta. And then there are the mini roundabouts that deserve to be driven over for being so irritating and the rows of
cars that insist on parking down busy main roads. The Barbarian easily deals with these issues. “It’s a big truck for a big ego,” says a friend. Perhaps such motorists are drawn to the L200 but for me it’s a practical choice in a tough world. It can be relied upon to actually help in difficult circumstances. I recall how one of my early employers, not long after I graduated nearly 20 years ago now, owned an L200, which he swore by, not at, for towing his powerboat. As far as I can see the Mitsubishi has changed very little apart from its looks, becoming even more
PHOTO CREDIT: TIM SAUNDERS
attractive. It has forged a reputation as one of the 4x4s that all others aspire to become. Not long after uploading my video review to my video channel (which you can find at www.tes tdrives.biz) I was contacted by an American viewer, desperate to get hold of this particular model. Mitsubishi
informed me that it is not available for sale in the USA but could be exported there. As with all vehicles of this type the raised ride height provides a great command of the road ahead; it is noticeably taller than many other SUVs and 4x4s. The suspension is hard which really highlights the increasingly poor state of Britain’s roads. A long journey would certainly shake them bones. In fact it makes driving on the road feel similar to off-
roading in some places. With its black leather interior the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable. Unlike Nissan’s Navara the Mitsubishi’s six-speed manual gearbox is decisive. Its cruise control is easy to operate. There’s a helpful reversing camera making parking this brute easy peasy. Fuel economy stands at well under 30mpg during typical driving. The double cab allows for five occupants to be transported. In addition Mitsubishi has added some bling to this particular model. Aside from the good amount of chrome that can be found on the grille and steps, open the rear doors and a nightclub neon blue light greets passengers; popular with daughters Harriett (five) and Heidi (three).