ISSUE 630 • 30th March - 5th April 2018
EST 2005
History repeating By Benjamin Park AN elderly British couple’s home is under threat of being torn down by the Junta de Andalucia after housing law changes ruled it illegal. Having purchased their house in 2001, Noel and Christine Payne were first visited by police on Christmas Day in 2009, some eight years later, who told them that their house was ‘illegal’ and that the legal process was underway for the house to be demolished. “We bought the house in 2001. Before that we went to the town hall to ask about a construction permit and they told us there would be no problems,” the couple told local news outlets. The Payne’s claim that they had a licence of first occupation signed in 2003 by then mayor of Albox Fran-
cisco Granero, which stated that their Los Guillenes property was in line with regional planning laws. Christine Payne said: “We looked into everything; we checked the licences and permissions. We were wrong to do so. It makes no sense.” Expat advocacy group Abusos Urbanisticos Almanzora No (AUAN) has said that a change to regional planning regulations on rural land made the document signed in 2003 invalid. Albox Town Hall has reportedly informed the Junta that the house could be granted legal status; but the Andalucian authority allegedly maintains that they are not ‘buyers in good faith’ and have asked local authorities to act on their demolition request.
Amid the news, President of AUAN Maura Hillen, has said the constant stress on the couple has had a ‘distressing’ effect. She said: “They are distressed, waking up in the early hours of the morning thinking about their lamentable situation, thinking about what they have done to deserve this, why they are being treated like this. “It is clearly inhuman to treat these people like this, when there are 300,000 illegal houses in Andalucia, which are obviously impossible to demolish, the vast
majority of which do not have any licence whatsoever.” Mrs Hillen later told the Euro Weekly News : “We have been dealing with the Junta for years and have been working to try and get the law changed. “Mr and Mrs Payne did everything in their power to make sure their house was legal. “But by the time planning permission was granted changes to the law were already going through.” The news comes just a month after fellow British cou-
CREDIT AUANV
Expats’ home facing destruction
The Paynes’ house is under threat of being demolished.
ple Len and Helen Prior finally received compensation after their Almeria home was demolished in similar circumstances in 2008. After a 10-year battle, the
Priors finally received a €236,000 settlement from Vera Council earlier this year, having lived in a garage for four-and-a-half years following the demolition.
News
30th March - 5 April 2018
CREDIT: GUARDIA CIVIL
2 NEWS BITES
Season starts ALMERIA Airpor t’s summer season is officially underway, offering flights to 38 different cities this year. Airlines have repor tedly scheduled around 6,900 operations, with the season running from last Sunday to the end of October.
Cruises begin THE arrival of the Fred Olsen company’s Braemar ship on Almeria’s coast has heralded the arrival of this year’s cruise season, with 38 stopovers planned in the province this year according to its Port Authority.
Solar works THE Diputacion de Almeria has approved the building of a 400-square-metre solar field in Sorbas which is set to supply the area with power and water, at a cost of €144,000.
RETRIEVED: Some of the alleged stolen items.
‘Car thief’ caught POLICE have arrested two people on suspicion of separate robberies in the space of 15 days. In the first incident, the Guardia Civil in Roquetas de Mar received multiple calls from citizens claiming that someone was stealing from cars in a private car park in the town. According to reports, officers arrived at the scene and found an individual inside a vehicle that didn’t belong to them with a smashed window. Officers reportedly found a number of items including GPS systems, sunglasses and bank cards in his pockets. After checking the surrounding ar-
eas, police reportedly found six other vehicles with broken glass and proceeded to arrest the 39-year-old on suspicion of robbery, while some of the recovered items have now been returned to their rightful owners. In a separate incident, a 22-yearold was arrested on suspicion of theft in Albox. Guardia Civil officers received a complaint that a mobile phone had been stolen and after a short investigation, they were able to locate the mobile phone and the 22-year-old, from Olula del Rio, was subsequently arrested.
‘Crime gang’ taken down EIGHT people have been arrested on suspicion of up to 40 different crimes including theft, fraud and damaging property. Guardia Civil officers reportedly first began an investigation in February last year after receiving several complaints of robberies across Almeria Province, including Roquetas de Mar, Adra and Vicar. Those responsible for the robberies would allegedly mainly take moped and motorcycles along with other objects that could quickly be re-sold on. Investigators quickly believed that the robberies were done by the same group of people, consisting of eight people of multiple nationalities. And following months of investigating, eight people who are believed to be part of the criminal organisation have been arrested, including three children. Following the arrests, officers have been able to recover eight mopeds, 16 helmets, four bicycles, four computers, four televisions, numerous video game consoles, a set of lock picks, various electronic equipment, at least 24 mobile phones, 28 watches, a camera and a set of speakers. Also €560 in cash, 128 grams of hashish and more than a kilo of unknown substances have been seized.
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News
30th March - 5 April 2018
XX
Medical marvel AN Almerian urologist has performed a staggering 70 operations in just five days at a hospital in Honduras. Miguel Peran, from Albox, performed the operations from March 5 to 10 as par t of an international humanitarian aid action.
HOLY WEEK: Events continue later today (Thursday).
Celebrations on the move in Mojacar THE religious events that traditionally take place in Mojacar over Semana Santa (Holy Week) are officially underway. Events began last week with the traditional Novena Prayers at the town’s Santa Maria Parish Church. On Palm Sunday, the Procession of the Donkey made its way from the Fuente to the Church, accompanied by the Municipal Band, for the blessing of the Palms and Olives, as well as a Holy Mass. On Monday, a concert of Sacred Music was per-
formed by the Town Band along with the local ‘Embrujo Mojaquero’ choir at the Centro de Usos Multiples, while the ‘Stations of the Cross’ was taken through the streets of Mojácar Pueblo on Tuesday, carried solely on the shoulders of women bearers. Later today (Holy Thursday) at 7.30pm, another mass to celebrate the Last Supper and the Washing of the Feet will be held, followed by the procession from the Church through the streets at 10.30pm with The Nazarene and The Vir-
gin of Sorrows. The beautiful ornate floats or thrones (tronos) with their sculpted images (pasos) have been adapted to fit through the narrow, winding streets of the locality which make its passage especially spectacular. The Holy Burial procession will take place on Good Friday at 12.30pm from the Parish Church, once again accompanied by the Municipal Band. Mojácar Holy Week’s religious events come to an end on Easter Sunday at noon after Mass.
News
30th March - 5 April 2018
ALMERIAN singing sensation David Bisbal has returned to Almeria on holiday with his fiancée, Venezuelan model Rosanna Zanetti. The couple, who announced their engagement in January, are thought to be back in the region for Holy Week celebrations after the singer posted a video of the pair on what seemed to be a jet ski on his official Instagram account. Along with the video, the pop star wrote: ‘Happy Easter to all. How about the colour of the water in my land of Almeria?’ The former La Voz judge’s homecoming visit comes just a month after he
CREDIT: INSTAGRAM
David Bisbal spotted holidaying in Almeria
FUN IN THE SUN: Bisbal posted a video of himself and fiancée Rosanna Zanetti in Almeria announced that the start of his 2018 tour will begin in Almeria later this year. The 38-year-old, who rose to fame after finishing as runner up on reality television show Operacion Triunfo will officially play in Roquetas de Mar on June
9 before further shows in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Cadiz and Marbella. Since 2002, Bisbal has released six studio albums, selling more than six million albums worldwide and has also won numerous awards.
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News
30th March - 5 April 2018
NEWS BITES
COLIN RICHARDSON (RIGHT).
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Route returns GARRUCHA’S Town Hall has announced the return of the popular Ruta de La Tapa. The popular event will be held between April 13 and 22 with the top prize of a trip to New York for two people.
Medal winners ATHLETES from Almeria have won three medals at the Masters Indoor European Championships in Madrid. Twelve athletes from the region attended the games, winning two golds in the 220 metres and 4 x 200 and a bronze in the 60 metres.
Book Day HUNDREDS of Children are expected to take part in events across Almeria to celebrate International Children’s Book Day on Monday. Activities and workshops are planned in municipal libraries across the province to celebrate the event.
Chess comp MORE than 300 schoolchildren from all across Almeria have participated in a chess tournament in Benahadux. It was part of a new circuit scheme, with the next event set for E l E j i d o ’s M u n i c i p a l Sports Pavilion on April 7. Paseo del Mediterraneo 30, Mojacar Playa, Almeria
T: 950 473 104
E: info@mojacarhomeimprovements.com www.mojacarhomeimprovements.com
Big budget ALMERIA’S City Council has announced that they will invest more than €1.3 million on renovating five of the city’s parks while they will also build three new ‘bio-healthy’ parks which will see 203 new plants planted.
SUPPORT: The Garners of Sun, Sea and Selling Houses cut the ribbon and (inset) with President, Cathy Stott (centre left), and Head of Welfare, Colin Richardson (right).
Sun, Sea and Supporting the Community THE new Age Support Almanzora shop has been officially opened in Albox with a lavish reception held for volunteers and supporters. Spanish Property Choice’s Sharon and Stephen Garner - of Channel 4 hit show Sun, Sea and Selling Houses - sponsored the well-attended event and were on hand to cut the official ribbon on the day. Several high profile people were in attendance at the official opening, including town hall representative Jo Tissington and Smooth FM’s Richard Tolman. The new shop, based in the Camino los Segovias opposite the Peugeot garage, will now host the Welfare Team with mobility aids for hire, meaning shoppers can see exactly how their donations help the charity. It will open with spring fashion items on sale, while there will also be plenty of bedding, household goods, books, and a men’s department. Roz, Shop Manageress, said: “There is
something in the shop for everyone with a large changing room and sale rail. “I hope that old friends from Arboleas will continue to support the charity, as well as all the new customers that Albox will provide.” The shop is in a handy spot, near other English shops and the Mercadona, and, as Roz says, “It is beautifully light and airy with plenty of space in which to display goods.” The larger shop now needs more volunteers, either as shop assistants or as members of the welfare team. For those that can spare a few hours each week, have a chat with the staff when visiting the shop. Working there is a good way to meet people, support a charity and learn some Spanish as well. Donations are always needed to help vulnerable, lonely people in the area, something they have been doing since 2013 and has developed a reputation for reliability, support and practical help.
National
30th March - 5 April 2018
Spaniards spreading their wings
NEWS BITES
A costly prank A MAN who was filmed kicking the legs away of a random passerby for ‘a prank’ has been ordered to pay her €60,000 in compensation. The woman was left injured and unable to work for several months following the incident.
Water capped AIRPORTS in Spain have set a cap for the price charged for bottled water. The cap is now set at a maximum of €1.60 per bottle while drinking fountains will also be installed in airports across Spain.
Bomb found A STREET has been cordoned of f and evacuated in the Mendebaldea district of Pamplona, after a mortar shell was found in a street. It is believed that it may have been owned by a collector who no longer wanted it.
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COLLAPSE: Buen Retiro Park in Madrid, where four-year-old was killed (File image).
Child dies in weekend storms A CHILD has been killed in Madrid after Storm Hugo affected many parts of the country last weekend. The four-year-old boy was killed on Saturday afternoon after a tree fell on to him as a result of the strong winds as he walked through the Retiro Park in central Madrid. The incident happened only 30 minutes after the city authorities announced that the area was about to be evacuated due to the severe weather conditions. Not long afterwards, a woman suffered a broken leg and was also hit on the head when a branch broke off a tree in Madrid’s Latina neighbourhood. Across Spain, 72 B-roads were closed in ad-
dition to another 29 where drivers were urged to use their snow chains. In fact, the whole country was subject to weather alerts for snow, rain, strong gusts of wind and the risks of tidal surges. The NA-2011 road in Navarra was closed along a 13-kilometre stretch near Larau, and Galicia experienced two tornados ripping through the region hitting the towns of Cee and Cambados. Storm Hugo certainly affected the travel plans of many that traditionally make their getaway to begin their Holy Week and Easter weekend holidays. Millions of people across the country make their way out of their cities and head for the popular coastal locations.
FOLLOWING nine years of steady growth, the number of Spanish nationals living abroad has reached new heights. Despite suggestions in some areas of the British media that EU citizens are staying away from the UK because of their Brexit fears, the biggest rise saw 12,141 new Spaniards registering there. According to the latest data released by the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE), a total of 76,197 people holding Spanish nationality registered as residents in foreign countries in the 12-month period between January 2017 and 2018. The number has been steadily growing every year since 2009, with the figures showing 2.5 million Spaniards - an increase of 70 per cent - now living in every continent of the world. In more data supplied by the Register of Spaniards Residing Abroad (PERE), most of the new registrations were seen across other countries in Europe (40,022), followed by the Americas (30,470).
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National
30th March - 5 April 2018
A wild goose chase A PUBLIC park in Badajoz has been over-run by geese. The park has been over whelmed with the number of geese that appear to be multiplying like rabbits and taking over the area. Experts believe, however, that they could be posing a health risk. Back in 2015 and without any explanation, around 40 geese showed up in a newly built park alongside the Guadiana River in Badajoz in the west of the country. In 2016, their population expanded but in 2017 numbers expanded massively. The original 40 has now reportedly increased to 500, and with the breeding season ap-
BREEDING: More than 1,000 geese expected in the Badajoz Park this summer.
proaching, many more are likely to arrive shortly. Mayor of Badajoz, Francisco Javier Fragoso, said: “We built this park for the people... not the geese! There could be around 1,000 of them by summer and they would pose a health risk to our
150,000 residents.� There are two solutions being discussed at the moment. One is to cull a significant number of the geese, whereas another is to take up the offer of a private company that wants to turn them into pate.
Feature A NEW scheme called www.million-aircov er.com, is underwritten at world-renowned Lloyd’s of London insurance market. The scheme is aimed at airline travellers who may apply online via their smart phone, tablet or PC from the comfort of their own home, office or even whilst waiting for their flight. www.million-aircover.com is an uncomplicated policy offering airline passengers no hassle pay-outs of £1,000,000 in the event of fatal injury on board the aircraft, at a cost of £4.99 per person, per flight. This unique coverage which also includes acts of terrorism has been arranged at Lloyd’s by Chesterfield Insurance brokers. In the event of a claim, and when settlement has been agreed, the £1,000,000 will be paid to the estate of the policyholder. The policyholder can name his or her preferred beneficiary during the simple application stage. We insure our home, belongings and mobile phones because of the what-if factor. However, many of us don’t consider what-if something happens to me, and whilst statistics show air travel is a safe mode of any transport, we haven’t considered what if something happens, and insuring ourselves. The creators of www.millionaircover.com believe their product fills a gap
30th March - 5 April 2018
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Advertising Feature
New insurance scheme offers substantial benefit for air travellers
in the market in that it provides worthwhile financial stability to dependents and loved ones at a very affordable price. Customers may obtain this new policy via an online application through the www.mil lion-aircover.com website that has been made as simple and transparent as possible and more information can be checked at www.facebook.com/millionaircover.
Tony Sheehan and flights in advance. Philip Armstrong Although air travel is generally considered Directors of to be very safe, there have actually been Flycare three deadly accidents so far this year in Technology Ltd. Iran, Nepal and Russia with a total of 187 fatalities which just goes to indicate there is still a risk and the small cost of insurance could mean immediate financial support for your family in a worst scenario event. The creators of www.million-aircov er.com are confident this new product underwritten by first class insurers will give travellers peace of mind. Currently, any European Union resident As a reader of Sol Times, you can enter over the age of 18 can apply for cover be- our free to enter prize draw with a prize of fore they travel on scheduled flights, includ- €200, by emailing your name, and entering ing most package holiday flights, using their S18 in the subject line to freedraw@milliondebit or credit card. aircover.com. Customers can apply for cover up to the The free prize draw closes at midnight on time of boarding their aircraft and may ap- March 31, 2018. No purchase is required ply to cover any additional pre-booked to enter, you must be over 18 years old.
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National
30th March - 5 April 2018
Ed. 630
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A COUNCILLOR from Valencia is attempting to get Local Police to enforce a ‘silent time’ during the busy annual fiestas when the throwing of fireworks is banned. This is as a result of the number of calls complaining about the noise from bangers being continually thrown around increasing from 317 to 492 in one year. Local Police do have the authorisation to take action against anyone who ‘misuses’ fireworks and bangers, but local people as well as Councillor Anais Menguzzato - believe the laws need to be more clear-
QUIET PLEASE: Councillor leads campaign for ‘silent time’ during March fiestas (File image). ly defined for the future. At the very least, the councillor is asking for any
form of pyrotechnics to be banned between the times the street parties finish until they kick-off again in the early morning with the traditional ‘awakening’ air bombs. However, this would most likely only mean a respite of between four to six hours. Many street parties in the private marquees often carry on until 4am... and then the following day’s activities
often start at 7am or 8am. Menguzzato said that the problem isn’t just the occasional firecracker being thrown down... in some parts of the city it’s a 24hour, round-the-clock cacophony of noise. It’s hoped the proposed ‘silent time’ may prove popular across the Valencia Province, where almost every town and village celebrates the annual Fallas.
PHOTO CREDIT: PIXABAY
Councillor calls for quieter fiestas
30 March - 5 April 2018
Weekender A spring makeover Flamenco eggs Page 18
Purrfect friends Page 23
Page 14
Lack of exercise Page 20
Almeria bowls Page 30
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Weekender
Feature
30th March - 5 April 2018
Glad Rags
That’ll learn it By Jos Biggs I HAVE a suspicion that the telly will only accept commands from a man. As soon as I got my hands on the remote it withdrew its labour. I pushed all its buttons, but to no avail - it insisted I watch Spanish football, or Spanish football. I sent out a plaintive plea for Peter, who understands tellies in all their vagaries. He gave it a bit of a talking-to, and finally flummoxed it by showing me how to work it using a remote I’d never dared to touch before. It must have pondered on this for a bit before it thought of a way to thwart me once again. A second plaintive plea went out, and Peter and his know-how once again graced my sofa. He gave it ever y chance; he pressed ever y button on ever y re-
mote, but it refused to co-operate. For a minute or so he gazed at it in omniscient silence. It smirked back at him, black and belligerent. It should have known better. He unfolded himself from the sofa, refolded himself behind the telly, and proceeded to conduct gastric surger y on it without the benefit of anaesthetics. This must have really hur t, because it immediately burst into fully compliant life. So far (shhh, say it quietly) it seems to be under my command. I had pushed one wrong button, which gave it the excuse to go into a mega-sulk! Now all was well in the Biggs household - except, in all the toing and fro-ing I’d lost my glasses. Ah, well……
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk
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Weekender
Lifestyle
30th March - 5th April 2018
Is it time for a spr makeover? IF we are to listen to the latest style gurus, they tell us that gold is the new black when it comes to making our homes ‘Instagram perfect.’ W h e t h e r i t ’s t o h e l p sell the house or just for a spring makeover, apparently, this season we should ‘Go for the Gold.’ Bye-bye brushed nickel and patinated bronze, glittering gold is taking centre stage. From lighting fixtures to gilded furniture, this hot hue has
taken the design world by storm. Even a few small touches like swapping out kitchen cabinet hardware or working in a few gleaming accessories will give your home an on-trend update. It would seem that designers have fallen back in love with colour. But, like anything, too much of a good thing can be, well, too much. To create a pleasing palette, limit your main colours to
PLEASING LOOK: Limit your main colours to three choices three choices. However, to be a little different, reclaimed wood walls are hot, hot,
hot! But, they can also be oh-so-cool as designe r B r o o k e Wa g n e r proves with a small bed-
Lifestyle
ring
s.
room and kitchen where silver y grey boards installed in a timeless herringbone pattern create a dreamy backdrop. To set off the wooden walls, Say It with Sign a g e ! W h e t h e r i t ’s a faux-plaque you crafted yourself or a real deal antique, vintage-looking signs are a sure way to add a quirky bit of character to any space. Check local boot sales, estate sales and auctions for legitimate trade signs.
30th March - 5th April 2018
Green philosophy Which outlook do you embrace? WHILE these dif ferent philosophical approaches to gardening are by no means mutually exclusive, they have seen an upsurge in popularity with more and more people identifying with one or the other, as well as a host of other concepts and styles. Here we take a look at a few alternative themes. Native plant gardening is focused on limiting plant selection to species that are native to the region, taking advantage of the abundant natural flora seen in distinct climatic conditions. This system promotes a more natural ecosystem and has the added benefits of more pest and dis-
ease resistant plants. Wildlife gardening advocates using plants that help attract and shelter wildlife, with an obvious example being butterfly lovers providing food for larvae to eat and flowers providing nectar for adults. Attracting wildlife also helps create a more sustainable garden as it can work wonders for pest control. Organic is of course a popular buzz word at present but its principles remain strong and many gardeners strongly identify with the concept of organic gardening. Here people avoid the use of agricultural chemicals without a purely natural origin and ob-
tain fertilizer from animal and plant by-products rather than from synthetic processes.
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Weekender
Property
30th March - 5th April 2018
Top tips for buying in Spain INCREASINGLY the temptation to spend the Easter break overseas is winning over the hearts of those looking for the certainty of sunshine for their precious time off. The latest survey by easyJet revealed that Spanish cities were the top choices for travellers heading overseas over Easter. Many Brits will be looking seriously at Spain this Easter with a view to
Find a company you trust - firstly, make sure to contact a company that has a proven track record that you can trust. Do some research online to find the right developer; be sure you know who you are dealing with and trust them to handle your transaction smoothly. Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, which celebrates its 60th year of operations (1958 - 2018), is leading the way in new-build homes in Spain.
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Identify the areas and region you like As the property will be a fair few miles away from the UK, it is important to ensure that there are good transport links to the main airports. Being close to airports and indeed amenities such as restaurants, beaches or golf courses will help you to enjoy the Mediter-
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purchasing a second home, relocation or retirement property. Buying the dream home overseas can be a confusing process however so Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey Espana, Spain’s market-leading homebuilder, has put together his five top tips to find the perfect holiday home whilst on your Easter break.
ranean life more easily. Potential buyers ready to purchase with Taylor Wimpey España are likely to be looking in one of three main areas: the Costa Blanca, the Costa del Sol or the Balearic Islands, primarily due to their good connectivity. Choose the type of property you want to buy - The type of property will depend on your tastes and specific needs - there is a wide choice. Happily, Taylor Wimpey España has something for everyone. Try Royal Blue on the stunning island of Mallorca for penthouse living with uninterrupted sea views. Want a golf course within walking distance of your home? Then head to Marbella on the Costa del Sol and go for the luxury homes of Le Caprice with training programmes for golf lovers.
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COMMISSS IO
ONLY N 1.5%
Book an appointment for a viewing - As with any home purchase, there can be pitfalls when buying a house overseas so, it is very important not to rush in but take advantage of holiday breaks to visit first before buying. To view properties during Easter, Taylor Wimpey España’s team are on hand to meet at a time which suits you the most.
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Make it legal - There are certain legal steps that need to be considered such as obtaining a Spanish fiscal (INE) number, signing contracts, paying fees and taxes and making staged payments. Get a lawyer to translate documents if they are in Spanish. An overseas buyer should take the time to learn about the purchase process of a holiday home and a reputable seller, such as Taylor Wimpey España, should be happy to help buyers though that process. For more information contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylor wimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.
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Weekender
Food & Drink
30th March - 5 April 2018
Spanglish Recip British meals wi Mediterranean By Liam Quinn IT’S always nice to have some home comforts when living abroad, but it’s also great to experience new cultures. When it comes to food, why not mix the two? Here at the Sol Times , we love to provide Mediterranean treats, a classic British meal but with a Mediterranean twist, that are sure to get your taste buds tingling.
SCOUSE STEW WITH A SPLASH OF SPANISH Serves 4 Ingredients: Splash of olive oil 1 kg lamb, diced 400g onion, diced (cut into 1cm pieces) 350g carrots (cut into 1.5cm cubes) 2 red peppers
IRON STEW: Serve your Scouse Stew in a cast iron pan for that ultimate Spanish twist. 500ml Mahou Maestra, or your favourite dark ale 600g peeled and diced potatoes (cut into 1.5cm cubes) 2 garlic cloves, crushed 3 tomatoes, diced 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley
1 bay leaf 1 litre beef stock Salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 sprigs of thyme
Method: • CHOP AND SLICE Chop or slice the garlic, tomatoes, red peppers, potatoes, onions, carrots and parsley. Cut the lamb into even-sized chunks and toss the pieces in seasoned flour. • BROWN YOUR LAMB Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish
Food & Drink
30th March - 5 April 2018
Weekender 19
pes: Flamenco a favourite th a at Olive Tree Farm twist over a medium–high heat. Working in batches, cook the lamb until it is evenly browned on all sides, adding more oil if needed. As it cooks, transfer the meat to a warm plate and cover to keep warm while you cook the rest. • POP IT ALL IN If needed, add more oil, then cook the onions, carrots and red peppers until softened and coloured. Pour in the bitter ale and add the potatoes along with the garlic, tomatoes, parsley and a bay leaf. Bring to the boil and cook until reduced by half. • THE WAITING GAME Pour in one litre of beef stock, cover the dish and simmer for 20–30 minutes on a reduced heat. Then, return the lamb to the dish and season with salt and pepper. Cook the covered dish in the oven for 1½–2 hours, or until the meat, potatoes and vegetables are tender. Serve the stew garnished with sprigs of thyme, if desired.
Do YOU have a Mediterranean twist on a British classic? If so, email your recipe and pics to editor@soltimes.com for the chance to see your recipe in the paper!
HERE at Olive Tree Farm there are times of the year when both eggs and tomatoes are in abundance. Flamenco Eggs is one of our favourite dishes which makes use of both. There are a few variations of this dish in different areas of Spain, this is my version finished in a traditional Spanish cazuela! Ingredients - This is for two people 6 large tomatoes roughly chopped (or a can of chopped tomatoes) 1 red pepper chopped 1 white onion chopped 2-3 tablespoons olive oil 3 slices Serrano ham cut into strips 2 small chorizo sausages cut into small slices 2 garlic cloves chopped 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika 1-2 eggs per person Chopped parsley Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method Preheat the oven to 200 deg C In a small fr ying pan on the hob, add the olive
oil a sprinkle of salt and black pepper and fry the onion and garlic gently until the onion is opaque. Add the chorizo and ham to the pan and fr y gently for a couple of minutes to allow the flavours to come out of the meats. Add the tomatoes and chopped red pepper, sprinkle over the paprika and stir through … simmer until the tomatoes and pepper are soft and the juices have reduced slightly, check seasoning and add salt and black pepper to taste if required. Tip all the ingredients into a small oven proof dish, level it out and make small wells in the mixture, one for each egg, with the back of a spoon. Crack the eggs in-
to each indentation and then bake in the oven for about 10 – 12 minutes until the whites are cooked, but the yolk is still a little runny.
Sprinkle with the chopped parsley and serve immediately. Make sure you have plenty of crusty bread to mop up all those juices.
OLIVE TREE FARM was set up about four years ago with the intention of achieving a level of self sufficiency. We have poultry for meat and eggs, goats for milk, rabbits and small pigs for meat and harvest our 70 olive trees each year for oil. We also grow a variety of fruits and vegetables.
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Weekender
Health & beauty
30th March - 5 April 2018
No exercise can ‘increase depressive symptoms’ A NEW study has found that ceasing all forms of vigorous physical exercise can cause a person to develop depressive symptoms. A PhD student at the Discipline of Psychiatry at the University of Adelaide, Julie Morgan, investigated how a significant lack of exercise can affect active adults through analysing results from previous studies. Her study assessed 152 adults, 50 of which were women, who had previously exercised at least three times a week for a minimum of three months prior to the study, with each bout of exercise lasting at least 30 minutes. And according to reports, the impact of ceasing exercise had an immediate impact on certain individual’s mental health. Head of psychiatry at the University of Adelaide and senior author of the study, Bernhard Baune, told British
EXERCISE: Stopping all forms of exercise has been linked to an increase in depressive symptoms. media: “In some cases, ceasing this amount of exercise induced significant increases in depressive symptoms after just three days. “Other studies showed that people’s depressive symptoms increased after the first one or two weeks, which is
still quite soon after stopping exercise.” And Morgan herself highlighted there isn’t currently a huge amount of research available concerning the link between lack of exercise and depressive symptoms.
Weekender
Leisure
30th March - 5 April 2018
Humans series 3 gets a confirmed air-date and it’s coming to Channel 4 soon
Film & TV Guide
OUR PICK OF THIS WEEK’S MUST-SEE
FILM REVIEW
Blockers Starring: Leslie Mann, Ike Barinholtz, John Cena, Kathryn Newton, Geraldine Indira Viswanathan, Gideon Adlon
COMEDY: Leslie Mann (centre left) and John Cena (right) play a starring role.
HUMANS: Confirmed air-date for series 3.
Richard Shanley
Dishing the Dirt OF EUROPA DIGITAL
IT’Ss been 15 whole months since Humans last aired on Channel 4, but we don’t have long to wait until the third series gets under way. The sci-fi thriller will return in May (with US viewers having to wait until June 5) - and here’s your first look at the new episodes. The second image features many of the returning cast including Chan, Jeremiah, Emily Berrington as Niska, Katherine Parkinson as Laura and... Colin Morgan as Leo! Yes, Morgan is back - good
news for fans of his character Leo, who ended up apparently brain-dead at the end of series two. Set in a parallel present where robots known as Synths are a commonplace accessory, Humans closed its second series with a huge twist, as the entire Synth population was granted sentience. Picking up one year later, series three sees a decimated and oppressed Synth population fighting to survive in a world that hates and fears them. Joining the cast this series is Mark Bonnar as Neil Sommer, an intriguingly charming scientist on a government commission, with whom Laura develops a strong personal connection. The new series of Humans is written by creators Sam Vin-
cent and Jonathan Brackley, along with Debbie O’Malley, Namsi Khan, Jonathan Harbottle, Melissa Iqbal and Daisy Coulam. 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 ever y weekday from 10am on Spectrum 96.1 and 106.8FM, now covering almost 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.
JULIE, Kayla and Sam are three high school seniors who have been friends forever. The trio are just about to finish their time in high school and make a pact to lose their virginity on the final night of the year - prom night. But when their three overprotective parents find out about their daughters’ plans, they soon join forces for a wild and chaotic covert one-night operation to stop the girls from sealing the deal no matter what the cost.
ONE TO WATCH
Kensington Palace: Fit for a Princess Friday, 7.35pm-9pm, Channel 5 DOCUMENTARY exploring one of the Royal family’s most exclusive and private royal buildings. Hidden away in London’s Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for 325 years. A spectacular royal housing estate, the palace is currently home to a number of royals, including the future head of the monarchy Prince William.
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22
PETS
30th March - 5th April 2018
The purrfect partnership! Best ways to keep cats alongside other pets WHILE most cat owners are fiercely devoted to their feline friends, many also enjoy the company of other animals and so place a great deal of importance on whether their cats will get along with any new pets they might have. Like humans, you can’t force animals to like one another, but you can give fate a helping hand. Feed your cat and the newcomer on each side of the same door so that they associate the smell of one another with the pleasurable activity of eating, then gradually move the dishes closer to the door. Then in true Lady and the Tramp fashion, you can tie a toy to each end of a piece of string under the door and hope they play with it, maybe even batting paws in the meantime. Play with scents and consider taking some of one pet’s blanket and placing it under the food bowl of the other, and
FRIENDS: You can give your cat a helping hand to get closer to your other pets.
vice versa. When they finally meet they will at least be familiar with each others’ smell. Expose the new animal to different rooms in the house slowly before making any formal introductions.
The key is to have them as familiar with one another as possible before actually meeting, and to ensure that the newcomer is happy and acquainted with its new home before coming across a highly territorial cat.
Keeping caterpillars WITH the dangerous processionary caterpillar emerging once again in the Spanish springtime, what better way to overcome your fears than to keep safe caterpillars, moths and butterflies as pets? Only a few species can cause any harm and the vast majority make for an incredible pet that can also teach children a valuable natural lesson as they evolve from green creepy crawlies into spectacularly colourful butterflies. Caterpillars are very easy to look after, requiring just a small enclosure with enough space for each to shuffle around a little. They will also need fed regularly and eat
CATERPILLARS: Only a few species can cause harm.
plant leaves with plenty water in them. Be sure to clean their home each day as caterpillars create lots of droppings. When the caterpillars are ready to become butterflies they will try to find a suitable place for pupating, they will form a cocoon which you can hang on a string to allow the emergent butterflies space to move around. They can spend weeks to months in this chrysalis stage, which requires the right level of heat and humidity.
Weekender 23
How clever is your pet? ANIMAL intelligence is a notoriously tricky concept for humans to get their heads around. There are, however, basic indicators which make interesting reading. While there is a huge variety within a species, and across breeds and personalities, scientists now consider the average dog to have a roughly similar level of intelligence to a human toddler. With the capacity to deceive other dogs and understand more than 150 words, dogs can easily solve basic spatial awareness problems and can be trained to a very high level. When it comes to cat versus dog intelligence the science is about as settled as the opinions across pet owners. Dogs have larger brains but cats have more neurons and a higher information processing capacity. Dogs are clearly the more social animal and their brain evolution reflects this, while cat brains have hardly changed in millennia.
24
Weekender
Puzzles
30th March - 5th April 2018
Wordsearch Ice Cream Flavours
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:
COTTON CANDY MAPLE WALNUT PECAN BANANA TIGER TAIL
MOOSE TRACKS COCONUT ROCKY ROAD GREEN TEA FUDGE
REESES CHOCOLATE VANILLA
Quick
Across 1 Freight (5) 4 Distinguish oneself (7) 8 Dispossess (7) 9 Eating utensil (5) 10 Night times (8) 11 Pure and simple (4) 13 Lose momentarily (6) 14 Take a chance (6) 17 Raced (4) 19 Uncivilised (8) 22 Change (5) 23 Awaiting conclusion or confirmation (7) 24 Non-professional (7) 25 Wander off (5)
Down 1 Scrounge for (5) 2 Put down by force or intimidation (7) 3 First (8) 4 Toboggan (6) 5 Dusty pink colour (4) 6 Isolated from others (5) 7 Open and genuine (7) 12 Slang name for a surgeon (8) 13 Eye makeup (7) 15 Obstacle (7) 16 Interfere with, as evidence (6) 18 Additional (5) 20 Cautious (5) 21 Compulsion (4)
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
• Average: 14
• Very good: 29
• Good: 20
• Excellent: 37
eaten orate torte tease tense tenet tenets tents teats treat tread treads arena saner senna setter aorta attar rents rattan radii dream dread dreads davit enter neater tarot marten matte titter vista sitter sitar start stare state
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 Helped to show Neddy is another diminutive for Edward (8) 5 Barrage beginning with a long lecture (4) 9 Parasite takes shelter in front of church (5) 10 Ringo and Sheeran had top billing (7) 11 Hostility in Teheran courthouse (7) 12 Coat leapt about (5) 13 Stop in scruffy side street (6) 15 How’s that for attractiveness? (6) 19 Firstly, surgeons cannot operate unless remarkably clean (5) 21 Cook a meal, do it in style (1,2,4) 23 Make a mistake and start some chores (7) 24 Certain dialects found around the country (5) 25 Nobody heard the religious woman (4) 26 Bandits in groups carrying equipment (8)
Down 1 Enticed by a duller fashion (7) 2 Polish lady has a nurse (5) 3 Educates groups of swimmers (7) 4 Guarantee points by river (6) 6 A fairer form of travel expense (7) 7 Young man gets the French scoop (5) 8 Western snake and insect (4) 14 Ron raps about a leather pouch (7) 16 Saying grace for a prying butcher (7) 17 Eyes law around tolerances (7) 18 Saw mistake in her cable (6) 19 Back in Western Samoa (5) 20 Charter is torn apart (4) 22 Aged Australian car manufacturer loses capital (5)
Puzzles
30th March - 5th April 2018
IRREGULAR SUDOKU
SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : LETTER WRITING DAY On December 7, why not get out your finest stationery and writing equipment and pen a letter to someone special because it is Letter Writing Day? 1. In a letter written in 1924, which famous American astronomer wrote: ‘You will be interested to hear that I have found a Cepheid variable in the Andromeda Nebula’ and transformed our view of the universe forever’? 2. What is the title of the long-running BBC One television series that started in 1961 and features the letters of viewers offering praise, criticism and observations on BBC television programmes of recent weeks? 3. ‘On a day like today, we pass the time away’ is the first line of which Pat Boone song, which reached number two in the UK singles chart in July 1957? 4. On October 26, 1605, while sitting at supper at his house in Hoxton, London, Baron Monteagle (William Parker) received a letter warning of which infamous conspiracy?
5. What name for a personal letter to a loved one expressing affection comes from the French for ‘sweet note’? 6. What name is given to a book of the New Testament in the form of a letter from an Apostle? 7. What name used for the Western Hemisphere was coined by a Spanish scholar in a letter dated November 1, 1492 in which he referred to Columbus’ first voyage to America? 8. Which American novelist wrote The Scarlet Letter: A Romance, first published in 1850? 9. Which US president sent the ‘Bixby letter’ in November 1864 to Lydia Parker Bixby, a widow living in Boston, Massachusetts, who was thought to have lost five sons in the Union Army during the American Civil War? 10. Which weekly 15-minute radio series broadcast on BBC Radio from March 24, 1946 to February 20, 2004, is the longest-running speech radio programme in history?
Kakuro
Answers 1. EDWIN HUBBLE, 2. POINTS OF VIEW, 3. LOVE LETTERS IN THE SAND, 4. GUNPOWDER PLOT, 5. BILLET-DOUX, 6. EPISTLE, 7. NEW WORLD (NOVI ORBIS), 8. NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE, 9. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 10, Alistair Cooke’s LETTER FROM AMERICA
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
Weekender
by Sandy Shore AS the sun settles over Sevilla’s Plaza de Espana the mournful melody of a guitar completes the rapture. Your head swims with delight to Sueno en la Floresta. The incomparable beautiful evocation of Iberian charm was composed by Paraguayan, Agustin Barrios Mangore, who John Williams described as the greatest guitarist of all time. Others might say it is equalled by contemporary English composer Richard Harvey who’s Antico for Guitar frequently tops the most requested Spanish dream music. Get ready to compose yourself. Spain inspires non-Spaniards to get their plectrums out and they often do even better. Well, they do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Little conjures up the vibrancy of the Spanish spirit than does España. The delightful composition was that of Frenchman Emanuel Chabrier after his return from a visit to Spain. The French love affair with
Feature
30th March - 5 April 2018
Spain’s shameful secret revealed
CREDIT: TWITTER
26
BOLERO: Inspired Torvill and Dean’s 1984 Winter Olympic performance. their Spanish neighbour gave us Bolero. Its evocative heat-building rhythm caught the world’s imagination when skaters Torvill and Dean used it to underscore
their Olympian ice-drama in 1984. This soft to frenzied musical drama with its heart-stopping finale was composed by Maurice Ravel.
The same French composer created Carmen, said to be the world’s most loved opera. The opera’s ballads reflect the anguish of Andalucía romance, pathos and murder. Bizet’s compatriot Jules Massenet’s Meditation captivates us all as does the lesser known opera El Cid that is based on Spain’s revered military hero. Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro was set in Sevilla; his Don Giovanni was based on the exploits of Spain’s own Casanova, Don Juan. At any Spanish music extravaganza Johann Strauss Jnr gets them off their seats and into the foot-tapping aisles with his Spanischer Marsch. Passionate love and revenge fuel the drama of most opera. Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi was inspired by a Spanish play when he created The Force of Destiny. Gioachino Rossini, another Italian, put northern com-
petitors in their place with his Barber of Sevilla. The Russians never play second fiddle to anyone either. Who can leave the castanets in the drawer when the first chords of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol lift the casa rafters? Then there’s fellow Russian Peter Tchaikovsky with his mesmerising heel-tapping handclapping Spanish Dance in the ballet Swan Lake. The father of Russian classical music Mikhail Glinka composed the embodiment of Spanish musical spirit with his Summer Night in Madrid. Could it be that without any Spanish intervention there will always be Spanish music to enjoy? Everyone wants to be Spanish; it is the way it has always been. ‘Music heard so deeply / that it is not heard at all, but you are the music / While the music lasts.’ ~ As T S Elliot.
Behind THE MUSIC Music – A Force For Good? V L James vljamesinfo@gmail.com Facebook: @vljamesinfo UNBELIEVABLY, it was only in the late 50’s and early 60’s that true music legends like Little Richard, Sam Cooke and Chuck Berry were not allowed to stay in the same hotels in certain states and towns when touring America as their white backing musicians. Parents would ban their children from seeing their Rock ‘n’ Roll idols because they thought the younger generation would be corrupted, yet somehow the music survived these tests and has always brought people together. The early 60’s saw an explosion of white, often well educated, middle class musicians in London playing the blues. John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers led the British blues move-
ment and had many future superstars come and go from its line-up. Eric Clapton, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood and many more all learned their trade playing the blues. When I was at school in the late 70’s there was a plethora of successful multiracial bands. The Specials, UB40, The Beat and The Selecter to name but a few. We never gave it a second thought, to us it was just a bunch of blokes playing great music!
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CARS WANTED CARS WANTED for Cash. Classic Cars & Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Defenders & Discoveries. Please call: 659 685 133 (253556)
CHARITIES/CHURCHES GIRASOL COMMUNITY CENTRE. Mosaic Classes, Art Classes, Karate, Yoga, Thai Chi, Pilates, Health Screening every 6 weeks. For Hire 5.00€ per hour. Tel 639 089 170
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
CHURCH SERVICES
Classifieds
30th March - 5 April 2018
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. The next circle is 5th April. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service. The Divine Service, with Mediumship on Sunday 1st April will be taken by Donna Collins (UK Medium). The Evening of Mediumship on Tuesday 3rd April, will also be taken by Donna Collins. The Divine Service on Sunday, 8th April will be taken by Julie Grist (UK Medium). Contact Wendy on 965323028.www.spirit ualistcentrebenijofar.com New email is phoenixchurch23@g mail.com or info@spiri tualistcentrebenijofar.com Identific acion Fiscal G54713789.
DRAINAGE
HOME MAINTENANCE MARKS Home Maintenance services. Painting General Maintenance. Kitchen Unit Renovation. References available. 634 908 475 (259695)
INSURANCE FOR RENT
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
DRAINAGE
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@euroweeklynew s.com for more details.
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
PERSONAL
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.
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 ARE YOU selfmotivated 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 (257746)
Services
30th March - 5 April 2018
29
BUILDERS
BABY EQUIPMENT HIRE
REMOVALS & STORAGE
CAR VALETING
DRAINS
REMOVALS/STORAGE
30
Sport
30th March - 5 April 2018
2018 ALBC Drawn Triples report THE Almeria Lawn Bowls C l u b D r a w n Tr i p l e s e v e n t took place recently with 36 members making 12 teams taking part. This year using the combined handicaps in drawn competitions of team members proved a ver y good leveller. The winners were the strong team of Sylvia P r i t c h a r d , To n y L e a r a n d Joyce Sheard against another equally good triple, Bryan Thompson, John Ohara and Colin Wright. To r e a c h t h e f i n a l , S y l v i a ’s t e a m b e a t M i k e Duffield, Joan Parsons and Jette Kress. In the other semi, B r y a n ’s t e a m w e r e s u c cessful over John Fitzgerald, Graham Patrick and Pat Deacon. The final was as expected, a classic of exciting and quality bowling. B r y a n ’s t e a m h a d t o g i v e Sylvia and team seven
WINNERS: (From right to left) Joyce Sheard, Tony Lear and Sylvia Pritchard. handicap shots. No one would bet on who would win.
It was nip and tuck for the first eight ends with B r y a n ’s t e a m a h e a d b y
Home and Away success at Indalo Bowling THE finals in the recently held 4-2-2 Open Competition was contested by home teams from Indalo Bowling Club and the away team of San Miguel. This ever popular annual event attracted six clubs from the Costa Blanca area and four clubs from the local area making up 24 teams of four players. The competition was played over four days and the teams played a round robin format of six ends as a four, six ends as a ladies’ pair and six ends as a men’s pair. After some very unsettled weather during the event and some very complicated score tallies between the teams, the final of the four was decided between the two Indalo teams of Richard and Lois Swaine and Helen and David Horton against Barbara
Ruscoe, John Henworth and Tony and Babs Davis. This was a very close contest with the result depending on a final shot out on an extra end. Barbara’s team eventually won this exciting encounter 13 to 12. The Ladies’ Pairs final was again between two Indalo teams with Carolyn Micklefield and Linda Harvey winning over Linda Lester and Christine Ivin 17 to 14. The Men’s Pairs final saw the away team of Brian Miller and Chris Collier from San Miguel winning over the Indalo pair of Mike Bray and Trevor Bettel 23 to three. Ever yone agreed it had been a very enjoyable and well run contest and thanks went to the Indalo Competition Secretary and the volunteers who kept everyone fed and watered.
two shots 14-12. Sylvia and team put more pressure on the game going
ahead by four shots on the 12th end 19-15. Bryan and team scored seven shots on the next two ends for them to regain the lead at 22-19. The game appeared to be ver y balanced and the support were now sitting on the edge of their chairs thinking this could mean that Br yan’s team were on their way. H o w e v e r, S y l v i a ’s t e a m drummed up another level of quality bowls scoring eight shots on the last four ends winning the Drawn Triples Championship. Vice-Captain, John Fitzgerald, thanked the players who had taken part in the competition together with all the spectators who had come to watch, Tony Lear for running the competition, and Br yan Hughes for keeping the green maintained throughout the competition.
19th Hole Golf Society play monthly medal A BITTERLY cold wind greeted the 19th as they played their Monthly Medal competition at Aguilon, but one of the members was on fire. Nekane Galindez won the Ladies’ Medal and the overall competition by mastering the conditions and coming in with net 66. In second place and winner of the Men’s Medal was Bernie O’Brien with net 73, which was just enough to triumph over Liam Williams on a card countback. Other scores of note were Karyn Esposito (74) and Sean Curtis (76). There were three two’s recorded, Steve Tucker (3rd), John Briddon (8th) and Nekane Galindez (14th).
Nearest the pins: 3rd
Steve Tucker.
8th
Sean Curtis.
12th
Paco Grajal.
14th
Nekane Galindez.
15th in 2
Steve Newberry.
17th
Mike Donarski.
The 19th Hole Golf Society play every week on local courses. Contact mikeesposito54@ya hoo.com for information.
Motoring
31
30th March - 5 April 2018
A pretty pony Custom-painted Ferrari set to sell for big money
CREDIT: TWITTER
BIZARRE: Ben Levy’s custom painted supercar will go under the hammer on April 6.
CREDIT: TWITTER
A UNIQUE Ferrari painted by a British artist is set to go up for auction for more than €100,000. The one-of-a-kind F430 Challenge was decorated by London-based artist Ben Levy for the 2015 Ansa Motorsports show in Miami. Levy spent three days in the American city working on the project and reportedly said that his inspiration for the piece was to highlight corporate greed. Using spray cans the artist, a graffiti specialist, covered the supercar with a number of words and phrases including ‘envy,’ ‘cash’ and ‘money.’ First produced by the Italian car giants in 2004, the Ferrari F430 has a 483bhp 4.3 litre V8 engine, capable of doing 0-100km/H in just 3.6 seconds. The particular model painted by Levy is a track version, making it lighter than a normal model and capable of reaching a 202mph top speed, 12mph quicker than the basic model. Modified versions of the F430 have been used as a race card competing in renowned races including the international GT2 class and the 24 hour Le Mans. F430 production ceased almost 10 years ago as the Italian car giants replaced the sleek 430 with their four/five litre 458 Italia; before that was then succeeded by the turbocharged 488 in 2015. When it was first released, the Ferrari had a reported retail price of roughly €136,000 (£119,000), making the model painted
PAINT JOB: The artist spent three days in Miami painting the Ferarri F430. by Levy now one of the most valuable currently on the market.
The custom sports car is now set go under the hammer at RM Sothebys in their
‘Fort Lauderdale’ sale on April 6 with a guide price of €96,000 to €129,000.