ISSUE 647 • 27th July - 2nd August 2018
EST 2005
In ‘dungeons’
Man cleared of kidnap rap
A TRADE UNION representing police officers in Almeria has claimed migrants arriving in the province are held in ‘dungeons’ and children locked in cells in a call to improve conditions. The Federal Police Union in Almeria (UFP) has written to the gover nment’s representative in the province and to an Ombudsman over the state of migrant reception facilities in Almeria’s port. It comes as the union also requested at least 50 reinforcements for the port amidst concerns rising numbers of arrivals are causing police provision to ‘collapse’ in other areas. Raimundo Morales, a spokesperson for the union, said cells where migrants including women and children were being held were
CREDIT: Human Rights Watch
By Jose Artur
‘LAMENTABLE’: The UFP has called for improvements to migrant reception centres (archive). in a “lamentable” condition. “Reception centres are crowded due to the number of people being held in them exc e e d i n g c a p a c i t y, ” Morales said. “Mats in poor condition are passed from one person to another without time to wash or disinfect them. There have been several cas-
THE number of people out of work in Almeria Province fell by around 7,200 in the second quar ter of this year, according to National Institute of Statistics (INE) data. The province came in fifth out of the eight that make up Andalucia for the rate of unemployment which stood at around 22.5 per cent.
es of lice infestation and some cases of suspected tuberculosis,” he added. Morales said many migrants were arriving w i t h A I D S , l e p r o s y, syphilis and gonorrhoea. He called on the government to provide a clear vaccination plan and to support other groups working with
Jobless fall The total number of jobless people in Almeria is estimated to be around 74,800, acc o r d i n g t o t h e I N E ’s S u r v e y
the arrivals. The spokesperson added rising numbers of migrants and officers holidaying for the summer were placing a strain on Almeria’s police. “We’re talking about arrival numbers that are already around 3,000 migrants in the first half of this year,” he said.
of Active Population (EPA). Cadiz Province had the highest rate of unemployment in Andalucia at more than 26.8 per cent. It was followed by Cordoba with more than 25.6, Jaen with 24.7, Granada with 23.8, Almeria, Sevilla at more than 22.1, Huelva, 20.9 and Malaga, 20.2.
A MAN accused of the attempted kidnap of two drug traffickers in Nijar has been acquitted by an Almeria court. The suspect, named locally by his initials JASL but known to police as ‘El Culebro,’ had faced a 16-year jail term over the allegations. A court ruling said that while someone did try to abduct alleged drug gang members Jose AB, now deceased, and Miguel AT on a rural road, there is no evidence to suggest the defendant was involved. The pair were attacked in broad daylight by ‘unidentified persons’ driving a stolen Volvo car near La Choza de San Isidro, the court heard. It is believed the incident was connected to a gangland battle sparked by the theft of a hashish shipment. Jose AB reportedly managed to escape on foot after fleeing through a plastic greenhouse, while Miguel AT was saved by his brother who crashed his vehicle into the assailants’ car. The Volvo was later found torched in the car park of Almeria City’s Torrecardenas Hospital.
NEWS BITES
Academic award THE University of Almeria is among three institutions that have been awarded the Medal of the University of Sevilla, with the award set to be presented at on September 29 at the start of the academic year.
Autistic aid A TOTAL of 12 people out of work have par ticipated in a scheme to help 30 children on the autism spectrum at a summer school in Pechina as part of a Diputacion de Almeria programme.
Custody case THE grandmother of two girls aged three and six will continue to have custody over them after the postponing of an appeal, with a Purchena court previously rejecting the father’s request to have access to them.
News
27th July - 2nd August 2018
By Jimmy Grayling A NEIGHBOURHOOD association is up in arms over a council poster banning nude sunbathers from a popular beach. The Veraplayazul group, which has 10,000 members, has filed an official complaint with Cuevas del Almanzora Town Hall and expressed its outrage over the warning sign which has appeared on the Quitapellejos sandy strip in Palomares. Bizarrely-worded notices in English on the placard advise beachgoers ‘Beach, zone of water and zone of bath of textile,’ and ‘Character, prohibited the exercise of the naturism, nudism or nude in this beach.’ And the board has enraged residents of Vera, since Quitapellejos at one end joins Vera’s Cala de Marques with its well-known naturist beach and resorts. Veraplayazul claims in a statement the warnings ‘threaten 35 years of peaceful coexistence between naturists and textiles [those
Naked rage Photo credit Youtube
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BUM’S THE WORD: Quitapellejos beach in Palomares and (inset) the offending sign. who prefer not to let it all hang out] that exists at the border between Vera and Cuevas.’ The association goes on to slam Cuevas de Almanzora Council for spending money on the signage when it is ‘not the nudists who threaten the beach and sea, but the spillages from the town’s inefficient sewage treatment plant at Villaricos, from which the entire Vera coastline has to suffer.’ And in the face of ‘years of inaction’ on the part of the town hall, the residents challenge
councillors to ‘raise your voice in front of the Junta de Andalucia regional government to speed up the construction of the new plant which is supposed to
be finished by 2019.’ If they are unable to do so, and ‘are insistent on building walls, then why don’t they construct one in the sea to block Vera from toxic discharges?’ The document also attacks the upcoming Dreambeach festival, which runs in Palomares from August 8-12, and ‘brings to Vera not only a deafening noise morning, afternoon and night, but large quantities of filth, and while Cuevas de Almanzora reaps the benefits, we doubt the council in this case cares whether the young people are clothed or not.’ It concludes with a plea urging Vera’s mayor Felix Lopez to take up the issue with his Cuevas counterparts.
Dear Readers PLEASE be advised that your Sol Times newspaper will be taking a two-week summer break giving everyone a well-deserved rest, consequently we will not be publishing on Friday August 3 or August 10. It will return with additional features and the usual mix of community news and opinion on Friday August 17.
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News
27th July - 2nd August 2018
ACTION!: La Alcazaba is one of the locations for Wonder Woman 1984 (inset).
Set for filming TERM CUT: Andalucia’s Superior Court heard the appeal. The court heard the defendant met the woman at a gym in Garrucha in 2016 when she was 21 years old. Prosecutors said they were alone in the spinning room when the man
grabbed the woman from behind, held her by the waist and hips and stroked her buttocks. He then put his fingers down her underwear in the crotch area before the CREDIT: PP Garrucha, via Facebook
ANDALUCIA’S Superior Court of Justice has cut a jail sentence for a defendant convicted of sexually assaulting a woman with Asperger’s syndrome in Garrucha in Almeria following an appeal. The court, sitting in Granada, ruled the defendant would now serve seven years in prison after it found the man did not know about the woman’s disability. The Superior Court upheld the Almeria Provincial Court decision which ordered the man not to go within 300 metres of the woman or communicate with her for nine years. He will have to pay €15,000 in compensation to her.
CREDIT: Wikimedia Commons (inset), Shutterstock (main)
Sex assault sentence cut
Man held GUARDIA CIVIL officers have arrested a Garrucha man in connection with an alleged assault on the ex mayor of the town. Police claimed the man is suspected of attacking Juan Francisco Fernandez, of the conservative Partido Popular (PP), with a wooden box on July 8. They also claimed he had threatened the father of Maria Lopez, the former mayor’s wife.
HELD: The former mayor was allegedly attacked earlier this month.
Officers added the event was ‘isolated’ and they believed it had nothing to do with council politics. He is due to face trial soon.
woman told him to stop. She left after the incident. The court ruled it was impossible to determine if the man knew the woman was mentally disabled. Witnesses including her work colleagues and hairdresser told justices they also did not know she had Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism that makes social interaction difficult. The court found her condition to be mild. Almeria’s Provincial Court previously ruled the defendant had taken advantage of the victim’s vulnerability to make unwanted sexual advances.
FILMAKERS are set to arrive in Almeria City to shoot a new reboot of the Wonder Woman film franchise later this year. Some scenes of Wonder Woman 1984 are due to be shot at the La Alcazaba fortress in the city. The filmmakers plan to go there in September, with the finished film set to be released in 2019. Patty Jenkins is directing the film, her second stint in the role for the rebooted version of the superhero franchise. Israeli-born actor Gal Gadot is set to reprise her role as the title character in this instalment of the franchise. It is also set to feature Chris Pine, Pedro Pascal of Narcos fame and Kristen Wiig who will play the villain, Cheetah. Shoots for the film have also taken place at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden in Britain, as well as in the United States and at Spain’s Canary Islands. Wonder Woman 1984 is set at the climax of the Cold War in 1984. Its release is planned for November next year.
News
MEMBERS of the centrist Ciudadanos party in Almeria City have accused the city’s governing conser vative Partido Popular (PP) of ‘completely abandoning’ one of its roads. The par ty claimed the Bulevar Rambla Iniesta, which runs from the roundabout by the cemeter y to the Carretera de Ronda and Carretera Granada, has no ornamental plants and is untended. Miguel Cazorla, a local Ciudadanos spokesperson, said drainage systems had not been repaired and loose stones were strewn on the sur face from running water. “The lack of maintenance of this par t of the road shows poor management on the part of the council,” he said. “It demonstrates the manifest incapability of the PP governing team that hurts all of the city,” he added. Ciudadanos has called on PP authorities to repair the road as quickly as possible.
A new chapter THE mayor of Almeria City has said its new library will open gradually during this autumn with the exact date depending on how soon the local authority can hire staff. Ramon FernandezPacheco said the council was restricted by hiring rules which meant the authority could not recruit all the staff it needed even though it can afford to. “My priority is to make sure the library works, that it is a centre of reference and an accessible centre that everyone in Almeria is motivated to visit,” he said. The mayor added at least 18 or 20 professional staff would be needed to keep the library running 24 hours a day as planned. Fernandez-Pacheco said the librar y would be managed by an external company but it would still be regarded
CREDIT: Almeria City Council
Road rage
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27th July - 2nd August 2018
PAGE TURNER: Mayor Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco (centre, right) visiting the library last year. as a public building. “Nobody considers our other privately-run centres as privatised. We are following the same procedure as thousands of town halls in Spain,” he said. The new library is currently being built within a grade 2 listed site that was designed by architect Guillermo Langle and opened in 1935. It is considered one of the best preserved examples of pre-Civil War architecture
Booze cruise A MOTORIST who drank six times the legal alcohol limit before embarking on a wonky slalom-style jaunt through Huercal-Overa has been held and charged with dangerous driving. The unnamed driver drove in a ‘zig-zag fashion’ and ignored traffic lights, road signals and a Local Police patrol car as officers sounded its siren and flashed blue lights. He was eventually stopped in the wake of a two-kilometre pursuit, according to a police statement.
in the city. FernandezPacheco said the new library would be one for the 21st century. “It is an ambitious project that is far from the traditional concept of a library where people go and check out books. It will have more interactive spaces,” he said. It is set to feature group study spaces and an on-site cafeteria.
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News
27th July - 2nd August 2018
Ex-mayor on trial CREDIT: Google Maps
Cruising in
FACING JAIL: The three defendants are due to stand trial at a court in Huercal-Overa. PROSECUTORS in Almeria have requested that a former mayor of Albox be sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison if found guilty on charges connected to contracts. Provincial prosecutors claimed in their initial submissions to the Huercal-Overa
court that Jose Garcia Navarro falsified public documents to give the appearance of at least three irregular contracts being legal. The contracts relate to the reinforcing of walls next to Albox’s ravine, the building of a wasterwater treatment plant and laying water
pipes. They were worth a total of €1,123,740. Garcia Navarro has been charged with abusing his position as mayor to sign off the contracts illegally, falsifying public documents and official wrongdoing. Prosecutors claimed the former mayor signed off the pro-
jects without prior approval from the rest of the town’s council. He then forged documents to make them appear legal. Garcia Navarro is due to stand trial alongside two other defendants at the Court of Instruction Number Three in Huercal-Overa.
A CRUISE liner with around 2,300 British tourists on board made a stopover in Almeria City yesterday (Thursday) while on its way into the Mediterranean. The Arcadia, run by P&O cruises, set sail from Southampton last Sunday. It has since docked in Porto and stopped in Almeria City between 9am and 6pm, the city’s port authority said. The Arcadia entered service in 2005 and it is the fourth largest of the seven liners currently in P&O’s cruise fleet. Its top speed is 41 kilometres per hour, or 22 knots, and it is 289.9 metres long and weighs 84,342 in gross tonnage. The ship has a regular capacity of 1,952 passengers and a maximum capacity of 2,388 and it is crewed by 976 staff.
DOCKED: The Arcadia visited Almeria City yesterday.
NEWS Health works road changes BUILDING works at the child maternity ward of Torrecardenas Hospital have resulted in traffic restrictions on roads surrounding the complex since last Monday and normal service is expected to resume this coming Monday.
Job scheme THE Cuevas del Almanzora Employment Shuttle is set to return to the town this October to help train 20 unemployed people in a programme town mayor Antonio Fernandez said helped to bring jobless rates down.
Theatre run SIX drama companies are set to take part in the Diputacion of Almeria-run 31st annual Street Theatre Circuit, with the shows set to hit 26 towns and cities in the province until Friday August 19.
Daughter abuse appeal A WOMAN has lodged an appeal at Almeria’s Provincial Court after being sentenced to three years, eight months and 15 days in prison for physically and verbally abusing her daughters. Almeria’s Criminal Court ruled the woman had acted with ‘firmness and persistence’ in assaulting her 21 and 15-year-old children. The judge said the abuse amounted to “permanent psychotic violence.” The court heard she had caused one of her daughters to bleed after grabbing her by the neck while she insulted her. She also at-
APPEAL: Almeria’s Provincial Court is set to hear the appeal.
tacked them with a shoe. The case came to trial in part due to a complaint made by the 21-year-old woman who told the court her and her sister would eat at her grandparents’ home to avoid her.
The father of the girls also sued the defendant over failure to make payments. The woman twice refused to accept community work sentences, instead opting to take a jail term. The appeal is still pending.
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Vandals found
CREDIT: Wikimedia Commons
NEWS BITES
27th July - 2nd August 2018
LOCAL POLICE in Almeria City said they have found three men they believed were behind the smashing of a fountain in the city. Officers claimed a 21-year-old and 23year-old from Alicante as well as a 24year-old originally from Almeria were responsible for the vandalism to the Plaza San Pedro monument. Manuel Guzman, Almeria City Council’s security spokesperson, said the police work was a “good result” for locals. “They will receive sanctions corresponding to their uncivil attitude,” he said. The 21-year-old had to be taken to Torrecardenas Hospital due to leg wounds which officers claimed were caused by the suspect trying to climb on top of the fountain. The tracking down of the suspects comes days after Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco, the mayor of Almeria City, took to social media to criticise the vandalism. “If I wrote what I thought of those who have done this, Facebook would close my account,” he said on the site. Workers have since begun repairing the fountain at an estimated cost of €4,000.
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News
27th July - 2nd August 2018
More murder and mayhem FOLLOWING on from the truly remarkable success of The Speakeasy Murder, which was the group’s first venture into the world of the murder mystery, the Indalo Players are proud to announce their completely new production, The Mississippi Murder. As before it will have the usual mix of dance, comedy, murder and mayhem, but this time the setting is on a Mississippi showboat around the turn of the 19th century. Although all members of the original cast want to take part the group is always keen to welcome new members to our team. They will be holding an initial reading on Saturday August 28 from 10am12pm in the Evangelical Hall, Turre. When cast, rehearsals will continue throughout August with a view to begin-
SEEKING NEW BLOOD: The Indalo Players. ning performances from late October this year until April or possibly May next year. Every venue played last season wants the group back with this completely new production. If you either can or want to act please call 671 810 819 or email williamwhite 9552@aol.com. Or just turn up! You will be made more than welcome. The Players
are also seeking those wonderful but often unsung heroes they happily refer to as ‘the crew.’ In this department the list is almost endless. Prompt, stage management, publicity, sound, lighting, set design and build, scenery painting, wardrobe, prop construction, front of house and more. There are parts for everyone.
Summer is here MOJACAR Council’s Culture and Festivities Department has launched its summer programme, which has something on offer every day to keep both children and adults entertained. From the second half of July until the end of August, the evenings in Mojacar Pueblo will be filled with music, film and dance, culminating with the San Agustin Fiesta in honour of the town’s Patron Saint. For the children there are lots of fun activities including sporty games, bouncy castles, trampolines and magic, not forgetting some superheroes who will pay a visit. The action will take place at different points in Mojacar’s Old Town at Plazas Nueva, Fronton and Parterre as well as the Centro de Usos Multiples at the fountain.
After a day on the beach, everyone then has the chance to enjoy their free time, taking in the local gastronomy with some favourite pastimes while taking advantage of the wonderful evening temperature as night falls in the town. The highlight of this month’s programme is the Night of the Candles which took place last night and what has become one of the most important dates in the Mojaquero summer. It’s an event which involves all the people of the town, working hand in hand with the Mojacar Pueblo Association of Merchants and local council. As night falls, the lights in Mojacar were switched off to be replaced by the glimmer of thousands of candles scattered through the streets, houses and shops.
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News
27th July - 2nd August 2018
Animal lovers needed! Urgent call for team leaders at Paws-Patas
Ed. 647
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DO you have the relevant skills to be a team leader and oversee the volunteers that help care for the dogs at the Paws-Pata shelter? The charity is looking for dedicated volunteers who can multi-task and ensure that the day-to-day organisation of the kennels run smoothly and efficiently. You would need to implement the necessary verbal and physical actions in order to keep the shelter and
animals hygienic, secure and maintained. PAWSPATAS is seeking someone with their own transport (petrol money will be reimbursed), a positive attitude and an abundance of energy, plus the desire to work in this environment. No previous experience is required as full training will be provided. Spanishspeaking an advantage but not necessary. The morning shift is 8.45am to 2.30pm,
and the afternoon shift is from 2.30pm until 6pm. For further Information please call 678 490 217 Tuesday to Saturday 10am until 2pm, send a Facebook message or email
shelter@paws-patas.org. If the above job is not for you then perhaps you can help with something else. Visit www.paws-patas. org or email info@pawspatas.org for more details.
From the West End THERE really is just no stopping Jay Markwick, fondly known as ‘El Lord del Flamenco,’ who at the age of only 25, has already established his own dance company, become one of the youngest people EVER to have staged a London West End production, and has a Guinness World Record under his belt! This summer he brings a ‘spin off‘ of his internationally acclaimed ‘Explosion Show’ from London’s West End, exclusively to The Bistro at The Colosseum, Los Gallardos. The show will be performed at 7pm at The Bistro at The Colosseum every Tuesday night from July 31 until the end of the summer.
27th July - 2nd August 2018
Weekender Health & Beauty Page 20
Gaudi tower Page 14
The X Factor Page 26
Potato salad Page 18
Audi TT facelift Page 31
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Feature
27th July - 2nd August 2018
Pause for self-examination MOST folk I meet readily concede that the ‘Ten Commandments’ are among the most valuable of influences on our culture and attitudes to others. Yet as I consider this fact I can’t help but wonder if anyone has really thought this through, for in essence those ancient commandments (see below) seem so often to be treated as irrelevances: 1. Nothing in your life may take precedence over the one and only God. That, for most of us seems quite a challenge these days when we all have so many calls on our prioritisation. 2. You shall not worship idols. That includes sports teams, personalities, singers, actors, cars, houses, etc. I guess many of us acknowledge we idolise someone or something, thus contravening this, the second commandment. 3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. So we must never use the name of Jesus, Christ or God to indicate surprise or shock? OMG! 4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep
it holy. Really? No shopping or sporting events on Sundays? Could even possibly require us to attend Church! 5. Honour your father and mother. So look after them in uncomplaining obedience as they age and become a nuisance. 6. You shall not murder. I guess most of us agree with this one so long as we don’t interpret it as Jesus did, that hating someone is to murder them in your heart. 7. You shall not commit adultery. Well these days surely this one can’t apply. Divorce lawyers would be out of business if we kept that one! 8. You shall not steal. Well fine, provided someone doesn’t suggest that fiddling expenses claims or tax returns is theft! 9. You shall not bear false witness. Tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? No exaggeration; no gossip nor innuendo? 10. You shall not covet. That could destroy the advertising industry, which thrives on making each and every one of us covet the things other people have!
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
In-economy #2
By Jos Biggs
FRANSISCO could see that I was not best pleased about my gasless aircon unit. ‘The pipe has a hole in it.’ He assured me cheerfully. We l l , i f y o u d o n ’t f e n c e g a s i n properly, it’s going to escape - that’s the way gas is! I felt we needed to keep to the point here. ‘Why did the pipe have a hole in it?’ ‘It was an old pipe.’ ‘ B u t i t ’s a n e w u n i t - w h y d i d i t have an old pipe?’ With a smile as bright as the day is long he replied ‘I was tr ying to save you money by not putting in a new pipe.’ Fransisco may be short by British standards, but he is built like a racing ferret on steroids, so I didn’t give in to my desire to pick him up and
shake him - apart from the physical difficulty, it is never a good idea to shake a Spaniard. The upshot was that he departed, and almost immediately returned with two ‘experts,’ a length of pipe and a new gassing machine. I parted with an eyewatering amount of money and they left. I switched on the machine. No cold air. I rang GasFast. E v e r - c h e e r f u l To n y t u r n e d u p , climbed into the roof and pronounced ‘It’s not working because the new pipe is not connected - but I’ve fixed it.’ I switched the unit on - cool air! In 10 minutes Tony had remedied Francisco’s un-economy, and the inability of his ‘experts’ to put two and two together, so to speak!
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk
Feature
27th July - 2nd August 2018
Weekender 13
Advertising Feature
An exciting new chapter in the life of the British School of Almería begins! STAFF, parents and children at St George in Roquetas de Mar had some exciting news just before their summer holidays began with the announcement of new owners for their School. The International Schools Partnership (ISP), who recently included St George Roquetas de Mar into its expanding portfolio, is a focused, growing and financially secure education investment group who are leaders in educational provision. The company profile currently includes 32 schools located in Spain and other parts of the world. In Spain, the Colegios Laude Group of seven schools, purchased in 2014 has already seen major development and growth with some €30million of investment already made.
ST GEORGE: Providing a high standard of education to pupils. St George Roquetas de Mar is delighted to be joining this prestigious regional Group and to be refocusing the educational message to one of amazing learning something that is at the heart of every ISP school. When asked of her feeling
about the new owners, Head of School, Gillian Greaves said: “It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that we look forward to our first year working with the International Schools Partnership. We are extremely fortunate to become a part of a truly professional organi-
sation which has its roots firmly based in education and which shares and supports our vision of providing only the very highest standard of education to each and every one of our pupils. “Under ISP, our school can now also count on the support of our own Regional Director of Learning who will advise and assist us in ensuring that we continue to offer the best learning experiences possible for all of our pupils. “Being part of a large international group will also provide us with a new and wide range of unique and exciting cultural opportunities from which all of our pupils, teachers and families will undoubtedly benefit. “This is a very exciting chapter in the life of St George Roquetas
de Mar and we all look forward to embracing the new opportunities which our partnership with ISP will bring.” Regional Director, Nick Rugg commented “St George Roquetas de Mar is a strong fit for ISP’s vision and philosophy of focusing on quality and excellence, all within a culture where learning takes centre-stage. Once the new term begins, there will be an opportunity for current and prospective parents to learn more about the way in which the School will be moving forward.” For appointments to come and meet the Head of School or to find out more, please contact Ana Naveros admissions.almeria@stgeorge.es.
Weekender
Property
27th July - 2nd August 2018
@Cristiano/Twitter
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ITALY BOUND: Ronaldo will start his first season with Juventus this year.
Ronaldo boots assets out NEWLY-SIGNED Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently admitted charges of tax fraud and accepted a suspended two-year jail term in Spain, is understood to be severing all ties with the country. He is reportedly selling off all his Spanish property in the wake of tensions with the Spanish tax authorities, stemming from the fine and subsequent prosecution he has received in recent months. The Portuguese star has a wide property portfolio in the Spanish capital, as well as a fleet of cars which will be moved to his various properties in Portugal. Ronaldo has been developing a CR7 hotel in Madrid, which may be scuppered following his tax scandal.
Gaudi tower sells for €30 million THE Bellesguard Tower in Barcelona, designed by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, has been bought for €30 million by Catalana Occidente. The heritage house was built at the beginning of the 20th century and has been classified as a cultural asset of national interest since 1969. Having been owned by the Guilera family for 75 years, the building and its gardens will remain open to the public, as part of the terms of the sale. Catalana Occidente states that it has a vocation to contribute to the cultural
TOWERING FEAT: The building was designed by the great architect Antoni Gaudi. wealth of society, and will fund the renovation and conservation of the tower. The building was built at the request of Gaudi’s close
friend Jaume Figueras, who used it for years as a private home, and it is also known as Casa Figueras. It was constructed on the
ruins of an old medieval castle that had been the second residence of Martin El Humano, the last king of the Casal de Barcelona. Gaudi’s design for the Bellesguard tower drew upon influences from the castle, preserving some elements like the original wall and the courtyard. The end result was halfway between a modernist house and a Gothic castle, with a spiral stairway that leads up to the tower. The tower has been open to the public since 2013, and has also been used for weddings, concerts and other events.
Vukile snaps up more assets VUKILE, the JSE-listed property fund, is set to double its retail property investments in Spain after agreeing to acquire a portfolio of four shopping
centres for €460 million. The company described the transaction as transformative, adding it would boost its offshore exposure to above 40 per cent. If ap-
proved, the takeover would increase the value of the portfolio in Castellana Properties, Vukile’s 98 per cent owned Spanish real estate subsidiary, from €390m to €870m. The four shopping centres are in Badajoz, Cadiz, Sevilla and Valladolid. It is a business deal that would be funded by a combination of loans from European banks; €80 million of equity investment from Morze; a €35 million investment by Capricorn Capital and €123 million of investment by Vukile. Chief Executive of Vukile, Laurence Rapp, said he was thrilled to secure the deal that was fully aligned to his business strategy. “This is an excellent quality portfolio, one of the best we have seen in the market so far,” he said.
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Weekender
Lifestyle
27th July - 2nd August 2018
Simple gardening tricks
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VACACIONES
ASOCIATED TO LOCER-TOUR CIAN-0044000-2
TRAVEL AGENCY NOW IN TURRE
THERE are hundreds of minor tweaks and techniques you can make to improve your garden and gardening skills. Here are a few: collect eggshells and use the halves to pack with soil and grow seedlings, you can use the egg packet to hold them and keep your six seedling pots inside using minimum space. Plastic forks stuck in the soil will help prevent pesky animals from ruining your budding garden. You can also protect vulnerable seedlings by making a mini-greenhouse from half a plastic milk carton. The same works with cutup water bottles, allowing you to give each seedling its very
own protective environment. Newspapers wrapped up carefully can make excellent pots all by themselves, while if you’re completely out of papers and pots then a crate filled with straw and soil will do just the trick. Rice water should be saved as it works as a fantastic fertiliser, and the same applies to coffee grounds, both of which many people simply throw out regardless of their benefits. Milk is also an underappreciated antifungal resource which is chock full of plant-friendly nutrients.
And don’t forget citrus peels which are an abundant source of nitrogen, sulphur, magnesium and calcium. They can also fight aphids, repel mosquitoes and attract butterflies.
WE SPEAK ENGLISH
EGGSHELLS: Ideal for seedlings.
(04639) ! ! "# @$ !" %& % ' ' ( ) ' &))
Homes and hormones IT’S no secret that homes can wreak havoc with your hormones, causing mood swings, stress, and even affecting fertility, but many
people remain unaware of how this happens and the details are typically swept under the rug as more pressing issues take priori-
ty. Harsh cleaning products are one of the worst endocrine system disturbers and yet, unless you’ve gone entirely natural or forgo cleaning altogether, you’re eyes, nose and skin will constantly be exposed to their residues. There’s a huge demand for ‘ecological’ or ‘organic’ products but the market is largely unregulated and ‘green’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘safe’. When it comes to your health (and your finances) it’s best to stick with entirely natural homemade cleaning solutions which can easily be found with a little research. As an example you could try orange oil cleanser for your laundry and add baking soda as a disinfectant. Both can also
O
18
Weekender
Food & Drink
27th July - 2nd August 2018
Super simple potato salads THE humble potato is an amazingly versatile vegetable. Here at Olive Tree Farm, it is probably the vegetable we eat the most of. We did try growing them. The first year, we tried the traditional method, straight into the ground, banking them up as the time passed. They looked great, but the harvest was pathetic. We tried growing them in tyres the following year. Apparently, this fail-safe method produced a good crop. Not at Olive Tree
HUMBLE POTATO: A tasty accompaniment to a main dish or a quick lunch.
Farm, again it was pathetic. So now we buy them! The new potatoes that are in the shops are lovely cooked and then left to go cold. With a nice dressing plus a few additions it becomes a tasty accompaniment to a main dish, or even as a tapa for a quick lunch. So, if you fancy having a go at either of these simple dishes buy a few nice small potatoes, don’t bother to peal, boil gently for about 15 mins or so until just soft, leave to go cold and refrigerate, then later within 10 minutes you will have something delicious to serve cold. Potato Salad with Chorizo - Perfect for a BBQ Approximately 4 - 6 small servings 4-6 cooking chorizo sausages, split in half lengthways (slim ones) 6-8 small cooked and chilled new potatoes cut into bite sized chunks 4 - 6 heaped tablespoons mayonnaise 1-2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard Salt and black pepper
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.
Method Take the potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper and mix it all together in a large bowl. Check flavours adding more of any of the ingredients if you think it needs it. Leave in the fridge until ready to serve. If you are having a BBQ, cook the sausage turning a couple of times until cooked through and slightly crispy.
Cut into chunks and leave to cool. When ready to serve, tip your potato mixture onto a serving dish and sprinkle the sausage pieces over the top. If you are not having a BBQ, use a griddle pan on the hob to get the BBQ like marks onto the sausage. Potato Salad in a Wholegrain Mustard and Mayonnaise Dressing 6-8 small cooked and chilled new potatoes cut into bite sized chunks 4 - 6 heaped tablespoons mayonnaise 1-2 teaspoons of whole grain mustard Salt and black pepper 2 hard boiled eggs, peeled and chopped 150g bacon bits fried off until crispy Method Take the potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper and mix it all together in a large bowl, check seasonings. Leave in the fridge until ready to serve. When ready, tip your potato mix into a serving dish and sprinkle the eggs and bacon over the top.
20
Weekender
Health & beauty
27th July - 2nd August 2018
Weed all about it REWIND 20 years and you could hear a pin drop at the at the mere mention of cannabis - fast forward to the new craze of 2018 and everyone including iconic A-listers to housewives are riding high on the crest of the cannabis wave and it doesn’t look like it’s going to crash any time soon. Recent changes in the law allow the use of medicinal cannabidiol (CBD), derived from cannabis seeds or cannabis plants which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, painkilling and anti-ageing properties. So, it can greatly enhance your beauty regime. The cosmetic companies have quickly jumped on the bandwagon and like Argan oil, coconut oil and many other oils derived
HIGH DEMAND: Cannabis oil is becoming more and more popular. from plants in the last few years, anything from mascara, toners, lipsticks or face creams are hitting the shelves at upmarket retailers. Managing Director of MGC Derma, Roby Zomer, whose company recently stocked Harvey Nicolls with
18 different cannaboid based beauty products stated that, “All retailers are looking to bring cannabis cosmetics into their stores, people are looking for niche and unique beauty brands. Last year it was snail slime, now its cannabis.”
SLICK: Giv
Oil in the m • Marula comes from the tree of the same name and is said to be good for dry skin as it is high in fatty acids. • Te a t r e e i s b e t t e r known and many find it helps with soothing skin inflammations such as acne. • Chamomile oil when used on skin can cut
WHEN we think of health we usually think of our bellies, muscles, and bones but rarely our brains. There are, however, terrific strategies you can employ to improve your brain health and even its power, making you smarter and healthier. Exercise for instance is crucial to improve blood
THERE are a range of natural oils that might be worth trying if you are looking to avoid chemical products. down on redness and irritation and is even said to reduce chances of infections. • Coconut is good for conditions like eczema which are characterised by rough skin.
• Rosehip oil is high in vitamin A. This retinoid product is said to help replace old skin cells and reduce the effects of scarring and stretch marks. • Rosemary oil is sup-
Mind of steel flow to the brain and ner ve production, while lessening the risk of stroke. Primate studies have shown that exercising monkeys learnt new skills far faster than their inactive counterparts. Fats are important too,
particularly animalbased Omega-3 fats which comprise a significant proportion of your brain tissue. DHA in particular is essential and provides structural support to your central nervous system, while sup-
Health & beauty
27th July - 2nd August 2018
Weekender 21
Food for thought
ve natural products a try.
mind posed to thicken your hair as is castor oil. • Most larders have olive oil which is supposed to harden brittle nails. Apply last thing at night to allow them to soak. • Another oil in many kitchens is sesame seed which many say is good for teeth and gums - just slosh round like a mouthwash.
plementation can even reverse degenerative conditions. Finally be sure to get a decent night’s sleep in order to repair, revitalise, and rejuvenate your body and mind. Sleep has been shown to improve your memory, cognitive scope and ability to learn and adapt to new information.
THE benefits of a healthy diet have been known for a long time, the typical Mediterranean diet often considered to be the most beneficial. Beauty experts are now acknowledging how eating certain foods can aid our beauty regime. Beauty / Flash UK have issued a list of specific foods, explaining their properties to show ‘we can eat ourselves beautiful.’ During the summer months when we are more exposed to the harmful rays from the sun it is important to protect our skin. The recommended foods are the following: Soy beans, encourages a clear complexion, containing beneficial minerals and high in protein. Kidney beans, reduces blemishes as high in Zinc containing healing properties. Avocado , moisture, full of fatty acids which help to protect skin from sun damage. Greek yoghurt , prevents wrinkles, said to make skin firmer and more resistant to lines. Olive oil, reduces inflammation and puffy skin, containing anti-oxidants and can be consumed or ap-
plied directly to the skin. Hair care is equally as important, especially at holiday time when damage can be caused by the sun and chlorine in swimming pools. The following foods are recommended: Oysters. To strengthen hair follicles, contain Zinc to aid the protein structure which makes up the hair follicles. Poultry, high in protein to strengthen hair and encourage growth. Salmon, full of Omega-3 fatty acids to feed the glands around the hair follicles. Spinach, prevents breakage, contains Vitamins A, C, Iron and beta - carotene to help ensure a healthy scalp. Cheese, rich in calcium and protein to promote growth of long and healthy hair.
POT LUCK: Eating yoghurt can prevent wrinkles.
22
Weekender
Leisure
27th July - 2nd August 2018
TV Critic
Daniel wins and the pottery is down the sewer LET’S start with some humble pie. I think that I need to check into that clinic for people who suffer with ‘watching The Voice.’ I accidently tuned in last weekend and found myself watching The Kids final on ITV. I enjoyed it. There I have said it, I tuned in, watched and enjoyed it. The winner, Daniel Davis, blasted out Any Time You Need a Friend. Daniel is 14 and I’m sure made Mariah Carey proud. Daniel’s mentor was Pixie Lott, who looked stunning in a gold dress. It was such a shame that Will.i.am turned up to the final wearing some maroon linen PJ’s he obviously picked up from a local market. I think the stallholder would have been really grateful to have shifted them. If you didn’t see the show, think M&S loungewear, in maroon - creased - with baggy shorts. Thanks for making the effort Will. Wonder if Ad.am.i would work for me? Maybe not ... Some TV news, the BBC has axed The Great Pottery Throw Down . Now, this BBC2 show attracts an audience of over three million and who doesn’t like to see Sara Cox getting her hands covered in sloppy clay, so why is Auntie B pulling the plug? Well, the show is made by Love Productions (can you imagine the switchboard operator: ‘Good Morning caller, Love Productions, how may I help?’). Love Productions also makes Bake Off, you get the connection?
POTTY DECISION: Was the Beeb’s axing of The Great Pottery Throwdown a revenge move?
PHOTO CREDIT ITV/BBC
LITTLE VOICE: Dan’s the man, but what was Will wearing? The other big TV news is that ITV have announced the X Factor judges for 2018. Simon Cowell is joined by Louis Tomlinson (boy band) plus Mr and Mrs Robbie Williams. I think the husband and wife pairing here needs to investigate, don’t you? Sunday evening viewing on ITV came to an unfortunate end for me last week when I stumbled across Holiday Horrors Caught on Camera . It was late and I think I might have breathed in some of the smoke from the first wild fire of the season in Casares - side bar, thoughts
and prayers with the bomberos and others who fight wild fires across Spain, you were fantastic in Casares, Costa del Sol last week - but I don’t call getting an unexpected visitor in your tent whilst on safari (surely to be expected), or finding out that you and a few pals have a holiday jet to yourselves, is a holiday horror. Most of us have some experience of holidays going pear-shaped and I’m not sure these experiences fall into the horror category. If you fancy a late-night romp with random folk on their holibops, catch up via the ITV Hub.
Sticking with BBC2, having cancelled Pottery Throw Down , Tuesday saw the second of three programmes documenting the £5 billion super-sewer being built below London. A friend pushed the initial plans through parliament on this one (hola Alison), but this is a prime-time slot and while the scale of what is going on is impressive, apart from Alison and any engineering fans out there, this one is probably best viewed on a long transatlantic night flight, you will nod right off. Looking ahead, The Hairy Bikers continue their Mediterranean Adventure on BBC2 , Friday evening (quite a lot of BBC2 this week …) and fans of Dad’s Army won’t want to miss We’re Doomed, The Dad’s Army Story on (yes, you guessed it) BBC2, Saturday evening. Enjoy the heat and happy viewing. Ad.am.i
PETS
27th July - 2nd August 2018
Weekender 23
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Aquatic gardening BEMUSED aquarists may have noticed the proliferation of small plastic pots containing live aquarium plants in stores recently, as the popularity of tissue culture, also known as ‘in-vitro’ plants, continues to rise. These plants are grown in a laboratory using the latest tissue culture technologies, and grown under sterile conditions using a nutrient-rich gel or liquid, producing a unique, high-quality product that is guaranteed to be free from snails, pests, algae, and pesticides. This makes them perfect for anyone wishing to grow live plants in their aquarium, and although a single pot may cost slightly more than a standard bunched plant, you actually get a lot more plant for your money in terms of quantity.
24
Weekender
Puzzles
20th - 26th July 2018
Wordsearch Disney Villains
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.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
TARGET:
YZMA
KAA
KING CANDY
RATIGAN
CHERNABOG
MOTHER GOTHEL
SCAR
SYKES
CRUELLA DEVIL
SHERE KAHN
SYNDROME
HANS
CAPTAIN HOOK
HADES
SHAN YU
JAFAR
HORNED KING
CLAYTON
Quick
Across 1 Horrifying beast (4) 3 Move hurriedly (8) 9 Give details (7) 10 Snares (5) 11 Cut by 50 per cent (5) 12 State of commotion and noise and confusion (6) 14 Confesses to (6) 16 Armed engagement (6) 19 Car repair shop (6) 21 Low in stature (5) 24 Common viper (5) 25 Sure, confident (7) 26 Necromancer (8) 27 Come upon, as if by accident (4)
Down 1 Located or originating from above (8) 2 Force or drive back (5) 4 Be in agreement (6) 5 Make different (5) 6 Brazenly obvious (7) 7 Posing no difficulty (4) 8 Natural ability or quality (6) 13 Fated (8) 15 Wander aimlessly (7) 17 Senseless or meaningless (6) 18 Free from harm or evil (6) 20 Be in accord (5) 22 Giraffe-like African animal (5) 23 Officially disallows (4)
• Average: 16
• Very good: 32
• Good: 22
• Excellent: 41
anti ante anew fate fans fane feet feed fete feted fetid fens fennec fennecs fence etas etna ennui jeer jennet enate eons cent cense cutie cute conn conns connate cone cons cops copse cope copes edit detent dips ions epos
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 Small label for men only do (4) 4 Contrary for every stanza (8) 8 Heard a singer’s note (6) 9 Building detail is closely followed (6) 10 Put up with a large carnivore (4) 11 Con isn't worried receiving a boycott (8) 13 Variety no longer lists famous rock group (7,6) 16 Admires spectres at sea (8) 19 Swat up on part of Sacramento (4) 20 Borsht is cooked pulses (6) 22 Fungus spoilt a cigar (6) 23 Britain always has time for a cuppa (8) 24 It’s unpleasantly damp hiding in old Ankara (4)
Down 2 Consequently the umpire gets money from Scandinavia (9) 3 Nonspecific military rank (7) 4 Studies intensely the tiny holes (5) 5 Grades given to sailors (7) 6 Order some draught cider in retrospect (5) 7 She can prosecute (3) 12 Change to open-air function (9) 14 Capital I put into new casino (7) 15 Old church with tough fruit-trees (7) 17 Likely to be in favour of the northeast (5) 18 Heads turn in the gloom (5) 21 First hold out every tool (3)
Puzzles
20th - 26th July 2018
IRREGULAR SUDOKU
SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : A NOVEL IDEA - 2 In 2003 The Observer published a list of the ‘100 Greatest Novels of All Time’, can you work out the titles of 10 of these famous works from these brief descriptions by the newspaper’s literary editor Robert McCrum? (Year first published) 1. Victorian bestseller about a New England family of girls (1868) 2. Twain was a humorist, but this picture of Mississippi life is profoundly moral and still incredibly influential (1876) 3. A brilliantly suggestive, resonant study of human duality by a natural storyteller (1886) 4. The story of a dog who joins a pack of wolves after his master's death (1903)
5. This children’s classic was inspired by bedtime stories for Grahame’s son (1908) 6. The great novel of the British Raj, it remains a brilliant study of empire (1924) 7. The quintessential Jazz Age novel (1925) 8. Dystopian fantasy about the world of the seventh century AF (after Ford) (1932) 9. Introducing Philip Marlowe: cool, sharp, handsome - and bitterly alone (1939) 10. This tale of one man’s struggle against totalitarianism has been appropriated the world over (1949)
Kakuro
Answers 1. LITTLE WOMEN, 2. THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER, 3. DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE, 4. THE CALL OF THE WILD, 5. THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, 6. A PASSAGE TO INDIA, 7. THE GREAT GATSBY, 8. BRAVE NEW WORLD, 9. THE BIG SLEEP, 10. NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR
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
Feature
27th July - 2nd August 2018
The joke is not on Ryanair by Sandy Shore JOKES about Michael O’Leary’s airline help to keep us amused. A favourite is O’Leary’s observation that the price of a Guinness at his local is very competitive. “So it is,” replies the barman: “And will you want a glass with it, sir?” Often the joke is on the travelling public as the airline boss is a master at generating free headline publicity. Like Sir Richard Branson, O’Leary is rarely off our front pages. Branson gets his through participating in epic stunts and he is usually surrounded by eye-candy. The two businessmen follow a well-used flight path for the aviation industry has always attracted showmen. Many will remember the bright and breezy Freddie Laker who, by using surplus Second World War aircraft, opened up
LUCK OF THE IRISH: Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary is a media dream. the cheap holiday abroad market. His aircraft were the charabancs of the skies. One of O’Leary’s stunts was to
have vertical seats fitted in his aircraft thus allowing him to cram in more passengers. Boeing, manufacturers of many Ryanair aircraft,
ruled out the concept. Spokesman Nick West says; “Among other things, stringent regulatory requirements, including seats capable of withstanding a force of 16Gs, pretty much prevent such an arrangement. Ryanair’s fleet of Boeing 737800 aircraft are each licensed to carry 189 passengers. O’Leary simply isn’t allowed to exceed this figure and he knows it, but the publicity the story received was worth far more than the profitability such an arrangement might have brought. The airline boss hardly allows a hoax to drift from the front pages before he dreams up yet another. His madcap schemes rarely come to fulfilment but it is fun to wonder which of them will bear fruit. Another impractical con was to impose a €1 charge for using aircraft loos. This was followed by the ‘fat tax’; a scheme to surcharge
passengers who the airline considered overweight. Each headline grabbing scheme is crafted to remind us that his company is a no frills, low cost budget airline; it helps to keep the story alive. Journalists adore O’Leary as he photographs well; he is a showman and his quotes are invariably outrageous. Many recall the Irish airline boss wearing a German shirt after England’s World Cup defeat. The jibe got his pictures in the newspapers and doubtless endeared him to German, Scottish and Irish travellers without necessarily damaging his British credentials. He had his own take on it of course: ‘Now that England’s out of the cup it is time to get away.’ Free publicity works like an Irish charm and Ryanair is still Europe’s most popular carrier. The business world needs more like Michael O’Leary.
Behind THE MUSIC It’s just a show? V L James vljamesinfo@gmail.com Facebook: @vljamesinfo PEOPLE ask me why I seem so aggressively anti X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. I have had personal dealings with both programmes and have seen up close how these programmes can destroy talented young peoNO X FACTOR: Reality TV contests are bad ple, who believe if they fail on for the industry. them their careers are over! I was regularly called by Syco (Cowell’s company) and asked if I had any artists I was working with that could be fast tracked through to the latter stages. My said they would do it. They were fast artists nearly always declined. They were tracked through to the TV stage. No queubusy writing, learning, gigging and work- ing! After a 9.30am sound check they were ing hard. My problem is that kids think it’s a fast kept in a big room with all the other track way to fame, instead of learning their dreamers until finally getting on stage at craft properly. They think the only way to 10.45pm. They play the first few chords and five seconds in Amanda Holden pressmake it is with Cowell’s approval. Syco asked me about a brilliant young es the button. The band were devastated, I band I was working with. They wanted a asked them, what does Amanda Holden quality music act. The boys in the band know about music?
28
BUILDERS
DRAINAGE
CARS WANTED
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 COSTA Almeria and Costa Calida. Mojacar Eucharist Sunday 11am, at San Pascual. Aljambra Chapel, Albox, Eucharist, second and last Thursday of each
BUILDERS
MOTORING
HOME MAINTENANCE MARKS Home Maintenance services. Painting General Maintenance. Kitchen Unit Renovation. References available. 634 908 475 (259695)
ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders.co m (253556)
CARS WANTED for Cash. Classic Cars & Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Defenders & Discoveries. Please call: 659 685 133 (253556)
Classifieds
27th July - 2nd August 2018
INSURANCE month, 11am. Evensong, second Sunday of each month 6pm. Llanos Del Peral, Cucador, Eucharist or morning worship, Sunday 11am. Church Wardens: Pam Carter 667 947 573. Janet Smith 671 451 838. For more information go to their website at www.mojacarchurch. org
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
ALBOX/MOJACAR INSURANCE, Award winning Agent for ALL your insurance needs. ALBOX OFFICE: 950 121 943. Mojacar office: 634 323 399 MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)
CHURCH SERVICES
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)
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 AND 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 (258237)
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Services
27th July - 2nd August 2018
BABY EQUIPMENT HIRE
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PAINTERS
REMOVALS & STORAGE
DRAINAGE
29
Sport
27th July - 2nd August 2018
19th Hole Golf Society THE 19th played their Monthly Medal in sweltering heat as the temperatures steadily rise on an Aguilon Golf course which belies the conditions. Quite a few members still choose to walk in the searing heat and two of the first three prove you can still play while melting. Bernie O’Brien won the Men’s Medal with an impressive 68, only a single shot ahead of George Reid and Bob Tagg (69). George took second spot, winning on count-back. The Lady’s Medal saw three players separated by just three shots, with Chrissie Dow emerging triumphant after scoring a creditable 74. There were two two’s recorded by Nekane Galindez on the 3rd and Tommy Seed on the 12th. The highlight of the day was Tommy Seed’s ‘eagle 3’ on the 18th hole. Nearest the pins:3rd Nekane Galindez. 8th Dave Whittle. 11th in 2 Mike Esposito. 12th Clive Kershaw. 14th John Ball. 17th Dave Hughes. The Society play every week on local courses. Contact mikeesposito54@yahoo.com.
Game, set and match Photo credit Ayuntamiento de Mojacar
30
ON THE BALL: Councillor Ana Garcia, right, with the winners. MOJACAR recently held its third annual competition in the Provincial Beach Tennis Circuit, organised by Almeria Provincial Council in collaboration with the town hall. A sporting but fun tournament with the aim of promoting beach tennis to both tourists and residents, regis-
tration was free of charge with all the necessary equipment provided. Around 50 players turned up, spread over the different categories for men, women, doubles and youngsters up to the ages of 14 and 16. Mojacar Sports councillor, Ana Garcia, was there on the beach to see
Molinari claims Claret Jug FRANCESCO MOLINARI became the first Italian to win a major, seeing off a pack of star names to claim the Open Championship at Carnoustie. Molinari produced a nerveless two-under final round of 69 in windy conditions on the Scottish links, to finish eight under. He finished two ahead of four players, including home favourites Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy, tied on six under. Tiger Woods finished five under after leading midway through the round, with Jordan Spieth on four under.
Credit: @PGATour/Twitter
MAJESTIC MOLINARI: He is the first Italian to win a major.
Molinari, 35, who star ted the day three shots off the lead, showed relentless consistency to edge away from a six-way tie for the lead and lift the Claret Jug. “It is absolutely amazing,” said the Europe Ryder Cup player.
“I think it will take a long time to sink in, to go bogey-free around this track at the weekend is incredible.” Molinari, ranked 15th in the world, had been tipped by many as a player to watch in the tournament, due to his impressive recent
form. The Italian has won both the PGA Championship at Wentworth, and the Quicken Loans Classic in the past few months. He stressed the importance of making pars on Sunday after his third round, and made good on his word by beginning with 13 pars in succession in testing conditions. That steady sequence was ended with a birdie on the par-five 14th, before a glorious approach on 18th allowed him to pick up another birdie, and the trophy.
the games throughout the day and was delighted with the high level of both play and participation. In her mind, however, the great relaxed atmosphere and sportsmanship were the highlights of the competition whatever the results. In the end, Laura Mulero
Parra and Gustavo Staniscia came first with David Franco Lopez and Daniel Fernando Ortega second, followed by Diego and Damian Navarro in third position. The next round of the Provincial Tennis Circuit will be held on Sunday in Cuevas del Almanzora.
Spanish Super Cup switched BARCELONA have made more histor y before their season has even star ted, as their Spanish Super Cup showdown with Sevilla has been switched to Morocco. S p a i n ’s a n n u a l c l a s h b e t w e e n t h e L a L i g a champions and Copa del Rey winners is moving out of the countr y for the first time, and changing from two legs to a one-off clash. Barca won the domestic double last term and the match at the 40,000-capacity Stade I b n B a t o u t a i n Ta n g i e r o n A u g u s t 1 2 i s against the side they routed 5-0 in the Spanish Cup final. The Catalans have contested the Super Cup for nine of the past 10 seasons, although they did get a 5-1 hammering by Real Madrid last time out. The Spanish Football Federation have confirmed the switch to Morocco, and this year’s m a t c h s e e s a n i n s t a n t r e u n i o n f o r B a r c a ’s French centre-back Clement Lenglet with his old Sevilla teammates.
Motoring
27th July - 2nd August 2018
Audi TT gets an anniversary facelift IT has been around for the past 20 years, and so the anniversary has encouraged Audi to give the TT Coupe and Convertible - a little facelift to celebrate its continuing popularity. There are suggestions that the changes have made the current model appear slightly dated ... but not significantly in a way that alters the fundamental style. The Audi TT comes with a trendy three-dimensional single frame frill with new air inlets at the front, Matrix LED headlamps and OLED rear lights as an extra
option, new alloy designs, new colours and ... the additional iconic four-ring badges. The entry level TT also has its fair share of extras too, with automatic lights a n d
windscreen wipers, Audi Drive Select and Audi’s virtual cockpit. The engine choice is now a single 2.0-litre petrol in two power settings - the 40 TFSI with 194bhp and the
45 TFSI with 245bhp - with the TTS coming with a more fulsome 302bhp. The 40 TFSI gets either a six-speed manual or sevenspeed S Tronic to send drive to the front wheels, and the 45 TFSI only comes with the S tronic ‘box. The TTS gets quattro 4WD and the S tronic ‘box. Taking its inspiration from the original 1995 concept, with arrow grey paint, a worldwide limited edition of just CHANGES: Audi TT in celebratory mood. 999 are being produced.
Goodwood... for world premieres ALONGSIDE the world premiere of the V8 Levante GTS and the European debut of the Levante Trofeo, Maserati also revealed at Goodwood Festival of Speed the MY19 ranges of its Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte models, featuring an array of subtle upgrades and additional content. Both Maserati sedans, as well as the Levante SUV, have adopted a redesigned gearshift-lever featuring a more intuitive shift pattern, shorter travel and improved operation. The driver now has the option to use it in automatic or manual mode simply by shifting the lever from right to left, while a new ‘P’ button effortlessly sets
the transmission in parking mode. With the new gearshift lever, the driving modes’ cluster on the center console of all three models is even more user-friendly. Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte share the same MTC+ infotainment system, which is based on a high resolution 8.4” multi-touch screen and a double rotary knob on the centre console. The human-machine interface has been further improved for each Maserati model boasts a dedicated colour range, which is continuously refreshed. For MY19 there is a choice of 10 body colours for the Quattroporte
and 11 for each of the Ghibli and Levante models. Two new tri-coat colours are now available, born to enhance the design of each: the iconic Rosso Potente and the deep, dark Blu Nobile. The Maserati Design Centre has also created a specific grille and side skirts exclusively for the Quattroporte GTS GranSport version. The major breakthrough in the MY19 Levante range is the launch of the new 550hp GTS, which alongside the previously introduced 590hp Trofeo brings the Maserati of SUVs to the very top of its class in terms of performance, driving dynamics and exclusivity.
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Colour choice for new Fiat models FIAT has announced two new Chrome Appearance Groups for its 2018 Fiat 500L and 500X models. Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA - North America, said: “The Fiat 500X offers all-wheel-drive confidence, five-passenger seating and best-in-class standard torque. The Fiat 500L is powered by a MultiAir Turbo engine and features a spacious, flexible interior with a nearly 360-degree view. “Our new Chrome Appearance Groups give each of these Italian-designed, fun-to-drive vehicles a sleek, refined, custom look.” Both the Fiat 500L Chrome Appearance Group and Fiat 500X Satin Appearance Groups are available in Fiat showrooms now. Based on the Fiat 500L Pop model, the 2018 Fiat 500L Chrome Appearance Group adds premium exterior features, including front-fascia chrome accents, rear-reflector chrome bezels, body-side molding chrome accents, fog lamps and 17-inch aluminium wheels with black pockets. The 2018 Fiat 500L Chrome Appearance Group may be ordered on any one of seven exterior colours: Grigio Chiaro (graphite metallic), Nero (black), Bianco (white), Rosso (red), Grigio Scuro (grey metallic), Blue Tornado and Blue Denim. Available on the Fiat 500X Pop model in both frontwheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, the Satin Chrome Appearance Group further expands customization options for consumers.