ISSUE 650 • 31st August - 6th September 2018
EST 2005
By Jose Artur A FIESTA honouring Mojacar’s patron saint has ended for another year after a record number of people turned out to watch processions and join in with four days of festivities. A mass was held in honour of Saint Augustine, the early Christian theologian, to close the event last Tuesday. It was overseen by priest Miguel Jose Esteban Jerez and took place in the Santa Maria Parish Church. City of God author Saint Augustine, or San Agustin in Spanish, is the town’s patron saint. The religious observance was followed by a procession through the streets of
Mojacar. A statue of the saint was carried aloft by locals and paraded through the town. They were joined by the Fiesta Queen and the Dames of Honour, as well as Mayor Rosmari Cano, town councillors, the Mojacar band and several locals and visitors. The town’s council said in a statement they and the local Merchants’ Association were pleased with how the event had gone. A record number of people turned out for the fiesta’s midday fair (feria de medio dia) in the town’s Plaza Nueva, the council added. “Visitors made the most of the great atmosphere,
music and tasty food which carried them throughout the afternoon until the dancing started up again at night,” the council said. The fiesta was packed with the usual run of traditional events including ribbon races and the carrying of floral offerings to the patron saint. Mojacar officials said participation in Tuesday’s mass was attended by record numbers of people. Eliseo Martinez Garcia, a teacher and theatre director at Mojacar Secondary School, delivered the opening address to festival goers. Sports activities also featured as part of the programme. Almost 300 run-
ners took part in the children’s and adults’ marathons and townsfolk cheered Mojacar’s home side on in a football friendly with Cuevas del Almanzora. The traditional events were accompanied by ones with cutting-edge technology including an online games championship. The town’s council said several events had been geared especially towards engaging children and young people in the fiesta. Festivities were not just confined to the day time. Those who wanted to also had the chance to party well into the night with traditional music and dance.
CREDIT: Mojacar Council
Saintly show
ON HIGH: Saint Augustine was paraded through the streets.
2 NEWS BITES
A SCHOOL in Albox has been selected along with five others throughout Almeria Province to be part of a Junta de Andalucia school residency programme for pupils aged between six and 18 years old.
Road works ANDALUCIA authorities have tendered a contract for works to improve the safety of a stretch of the A334 motorway near Cantoria wor th €301,000 which has a deadline of September 28 for companies to place bids.
Car crash A 47-YEAR-OLD man was left seriously injured after his car left the road and fell into a ditch next to the junction of the A-7 motorway which leads to Rambla Federico Garcia Lorca in Almeria City.
Almeria remembers ‘Liberty martyrs’ ALMERIA CITY marked this year’s annual Los Coloraos tribute last Friday which commemorates a 19th centur y uprising against a tyrannical Spanish king. Los Coloraos got underway at 10am in the chamber of the City Hall. Andres Garcia Lorca, a professor at the University of Almeria and a former representative of the Spanish government in the province, delivered this year’s address. It was followed by a commemoration in the city’s Plaza Vieja. Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco, the mayor of Almeria City, laid a wreath in the plaza at the El Pingurucho monument in memory of the Martyrs. The mayor posted a video message on Twitter before the event encouraging people to take part. “We are celebrating Los Coloraos in honour of those who lost their lives in 1824 defending
CREDIT: Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco, via Twitter
School places
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COMMEMORATION: Fernanez-Pacheco (right) laid a wreath in the plaza.
freedom and a just constitutional regime,” he said. Several local political groups including the left-leaning Partido Socialista (PSOE) and the leftist Izquierda Unida (IU) posted tweets promoting the event. The event is not without controversy. Some have criticised the
playing of La Marseillaise, the French national anthem which features lyrics calling for the overthrow of royalty, at the event. This year’s festival also comes as the PSOE has criticised the ruling conservative Partido Popular (PP) in Almeria City over its
plans to remodel the Plaza Vieja. The Plaza is home to a monument to the Martyrs of Liberty. Los Coloraos marks the anniversary of the arrival of 22 liberals in 1824 in Almeria from Gibraltar who sought support for an uprising against King Ferdinand VII of Spain. Ferdinand had a reputation for being a despotic ruler and his critics dubbed him El Rey Felon (The Felon King). Historian Stanley Payne said he was the ‘basest’ king in Spanish history. The liberal rebels sought a return to the government set out in the Cadiz Constitution of 1812, which sought to curb the monarchy’s power and establish a Parliament. The 22 liberals who arrived in Almeria failed in their uprising. They were arrested and then shot on August 24, 1824 without trial. They were known as Los Coloraos due to their red jackets.
4 NEWS BITES Shelter vacancy MOJACAR’S Paws-Patas animal shelter is seeking a volunteer to help with its books, with the work able to be done from home with hours and days to suit applicants who can call 629 252 292 for more information.
Fire fights ALBOX was one of seven areas in Almeria Province that firefighters were called out to following several blaze outbreaks last week, which authorities said had been caused by lightning strikes from storms.
Beach death EMERGENCY medical personnel were unable to save a man who is believed to have suffered a heart attack while swimming of f the El Zapillo beach in Almeria City despite attempts to revive him.
Regional aid A TOTAL of 11 areas in Almeria Province have been selected to benefit from funding in a Junta de Andalucia scheme aimed at improving disadvantaged areas which has a total budget of €169.5 million.
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Make it snappy ALMERIA City’s council has announced it will hold a ‘selfie competition’ in which locals and visitors are invited to snap pictures of themselves near landmarks to celebrate World Tourism Day. The contest, the second of its kind in the city, sees a total of 35 spaces chosen where the selfies can be taken. These include beaches, monuments, landmarks, food and drink spots and outdoor areas etc. There are three prizes up for grabs for the competition winners, who have until World Tourism Day on September 27 to post their pictures to social media. The prizes include a trip to New York City, a Mediterranean cruise and a trip to Spain’s 2018 food capital Leon. Carolina Lafita, Almeria City Council’s promotion spokesperson, said it would allow locals and visitors to showcase the best of the city. “The challenge is to show the range of possibilities offered by Almeria City for travellers. We want citizens themselves to become guides,” Lafita said. Entrants are allowed to take three selfies at the spots chosen by the council for the contest. They then have to visit: www.turismodealme ria.org/concursodmt/index.html to sign up and upload their shots for
PICTURE PERFECT: Almeria City’s Cathedral is among the spots chosen
judging by the council. Spots chosen include the La Alcazaba fortress, the Cable Ingles, the Plaza del Mar de la El Toyo and hotels, bars and restaurants in the city. The competition has been backed by Almeria’s Association of Hotel Owners (ASHAL), as well as the province’s Diputacion, Audi Vera Import, El Corte Ingles and Delta Airlines. Diego Garcia, the president of ASHAL, said those taking part would help to show off what made Almeria City unique. Everyone who enters the contest will receive a gift from the council, the organisers said. Those who take a
PHOTO FEVER: A total of 35 sites have been chosen.
selfie in every one of the 35 spots can take their pictures to the city’s tourist office to receive a special prize. Send your pictures from Almeria
Province to editor@soltimes.com with your name, address and a description for a chance to feature in our next edition
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A walk of fame Making waves MOVIE CLASSIC: Scenes from Lawrence of Arabia were shot in Almeria.
FILM SET: La Alcazaba has been used as a location for several films. By Jose Artur ALMERIA City’s council has unveiled a programme of guided tours around famous film locations in the city. The first of the Almeria of Cinema tours is set to take place tomorrow (Satuerday) with a start time of 11am. Those on the walk will be shown the locations of classic films such as Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia and Patton, as well as the TV series Game of Thrones. It will leave from the city’s Tourist Office in the Plaza Vieja, the council said in a statement. “The tours include some
of the best known and also the more hidden sites of the city. All of them form what makes up Almeria,” the council said. Guides are set to show those who attend sites in the city where scenes for the films and the TV show were shot. They will also give facts about the movies and their production. The tour will also take in Almeria City’s own Hollywood-style Walk of Fame, the Paseo de las Estrellas del Cine de Almeria, next to the Cervantes Theatre. Tomorrow’s tour is part of a programme of three trips taking place over the weekend. The first is due to set off at 11am today
(Friday) and is set to take in sites in and around the historic centre including the church of San Juan. The second is tomorrow’s tour and the third is due to leave from the Plaza Vieja at 11am this Sunday. It will focus on squares and public areas in the city and examine each site’s history. Scenes from Indiana Jones were filmed at La Alcazaba and in other locations across the province. Parts of Lawrence of Arabia were made in the Cabo de Gata and Tabernas Desert. Each of the tours cost €2 and tickets can be bought from the city’s Tourist Office in the Plaza Vieja.
Money raiser
A CHARITY fundraiser held in Los Cojos Arboleas in aid of British and Spanish cancer charities was a ‘resounding success,’ according to the organisers.
The event, held at Cati’s bar last Saturday, raised around €1,000 for Macmillan UK and Spain’s MACS in dona-
tions and sponsorship. “The event was a resounding success. We would like to thank everyone who contributed,” the organisers said.
MORE than 7,000 passengers are due to step down into Almeria City from six cruise ships this September, according to the city’s Port Authority. The tourists are set to take in the sites of the provincial capital as well as those in Mojacar, the Cabo de Gata, the Tabernas desert and La Alpujarra. Mari Carmen Ortiz, president of the Port Authority, said officials had collaborated with shipping firms, tourist boards and regional authorities and would continue to do so.
“These arrivals show cruise operators continue to value the province’s tourism offering,” she said. The liners due to stop over are the Wind Surf, the Braemar, the Adonia, the Azamar Pursuit, the Marella and the Azamara Journey. They are due to visit on September 4 and 13, 5, 8,10, 14 and 24 respectively. The Azamara Pursuit, operated by Azamar club cruises and with a capacity for almost 780 passengers, will be making its first visit to Almeria.
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Feria crime falls CREDIT: NATIONAL POLICE, VIA TWITTER
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ON CALL: Mounted police were on hand at the feria. NATIONAL POLICE officers made a total of 35 arrests and handed down 145 sanctions during the week of Almeria City’s feria, according to crime statistics. Most of the arrests and sanctions were in connection with the possession or taking of illegal drugs, as well as taking prohibited weapons to the event. Police statistics showed the level of crime fell during the week compared to the same period last year, in some cases by up to 45 per cent. There was a drop in shoplifting cases of some 10 per cent compared to
2017 with a total of 41 recorded during this year’s feria. There was a total of three car break-ins and thefts from within vehicles, a fall of 80 per cent on last year’s figure. A total of four robberies were sanctioned compared to nine last year and police had to step in on 48 counts of brawls and arguments this year. There were 12 arrests made on the back of warrants issued out of the 35 total. A total of 127 out of the 145 sanctions made were in connection with possessing drugs and the
rest were due to weapons possession. Officers intervened on four other cases on humanitarian grounds, but gave no details about these cases. Police said no sexual assaults were recorded during the feria. The National Police operation at this year’s feria was designed to maintain order and deal with crimes effectively, officers said. Several units took part including explosives specialists and mounted police were also deployed. Officers also had air support from a helicopter.
Officers work with Met GUARDIA CIVIL officers based in Almeria recently collaborated with their opposition numbers in London’s Metropolitan Police to investigate allegations that a Spanish man sexually assaulted his daughter in Britain. The man has since been convicted on six counts of abusing his daughter for five years when she was eight-years-old following a trial at the Inner London Crown Court in August. Guardia Civil officers in Almeria became involved in the investigation when the Metropolitan Police contacted them in January. They had requested assistance from officers with the Women and Youth team EMUME after receiving a complaint from the defendant’s daughter. The London court heard the case came to the attention of British police after social services became concerned about the girl who was spending time in their centres. Social workers suspected she had suffered from some form of domestic violence and contacted British police. The girl had being evasive in her behaviour and had appeared withdrawn during her visits, social workers said. Medical examinations found the girl bore evidence of having suffered physical abuse, at which point officers were called in to investigate.
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Roaring success amount collected,” Liz said. Liz added that Maggie was delighted to announce that the event raised €1,500 and, with the lead-up events and raffle, the final total is €2,230. Maggie said: “The charity is fundraising for another hospitalstyle bed which is in demand for patients who are bed-ridden at home, we have reached our total with this summer event.” Maggie went on to thank all the volunteers who made the day such a success, Smooth FM who did an excellent job host-
‘WONDERFUL’: The fun day was enjoyed by all who attended.
ing the event, singers Elizabeth Regan, Melanie Howard-Coles, Emma Wild and Geoff Murrell. Entertainers on the day were Carrie’s Dusty Boots and Anne Campbell and her dance students. Age Support also thanked all the local businesses who donated prizes, the craft stall holders and last, but not least, all the lo-
cals and holidaymakers who came along to support the event - you can all be assured that the money raised will buy a muchneeded bed for loaning to the elderly of Almanzora. The Family Fun Day had something for everyone with old-style games with the stocks proving very popular - Richard from Smooth FM being the first
to be pelted with wet sponges! Prior to the event Age Support had run a Selfie Scavenger Hunt which was won by the Dizzy Dancing Detectives who received their trophy at the Fun Day. For more photos and details of the event visit the Age Support Almanzora Shop Facebook page.
A new home SEVERAL volunteers turned out with an Almanzorabased charity to help them move thousands of books as well as furniture and other fixtures to a new base. The Almanzora Group of Friends, an advice and information sharing forum, said in a statement they moved to Plaza San Antonio, Barrio Alto, Albox from 44 Avenida Lepanto at the beginning of August. The Library and Information Centre of the Almanzora Group of Friends closed for a week during the move. “It was a massive task with over 5,000 books, numerous shelves, bookcases, desks, tables, chairs, wheelchair, etc etc etc to move, all at minimum cost,” the group said. The Friends added it was accomplished with the help
CREDIT: ALMANZORA GROUP OF FRIENDS
A CHARITY fun day held in aid of Arboleas’ Age Support went ‘wonderfully,’ the organisers said in a statement. There was a big turnout at the Age Support Family Fun Day held at Kubatins, Arboleas. The venue was packed and everyone had a wonderful entertainment-packed afternoon and evening, Liz Carey of the charity said. “The many volunteers and the organisers, Maggie and Ellen, were exhausted at the end but it was all worth it for the huge
RELOCATION: Unpacking in the new centre of over 30 members and the removal services of Orangebox aka Gary of Bar La Union, La Alfoquia. Last Saturday, those involved were invited to the celebration of a job well done (so much effort in so much heat) at the Bar La Union. A well deserved
good time was had by all, the group said. The centre is now open from Monday to Friday 10.00 to 1.00 and the first Saturday of the month. A map and directions can be found on Facebook and on www.almanzo rafriends@gmail.com.
NEWS Film shoot starts soon
Man dies after train hit PHOTO CREDIT: Google Maps
NEWS BITES
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LA ALCAZABA fortress in Almeria City is set to see the filming of scenes from the Wonder Woman 1984 movie from this Wednesday to the following Saturday September 8 and the monument will reopen the next day.
Arts fair VERA’S mayor and town culture officials are set to open the 50th anniversary presentation for this year’s Arts Festival in the town today (Friday) at 1pm at Terraza Carmona.
Fire stats ALMERIA Province saw the largest number of call outs for wildfires at 64 out of a total of 498 operations to tackle blazes throughout Andalucia so far this year which saw almost 3,000 hectares of land torched.
RAIL ACCIDENT: The man and woman were hit on a Pulpi rail line. (archive) A 29-YEAR-OLD man has died in hospital after a collision with a train in Pulpi left him with serious head injuries, according to provincial health sources. A 31-year-old woman remains in the intensive care unit of Almeria City’s Torrecardenas Hospital. Doctors there said they could not say for certain if she would recover. Guardia Civil of ficers have been probing the accident since the pair were found lying beside train tracks in Pulpi at around 9am last Sunday. ADIF railway track workers found the 29-yearold and 31-year-old with serious head trauma and alerted emergency services.
Local Police officers and medical personnel were despatched to the couple. Paramedics initially took them to La Inmaculada Hospital in Huercal-Overa, but they were later transferred to Torrecardenas Hospital due to the severity of their injuries. The man had been in a coma until he died and the woman remains in a serious condition. Officers probing the crash are pursuing an initial theory that the pair strayed onto the tracks after drinking at the moment a train from Aguilas was passing. This has not been confirmed and the investigation continues.
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Fire suit appeal AN energy company has said it will appeal against a court ruling which ordered it to pay millions to Andalucia’s regional authority over damage caused by an Almeria forest fire. Almeria’s Court of First Instance partially upheld the claim for damages against Endesa after finding the Sierra de Gador fire began when one of their power lines fell down. The company was ordered to pay €8 million plus legal costs to the Junta de Andalucia. Endesa said it would appeal on the grounds there was not sufficient evidence the collapse had sparked the blaze. The Junta had originally filed a suit for €34 million in damages to cover firefighting costs, environmental damage and other losses. The hearing was in connection with a fire that began in Paraje Gatuna in Alhama which torched almost 3,300 hectares of public and private land in 2014. It went on to affect the Alhama, Sata Fede Mondujar, Enix, Terque and Gador areas and more than 250 firefighters were deployed to tackle it.
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CREDIT: Transmediterranea
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Ed. 650
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BLAZE OUTBREAK: The Alcantara Dos arrived late to Almeria. A FERRY which was due to embark from Almeria City’s port for Melilla arrived at its destination about seven hours late after a blaze began on its previous voyage. The Alcantara Dos ship, which can carry up
Ferry fire to 575 passengers, left Melilla last Saturday. A fire broke out in one of its engines around 40
minutes into the voyage, according to the operator Transmediterranea. The company said the blaze was extinguished with the vessel’s automated fire systems and it did not affect its ability to sail or the safety of those on board. Alcantara Dos could only run with three of its four engines following the fire. This meant it arrived back in Melilla
seven hours late at 4am and later at Almeria at 9am, Transmediterranea added. It should have left Almeria for Melilla at 9pm on Saturday. Alcantara Dos’ 9am voyage from Melilla to Almeria on Sunday was suspended following the fire. Passengers set to travel on the ship were transferred to the Fortuny which sailed for Malaga at 3pm. Tr a n s m e d i t e r r a n e a said the ship sailed from Melilla to Almeria as nor mal at 9pm last night.
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Weekender Health & Beauty Page 20-21
Ageing homes Page 14
A classic film Page 26
National park Page 16
Nissan Qashqai Page 31
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Feature
31st August - 6th September 2018
Ports of call
By Jos Biggs
Credit Matt Ford
FROM crystal-clear rivers to stunning rocky outcrops, the little-known Serra del Ports is a haven for those wishing to get off the beaten track. Located close to the River Ebro delta, the massif offers a dramatic, rugged landscape which covers around 60,000 hectares of the Cataluña, Valencia and Aragon regions. The rivers Senia and Matarranya rise in the mountains and have carved out spectacular limestone formations, with impressive cave and pothole systems and plenty of hidden pools where you can take a dip. There is also a range of signposted hiking and cycling trails covering all
Fishy business
PEAK BEAUTY: The Serra del Ports is a littleknown gem. types of ground, from ravines to streams, thick forest or high plains. Wildlife includes Spanish ibex, wild boar, roe deer, badger, fox, wildcat, squirrel, and otter, plus numerous bird species including eagles and an important Griffon Vulture colony, while there are over 1,000 species of flo-
ra and other vegetation. The main access routes are at Horta de Sant Joan, where there is a small museum and information centre, Roquetes, and La Senia. Accommodation, including camping, can be found around the villages of Valderrobres, Beceite and Arnes in addition to those mentioned above.
AFTER a 24-hour absence Mr Tommy Fluffipants re-appeared, and I offered him a scrumptious plateful of ham, paté, chicken and cheese. ‘Look Tommy - extra special dinner, just for you.’ He examined the plate. ‘If you think I’m falling for that you are an idiot. I know bribery when I see it. I’m not touching that - if I eat that you’ll put me in the box again.’ ‘But Tommy,’ I pleaded, ‘You have to have your jabs, or you’ll get ill.’ He was unimpressed. ‘I’ve never been ill before.’ ‘That’s because you’ve had your jabs.’ I backed my argument up by quickly adding ‘If you don’t have your jabs the police will arrest you and put you in prison.’ ‘They’ll have to catch me first,’ he an-
nounced as he stalked off. I knew getting him to eat a tranquilizer wasn’t going to be easy. I scratched my head and settled down to my prawn salad. With the last prawn balanced on my fork he re-appeared. ‘Would you like a prawn, Tommy?’ ‘Might.’ He examined the prawn in great detail, shook it a couple of times, then ate it, making a big deal of chewing it thoroughly. ‘I like prawns.’ He announced. ‘Got any more?’ I didn’t. I’d eaten them all. Worse, I didn’t have any prawns in the house, yet prawns were obviously the secret weapon I needed to get that tranquilizer down Tommy’s suspicious little throat. I’ll have to lay my hands on some prawns, and soon! How?
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk
Feature THE Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens in Granada are one of those places everyone in Spain should visit at least once. History, stunning architecture, gardens and water features fill the complex, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 and just missed out on becoming one of the seven new wonders of the world. Described by Moorish poets of bygone times as a pearl set in emeralds, the fortress and palaces tower over Granada’s Albaicin district, cutting an easily recognisable silhouette against the surrounding woods. The Alhambra began with construction of a small fortress, the Alcazaba, on the remains of a previous Roman fortification in 889 AD, but was then mostly forgotten about until the mid-13th century. Moorish emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada ordered the palace and walls built and in 1333 Sultan of Granada Yusuf I turned the complex into a royal palace.
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The pearl among emeralds
ALHAMBRA PALACE: One of those places in Spain that everyone should visit at least once. The last remaining Islamic stronghold in Spain, the Alhambra was conquered in January 1492 by the Catholic Monarchs Fernando and Isabel, who set up their Royal Court within its walls to take advantage of the luxurious Moorish constructions and water management, which was virtually unknown to Castilians at the time. It was in fact to the Alhambra that Christopher Columbus travelled to seek support from the
monarchs before embarking on his journey which resulted in discovery of the Americas. Just 6,600 visitors per day are allowed into the Alhambra, meaning it is advisable to buy tickets in advance. Although they can be obtained on the day at the door, queues are generally extremely long and tickets sell out very early in the day therefore it is advisable to book online well in advance.
Entr y tickets cost €14 for adults and €9 for Spanish and EU pensioners and students, who must prove their status. Children under 12 do not have to pay, but must obtain free tickets from the ticket office as these are checked during visits. While it is perfectly possible to visit under your own steam and wander at will, guided tours are highly recommended as they provide a great amount of inter-
Weekender 13 esting information. Official tours are available for groups and there is also the possibility of booking private tours. For more information see www.guiasgranada.com or call 958 225 226. Sensible shoes are a must as it takes three to four hours to see everything. Wheelchairs are available for loan although they run out quite quickly. Between October 16 and March 15 the Alhambra is open to the public from 8.30am to 6pm every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. From March 16 to October 15 the opening hours are extended to 8.30am to 8pm. Due to the fact that access is limited to 300 visitors at a time in the Nasrid Palaces, for many the best part of the complex, tickets will include an exact time for this part of the visit. It is recommendable therefore to plan to start your visit there and continue on to the rest afterwards to avoid missing your slot.
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Weekender
Property
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Almeria homes ‘young’ THE average house for sale in Almeria City was built 32 years ago making them among some of the most modern in Spain, according to a study. Data from the rental site Idealista showed homes in Almeria Province’s capital were around the same age as those in Murcia City, Lleida and Guadalajara. A total of 23 Spanish cities had homes there around 30 years old on average. Homes up for rent in Almeria City were also aged about 32 years old on average, the same as those in Guadalajara. Barcelona had the oldest homes on the market for sale, with properties about 69 years old on average. Pamplona came
AGEING PROPERTIES: Almeria City homes were among the youngest on average. second with homes that were built around an average of 64 years ago. Albacete had the most moder n housing stock available to buy aged around 31 years old on average. Fer nando Encinar, head of studies at Idealista, said the data showed the Spanish
housing stock was not sufficiently up to date. “There is no doubt that for those living in houses built more than five decades ago brings extra costs in renovations, leaks and poor energy efficiency,” Encinar said. “Although millions of houses were built during the bubble, the fact that
two of the largest Spanish cities are in the oldest housing group shows the pace on construction there has not been similar to the rest of the country. “We should seriously consider the need to increase construction in both cities in the coming years,” he added.
Study: unfurnished flats ‘cheaper’ FLATS that come without furniture are almost 40 per cent cheaper on average than those that come with the fixtures, according to a study from letting site Idealista. The website’s report also estimated around 30.6 per cent of flats currently on the market are empty. Data from their listings showed that of the 30.4 per cent total, 21.4 per cent were for flats with kitchen appliances included. The remaining 9.2 per cent came completely unfurnished. Unfurnished flats in Almeria City were estimated to be 12.4 per cent cheaper than furnished ones. Barcelona was the city which had the largest difference on average in the price of unfurnished versus furnished flats at 35.9 per cent. It was followed by San Sebastian with a difference of 31.6 per cent, Logroño with 15.1 per cent, Albecete, 13.8 per cent and Avila, 12.8. The gap in price between furnished and unfurnished in the Spanish capital of Madrid stood at 9.1 per cent. Just over 50 per cent of Madrid flats came unfurnished. Flats that came unfurnished were more expensive on average than those with furnishings in some cities. These were Caceras, with a 13.2 per cent difference, Lugo, with 12 per cent, Leon, 11.6, Bilbao, 9.3 and Sevilla, 6.7. Idealista said the reason for this was that a higher number of unfurnished flats were in the more desirable and more costly areas of those cities.
16 by Dilip Kuner FROM Imperial Eagles soaring, Egyptian Vultures riding the thermals to Iberian Lynx, otters badgers and deer - the Monfrague National Park is a haven to hundreds of species. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2003, many millions have been spent to regenerate and preserve the flora and fauna that have made this area such a special place for thousands of years. The very remoteness of the region has helped preserve the habitat and made it a very special place to visit. The park is formed within an imaginary triangle formed by the ancient towns of Plasencia, Trujillo and Navalmoral de la Mata, any of which make a good base from which to explore this magnificent natural space. Man too has long lived here, but always hand-in-hand with nature. Called Mons Fragorum by the Romans, little has changed since those days. The rugged terrain and scrubland means it has escaped the worst excesses of the modern world.
Feature
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Monfrague National Park – a bastion of Iberian wildlife The flora is dominated by oak forests, wild olives and Mediterranean trees and shrubs, making it probably the best preserved Mediterranean mountainscape anywhere in the world. It is the perfect environment for a host of bird species, making it a favourite destination for ornithologists. While much of the park is difficult to access via a series of hiking trails, the most popular bird-watching site is actually right next to the main road that wends its way through the park. A short drive from Villarreal de San Carlos (the only village in the park) brings you to the spectacular Salto del Gitano, which is a spectacular 300metre cliff plunging down to the Tagus river. Handily enough as one of the easiest to reach parts of the
MOORISH CASTLE: An excellent spot to watch the birds and take in the breathtaking scenery. Park it is also the best spot to see some of the main attractions - eagles, hawks and in particular Griffon Vultures. There are few places in Europe where you can see the
latter, and it is hard to believe there is anywhere you can get so close to these magnificent, if rather ugly creatures. No binoculars are needed as they soar almost within
touching distance of you against the stunning backdrop of the Tagus. Smaller Egyptian Vultures can be spotted too, as well as the mighty Imperial Eagle and Black Storks. Above the Salto del Gitano is the remains of a Moorish castle, which is also an excellent spot to watch the birds and take in the breathtaking scenery. Traffic is banned though, so be prepared for a bit of an uphill slog or better still, especially in the scorching summer, time your visit for the free bus that will take you up the hill. Heading back towards Villarreal de San Carlos, by the bridge that spans the reservoir are two drinking fountains, the Fuente de los Tres Caños and the Fuente del Francés. These shady spots are the ideal place
for a picnic - for the wildlife as well as human visitors. When we were there a ‘tame’ deer wandered straight past the tables and benches in search for any scraps to eat. On the road to Plasensia, just after you leave the park is an impressive visitor centre. Free to enter it has audio visual displays which show the fauna of the park in close-up. It also shows the history and traditions of the inhabitants of this wild area, and how prehistoric cave paintings show that people have been at one with nature for thousands of years. Star gazers too are catered for at Monfrague. It has been protected from light pollution as a dark-sky preserve, making it an excellent place to view the night sky, especially from the park’s own observatory.
O
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Weekender
Lifestyle
31st August - 6th September 2018
Feng shui your home for positive thinking A SPANISH home, designed by Alex Schmit has been praised for its commitment to ideas of feng shui. It applies the Ta o i s t p h i l o s o p h y o f being which is a philosophical, ethical, and religious tradition of Chinese origin that emphasises living in harmony. Taoism considers the body as the house that is always with us, as a vehicle carr ying the spirit of life. If this vehicle or home is in good condition, it will lead to a prosperous life.
CLEAN: Declutter your room for a perfect lifestyle choice.
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Feng shui can help achieve this, but even if you didn’t want to go for a complete home remodelling, you can follow some of the main principles of feng shui to enhance the well-being of your home.
Declutter every room; clutter in the home restricts the flow of posit i v e e n e r g y, a n d c a n result in cluttered thinking. Position furniture correctly. Furniture should be positioned so as not to restrict free passage through the room, as this is a reflection of the flowing of energy. People should be able to sit with their backs to a wall whenever possible. Keep work and rest areas separate. Any work or home office space should be kept ver y distinct from living or sleeping areas. Work material kept in the bedroom will prevent getting a good night’s rest. Hang mirrors. Mirrors are believed to ref l e c t p o s i t i v e e n e r g y, therefore doubling its potency.
Food & Drink
31st August - 6th September 2018
PUFF PASTRIES: Filled with apples and blueberries.
Playing with pastry AS the ‘Great British Bake Off’ hits our screen for this year, Olive Tree Farm decides to join in the fun! The slightly cooler mornings are perfect to fire up the oven and buckle down. This week I decided to play with pastry. I love to make pastry, but this is a lazy pastry. All I had to do was find it in the local supermarket, but as puff pastry is so hard to make by hand, it made sense. There are some lovely fruits around at this time of year, and although we are laden with figs not far off being ready to pick, our apples and pears were a huge disappointment. Thank goodness for the markets. Apple and Blueberry puff pastries 1 sheet of ready made puff pastry 2 large, red apples, cored and thinly sliced (you can leave the skin on for colour) 2 tablespoons blueberry jam Ground Cinnamon Brown sugar 1 egg yolk Pre heat oven to 180ºC Cut one sheet of ready made puff pastry into six even oblongs. Lightly score a smaller oblong within each one about 1cm from the edge. This will give a lip that will rise slightly higher than the centre. Spread a teaspoon or so
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.
of the jam in the middle of each oblong, leaving the edges around where you have scored, clear of jam. Then top with overlapping apple slices. Sprinkle each one with a pinch of cinnamon and brown sugar. Brush egg yolk around the edges
and bake centre oven for around 20 minutes until puffed and golden. Once cooled mix 50g of icing sugar with a little milk until smooth and fairly sticky and drizzle over the slices. Blueberry Jam This is a two ingredient, easy recipe, making a small amount of jam which will keep for about four weeks in the fridge in a sterilised jar. 450g Blueberries 350g sugar Prepare jars by boiling jars and lids in boiling water for five minutes. In a saucepan on a low medium heat, add the blueberries and sugar and stir them together Using a potato masher, gently press the fruit to break it up and then turn the heat up slightly to bring to a gentle boil …. Stir this continuously so it does not burn on the bottom of the pan. Continue doing this for around 30 minutes. When the jam has thickened and sticks to a metal
spoon it is ready to turn off the heat. Leave it to cool completely. If it is too chunky for you, once completely cool, you can mash it some more, or blend with a blending stick. Add to the warm jars and seal. If you would like to join my cooking group search Facebook ‘Cooks In Spain,’ I’d love to see you in there!
Weekender 19
20
Weekender
Health & beauty
31st August - 6th September 2018
SNS Nails
NAIL ADDICTS: SNS is a popular nail dipping system.
SNS NAILS (Signature Nail System) is a popular nail dipping system. It uses a brush-on gel base, followed by dipping it in powder. The powder comes in white and natural pink for a fresh manicure, as well as many other colours - a nail educator, technician and blogger told media. The powder consists of organically processed chemicals, Benzoyl Peroxide, Titanium Dioxide, and Acrylic Ester Polymer and is enriched in vitamins and calcium which give strength to the nails. SNS nails look very similar to shellac or acr ylic nails, however they are a lot thinner and look more natural, take no dr ying time, are more flexible and
the powder provides more strength than many gel nails. SNS nails do not require any UV lights to stick to the nail, which is seen to be healthier for the nails. However the main sticking ingredient is also the main ingredient in super-glue and the coloured powder used is essentially acrylic powder. Similar to acrylic nails, when they grow longer they need redoing - typically about two or three weeks. The product itself doesn’t not damage the nail, however if incorrectly removed it peels off layers of natural name. Therefore this should always be done by a professional.
Lashes or mascara? Laura Maksvytyte ACCORDING to a new report by Business of Fashion, lash extensions and lash lifts may be overtaking the mascara. However, beauty companies sold €6.9 billion worth of mascara last year, according to Euromonitor International. Lash lift, tint or extensions do take more time than simply putting on mascara. However they last for months and saves time getting ready in the morning in the long run.Another advantage of getting one of those procedures is longer, natural-looking lashes without any product. “The comfort level with consumers to go and get these different kinds of treatments and ser vices has definitely reached an all-time high,” senior beauty analyst at Mintel LASHES: Extensions or mascara?
Sarah Jindal - said in an interview with BoF, “People are willing to invest a little bit more in going and getting a lash lift or lash extensions, because they know it then makes their routine in the morning that much easier,” she added.
Health & beauty
31st August - 6th September 2018
Weekender 21
Meditate on this
FINDING ZEN: Quiet contemplation can work wonders for health. WE take breathing for granted, but if we were to pay a little more attention to this simple action we could greatly enrich our lives. Meditation is highly recommended to ease our modern-day stress levels, offering us peace of mind, greater insight and well-being in return for just spending a few minutes of our day focused on our breath. It would seem however that most of us either really can’t spare five minutes a day or really haven’t grasped what it’s all about, otherwise we’d all be meditating; and we’re not. In view of all the wonders we’re promised in return by all those that have not only come to enjoy meditating as a natural part of their day, but to consider it the very fundament, perhaps we should all give it a go. The ideal time to start is in the morning, before you get into your day, read emails or join other
family members. Taking this quiet time for yourself will help you set the scene and tempo for your day; a pace that suits you and does not include stress. Similarly just before bed is a recommended time to not only think over everything we’re grateful for that day but to meditate and quieten our minds to optimise our rest. Even mid-day meditation is appropriate; any moment that you choose to take at least five minutes for yourself will set you well on your way. As with anything making the first move to do something new and making it a habit is the hardest but obviously the most
important. For some perhaps the idea of meditating is synonymous with adopting the Lotus position, which is daunting in itself. For those who feel this way you’ll be happy to learn that as long as you are comfortable and sitting preferably in an upright position with your back straight, whether it is on a chair, the floor, on a cushion or in bed, you’ll be fine. Once you’re more proficient at the basics you can work on your Lotus position if you so chose. The most important thing is to start: find yourself that quiet space, sit comfortably, place your arms in front of you with your
palms facing upwards and try to relax. The next step is to stop thinking about ever ything else except your breath. This may sound simple but this is actually the hard bit; we have to learn to master the art of simply breathing and focusing on our breath to achieve this inner peace to improve our quality of life and true potential. This is why we have to practise and learn to create a daily pattern that will, in relatively no time at all, help us clear our minds of all the clutter and chitter chatter for a few minutes, which
in turn will help us moderate our own feelings and reactions to exterior influences; lessening our stress levels and improving our health. At first it may be hard to stay focused for even five minutes as your body isn’t used to sitting still and your mind will probably wander off frequently. This will improve with time and practice, but in the beginning just let these thoughts come and go and return to concentrating on your breath. Don’t worry about your lack of concentration and make this a further distraction.
Just focus on feeling the air enter your lungs, feel your chest and stomach rise and fall with each inhale and exhale. Appreciate how this fresh air is nature’s way of purifying and renewing our source energy and is the very foundation of our existence. Without it we are nothing, we cease to exist in our physical bodies; it is this breath that gives us life on this earth. So surely it is also worthy of our attention for at least five minutes a day, even if only in admiration, recognition and gratitude. Perhaps we should all meditate on this.
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Weekender
31st August - 6th September 2018
Leisure
Andrew Scott joins Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag COMING ABOARD: Scott (inset) has joined the cast. as surprised as anyone about Richard where this series Shanley has taken us… thank God for Andrew Scott.” Dishing the Dirt Speaking at the OF EUROPA DIGITAL start of filming, Shane Allen, conSHERLOCK star Andrew troller of comedy comScott is joining the cast missioning at the BBC, of the multi award-win- s a i d t h e s c r i p t s w e r e “sparkling with ning Fleabag. Phoebe Wa l l e r - Phoebe’s unique voice Bridge’s dark comedy that combines a whip has just started filming s m a r t c o m p l e x i t y o f its second series. The c h a r a c t e r w i t h p i n B a f t a - w i n n i n g a c t o r sharp funny lines scatjoins the line-up that in- tered everywhere. “The themes of this cludes Olivia Colman, Sian Clifford, Bill Pater- series are very distinct son and Hugh Skinner. f r o m t h e f i r s t s e r i e s T h e f i r s t s e r i e s w a s which delivers on the adapted from Waller- challenge Phoebe set Bridge’s award-winning h e r s e l f . I t ’s a s u p e r b play and won a Bafta team and cast from top and two Royal Televi- t o b o t t o m a n d w i t h Fleabag you can never sion Society Awards. Waller-Bridge said: escape a reference to “I can’t believe they let the bottom.” Series two me do this AGAIN. I’m of Fleabag will debut so happy to be back on BBC Three and w i t h t h e i n c r e d i b l e Amazon Prime Video Fleabag team and I’m in 2019.
FILMING: The new series is in production.
If you would like me to answer any questions you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europa-digital.com. I look forward to your comments and questions. Don’t forget to listen to my radio show every weekday from 10am on Spectrum 96.1 and 106.8FM, now covering almost 3,000sq kms of Costa Almeria and Calida or listen online at costaalmeria.spectrumfm.net for the latest news and views from the world of satellite television.
PETS
31st August - 6th September 2018
Weekender 23
Sponsored by
Keeping pets cool in summer
COOL DOGS: Happy dogs. WHETHER as a pet owner or a sitter we need to be mindful of t e m p e r a t u r e s e v e r y s u m m e r. There are lots of signs that pets are not happy in the heat, some go off their food, others find a shady spot and hide for as long as they can. Here are some tips for caring for dogs in the heat: • Feed them early if you can when the temperature is still cool • If you walk dogs daily, walk them early or late, to avoid the hot ground and the hot sun • Always make sure they have
access to fresh water, take a bottle with you if you’re walking • Put ice cubes in their water dish to keep it fresh • Offer a wet towel for the dog to lay on, or if you can a cool paddling pool • Be mindful of humidity in your home, they may not be able to pant themselves cool if it is too high. How do we work? All new members register to join our online HouseSitMatch network. On registration we ID check every new member to en-
sure we know who you are, and in addition sitters are police checked by us. We charge for membership to ensure that there is a commitment from both parties and that we can afford to manage our network online professionally. How do you benefit as a home and pet-owner? Our membership offers you a secure network to help you find suitable sitters. We don’t reveal your contact details, or your address. You post an advert ahead of your travel dates, we publish the advert then housesitters apply. You can view their profiles and chat with them before you accept your choice of applicant. If you join as a Premium member we can also help you at each stage of the process to get you started and to manage your account. How do you join? Please register online via our website: www.Housesit match.com. • Choose a membership plan • Standard (DIY option) = £49 pa • Premium (with suppor t at each step) = £79 pa
Do you need a house or pet-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20 per cent discount using coupon code P2020 – an exclusive offer for readers. To find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HouseSitMatch.com call Lamia on 00 44 (0) 777 214 2742 or email admin@housesitmatch.com
Slippery characters EXOTIC reptiles bought cheaply as pets are increasingly ending up in the wild where they are posing a danger to native species, according to new research. Ecologists at Rutgers University in the US claimed in a study that snakes, lizards and other animals were preying on native fauna and outcompeting other species. They could also infect local animal populations with deadly diseases and even threaten the survival of whole populations, the academics said. The study highlighted examples such as the moving in of 5.5 metre-long Burmese pythons into Florida’s Everglades National Park. The arrival of the snakes has coincided with the plummeting of local bird populations. The academics estimated that more than 1,700 species of reptiles had been sold as pets in the United States between 1999 and 2016. The most sold species was lizards.
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Weekender
Puzzles
31st August - 6th September 2018
Wordsearch Types of Food
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:
ONION
BUTTER
CEREAL
SPAGHETTI
BURGERS
FAST FOOD
GRAVY
NOODLES
ROLLS
RADISH
SALAD
PORK
TV DINNER
CASSEROLE
HAM
HOT DOG
STEAK
TUNA
FRUIT
Quick
Across 1 Bad handwriting (6) 4 Compassionate (6) 9 Pilot (7) 10 Indicate pain, discomfort or displeasure (5) 11 Separate part of a whole (5) 12 Outer boundary or face of anything (7) 13 Plant-eating insect with hind legs adapted for leaping (11) 18 Collection of weapons and military equipment (7) 20 Shin bone (5) 22 Meet at a point (5) 23 Hug (7) 24 Profoundly (6) 25 Group of six (6)
Down 1 Seafood (6) 2 Bring up (5) 3 Testifier (7) 5 Wrath (5) 6 Set apart. (7) 7 Male goose (6) 8 Safety headgear for motorcyclist (5,6) 14 Give or bring back (7) 15 Suitable for drinking (7) 16 Smelling of fermentation or staleness (6) 17 Express grief verbally (6) 19 Relating to the nose (5) 21 Brag (5)
• Average: 17
• Very good: 34
• Good: 23
• Excellent: 44
SCORING: • 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points • 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points • 8 or more letters: 11 points
dismay deism dermis dermic derma safer safes sides sired sires seism seismic aside asides abase abased abases ideas fermi fermis basis based baser bases bared rides rises recipe roses sores epics osier osmic ohmic mores miser miosis maybe horse horsed horses hosier hosed hoses amice apices ahorse
Cryptic
Across 1 Have doubts about American President in religious order (7) 5 January events in universal establishment (5) 8 Bands' trip to England in a ship (7) 9 Vessel seen in Victoria or Tasmania (5) 10 For example, brown back or elbow (5) 11 Add to cooked gnu meat (7) 12 Defend model after work (6) 14 Very cold beer (6) 17 Around lake there's poor protection (7) 19 Food for Salvation Army boy (5) 22 Command from prediction (5) 23 Can bale out for stability (7) 24 Is backing First Lady to sort things out (5) 25 Excited Reds ran household tasks (7)
Down 1 Poles taking in country girl (5) 2 A little bit of quiet colour (5) 3 Quick to communicate (7) 4 In France you study Italian dialect (6) 5 Some careless language (5) 6 Biggest triangles not in order (7) 7 Fiddle car test and take flight (7) 12 Yes, sort out marine molluscs (7) 13 Authentic made up recipes (7) 15 Closed vandalised urinals (7) 16 Drink outside bar put back, ready for ploughman (6) 18 It is included in the tax (5) 20 Fifty nine overturned revolutionary leader (5) 21 Owing a pound, skinhead gets into fights (5)
Puzzles
31st August - 6th September 2018
IRREGULAR SUDOKU
SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : THE WAR TO END ALL WARS 1. By what nickname was the German fighter pilot with the Imperial German Army Air Service (Luftstreitkräfte) during the first world war, Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen, widely known? 2. In which major action of the first world war were ‘angels’ reported to have fought beside the British troops? 3. In which year did the United States enter the first world war? 4. What was the name of the Austrian archduke whose assassination on June 28, 1914, triggered the outbreak of the first world war? 5. What was the name of the British nurse who is celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers from both sides
without distinction and in helping some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium during the first world war? She was subsequently arrested, courtmartialled, found guilty of treason and executed by a German firing squad. 6. What was the name of the Liberal politician who was chancellor of the exchequer at the outbreak of the first world war and prime minister when it ended? 7. What was the stage name of the Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan Margaretha Geertruida Zelle MacLeod, who was convicted of being a spy and executed by firing squad in France under charges of espionage for Germany during the first world war?
Kakuro
Answers 1. RED BARON, 2. BATTLE OF MONS, 3. 1917, 4. Archduke FRANZ FERDINAND, 5. EDITH Louisa CAVELL, 6. David LLOYD GEORGE, 7. MATA HARI
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
by Sandy Shore ON the face of it the challenge was formidable. I am no chicken and my co-driver can’t drive, but she’s an expert anyway. Undeterred and young at heart my wife and I put Torrevieja in our rear view mirror. Our intended tour de force was patchy, but we were keen to see green Spain. We set the compass needle on Madrid, seemingly a necessity if you’re going anywhere in Spain. Madrid is after all the hub of this great and ancient nation. I was admittedly apprehensive; back in 2007 the Madrid traffic had kneaded me through the great city like mince through my butcher’s meat grinder. The ordeal had taken up four hours of gridlock that occasionally inched forward. On this occasion my driving was programmed by the signs on the motorway gantries. Like a four-wheeled submarine we effortlessly dipped and slipped through Spain’s capital city. On emerging I blinked as I re-
Feature
31st August - 6th September 2018
A Symphony of spires
PILGRIMS’ PROGRESS: Sandy and his wife took in Segovia on their road trip. alised that Madrid was now behind me; it had taken no time at all. Segovia, one of the most beautiful cities imaginable, was now just an hour’s drive away. The Segovia atmosphere is surreal, the sights captivating, and the 15km long 88 arched Roman
aqueduct built is still functional. The castle, which inspired Disney’s fairy tales, is out of this world as were the small city’s restaurants and street theatre. Burgos was our next port o’ call and then San Sebastian. Ah, here again a place to die for. How
strange to see so much evidence of the enigmatic language of the Basque peoples. It was with heavy heart that we free spirits ventured on to Santander and then Oviedo. I did have it in mind to take a detour through the Picos de Europa
mountain ranges. However, there was not a lot of point in doing so when the mountain scape is shrouded by rain clouds. Café society and the laissezfaire of the balmy Asturias set the scene as we continued on our way to jaw-dropping Santiago de Compostela. The Holy City was as far away as we were going to be from our home town. Our return trip took us to Vigo and then the great Portuguese maritime city of Porto. By now, our once pristine road map was dog-eared but its wrinkles held all the character of the old man of the sea. Our ribbon of road unravelled through landscapes barely touched by the passage of time until hurrah, Salamanca embraced us. Again enchanted, there could only be the Toledo jewel in Spain’s already bejewelled crown left to enjoy. This medieval city’s symphony of spires certainly inspires. In 10 days we had covered 3,200 km and 10 of Spain’s most beautiful cities. Arriba Espana!
Behind THE MUSIC Saturday Night Fever V L James vljcomms@gmail.com Facebook: @vljamesinfo
IN 1977 a low budget film was released about working class kids in Brooklyn, New York City who spend their week working in order to pay for their night out at the disco on Saturday. Saturday Night Fever is a gritty film that was an X Certificate at the time (18 in today’s terms). It dealt with adult themes and can no way be called a glitzy musical (as it has now been turned into for the West End). In fact, it was not a music a l a t a l l … i t ’s j u s t a f i l m w i t h a great soundtrack. When The Bee Gees were approached to write and sing some songs for the film, they didn’t pay much attention. They spent a weekend writing some songs and thought that was the job done. They didn’t realise that the film would go on to
LET’S BOOGIE: A classic film. be a massive box of fice hit as well as being a culturally significant piece of film history. The soundtrack album, which featured mainly The Bee Gees but also other artists, would become the biggest selling soundtrack album of all time (until The Bodyguard came along). Saturday Night Fever is not just a film… It’s a snapshot of youth culture.
28
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CHARITIES/CHURCHES GIRASOL COMMUNITY CENTRE. Mosaic Classes, Art Classes, Karate, Yoga, Thai Chi, Pilates, Health Screening every 6 weeks. For Hire 5.00€ per hour. Tel 639 089 170
COSTA Almeria and Costa Calida. Mojacar Eucharist Sunday 11am, at San Pascual. Aljambra Chapel, Albox, Eucharist, second and last Thursday of each
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HOME MAINTENANCE MARKS Home Maintenance services. Painting General Maintenance. Kitchen Unit Renovation. References available. 634 908 475 (259695)
INSURANCE
CARS WANTED CARS WANTED for Cash. Classic Cars & Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Defenders & Discoveries. Please call: 659 685 133 (253556)
Classifieds
31st August - 6th September 2018
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
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MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)
INTERNET GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop. Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 951 386 161 or email mark.w@euroweeklyne ws.com for more details.
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REMOVALS AND STORAGE
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Services BUILDERS
PAINTERS
REMOVALS & STORAGE
31st August - 6th September 2018
DRAINAGE
29
CAR VALETING
REMOVALS/STORAGE
30
31st August - 6th September 2018
Match report: Almoradi raise the cup ish the first half quite strongly but were second best for long periods. Daya started the second period well and a good solo ef for t on fifty two minutes saw the visitors' keeper make a very good save. Just one minute later it was 3-0 when a great shot from distance flew past the stranded Jaime who was now in goal for the second half. The visitors were now putting the home side's defence to the sword and looked well capable of scoring again. Daya did put together a good move on seventy two minutes but the finish via a header was poor. On seventy six minutes a fantastic strike from the visitors thundered of f the upright and flew back across the goal with just Jaime rooted to the spot. Just four minutes later it was 4-0 with a well taken headed goal, there were no fur ther goals so 4-0 was the final score. Daya had been given a football lesson this evening, the new Daya coach has plenty of work to do with this squad before the start of the season. Hopefully the three or four Daya players missing last night will be back for the start of the season. The game was played in a good spirit, Almoradi thoroughly deserving to pick up the Trophy.
Knocking tees at Hacienda Riquelme THE San Miguel Golf Society recently took a trip to Hacienda Riquelme for a competitive round. Read on for their account of the day’s action. A quick check of the SMGS archives shows that scoring at Hacienda Riquelme is historically a challenge on this tough but beautifully laid out Nicklaus design course. Stray off the lush fairways and the ball-eating spear grass tufts of doom quickly kill off hopes of scrambling out of trouble. This is one of those tracks where it is almost a relief to find one of the many bunkers which line the way. With no breeze and temperatures in the mid 30s, success went to the players who held up best down the stretch and finished with points on the daunting 18th hole. The greens were firm but in pristine condition, although they seemed to slow a touch as the day progressed. Kudos to the greenskeepers for presenting the course in such great condition and thanks also to the clubhouse staff for much needed reviving refreshments at the 19th hole. In the Bronze division, Ron Stenhouse finished on top with 31 points, followed home by Mick Roscoe on 30 points and Kyrre Skarsmoen with 27 points. Third place in Silver went to Kev Allbright who lost out to Alan Macdonald on countback, both players scoring 32 points. Chris Wren was the winner with 34 points and he still had enough juice in his tank to take nearest the pin honours on the long par 3 17th hole. Nice shot, Chris! Our Captain, Tony Smale, came third in Gold division with 31 hard-won points. Best round of golf on the day was undoubtedly played by John Osborne, whose score of 34 points off a 6 handicap was a quality performance. Unluckily for him, Mike Greatorex took full advantage of his handicap advantage to edge John out
BRONZES: Ron, Micky and Kyrre.
of first place on countback. Once again it was the final hole which apparently made the difference. A sizeable field of guests were a welcome boost to our numbers and for the second week in succession, Ann Webster finished first with 32 points. Jaime Martinez del Castillo was second with 30 points beating Sandra Dibble on countback. Thanks for joining us, we hope to see you all again in the future. Nearest the pin winners were Alan Macdonald (hole 5), John Osborne (hole 7), Norman McBride (hole 15) and Chris Wren (hole 17). Mike Fearnehough was this week’s Abacus winner and deserves his bottle of wine (sponsored by Stenhouse flooring) for staying the course if not actually staying on it much. Members will be relieved to learn that Ken Flaherty’s lengthy streak without winning anything was broken by a fortuitous payout from the ‘In it to Win it’ draw. Well, a win’s a win, Ken, right? Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Tony Smale a call on 628227687. The next three games will be at La Finca, La Serena and Alenda. .
SILVER S: Kev, Alan and Ch ris.
CREDIT: San Miguel Golf Society
LAST Saturday saw Almoradi visit La Puebla for a friendly match with a Trophy up for the Victors. From the kick off Almoradi took the game to Daya playing some slick football giving the home side no time to settle. Daya managed to hold out with some rugged defending but on sixteen minutes, following good build up play Almoradi took the lead with a well struck shot. The visitors were playing much the better football and carried the greater goal threat. With only the one goal in it though Daya were not out of it by any means. Mochin in Daya's goal made two great stops on twenty and twenty two minutes as the visitors turned the screw. On thir ty minutes number three for the home side hit a good shot on the turn that had the keeper scrambling across his goal line but the ball just went wide. On thirty four minutes Almoradi went 2-0 up with another nice build up finished of f with a close range overhead kick. Now the home side had it all to do and at this stage it did look beyond them. Daya had a great effort on forty two minutes forcing the keeper into a good save. The home side did fin-
Sport
Motoring
31st August - 6th September 2018
Nissan Qashqai: One to beat MOST manufacturers offer an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) - in fact even the likes of Maserati have followed suit. But Nissan has been at this game for a lot longer than some and as a consequence its latest Qashqai is the one to beat. It’s a very competent package, attractive lines coupled with good levels of equipment and comfort. There’s little to criticise. On the road this type of vehicle sits between the height of a standard car and that of a larger 4x4. It’s an extremely practical offering for a young family such as mine. The rear seats offer enough space for my three little rascals in their cumbersome car seats and the interior is a hardwearing black leather and plastic. The panoramic glass roof is easily removed by the press of a button. We take the Qashqai for a jaunt to Peterborough. The boot is generally large enough for all the luggage once the parcel shelf is removed. The ideal driving position is easily achieved thanks to the electrically adjusted driver’s seat. It’s a comfortable seat but over long journeys there is a lack of lumbar support for me. Initially I find that my foot doesn’t have to lift the clutch very far at all for a gear change, which takes a little getting used to. Once I have overcome this the ride is smooth and the diesel unit is barely audible.
Photo credit: Nissan
By Tim Saunders
PRACTICAL: The Japanese car maker has released a new model. Its six-speed manual gearbox is also smooth and easy to use while on long motorway journeys the basic cruise control is simple to engage. It’s not a complicated system by any means such as those radar operated systems fitted to more expensive vehicles that measure the distance away from the car in front and automatically brake and accelerate accordingly. But I don’t mind this as so often these days it can feel like the driver is becoming redundant. The Nissan needs the driver to think. The electric parking brake doesn’t cause any issues either while a reversing camera makes life easier, too. At the rear are perhaps the smallest windows I have
seen on a vehicle, all part of the design. Rear passengers enjoy privacy glass. Low profile tyres do mean that any potholes or bumps in the road are accentuated that bit more than usual. But what is lost on the swings is gained on the roundabouts and these tyres aid performance and economy. For such a large vehicle it will easily travel 500 miles on a tank at sensible speeds. If urgency is required it will respond accordingly. It’s a good experience to drive the Qashqai and the driver arrives at his destination feeling fresh and capable. Facts at a glance Price: between £27,000 and £30,000 Engine: 1.6 diesel
Power: 128bhp 0-60mph: 11secs Top speed: 118mph Economy: aprx 55mpg
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