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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

3

LOCAL NEWS UPDATE

ALMERIA RESIDENT STABBED DURING ROBBERY AT HIS HOME

A resident of Almería has been stabbed with a large knife by two masked individuals who tried to rob his house in Calle Nazaret.

The incident took place at around one in the morning, when the man, 39 years old, was returning home with his wife and young son.

As he got out of his car and went through his front gate he surprised two masked men.

Despite being assaulted by the thieves he bravely stood his ground and protected his wife and son who had sought refuge in the vehicle.

Several neighbours were alerted by the noise and called 091 with reports that a couple with a child were being assaulted by two masked men.

Patrols were immediately dispatched, one of which located the victim in Calle Morato, where he was waiting for the police.

After telling the police what had happened he fainted. The officers then discovered two stab wounds in his chest; they alerted the health services and he was taken immediately to Hospital Torrecárdenas.

FOSTER FAMILIES MEET

One hundred people participated in the IX Encuentro Anual de Familias Acogedoras ‘CREA-Amistad’ (Ninth Annual Meeting of Foster Families ‘CREA-Friendship) organised by the Cruz Roja Almería, in partnership with the Programa de Acogimiento de Menores de la Consejería de Salud y Bienestar Social (Foster Child Program of the Ministry of Health and Welfare) This meeting aimed to create an opportunity for exchanging experiences between families and to give children in care a day of family enjoyment.

The meeting was opened by the Delegado Territorial de Salud y Bienestar Social in Almería, Alfredo Valdivia and the Presidente Provincial of the Cruz Roja Almería, José Carlos Sánchez. They welcomed the families, stressing that their solidarity, selflessness and dedication made it possible for children who are under the protection of the Junta de Andalucía to live in a family.

The meeting was held on the outdoor patio of the Provincial Headquarters of the Cruz Roja Almería, in the Parque Nicolás Salmerón. The children participated in different workshops taught by Red Cross volunteers, like face painting, balloon modeling and sheet metal processing, and the Magician Mago Moebius, who has worked as a volunteer for the Foster Care Program, held a workshop.

As in previous years the attendees partook of a picnic, talked and exchanged experiences in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

In the province of Almería there are 116 foster families caring for over 150 children.

CONCERN OVER NEW CONSORCIO DE BOMBEROS

Izquierda Unida representatives on the Diputación de Almería have expressed

concern over the Government team of the Partido Popular’s plans for the creation of a new Consorcio de Bomberos in Nacimiento, Andarax, La Alpujarra, Filabres-Alhamilla and Níjar.

Juan Pablo Yakubiuk, speaking for the IU said ‘It is not entirely clear how they will fund it, and what cuts they will make to the Municipalities in order to fund it. The plans were put forward by word of mouth and nothing was put in writing. Everything was rushed, an agreement was signed before many municipal officials had clearly seen it.

Until now Municipalities paid for services rendered which required the presence of firefighters, and under this proposal they will pay a fixed monthly amount that will be withdrawn from the Diputación transfers.

‘They do not know specifically how much this service will cost, and measures should be put in place to ensure that the local economies of small towns are not put in jeopardy.

WEEK OF MUSIC IN VERA

On November 21 the XV Semana de la Música de Santa Cecilia (Week of Music, Santa Cecilia) will be celebrated in Vera.

November 22 is the Feast Day of Santa Cecilia, Patroness of Music, and as usual Vera is already preparing activities for the XV Music Week.

The day will be commemorated with pictorial activities, music and literature, and will take place between Wednesday 21 and Sunday, November 25, in the Auditorio del Convento de la Victoria and in the Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación in Vera.

Music Week will begin with Asociación Afipintura’s exhibition of paintings in the Convento de la Victoria, opening at eight in the evening of November 21. Afipintura is a group whose goal is to promote culture through painting. The association organizes courses, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities throughout the year.

On Thursday from eight-thirty ‘Rondalla de Mayores’ will give a music recital at the Convent.

On Friday there will be a book presentation: ‘Extinción de la copropiedad o condominio: aspectos fiscales’ by Jorge Cadórniga Díaz.

On Saturday 24 November, a Mass in honour of St. Cecilia will be sung by the ‘Coro Parroquial’ at seven-thirty pm at the Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.

At eight thirty on Sunday, November 25, to close the Music Week the Convento de la Victoria will host a concert tribute to the Spanish guitarist Guillermo Fernandez.

The program will be a presentation of the ‘Tribute to Spanish guitar’, together with the promotion of his latest solo album ‘Love Songs’. It is his third album under the label of the record Krik Music, SL and like his previous ‘Spanish Guitar’ and ‘Homage to Rocío Jurado’ has been released in digital stores worldwide (Spotify, iTunes ...)

Gastronomy Fair Of Artisan Products In Bodegas Perfer

8th December - 11am onwards

Exhibition and tasting of products from the Levante area, including salads, cheeses, cold meats, ham, honey, olive oil, sweets, cheese cake, a giant paella and our best wines & inauguration of a new Almerian beer and the presentation of a new cava.

During the day there will also be an exhibition of paintings and sculptures & live music.

The new restaurant will also be open – it is available for bookings for any important occasion.

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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NATIONAL POLICE MAKE NUMBER OF ARRESTS IN PEOPLE TRAFFICKING CASE

Officers of the Policía Nacional have made several arrests to dismantle a gang of people traffikers.

Sport

From 2005, it is estimated that 20 Russian women per week were lured to Spain with false job offers - the estimated number of victims exceeds 8,000, and this criminal organization is allegedly responsible for 70% of the Russian women brought to Spain for sexual exploitation.

The structure of the organization was divided into three clearly defined units: one dedicated to the recruitment of victims: one to obtain other documentation and a third dedicated to sending women to Spain.

The profits were laundered through interposed companies and individuals

to an estimated amount of about 3.5 million euros.

The officers worked in a joint operation with the Federal Security Service of Russia. 18 people have been arrested, including those mainly responsible for the plot.

Other effects seized were 65,000 euros in cash, six luxury cars, jewelry and high value watches and other documentation.

The women were provided with high quality fake passports, transported by bus over the borders from Warsaw, Prague or Helsinki, after which they travelled by plane to Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga, where they were collected by a member of the organization and guided to their final destination in Madrid, Barcelona, Lleida,

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Tarragona, Cordoba, Granada, Jaén, Almería, Cantabria, Zaragoza, Huesca, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Balearic Islands.

The operation that has resulted in these arrests of mostly Russian nationals took place in: Arona (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), Almería, Roquetas de Mar (Almería), Granada, Zaragoza, Madrid, Alcobendas (Madrid), Ibiza, Tarragona and Cambrils (Tarragona).

Twelve raids were made, both in private homes and in clubs where prostitution is practiced, in: Arona (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), Almería, Roquetas de Mar (Almería), Granada, Zaragoza, Madrid, Alcobendas (Madrid), Ibiza, Tarragona and Cambrils (Tarragona). Órdenes Europeas de Detención y Entrega (European Arrest Warrant) have been made for six other top members of the group, also Russian nationals.

Several accounts have been blocked and four brothels have been closed.

The operation was carried out by the Brigada Central de Redes de Inmigración de la UCRIF Central in collaboration with the UCRIF de Almería, Granada, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Tarragona, Tenerife e Ibiza; the Brigada Provincial de Extranjería y Fronteras de Huesca; the Grupo Operativo de Extranjeros de Jaca and the Comisaría de Distrito de Fuencarral- El Pardo de Madrid. (Central Brigade Immigration Network of Central UCRIF in collaboration with UCRIF of Almería, Granada, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Tarragona, Tenerife and Ibiza, the Provincial Brigade Aliens and Frontiers of Huesca, the Task Force Jaca Foreigner and District Commissioner Fuencarral-El Pardo in Madrid), and was with the cooperation of the Servicio Federal de Seguridad de Rusia, the Unidad de Cooperación Internacional through the Oficinas de EUROPOL y SIRENE, and the Agregadurías de España en Polonia, República Checa y Hungría (Federal Security Service of Russia, the International Cooperation Unit through Europol and Sirene offices, and the Attaché of Spain in Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary).

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Cash payments of 2,500 euros or more illegal from 19TH NOVEMBER As of Monday 19th November, it will be illegal to make any payments in cash exceeding 2,500 euros. This is part of a move to cut down on money laundering, and is already in force in other EU countries, including France and Italy.

It is the only initiative of the new anti-fraud law which has been published in the State Official Bulletin (BOE), dated October 30, but has only just come into force in order to give people time to adjust to it.

Large quantities of cash, and particularly the use of high-denomination notes such as those of 500 euros, is often associated with money laundering and other types of fraud.

This year alone, the Agencia Tributaria – the tax collection office – has ‘legalised’ around 1,600 million euros via investigations into transactions involving high amounts of cash.

These sometimes take the form of settling an invoice which is either false or does not reflect the actual activity involved in the payment.

The new regulation only applies when one or both parties are companies or selfemployed persons, and does not affect transactions between private individuals.

For example, it would not apply to parents giving their children a few thousand euros in cash to help them out.

Where cases of business transactions in cash of 2,500 euros or more are detected, a fine of 25 per cent of the amount in question will be payable, per transaction, not per party.

The sum of money will also be liable for IVA. A person who reports having received, or been ordered to pay, amounts of 2,500 euros or more in cash will be exempt from any fine.

Such reports can be made via the Agencia Tributaria’s website, www.aeat.es

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

5

Spain’s Banks See Bad Debts Hit New High

According to a report by the BBC, pProblem loans at Spain’s banks hit a new all-time high in September, as the collapse of the country’s property bubble continued to hurt the economy.

Bad debts, mostly loans to home buyers and property developers, reached 182bn euros ($233bn; £146bn) or 10.7% of bank assets, according to central bank data.

Spain’s government announced a two-year suspension of evictions for the most vulnerable people last week.

Meanwhile, industrial orders fell sharply in Italy, separate data showed.

Total orders in September fell 12.8% from a year ago, and a seasonally-adjusted 4% from August, according to the Italian statistical office.

The data suggests that Italy’s recession may be deepening again, after appearing to stabilise over the summer.

The latest Spanish bank data continues a trend that set in during 2008, with the bursting of the country’s property bubble.

The banking system’s questionable loans were equivalent to 17.4% of Spain’s annual economic output in September, up from 17.0% in August, and 1.5% at the end of 2007.

An estimated 350,000 families have been evicted from their homes since Spain’s property market crashed. There have been widespread news reports in Spain of suicides by some repossession victims, prompting public outrage at the banks.

The European Union has lined up a 100bn-euro rescue loan for the banking system, although Madrid has yet to draw on the loan, in part because it is still unclear whether the Spanish government will be obliged to guarantee the debts.

An audit of 14 of the country’s banks carried out by US consultants Oliver Wyman announced in June that the banks would need to raise 59bn euros of extra capital - money owed to the banks’ shareholders - in order to absorb potential future losses on duff loans and investments.

In August, the government created a “bad bank” to take over troubled loans from the banks. www.bbc.co.uk/news

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

GibRALTAR PSOE and PP in deadlock over stalemate for repossession protection law UK and Spain

British and Spanish authorities have reached a deadlock over so-called ‘intrusions’ of fishermen from Spain entering the waters of Gibraltar.

Spain’s minister of foreign affairs, José Manuel García Margallo, had arranged to meet with British ambassador Giles Paxman – brother of TV presenter Jeremy – at the same time as David Cameron made contact with the Spanish ambassador in London, Federico Trillo.

The UK authorities wanted to protest over the fact that ships from the Spanish Navy had been seen entering the waters off the Rock, which are British-owned, but Spain insists the area formed part of the Bay of Algeciras (Cádiz) and is therefore Spanish territory.

According to the UK Foreign Office, two ‘serious’ incidents of offshore trespass were recorded on Tuesday, November 13 – one by a Spanish Naval ship and the other by a customs lookout craft.

They claim these Spanish crafts attempted to capture a boat carrying private individuals native of Gibraltar in the Bay of Algeciras, forcing the Gibraltar police force to intervene ‘to ensure the safety of’ the four passengers and crew.

British Secretary of State for Europe, David Lidington, has asked the Spanish government to make sure this ‘does not happen again’, claiming it is ‘in the interests of Spain, Gibraltar and the UK’ to prevent ‘any incident’ that could ‘damage the perspective’ of ‘developing a harmonious relationship’ between the three territories.

Spain’s authorities, in turn, simply reiterated the ‘right’ of fishermen from the province of Cádiz to work in the waters surrounding the Rock, saying they are Spanish-owned.

They say the Utrecht Treaty of 1713 saw Spain ceding only the town, the port, the fortress, city wall and the castle of Gibraltar to the British crown, but not the sea surrounding it.

Sport

Proposals for new laws protecting homeowners from repossession and eviction could put a cap on earnings of 19,230 euros a year – but the PSOE wants to see this figure increased.

And a maximum home value may also be applied for owners to qualify for protection, which will be limited to main residences only.

Banks could also be forced to negotiate and be forbidden from applying higher interest rates as a penalty until a mutuallyconvenient solution is found.

The PP government’s proposed earnings cap represents 2.5 times the minimum wage for a full-time job.

This applies to the entire household rather than per person, but the socialists want to see it increased to between 22,800 and 36,480 euros.

They say the average wage in Spain works out at 22,800 per year, and this should be used as the cap for a single person or a couple.

The PSOE adds that a three-person household’s income should have a ceiling of 27,360 euros per year for them to be eligible to avoid repossession, or 31,920 euros for four people living in the same house.

Finally, households of five people or more should not be earning more than a total of 36,480 euros a year if they are to be protected from eviction in the event of non-payment of their mortgage.

The government intends to only apply the protection against repossession and eviction to certain members of society, such as the elderly, the disabled and families with children.

But the PSOE says it should be applied to everyone in respect of their main residence.

The two parties have not yet managed to agree on the maximum home value for the legal protection to apply to the owners.

Homes valued at 200,000 euros or less will be eligible, but owners of more expensive ones will not be able to escape eviction if they fall behind on their mortgage payments and the

lender chooses to repossess the property.

The PSOE wants to see this increased to 350,000 euros, taking into account properties in city centre areas and on the coast where valuations tend to be considerably higher.

According to government officials, negotiation procedures between a defaulting homeowner and the mortgage lender will be obligatory and the bank will not be permitted to refuse to do so.

Whilst the negotiation procedures are under way, the bank will not be allowed to apply increased interest rates as a penalty – in some cases, these can rise to as much as 20 per cent.

At present, the banking code of good practice, where followed, allows the defaulting homeowner to remain living in the property for up to two years after the lender decides to repossess it, but the PSOE says this period of time can be reduced if the margins are widened with the protection law by increasing the income cap, applying it to all property owners rather than families with young children, the disabled and the elderly, and upping the maximum property value.

Both parties have agreed that protection against eviction should apply to first homes only, not to second or holiday homes, since the aim of the new law is to prevent people from being forced out onto the street if they cannot pay their mortgage.

A number of empty properties will also be set aside as ‘social’ housing to provide a roof over people’s heads at a very low rent if they are evicted, or choose to cut their losses and hand back the keys to their houses.

Another term within the law reform may be allowing homeowners in serious debt to wipe out their entire mortgage loan by handing over their property to the lender.

The exact figures for the number of people who have lost their homes through repossession are not known, since the total figure of mortgage-related evictions – 400,000 properties – also includes second and even third homes, business premises, and plots of land.

Traffic police officers pressurised into handing out more fines

The Guardia Civil traffic department has been sending many of its agents in the Canary Islands letters asking them to increase the number of fines they hand out on the islands.

Officers have been threatened with losing their 240 Euros per month road safety bonus if the number of traffic fines does not increase immediately.

In the Guardia Civil, since 2006, the heads of each unit can opt not to pay officers in their charge the monthly productivity” bonus if they consider that they have not reached the agreed targets in “performance, interest and initiative”.

There is a monthly Individual Activity Summary (RAI in Spanish) that assesses the individual work of each agent: the number of fines handed out,

statements taken, vehicles recovered, arrests made, road assists and even the number of kilometres done on two or four wheels. For example, helping a driver with a punctured tyre is worth 0.25 points, handing a fine to a truck driver is worth 4 points, etc.

The letter sent in October to around 30 officers says that their “performance is producing a negative result, suggesting evidence of a lack of interest, activity, initiative and performance”. The AUGC, the association to which the majority of Guardia Civil officers belong, has complained that threats like this “turn traffic police officers into mere debt collectors”.

In July 2012 (latest available data) Guardia Civil units in León, Seville, the Balearic Islands, Alicante, Las Palmas and Tenerife (both in the Canary

Islands) were the units recording the lowest number of traffic fines. In Las Palmas only 4,800 fines were handed out, 26% fewer than in July 2011; and in Tenerife 3,036 fines, 52% fewer. In the whole of 2011 194,000 traffic fines were handed out in the Canaries, 9,000 more than in 2010.

Despite the fact that official data shows an increase in the number of fines, the AUGC explains that the heads of the Guardia Civil are not evaluating the work of officers in the Canary Islands fairly. It is one of the regions with the lowest road traffic fatalities (47 in 2011) and with the highest unemployment (33%). “More unemployment means less money to pay fines, which in turn makes drivers more careful when driving and parking, and also means that there is less traffic on the roads”.

Store worker fired for eating fish counter prawns without paying...and in front of customers!

A hypermarket employee has lost her job after being seen on CCTV camera eating five prawns at her stand which were from the fish counter.

The unnamed store, which is in Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz) said it is forbidden for staff to eat even their own food except in designated areas, and in particular in front of customers – and the fact the prawns were from the fish counter and not paid for makes it ‘theft’.

A solicitor working on behalf of the staff member – who had worked at the hypermarket for 14 years, since 1998 – said that after such long-standing service and loyalty she was treated ‘shamefully’ by being sacked.

Legal re p re s e n t a t i ve Francisco Cabral also said it was ‘logical’ she should be trying the prawns, in order to ascertain how they should be cooked, and likened it to a bar manager eating ‘a couple of croquettes’ during work time ‘because he was hungry’.

It would be different, said the solicitor, if she had stolen the prawns and

sneaked off to eat them elsewhere, and he claims it is ‘merely an attempt to justify’ saving money on a salary, or redundancy pay, by ‘disguising’ the woman’s dismissal as a sacking on disciplinary grounds.

ETA suspect arrested in UK

British police have arrested a suspected member of Basque terrorist cell ETA 17 years after he fled Spain. The Commando leader was found in Liverpool, where he had been hiding out since escaping custody in 1995.

Raúl Fuentes Villota, part of the ‘Matalaz’ Commando, was arrested in 1991 along with Juan María San Pedro Blanco and Germán Urizar de Paz for the attempted murder of a police officer in Barakaldo (Vizcaya) in the Basque Country. They were taken into custody after firing shots at the police who tried to detain them.

Fuentes Villota was released on parole, along with five other members of the ‘Matalaz’ Commando, in 1995, since the case had not yet come to trial and he had been in custody for the maximum permitted period

without a sentence. Once released, he disappeared.

This week he was found in Liverpool, where he had been living since going on the run. It is not known yet whether he will be extradited to Spain.

Fuentes Villota, 45, is the fifth ETA terrorist to have been arrested in the UK. The most recent was Kemen Uranga Artola on August 8 in London, who is suspected of being behind the murder of magistrate José María Lidón in 2001 in Getxo (Bilbao) in the Basque Country.

On the day of Uranga’s arrest, the then minister of the interior Jorge Fernández Díaz, telephoned his British counterpart Theresa May to thank UK authorities in their constant fight against the separatist terrorist organisation.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

evaluatION OF general strike

BY Government, trade unions and business associations Trade unions, business associations and the Government have all been taking stock of the general strike held yesterday across Spain.

The ninth general strike in Spain’s democratic history and the second faced by Mariano Rajoy’s government went ahead with the usual discrepancy over participation figures, with the trade unions claiming a 77% following (9.1 of the 11.9 million workers called out on strike), whilst the government talks of “a normal day”.

According to the Interior Ministry, just 800,000 people took to the streets to protest in Spain yesterday, whilst the unions said the massive participationwas enough to make the Government rethink its austerity measures.

148 separate major protests were held across Spain; the unions boasted attendance of over a million at the two biggest demonstrations - in Madrid (a figure the government put at just 35,000) and Barcelona (where 110,000 took part according to the Urban Police). There were massive walk-outs in Tenerife, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga, Seville, Valencia, Vigo, Soria, Santander, Cadiz, Ciudad Real, Santiago, Huelva, Murcia, Palma, Bilbao, Ourense and A Coruña as well.

A total of 142 were arrested during the course of the day, and 74 were

injured in clashes, including many police officers.

Energy consumption dropped by 12.7% compared with a normal working day.

Elsewhere in Europe there were similar massive demonstrations. The Portuguese CGTP union said their general strike (the third so far this year) was “one of the biggest” ever organised in Portugal. There were other walk-outs and demonstrations in Paris, Athens, Rome, Brussels and Berlin.

Meanwhile A woman, injured during the 14th November general strike demonstrations in Barcelona, is in danger of losing the sight in one eye.

She was taken to the Sant Pau hospital at 21.18 hours on Wednesday after suffering a blow to her left eye and has undergone an operation to reconstruct her eyeball.

Doctors have described her medical progress as “unfavourable”.

“For the moment the outlook is not very favourable with regards to her regaining full vision in the eye”, explained sources at the hospital.

They declined to give any more details about how or where the woman sustained her injury.

“Her post-operative recovery will determine what percentage of her vision she loses” they said.

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Chili Bar Turre

The small town at Turre is a few kilometres inland from Mojacar Playa and nestled at the foot of the beautiful Sierra Cabrera mountain range. The place is of Latin origin, the word ‘Turris’ meaning ‘tower’ is based on the watchtower that was built by the Moslims from Mojacar in the Nazaria period; this watchtower, was to protect the people from the continuous attacks by the Christians of Lorca Over the past years the towns population has grown rapidly and many expats have moved to this expanding town of many nationalities. With the main high street, many meandering side streets, town square, the Parish Church de la Purísima Concepción, constructed between 1861 and 1887 as well as other significant monuments, shops, bars and restaurants Turre has plenty to offer its residents and the many people who holiday in the area.

There are a number of fiestas that take place, one for your diary takes place from the 3-6th October St Francis of Assisi, Local games, live music, tasty tapas and plenty of dancing take place on this end of Summer fiesta.

During the summer months the town hall organised the Turre tapas trail where over 20 bars and restaurants took part. Many local special tapas are abundant to taste including Gurullos (Fried bread with garlic, spicy sausage, bacon…).

Migas (Fired bread with garlic and spicy sausage) Snails and Wheat stew.

Festivals: Old Lady’s Day, 20 days before Holy Week; St Anthony of Padua, June; Festival of the Gypsies, 25th July; Summer festival, first week in August; St Francis of Assisi, 36th October; Inmaculada Concepción, 8th December

The Fundraiser Charity & Community Shops

The people’s charity, The Peoples Choice

Helping the disabled Cancer Research Vera Orphanage Run totally We put our Asprodalba by volunteers hearts into and many more

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Opposite Super Turre in Turre & Maxi Dia in Vera Open 6 days a week... times on shop doors Contact 664 620 288

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

...TO APPEAR ON THIS FEATURE, PLEASE CALL SOPHIE ON 677 993 717 CHILI BAR boasts a spacious terrace where you can sit in the sun or shade every day and experience delicious authentic Indian tapas, Menu del dia/noche, Indian themed pizzas and kebabs, special cocktails and a full range of house and special dishes are also available eat in or Take away.

SOLO SAT is the number 1 company to use for all your satellite tv, air conditioning installations and repairs. Nik has over 10 years experience of fitting all types of satellite TV systems and air con units domestic and commercial, he is always happy to answer any queries you may have at anytime.

SUPER CORNER has opened earlier this year under the friendly ownership of Simone and Nabir You can shop for all your British branded supplies whether the food you require is tinned, frozen, packet, or fresh, all at bargain prices. Open everyday.

DONNA’S BOUTIQUE has a fabulous collection of quality & affordable clothing all from the UK, catering for sizes 8 - 28 which are constantly being updated.

There are also many accessories to admire inc sparkly costume jewellery, hats, handbags & shoes to name a few, all at excellent prices! Donna’s eye for fashion makes every lady feel good in their outfit & that’s why her customers come back time after time!

If you cannot go to the shop the shop will come to you! Private parties are catered for, minimum 10 persons! So book now on 677 542 931!

CONNEXIONS is run by friendly couple Ken and Gill who offer a great service. Come and see the wide range of Christmas gifts you could buy from laptops, tablets, mobile phones, books as well as art pieces.

ADVANCE WINDOWS is Turre’s local window and door specialists. Steve is competent in installing windows & doors, glazing, roller blinds repairs and is happy to be contacted any time about the work

you may need done.

MAT MURRAY has been established in the Turre & surrounding areas for 14 years. He is highly skilled in swimming pool designs, construction, repairs, reformations and general building. Mat will be very happy to help with any building required.

FUNDRAISER’s Adene is involved in helping to raise monies for a number of local charities in the local area. They are always welcoming quality clothes, hangers & plastic bags aswell as books & all household items.

BUGS has been supplying & fitting windows & doors for 25 years. Pull down / Sliding Blinds & Screens, Windows & Patios, Vertical Blinds, Security Grills, and Awnings as well as aluminium and UVPC replacement doors and windows, Peter will give you a friendly, speedy response and covers all areas.

HOME SWEET HOME Christmas time at Home Sweet Home, Here are a few Christams Ideas, 50% off selected boxes of christmas cards 20% off Tom Smith Crackers 20% Off Selected Christmas Trees, Christmas Foods & Chocolates are arriving daily, After 8 Mints, Tins of Roses,Quality Street,Heros & Celebrations & Christmas Decorations, Lights & Wraping Paper.

Nick Howe Chief Technician

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

FLOOD DISASTER APPEAL for those affected in the Lorca region

Helping Hands is a registered Charity based in Lorca and Aguilas with a team of Spanish, English, Belgian and German people working together to support people and animals alike. Never more has our help been needed. Many have lost their possessions, their livestock and even their entire homes following the recent floods.

Any contribution you can make to this Appeal will be gratefully received, wisely used and can be paid into the following account at: CAM Bank, Cl Conde Aranda, Aguilas: ENT: 2090/SUC: 0057/DC: 03/NUM.CUENTA: 0200168904 BIC: CAAMES2A Name: HELPING HANDS (CIF: G73739989) Please quote Flood Disaster Appeal In addition, any offers of unwanted household items can be made to by calling: 968 482 948

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Sales Rooms HOUSEHOLD ANTIQUES sales rooms GARDEN FURNITURE sales rooms HOUSE CLEARANCES 73 Ctra Lorca - Baza, Albox, Almeria 04800 ON THE LONGO’S SITE, NEXT TO ANIMALBOX

950 06 45 76 661 75 98 82 Mon - Tues - We d s - T h u r s & S a t 9 a m - 2 p m Friday Evenings 5 p m - 9 p m ( s a l e s & v i e w i n g s )

Bonds – An Investment Opportunity?

Bonds play an integral part in many investment portfolios, and could prove very beneficial. As a diversification measure they can help reduce overall risk. They also provide a regular income and have the potential to generate capital growth over the longer-term.

Bonds are an asset class known as fixed interest securities.

With the way bonds work, the rate of interest they pay holds up even when capital values fall. They generate a natural income, so you can receive regular income without touching your capital. Alternatively, with a bond fund you can reinvest the income in the fund as additional shares.

Corporate bonds are a major source of capital and financing for many companies, which are grouped by credit rating. Those with a lower, ‘non-investment grade’ rating are known as ‘high yield bonds’ and typically pay a higher rate of interest. They can be an attractive investment opportunity.

High yield bonds can be categorised into two categories – ‘fallen angels’ and ‘rising stars’.

Rising stars are relatively new companies which do not yet have the history, or track record, of paying back debt.

Fallen angels were once investment grade but have been downgraded because their financial strength is not as strong as what it previously was. The difficult corporate environment in the Euro crisis and subsequent rating downgrades is resulting in an unprecedented number of companies becoming fallen angels.

This could prove very beneficial for the European high yield market, since it would inject new money and liquidity and create fresh market opportunities for fund managers.

This therefore actually provides an opportunity for investors.

The European high yield bond market has been one of the

se nd yo ur new s & view s to editor@ soltimes. com

By Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent, Blevins Franks star performers of 2012.

Bonds are best bought through a professionally managed fund.

Arguably, the most important aspect of portfolio planning is your asset allocation. It can account for around 80% to 90% of portfolio performance. To establish how much capital to allocate to bonds you should seek professional advice from an experienced wealth manager such as Blevins Franks.

These views are put forward for consideration purposes only as the suitability of any investment is dependent on your objectives, time horizon and attitude to risk. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance

To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website w w w.ble v i n sf ra n k s.c om

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

11

Television Highlights

Eleanor and Gilly’s Line Dance Class, based at Jack’s Bar (Formerly Bar Rumores) recently celebrated their fourth Birthday with a television highlights theme.

The class, which takes place every Monday afternoon between the hours of 2-30pm and 4-30pm, has over the years held various parties with many different themes ranging from Spanish and American to School Days, but this was the first time that a television theme had been experimented with.

All members of the class were encouraged to join in, using fancy dress to recall a famous television programme from the last 50 to 60 years. The winner of the competition was Pat Perrin, who came as a B.B.C. Foreign Correspondent depicted the 9-00 o’clock news programme. The runners up were Lyn Williams as Twin Peaks and Alice Bradbury as one of the boxes in Deal or No Deal. .

All the Line Dances through out the afternoon were performed to the theme music of various programmes. These included “Bewitched”, “Bonanza” and “The Persuaders”.

In addition there was an afternoon tea complete with Birthday Cake and there was also two quizzes, one devised

by Pat Perrin and based on “B.B.C. News readers, which was won by Danny Wilkinson who received a hand painted print

by Carole Monroe plus a box of biscuits and the other based on the theme music of many favourite television programmes, and some not so favourite, that have been broadcast on the Television since the 1950’s. This was won again by Danny Wilkinson. All winners throughout the afternoon received prizes for their achievements.

In addition F.A.C.E. (Fundraising in Arboleas, Caring for Everyone) benefited from the afternoons activities. There was no charge for the afternoon, but class members were encouraged to make a minimum donation of €3 for F.A.C.E. Christmas Raffle tickets. These will be entered in the F.A.C.E.

Christmas Draw, which is to be held at the Salón Multiservicios del Ayuntamiento, Arboleas on 14th December. With a bit of luck one of the class members could possibly win the top prize of 200€ when the draw takes place.

Which is the oldest football club in Spain? No, it’s not Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla or even Athletic Bilbao. It is Recreativo de Huelva, formed on 23 December 1889 by Dr. Mackay and his band of British workers, employed by the Rio Tinto Company.

Although the Gimnàstic de Tarragona sports club was formed in 1886, it did not form an actual football team until 1914.

The first official football match played here in Spain actually took place in Seville on 8 March, 1890, at the Tablada Hippodrome, with Recreativo de Huelva the visitors. The home side was made up of workers from the nearby Seville Water Works plus a few imported labourers. And, with the exception of just two Spaniards lining up in the Huelva team, the other 20 players on the pitch were British. This is

the reason why the team is called Sevilla FC (football club) and not Sevilla CF (club de fútbol - the correct Spanish way). For the record, a crowd of 1,500 saw the Seville team win 2-0.

In the Basque Country during the early1890s, British shipyard workers and miners formed the Bilbao Football Club while Basque students returning from Britain founded the Athletic Club. This early British influence was reflected in the use of English names such as Recreation Club, Athletic Club and Football Club.

We all know that Barcelona and Real Madrid have been and still are the most successful of all Spanish clubs in both La Liga and also in European and continental competitions. Between them they have won a combined total of 34 titles, with Real the

Eleanor and Gilly first started the class on a Monday afternoon, when they thought there was a need for a social afternoon for people who perhaps did not like to go out of an evening, especially during the dark winter nights. Using Line Dancing as a hook, they have developed a social afternoon at which people can make friends and meet friends. It has become well known for it’s regular party afternoon’s and for it’s fund raising activities. In addition there has in the past been the occasional fun day out, and on one occasion many members of the class took a long weekend away together at a special Line Dancing weekend in Benidorm.

The next function that Eleanor and Gilly will soon be in the throes of organising, will be the classes annual Christmas luncheon. For Further details please contact Eleanor Tolman - telephone number 950 439 003.

Report by Richard B. Tolman Photographs: Competitors in the Fancy Dress Competition: Lyn Williams (Twin Peaks), Gilly Elliott-Binns, Ann Green (Deal Or No Deal), Our very own JR and judge for the afternoon Rob Matthews, Doreen Rose (Dallas), Pat Perrin (BBC Foreign Correspondent, based in Albox), Alice Bradbury (Deal Or No Deal Box) and Eleanor Tolman; Class Members enjoy afternoon tea; Class Members with their Birthday Cake:Club Organisers Eleanor Tolman and Gilly Elliott-Binns Blow Out The Candle

SPAIN’S OLDEST FOOTBALL CLUB By Tony Matthews

www.furnitureshopgarruchamojacar.com

most successful in Europe, having won the top prize (the European Cup/Champions League) a record nine times while Barcelona is the only team so far to achieve a sextuple (Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey), doing so in 2009.

In La Liga’s 80-year history (apart from the three seasons in the late 1930s when the competition was suspended due to the Spanish Civil War) Barça and Real have won 53 titles between them, 32 by Real.

And over the course of time, Spanish clubs have been victorious in seven European Cup-winner’s Cup finals, in six Fairs Cup/UEFA Cup finals, in five European Super Cup showdowns and in three World Club wins.

Par excellence I will say.

Urb. La Solana Del Mar, Local 18, Garrucha Tel/Fax: 950 132 458 info@homesandbeyond.co.uk

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

lo ok g o o d feel grea T

The secret to a longer life?

They say a dog is a man’s best friend.

Now new research suggests our canine friends could also be the key to a longer life, too.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, owning a dog, and having a happy marriage and plenty of good friends are key to longevity, according to a landmark study.

The Grant Study found all these are more important than where you were born, whether you were born into a wealthy or poor family or what social class you are in.

Started in 1940, the study followed more than 200 young, white, healthy American men from youth to old age, with evaluations taking place every two years.

The report found that longevity has far more to do with happiness than social class.

The current director of the study, George Vaillant from Harvard Medical School, told BBC Radio Four’s Today programme that fulfilling relationships were the key to a happy and long life, adding that only four of the 31 single men in the study were still alive today, compared with more than a third of those in ‘good relationships’.

He added: ‘Having a loving family is terribly important, but from 70 to 90 years old you’d be surprised at the people who, despite enormous deprivation, manage to find love later on.

‘If you want to be happy, and don’t have a six-month-old baby to trade smiles with,

get yourself a puppy.’

He continued: ‘The finding on happiness is that happiness is the wrong word. The right words for happiness are emotional intelligence, relationships, joy, connections and resilience.’

He added: ‘Having a loving family is terribly important, but from 70 to 90 years old you’d be surprised at the people who, despite enormous deprivation, manage to find love later on.

‘If you want to be happy, and don’t have a six-month-old baby to trade smiles with, get yourself a puppy.’

He continued: ‘The finding on happiness is that happiness is the wrong word. The right words for happiness are emotional intelligence, relationships, joy, connections and resilience.’

The report also found that marriages bring much more contentment after age 70, and how we age after 80 is more about habits formed before the age of 50, rather than genetics.

Mr Vaillant added: ‘The credit for growing old with grace and vitality, it seems, goes more to ourselves than to our stellar genetic makeup.’

And it seems it’s never too late to find happiness.

‘Having a loving family is terribly important, but from 70 to 90 years old you’d be surprised at the people who, despite enormous deprivation, manage to find love later on.’

He added that he enjoyed following the lives of the men in the study. ‘It gives me

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an awful lot of hope,’ he said.

Previous research has found that owning a pet dog improves your physical and mental wellbeing more than having a cat.

immune system) and help us recover more quickly when we do fall ill. There are also the obvious benefits of getting regular exercise.

Resarchers from Queens University, Belfast, concluded that dogs can prevent us from getting ill (by boosting the

Dog owners have also been found to have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol.

New vaccine against most deadly strain of meningitis could soon be offered to all babies The first vaccine to offer broad protection against meningitis B is to be licensed for use in the UK, drastically reducing the number of children killed by the disease.

There are 1,870 cases of meningitis B in the UK on average each year, resulting in up to 200 deaths – half of which occur in the under-fives. As many as 400 children a year are also left with serious lifelong complications such as limb amputations, blindness, deafness and brain damage.

Although vaccination programmes have been successfully introduced to combat other strains of meningitis, no vaccine against the B strain currently exists in this country.

Meningococcal B is the most common form of bacterial meningitis in Britain, one of the most deadly, and the one that poses the toughest challenge to develop a vaccine for because there are so many variations to target.

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broad protection against 800 deadly meningococcal B strains which, in some cases, can kill within hours. The European Medicines Agency, a drug regulatory body which covers the UK, issued a ‘positive opinion’ on Bexsero yesterday, which means it is safe and effective. This is the first step in an approval process that should result in the jab, developed by Novartis, being licensed within three months.

But the critical decision on whether it will become part of the routine NHS immunisation programme for babies and children lies with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises the Government. It will consider factors such as price, cost-effectiveness and compatibility with other childhood vaccines. The last major vaccine against meningitis – the pneumococcal vaccine – took five years to be introduced into the immunisation schedule.

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

I told you I was ill!

Being neurotic can be GOOD for your health after all

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The biomarker Interleukin 6, an important immune protein, provides an accurate assessment of conditions linked to inflammation such as heart disease, stroke, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, and some cancers.

Researchers found 441 individuals scored highly on neuroticism and conscientiousness. They found that the higher a person scored in both personality traits, the hair & beauty lower their levels of IL-6. This group also had lower bodymass index scores and fewer diagnosed chronic health Enrique Arias, N.D, D.O conditions.

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

TOTAL PARTY PLANNING Any Acts Needing An Agency

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For our four legged friends, the Charity is also pleased to announce that they will now permanently sponsor the Desert Hearts Rescue and Rehoming Centre currently run entirely by Marina Lennertson and Susanna Flierl.

Desert Hearts is always filled to the brim with unwanted dogs and newborn pups, all of whom receive wonderful care and eventual re-homing. The daily running of the centre is very often carried out solely by Marina, with the help of a kind-hearted colleague, Jacqui, who assists whenever she can.

Susanna works continually in order to earn the funds to help cover the huge costs involved and over the years the girls have become experts at building kennels and all things necessary for such a huge commitment.

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6 x 1/2 hour lessons for just 50€ A Perfect Alternative Present!

This is a great buy consisting of a beautifully renovated village house, a large 70 m2 garage and a fabulous 1000m2 plot, currently being used as a garden and large vegetable plot. This property is in a pretty village 25 minutes from Mojacar and 25 minutes to the Cabo de Gata. A gteat buy.

This lovingly restored village property is minutes from Lubrin town. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and in a very peaceful location this would make the ideal holiday home. 3 bedrooms, 2 living areas, a large kitchen and separate dining rom. The price includes connection of water and electric

only 99,000€

only 75,000€

OLV389

Bedar

OLV365

dogs.

Finally, the decision to move the HH Charity Shop in Aguilas to another considerably larger was also taken and new premises sourced less than 100 mtrs from the existing shop in the same road, Clle Fuensanta, off of Avenida Juan Carlos.

The old shop will cease trading on Friday 23 November and it is planned for the new one to be launched on Saturday 8th December will a special inauguration Fiesta at 12noon. All are invited of course.

One week prior to this the team have another of their hugely successful events featuring the Liverpool Band at the magnificent Hotel Puerto Juan Montiel, beachside at Aguilas.

It is hoped that maybe then there may be a little time for resting over the Festive Season!!!

THE TEAM OF HELPING HANDS WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL AT CCC AND THEIR WONDERFUL SUPPORTERS A VERY VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR!

HOME HOME REJAS REJAS

?Donde? En Los Alamos en MI CORAZON ?Cuando? Martes y Viernes de 10.00 hasta 13.00

Bedar, 04288 (next to Miramar Restaurant) Tel: 950 469 624 or 687 938 466 Email: info@olivehouse-es.com www.olivehouse-es.com Monday - Friday 10am - 3.30pm

Olive

of regular transportation of Food Parcels to those in need in Aguilas and Pony Riding for the Handicapped are also underway.

We hope that Helping Hands can make a difference for these wonderful, dedicated people and, ultimately, the

Talleres de escultura

Address 28 de Febrero, s/n, 04800, Albox, Almeria

O

October and November have been a hugely busy period for Helping Hands.

Early in October a FLOOD DISASTER APPEAL was launched and the team have been collecting and distributing donated items to those who are desperately in need, particularly in the Lorca and Puerto Lumbreras region.

One amazing offer of help came from Jessica and Ana Marie, proprietors of the El Paniajo Bar & Restaurant in El Marchal, a small village located between Bedar and Lubrin in Almeria. Jessica and Ann Marie. after reading of the Appeal in the Sol Times, collected a total of 6 cubic meters of donated items from their customers, friends and neighbours. Our thanks go to all involved.

Two additional ventures, the funding

2

2

hour to a full day • Weekend pony clubs 20€ per child per day or 60€ for the month (pay monthly includes every Saturday in the month & one free Sunday) • (Family discounts offered) • Livery from just 120€ per month

www.rancholuzdelsol.com Tel: 678 838 547

Los Raimundos

We are please to introduce ourselves MUNDI ABOGADOS SOLICITORS.

This 3 bedroom detached property is situated just a few minutes walk to the picturesque village of Bedar with all it’s amenities. This property has great views, a garage and two terraces. The property needs updating and the price is open to offers.

This great village cortijo has been restored to a high standard. It has 4 beds and is situated between Bedar and Antas. It has a small piece of land also with fruit trees, which would make an ideal small vegetable patch.

139,950€

now only 95,000€

We are a multidisciplinary law firm based in Vera (Almería) and as such we deal with many different aspects of law, specialising in litigation, conveyancing, taxation, civil, commercial and fiscal law.

Our aim is to provide a personal, quality service, in plain English and to do so promptly, efficiently and in a

friendly manner.

We will keep you up to date and fully informed throughout and all at a very competitive price.

If you have decided to purchase a property in Spain, we can assist you during the purchase & conveyancing process to endure all goes smoothly.

We can also arrange to open a Spanish bank account and connection of Utility services or letting agreements.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Joan Rivers mistaken for illegal immigrant

Four UK border guards swooped on loudmouth comedian Joan Rivers as she disembarked from a fishing boat in Kent.

The star was filming for her US chat show when she was mistaken for an illegal immigrant trying to enter Britain.

Ms Rivers had been on a fishing trip off Faversham, when the party was questioned by the UK Border Agency.

The agency had received a tip-off regarding a suspicious group of people on two fishing trawlers, reports The Mirror.

Border agency staff went to the site - a notorious dropoff point for illegal immigrants - but instead found the star with her film crew.

They quizzed Ms Rivers, daughter Melissa and the crew for several minutes until they realised who she was.

Ms Rivers, 79, said: “Even though we were innocent I am so sorry they didn’t arrest us. I love Englishmen and they were very cute!”

She had been invited to film in the area by her friend and fellow New Yorker, the Countess Sondes, owner of the nearby 6,900-acre Lees Court Estate.

Lady Sondes said: “It was a great comfort to know the Border Agency acted in an efficient and friendly manner.”

tailor made

A new study suggests that Albert Einstein’s extraordinary genius may have been related to a uniquely shaped brain.

Researchers compared Einstein’s brain to 85 ‘normal’ human brains to determine, what, if any, unusual features it possessed.

‘Although the overall size and asymmetrical shape of Einstein’s brain were normal, the prefrontal, somatosensory, primary motor, parietal, temporal and occipital cortices were extraordinary,’ said Dean Falk, the Hale G. Smith Professor of Anthropology at Florida State, told Science Daily.

‘These may have provided the neurological underpinnings for some of his visuospatial and mathematical abilities, for instance.’

Using 14 recently discovered pictures of the genius’ brain, Falks and her colleagues were able to describe Einstein’s entire cerebral cortex.

Their study, ‘The Cerebral Cortex of Albert Einstein: A Description and Preliminary Analysis of Unpublished Photographs,’ will be published Nov. 16 in Brain, a journal on neurology.

With permission from his family, Einstein’s brain was removed and photographed upon his death in 1955.

It was even sectioned into 240 blocks to make histological slides.

The paper will also outline a ‘roadmap’ to Einstein’s brain made in 1955 by Dr. Thomas Harvey.

Most of those photos, blocks, and slides have been lost from the public eye, and the photographs used by Falk’s team are held by the National Museum of Health and Medicine.

‘Omnishambles’ named word of the year ‘Omnishambles’ has beaten ‘pleb’ and ‘mummy porn’ to be named word of the year by the Oxford English Dictionary.

The word - meaning a situation which is shambolic from every possible angle - was coined in 2009 by the writers of BBC political satire The Thick of It. Pleb - an old word given new life by claims Conservative Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell used it to describe police officers in Downing Street - was also shortlisted.

Other words included ‘Eurogeddon’ - the threatened financial collapse in the eurozone and ‘mummy porn’ - inspired by the 50 Shades of Grey books.

The London Olympics threw up several contenders including the verb ‘to medal’ and distance runner

Mo Farah’s ‘Mobot’ victory celebration.

New words from the world of technology included “second screening” - watching TV while simultaneously using a computer, phone or tablet.

Fiona McPherson, one of the lexicographers on the judging panel, said: “It was a word everyone liked, which seemed to sum up so many of the events over the last 366 days in a beautiful way.

“It’s funny, it’s quirky, and it has broken free of its fictional political beginnings, firstly by spilling over into real politics, and then into other contexts.”

Omnishambles was first heard at the end of an episode in the third series of The Thick of It, during a characteristically foul-mouthed rant by spin doctor Malcolm Tucker, played by Peter Capaldi.

Driver sentenced to hold ‘idiot’ sign

A US woman who drove her car on a pavement to pass a school bus has been forced to stand holding a sign describing herself as an “idiot”.

The unusual sentence was imposed by a judge in Cleveland, Ohio on Shena Hardin, 32, after she was caught on camera trying to circumvent the bus as it unloaded children.

The sign she was made to hold read: “Only an idiot would drive

on the sidewalk to avoid a school bus.”

Hardin stood for an hour in freezing temperatures at a busy road junction, ignoring passersby and drivers honking their horns.

Lisa Kelley, whose nine-yearold daughter uses the bus, said: “She’s an idiot, just like her sign says. She did this almost every day last year.

“She won’t stop laughing. She’s

not remorseful, she laughed at every court appearance. She’s still laughing, so she needs to be humiliated like this.”

Bill Lipold, 37, a local resident, yelled at Hardin: “Why do you hate kids?”

He added: “How else are you going to stop her from doing it again? She really didn’t show remorse for her action after being caught, so you’ve got to try something.”

weird & wonderful news...

Einstein’s intelligence was due to unusual features in his brain

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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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MÁSMÓV!L, the mobile phone operator that can cut your mobile phone bill in half for national calls and saves you more than 80% on international calls, is to represent Spain as a National Champion in the prestigious 2012/2013 Awards programme.

The programme recognises and rewards excellence, best practice and innovation in companies across the European Union and MÁSMÓV!L will now compete for the coveted Ruban D’Honneur status in the next round of the competition.

It comes as no surprise that MÁSMÓV!L has been nominated in the Customer Focus Category as they pride themselves on their high level of customer service, with over 80% of their customers recommending MÁSMÓVIL to friends and family! They don’t believe in cancellation penalties, there’s no obligation to stay, and their flexible and simple payment plans are tailormade for each customer’s needs, making life much simpler for today’s mobile users.

Christian Nyborg (Chris), Co-founder of MÁSMÓV!L and head of the International Business Division told us; ‘’We’re proud to be selected to represent Spain as a

National Champion. The European Business Awards is widely recognised as the showcase for Europe’s most dynamic companies and we are now looking forward to the next round of the judging process where we can explain in more depth how we are achieving business success in these tough trading conditions. ‘’ MÁSMÓV!L is a national leader in the mobile phone sector, and a big favourite with Northern Europeans who can phone mobiles and landlines in their home country for a fraction of the price they were previously accustomed to.

Clients may put their mobile number and Internet ‘on hold’ when travelling back home, so they only pay when in Spain and avoid expensive roaming prices with the reassurance they will have Internet the moment they arrive back in Spain.

If you want to be one of the more than 115,000 satisfied MÁSMÓV!L clients who are enjoying cheaper rates, visit www.masmovil.es or call the free number: 1473 to find the name of your nearest MÁSMÓV!L distributor.

Remember we speak English, Spanish, German and the ‘’Scandinavian language’’

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com

BEING A RESIDENT OF SPAIN OR NOT CAN MAKE A CONSIDERABLE DIFFERENCE TO CAPITAL GAINS TAX NASTY SURPRISE: HAVING WHAT EVERYONE CALLS ‘THE RESIDENCE CERTIFICATE’ IS NOT PROOF OF TAX RESIDENCY AND IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WILL BE TREATED AS A NON-RESIDENT AND 3% OF THE SALES PRICE WILL BE HELD BACK WHEN YOU SELL YOUR PROPERTY...

Q. I have sold my house. I was under the impression that I was a resident and that the 3% retention for non-residents would not be applicable, but the notary said that my residence certificate was not proof of residency and that he had to treat me as a nonresident which means that 3% of the sales price was retained and paid into the tax office . How can the resident certificate not be proof of residency?

A. What the notary is saying is correct. It is a common nasty surprise at the notary lately suffered by sellers that are not getting the correct advice prior to selling . The new resident certificates without a photograph, issued by the police, do not state you are a tax resident of Spain - what it says is that you are a resident of Europe.

To be able to be treated as a tax resident of Spain at the moment of sale, you need to provide the notary with a certificate issued by the tax office in Spain stating that they consider you a tax resident of Spain. This needs to be requested in advance of going to the notary by your solicitor or yourself to avoid the 3% retention. Some notaries will also accept as proof of residency your Spanish tax returns.

If you are thinking of selling, it is important to find out from the tax office well in advance if your status is that of a resident or non resident, and the certificate issued by them needs to be taken to the notary the day of signature.

P.S. If you are a non resident, do not forget it is obligatory to file a non-resident tax returns, and that the tax man has created a task force to go after those that have not been paying (and they are sending out letters since November 2011).

Michael Davies is a Spanish Abogado and has been practicing law in Almería since 1993. He is member of the Law societies of Almería and Madrid and has offices in Mojacar and Almeria High Street.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

17

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - The Albox Travel Club is born ALBOX BRANCH APPOINT new chairman and committee

The Albox Branch of The Royal British Legion held its AGM on the 15th November at La Parrilla hotel & restaurant in the main square of Albox.

They said a sad farewell to Chris Pearce, the chairman for the last 3 years and also Jeff Hanson the Poppy Coordinator. Chris spoke at length of the achievements of the Branch in the last year and praised the efforts of the committee in keeping this friendly and busy branch of The Legion going through what have been some difficult times.

With a current membership of 229 it is one of the largest Branches in Spain District North but has only 9 members of the committee plus 3 officers, making for a busy workload.

He explained how there are still more vacancies, for Press Officer and vice-chairman plus anyone who just wants to help keep the Branch going as it has to date. He then went on to announce that the Branch had made over €8000 for the Poppy Appeal throughout the year whilst ensuring members and guests enjoyed themselves. He had mixed feelings about standing down but felt he had ‘done his bit’ after 3 years at the helm and it was time for someone else to take over. Following the voting procedure, Peter Phillips was elected as new chairman, Filip Ostrowski continues as Secretary whilst Elsa Brennan also continues as Treasurer. The committee was also voted on as follows;Marianne Pearce continues as Welfare Chairperson, Bob Cowan remains as Social Secretary and Sandra Tucker remains as Membership Secretary. Liz Hartley will continue as Membership Liaison with Ella Dring continuing to help out on the Social & Poppy subcommittees. New to the committee are David Wells as Assistant Treasurer, Roy and Sarah Edkins as Poppy Coordinators, Brian Gyer on the Social Sub-committee with Julia Deneen organizing raffles and also helping on sub-committees.

The new chairman closed the meeting by thanking Chris and Jeff for their hard work and confirming they would both be missed on the committee. He explained how the vast workload has been spread by way of the sub-committees but there is still a need for more volunteers on the committee. He will have to continue in the roles of Press Officer and Recruitment and Retention Officer until replacements are found. He looks forward to working closely with adjoining Branches and an enjoyable year ahead.

If you want more details or want to become a member and help with The Legion’s good work for British serving and ex-service personnel and their families (you don’t need to be ex-forces to join) go along to one of the meetings or contact the Chairman Peter Phillips on 693483392 email: peatpee@sky.com or visit the web site at www.britishlegion.org.uk/ branches/albox

Sol Insure A New Ray Of Light For Insurance

Following changes to the way The Royal British Legion raises its funds, a new club called The Albox Travel Club has been created. The Club has no connection with The Royal British Legion, its Branches or Committees and runs independently with its own Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, but all profits from the Club will be donated to the Albox Branch of The Royal British Legion.

The aim of the club is to provide day trips and short breaks to anyone who wishes to go. They have decided that as they intend to support The RBL they will charge different prices for Legion members and non-Legion members; this is not dissimilar to other schemes of this kind in the area.

The Chairman, David Rham, said “We have created The Albox Travel Club to fill a niche that has opened as a result of changes to operating procedures. I can assure all our users that all profits will go to The Legion funds to help with their valuable work. To start us off, we have taken

over the Christmas trip to Benidorm originally arranged by the Albox Branch of The Royal British Legion but we are going to continue by arranging trips ourselves. The first trip will be on 26th March 2013 - a day trip to Lorca and Espuna.

It will consist of a guided tour round the historic town of Lorca seeing some of the important sites.

A lunch break (lunch not included) followed by our guide taking us to Sierra Espuna National Park and passing the town of Aledo. All bus travel will be included in the excellent price for Legion members €22 and non-members €24. If this trip is successful it is intended to apply for charity status in the future. Our board of Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary will ensure that all monies raised are dealt with in accordance with the Club Rules.”

For more details on the Club and how it will work or to book tickets for this trip or to offer your help please contact the Chairman David Rham on 699125937 email: david _ rham@ btopenworld.com

In Enix, Almeria Individually built first floor property with large roof terrace. Superb views over Enix valley and to the sea.

Property comprises Lounge Diner with Balcony, Fully-fitted Kitchen, 2 Bedrooms& Bathroom with Shower.

Located close to the village centre with bars and restaurants Only 15mins drive from the golf course.

75,000€

For Sale

Call Frank or Julie on +44(0)7833 050 044 or+44(0)7909 638 193

info@bwispain.com

950 472 098

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...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Sea facing 2 beds Apartment in Mojácar playa

price €99.950 Beautiful apartment with private garage in Puerto Marina, Mojácar Playa, within minutes walk to the sea and to the promenade.

The apartment has a built area of 65.00 mts² which is distributed between a beautiful living / dining room, a separate kitchen, a family bathroom, a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, fitted wardrobe and sea views, and a second double bedroom with also benefits from fitted wardrobe and sea views.

There is a terrace of 39.90 mts² with amazing

sea and mountains views. The private garage has a built area of 15.45 mts². The property has a total built area of 120.35 mts² The property is being sold fully furnished and with air conditioning. The kitchen is fully fitted and well equipped with all white goods.

This is one of the nicest apartments on this development and has been looked after very well from new.

For more information or to book a viewing appointment please visit our office or contact

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

property group

www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk

property guide....

Government to fast track residency permits for foreign buyers

Spain needs foreigners to buy its properties to Tourism, he said. help absorb the glut of new homes on the market. Justifying the new measures, García-Margallo The problem is, it can be quite tricky for non-EU said Spain needs foreigners to buy properties “of nationals to buy a home in Spain, thanks to all the dubious purpose without foreign demand.” bureaucratic hoops they are forced to jump through.

Article: www.spanishpropertyinsight.com The Government is now trying to make it easier for property investors from outside the EU to buy in Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466 C/Llanos, Bedar Spain and get residency permits as a consequence.

(Next to the Miramar Restaurant) The Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel García- Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm Olive Margallo, announced the initiative to the Spanish www.olivehouse-es.com Parliament this week, explaining that the Government OLV410 This fabulous cortijo is tucked away in the will now fast track residency permits for Non-EU countryside but close to the main road to Sorbas. The location is idyllic and the nationals who buy homes in Spain, and “simplify detached property has four bedrooms, entry requirements.” private pool, double garage, 7,000m2 of land and lovely views. This property now This will involve a close collaboration between the requires some tlc.

250,000€ offers invited Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Industry and sorbas

O

for sale

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchen with white goods, Nice views of golf course parking, Mojacar approx 7 mins

To view or for more details 609 199 394

T: 664 291 793 jescott29@hotmail.co.uk

2

Bargain Price - only 65,000€

Vision Vision Investment Investment Property Property Almeria Almeria

info@vipalmeria.com • www.vipalmeria.com

Paseo del Mediterráneo, 22b Mojacar Playa 04638, Beside the Red Cross on the Beach front.

Spanish Office: (+34) 950472524 / 950102006 Fax / Tel: (+34) 950 950 231

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT LONG/SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA - ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS

cALL 663 977 230 or EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com

Apartment For Sale on golf course

plot of land of 800m & villa 125m brick built up to & including roof Wonderful location & exceptional views yet 5 mins to town with all amenities.

Fully legal with escritora must be viewed!

2

Almería Estate Agent

now only

€39,950

Urgently required

farmhouses & equestrian properties For Sale

clients waiting to view info@icasaspain.com

...CALL 902 750 190 OR 950 121 936 ~ EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

property of the week ref.535 MOJACAR

299.000€

One of the finest Mojacar villa with beautiful open sea views, total of 200m built on a plot of 2,000m2, total of 3 beds and 2 baths, huge sun bathing area, large roof terrace, private locked garage, space for a pool, REDUCED FROM 690.000€

REF.534

Mojacar

139.000€

REF.484 Mojacar village 299.950€

Large townhouse centrally located & full of charm, with 3 beds, 3 baths, large terrace, kitchen, Extra-large lounge with fireplace, swimming pool & tennis court, private locked garage, 100m from the beach and all amenities, fantastic opportunity.

3 beds, 2 baths detached house of 195m built, on 7,000m plot, one of the most enviable positions, living/ dining area, large fully fitted kitchen, private parking for 6 cars, gated & fenced, views to the mountains, Private locked garage of 40m, solarium, and trees.

REF.532

Mojacar

189.950€

bargain

REF.525

Mojacar

98.000€

First floor golf apartment with 3 bedrooms,2 bathrooms, terrace with sea views, complete equipped large kitchen + white goods & laundry room, living/dining room, 2 beautiful swimming pools, A/C, fully furnished, easy access.

mojacar

84.750€

reduced

109.000€

Full of character 155m built & totally reformed town house centrally located, 4 beds, 2 baths, private large sunny solarium with beautiful mountain views, to be sold fully furnished, exterior patio for alfresco dining, close to amenities, quick sale required.

REF.475

mojacar

118.000€

palamores

88.000€

Beautiful Moorish style linked bungalow, 2 double bedrooms, 1 modern bathroom, Good size Lounge with open fireplace, back garden & front sunny terrace, large roof solarium with sea views.

mojacar

89.000€

Ground floor golf apartment with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, terrace with some sea views, complete equipped large kitchen & back patio, living/dining room, 2 beautiful swimming pools, A/C, fully furnished, secure underground parking.

REF.536

zurgena

69.950€

reduced

Penthouse apartment close to the beach, 2 double bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, outside terrace & 70m Private roof terrace, large communal swimming pool, beautiful community, secure gated, private 2 x secure parking & store room.

REF.317

REF.531

bargain

reduced

Penthouse apartment with 1 double bed, 1 bath, 50m² built plus large 35m² sun terrace & 50m private solarium, with fantastic sea & Mountain Views, very sunny, spacious living/dining room, A/C hot & cold, furnished, beautiful communal pool & garden

REF.431

turre

reduced reduced

bargain

REF.515

REF.530

Luxury 3 beds, 2 baths 2nd line Penthouse,90m roof terrace with open golf & sea views, complete equipped kitchen, large living/dining room, beautiful pool & Gym, golf & sea views, private secure Parking & store room, A/C, furnished.

mojacar

62.000€

Totally renovated 3 beds, 1 bath townhouse on a 360m2 plot, with further ruin on the plot to reform to a guesthouse or garage, living room/open kitchen diner, with beautiful mountain views.

REF.518

mojacar

62.500€

bargain

reduced

Large furnished Penthouse, 1 bedroom + wardrobes & 1 bathroom, large Terrace 39m, sea & mountain views, fully fited kitchen, sold fully furnished, A/C (hot & cold), private locked garage, 2 communal pools, south facing

BANK REPOSSESSION, apartment with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 70m² built plus sun terrace, spacious living/ dining room, private underground parking & store room, A/C hot & cold, beautiful communal pool, SOLD FOR MORTGAGE PRICE, 90% MORTGAGE.

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

n o s u foc

SPONSOREDBYferreteriaelreal

9 Year on El Real! th

Specialists in Folding, Sliding & Glass Curtain Systems Insect Screening for any area Guttering Installed or DIY Parque Ind El Real, Calle El Garcel 11, Antas, Exit 534 E15 Autovia Tel: 950 459 060 M. 638 063 196 / 649 482 677

info@lifestyle-enclosures.com Find www.lifestyle-enclosures.com us on

TO APPEAR ON THIS FEATURE, PLEASE CALL VIVIENNE ON

689 906 691

P&R Direct Tel: 665 25 86 80 Due to popular demand from 1st December we will be moving to bigger premises still on the Poligono industrial El Real turn left at roundabout, opposite the Snooker Hall

...and we are Expanding our stock to include home accessories, gifts, bags etc from Bonita’s & from Jan / Feb Bedding & Bed Linen

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Ferreteria El Real and The Full Swing are in full trading mode just as they have been since 2007 and 2002 respectively. Your favourite & popular products continue to line our shelves and just this week, over 50 new products were added to our ranges. Yes the shop is for sale folks, David and I are adopting one, possibly two children in 2013 and “Zoe´s Mum” wishes to retire, however we will continue with the shop until such a time comes when we hand over the reins to whoever wishes to purchase our “CRISIS” surviving, ever-increasing niche of a business.

P&R RUGS are moving to larger premises as of 1st December due to customer demand for their stock. They will still be on the Poligono Industrial El Real – just turn left at roundabout opposite the Snooker Hall and you’ll find them! They are also expanding their stock to include fabulous home accessories as well as gifts and accessories including bags from Bonita’s.

As from the new year they will also be stocking amazing bedding and bed linen.

LIFESTYLE ENCLOSURES EUROPE S.L.

were formed back in 2005 they are the area’s leading installer of Specialist Folding or Sliding Glass & Glass Curtain Systems, Fly Free Enclosures and All Types of Insect Screening. Since then, many more Lifestyle enhancing products have been added to their range including Toldos, Awnings & Flo Plast Rainwater Systems, they offer several colours and styles of guttering for DIY or a full installation service is also available. Call in to have a chat with Lifestyles friendly staff or Tel 950 459 060

new home from home Quality Home Furnishings

From single items to the full package available Was 445,00 Euros

Now only 309,00 Euros

Massive Stock Clearance Sale Euros Was 826,00

WE ARE HERE

Parque Ind El Real, Antas 04628

Antas

Vera

Antas

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We supply and fit

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exit 534 Cepsa Petrol Station

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Wednesday 28th November

Christmas Fayre

Interested Stall Holders Please Tel 637 259 033

€399

€699 Granada Patio Suite

Benissa White Patio Suite

Tel: 950 459 136

Our experienced team Ford Focus can help with all your C-Max 1.6 HDI, repairs or 2004, maintenance needs 110,000km €4,995 pop in and see us!!

car of the week

Mon ~ Fri 9am - 7pm Sat 10am - 2pm

Workshop: 950 459 209

 to Vera

vertical & venetian blinds, shower & bath screens

Iron Art now in its 6th year are always introducing new lines, recently leather suites and also work alongside Simply Art for bespoke wall ceramics and Neater Heaters. They continue to expand on their accessories from England, just in quality rugs along with standard/ table lamps. How about a tape measure for the ladies for €2 a bargain. Also see the beautiful range of pictures, mirrors, artificial flowers, lanterns, candles, cushions, furniture covers, sails and obviously garden furniture. Restarting on Wednesday 28 November, 10am-2pm is the Christmas Fayre, interested stall holders please contact 637 259 033.

Petrol Station E15/A7 MOTORWAY Exit 534

To Cartagena

murcia

is a reliable friendly english run service centre that provides vehicle repairs, ITV’s, matriculations, changes of ownership, tyres, sales vehicles and much much more. We make sure that your vehicle is ready for any journey whether it’s big or small. We have a wide range of vehicles for sale including a Ford Focus C-Max a Citroen Jumper and an Alfa Romeo. For more information please ring 950 459 136 or 950 459 209.

Pol Ind El Real de Antas, C/ Interior, Nave 9, 04628 Antas (Almeria) Mon-Sat 10am to 2pm Tel: 950 459 017 Fax: 950 459 018 Contact Marie or Dave 634 319 656 9am - 8pm

from Almeria Junction 534A From Murcia Junction 534

uros 499,00 E Now Only

Costa Coches Antas

www. homefromhomespain.com info@homefromhomespain.com

Almeria

New Home from Home - Come along and get yourself an early January Sale. Massive Stock Clearance Sale, due to business reform and building works programmed for midDecember and early January`.

21

Sales: 950 459 136

www.costacoches.com • email: costacoches@mail.com

from 449€ Leather Sevilla Range

€899 Leather Chaise Lounge

stockists of Neater Heaters

Tel: 637 259 033 www.ironartfactoryoutlet.com El Real Industrial estate

Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm

Sat 10am - 2pm

22

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

OPEN for business

tel: 950 930 900 968 969 962 Solar Hot Water & Pool Heating Full Heating Installations Water Treatment Systems Water Deposits & Pumps

Solar Oil Gas Solid Fuel pellet

fully legal company with public liability insurance carlos.saliente@gmail.com • www.carlossaliente.com Cortijo Pipa, Avda de Limaria 1, Limaria, arboleas

MOBILE VEHICLE VALETING PART & FULL VALETS - T CUTS & POLISHING - INTERIORS UPHOLSTERY CLEANING - SOFAS AND RUGS

Solar storm as desert plan to power Europe falters

An ambitious plan to provide 15% of Europe’s power needs from solar plants in North Africa has run into trouble.

The Desertec initiative hoped to deliver electricity from a network of renewable energy sources to Europe via cables under the sea. But in recent weeks, two big industrial backers have pulled out.

And the Spanish government has baulked at signing an agreement to build solar power plants in Morocco.

Desertec was set up in 2009 with a projected budget of 400bn euros to tap the enormous potential of solar and other renewables in North Africa.

The hope was that by 2050, around 125 gigawatts of electric power could be generated. This would meet all the local needs and also allow huge amounts of power to be exported to Europe via high-voltage direct current cables under the Mediterranean sea.

But three years later, the project has little to show for its efforts. Two large industrial partners, Siemens and Bosch, have decided they will no longer be part of the initiative.

According to Dr Daniel Ayuk Mbi Egbe, a professor at the University of Linz in Austria and an expert on African solar resources, this is not good news.

“Siemens and Bosch are very big companies,” he told BBC New, “if they don’t want to support this initiative

it is going to be difficult for Desertec.”

It seems some governments share this reluctance to go forward.

One of the first concrete steps that Desertec announced was a plan to build three solar power plants in Morocco. A declaration of intent was due to be signed recently by a group of countries including Spain and Italy. But the Spanish government demurred, citing difficulties in finding the subsidies the project would need.

Hans-Josef Fell is a Green party MP in the German parliament who has sponsored renewable energy legislation. He’s sometimes referred to as the father of the feed-in tariff that has helped wind and solar power succeed in Germany. He thinks the Desertec initiative is too reliant on public subsidies.

“The governments get cold feet for one reason, Desertec needs too much support in tax money all the public budgets are over borrowed - and tax money is not easily available,” Mr Fell said.

Desertec says that these are small problems and will not detract from the overall success of the project.

Spokesman Klaus Schmidtke told BBC News the initiative is in good shape.

Lulu’s

Peluqueria Canina

professional dog grooming parlour Lisa is City & Guilds qualified she sets the standard Others Try to follow

Nail Clipping and Anal Glands - Only 5€ each!

No need for appointment closed mondays - you can still call 697 569 750 for appointments

Open 10.30am - 6pm Tuesday - Friday Avda LePanto, 20, 04800, Albox, next door to Eurowise

Tel: 950 952 940 . 697 569 750

TYRE KING

New Walls New Roofs Structual Alterations professional bricklayer Building for you Phone Gerard - 626 730

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car - motorcycle - van - 4x4 - motorhome - quad - trailer - wheelbarrow

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● All new tyres supplied have manufacturers warranty ● Computerised tracking including 4x4s ● While you wait service ● Motorbike tyre specialists balancing - computerised laser tracking - puncture Poligono El Real, Calle El Garcel F19, Antas - 950 459 253

Spain

electric underfloor heating life time warranty

e: tyreking@ymail.com - Mon - Fri: 9.30 - 17.30

AWNINGS - FLY SCREENS - INTERNAL BLINDS SHADING SPAIN, WITH...

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domestic & commercial supplied & fitted many colours & styles all areas covered free quotations signwriting service FOR COMMERCIAL

Tel: 627 907 207

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Email: solshaders@live.co.uk

HIRE A HUSBAND

Professional, reliable, handy man available for all the jobs he doesn’t get round to, including Van Removals, Painting, Small Plumbing Jobs, Shelves, Garden Clearance, All Outside Work.

Walls, Stone Cladding, Rendering etc.

Good hourly / daily rate. 6 yrs in the area.

Call Jim 677 557 190 Evenings 950 930 596 References available. Pics of work completed.

LOGS FOR SALE

* FREE Kindling With Every Load * - Grade a Olive - No Roots - Best Prices Available

Tel: 687 314 775

Same Day Delivery & Stacking Service Available

elite plant hire construction & drainage

• general builders • walls • jcb 3cx hire • paving • patios • extensions • roofing • cladding references available call lee on 636 092 632 eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

In reference to the problems with Spain he said: “We are talking about a declaration of intent between some government so the Desertec initiative is not involved in these negotiations - these are done by the governments. There is no reason for us to fear any problems.”

But others are not so sure. Prof Peter Droege is the head of Eurosolar, the European association for renewable energy.

“I think it is struggling to find a reason to continue - It is clear it’s lost its original purpose, it is looking for a new direction,” he commented.

“One of the main attractions of renewable is to become energy independent,” he said.

“If you have tied yourself to another external source you have to pay for, you are missing the entire point of the renewable energy transition we are in.”

There have been worries that the unstable political situation in North Africa is also causing concerns for investors and for governments. But according to Daniel Ayuk Mbi Egbe, the problem is more fundamental.

Upholstery

• We Upholster Chairs, Sofas and Wing Chairs • 30 years of experience • Large fabric selection • Free pick up & delivery • In home free estimates

“The fathers of Desertec say their aim was to exploit North African energy for the European market,” he says, “but what about Africa itself?”

He added: “When you go to many African countries there are constant electricity cuts - if you want to help then you need to think not just about exporting to Europe but about supplying Africa as well.”

One positive element for the project is that there have been suggestions that China might be willing to invest so that it can get access to technology. It is interested in learning how to use high-voltage direct current cables such as those proposed for bringing power across the Mediterranean.

Green MP Hans-Josef Fell says they could be just what Desertec needs.

“China’s money could help, China wants the know how. Yes perhaps China could save the project, they are very potent,” he told BBC News Article by Matt McGrath, Science Reporter, BBC World Service

FOR GREAT autumn ADVERTISING RATES CALL 950 121 936 Satellite TV Systems 1.2m Dish Cable, Bracket, LNB installed €150 Satellite Re-alignment Inc, SD Freesat Box €220

Internet Via Satellite Console Repairs General Electrical Email: enquiries@mbitalmanzora.es Electronic Repairs

Telephone: 646 341 575

POOL SHOP

Mix & Match

any 2 Tubs Of either Multi, Shock or Chlorine tablets for just 36€

insurance quotes available

winteriseRS available still only 15€ FIND US In Longo’s Courtyard

Tel: 692 17 60 69

23

Shop: 950 104 345 or Maintenance: 637 582 696

City & Guilds & ACS qualifications, CORGI registered with 10 years experience

Chris: 637 82 97 87 / 618 06 20 80 Gas & Oil Fired Central Heating - Gas Appliances Plumbing - Servicing - Repairs - Installations FREE QUOTATIONS & ADVICE

Licensed to transport animals by the Junta de Andalucia DEFRa Approved Vehicle

David

665 517 643

Steve

610 905 173 valleyconstruction2008@gmail.com

Fully Legal & Experienced Builders All Building Work Undertaken No Job Too Big or Small!!

Phone or email for a no obligation quote

Log-on-Tommy

Stacking service available Free Kindling with every full load

now incorporating “Sammy Sweep”

R & R Services

Regular trips between Spain and UK taking all household items and furniture

We transport your pet with the utmost care and safety Pets are fed and watered every 3 - 4 hours & dogs walked For further information on departure dates and charges Please contact: 0034 686 140 034 (Spain) 0044 7526 140 797 (UK) Email: rozrik@hotmail.com

James & Son Removals / Storage

UK, France & Spain personal shopping from the UK

Small Cut Olive Logs No Roots For The Smaller Fire

619 070 839

(Argos, Screwfix, Wickes etc)

Pet Transportation & Competitive Rates 950 529 731 / 627 968 434

OFFICIAL HITS AGENTS IN ALBOX

WE HAVE THE FULL RANGE OF HITS PHONES & SIM CARDS IN STOCK Contact us now on: Tel: 950 064 584 | Mob: 654 590 258 Email: info@solymarspain.com | Web: www.solymarspain.com We also offer all major mobile top ups from our office

Nick Howe Chief Technician

+34 699 909 737 Established for over 10 years Office: +950 528 334 E-Mail: solosat@gmail.com

Clean Team British Plasterer Brighten up your Walls!

Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Services Quality Cleaning at an Affordable Price 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Regular or One-Off Service No Job Too Big or Too Small All Areas Covered Tel: 950 930 652 Mob: 634 332 502 E-mail: Cleanteam.es@gmail.com

• 8 years in Spain with 25 years experience • Quality work guaranteed • References available

Tel: 634 327 201 / 661 129 028 Email: atpspain@gmail.com www.paulmorrison.es S.M.S.BUILDING MAINTENANCE

All Building Work Undertaken Garages, Patios, Boundary Walls,Renovations, Cladding, Enclosures, Painting & Decorating (from 50€ per room including paint) Also All Exterior Painting and Damp Proofing

( No job Too Small)

GUARANTEED TO BEAT ANY QUOTE For free estimate or advice please call

Steve on 950930536 or 634306690

Email : Steven561@btinternet.com

Stunning Prints & GIANT posters A3 x 9 100’s to choose from or email your own photos...

Ideal Christmas Presents Tel: 634 388 243

newallprints@hotmail.com

24

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Deborah Cubel Fisher

Announcing the new Wills and Inheritance process office now open in Translations / Interpreter Corvera: Purchase / Sale private contracts C/ Actor Francisco NIE’s, Residencia, Medical Cards....

Rabal, 3 Bj X Corvera (Murcia) Land property and Catastro registration 30153 Vehicle registration / driving licenses Please telephone: Conveyancing / Notorial documents 629 412 446 Mortgages Payment of taxes (local rates, rubbish collection, vehicle, tax returns for residents and non residents and refund of the capital gains tax).

Special offer

Wills €125 per person - Including Notary Fee

Yearly contract €145 Including VAT 18% Yearly tax returns (no increase if more than one owner, or more than one property)

WE HAVE MOVED

Vera Branch Office: Calles del Mar, 45. Edif. Vegamar Planta 1. Local 1 Vera (Almeria, Spain)

TEL. +34 - 950 617 017 / FAX. +34 - 950 133 342 E-MAIL: vera@euroabogados.es or luisamorales@euroabogados.es

ahorro mueble

Legal and fiscal advice FREE throughout the year Free assistance / advice for any visitors staying at your property Free visit from a technician / architect to offer independent expertise on matter such as: putting in insurance claims, confirmation of the legality of an extension / building work, free estimate for any work to be carried out If you introduce another client to us you will not be charged your next annual fee Vera Advisors, S.L. C/ del Mar, 33 - Local 11 Vera 04620 (Almeria) Tel: 950 39 06 21 Fax: 950 39 02 12 email: dcasesores@notin.net

FABULOUS new FURNITURE SLIGHT SECONDS

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They may seem incredible, but our prices are...

Carreterra Lorca-Baza, Albox In the old Beer Emporium, premises

Lidl

Albox BP Garage

E15 motorway Albox junction Amigos Bowling

Ahorro Mueble

Palomino Kennels

Exclusive Boarding Kennels/Cattery

The cost of dying has got a lot more expensive – Or has it??

From 1st September the rate of IVA (vat) charged by Funeral Directors rose from 8% to 21% so an average funeral cost here in Spain will be in the region of 4840 €.

With an Iberian Funeral Plan you fix the cost of the funeral at today’s price and it is fixed forever, irrespective of how much funeral expenses rise in the future.

With guaranteed Plan prices starting from just 2995 €. Do you need to look elsewhere for total peace of mind?

Just look at the facts: • Iberian have the best plans and plan benefits at the best prices • Iberian plans are the only genuine interest free plans if you wish to pay by instalments • Iberian do not charge you an additional administration fee • Iberian do not have any deferred or final settlement payments at the end of the instalment term • Iberian Funeral Plans are fully transferrable to the UK • Iberian Funeral Plans cover you throughout the EU and can assist worldwide

With prices starting at just 2995 € and IVA FREE, less does equal more. Therefore it makes so much sense to protect your loved ones by investing in a guaranteed funeral plan from Iberian.

Visit www.iberianfuneralplans.com or simply contact our offices on 952595691 (Malaga) or 965993498 (Benijpfar-Alicante) Also located in The UK, Portugal, Canary Islands and Balearics

Glad t me to hey sent Pa Kenne ls whi lomino back t e they wen o t wet En cold & gland !

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Call 662 668 423 or 950 067 051 www.palominokennels.com

Jardin Rural Established 9 years in Spain

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Building & Construction Services From

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New Builds, Casitas, Garages, Patios

Insurance Work, Fully Registered Testimonials available. Take a look at our website www.jardinrural.com Tel: 634 338 987

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SolTimes

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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is da now ily

l oc al nepwpensing in

S o lT

imes

live LOCAL & international

w h at ’ s h a your area?

NEWS feeds

f ree t o view tidve

g a m e z o ne s

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& t v gu

wharte ’tso goo?n

l o c a l b u sine s s dire c t o r y all y

w he w h at t o d o ?

soltimes is now daily

our l oc a l b u s i n e s s e s at y our f inger t ip s

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

coffee break STANDARD CROSSWORD

Down 1 Boundaries (7) 2 Be a delegate for (9) 3 Flyer (7) 4 Infamy (9) 5 In a poor fashion (5) 6 French country house (7) 7 Horrible in savagery (5) 8 A personal with confidential information (7) 14 The lower joint of the leg of a fowl (9) 16 Bum rides (9) 17 Social deportment (7) 18 How a snake moves (7) 20 Acrobat or tumbler (7) 21 Reverses the tape to the beginning (7) 23 Writing style (5) 24 Secretes a hormone (5)

8 Ogre loses tail in iron advance (8) 14 Sam can, crashing with blue emergency 16down (10) 16 He returns in Clive’s adaption for cars, say (8) 17 People making crosswords outside left colonists (8) 18 Sameness - English attribute? (8) 22 Pick up tab, let off for conflict (6) 23 Bigger drink - with bit of rum inside! (6) 24 Rents that could be painful for a nonathlete? (6) 27 1001 - the middle of Shanghai’s dynasty (4)

Down 1 Portions of southern animals (6) 2 British leader in test relating to groups of people (6) 3 Starts to bend injured knees, expecting something to ride (4) 4 Container ship? (6) 5 Befuddled head of commerce does fun? Ridiculous! (8) 6 Ambience of a Pomthere’s unusual! (10) 7 Time off’s holy, said creation! (8)

HARD SUDOKU

Very Hard!

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across 9 “Drug”, heard female star character (7) 10 Get the better of, or not inside (7) 11 Those who cry, perhaps, with new start for criminals (7) 12 Smooth, like a river? (7) 13 Sly labels forming parts of words (9) 15 Reported part of the absence of war (5,5) 16 In your view, disgusting business leader is back inside! (7) 19 Garments right out of chests (7) 20 Very warm at the Spanish place to stay! (5) 21 Personal cover? (9) 25 One inside half of college’s officer (7) 26 Belt rim broke drum (7) 28 Sincere organ home (7) 29 Most enduring Lents go mad! (7)

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.

Across 1 Deal (7) 5 Rod-shaped bacteria (7) 9 Reproduced (9) 10 The sharp edge at the junction of 2 surfaces (5) 11 Voter (7) 12 Ceded (7) 13 Lead (9) 15 Show someone to their seats (5) 17 Mongrels (5) 19 Child (9) 22 Biting (7) 25 In an unspecified manner (7) 26 Father of Methuselah (5) 27 Disturbance (9) 28 Smiled contemptuously (7) 29 Baby cats (7)

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller

STANDARD SUDOKU

26

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

food news

La

Champagne shortage predicted Drink up while you still can. France’s worst Champagne harvest for 40 years means there could be a shortage in the years ahead.

Terrible weather conditions and mildew have both afflicted Champagne growers, with a 40 per cent drop in the annual harvest in some areas.

Hailstorms, heavy rain, cold snaps and grape rot are all factors which will see the yield from the region cut by around a third in total.

‘This is the lowest harvest in at least 40 years,’ said the Agriculture Ministry on November 9.

‘This year has been unprecedented,’ Dominique Moncomble, director of technical services at the regulatory authority Comite Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC), told The Telegraph ‘We have been accumulating problems, we are battling the elements and disease.’

In June a powerful hailstorm hit the Cote des Bar area, affecting nearly 1,000 hectares of vineyard and causing some producers to lose all of their stock.

Champagne takes at least 15 months to age which means although we will be fine for now, in the years ahead there may be a shortage.

But Thibaut le Mailloux, a spokesman for

the French champagne producers association, is hopeful that will not be the case.

‘We built up reserves during the years when we had big harvests, which helps us deal with the caprices of nature,’ he explained.

‘Everything had been thrown at us this year,’ Benoit Gouez, chef de cave at Moet & Chandon told The Telegraph.

‘Poor weather during flowering when it was cold and wet meant that took place over four weeks instead of just a few days.’

He continued: ‘Then the rainiest June since the 1950s helped the spread of downy and powdery mildew.’

Worse still for French producers, people in the country are consuming less Champagne bad news considering around half of global sales occur within France.

The sales fell 2 per cent in 2011 and was put down to a ‘temporary effect’ of the European debt crisis by the CIVC. But with the French economy worsening things are not looking up for the Champagne producers.

‘France is not really in a festive mood,’ said Laetitia Delay, a beverage analyst at Kepler Capital Markets in Paris, report Bloomberg Businessweek.

(Article : www.dailymail.co.uk)

christmas on a budget Asda offers turkey and all the trimmings for just £2.47 a person

Asda is leading the way among the major supermarkets in tough economic times by offering Christmas dinner for as little as £2.47 per person.

A Christmas food prices survey saw the Walmart subsidiary chain ahead of Morrisons at £2.49, Aldi at £3.04 and Sainsbury’s at £4.32.

With families across Britain already suffering thanks to increasing gas bills and petrol costs, the cheap option may prove tempting.

Three 550g turkey breast joints with Lincolnshire style stuffing will cost customers just £3 each from Asda. Along with mince pies, Christmas pudding, potatoes, stuffing, parsnips, carrots, and, of course, Brussels sprouts, the total cost is £14.84 for a meal which serves six.

Some customers are already starting to prepare by purchasing products in advance, spreading the cost of Christmas over the weeks beforehand. By purchasing cheaper goods now, they will not be hit with a big bill during the festive period - as long as the products bought have long enough sell-by dates.

Richard Dodd, from the British Retail Consortium, told the Sunday Express: ‘A third of all groceries in supermarkets are on offer, competition for Christmas customers is intense and Christmas shopping is starting now.’

But despite supermarkets slashing prices in the hope of attracting customers with a value option Christmas dinner, the average amount spent on a meal for up to six people will be £93. The price of Brussels sprouts, report the Sunday Times, has risen 42% from last year, while in Sainsbury’s a pack of six mince pies, which cost £1 last year, now is £1.65.

Poor supplies thanks to wet weather mean more food is being sourced from overseas, which can contribute to rising prices. Some shoppers have turned away from their usual

stores to do their shop - with many using budget chains like Lidl.

The amount of new customers more accustomed to luxury goods who shop there now had has forced the store to produce a range of deluxe products.

Nick Nairn, the youngest Scottish chef to win a Michelin star, has been employed to comeup with a Christmas menu based on the Lidl range. They are set to take on the upmarket likes of Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s - at a fraction of the cost. Lidl said that it had greatly expanded its luxury range ‘due to customer demand.’ The budget chain says Christmas would not be the same for the middle classes without ‘affordable luxury’.

As previously mentioned, people are already beginning to make their Christmas preparations with sales of puddings up 62 per cent from a similar time last year. Mince pie sales are up 32 per cent and Christmas chocolate selection boxes are up 42 per cent.

These figures come from Waitrose but are likely to be replicated across other stores, which are also stocking Christmas foods and giving away festive carrier bags.

The increase in sales seems to have been driven by retailers starting their Christmas sales push earlier than ever.

Tesco began selling Christmas-themed confectionary as early as August 29, sparking something of a backlash.

Separately, advertising watchdogs have received complaints from parents unhappy that early marketing is encouraging children to pester them far in advance of December 25.

Waitrose began selling Christmas lines on September 24, which was not long after many families had returned from their summer holidays.

Cucador

VidaRestaurant&Venue

Dinner dance

our main menu includes 16oz steaks mixed grill fresh fish & salmon

7PM FOR 7:30PM

2 COURSES 10.95€

WED-SAT 6:30-9:30pm

Menu

this satURDAY 24TH NOVEMBER

plus de la Noche

ENTERTAINMENT BY

GREAT value MENU CHANGES WEEKLY

BRENDON O’DEE free entry from 9pm 2 course MENU DEL NOCHE (from 10.95€) AVAILABLE IN THE RESTAURANT 6:30 - 9PM

BOOK NOW! 950 634 562

booking advisable

fridays

LAVIDACUCADOR@GMAIL.COM

Christmas Eve with

JC 6

♫

Beer-battered cod, homemade chips & peas

€

Tickets ♫ Now incl: chicken & chips or chilli & rice On 1€ donation from each ticket Sale

from

5.95€ in the Bar

sale to vera orphanage

Christmas Lunch Menu ...available in the Restaurant

Monday - Friday from 3rd until’ 21st december

3 course, coffee & Mince Pie

pre-Booking Only

booking advisable

Bookings now being taken for our traditional

traditional

6 course, home-cooked

sunday lunch

christmas day meal

12.30PM - 5PM

With

live music

email or call for bookings or menu details

Kris Kelly

by

New Year’s Eve

fISH OF THE DAY OPTION ALSO AVAILABLE

booking advisable

Few Tickets Remaining

Open Every Day 12pm - Late

Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com

We are here

Albox Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

1km

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547 Huercal Overa

book the Venue

For your Private Parties, Weddings and Birthdays etc.

27

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO START CHRISTMAS BAKING...

Many households have their own recipe for Christmas pudding; those that command the most pride have been handed down the family for generations. Essentially the recipe brings together what traditionally were expensive or luxurious ingredients - notably the sweet spices that are so important in developing its distinctive rich aroma.

g n i d d u P s a m t Chris

Mesón de

Irene

#

Unmissable offer!

Free Bottle

of La Mancha Red or white wine per couple to take away with any of our night menus

Valid only with this voucher Mon - Sat: 19.00 - 22.00

La FREE

VidaBar Cucador

menu del dia

12.30 - 3.30 MON - THURS + SAT 2 COURSES 6€, 3 COURSES 8€

Ingredients

Method

225g/8oz golden caster sugar

Lightly grease 4x600ml/1 pint or 2x1.2 litre/2 pint pudding basins.

225g/8oz suet 340g/12oz sultanas

Mix together all the dry ingredients.

340g/12oz raisins

Stir in the eggs and brandy and mix well.

Spoon the mix into basins. Put a circle of baking parchment and foil over the top of each basin and tie securely with string.

Make a string handle from one side of the basin to the other so it is easier to pick the basin out of the pan after cooking.

225g/8oz currants

all Lite bite take-away Premier food menu league available served football 12pm-8pm until 8pm all welcome live ladies friendly darts wed 8pm

SAXON REAL ALE ON TAP - ONLY 2.40€ PER PINT blackthorn cider

ESTRELLA ONLY 2€ PER PINT Open Every Day 12pm - Late Tel: 950 634 562

lavidacucador@gmail.com book the Venue: For your Private Parties, Weddings and Birthdays etc.

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110g/4oz candied peel, chopped 110g/4oz plain flour 110g/4oz fresh white breadcrumbs 55g/2oz flaked almonds 1 lemon, zest only 5 eggs, beaten 1 level tsp ground cinnamon 1 level tsp mixed spice 5g/1 level tsp freshly grated nutmeg pinch of salt

919

025

LA ALFOQUIA, ZURGENA

Live music now showing horse racing daily

5€ Fis h & Ch ips

with

atlantis

every thursday bingo or eyes down for the ladies Live dog racing for the men

Cool. Change the baking parchment and foil covers for fresh ones and tie up as before. Store in a cool cupboard until Christmas Day. To serve: steam for 2 hours and serve with brandy butter, rum sauce, cream or homemade custard.

150ml/5fl oz brandy or rum

Café Bar

Put the basins in a large steamer of boiling water and cover with a lid. Boil for 5-6 hours, topping the boiling water up from time to time, if necessary. If you do not have a steamer, put the basins in a large pan on inverted saucers on the base. Pour in boiling water to come a third of the way up the sides of the pudding bowls. Cover and steam as before.

Great Food at we want Great Prices to hear Tel: 633 684 855

La Alfoquia, Plaza Santa Ana (Opposite the Old Station) Open Everyday 9.30am - 11pm (except Monday) Kitchen open 9.30am - 4pm, 7 - 11pm

fri 23

th

nov

5€ Sunday Roast

Open Monday - Friday 8am til late Saturday & Sunday 9am til late

now showing all champions league & la liga games

Sunday Lunch

Served 2 - 6pm

Choose from Beef, Pork or Chicken with all the trimmings!

Kentucky

Fried Chicken eat in or take away

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Pizzas

Eat in or Take Away Tuesday - Sunday from 7pm

now serving GuiNness & strongbow

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traditional paella (min2 people)

from you!!!

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Would you pay $500 for a burger?

Targeting deep-pocketed diners, one restaurant has added a $500 burger to its menu.

Stacked with 12-ounces of Kobe beef, truffle-infused cheese and two-ounces of freshly shaved white truffle, the pricey Hamburger al Tartufo launched at the Oliverio restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. The dish must be ordered 48 hours in advance due to ‘limited availability and high demand,’ according to the menu, and customers must pay up front.

The high-priced delicacy was the brainchild of executive chef Mirko Paderno.

Originally from Milan, he created the burger to celebrate the white truffle season, which generally starts at the beginning of

Restaurante

October.

White truffles, which are only available for a few months of the year from northern Italy, can sell for as much as $3,600 a pound, making them one of the most expensive foods in the world.

While Kobe beef, from Wagyu cattle bred in Japan’s Hyōgo prefecture, is one of the world’s most sought-after cuts of meat and relatively rare in the U.S. The burger comes served on a wooden board, with a small side of salad.

Oliverio restaurant confirmed to The Huffington Post that its Hamburger al Tartufo is expensive simply because the ingredients

are rare and seasonal.

For those who aren’t a fan of burgers, Paderno has also crafted two vegetarian, truffle-inspired dishes.

The Pizzetta al Tartufo, also priced at $500, is topped with buffalo mozzarella and two ounces of fresh white truffle while the less-expensive Raviolo all’Uovo, $125, features a blend of egg yolk, ricotta cheese and white truffle.

Paderno’s burger far surpasses the previous record for the most expensive burger.

In May the Guinness Book of World Records certified that a $295 stack from Serendipity 3 restaurant in New York was the ‘world’s most expensive burger.’

It incorporated a gold-dusted roll wedged with white truffle butter-infused Japanese Wagyu beef, mature cheddar cheese, black truffles and a fried quail egg and was sprinkled with caviar.

For any lovers of Indian food, there is a real treat in store at the newly opened Taj Mahal in Albox.

The spacious dining room and open terrace to the rear of the restaurant, are beautifully laid out and you will be greeted by friendly faces, all keen to make sure your visit is one to be remembered. There is a varied menu on offer including Tapas during the day whereby for just 3€, your Tapas consists of an Indian starter, plus a free drink of either beer or wine. It is highly recommended that you reserve your table, as for just 10€, you can choose any curry (King prawn is 2€ extra), plus rice and Naan, and it is only 10€ per person.

Give them a call now on 950 333 353 or 602 109 155.

They are open from 1pm- 4 pm in the afternoons and from 6.30pm till midnight in the evenings.

J ACK S

ALBOX

fORMERLY rUMORES

NEW TEAM • NEW LOOK • NEW MENU

Restaurante Authentic Indian Food

N E P O W NO

Choose any Starter, Any Curry With Rice & Naan Prawn ONLY 10€ per person (King 2€ extra)

ONLY

3€

FREE DRINKS!

Every Day ~ Any Tapas (Indian Starter) with a FREE Glass Of Wine or Beer

from 9am til late Mon - sat, 10 - 6 Sun

Friday & Saturday Evenings Restaurant Open 6pm-9pm - New Menu Now Available!

Cod ‘n’ Chips - fridayS

y onl6.95€

SUNDAY LUNCHES 12.30 - 5pm Delicious Sunday Lunches

to include a Topside of beef & Yorkshire pudding FREE Drink roast Pork with crackling and apple sauce tender roast chicken with stuffing local grown potatoes , seasonal vegetables & gravy A glass of house wine, tubo of beer or a coffee starters and homemade puddings 2€ each to book a table please call

950 120 718

MENU DEL DIA

5€

2 Courses Every Day 12 - 3 Except Fridays and Sundays

For Reservations Tel: 950 333 353 or 602 109 155 Open 1pm - 4pm and 6:30pm–Midnight Find us near The Corner Shop, Camino de Aljambra, 116 Albox

from 5.95€

Beer-battered Atlantic Cod, Homemade Chips, Mushy or Garden Peas…

Fridays & Saturdays 12 - 9pm

onl y

J ACK S @

29

All Day Breakfast from 9am Includes FREE Tea or Coffee

Bar Menu, Snacks & Home-made puddings

Including Burgers, Lasagne, Omelettes, chilli Home-Made Hand Cut Chips..

ALBOX

BP Garage

•••

← ARBOLEAS BAZA → Av•••AL . L BO ep an X → to

950 120 718 / 610 641 567

jacksalbox@gmail.com

30

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

. . .

T U O B A & T OU

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

computing

corner tranger come S WelRestaurante, Limaria Pre - Christmas Menu 4 courses for just

€12.50

Bookings now being taken for lunchtime or evening from 1st - 16th December Winter hours - Last orders Lunch 3pm, Dinner 9pm

Established 7 years

free wifi

950 432 719 / 677 378 952

Downstairs on the sea front next to the Irish Rover Look out for our live entertainment evenings

sunday Roast menu of the day

3 courses €10 3 course - €10.50 main course - €7.50 menu of the night

Bar open 10am - LATE Food served all day from 10.30am Last orders 10pm

3 courses €11.50

regular TRIBUTE SHOWS see website for details

tel: 950 473 099 www.beachcombermojacar.com

The Food Crazy cow Cafe cooked with love

All food freshly cooked to order You will not be disappointed!

NEW MENU With all your old favourites Kitchen Open From 12 noon to 6.30pm Winter Opening Times Tues - Sat 11am - late Sun 12noon - 4pm Closed Monday PRIVATE PARTIES CATERED FOR WE ARE OPPOSITE PLAYA BLANCA, MOJACAR PLAYA SEE YOU THERE XX Tel: 697 465 620 Email: crazycowcafe@yahoo.com thecrazycowcafe

La Cena

Restaurante

Albox

CHRISTMAS EVE

3 Courses with Canapès & Cava on arrival including carafe of wine & bottle of water

booking essential!

NEW YEAR - FULLY BOOKED

25€

Tuesday - Saturday 7.30pm - late. Sunday 2pm - 6pm Closed Monday. Call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm Find us across the old bridge from Palza Mayor Albox, opp Bar Wassy

showbar & restaurant

The Irish Rover

Your No1 Entertainment Venue in Mojacar for All the Family

Bee Gees tribute thursday 29th november

Tickets 15€ includes carvery Ticket only €8.50

eve New yearsthe Playa

The best party on

Whitney Houston Tribute

tickets 35€

inc hot & cold buffet. Cava & grapes at midnight. Disco till the early hours telephone: 950 473 135

mojacar playa between Lua & Moma Beach Open 10am till late

The IRISH ROVER on Mojacar Playa serves the Full English Breakfast from 10am – 1pm. 8 items €4.95 or 14 items €6.95! includes tea, coffee or orange juice on a large sunny terrace with fantastic views over the sea. Sundays is the Famous Irish Rover carvery, 3 meats, 7 fresh veg served 1 – 5pm plus a fun quiz.

Friday Special Get that Friday Feeling and come along to the Irish Rover and enjoy Fresh Cod & Chips for a fantastic price of just 4.95€ Bookings are now being taken for Christmas Day Lunch, 3 course carvery lunch at the fantastic price of €20 per person and just €12.50 for children up to 10 years old. Call in for our Christmas lunch menu and for reservations call 950 473 135.

Cliff & Julie have owned and run THE WELCOME STRANGER RESTAURANT & BAR in Limaria, Arboleas for 7 years and pride themselves in top quality food and service at this hidden gem in the valley of Limaria. They offer classic choices with innovative twists, vegetarian options, all dishes are made on the premises. There are outside terraces available to dine on or to simply enjoy a refreshing drink. Steak Specials Nights on Thursday & Friday with rump steak, homemade chips, peas, mushrooms & tomatoes for just €7.95! The menu of the night and the a la carte menus are available EVERY evening.

They also do an extremely popular Sunday lunch (see main ad for more details), bookings advisable and now offer a mid week roast too on a Wednesday – choose between beef and pork for just €5! They are closed for one day TODAY, 10th October, but for more info and to reserve a table call 950 432 719.

LA CENA, in Albox is a fine dining experience without the expense. A beautifully decorated restaurant run by husband and wife team Simon and Carol. At the moment they are serving a superb Menu Del Noche where you can choose from a choice of 3 starters, 5 mains and 3 deserts. They also offer an alternative to the Sunday lunch, a Sunday Sizzler at just €8.95 per person, with a carafe of wine per couple included! If any of this has wetted your appetite, call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm today!

At The Beachcomber there are still tickets available for tonight’s (Wednesday 21st Nov) Tribute night, featuring ‘Simply Maria’, performing ‘Blonde’ and ‘Dusty Springfield and the Miss 60’s show’. Maria doesn’t need any introduction to many who know her as ‘Dusty Springfield’. In her 1st set she will delight us with her wonderful voice and sing the songs she loves most. In her 2nd set she will give us her tribute to Dusty Springfield and other 60’s girls. Maria’s 3rd set will get many on the dance floor with her tribute to the fantastic Blonde.

So don’t delay, call us now and reserve your table on 950 473 099. Don’t forget there is also the Paws quiz on Thursday night with the Beachcomber doing Fish and chips (Not compulsary to eat) at €5.00........http://beachcombermojacar.com/pawscharity-quiz/ The Crazy Cow Bar/Cafe on Mojacar Playa - have a New Menu available.They are still serving old favourites such as Fishcakes,Smoked fish in cream sauce and Cottage pie. Some newcomers are Mixed seafood spaghetti, Vegetarian rice and Chicken and mushroom bake, most of our menu is gluten free. If you would like G.F Spaghetti please call and give notice and they will be happy to cook it for you. Please go along and graze on a selection of their mini meals.You wont be disappointed ... Just ask your friends. FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CALL 697 465 620 . Great venue for Private Functions.

Before I start part 2 of the article on encryption I would like to thank all the lovely people who came to La Vida last Thursday to the Fayre and found me out with their computer problems. I will be there again next time.

In the previous article I introduced the idea of encryption, taking you through the simplest of coding methods that we used as a child to a slightly more sophisticated method.

Where as the simple substitution cyphers have a limited number of combinations that can, within a relatively short time frame, be broken. Using clever mathematics and prime numbers the combinations go from several hundred thousand combinations to billions (one billion is one million million).

Now to put these numbers into perspective. For the simplest of substitution cyphers the mathematics goes like this ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ ....

ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXY There are 26 characters and 26 combinations making a possible 676 possible combinations. You multiply this by a standard 8 character password and you have a total of 5,408 possible combinations. This might sound like a large number but as most home computers could do 1000 combinations per second and some of the latest machines can do many more combinations per second. Simple mathematics shows that using the basic home computer you could crack an 8 character password in, 5,408 possible characters combinations \ 1000 combinations per second, just over 5 seconds!

Now you understand the limitations of simple cyphers and just how easily and quickly they could be broken!

When you start looking at encryption, it won’t be long before you are dragged in to the world of number theory. Why? Simply because you can only substitute letters and numbers a maximum number of ways. This is where things start to get a little more complicated.

The principles behind these enhanced methods are, in many ways, exactly the same is the principles used in the previous substitution methods.

How does any of this help you, the everyday computer user? This article was written to show just how secure information can be when it is being sent over the internet. Encryption, for example, is used whenever you go to a page that is on a secure server who’s address starts with https://. You could , for example, encrypt messages when organising a wedding / birthday surprise where the Bride/Groom/Birthday Girl/Boy might read the email and by doing make sure the the surprise is kept safe.

Next time we will look at a little number theory, methods that are commonly used to ensure your safety while on the internet and software that can be used to ensure the security of you data.

For further information or advice on computing, contact Trevor on: canducomputing@ hotmail.co.uk

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Taekwondo

COMMUNITY NEWS Dames in Turre

On Saturday 8th December the Dames in Turre are holding their annual Christmas Market in the centre of Turre. there are more than 40 stalls selling Christmas Gifts and festive foods. For the past 10 years the ladies of the Dames have organised the Christmas Market as part of their charity fundraising events. Last year the group donated more than 5000€ to local charities and the ladies are hoping that the Market will help to support their charities in 2013

TO THE BEST DAD IN THE WORLD

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

(25 NOVEMBER) SEE YOU IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS

ALL MY LOVE, CHRISSIE XXXXX

The Fundraiser

Nina Soroush who held a ladies night at the Irish Rover and raised 260.00 euros togerther with Adene Martin of The Fundraiser Charity Shops.

This money will be used to buy new bedding for Vera Orphanage The Fundraiser are also now collecting new toys for the orphans as part of the Bay Radio appeal.

ACRAA.............................................

Fundraisers, will be holding their annual “Family Fun Day” on Sunday December 2nd from 3pm to 7pm at the multi servicos building in Arboleas, next to the tennis courts.

There will be various stalls and entertainment and all profits will be shared by Help the Aged and the Schoolchildren of Arboleas, PTA. Anyone wishing to become a stallholder please contact Christine on 627 613 351 or Dawn on 629 075 624

PAWS Charity Quiz Night.......

Thursday 22 November Starts at 9pm Donation to PAWS – 2€ Prize for Winners Beachcomber Bar, Mojacar Playa

ACRAA fundraisers

would like to inform everyone that our proposed “Family Fun Day” in Arboleas, planned for 2nd December has had to be postponed due to health and safety issues due to the construction work adjacent to the venue. We feel that the presence of plant and building materials could constitute a danger to the public.

We will most certainly be holding further events in the new year, so watch this space for updated information.

We would like to thank all who have supported our fundraising in past events and look forward to seeing you all again soon and wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year.

ACRAA Committee

MACS CANCER SUPPORT...........

MACS Care-Line number: 634 656 555, GENERAL ENQUIRIES : 634 328 334. MACS are a fully Spanish registered charity (NIF G04691572) www. macscancersupport.com Email: macscancersupport@ live.co.uk

31

self defence combat, weapons

Adult & Junior Classes (9 yrs - 15 yrs / 16 yrs - Adult)

Mon: 7pm

Wed: 5.15

Sat: 4pm

Kids Classes: (4 - 8 yrs) Wed: 4.15 &

Sat: 3pm

indigo Gym - Mojacar Playa

Tel: 646 844 708

www.tkdspain.webs.com

La

V

QUIRKY idaVenue QUIZZES Monday Cucador

The word for this week is OMPHALOPHOBIA evenings ~ which, like so many fears, is very strange - 7.30 for to comprehend if it doesn’t affect you, but is 8.00 pM very real for some. It may be one from which you suffer, so if you know what it means or Just 1.50€ alternatively you can find it out, then it will to enter sEE OUR score your team a point in next week’s La Vida quiz ~ so get searching for that answer! MAIN AD ON PG 27 for Bring your friends ~ Beat your neighbours

directions

CA$H BINGO

PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT CASH PRIZES SPOT PRIZES CASH ROLLOVER JACKPOT ALL WELCOME TUESDAYS 7PM FOR 7:30PM EYES DOWN

J ACK S fORMERLY rUMORES

ALBOX

new quirky quiz on tuesdays 7.30 - 8pm

WITH chERRY

Carrying on from Mondays @ La Vida

All Welcome

Cash winner & wooden spoon

S Bingo J A C KALBOX Wednesday 2.30pm cash prizes & roll-over jackpot

eyes down &

play your cards right

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ZURGENA & DISTRICT BRANCH

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

AT BAR LATINO’S, LA ALFOQUIA WEDNESDAY 21ST NOVEMBER LOTS OF STALLS, RAFFLES GUESS THE WEIGHT OF THE CAKE & LOTS, LOTS MORE...

FAYRE OPENS AT 11AM

BY COUNTRY & WESTERN SINGER

KRIS KELLY ALL WELCOME: PROCEEDS TO THE RBL

32

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

SOL CLASSIFIEDS Airport services

Airport services Airport, social & shopping run.

Telelephone 663 429 521

www.AAparking.es Tel: 639 081 067

Cheap

MD S.L

25 years sole experience in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

not a jack of all trades

For all your installation or service MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers requirements including our latest info@md-aircon.com telephone 950 432 110 / 607 364 917

607 364 917 or 950 432 110 email: info@md-aircon.com

md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es

alternative energy c a rlos s a l i e n t e & plumbing heating for solar pool heating, solar hot water installations and repairs. call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962, email carlos.saliente@ gmail.com

baby hire

Everything for

the visiting baby Car seats,high chairs, stair gates, cots etc

Tel: 950 436 581 or 666 375 688 expectingababy@hotmail.co.uk blinds INTERNAL & EXTERNAL BLINDS SH A DING SPA IN, W I T H...

Call Justin at Sol Shaders for a free no obligation quote Tel: 627 907 207 www.solshaders.net Email: solshaders@live.co.uk

for sale

construction

Drainage

For more articles for sale visit www.soltimes.com and look under the business directories

Servicing / Repairs

City & Guilds Fully Qualified F-Gas Certified

Solar Wind Power Solutions.

Always offers on Solar panels, Over 15 years installation ex p e r i e n c e Call Phil for competitive prices 636 261 240 email:info@ s un e r g ya l m e r i a . com www.sunergy almeria.com

drainage cont...

Airport Parking

MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.

beauty

Mat Murray 647 841 750 matmurrayes@gmail.com established in spain for 14 years

fully legal

Constructions

Martinez moreno cb (Rambla de Oria) All types of building work undertaken inc plumbing & electrics

tel: 609 421 734 (Spanish) tel: 696 052 044 (English)

eleganthomes realise the dream

property damaged by the recent floods? then, let our professional construction team help you! call mike on 687 629 777 or email: info@elegant-homes-online.com

Reliable English Builder For all your building needs

• Block work • Balustrades cosmetics • Paving Driveways & Paths claire Call now for free estimate

avon

Tel: 691 987 454

avonfromclaire@ yahoo.es

drainage

To rent. Small Bar/Restaurant on the beach, Roquetas Marina. Includes all LICENSED POZO/CESSPIT EMPTYING fixtures and fittings. 1,000€ per month 4 Installation of fibreglass septic tanks plus IVA. Tel: 663 426 921

SAMMY SWEEP Chimney Sweep Service available covering all areas call paul on 619 070 839

computers Steve Hayes Informatica

Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc.

Sales & Repairs on-site callout / tuition.

Consumables Albox, Almeria

Tel: 950 120 900

Solutions

• Emergency Drain Cleaning • High Pressure Water Jetting • CCTV Surveys • Drainage Repairs • Location of Cesspits • Qualified Engineer • Expert Reports

Established 7 years in spain

Tel: 616 531 283 or 670 088 966 electrical Knowles & Abbott

Neil

no.1 for electrics and 25Godwin years experience plumbing.

Full City & Guilds Re-wires, Fully free to air insured UK satellite & legal Boletins systems.

950 137 208 638 010 691

4 Blocked Toilets, Sinks, Baths & Drains 4 CCTV Surveys 4 Drain Tracing 4 Turbine Root Cutting 4 Blocked Cesspits

950 091 109 or 648 768 587 Cleaning of Septic Tanks • Emptying of Septic Tanks & Cesspits, with high pressure cleaning • Small Only unblockages of pipes & drainage 100€ Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks

Contact: 675 838 808

Now exhibiting at Los Llanos market, Arboleas every Saturday Tel: 950 120 077 Mob: 625 435 050 / 615 396 056

ELECTRICIAN M o t orb i ke accept 250€ each

supplied

Tel : 687 245 569

gardening

Paddock Stand.

Swinging Arm Model. Little use.

55€ Tel: 620 183 685 Two semi industrial Fagor tumble dryers, only sed for 3 months. Paid 2,500€ each. Will

or nearest offer. Tel: 666 717 742 3 Piece Christmas Tree, 2 metres tall complete with stand.

Good Condition 20€ Tel: 950 064 404 or Mob: 627 296 204 (Partaloa) Yamaha ERB070

insurance

potty finca services professional tree felling & pruning, including all types of palm trees

strimming of overgrown gardens & hedge cutting spanish registered. logs available ring john on 616 855 294 or 950 163 930

heating

house clearances

Call Cash & Carry Clearances Tel: 618 725 567 or 619 773 582

cashandcarry54@yahoo.co.uk

THE HOUSE CLEARING SPECIALIST

hobby/craft

interpretor

E l a i n e ’ s Wools quality UK wool & accessories. Come & view my display Also available at Camposol, Mazarron Call 667 273 889 elaines wools@gmail.com

Tr a n sl a t or English, Spanish French, Swedish Documents, Notary, Court, Legal Tel: 646 844 708 www.4way connections.webs. com

locksmith

Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours.

Locked Out? Locks fitted/ upgraded house safes. Arboleas & surrounding area.

Special weekend rates. Tel: 697 243 181

logs

load of small or big Olive logs, no roots €160 load of mixed Olive some roots €140 load of eucalyptus, no roots €150 all loads 2 tonnes same people - same great service - differeent name Arboleas & Tel: 950 121 943 surrounding areas infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com Call Lee on 636 092 632 eliteplanthire@hotmail. logs iron/metal co.uk

works

950 069 208 or 638 449 944 adwelds@yahoo.com

The Metal works Grills, railings, gates of all types, security/ sliding/roller, rejas, concertina doors etc.

Tel: Keith Wood on

638 900 949

T & T Metals For all quality metal works, including gates, railings, rejas, staircases, gazebos & chainlink fencing - Tel: 950 431 738

Immediate Cash. Quick decision. * We cover all areas * We turn up, give cash & carry * We buy almost anything – The Highest Cash Prices Paid **ONLY serious & immediate sellers Need help with should call please**

Tel: 679 207 545 or 686 697 665

4 string bass plus Yamaha practice amp, strap & gig bag. Immac condition with very little use Never gigged this is a quality instrument.

Current price in excess of 300€.

Accept 170€. 693 753 327 Saliente.

Large Yellow (Nijar) thick cotton throw.

New ( a p p r o x .1 6 0 c m x 170cm) 10€ Roquetas De Mar Carole 619 253 983 (after 4pm)

glenn & jayne Formerly of Knights Insurance, C / Malaga, Albox ... are now exclusive agents for Liberty Seguros

neater heater See our main ad on the news pages metal works Gates, rejas, Carlos (Saliente) plumbing & heating services. If it involves water, fabriction welding reliable service we can help! www.carlossaliente.com Telephone Tel: 968 969 962

cash payment waiting for all your unwanted goods, also business stock 620 112 193 or 630 493 817 liquidations carried out

business opportunity

chimney sweep

Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word Deadline 5pm Friday Contact Paulette on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332

construction

Alicante Almeria Murcia New

Air-con

trade Businesses can advertise in the classified section

NIE / Residencias, C a d a s t r e , P r o p e r t y Conveyancing, New Building Declarations, Notary, Wills etc Tel: 646 844 708 www.4way connections. webs.com

logs logs logs logs logs logs logs

willow logs for sale

grade a olive - Olive Mix - Eucalyptus wood chopped to size for log burners

FREE DELIVERY Albox & surrounding areas ALL AREAS COVEReD

unbeatable

prices

Tel: 658 588 430 All construction materials delivered

logs logs logs logs logs logs logs

Phil Delivers

Logs

gravel & all building materials

Albox & Surrounding areas

tel: 634 328 779 legal

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic in our regular space on pg 16, please email info@daviessolicitors.com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

NUMBER PLATES

personal

“RE-PLATE” MATE

“Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the advertisments in this section offensive”

GB

with barbie bodies 90-60-90 french, brunettes & columbians

E

Don’t take a chance!

Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

opticians

VERA PLAYA

YOUNG PRETTY GIRLS

24 HOURS • STRIPTEASE tEL: 687 891 515

Spanish • blonde slim • curvy 24 hours english spoken

634 612 828 pets section

pALOMINO kENNELS Exclusive Optica Albox All your optical needs, boarding kennels/cattery Tel: 950 067 eye tests, hearing tests, contact lenses 051 R&R Services Pet transportation, Tel: 950 121 991 licensed by Junta de Andulucia, painter / decorator DEFRA approved vehicle Tel: 686 140 034 Good home needed for big mixed breed dog. Very good with children. Excellent Guard Dog. 10 years old. Please ring 666 717 742 for more details

painter & decorator

over 25 years experience

give your property or business a fresh look this november

Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

painting & decorating

• 35 years experience • Guaranteed to beat any quote • Quality work guaranteed

Tel Alan: 950 450 174 or 600 268 176

now covering mainland spain

commercial & major retail painter’s expert quality workmanship

visit our website for more info tntpainters@live.co.uk www.tntpaintersltd.co.uk

PAINTING INSIDE & OUT

All quality products

Make over your home this year

10% off with this advert Tel Graham on 620 112 193 or 630 493 817

woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery

arboleas Small friendly kennels, 24hr vets service, pet transporting arranged, welcome to view ministry approved Tracy Mobile 650 211 952

No need for kennels or cattery, Pet sitting in your own home, Arboleas & surrounding areas.

Call Vanessa on 637 061 482 Not just cats & dogs, All other types of pets considered

pet taxi TRAVELLING IN AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE DELIVERED TO DOOR PETS STAY IN PET FRIENDLY HOTELS. ACCOMPANIED TRAVEL AVAILABLE

(0034) 667 235 205 (sp) (0044) 7850 575862

friendly mare

9 years old 14.3hh/1.50m

500€

telephone 678 838 547 hi my name is prince harry i am small /medium sized & approx 12 months old.i’m very playful, good with other dogs & children. i’m in good health & house trained. i would make an excellent family dog & i have lots of love to give.

Hi my name is Slim I was abandoned at The Dog Hotel and never collected. I’m a really friendly boy who gets on with other dogs.

I would make you the most loyal companion.

D.O.B 01/07/2010 Come meet me soon at the The Dog House.

Call Paul on: 626766073 or e-mail thedoghse@hotmail.com españolas enlace: Veronica 608858318

property for rent & SALE

Apartment to rent

in Los Menchones near Zurgena

SELL YOUR PROPERTY FAST WITH

SOLTIMES

For just 10€ per week!

Your property will appear and be seen ground floor, 1 by almost 55,000 Sol Times readers! bed, lounge, Satelitte TV, Call PauletteTODAY on 950 121 936 diningroom, OR 902 750 190 Ext 330 suit couple or single 175€+ bills per 2 bedroom casita month furnished, fully fitted Tel: 950 449 074 or kitchen with white goods, 634 368 071 log burner, fenced Arboleas. First garden with shed, floor flat overlooking the rambla. Four available March/April bedrooms, lift 300€ pcm access nice views, ring Lynn on 666 281 323 central location,

urcal

part furnished.

300€ pcm long term preferred. Available immediately 609 199 394

Large 2-bed comfortable flat for immediate let, 200mtrs Mojacar Beach.

Minimum 3 months. 350€per month + Bills.

Or long term.

No pets, no smokers.

Tel. 950 475 410.

for sale

plot of land of 800m2 & villa 125m2 brick built up to & inc roof Wonderful location & exceptional views yet 5 mins to town with all amenities. Fully legal with escritora must be viewed

Bargain price 65,000€ To view or for more details

609 199 394

for SALE massive detatched cortijo with 50m2 workshop 20mins from mojacar This is a unique spanish country cortijo with 4 beds, 2 bath, Open plan living areas, kitchen & dining room as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views. possible B& B

Reduced

€39,950

Apartment For Sale

cortij0 grande golf course 1 bed, 1 bath apartment fully fitted kitchen, white goods, parking, lovely views. Ideal golfing holiday apartment.

Close to Mojacar / Turre.

T: 664 291 793

jescott29@hotmail.co.uk plasterer B r i t i sh All plasterer work guaranteed Tel Paul 634 327 201

plumbing A&E Taylor – Gas boiler & plumbing repairs.

Tel: 618 062 080 Knowles & Abbott no.1 for plumbing & electric. CH, solar hot water and water deposits.

Telephone 950 137 197 or 606 807 797

Build 256 m², Terrace 100m², Plot 1200 m²

Telephone 649 186 107 email for more info at thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

only €160,000

SPAIN UK SPAIN Removals

Friendly Reliable Service Fully Legal Special deals from UK - Spain Office: 968 564 298 Mobile: 696 621 884

marmenorremovals@hotmail.com

UK - SPAIN - UK From a parcel to a small house move

Professional,Friendly & Caring Fully insured, scheduled monthly door to door service

uk@fmtransport.co.uk www.fmtransport.co.uk +44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389 satellite/television

A1 Sky Television Systems

Sky Digibox Pace with sky card

Satellite TV installations, alignment of dishes etc.

Also Spanish“freeview”systems supplied & installed

Tel Dave: 628 607 778

BBC 1, 2, 3, 4 ITV1, 2, 3, ch4 & 5.

60€

can deliver.

Tel: 667 235 205

solar power system

www.ecocorp.eu

at ecocorp we do not just sell you a system we deliver, intall & guarantee everything for up to 10 years

Swimming Pool Heating

titanuim swimming pool heat pump For pools approx 8m by 4m 2495€ INC Installation This unit uses only 1.7kw input power!

Solar Power Systems

off grid systems for homes with no electricity 3kw systems from 6495€ 5kw systems from 7495€ 7kw systems from 8995€

Tel: 671 716 597

fully qualified

situations vacant

urgently

salon located between albox & huecal overa tel: 622 034 749 removals

DAVE’S TRANSPORT 7.5 Ton, Lorry Part loads, Self load/Unload Minimal rates, Owner Driver Spain/uk/Local Storage available, based “Los Gallardos” &”hertfordshire” Call now 0034 620 049 524 (Es) 00 44 794 3135 214 (UK) woodnco@hotmail.com

Class One Drivers Required Class One HGV Drivers required for UK work. Working for Blue-chip companies in the Midlands area.

Requirements: Must have driver card (didgi). No more than 6 points on licence, age 25+ Must be prepared to work weekends / shift patterns Accommodation and flights arranged. Average earnings per week £750.00 to £1000 Self-employed Flexible work patterns suit for example 3 weeks on 10 days off back home.

For application and more information email: ultimateforceukltd@gmail.com

storage

Storage Rooms for rent, 5 square metres to 15sq metres, Roquetas de Mar Urbanisation.

From 5€ a week.

Tel: 650 038 251

CARLOS SALIENTE

Plumbing and Heating offer machined boiler decals for gas water heaters for just €65 – aguafuerte is not the answer!

Call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962, email carlos.saliente@gmail.com

removals cont...

recruitment

hairdresser required

33

stables Rancho Luz Del Sol, Retamar, Partaloa.

One to one or group lessons, latest EN standard hats provided. Escorted hacking and treks. Qualified BHS Instructor. Call Erika Drew on 678 838 547

swimming pool safety

634 337 185

NEATER HEATER See our main advert on the news pages

34

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

for sale cont...

car parts

Car parts

Need quality new parts for any car

TOYOTA Windtourer 3.0 ltr diesel automatic 8 seater seats fold into a double bed lots of extras, Ideal vehicle to drive back to UK Taxed & Mot may 2013, 98,000 miles

for sensible prices on all parts Clutches, Brakes, alternators, service kits Starter Motors, headlights

Free quote go online or phone www.carpartsinspain.com

or telephone 692 930 326

phone 64 64 04 208 or email: tlsteele01@aol.com Terence Steele

car & van hire

2011 FIAT PANDA FSH FIAT WARRANTY ONLY 10,300KM TEL: 664 897 674

Van hire

ONE WAY



UK to Spain or Spain to UK

*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN

* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE

TEL: 667 235 205

Pick up/drop off locations Throughout UK, France and Spain

Van, car and driver

s e m i t l o s e h t o t Sold thanks €749

5

motorhomes

for hire

house & garden clearances, collections & deliveries, weekly collections from IKEA, Airport transfers Almeria 60€ one way, 110€ return Alicante 80€ one way, 150€ return

Motorhomes for sale & wanted urgently

Motorhome & caravan Insurance arranged Motorhomes & caravan repairs & spares All vehicle imports, ITV & matriculations

Tel: 950 047 033 or 687 845 730

Tel: 634 345 257

info@hispavan.com www.hispavan.com

for sale

125cc Lifan Heritage cruiser

wanted

URGENTLY REQUIRED

ENGLISH & SPANISH CARAVANS, CARS, MOTORHOMES & VANS ANY CONDITION WE COLLECT! THROUGHOUT SPAIN

950€ Registered 2009, immaculate condition.

Large Topbox and Transfer incl. Albox area.

Tel Shaun on 610 324 666

mechanics

stu british mobile car mechanic 26 years experience very reliable & competitive rates local to the Arboleas area certificates can be seen

TEL: 636 411 540 OR 664 619 819

JT METAL RECYCLING

Tel: 608 447 696

NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL IN THE REGIONS OF Almeria & MURCIA

Mikes Mobile

Turn your old or unwanted CAR into CASH. We will dispose of in our Authorised Depollution End of Life Treatment facility.

Mechanics

All types of service, repair & ITV testing Fully qualified & legal with over 35 years experience Ring Mike or Chris:

628 350 178 or

636 824 974

We also take fridges, washing machines, microwaves, all electrical appliances

Certificates Issued

WANTED CARS, VANS, LORRIES, TRACTORS, TRAILERS, PLANT MACHINERY

House & garden cle arances , skips supplied

Spanish or English

Also buyers of COPPER, BRASS, ALUMINIUM, LEAD, STAINLESS STEEL

TEL: 645 094 339 / 950 064 763

to advertise in the classified section call paulette on: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332

motoring section

GRAND CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR & FETE VERA HOTEL, SUNDAY 2ND DECEMBER, 10AM - 3PM The Vera Hotel (on the A1200 in Vera - just up from Iceland) will be hosting a Grand Christmas Craft Fair & Fete in the car park on

Sunday 2nd December from 10am – 3pm

Stalls and Fun for all the Family With over 50 stalls selling a multitude of craft items, the organisers, the Vera & District Lions Club, are also planning their own stall selling hot mulled wine, homemade mince pies and hot roasted chestnuts Carol Concert ~ Santa’s Grotto ~ Face Painting Bouncy Castle Best Dressed Santa’s Helper (for the under 10’s) Best Christmas Hat Competition (Traditional & Fun) AND MUCH, MUCH MORE....

A spokesperson for Vera & District Lions club said “Our intention is to make this a fun day out for all the family, with proceeds going to local good causes.

On the day we hope to be making an announcement of a substantial donation to one of our local charities” The Vera Hotel are helping out by putting on a special 3 Course Sunday Lunch Menu del Dia + Drink for just 12 Euros per person (Full Menu to be announced soon). Bookings for the lunch should be made direct to the hotel by calling 699 856 128 or email celebraciones@verahotel.es

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stall Holders

Anyone wishing to have a pitch should contact Adele in the first instance on: adelewatts2002@yahoo.co.uk The Vera & District Lions Club International Reg. No. 117889 Spanish Reg No. Malaga 116B)

Sol Times are pleased to Support The Vera & District Lions Club in Raising Money For Local Good Causes

Can you sell ice to an Eskimo?

SOLTIMES

are looking for Full and Part-Time Sales Representatives in the Albox area Your role will be to let local businesses know how Sol Times can help them reach more customers and develop their business.

ARE YOU • Local to Albox?

• Organised & can work to deadlines?

• Do you have an outgoing, friendly attitude?

And more importantly...

you can sell ice to an Eskimo ...then we would really like to meet you!

Send your CV to: rosemary@soltimes.com or telephone Rosemary on 647 379 795

www.soltimes.com

Pete and I have been picking up a bit of in-depth hospital experience over the last couple of weeks.

Initially we ended up in Hospital La Inmaculada in Huercal-Overa, which is as pleasant a hospital as a hospital can be, and small enough that everything is near to hand, especially the coffee machine!

Rapport was quickly established with doctors and nurses, and I was coping so well with medical Spanish that I was on the verge of becoming big-headed.

Big-headed is very close to Proud, which is said to come before a fall, and when Pete found himself in Almería’s To r r e c á r d e n a s Hospital I came back to earth with a resounding

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

viewpoint

thud. I assume that everyone was speaking Spanish, but for all the sense that I could make of it, it might easily have been Martian.

Not only did I have absolutely no idea at all what was being said to me, but nobody seemed to have a clue what I was talking about, either - there was complete twoway incomprehension.

Whereas in Huercal-Overa a sizeable proportion of the doctors and nurses had a smattering or more of English, in Torrecárdenas it is as unknown as the local dialect spoken by the sevenheaded Crater Monsters who live on the dark side of the Moon.

After a few days I got my ear in a bit, and was able to get the gist, if not the full nuances of what was being said by the doctors and most of the nurses. However, our room companion’s wife’s utterances remained a complete mystery to me. Not only did she speak faster than a speeding bullet, but she had the Spanish habit of not

necessarily facing the person to whom she was speaking.

Thus very little conversation took place between us. However, on our last day she addressed me with a fusillade of speech, out of which I managed to pick the word ‘prittiday.’

I was stumped. I had no idea what ‘prittiday’ meant. Was it an actual thing, or simply a state of mind?

As far as I was aware, prittiday had never featured in any of my Spanish lessons. I gazed out of the window, seeking inspiration from the outside world.

Inspiration was forthcoming – she had meant ‘It’s a nice day,’ and she had said this in Spanish, except for the nice day bit, which she had expressed as ‘pretty day’ in Almería English!

Once I had sussed out that she was speaking a mixture of Spanish and Almería English we understood each other a lot better!

A Portion of Mush y Pe as . .but Hold the Meat Balls The days are gone when British or more specifically, English, food was regarded by foreigners as drab and unimaginative.

Apart from my culinary experiences during a mercifully brief first marriage, I never went along with this sentiment; not because I had nothing to compare it with, but largely I suspected because the Brits have always used down to earth, simple but wholesome ingredients without the need - or resources in troubled times - to tart up their food with wine, exotic spices, eye of newt and goodness knows what other additives that bear puzzling names.

Food - like wine and art - has always attracted its own clique of snobs, and the bad reputation of British food was in part, I suspect, brought about by the propaganda of our French neighbours in yet another, ‘Ya boo, we hate the English’ campaign.

But with many world famous British chefs in evidence today, that perception is rapidly changing and let’s face it, Poulet frites is just chicken and chips with a poncy sounding name - Pot au feu, simply Beef stew with veg and whatever the French is

for Beef bourguignon.

One of the worst meals I have ever had was at a bistro in the shadow of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Either the chef had fallen out with his missus on that particular day, or his piles were playing him up. The only thing Michelin about that restaurant, were the tyre marks on a chicken which definitely looked and tasted like road-kill.

And although that was an exception to the rule, it merely illustrates that each country has a good and a bad side to its cuisine.

Quality of ingredients and preparational skills are what matter.

Admittedly in these modern and relatively affluent times, British cooking has adopted a much more adventurous approach to its cuisine and has made concessions and a definite shift towards continental, oriental and even more exotic styles. But it is fascinating to see how many of the old favourites have caught the eye of our European neighbours and more particularly, our American cousins.

In my younger days and during my search for great ideas that would make me a millionaire, I hit upon the idea of opening a diner in Philadelphia, where I was staying at the time, that served only classic English fayre.

I reasoned that the fact it was English – always a big attraction to the Yanks – and because the names of some of our dishes are intriguing

to say the least, the punters would pour through the doors in torrents and make me a rich man.

I could imagine eager American faces when confronted with a menu that boasted the likes of Lancashire Hot Pot, Bangers and Mash, Shepherd’s Pie and Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding. And they would positively stare goggle-eyed at such delicacies as Bubble and Squeak, Toad in the Hole, Tiddy Oggies and Stargazey Pie. “Ooh look”, customers would shriek, “Bed-fordshire Clanger.”

“What’s that?” Others would ask.

“Y’got me, but it sounds cool. I’ll take two with a side order of fries.”

You couldn’t go wrong.

Mind you I thought that the inclusion of Faggots on the menu might have been somewhat inadvisable in view of the American connotation for what we Brits all know as a savoury meat ball.

I made the mistake early on during my sojourn in the States, by offering my packet of Kool menthol cigarettes (I was a dastardly smoker in those days) to a guy at a party I was attending.

“Fag?” I asked.

His response was instantaneous and scary. I was lucky to escape with my life and it was only through the timely intervention of my friend by way of a hurried explanation, that I still have the use of my legs today.

But I digress. How

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com refreshing I mused,

to be able to offer the famous Full English Breakfast, along with Smoked Haddock with Poached Egg or Kippers, or Buck Rarebit in the mornings. Even the humble Beans on Toast would surely be a welcome change from Egg McMuffins.

And if none of that grabbed them, then who could resist our British puds? Having educated John and Mrs. Doe on the proper use of English – namely that the correct term for the sweet course is not ‘dessert’ but ‘pudding’, we could hit them with Rhubarb Crumble, Treacle and Bakewell Tarts, Jam Roly Poly and of course, good old Spotted Dick – all with thick lashings of creamy lump free Custard. I would even be able to show them the tub of custard powder, and claim that I was the inventor.

But with a contract out on me from my bank manager and roughly eighty nine dollars and some shrapnel to my name, the dream remained an untried recipe.

35

John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu

Pre t t y Day

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

A l q ueria E l M olino R o j o To say that all politicians are corrupt would be an exaggeration, there is certainly one on Baker Island in the north Pacific who is honest and sincere.

Manuela, however uses her position to further her own ends. As Minister of Culture she has wide scope to indulge her little flights of fancy.

Built on the site of one of Rodriguez’s defunct olive groves is a huge gaudy red windmill. Built of wood and probably contravening numerous building regulations, if such regulations existed in Alqueria, is Manuela’s new enterprise. El Molino Rojo, the premier night-spot of Alqueria, southern Spain and the Iberian peninsular. People from far and wide risk arrest being smuggled into Alqueria just to spend an hour or two in the pink painted interior of the establishment.

Sacerdote del Semblante Lánguido the village’s reluctant and existentialist priest spends his evenings at the bar, drinking Absinthe and cheerfully disgracing himself with Manuela’s ‘working’ girls. The entertainment is second to none. Ernesto Muyinestable the one legged flamenco dancer dazzles with his thundering displays. Although falling over frequently his stamping and whirling is not only hypnotic but quite remarkable for a monopede.

Blythe Gruntmore, the village’s resident Englishman particularly enjoys Sanchia Sústomore and her haunting cantes. He will sit, lost in the emotional and melancholy tones while nursing a glass of wormwood flavoured Remitroot Liquor. Unfortunately his grasp of Spanish is such that she could be singing about a broken vacuum cleaner. Perhaps the wormwooded Remitroot enhanced his linguistic ability or it may simply have paralysed him from the neck up. The majority of Manuela’s clientèle however didn’t know whether to applaud or offer the singer first-aid.

Another devotee of wormwood Remitroot is one Teruel la Caminata an extremely short bearded individual who regards himself as something of an artist. He captures the bawdy scenes from El Molino Rojo on his canvases during the evening and hawks them around the streets of Alqueria during the day. Painting and consuming vast quantities of Remitroot aren’t compatible with good hand to eye coordination, with the result that his canvases are infantile daubs. Teruel has only ever sold one painting, to Blythe Gruntmore who was also drinking the Remitroot liquor at the time.

The finale is a Spanish version of the Can-can, choreographed and starring Manuela herself. Under her careful guidance this energetic and racy dance is transformed into a pornographic and gratuitous display or riving bodies and discarded clothing. Only a mind such as Manuela’s could have conceived such a salacious and exhausting routine. It always leaves the audience stunned and disturbed.

It is however the main attraction and caused a riot when left out of one performance after Manuela suffered a groin strain.

www.carsupermarket.es

36

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Perhaps a tomb for an unknown civilian will be unveiled someday

Oh what a lovely war!

The start of 20th Century signalled the demise of the 700 year old Ottoman Empire which was centred around modern day Turkey; it was a bloody end however and they went down fighting slaughtering over 2.5 million Macedonians, Armenians, Assyrians, Greek Pontians and Anatolian Greeks between 1903 and 1923.

In 1911 the Chinese revolution claimed 2.4 million lives, and the Mexican revolution between 1910 20 a quarter of a million. The Balkan Wars between 1912 and 1913 cost 150,000 lives, culminating in the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Throne which led to the start of World War 1.

World War One was termed ‘the war to end all wars;’ yet even before it had ended the Russian Revolution was in full swing claiming five million lives. Then in1928 the Chinese Civil War started and continued for 9 years claiming 2 million lives. Italy invaded Ethiopia in1936 and 200,000 souls perished and in the same year Uncle Joe Stalin got busy purging the Soviet Union of the 13 million people that did not see eye to eye with him. 1936 was a very good year for armament company shareholders as the Spanish Civil war commenced and ran just long enough for Germany to test all its new weapons. Weapons testing was a dangerous business back then and a further half million lives were lost.

In 1937 Japan invaded China and another half a million died so setting the stage for the eastern chapter of World War 2. As the civil war finished in Spain,

Germany flexed its muscles and invaded Poland in 1939, just after the hapless British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain had stood on the steps of a plane announcing ‘peace in our time’ whilst waving a piece of what turned out to be used toilet paper.

World War 2 immediately started which according to Hollywood was won by the good old US of A. Hollywood in fact although bending the truth does have a point. America did not officially join the war until December1941 after Pearl Harbour, but instead initiated a programme called Lend-Lease. Supplies and munitions valued then at 50 billion dollars were supplied mostly free of charge to the Allies in support.

By the end of the war Fifty five million people had perished including those in the holocaust.

The Chinese Civil War claimed 1.2 million lives straight after between 1946-9 and France waged war in Vietnam from the same time until 1954 leaving 600,000 dead. The partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 left a million dead in its wake. Colombia’s civil war started in 1948 and raged for 10 years killing 250,000. The creation of Israel ignited the Arab-Israeli War in 1948 which officially ended in 1975 with 70,000 dead.

In 1949 China invaded Tibet and 1.2 million people were killed, then in 1950 the Korean War commenced with a further million deaths up to its finish in 1953. This is just a potted history of the conflicts of the first half of the Twentieth Century; I have not shared any opinions as we will all have our own thoughts on the world we live in, 12 years into the 21st Century!

Stephen Amore has lived in Almeria since July 2006 and owns Findmeahome estate agency. Writing on a variety of topics close to his heart such as environmental issues, animal welfare, food and drink, music and travel, as well as commenting on the absurdities of living in Spain! email: stephen@findmeahome.es - w w w.facebook.com/stephen.amore

braben’s blog....

Scientists! I always thought that Scientists were the clever ones that kept some semblance of sanity in a world of chaos. Well obviously some of them are wanting to prove me wrong. There are many things worthy of scientific investigation, but a guide to when we may spill a drink whilst walking is not one of them-but don’t let that stop modern science! Apparently, we are more likely to spill a cup full of coffee on the seventh step as we carry it to where we want to be. Fine, but is that really important? Are we going to count the steps and on the seventh, take extra care? The answer is of course no, but the research has given someone a jolly time!

Okay, I was ready to forgive some oddballs until I saw another report. A group of scientists have found an unidentified object at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. They don’t know what it is except it is not a stone, it’s covered in something that “resembles” soot and it is shaped like a Star Wars spaceship.

Am I the only one to wonder, why have they decided to look in that part of the Baltic Sea-which by the way is very big and frighteningly cold? Who tipped them off? Oh, it couldn’t be could it that this team were perhaps working for one of the many channels that bring us unsolved phenomena?

Well, this is certainly unsolved- the scientists declared that it definitely wasn’t a stone! Not a stone! It must therefore be a UFO! Of course I have the greatest respect for scientists but another story made me even more suspicious. Another group of scientists and technologists have developed a 90 inch television. They say it will recreate the cinema experience at home-which means I will end the evening with knees welded together and substantially poorer is married after shelling out for drinks and popcorn that cost the Graham to Helen and has equivalent of the GDP of a small Central American a daughter, Alice. country. But what is there that is worthy of watching on He lives part of the year near Albox, a 90 inch TV at home…oh wait-could it be a mini-series but works in Qatar, teaching. If you wish about a supposed alien spacecraft in the Baltic Sea? to contact Graham regarding this Well, they have to sell these TV’s somehow, but I tell article email: you, if I was an alien, it wouldn’t be the Baltic Sea I would helenandg@yahoo. co.uk be heading for, oh no it would be the Maldives for me!

REVIEW it...

THE ENGLISH TEACHER

BY R.K.NARAYAN

It has been a treat for me to indulge in some beautiful writing by a well-respected Indian writer, revered by the British writer Graham Greene who was his mentor, friend and instrumental in promoting Narayan worldwide. In the literary world he is regarded as one of the best novelists that India has ever produced.

I am more than happy to endorse this.

The English Teacher was not seen as a deliberate attempt to produce Narayan’s autobiography but this seems to be the writer’s legacy. His earlier novels were more deliberate attempts to depict his own life story and they are both wonderful reads: Swami and Friends and The Bachelor of Arts.

Narayan’s inspiration revolves around two main ideas: disillusionment with teaching undergraduates with their “grim tolerance” of literature wanting to be spoon-fed rather than to develop any appreciation or sensitivity towards the great writers of English Literature. The second one which tends to dominate the novel is his fulfilling relationship with his wife and the numbness, loss and emptiness when she loses her battle with typhoid and he is left with a 3 year old daughter. As we all know, death can devastate and emotionally destroy even the strongest of us particularly when the bond between two people is so strong. The book proved a cathartic experience for both Narayan and his character, Krishna and it is well worth reading to discover how they both gained spiritual strength to combat depression and lethargy. It will lift your spirits too. It will give you hope not despair. Promise.

In The English Teacher Krishna describes the undergraduates as “morons” in fact he generalises and makes a damning comment about the whole nation “strangers to our own culture and camp followers of another culture, feeding on leavings and garbage.” It wasn’t meant to be a criticism of colonialism but a criticism of education, English literature and the seeming unimportance of Indian culture and literature.

Krishna is self-critical at 30 years of age, seeking more fulfilment from his work and life in general. he was constantly “nagged” by the feeling that he was doing the “wrong work.” That makes sense to us doesn’t it? He was a poet, a writer not a lecturer of undergraduates that he had to admonish, cajole or browbeat; lecturing was a ritual that he had come to detest. He brooded, he was irritable and he selfdeprecatingly compared his life to that of a “cow.” His ritual was simply eating, working, walking and talking. It was not what he wanted. It takes the tragic loss of his wife to give him that stimulus to finally resign from his college and to move on.

Cultivating simple habits of communing with nature has its rewards, seeing the “glory” of the sunrise was something he relished and he states:”I felt I was really in a new world.”

His young wife, Susila is delightful, beautiful, spiritual and just the tonic for a “lost” man like Krisna.

Images of “divine” and “unearthly loveliness” with eyes that “always laughed” and with a “perpetual smile in her eyes” make her seem spiritual and not human. Her down-to-earth simplicity can be seen when she scoffs at his rendition of the Romantics when reciting love poetry to her, scorning females for their lovesickness doting on their lovers. Her love is too pure for idolatry.

When Susila loses her battle with typhoid she maintains a strong spiritual presence over her family and manages to communicate to Krishna. Narayan seems to be suggesting that a marriage “beyond the grave” is possible. It may be easier for Hindus to grapple with this more than cynical Europeans but Krishna finds enlightenment and that “rare immutable joy” of a relationship that will last for eternity.

Vintage Classics. ISBN: 9-780099-282280

Carol Naylor - writing exclusively for the Sol Times Naylorcl@hotmail.es & w w w.carolnaylor.blogspot.com

SOLTIMES APRIL 2012

Road Test: Yaris Hybrid

munching.

But it does have an excellent cruise control that can be used at speeds of 26mph and above as well as with ev mode. It can be set at 30mph and no matter whether travelling downhill or up it will stick rigidly to this speed, which is particularly helpful when a speed camera is present.

A unique interior is made all the more so by what appears to be a light turquoise woodchip wallpaper effect on the dashboard and door inserts, which you can see in the video at testdrives. biz. It is actually a fabric but at a quick glance looks very much like wallpaper.

The British are passionate about queues, according to research from Onepoll.com.

I passionately hate them.

And so it is with a sinking feeling that I find myself in yet another claustrophobic traffic jam. But hang on a minute, it’s a much more positive experience because I’m driving a Toyota Yaris Hybrid and it thrives in such situations. In fact it is possible to travel up to two miles at 30mph on its electric motor thus conserving expensive petrol.

The times I sit in mile-long

tailbacks either frustrated that the engine is using so much fuel while it ticks over or wondering whether the auto stop/start will actually kick in. I was in an Astra the other week and while this function reliably cut in and out it was a little rough and ready, not like the one found in Audis.

switch, awkwardly placed near the handbrake. Either way progress is similar to the sound and pace of a milk float. Woe betide the impatient motorist because apply too much pressure on the accelerator and it’ll start guzzling fuel. There’s a similar temptation when other irritated motorists are forced to form an orderly queue behind as the driver nurses the little hybrid on its way. But when the traffic is slow, the Yaris Hybrid comes into its own.

The Yaris Hybrid is therefore a joy because, as long as the driver is light with the right foot and the motor is sufficiently charged, it will automatically crawl along in ev (electric vehicle) mode. If it doesn’t then there is an ev

Normal driving results in the engine charging the

motor back up in time to be used in another queue.

I would be happier if this hybrid technology was coupled to a more efficient diesel engine as it consumes too much petrol for my liking, really only allowing around 350 miles of travel on a full tank. The tank is 36 litres or 7.9 gallons (compared to 42 litres in a standard Yaris, to make room for the hybrid battery) and during my test it has averaged 44mpg.

This makes it much more appropriate for pottering around town than motorway

Badger Hair Do - will it avoid the cull?

Mark Drew has transformed himself by shaving off his beard and having a Badger Hair Do. He is collecting for Children in Need and FACE Charity in Arboleas. So far his efforts have raised £302.50 GBP on-line including gift aid via www. justgiving.com/mark1drew web site and in cash donations €160 euro's. FACE still needs more donations please. They are needed as cash donations as the "justgiving" collection goes directly to Children in Need charity. Cash donations can be handed in at Wavelengths in Albox who have kindly offered to collect donations or direct to Mark Drew. F.A.C.E Charity has evolved in to a fully registered Spanish charity and has donated thousands of Euro's to Age Concern, The Little Owls, the A.E.C.C. (Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer), M.A.C.S.(Mojacar Area Cancer Support, charities. In addition it has supported the main school in Arboleas for it's last two prize giving days, and has given educational toys to the school in El Prado. It has also donated equipment which is used at the Pedro Gilabert Museum.

Here are a few before and after pictures of Mark Drew who lives in El Prado near Arboleas.

Two questions remain will Mark Drew avoid the badger cull when he visits Gloucestershire in December and will he get through passport control looking like that? The bad news is that it will take 8 to 10 weeks to grow out. If you want to supply answers then contact Mark via email at badger.hair.do@gmail.com ~ Please give generously!

Auto Shine

Body Repairs approved repairers

○Panel Beating ○Paint Spraying ○Bumper Repair ○Windscreens ○Plastic & Fibreglass Repairs CARS ~ MOTORBIKES ~ MOTORHOMES

Call Mark on: 607 324 623 or 607 324 624 ►►

old AA Auctions

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timber yard

WE ARE HERE

CASA CONCHILLA

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ALBOX BAZA ROAD

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PRO S

UN

It is equipped with a good level of features including all round electric windows, air conditioning, sat-nav and a CD player.

Parkers, the car experts, say: “This is the third generation of the Toyota Yaris and the Japanese company believes it is so good that it will take sales

37

from the class-leading Ford Fiesta. That’s a bold claim. Previously the Yaris has majored in bulletproof reliability, a spacious wellbuilt cabin, a strong range of economical engines and low running costs. Add to this sharper styling and some of the best residuals in the class and it should do well. The Yaris is the only supermini on sale with the choice of petrol, diesel or hybrid power.”

specification

Toyota Hybrid 1.5 VVT-i Hybrid T3 5d CVT Auto New price range: £10,695 - £17,845 Economy: 44.5mpg 0-60mph: 11.4secs Top speed: 103mph Power: 99bhp Fuel tank: 36 litres (7.9 gallons) Watch the video at: www.testdrives.biz

Advanced motorist Tim Saunders is the former Business and Motoring Editor of the Bournemouth Daily Echo.

His regular test reports appear in numerous newspapers, magazines and websites throughout the UK, Ireland & Gibraltar - and now here in Spain! For more information contact Tim on: timasaunders@tiscali.co.uk

38

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

sport

angling news

Compiled by AFM

sport shorts

• Arsenal won the 250th North London derby, repeating last season’s 5-2 victory over Spurs who had scorer Emmanuel Adebayor sentoff.

• Manchester United, beaten at Norwich, have been replaced at the top of the PL by neighbours Manchester City, 5-0 victors over Aston Villa.

• Chelsea (now 3rd) lost at WBA (4th) and Everton (5th) slipped up at Reading.

• Southampton are out of the bottom three after beating QPR who’s manager Mark Hughes is now under ‘serious pressure’… Swansea won at Newcastle for the first time since 1980 (2-1)… Sunderland also won (at last)… and Liverpool beat Wigan 3-0 (Suarez 2).

• Crystal Palace, unbeaten in 14, Tranmere, Gillingham and Celtic are top of the Championship, Leagues 1 & 2 an the SPL respectively.

• Steven Gerrard became the 6th England player to win 100 caps, in a 4-2 defeat at Sweden for whom Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a quite brilliant goal. England boss Roy Hodgson gave debuts to six players.

• Northern Ireland’s 2014 WC hopes are in tatters after drawing 1-1 with Azerbaijan.

• Lionel Messi, with a brace in Barcelona’s recent 3-1 win over Zaragoza, is set to break Gerd Muller’s 40 year-old world record of 85 goals in the calendar year, set in 1972. ‘Leo’ requires eight more in eight games.

• Sebastian Vettel – beaten into second place

by Lewis Hamilton in the USA - will retain the driver’s title if he finishes ahead of Fernndo Alonso in the final race in Brazil on Sunday.

And the Pole Robert Kubica could return to F1 in 2014.

• Winner Novak Djokovic was on court for 23½ hours during the APT Tour finals. He covered 110 miles and won £1m… The Czech Republic beat Spain to win the 100th Davis Cup final… and Ivan Lendl wants to coach Andy Murray ‘long term.’

• Last week, West Indian Chris Gayle became the first cricketer to hit a six off the first ball of a Test Match (v. Bangledesh)… And despite a Alasatir Cook’s superb 176 and Matt Prior’s 91, England (191 & 406) lost the opening Test to India (521-8 dec & 77-1) by nine wickets.

• Frankie Dettori is being investigated by the French Horse Racing Authority after failing a dope test at Longchamps in September.

• In recent Rugby Union matches, England, Wales and Scotland lost to Australia, Samoa and South Africa respectively, while Ireland’s ‘A’ team beat Fiji 55-0.

• GB’s Laura Trott won two gold medals at the track World Cup in Glasgow and Sir Chris Hoy may ride at the 2014 Commonwealth games • Boxer Ricky Hatton starts his comeback on Saturday.

•F inally, tonight Arsenal (v Montpellier) and Manchester City (v Real Madrid) play in the Champions League, Liverpool, Newcastle and Spurs participate in the Europa League tomorrow and in the Premiership this weekend, it’s Aston Villa-Arsenal, EvertonNorwich, Man. United-QPR, Stoke- Fulham, Sunderland-WBA and Wigan-Reading on Saturday, followed by Chelsea-Man. City, Southampton-Newcastle, Spurs-West Ham and Swansea-Liverpool on Sunday.

SOL TIMES COSTA ALMERIA

with beachcomber john

There is a loophole for those wanting beach and boat fishing licenses for Andalucia who don’t have NIE documents, only a passport number is required, See me for more details.

Boat Fishing I think for the first time ever I haven’t any recent boat fishing news for you.

The weather has been so poor no boats have been

See photo of ‘Geoff the hat’, and ‘Farmer Rory’ with trigger fish caught on ‘Cuba Brian’s’ boat the week before last.

Shore Fishing ‘London Bill’, like the boats has been mostly in dock. On the one day he did get out on Garrucha Beach and Rocks he caught a few palometes and various bream fishing

on the bottom. (Too windy for spinning) Bill says my suggestion to him for making a bait rise and move in the water by using polystyrene on the hook worked and considering the rough conditions added a few bites and hooked fish to his tally.

Coarse Fishing.

I was glad to hear from ‘Birds Nest Phil’

The Albox fishing club meets every two weeks or so at Bar Wassy. For details of the next meeting tel Sid 634 313 650.

For further information on any of the above or to find out about beach, boat or coarse fishing licenses, see me John at the Beachcomber Bar Restaurant on Mojacar Playa or tel 950 473 099.

Tight lines, John.

Valle Del Badgers Golf Society............................................

Another beautiful sunny pts was Dereck Dale. from in 2nd with 38 pts Este Golf day at Valle de Este There was only one 2 , Steve Casburn Golf saw Badgers Golf this going to Greg Knight are at Macenas Society........... Society play their weekly who stiffed the pin on onBadgers the Wednesday 21st, With The Weather Been Unsettled This Week, So Were A Few Of Our Members Who Didn’t Fancy Playing. A Reduced Field Saw John Clements, Ray Mc Hale, And Sue Hull Win On Tuesday.

Friday And An Excellent Turnout For Our Main Comp Of The Week Saw Some Excellent Scores.

In 1st Place Phil Dunne 37pts (Hcp7) 2nd Bill Churchill 37pts (Hcp19) 3rd Place Ray Mc Hale 35pts (Hcp11). Nearest The Pins John Clements And Ray Mc Hale.

Quote: Golf Is An Easy Game Its Just Hard To Play.

Enjoy Your Golf At Valle Del Este.

Sol Times Almeria is independent of political parties, private investment and government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Almeria is an independent publication. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Almeria. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions. Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement.

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OPEN: Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm Fri 10am-4pm

out as far as I know.

who recently returned from an Ebro trip where he managed to get his new personal best carp to 36lbs. He tells me although the carp are getting bigger on the river catfish are getting smaller and harder to catch and I suspect more and more are being taken by our mostly Eastern European cousins. They have stripped many lakes and rivers of fish in the uk and their interest in the Ebro has been ongoing for many years with some anglers driving refrigerated vans to the area from Germany and further inland to fish for catfish and other species (Particularly Zander) then to return to their countries with vast loads of fish, some weighing 200lbs plus.

POSTAL ADDRESS: MATTHEWS MEDIA S.L. APDO. 242, 04800, ALBOX, ALMERIA

stableford competition.

With favourable conditions good scores were expected, but the weather seem to have no bearing on how the members played. Topping the points was Steve Casburn with 36pts, 2nd with 32pts was George Crichton and 3rd with 30

the 12th hole and sank the putt, he also had the nearest the pin, with the other nearest pins going to John Smith on the 6th, John Conely on the 14th and Dereck Dale nearest in 2 on the 18th Saturday’s competition at Macenas was won by John Conely with 39 pts

Saturday 24th and then at Desert Springs on Wednesday 28th Guests are welcome to join the society on both Wed and Sat comps and can book in either at Badgers Restaurant on Mojacar Playa or by phone on 950478525

Forum Golf Society.................................................

When Is A Hole in One Not A Hole In One ?

The answer to the question of when a hole in one is not a hole in one is when the player puts his tee shot in the water and then playing under a one shot penalty tees up again and holes his next shot.

A pretty rare occurrence, but it happened to Forum´s Pat Garrigan when playing the tenth hole in the Society´s Team Competition at Aguilon on November 16th. A mixed blessing, because

if it had been holed with his initial tee shot Forum would have bought all 40 of the day´s competitors a drink, but this time it was down to Pat to dig deep !

The competition was a Team One Two Three Cha Cha Cha, with the winners being the team of Phil Elam, Malcolm Sibbons, John Mills & Roy Barker on 86 points, 2 better than second placed Anne Holder, Ann Lawrence, Graham Doel & Des Riley, with John Holder, Bill Nicol, Bob Bardill & Derick Oldfield

third after recording a very creditable 81 points Forum´s fixtures are

upcoming

November 24th Celebration Night at The Meson, Arboleas November 30th Double Par Medal at Lorca December 14th Stableford at Desert Springs For further information, contact Phil Elam on 666 847840 / philjelam@ yahoo.co.uk, or see w w w.forumgolf s o ciet y. webs.com

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

sport

19th HOLE GOLF SOCIETY...........

On Tuesday 13th November 20 souls of the 19th Hole G/S set sail from Cucador, in fair weather, to play its fortnightly visit to Aguilon golf course.

On arrival with coffee inside them and order of play organised the first group trudged (in their buggies) to the first tee.

Here they were met with perfectly mowed tees, manicured fairway like a

green Axminster carpet and a gale force wind so keen it could fillet a mackerel.

Within ten minutes our intrepid band returned to the clubhouse and it was declared that the course was unplayable due to balls being blown off the putting green. So battle abandoned until another day.

Albox darts league.................

Highlights for week 7 Chris Watterson from Bar El Frax 180 Alex from El Local 111 check out

Results for Week 7 Division 1 Tue 13 Nov Cafe-Bar Oasis 6 v 2 Pablos Tue 13 Nov Corner Bar 6 v 2 El Cordobes Tue 13 Nov La Cinta 1 4 v 4 Carrillos Bar Tue 13 Nov Bar Flora 5 v 3 Bar El Frax Results for Week 7 Division 2 Tue 13 Nov El Local 4 v 4 Trinidad Tue 13 Nov Tercera Edad 4 v 4 La Cinta 2 Tue 13 Nov The Travellers 6 v 2 El Molino Andy Martin Secretary to Albox & District Darts League Mobile 622905951 For On-line results go to http://www.alboxinfo.com/ albox-darts.php

Atlético close the gap on Barça; Real, Levante and Valencia all win

Lionel Messi bagged another brace as Barcelona consolidated their Liga top spot with another three points, beating Real Zaragoza 3-1. Atlético Madrid remain hot on their heels, after closing the gap to just three points with a 1-0 win at Granada on Sunday. Arda Turan scored the only goal of the game just past the hour mark. Karim Benzema was on spectacular form scoring twice and setting up another as Real Madrid inflicted a 5-1 drubbing on Athletic Bilbao to keep in touch with arch rivals Barcelona.

Levante climbed to fourth in the Primera División as goals from Obafemi Martins and Jose Barkero handed them a 2-0 victory over Deportivo la Coruña at La Riazor. Martins has now scored five goals in eight games. Málaga have now gone four Liga games without a win as they failed to find a way through a determined Osasuna side at El Sadar.

Espanyol slipped to the bottom of the Primera Division

Huercal Overa CF 2 Real Murcia Imperial 0 Huercal Overa CF dominates at home against a well fancied Real Murcia side that failed to impress.

Victory at El Hornillo was well deserved for Huercal Overa CF in front of a good crowd that saw the home side take control from the first minute of the game and run out winners without any real difficulty.

The first half was even in terms of chances with both sides having 2 opportunities to break the deadlock but only Huercal Overa managed to find the net in the 37th minute.

With a corner whipped

Results:

Liga standings after 12 games 1 Barcelona 34 2 Atlético Madrid 31 3 Real Madrid 26 4 Levante 20

in from the left by Sele Mauro met the ball with the slightest of flicks that found an open Campanas to fire home past Luis in the Murcia goal.

Pifarre was the most dangerous player for the visitors but could only manage to hit the woodwork on two occasions, the first came after the best period for Real Murcia when the play came directly through the middle of the park when Pifarre turned and hit the crossbar.

The second half continued in the same vein with Huercal Overa having a lot of the play

after a controversial 2-1 defeat at Valencia which saw them end the game with nine men. With the scoreline all square at 1-1, Hector Moreno was adjudged to have handled in the area three minutes from time and, after Moreno and Sergio Garcia were sent off for protesting to the referee, Roberto Soldado drilled home the penalty.

In the Andalusian derby, Sevilla notched a decisive 5-1 victory over Real Betis, who also saw Rubén Pérez sent off on 62 minutes after picking up two bookings in the space of five minutes. Real Mallorca ended a run of six consecutive league defeats by earning a valuable point in a 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo. Two goals in four minutes from Alexis and Angel Lafita saw Getafe come from behind to beat Valladolid 2-1 and move into the top half of the table.

Sunday 18th November Deportivo La Coruña 0 - 2 Levante Celta Vigo 1 - 1 Mallorca Granada 0 - 1 Atlético Madrid Sevilla 5 - 1 Real Betis Getafe 2 - 1 Valladolid Saturday 17th November Osasuna 0 - 0 Málaga Valencia 2 - 1 Espanyol Barcelona 3 - 1 Real Zaragoza Real Madrid 5 - 1 Athletic Bilbao

(*game in hand)

39

5 Málaga 19 6 Real Betis 19 7 Sevilla 18 8 Valencia 18 9 Getafe 16 10 Rayo Vallecano* 16 11 Real Valladolid 15 12 Real Zaragoza 15

Fixtures:

Friday 23rd November 21:30 Real Sociedad vs Osasuna Saturday 24th November 16:00 Rayo Vallecano vs Mallorca 18:00 Valladolid vs Granada 20:00 Malaga vs Valencia 22:00 Real Betis vs Real Madrid Sunday 25th November 12:00 Espanyol vs Getafe 17:00 Athletic Bilbao vs Deportivo La Coruna 19:00 Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla 21:00 Levante vs Barcelona 21:00 Real Zaragoza vs Celta Vigo 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Athletic Bilbao 14 Real Sociedad* 13 Real Mallorca 12 Celta Vigo 11 Granada 11 Deportivo La Coruña 10 Osasuna 9 Espanyol 9

but the visitors knew they had to create something to get back into the game which in turn opened up more room for the counter attacking home team to exploit.

It was in the 65th minute when Sele was found by a long pass by Jose Moreno down the left hand side at speed. Sele took a touch and settled to find a perfect cross to find Jose Moreno to volley home past Luis. 2-0 Huercal Overa.

After the second goal Real Murcia could not find anything to worry the home team that gave home debuts to Mauro

Pit Stop

Pitto and Juanjo.

Juanjo deputising for Michel in Goal after a red card last time out and Mauro a new signing from Pozoblanco is a strong right sided defender from Argentina. Next up for Huercal Overa is a trip to Pinatar CF who are bottom of the table in a bit of bad form.

The news is that new signing Raul Amarilla may get a run out after injury. For more details on the club go to www. huercaloveracf.com or email huercaloveracf@ fastmail.es.

Tel: 950 124 828

pitstop-oria@live.co.uk

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 950 124 828

40 SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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