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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Latest home repossession suicide: 56-year-old Basque man

Yet another homeowner facing repossession has committed suicide – a 56-year-old man who is the second in the Basque Country since September and the sixth in Spain in the same time.

According to a report by ThinkSPain, his electricity and water had already been cut off because he could not afford to pay the bills as he was unable to find work, say members of the pressure group Stop Desahucios (‘stop evictions’) in the Basque province of Vizcaya.

The victim, who lived in the town of Basauri, had left a note for his family saying he ‘could not cope any more’.

Stop Desahucios has not given details of the deceased’s identity, nor how he committed suicide, but they said he had made contact with their office in the town of Sestao and was due to pop in and chat to them.

Amaia Egaña, a woman in her 50s from the same province, living in Barakaldo, killed herself by jumping out of a fourthfloor window in early November just as her home was about to be repossessed.

Another three people, all in their 50s, committed suicide between September and Christmas for the same reasons – two by jumping out of a window and a third by hanging himself.

The most recent victim was at the end of last week, a 36year-old father with an eight-year-old daughter who hurled himself out of his window just as the bank foreclosed on his mortgage.

Ten Spaniards among candidates to replace Pope Benedict XVI UP to 10 Spanish Cardinals could be elected as Pope when Benedict XVI leaves his post on Thursday, February 28 after resigning due to ‘old age and health problems’.

Following the Pontiff’s startling announcement yesterday, speculation has been rife as to who his successor will be.

In theory, any man who is celibate and has been christened can become Pope, but the leader of the world Catholic Church is normally one of 120 Cardinals elected.

Among the 62 European members of the electing board are five Spaniards who could also become Pope – Carlos Amigo Vallejo, aged 79; Santos Abril Castelló, aged 78; Antonio María Rouco Varela, 77, who is the Archbishop of Madrid; Lluís Martínez Sistach, 77, and Antonio Cañizares Llovera, 67.

Legislative Texts; Francisco Álvarez Martínez, Archbishop Emeritus of Toledo; Ricardo María Carles Godó, Emeritus of Barcelona; Eduardo Martínez Somalo, former Camerlengo (‘Chamberlain’) of the Holy Roman Church, and José Manel Estepa Llaurens, Military Archbishop Emeritus.

To date, four Popes have been Spanish, with the most widelyknown being members of the infamous Borgia, or Borja dynasty – Calixto III, born in Valencia and whose real name was Alonso de Borja y Cavanilles, between 1455 and 1458; and his nephew, Alessandro VI, born in Xàtiva (Valencia) and who was really called Rodrigo de Borja, from 1492 to 1503.

The first was Dámaso I, from ‘Gallaecia’ – as the north-western

Cañizares Llovera and Rouco Varela have both heavily criticised abortion, with the former claiming it was ‘worse than child abuse’, and the latter is known to be very anti-gay marriage.

Snow brings Spain to a standstill Most of the north of Spain is knee-deep in snow and over 1,500 kilometres’ worth of roads have been closed.

Madrid, the Basque Country, Castilla-La Mancha, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, La Rioja and Navarra are the worst-hit regions, as are parts of Castilla y León – including Palencia, Ávila, Burgos, León and Segovia; and the provinces of Cáceres in Extremadura; Lleida in Catalunya, and Zaragoza and Huesca in Aragón. In the far south of the country, all of Andalucía except for the Sevilla, Cádiz, Huelva and Málaga provinces, and Murcia in the south-east have either already been hit by snow or are expected to in the next few days. Snow-chains are needed to drive anywhere outside of major cities in all these areas, and lorries have been banned from the A-1 and A-6 westbound in Madrid. Numerous B-roads have been closed for safety reasons.

In the north-western region of Galicia, snow in remote areas

3

Another five Spanish Cardinals who are eligible to become Pope but are not allowed to vote on the new one because they are over 80 years old are Julián Herranz, former president of the Pontificate Council for

has reached up to a metre and a half (five feet) in depth.

Mostly, however, snowfall has not gone above 10 to 15 centimetres (four to six inches).

region of Galicia was then known – from 366 AD to his death in 384, the ‘author’ of the ‘Hallelujah’ formula and the only Spanish Pope to have been made a Saint, despite having been accused of murder.

Spain’s most recent Pope was Pedro Martínez de Luna y Pérez de Gotor, known by the more succinct title of Benedict XIII of Avignon and born in Illueca (Zaragoza province).

The only Spanish Pope Benedict, known as ‘the anti-Pope’ because of his non-conformist ways, reigned from 1394 to 1423. He lived to be 96 years old, having escaped numerous attempts on his life by poisoning.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Spanish Mortgage Laws Come Under Urdangarín Fire By Ecuadorian Authorities fails to pay 8.2million bail release Ecuador is taking action against Spain’s mortgage laws in the European courts, given how many of the country’s citizens have been affected by repossession in recent times.

Sport

The King and Queen’s sonin-law Iñaki Urdangarín and his business partner Diego Torres have failed to come up with the 8.2-millioneuro bail-bond imposed on them in the Nóos Institute case.

This means the court will proceed to embargo their assets up to this amount to cover possible liabilities if they transpire to be guilty of the corruption and money-laundering charges they face.

Both could face up to 20 years in jail if this is the case.

Although they are not the only parties involved, both men have a joint obligation to deposit 8,189,400 euros with the courts for allegedly receiving regional government funds fraudulently from Valencia and the Balearic Islands, by setting up the Nóos Institute as a non-profitmaking entity when it was

in fact anything but.

They are also believed to have used the company to launder money and escape their tax obligations.

Case notes claim Urdangarín and Torres plotted for the former to take advantage of his status as husband of the King and Queen’s daughter, the Infanta Cristina, to attract donations to their organisation, and to be seen representing charitable causes to generate good PR.

Some have been left homeless in Spain due to rigid and abusive clauses in home loan agreements, or banks’ refusal to negotiate at the first sign of non-payment due to job loss.

Others who have returned to Ecuador, having had their homes taken off them, are being pursued by the Spanish authorities for repayment of the outstanding loan.

The Ecuadorian Citizens’ Ombudsman has applied to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to amend legislation covering mortgage agreements in Spain to redress the power balance between lenders and customers.

It is using the case of homeowner Luis Solórzano and his wife Fabiola as its starting point – a couple who have exhausted all possible legal remedies and yet are still facing losing their home, which they bought around 10

years ago.

They moved to Spain in 1999 and once Luis got regular work as a builder and Fabiola in house-cleaning, applied for a 173,000-euro mortgage to buy their flat, which came under the heading of Vivienda de Protección Oficial – a type of council-subsidised purchase.

But they did not realise the small print said the bank could annul the VPO status at any time and demand full repayment of the loan, or that it could repossess the property if it was let to third parties.

When redundancy meant the couple fell behind on their payments, the bank foreclosed.

Ecuadorian authorities say Spain’s mortgage procedures are leading to clear breaches of human rights, as they allow loopholes that can quickly leave homeowners in financial trouble out on the street without a roof over their heads.

Calling these ‘abusive financial practices’, the Ecuadorian government says its ‘fight for justice’ will start in Spain but they hope to take it further and ensure fair practices are adhered to worldwide.

The Infanta Cristina, Duchess of Palma, has been cleared of any involvement in the case.

Her husband, Duke of Palma – who has been banned by Palma de Mallorca city hall from using this title ‘socially’ – will appear in court again on Saturday, February 23, and Torres and his wife will testify once more on Saturday, February 16

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Carnival Queen contestant ‘in serious condition’ after costume catches fire

A candidate for Carnival Queen in Tenerife suffered 40 per cent burns when her costume caught fire, causing flames of up to 10 metres in height, say witnesses.

Saida María Prieto, 25 (pictured), was backstage at the time and was seen frantically trying to strip off her costume, which carried a huge pair of ‘wings’ like a peacock’s feathers and 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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was strapped to her.

A television reporter who was present at the time said: “The scene was horrific, terrifying. A curtain caught fire and in less than a second, flames of 10 metres in height reached the ceiling.”

Saida was transferred to the burns unit at Sevilla’s Virgen del Rocío hospital, where her condition is said

to be ‘serious’.

She is, however, conscious, and has been throughout the ordeal.

Another four people had to be attended to by the Red Cross for firstdegree burns.

In the end, Saida came seventh for her costume based upon the theme of ‘Isis, Queen of the Gods’.

The blaze is said to have been started by a firework.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

‘Kamikaze’ driver travels 23 kilometres Spain Beat Uruguay 3-1 In Friendly in the wrong lane of the motorway

The second ‘kamikaze’ driver in the space of a week has been arrested in the Comunidad Valenciana after travelling for 23 kilometres in the wrong direction down the A-7.

Police received around 15 calls in as many minutes from panicked motorists, and ended up having to pursue the driver at high speed for nearly 20 minutes.

He was finally caught at the exit for Alquerías del Niño Perdido (Castellón), although he had driven past several sliproads he could have taken to get off the motorway in the meantime.

Terrified motorists had to brake and swerve at a split second’s notice to avoid a head-on and almost certainly fatal collision.

Once officers caught up with the driver

23 kilometres later, they identified him as M.P.C., from Lora del Río (Sevilla province) and said he tested negative for alcohol and drugs.

His motive for driving down the left-hand side of the motorway instead of the right is not known.

This is the second time in a week that a driver has been caught travelling down the wrong lane, with an earlier one arrested in Ibi (Alicante) on Sunday.

But the most high-profile case involved a man who killed two people on the AP-7 near Valencia and has been given a complete reprieve by the government, escaping a 13-year prison sentence.

The family of the victims have appealed against the ‘kamikaze’ driver’s pardon in a bid to get justice for their loss.

Spain recorded a comfortable 3-1 victory over Uruguay in an international friendly in Qatar last night, which augurs well for their World Cup qualifiers next month.

The match was Vicente Del Bosque’s 68th game in charge of the national side, equalling Ladislao Kubala’s record for coaching for the most games for Spain.

The match also saw centre-back Carles Puyol make his 100th appearance for Spain and he captained the side to mark the occasion.

Former Arsenal striker, Cesc Fàbregas gave the European and world champions the lead after 15 minutes at the Khalifa Stadium in Doha, but Cristian Rodríguez levelled for Uruguay on the half hour mark.

Puyol was replaced by Barça team-mate Gerard Piqué at half-time, and the substitute wasted no time in setting up Pedro who slotted into the far corner to restore Spain’s lead just after half-time.

Spain then secured victory with 15 minutes to go, after substitute David Villa received the ball from outside the area and passed to Fàbregas on the left-hand side. Despite pressure from a defender, the former Arsenal man swung in a perfect cross to the back post which was met by Pedro, who could not miss from just five yards out.

Miguel Carcaño to pay costs of searching for Marta

The self-confessed killer of Sevilla teenager Marta del Castillo Casanueva has had his sentenced increased by just one year and three months following a reopening of the case called for by the victim’s family.

Miguel Carcaño, who was 20 at the time of the murder in January 2009, was imprisoned for 20 years and all other suspects involved in the case released.

His jail term has now been amended to 21 years and three months, with the extra period being for an ‘attack on moral integrity’ and the suffering caused by Marta’s parents at not knowing where her body is.

Carcaño will also have to pay the costs, around 616,000 euros, borne by authorities for searching for the missing youngster, whose whereabouts remain unknown, since the killer continually changed his story about what he had done with her.

One of his friends who was initially acquitted of covering up the murder, Samuel Benítez, is due to face sentence at Sevilla Provincial Court.

Another friend, known by his nickname of ‘El Cuco’ – who was 15 at the time of Marta’s death – spent two years in custody during the initial trial and is now free, but has an injunction preventing him from going within 50 kilometres of Sevilla.

Carcaño’s older stepbrother, Francisco Javier Delgado and this man’s girlfriend María García, have been acquitted.

The family’s appeal for the original sentence to be declared null and void and a retrial carried out has been rejected by the judge on the grounds that no breach of procedures or of the Constitution that could justify a repetition of the process was

Deborah Cubel Fisher

involved in the first trial.

Carcaño’s first version of the incident was that he and Marta, then 17, who was his ex-girlfriend at the time, had had an argument after she arranged to meet him about rumours she had heard he had been spreading about her, and that he had thrown an ashtray at her in temper, knocking her unconscious.

Fearing her dead, he panicked and dumped her body in the nearby river Guadalquivir.

But dredging the river produced no sign of the body, and it later transpired Marta was gang-raped and strangled.

Carcaño and the other accused parties then claimed Marta was on a landfill site near Sevilla – but again, no trace of her was found.

After confessing to the killing, he was originally facing 52 years in jail – two of which were for failing to reveal the whereabouts of Marta’s body – but the fact no remains had been found meant evidence was limited and led to his final sentence being reduced to just 20 years.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

EU proposes new cybercrime reporting rules Over 40,000 firms, including energy providers, banks and hospitals could be required to report cyber-break-ins under new rules proposed by the EU

It is part of a move to intensify global efforts to fight cybercrime.

According to a report by the BBC, Digital agenda commissioner Neelie Kroes said that Europe needed to improve how it dealt with cybersecurity.

But firms are concerned that reporting online attacks and security breaches might damage their reputations.

The EU is keen that member states share information about attacks

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and shore up their cyberdefences.

Under the proposals, each country would have to appoint a Computer Emergency Response Team and create an authority to whom companies would report breaches.

These new bodies would decide whether to make the breaches

public and whether to fine companies.

Announcing the changes, Ms Kroes said: “Europe needs resilient networks and systems and failing to act would would impose significant costs on consumers, businesses and society.”

According to the EU, only one in four European companies

has a regularly-reviewed, formal ICT security policy. Even among ICT companies, the figure is only one in two, it said.

A recent study by accountants PwC suggested that three quarters of UK small businesses, and 93% of large ones, had recently suffered a cybersecurity breach.

are discouraged by recent data.

In its monthly report, the Bank of France said: “Forecasts point to a modest rise in [industrial] activity in February.”

The bank added that the business confidence indicator for industry had risen to its highest level in nearly a year.

French economy to avoid recession, says central bank

The French economy will avoid recession this year, according to the country’s central bank.

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It predicts growth of 0.1% in the first three months of 2013, a more upbeat outlook than that of many economists, who

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“This Winter” Richard informed us “our overheads have increased at four key points: Manufacture; Transport; Exchange Rate; and now Spanish IVA” “Last Year, we decided to build up our stock levels. We now feel that this action has allowed us to absorb the impact of our increased overheads. We hope this will keep our customers happy, especially those existing customers who have told us they are intending to buy more Neater Heaters during this winter.”

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A recession is usually defined as two consecutive quarters of contraction.

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But many experts have made gloomier predictions - partly because of January’s manufacturing data, which showed the sharpest fall in output since March 2009.

Initial economic growth figures for France are due out on 14 February.

The government’s official forecast is for 0.8% this year.

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French President Francois Hollande (pictured) is trying to make France more competitive. He recently called for more currency stability, arguing that the French economy “could be destroyed by the rising value of the euro”

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

MADELEINE MCCANN: Police took DNA sample from New Zealand girl to prove she is not missing GIRL

A New Zealand school girl repeatedly mistaken for missing Madeleine McCann has given police a DNA sample so Scotland Yard can confirm that she is not the youngster.

She has been consistently pointed out as the youngster, who went missing in May 2007 while on holiday with her parents and twin siblings.

The New Zealand girl bears a striking resemblance to Madeleine, and is believed to have a mark on her right eye similar to the distinctive one on the British girl’s iris.

Police launched a five-day investigation in January when a Queenstown retailer became suspicious of a man and the young girl.

The sample was requested following a reported sighting of Madeleine on New Year’s

This pictured - released by police last year - shows how Madeleine might look five years on Eve. Madeleine was nearly four when she vanished from her family’s Portuguese holiday apartment in Praia da Luz as her parents, Gerry and Kate, ate dinner at a nearby tapas restaurant with friends.

The case led to a

worldwide search amidst fears the girl had been snatched, but despite a number of leads coming to light no trace of Madeleine has every been conclusively found.

Since the disappearance, officials have from time to time issued digitally altered images showing

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what she might look like over the passage of time.

Portuguese police stopped formally investigating the case in July 2008, but Madeleine’s family have never given up their quest to track down their missing daughter.

Mrs McCann has ploughed £1million from sales of her book back into the search.

The bestseller, entitled simply Madeleine, was published in 2011 on the day of her eighth birthday.

Madeleine’s Fund hit £1.8million shortly after the three-year-old vanished from her family’s holiday.

But by 2011, after four years of searching, it had dwindled to £125,000.

Official papers filed with Companies House show all the money raised from the 384-page book went to the fund.

The fund’s directors said: ‘Income from the book has significantly improved the position.’

Mass gathering for Tunisia funeral...

Tens of thousands gather in Tunisia’s capital as tensions rise ahead of the burial of assassinated opposition politician Chokri Belaid.

Polio vaccinators killed in Nigeria...

Nine female polio vaccinators have been killed in two shootings at health centres in Nigeria’s northern state of Kano, police tell the BBC. Iconic painting vandalised in France...

French police detain a woman who defaced an iconic Delacroix painting, Liberty Leading The People, at a regional branch of France’s Louvre Museum.

Baugur ex-head guilty of tax evasion...

The former boss of failed Icelandic retail group Baugur is convicted of tax evasion.

Ex-LAPD man hunted for killing spree...

Los Angeles area police launch a major manhunt for a sacked officer who is suspected of killing three people, including a former colleague.

Ex-US President Bush emails hacked...

A computer hacker steals personal emails and photographs belonging to former US President George H W Bush and his family, US media report.

Boeing gets permission for Dreamliner test flights...

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has allowed Boeing to carry out test flights of 787 Dreamliner planes.

Mandela granddaughters in TV show...

Nelson Mandela’s granddaughters, Swati Dlamini and Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway, are to star in a new reality television programme called Being Mandela

Charity Fayre

s.l.

Established 9 years in Spain

Building & Construction Services From

Planning to Project Management to Building.

New Builds, Casitas, Garages, Patios

Wednesday 27th February - 10-2pm

Benissa 4 Seater Dining Set 599€

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

Cube 6 Seater Dining Set 699€

Teak Range from 59€

Barcelona Leather Range from 399€

stockists of Neater Heaters

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

Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm

Sat 10am - 2pm

7

8

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

uk prepares for more snow This group of sheep huddle together and feed in fields on the North Downs near Woldingham in Surrey

Cesped artificial Tigerturf spain

tigerturfalmeria@gmail.com tel: 950 431 624 / 635 652 745

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 3390€. 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 price • 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 3,390€ 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 952

595 691 (Malaga) or 965 993 498 (Benijofar-Alicante)

Also located in The UK, Portugal, Canary Islands and Balearics

The Met Office has issued a Cold Weather Alert and said the freezing conditions will cause chaos on roads and be potentially dangerous for vulnerable people. It says the snow will be ‘disruptive’ and warns of temperatures dropping dramatically. Strong winds are also expected. Up to four inches of snow is expected too!

The Met Office has issued warnings this morning for ice across southwest England and the West Midlands and warns of a risk of icy

Forecasters warn of severe cold weather and icy conditions with temperatures dropping dramatically to -5C next week

conditions on untreated surfaces across the rest of the UK. Weather experts say ‘heavy’ snow will fall across Scotland and eastern parts of England, especially the north-east, throughout Sunday afternoon and night.

Gareth Harvey, a forecaster for MeteoGroup, said: ‘The next few days will only see a few light snow flurries affecting mountains in Wales and Scotland and the Pennines, in northern England, while temperatures will stay cold.

Dale Cregan ‘Fired 32 Bullets In 31 Seconds’ The man accused of killing two police officers handed himself in afterwards saying: ‘I’ve just done two coppers,’ a court hears

Dale Cregan fired 32 shots at his unarmed victims in 31 seconds then handed himself in confessing: “I’ve just done two coppers,” a court has heard.

Dale Cregan unleashed a hail of bullets at PC Fiona Bone, 32 and PC Nicola Hughes, 23 - many as they lay injured on the ground, Preston Crown Court was told.

The jury heard how Cregan later handed himself in to police at Hyde Police station telling them: “Sorry about those two that have been killed, I wish it was men.

He allegedly went on: “I’ve dropped the gun at the scene and I’ve murdered two police officers.

You were hounding my family so I took it out on yous (sic). I’m wanted by the police and I’ve just done two coppers.”

The jury was shown video of the moment Cregan was arrested at the front desk of the police station. He is seen speaking on his mobile phone, cradling it, after a police officer jumps over the front desk and handcuffs him.

Relatives of the two murdered police officers wept as they watched footage of the pair leaving the police station for the last time.

The court was told how On September 18 last year, Cregan was in hiding in a house in Abbey Gardens, Hattersely, Manchester. He made a 999 call to police claiming there was a burglary and when told an officer was on the way, Cregan replied: “I’ll be waiting,” said the prosecution.

Nicholas Clarke QC told the jury: “He had carefully put in place a plan that he knew would ensure that an unsuspecting police officer or officers would be sent to the door, to attend to a household who had been the victim of damage to his house.

“Cregan knew that the officers who attended would have no idea what would be waiting for them.”

PC Hughes and PC Bone were assigned the call and made their way from Hyde Police station to the address.

“On arrival, the two officers stepped out of their van and walked forward the short distance to number 30. Cregan’s carefully laid plan had been successful,” said Mr Clarke. “He had lured two unarmed officers to his door and he was armed, ready and waiting for them. As Nicola and

Fiona walked through the small front garden, he opened the front door and immediately fired his Glock.”

The jury heard how both officers were shot in the chest. The body armour they were wearing protected them and the bullets did not penetrate, the prosecution said. The officers, the court heard, made a “tactical retreat”.

“PC Fiona Bone moved to the right, getting out of the line of sight and PC Nicola Hughes turned to run up the path. As they retreated more shots were fired. PC Hughes was shot just below her armoured vest in the middle of her back and was immediately paralysed causing her to fall forwards onto the path. As she was falling or lying flat on her stomach she was shot three more times. Cregan then turned his attention to PC Fiona Bone. She was trapped in front of the lounge window and he discharged 24 shots at her. Some struck the officer others the house,” the court heard.

She managed to draw and fire her Taser but it was discharged into a hard surface, probably the paving, the jury was told. The court was told that only a matter of 31 seconds had passed between PC Hughes switching off the engine of their vehicle and PC Bone firing the Taser.

Mr Clarke said: “Most of the bullets struck her body armour or the wall at the front of the house but she was the central target.”

PC Bone was shot between five and eight times receiving a total of eight gunshot-related injuries, the prosecution said. “As she turned and fell one bullet managed to get through under her arm.

She was killed by a perforating shot to the upper left side of her chest which caused fatal injuries to the top of her heart. Cregan wasn’t finished.

He turned his attention to PC Hughes and fired three more shots into the back and side of her head. She was shot eight times causing a total of seven gunshot-related injuries,” the jury heard.

The court was told that Cregan fired a total of 32 bullets at the two unarmed police officers.

Mr Clarke added: “Before he fled Abbey Gardens he made sure he left his usual calling card. He launched a fragmentation grenade back towards the garden of number 30 where the two police officers were lying on the floor.”

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Opening Hours: 10am - 3pm Mon - Sat

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

Tel: 634 341 171

albox

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

photo: Pepe Ruiz www.flickr.com/people/peperuiz/

www.soltimes.com

www.serendipitycrafts.es

• Latest Hunkydory • Sheena Douglas latest • Crafters Companion • Peel offs • New Debbie Moore’s CDs • H20S • Payperbox Pick & Mix • Dies/Embossing folders An Aladdin cave for all your crafty needs OPENING HOURS: MON, TUES, THURS,FRI & FIRST SAT of every month 10-2PM

CALL MARGARET ON 634 338 832

Avda. 28 de Febrero, Albox

(Between Sol y Mar / The Post Shop & Rumores)

T o t a l Entertainment is more than just an internet café.

Along with your favourite English newspapers and Magazines Claire also has all you need for the New Year. Diaries & Calendars in English and Spanish, hit the January sales on her shopping trip to Murcia on 24th January just 12€ each and celebrate Carnival at Aguilas on Saturday 16th February.

It’s Oscar time so beat the winter blues by watching the latest movies at the Mini Cinema, you can hire the whole room for just 15€ (seats 10). At Total Entertainment you can top up all major mobile phone networks and purchase Euro Direct phonecards so you can call the family back home to brag about the weather! For more information call Claire on 950 121 318 Sol Supermercado can be found on Avda Lepanto, conveniently situated in between Mercadona and Bar Lepanto. We all know how times are tough at the moment, so therefore

S

we are introducing a €uro special campaign within the store. We always have our customer’s best interests at heart and feel this campaign will help out during these difficult times. Look out for our special black €uro stars dotted throughout the store, we are confident that there will be a bargain or two to suit your needs, or even for your pet!

Don’t forget about our current offer, spend €20 or more, and receive a raffle ticket, which will be drawn on 28th February.

The winner will be free to spend €10 in store on any item.

We look forward to seeing you soon. Email: Solsupermercadoalbox@ gmail.com 950 430 043 Frank & Dianne of One Stop Pool Shop in Longos courtyard would like to wish all our customers A Happy New Year. We are pleased to offer the following services .Firstly we are offering a crystal sand change to the first 10 customers at only 200euros,or a normal sand change at 80euros.

A great offer not to be missed!! We now have in stock a choice of 2 ionizing systems, reducing chemical usage at only 700 euros fitted. Did you know that pool water of drinking standard can be organized through us?

l Supermercado

€uro is on the way up out for our €1 specialLook €1 stars in store NOW

The



..but our prices are on the way down

A v d L e p a n t o Te l : 9 5 0 43 0 0 43 solsupermercadoalbox@gmail.com

18,000 litres for 140euros.

Why not brighten up your pool with a new liner or border? A free quote is available on different designs.

Are your coping stones cracked or discoloured? If so we can replace them in different colours. Summer solar covers, pumps filters etc. are also supplied & fitted by us. Re-grouting, acid baths, leak detection are also available & a preseason check over of your system for only 30€.

We really are your One Stop Pool Shop!!

If you are an enthusiastic reader of books, do call at The Book Box in The Courtyard outside Ferreteria Longo (on the left as you go from Arboleas towards Albox).

Their selection of more than 16,000 books will give you huge choice. Jay & John take great pride in the quality of their books, all of which are checked, cleaned and catalogued before sale. Both avid book enthusiasts, Jay & John can usually give you advice on new authors and titles to fit your preferences. All you need to do is drop in and have a chat (no purchase necessary!).

They also operate a free bookfinder service, a free Book Club with discounts for regular customers and book tokens for those difficult decisions about gifts for birthdays and anniversaries etc. The Book Box can also usually beat contemporary electronic publications on price – and you won’t have to back them up onto your computer!

Another business outside of Longo’s ferreteria is Inford@ a family-run tox, computer shop full of ink cartridges and many other accessories. You can also order letter-headed stationery and marketing material and they have some stationery in store too! Andres and Rosa can also help you with servicing , maintaining, repairing, upgrading your computer. Every morning there is an Englishspeaking assistant to help you with any queries. For the month of February they are offering a special discount of 5% off consumables and 10% off repairs. For more information call 950 633 223 or find them on Facebook or Twitter.

TOTAL Entertainment just an Internet Cafe More than

Mini cinema

15€ private booking (seats 10) Watch any DVD on our shelves Cinema opens daily at 2pm Last showing 7pm Weekend Matinees at midday (closed Wednesdays)

Just call into Total Entertainment, Avenida Lepanto, Albox (opp football stadium) or call Claire on 950 121 318 / 691 987 454 contact@totalentertaiment.es

Open: Tues - Thurs - Sat 10am - 2pm

ahorro mueble FABULOUS new FURNITURE

SLIGHT SECONDS Albox

don’t miss out on these fantastic bargains!

Avda. Lepanto 36, 04800 Albox

Tel: 648 608 799

Mercadona

from 15€

Albox Football Ground

Peugeot Garage

Atrium

x

o nt pa Le

(Next to Total Entertainment) tuesDAY - THURSDAY - SATURDAY 10am - 2pm

clocks

de

Ahorro Mueble

Also NEW range of: - Sofas - Coffee Tables - Cabinets

a

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

Amigos Bowling

less 20% discount off occasional furniture

nid

REAL!

Lidl E15 motorway Albox junction

New Stock arriving

e Av

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

BP Garage

11

Total Entertainment

we

are

here

ALBOX

!

BP Garage

photo: blogdejocassan.blogspot.com

12

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Dean’s Gentleman’s





Tony and Catherine have successfully run Eurowise, just up from Mercadona in Albox, since April 2011.

Plaza Nueva, Albox (opposite Banco Popular) Their aim is to provide you with a one-stop place to get Gent’s Haircut - 8€ Children’s cut (0-3years) - 6€ all your English essentials.

With regular deliveries from Cut & Style - 9€ Traditional shave - 5€ the UK, their huge selection of chilled, frozen, dried and Open Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm & sat 10am - 2pm ambient foods, including pies and pastries, changes regularly, so pop in today in case you miss any goodies; you won’t be disappointed!

You can also top up your Hits mobile with them and they have a limited amount of post boxes available for just per year! Visit their new any 2 Tubs Of either Multi, Shock or €10 website www.eurowise.eu Chlorine tablets for just 36€ for more information and new offers! tighten up on security with an alarmed paddlock at ony 15€ Lisa opened Lulu’s Dog Grooming Parlour after FIND US In Longo’s Courtyard Shop: 950 104 345 or Maintenance: 637 582 696 years of working for Nexo in Albox, Olula and VelezRubio and for different vets in Huercal Overa. So much was the demand for her skills that she opened a brand new parlour of her own next to (opp BP garage) Eurowise on Avda. Lepanto in Albox. Lisa is fully City & Guilds trained and looks after and handles all dogs with the € € utmost care and attention.

Sunday special Your beloved pet is sure to Mon - Sat be pampered after a visit to her! She also stocks many Tel: 950 430 993 / 659 056 082 accessories for your pooch open 7am til late every day including leads, collars, beds,

Barbers Tel: 666 618 122

POOL SHOP

Mix & Match

La Palmera Bar Restaurant

Menu del Dia 9 per person

Sunday

13 per person

Opening Hours Mon-fri sat sun

9-6 10-4 10-2

950 930 539

THE LITTLE SHOP THAT’S GOT A LOT We have the largest selection of your favourite goods in the area, and at the best prices too! All direct from the UK. Check our website for all the latest SPECIAL OFFERS WWW.ALBOXCORNERSHOP.COM For your convenience you can pull up outside or we have a large carpark. We are only 2 minutes from Mercadona.

Pay us a visit, you will love our prices!

spain digit mini digger

bedding, bowls, shampoo and conditioners. From 1st March Scalibor, flea, tick & dental treatments will also be in stock. Lulu’s can now offer the cheapest prices on Royal Canine food in the area! For more information or to book an appointment call 950 952 940 / 697 569 750. They are closed on a Monday, but please do still call the mobile number above to book an appointment for another day.

Opposite Banco Popular and next to the lottery shop in Albox is Dean’s Barbers - a quaint, old-fashioned barber for the gents to have a treat. Juan Carlos offers a traditional shave for those special occasions or a normal trim or cut and style to make you look smart. He also caters for children at reduced rates.

For more information or to make an appointment call 666 618 122.

Just before you go over the bridge to get to Deans Barbers, you will find on the left hand side, Khan Doner Kebabs. Opening from noon to midnight they offer daily meal deals to include a kebab/Burger/ Chicken pieces with Chips and a choice of cold drink, starting from as little as 4.80€, great when you don’t

No delivery charge No minimum charge dig it... hire

Landscaping - Cesspits & Pozos Footings - Patios & Terraces Tree Planting - Paths & Driveways Call 660 068 970 / 628 122 363 stevecarolj@albox-online.net

EUROWISE

Computer Services Internet & Email Virus Cleaning

Visit Us on the web: www.infordatox.com Phone: 950 633 223

Next to the Centro Comercial LONGO Find us on & @Infordatox1

Lulu’s

Peluqueria Canina

professional dog grooming parlour

UK SUPERMARKET fresh, frozen, ambient & dried goods cheese, butters, ice-Cream’s large range of fruit squash Branded & Budget Lines

Mobile top-ups available We now have Post Boxes available for just 10€ per year!

Post office services & passport checks

fancy cooking or for a snack after a night out!!!

Located just along from the BP garage in Albox is SolyMar Estate Agents and The Post Shop.

Having sold several houses lately, we are looking for legal properties up to the value of €150,000 to add to our sales portfolio.

Furthermore, we are also looking for rental properties, particularly Villas with Pools, furnished or unfurnished. We are also official HITS mobile phone agents and have a wide selection of phones available and in stock. We can also provide you with a HITS sim card and port your old number if required.

The Post Shop offers a full range of postal sending and receiving services and provides Offex Mail Services along with FedEx and other courier facilities. Our secure post boxes are available at just €35 per year. We are also official IBEX insurance agents for all your insurance needs. We are open 9:30am to 3pm Monday to Friday.

Telephone 950064584.

THE CORNER SHOP has been open over a year & is going from strength to strength. Our aim is to give the best service & best prices in the area. We have a large range of all your favourite food products plus chilled goods, household items, pet products & much much more! We also get numerous requests for those extra special things, so if there is something you can’t find over here or are missing then come & speak to Cheryl & she will do her best to source it for you! The shop is ideally situated, just 1 minute from Suicide Junction (turn right round Ibex Insurance office, straight on past Bar Coyote).

We have easy parking for your convenience outside the shop & a car park. Our website is updated regularly with all our Special Offers. www.alboxcornershop.com Pay us a visit soon! We really

are your local Corner Shop!

A l b o x Rugs~Alfombras & Outdoor Leisure is a family run business established in 2006. Over the years we have expanded our stock from rugs, cushions, soft furnishings and handmade name cushions to include pool and spa chemicals and accessories. We still offer rug and upholstery cleaning service and Paul also has ‘True Blue Pools & Spas’ as part of the Outdoor Leisure department and offers one off, holiday and long term contracts for pool cleaning and maintenance. He can also carry out sand changes, leak repairs and pump servicing.

In store we have a special offer on pool chemicals running until the end of the month- any 2 for only 35€ (multi action tablets, chlorine tablets, slow release chlorine granules or chlorine shock).

Pauls contact number is 66 11 48 998 or call into Albox Rugs~Alfombras.

Rafa and Vanessa, a husband and wife team, are the managers in the Restaurant at Albox Tennis Club. They have been there for over a year and in that short time have made the restaurant a great success already! They would like to invite you to visit their humble restaurant situated within the grounds of the tennis club, they enjoy great views from the large terrace, surrounded by nature and benefiting from a private car park. They have two large rooms for events, and are able to offer an economical but quality Menu del Dia for just €8.50 through the week and €10 at the weekend, they have different tapas every day and special Carne a la Brasa (grilled meats) on weekends. If you pay them a visit, they are sure not to disappoint! To those who have already been, thank you for your support, to those who are yet to come - we look forward to seeing you soon! Tel: 667 671 578.

LA TIENDA DE BASILIO RUBIO desde 1982

All accessories for fish tanks & ponds including:

Food, Filters & Accessories

Nail Clipping and Anal Glands - Only 5€ each!

No need for appointment

view our new website www.eurowise.eu off your total print off a voucher & receive 10% shopping bill

closed mondays - you can still call 697 569 750 for appointments

avda Lepanto, Albox

C/ CANONIGO BARTOLOME MARIN, 4 - BAJO - ALBOX

Tel: 950 439 801

latiendadebasiliorubio@gmail.com

Lisa is City & Guilds qualified she sets the standard Others Try to follow

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

Tel: 950 952 940 . 697 569 750

Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm Sat: 9am - 3pm Sun: 10am - 3am

Dog & Cat Food, Accessories, Cages, Aquariums etc.

TU TIENDA DE MASCOTAS EN ALBOX YOUR PET SHOP IN ALBOX TLF.

950 431 592

www.soltimes.com

Glenn and Jayne would like to announce that they are now sole agents for Liberty Seguros and ASSSA Private Health Insurance. We are in the same office that we have been in for the last 7 years, offering the same great service. The only thing that has changed is the name. We still offer excellent offers on Life Policies, Pet insurance, Motor and Health Insurance etc. Call Glenn and Jayne now on 950 121 943 and get the advice you need to live Spanish life comfortably.

The office is open Monday to Thursday from 9am until 5pm and on Friday from 9am until 4pm. Calle Malaga 6, Albox.

Infoalbox-libertyseguros@ gmail.com La Tienda de Basilio just up from Rubio Mercadona in Albox has literally everything that your pet needs. Basilio has an excellent selection of fish, equipment and foods and a range of pet foods for both dogs and cats. His knowledge of birds, especially canaries and finches ensures that you buy quality bred, healthy pets. Basilio can also source specific pets, so if for any reason he doesn’t have what you are looking for then ask if he can find it for you. Having been in the business for many years, he has a wealth of local

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

contacts that he can always contact to see if what you want is available. You can find Basilio on Calle Canonigo Bartolome Marin 4 – Bajo, just near the roundabout near Lu Lus on Avda Lepanto.

Ahorro Mueble between Lidl and the BP petrol station have a great selection of furniture for the home. With amazing prices on items that have slight damage, it is well worth taking a look if you are trying to find bedroom, dining or lounge furniture. They also have a range of mattresses, mirrors and pictures to add the finishing touch to any room.

As well as slight seconds, they do have perfect items, so why not visit them and see what you can find, you will not be disappointed!

TC’s Café Bar, on Avenida Lepanto in Albox is open from 10am every day. Why not start the day with a fantastic all day breakfast starting at just €4 for a small and €5.50 for a large with free tea, coffee or orange juice. Sunday lunch is served from 1pm to 4pm with main courses at €5.50 and a range of starters and desserts at €2.50. A mini menu is available which includes burgers, hot dogs, fish and kebabs, all served with small portion of chips Weekly specials include a 2 course special at €6.50 and a

6mb

Fast

3 course special at €8, served from Monday to Saturday 12noon until 4pm Free wifi is also available. Tel: 634 384 723 / 634 338 363 Atrium on Avda Lepanto in Albox has been open for over 4 years and still has a fabulous selection of furniture and decorative items for the home.

Juan Carlos the owner works hard sourcing incredibly unusual and well priced items that make great gifts.

With prices starting from just 2€, you will find ornaments, lamps, mirrors, sofas, dining furniture, cupboards and wall clocks. If you are looking for a special gift then why not pop along and see what he has in store, you will not be disappointed. Tel: 648 608 799.

Serendipity crafts is next to Sol y Mar’s Post Shop in Albox. An Aladdin’s cave of papercrafting goodies including Tim Holtz, Crafters Companion, Hunkydory and Sheena Douglas to name a few! If Margaret hasn’t got what you want she will try and get it. Stockists of papers and the new PayPerBox where you can fill a small or large wallet with your choice of card, plain or patterned paper for a fixed price, embossing and alcohol inks, pads, embellishments, you name it they’ve probably got it! Open

Don’t Lose Your Tv Channels

€ Unlimited 5 9 .

Internet 27

10-2, Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri and the first Saturday of each month, or call Margaret on 634 338 832.

Can Connect can be found just up the road from the back of the Mercadona.

Along with providing postal service and post boxes, Craig also provides phone unlocking and Hits mobile. He is also an internet provider covering all Almonzora, Nijar, Turre, Albox, Cantoria, Partaloa and Oria areas offering 4MB download + 1 MB upload for only 24.95€, or 6MB download + 2MB upload for only 27.95€ monthly, he can also offer your landline phone for only 6.95€ monthly.

Switch from another wireless internet provider & just pay 25€ install fee, Call Craig on 950 121 149 Digit Spain offer mini digger hire in and around the Oria/ Cantoria/Albox area. Ideal for help with Landscaping, patios and terraces, paths and driveways. Let some one else do the hard work for you as our digger also comes with the man to operate it!!! We do not charge for delivery.

Not sure if our digger is right for the job? Then call us today for more help and advice. 660 068 970 / 682 122 363.

13

The Book Box

top quality pre-read books

Thousands of Titles - Hundreds of Authors All checked, cleaned & catalogued At - The Courtyard, Ferreteria Longo, Albox Open Mon - Sat 10am - 2pm

We know our books! Prices €1.50 - €5.00

Jay & John - 662 585 098

albox rugs & outdoor leisure a family run business est. october 2006

rugs for all around the home large selection of cushions & throws rug & upholstery cleaning service gift vouchers available pool & spa chemicals & accessories chimeneas

opening hours:

mon to fri 10am - 5pm saturdays 10am - 2pm

tel: 950 633 149 or 607 375 697 avenida lepanto 15, albox, 04800

TC ‘s

No telephone line required Only 25€ per month Active, 2mb upload Available in Albox, Arboleas, Cantoria, Turre Sign up NOW for Partaloa & Oria Area!

Can-Connect in Albox just up from the back of the Mercadona Email info@canconnect.es Tel 950 121 149 *Terms apply glenn & jayne of Albox Insurance

(Formerly of Knights Insurance)

... are now exclusive agents for Liberty Seguros

same people - same great service - different name Also agents for ASSSA private health insurance Tel: 950 121 943

C / Malaga, Albox infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com

Club de tenis albox restaurante Menu del dia Tues - Fri only €8.50 Sat + sun €10

Join us and watch the Carne a la Brasa - Tapas 6 Nations Rugby on our Birthdays - Business Meals BIG Screens

All kinds of special occasions restclubtenisalbox@yahoo.es

Dia & l e d u n e M day y r e v e s a Tel 667 671 578 tap

14

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

British Bedding

In Spain

• Pillows, Protectors, Quilts & Toppers • Quilt Covers, Bedspreads & Blankets • Sheets, Valances & Pillowcases • Towels, Bath Mats & Shower Curtains

• Curtains, Voiles & Blinds • Poles, Track & Accessories • Throws, Runners, Rugs, Cushions • Tablecloths, Placemats, Coasters & Trays

950 431 855 / 661 143 871 www.spanishestateagent.com

Arboleas: large 3 bed, 2 bath villa. 600m2. ONLY 110,000€

Taberno: villa on plot of 10,000m2, ONLY 59,950€

Oria: detached villa: 30,000m2 plot, stunning views 149,995 €

Vera: large town house ONLY 109,000€

Antas Town: village house, close to all amenities, ONLY 99,000€

Arboleas: villa, 4 bed, 2 bath, pool and hot tub, immaculate, ONLY 169,995€

Closer than you think the

yorkshire linen co.

home furnishing specialists

Free parking above Mercadona, opposite Lidl Monday to Friday 10.00 - 18.00, Saturday 10.00 - 14.00 Centro Comercial la Pirámide, Puerto de Mazarrón, Murcia Call: 968 595 946 / 650 857 619 www.yorkshirelinen.com - ylcmazarron@hotmail.com

COMPLETE HOLIDAY CARE MOJACAR PLAYA

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

15

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Auerouesioeaue

I was driving into Albox when I spied a little old man leaning heavily on a walking stick and weaving his way more or less along the side of the road.

Alert to the fact that his haphazard course could at any moment bring him into my path, and not wishing to mow down one of Andalucía’s smaller elders, I slowed to a cautious crawl.

As I drew level, his thumb, on the end of his outstretched arm, appeared from nowhere. I do not as a rule give lifts to hitchers, but as he bore very little resemblance to the front man for a gang of vicious highwaymen, I stopped and opened the window.

He lurched over and leaned in the window. ‘Alboch?’ He queried.

I verified, and asked him in Spanish if he would like a lift.

Without hesitation his stick arrived through the open door, followed by his feet, followed by the rest of him, then his hat and a strong agricultural aroma. I left the window down, and as we drove on I asked him where he wanted to go: ‘Aeibouereoaeseoeu’ he replied.

I realised that I was giving a lift to someone who only spoke in vowels. ‘I’m going to the

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

viewpoint Plaza Mayor.’ I said, hoping for an answer that would give me a fighting chance of understanding him.

‘Eouiweayeiaoseaiur’ he said, adding ‘Ieoewiaujerisoeaoweia’ just to clarify his meaning.

By the time we had reached the outskirts of Albox, he was babbling away happily and desperation was creeping in to my demeanour. ‘You must tell me when you want me to stop.’ I told him, as I slowly cruised through the old part of the town.

‘Aoeiyneiujwo’ he urged; I think that meant ‘not here.’

I crawled through the narrow streets, my eyes peeled for anyone who looked as though they had lost a grandfather, and would like to give a home to the one currently using the Biggs taxi service.

‘Eiwoeiujanoea’ he explained cheerfully. He was enjoying his car riding experience. I was not.

Suddenly he waved his stick and began to wriggle in his seat.

‘Juwoaeiweuoaenya’ he exclaimed joyously. I stopped and put the hazard light on, determined to try and oust him from my car before his family contacted the police, and I was arrested for grandadnapping.

He exited in the exact reverse manner of his entry – hat, body, feet, stick, though the aroma lingered a little longer.

He turned, reached in again, took my hand and as clearly as any Rada-trained actor said ‘Muchas Gracias, y mucha suerte.’

I wonder what the rest of our conversation had been about?

Roses Were Red, The Air Was Blue

As far as I can recall, I have never received a Valentine card in my life, which will come as no surprise to those who know me.

I have sent a few of my own in the past, but even that came to an abrupt end years ago, after a recipient of my attentions – the gorgeous Sabrina Wicks – confronted me as I entered the pub, waving the card around for all to see and proceeded to tear into me big time.

“What the hell is this?” she stormed and she read aloud the poem on the front of the card.

“Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, When I Rogered Your Mum, I Was Thinking Of You.” Well okay, it wasn’t Wordsworth,

but it was funny . . . or at least, so I had thought at the time. So did the other occupants of the bar it appeared, as they spluttered and choked over their drinks.

“But”, I countered,“How do you know it was from me?”

“Well,just three little clues gave it away”, she bawled. “Number one, who else would send something like that; secondly there were beer stains on the envelope and thirdly . . . you signed it!”

Ah, it was the beer stains that gave it away then.

“Look it was just a joke, I mean, your mums as ugly as sin and . . .” I didn’t get any further. Sabrina glared at me as she downed the rest of her Guinness in one swallow, tossed back the whisky chaser, stubbed her Senior Service out on a beer mat and elbowed past me as she charged out of the lounge bar of Ye Boar’s Head - her red stiletto’s clattering on the wooden floor.

“That went well”, sniggered my pal Ray who hitherto had kept his head well down.

By Colin Bird : badbirdnow@gmail.com

“I hate people with no sense of humour” I told him. “But I’m glad ‘cos I can’t afford to keep her and her mum in drinks”.

Many years later and to my eternal shame, a friend and I sent another suggestive Valentine to an acquaintance in our village.

We signed it ‘Bubbles’ and we made a slight deliberate spelling mistake with the address on the envelope, in order to divert suspicion away from us.

T h e following morning, we bumped into Neville on his way to work and were shocked at his appearance.

His hair was a tangled mess and there were dark rings around his eyes; his face was a

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deathly grey and he looked as if he had just completed twelve rounds with King Kong after being up all night.

In effect, that is exactly what had happened.

His wife, being suspicious of the envelope that had arrived for him the previous morning – the splash of Kouros after-shave on the card, probably helping – had opened it and waited impatiently seething, for his return home later in the day.

A c c o rd i n g to him, she had ripped into him the moment he set foot inside the front door and continued her tirade of screaming accusations into the night, demanding to know who Bubbles was and how long the affair had been going on.

He was threatened with violence and divorce, and immediate castration, with his genitals in danger of being fed to the cat.

He had just escaped the shrieking banshee who had once been his loving wife when we saw him. Still wearing his disheveled work clothes from the day before; he looked like a cast member straight off the Thriller set.

I was on the verge of revealing all and offering to go cap in hand to his wife, when I detected a slight shake of the head from my partner in crime. It was best to let sleeping dogs lie he later informed me and besides, just imagine what she would do to us. Also and more to the point, what Neville might do, because as my friend pointed out, he was the owner of a double barreled shotgun that he

ALQUERIA - The space programme John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

16

Life was boring for Antonio Poyato. The premium prices his Remitroot products brought kept him in the height of luxury.

He employed most people of working age in the village and had a robust management structure in place. He had everything he needed. Even his new solid gold combined back scratcher and ravioli cutter failed to hold his interest for long. His leisure time became taken up with finding new uses for Remitroot. He had eaten it, drunk it and smoked it, put it on cuts and abrasions and rubbed it into his scalp. It seemed to be efficacious in most cases but he was forced to discontinue its use as a suppository.

Woven into cloth it was indestructible and as fine as the best silk. Unfortunately it emitted an odour indistinguishable from the pheromone of the male Iberian Mountain Goat. This led to some interesting but expensive compensation claims. A thinner woven fabric with random fibre direction made a durable and tear resistant paper. The Minister of Finance, Briefcase Fred decided to print Alqueria’s twenty Raro note on this type of paper. Among Remitroot’s many qualities, that of an aphrodisiac is perhaps the most prized. The Alquerian twenty Raro note, when chewed enhanced this effect. Clandestine twenty Raro note chewing parties took place at the dead of night. The bank note was soon in short supply and still much sought after. It was changing hands for a hundred Raros. Monetary confusion followed and the note had to be withdrawn.

In his laboratory Poyato subjected the root to every possible test. Remitroot Liquor failed to freeze at -114 Celsius the temperature at which ethanol alcohol should freeze. Even liquid hydrogen failed to turn it into a solid. Finally Poyato passed an electric current through it. The result was impressive. It burnt at a rate proportional to the applied current. Two, five, ten and then twenty metres a second. With the full electrical potential applied a brilliant orange and yellow flash filled the room. After a deafening explosion Poyato lost his eyebrows along with most of his laboratory equipment. He knew there must be a use for this attribute of his Remitroot.

Still smoking and singed he made his way to the Bar La Casa Devante. Horacio the landlord looked at him in alarm, then poured him a shot of his strongest liquor. “Go easy with that it’s like rocket fuel” he said.

Poyato took his drink into the plaza and looked up at the heavens. His eyes glazed over and with a lopsided grin stood motionless. ‘Where can I get hold of a good second hand rocket?’ he thought. used for pigeon shooting.

Nevertheless, for Janet and me, the 14th of February marks our wedding anniversary and we will be celebrating with friends and recounting for the millionth time, that day all those years ago when we had to fight our way through snow drifts to tie the knot.

The torrential rain the night before had turned to snow as the temperature dropped

ten degrees overnight, and we awoke to a white world and had to dig our way out of the house to get to the car.

I still don’t quite know how we made it to Newmarket that day, but we did eventually and what is more, made it safely back to our cottage later that night.

I don’t anticipate similar conditions this Valentine’s Day in Villamartin.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

take a trip to turre

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!

Donna has a face book page which keeps everyone updated, so type in Donnas Boutique & hit the LIKE button, to see what’s new in! Donna can deliver to you anywhere in Europe!!!!

SOLO SAT is the number 1 company to use for all your satellite TV, air conditioning installations & repairs. Nik has been establishes for 12 years and his experience of fitting all types of satellite TV systems & air con units domestic & commercial second to none. He is always happy to answer any queries you may have at anytime. 1.9 m dishes can now be installed & delivered to your door on a van that can so call now!

SUPER CORNER has opened earlier this year under the friendly ownership of Simone and Nabil.

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. If your missing all your favourite British foods pop into Super corner & treat your tastebuds.

CONNEXIONS has been up and running now for 10 years and is constantly keeping up to date with modern technology. Ken and Gill offer a great service.

There is a wide range of laptops, tablets, mobile phones, books as well as art pieces. Also in

store is the new Android TV box, no satellite dish needed just an internet connection of at least 2mbs, Come and visit their shop for more info and to see it working MARI CRUZ is situated in Turre high street. It has a lovely outside terrace and roomy indoor area.

Specialising in grilled meats, fish all cooked on BBQ & regional dishes as well as a great variety of wine, beers, tapas and an excellent variety of freshly homemade pizzas & pastas is available to eat in or take away.

There is Lounge for meetings, company dinners, small events & birthdays. Come & buy any pizza to take away and get a free margarita pizza absolutely free.

GILLEE’S BAR is the bar to go for all football, English/Spanish & major sports events. Food menu includes Full English breakfasts, served all day, Friday is Fish & chips day and on Sundays a traditional roast dinner is served.

Come & play bingo & play your cards right on a Tuesday afternoon. They now cater for private functions & parties call in for more information you will definitely receive a warm welcome

STYLES has been in Turre 18 months now. Thanks to the commitment of Michelle and Wendy, they do their best to offer their clients up-todate hairdressing & beauty treatments. Now in stock are the new micro hair extensions, the latest new technique to apply hair extensions by using micro ring instead of glue. It also benefits from the light weight & is very easy to use. It is very safe for the natural hair. Tooth gems & hair gems are also available.

You won’t be disappointed with any of the treatments they offer.

Solshaders has been operating in this area for more than 7 years & is a fully legal Company. Their

fantastic range of Awnings (which can protect your terrace from the wind), Insect Screens and Internal Blinds are available in a variety of colours & styles with a sign writing service also available.

Justin is committed to giving all his clients 100% satisfaction & offers a free on site quotation without obligation & with his outstanding prices & excellent after sales service you are guaranteed a professional job from start to finish. Give us a call on 627 907 207 / 634 319 882 or Email: solshaders@ live.co.uk. telephone:

tyles hair & Beauty

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Fabulous clothing & accessories sizes 8 - 28 catered for

Telephone

Turn your outside area into a dry & wind free enclosure & enjoy the outside while still being inside P.O Box 133, Cortijo Cabrera, Turre Almeria, SPAIN Tel: 627 907 207 / 634 319 882 Email: solshaders@live.co.uk Web: www.solshaders.com

C/Avda de Almeria 17, 04639, Turre, Almeria, Tel: 950 47 96 46

Restaurante pizzeria

Mari Cruz

Specialising in grilled meats, fish & regional dishes Pizzas & pastas to take-away A great variety of wine, beers & tapas Lounge for meetings, company dinners, small events & birthdays...

Buy any take away Pizza and get Margarita Pizza FREE Now you can follow us on facebook.

Find us as “Pizza Mari Cruz”

The Fundraiser Charity & Community Shops

The people’s charity, The Peoples Choice

Run totally by volunteers

Helping the disabled Cancer Research Vera Orphanage We put our hearts Asprodalba and many more

into helping

winter stock now in 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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Super Corner

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Office: +950 528 334 E-Mail: solosat@gmail.com

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17

all day breakfasts from €3.50

Sunday eyes down tuesday 4pm & play your cards right Roast private parties & functions

2 courses 10€ are now catered for 1 course €7.50 speak to tracy for more info

telephone: 634 309 540

connexions

950 479 502

broadband internet, New wireless internet

service available 4mb €24.95 p/m No landline required Call us for further details. vacation packs for part time residents NOW IN ALBOX , arboleas, almeria AREAS &

coming soon to Cantoria

computers ~ laptops Distributor for mobile phones, sales, repairs & unlocking full repair service printers ~ inks area distributor for Photo papers hits sim cards routers ~ monitors Don’t lose your TV channels wireless devices Android TV boxes available internet dongles at low cost No Satellite dish needed

Call into our shop in Turre town square just along from the Cajamar bank

18

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

ejuvenate retreat elax El Cucador

elax evive

Advanced back, face & scalp treatment

Powerful stress releasing treatment, works on deep only seated tension & restores balance to vital energy points. Initial deep cleansing back exfoliation followed by back massage, facial includes massage ,application of intensive face mask & Oriental head massage help clear the mind, calm the spirit & ease tension.

Result is rehydrated, nourished & soothed skin combined with a sense of deep relaxation.

20€

Holistic Massage

february offers 14€ Eyebrow Wax &Tint - Eyelash Tint Beauty Therapy

ur UK fully-qualified therapists are O available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9am to 1.30pm to pamper you…

We offer a full range of Facials plus Waxing, Tinting, Manicure, Pedicure or a set of Gelish Nails from 15€!

elissa, who is UK fully-qualified with over 10 M years experience, offers a range of relaxing massage treatments: from a simple Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage to Hot Stone treatments.

Reflexolgy with UK qualified therapist Melissa - 1h session or discounts for a course of 6.

Melissa is only working on Saturdays 9.30 - 5pm throughout February, March & April

Mini Facial plus a full Manicure

25€

A Set of Gelish 15€ Nails Sandra will be away from Feb 22nd next appointments Wed 13th March

661 858 949

626 144 680

We are a self-contained private suite of rooms on the right hand side of La Vida Cucador, with its own entrance, plus disabled access and good parking If you are a fully-qualified therapist and want to know more about us or to book a room, email retreatcucador@gmail.com Become a friend on Facebook & see our monthly Special Offers!

Wednesday 27th February - from 10am

beauty without surgery with Dr. Helena Benson

Anti Frown Treatment, Juvederm, Radiesse Permanent make-up, Fillers, Permanent make-up for eyes and lips Helena Benson qualified as a medical doctor at the First Medical Academy in Moscow in 1986. In 1989 Helena came to England. During the 1990’s she worked at Harley Street and from her clinic in North London. She has been practicing natural herbs, iridology and nutrition. In the late 90’s she became involved in medical aesthetics, and now treats patients across the United Kingdom, Ireland and Spain.

Helena is the founder of the London School of Permanent Make-up, one of the leading schools in the UK.

Anti Frown treatment Juvederm, Radiesse Permanent make-up available on the day.

Improving your skin or fixing the line may not necessarily fix your life., but wouldn’t it be nice to get back what you thought you might have lost forever?

Dr Benson specializes in aesthetic medicine and facial rejuvenation, not requiring cosmetic surgery, or so called ‘lunchtime cosmetics’.Treatments for wrinkles and skin peels can become part of your grooming routine, like going to the hairdresser, doing your nails or even buying new clothes.The best modern cosmetics come in syringes, not jars!

And as Oscar Wilde said “It is only shallow people who don’t judge by first impressions”.

If you can look good and feel great about it, then why not do it?

A desire to improve your appearance is not about vanity. It’s about confidence and your self-esteem.

Helena Benson will be at rretreat, Cucador on

Wednesday 27th February Call 647 379 878 to book your appointment or email: retreatcucador@gmail.com for more information

Rretreat (next to La Vida) Cucador

to book your appointment call 647 379 878 or email: retreatcucador@gmail.com for more information

see la vida advert on page 35 for directions

Gift Vouchers always available

perm cut 49 .95€ & Blowdry Gelish nails Soak Off 5€

15€ a set

Fingers + Toes

25€

February Specials

His & Hers Cut & Blow DrY

€25.00

Tuesdays Mens Cut

€8.00

Luxury Pedicure Including Paraffin Wax Treatment only €20 Sandra is on Holiday from the 18th and will be back on 11th March

Calle Malaga - Albox (100m from Mercadona)

Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm Saturday 9.30am - 3pm. No siesta

Call for an appointment

950 633 086

Prices are subject to change without notification. Please confirm on booking. We reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time.

lo ok g o o d f eel g r ea T Could a ‘Star Trek-style’ headband help banish migraines?

A band worn across the forehead for twenty minutes a day could zap migraines that blight the lives of millions. The device - which ‘looks like something out of Star Trek’ - delivers electric impulses to the supraorbital nerve that controls sensation in and around the eye.

A study found those who used it were suffering about a third fewer debilitating headaches after a couple of months. The number of people whose migraines were reduced by half or more were also tripled, according to the findings published online in Neurology.

Professor Jean Schoenen said: ‘The device consists of a thin silver band that looks like something out of Star Trek: ‘It is hooked over the ears and worn across the forehead like futuristic sunglasses. Patients don it once daily for 20 minutes.’

A similar technique has worked on patients with pain in other parts of the body such as the back. It involves connecting the device to the nerve responsible and sending an electronic pulse to prevent it from causing pain.

Prof Schoenen, of Liege University in Belgium, was also pleased there were no side effects from the treatment. He said: ‘These results are exciting because they were similar to those of drugs that are used to prevent migraine.

But often those drugs have many side effects and frequently they are bad enough that people decide to quit taking the drug.’

In the study 67 people who had an average of four

migraine attacks a month were followed for four weeks with no treatment. Then they received either the stimulation 20 minutes a day for three months or a sham device where the electric impulses delivered were at levels too low to have any effect. Those given the stimulation had fewer migraine days in the third month compared to the first - falling from seven to five while there was no change for those given the dummy.

The study also found 38 per cent for those who had the stimulation saw their symptoms halve compared to 12 per cent in the control group.

Around one in four women and one in 12 men experience migraines which can be set off by alcohol, stress, fluorescent lighting and foods such as chocolate, red wine and caffeine.

The World Health Organisation rates migraines as a major cause of disability worldwide and it has been estimated to be the most costly neurological disorder in Europe.

Some researchers have linked them to hormonal changes while others have argued a fall in air pressure reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Lower oxygen levels may cause blood vessels in the brain to dilate - triggering a persistent pain. It has also been speculated a drop in pressure affects the fluid protecting the brain inside the skull - leading to increased pressure on brain tissue.

The device, known as Cefaly, is CE marked and costs around £260. It has been submitted to the FDA in the U.S but has not yet been approved.

Meditation: why bother and what’s it all about?

Learning meditation is processes of self- discovery, whereby many simple techniques help assist integration between the mind, body and soul, bringing about a more balanced life.

It’s my own understanding that most people are just a fragment of themselves and through meditation the fragmented parts start to come together across space and time.

Regardless of our own beliefs and background anyone can meditate to bring about internal change. It is through internal change that the external can move into our own reality. Meditation soothes away the tensions of modern day life so that you are not affected by continual ups and downs.

With personally prescribed meditation techniques you can reach deeper levels of yourself and draw on more life supporting energies that reside there. The theory is that everything is within us and meditation will put us in touch with the very essence of our being.

Meditation improves health and wellbeing and gives one a general sense of standing on a firmer foundation than before – meaning that we feel stronger and able to face challenges as they present themselves.

Meditation aids concentration, calms anxiety and worry in turn helps you to sleep. It lowers blood pressure and over time you will find yourself dealing with things more easily. It’s also energising when you have had a hard day, you become more centred and stop fighting yourself.

Scientists have found the brain waves of meditators show why they are healthier. Neuroscientists have found that meditating will shift their brain activity to different areas of the cortex – brain waves in the stress-prone right frontal cortex move to the calmer left front cortex in other words, they are calmer and happier than before.

Meditation isn’t so mysterious after all. This mental shift decreases the negative effects of stress, mild depression and anxiety, which at some point can visit us all.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Meditation is the deep relaxation experienced by the body and the central nervous system.

Daily Meditation connects you to you...

On-Going Meditation workshops for all to experience Beginners and Advanced in Los Alcazares, please contact Tracy Hughes (British School of Meditation qualified) at thmeditation@yahoo.com for further information on 968 583 979 or 672 567 627

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

19

DON’T FORGET TO SEND YOUR BEAUT Y & HEALTH TIPS TO EDITOR@SOLTIMES.COM

photo: www.eatsleepwork.com

BUT IT’S COLD!

It’s official!

men are worse at reading emotions than women Edinburgh University researchers showed a group of men and women photographs of faces, then asked various questions about them. Their brains were scanned as they came up with their answers, and their responses were timed.

When asked whether those in the photographs were male or female, or how intelligent they seemed, there was little difference in how the men and women performed. But when asked to decide how approachable the people in the photographs were, the men took longer. And, despite eventually coming to the same conclusion as the women, they seemed to find it more difficult to formulate their opinions.

Brain scans showed a rush of blood to the region known

to be involved in making judgments about emotions.

This, the researchers said, suggests that the male brain has to work harder to make social decisions, to compensate for the fact that it naturally finds these sort of judgments trickier.

Professor Stephen Lawrie, who led the study, said it was designed to give the men enough time to come up with the correct answers. But, faced with snap decisions in real life, they might start misjudging others’ thoughts.

The results, published in the journal PLoS ONE, could lead to new treatments for people with autism, as they often have difficulty in reading faces and in distinguishing between different emotions.

When the researchers carried

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Regular exercise will make you feel more energetic, which should make it a little easier to get out of your warm bed on cold, dark mornings.

Your body’s defences will also benefit. There is some limited research suggesting that moderate exercise can strengthen the immune system, thereby reducing the risk of coughs and colds.

However, more research is needed in this area.

If the shorter days are affecting your mood, being active can improve your sense of wellbeing.

You may be tempted to eat more during the colder months. Exercising will help you manage your weight better and keep your body in shape.

Chaps, the next time the woman in your life yells at you for not knowing what she’s thinking, here’s your answer...You can tell her she’s right – but you can’t help it! Scientists have confirmed that men really do find it harder to read others’ emotions.

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out the same study with men who had a condition related to autism, the rush of blood to the emotional judgment area of the brain was even greater.

Professor Lawrie said: ‘Our findings suggest that men have developed strategies to cope with their lesser natural empathy by over-activating the parts of the brain that understand social cues.

‘As this pattern is also seen in people with autism-linked conditions, it suggests we could devise new tools to help patients learn social rules and enhance their skills for engaging with other people.’

JAX

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20

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Chris Stewart’s works are known to many readers; Driving over Lemons was his first book and I read it back in 2004 whilst searching for a home in Andalucía. I still smile when fruit is lying on the road and hear it exploding under my tyres. His second book is called A Parrot in the Pepper Tree, so this week’s title came to me last week in Duquesa near Estepona, as come sunset there was a huge screeching from the parakeets, as they flew into the palm trees to roost for the night.

The looky-looky men work 365 days a year in that neck of the woods and it’s always Africans with big smiles on their faces trying to sell the most bizarre of items. I wonder if they bet amongst themselves as to who can find the most gullible buyer. The other day one of the guys had a huge mirror shaped as a guitar. Fishing reels are popular and the must have item at the moment is the bow and arrows set.

Moroccans have cornered the market in rugs, lighters and dodgy l o o k i n g chainsaws

A Parakeet in the Palm Tree

and Orientals have the Spanish concession for selling pirate DVDs. Staying on the Costas, a colleague of my wife recently had her car broken into. The thieves did not break a window or use a file hidden in a cake but instead lurked nearby with a device that cloned the radio signal when she used her zapper to lock the car.

Then they simply waited for her to disappear round the corner and unlocked her car using their fiendish contraption. Since then I have made sure nobody is lurking whenever I have locked my car.

Fuel prices are again on the rise yet huge price differences can be found. Around Albox a litre of premium diesel varies between 1.36 a litre and 1.47. Further afield I have seen it priced at over 1.50 a litre. I get ribbed at home when I mention fuel prices yet shopping around can save us all a lot of money. Cheap filling points can be found on the Santa Maria road near Huercal Overa (the Lidl junction I call it), also on the opposite side to Longo’s on the A334 near Albox (diesel only) and by far the best are the three fuel stations that all opposite the ITV

on the A334 near Partaloa.

Authorities especially in Britain are always shoving health and safety warnings down our proverbial throats. The ‘Wet Floor’ sign is a classic example yet it is a product rarely seen in Spain and so we simply tread carefully whenever we see a wet floor. I wonder if accidents are higher in Spain because of these absent signs – probably not! Cotton buds are another example as they carry a warning not to poke them into our ears! What else should we use them for?

And lastly, I wonder when the lady mayor of Mojacar will finally get lynched in a dark alley, now looking much more likely since she turned half the street lights off. She recently cancelled a public meeting, set up discuss her latest scheme to kill of Mojacar by banning live music at beach bars. It’s all to stop the kids having fun for free at ‘botellons’ on the beach. Surely another solution can be thought up that won’t further screw up an already fragile local economy.

Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as the articles are posted on there...and they’re a bit longer too! Findmeahome are always looking for quality homes for their sales and rental portfolios, please contact Stephen for a valuation: stephen@findmeahome.es Telephone: 636 266 641

braben’s blog...

What has Tina Turner got to do with Air Traffic Control? What has a Teletubby got to do with Sony’s new television and what on earth have MI5 got to do with anything? Nothing? Not quite.

Recently an airfield in Gloucestershire was plagued by huge numbers of birds, interfering with landing, messing up planes, machinery and people in the process.

They tried all sorts to get rid of them until hitting on a successful deterrent. Tina Turner. Not the lady herself, but her recordings; “Simply The Best” blaring from a moving truck frightened them off never to return, allowing planes to land safely.

Almost. I believe there were a few aborted landings when the pilots actually thought they were heading for a river deep or mountain high!

If Tina Turnering the birds is unusual, Sony, who should know better, have really been stretching things! They’ve brought us a television with a 90 inch screen! I’ve worked that out, without a calculator, as being seven and a half feet. What I can’t work out is why anyone would have a screen the size of a small family car in their home.

Imagine, you’ve had another night of musical beds with your toddler. As usual, the little bundle of energy wakes at the crack of dawn full of life and demanding Teletubbies. One of you stumbles to the lounge, puts on the television and immediately falls into a deep sleep, only to be woken shortly afterwards by a scream of delight. What’s the first thing you see? A seven foot wide menacing, babbling Teletubby staring at you from across the room. I think that’s about as welcome as Norman Bates volunteering to check the temperature on your shower!

It doesn’t take the Intelligence Service to tell you that the Teletubby incident would be a bizarre, even life changing, experience. Talking of the Intelligence Service, I think that name should be subject to the Trades Descriptions Act. Why? Apparently MI5 once considered recruiting radio controlled Graham is married to Helen and has pigeons which were to become lethal weapons when fitted a daughter, Alice. with explosives. What happened? It’s obvious! The pigeons He lives part of the year near Albox, and MI5 were no match for Tina Turner. but works in Qatar, I’ve got a theory that could make sense of all this nonsense. I teaching. If you wish think that “The Goon Show”, “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” to contact Graham regarding this and other such programmes weren’t comedies at all but article email: groundbreaking reality shows showing how silly we really are! helenandg@yahoo. co.uk Now there’s a thought!

www.soltimes.com

REVIEW it...

The Geneveh Project BY Quentin Cope

“He who wants a rose must respect the thorn.” (Ancient Persian proverb) spoken by the Head of the I.R.G. “I am that thorn.”

Such a precarious situation. Middle East volatility and American aggression, protecting their own interests.

Many of the events are based on fact and Cope has created a fast-moving, tense political thriller that exposes megalomania, corruption and greed on a damning scale with devastating results. No winners, just losers.

The stakes are high. This is about oil in the Gulf. Set towards the end of the war between Iraq and Iran in the 80s the Iraqis were preventing the Iranians from exporting oil and so the latter were being “strangled economically.” They needed nothing short of a miracle to survive the war and this is where self-made British tycoon Declan Doyle comes into the picture, a rich, successful entrepreneur motivated by greed to make 20 million dollars out of a “hair-brained scheme” with “too many unknowns, too much risk” and of course, it is far too expensive. Depicted more as an anti-hero it is a challenge, a deadly game that he wants to win at any price to feed his ego, increase the power stakes and satisfy his greed to fund his already lavish lifestyle of private boats and planes, first class travel and all those trappings of wealth that most of us dream about but never achieve.

Paddy Doherty, ex Secret Intelligence Service like Doyle and retired Colonel acts as gobetween/negotiator on behalf of the Head of the mercenary Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Mohsen Raza, the second most powerful man in Iran after the Ayatollah Khomeini, extremely dangerous and feared by all. Menacing and ruthless.

Doyle comes up with an innovative idea to export the oil in spite of the risks too great to consider and seems prepared to risk “committing commercial suicide.” And so this risky game is on! Many lives are at stake. Many lives will be lost.

Soon we discover that there are “dark forces” working surreptitiously in the shadows ready to sabotage Project 112/406, the Iraqis and the Americans with the Russians and British Secret Service watching from the sidelines and even the Israelis supplying top secret information to the Americans. No love lost. World Politics is a dangerous game.

“Whatever the Israelis know, the Americans know. Whatever the Americans know, the Iraqis know.” Failure to accomplish this daunting task would result in the execution of Doyle. This is the MURKY world of espionage and no-one is ever safe.

Suicide bombers indoctrinated with the prospect of being a Jihad and achieving Mujahid status, letter bombs, missiles and assassins, CIA or SIS, double-crossings. Trust noone. In spite of the penalties and Doyle was well aware of them, he still went ahead and embarked on his “last ditch project” to get oil out of Iran at the mercy of Raza, the second most powerful man in Iran but the MOST dangerous.

Politically it WAS a volatile situation and still is. The story is exciting and Doyle walks the tightrope more as a political pawn rather than an accomplished acrobat. He is out to succeed but he is unknowingly, competing against the superpowers who want to destroy the Geneveh Project and cripple the Iranians. They are too powerful and more determined to succeed.

For a man who was “hungry for a dollar” how was he going to survive in a “dog eat dog” world? Was he going to survive? Intriguing enough for you to discover for yourselves!

Enjoy!

Available on Kindle or from Amazon.co.uk/es/com ISBN: 978-147-834-7-224 Carol Naylor - writing exclusively for the Sol Times Naylorcl@hotmail.es & www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

21

The History of St Valentine’s Day

Every February, chocolates, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

The history of Valentine’s Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor’s daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure.

It’s no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial — which probably occurred around 270 A.D — others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to ‘christianise’ celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification.

Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February,

February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at the sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would then sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification.

During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February — Valentine’s Day — should be a day for romance.

The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the middle of the eighteenth century, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes.

By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology.

Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine’s Day greetings.

Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began to sell the first mass-produced valentines in America.

VALENTINE’S FACT: According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest cardsending holiday of the year; an estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas!

22

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

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

PURCHASING A HOME IN SPAIN

Buyers of property in Spain naturally find the formalities and procedures involved, strange and confusing and this is often compounded by problems of language and difficulty in obtaining local professional advice that they can understand.

The wise thing to do is to take on the services of a qualified professional; of which there are many in all the tourist-orientated resorts who speak good English or who at least have English-speaking secretaries.

The Law Society in each province controls the work of Spanish solicitors in Spain.

Here is a very general outline of the work that goes on behind the scene, so that you have a rough idea of what to expect.

1- Request of the copy of the seller’s escritura. A study of the first notarial copy of the sellers Escritura de Compraventa will indicate whether all the tax and registration procedures have been completed on the previous transfer. The registration details entered on the Escritura will enable the lawyer to do a complete search in the Register, and therefore make sure that the seller has a proper title and ensure there are no hidden charges or encumbrances affecting the property.

2. Make sure there are no outstanding bills.

3. It is normal for a deposit to be handed over to reserve the property until the signing of the Escritura de Propiedad can take place. When the deposit is handed over your lawyer will draw up a solid contract to secure both parties until the day of the signing. .

4.If you are a non-resident the Spanish Ministry of interior requires you to obtain a certificate of non residency (which in turn determines your fiscal number) so that you can sign the escritura. It will also be required later on by the Tax Authorities. This is known as the NIE number.

5.If you buy from a non-resident you must hold back 3% of the price stipulated on the escritura which

your lawyer or in this case yourself will pay to the Tax Authority on behalf of the sellers capital gains tax.

(The lawyer will not be able to register your property until he has obtained the receipt from the tax office for this money,). If he is accustomed to dealing with foreigners, he will point this out, if he does not, watch out.

6. When deciding where, when and how you are going to pay for your house in Spain it is very important that you seek advice on your particular case, because the Spanish Law concerning foreign investment does not permit the payment to be made in any old way.

If your lawyer is used to foreign conveyance, he will automatically point out the correct way of handling this.

7. Your lawyer will draw up a rough draft for the notary to prepare the title deed. (By contrast to England, in Spain each time a transaction takes place a new title deed is drawn up).

8,when the escritura is signed there are taxes and fees to be paid, which your lawyer will do for you, on receiving appropriate funding.

9 Order the property register to inscribe your title deed.

10.Aprox. One month from the signing of the escritura you will receive your escritura with the registers stamp on it, and receipts for all the payments made on your behalf. (I recommend you staple them to your title deed forever, because when you go to sell they can be used as deductions against capital gains.)

Congratulations, you now have your final title deed.

I want to take the opportunity to say that even though all this sounds complicated, the Spanish legal system in what concerns the buying of property when used properly, gives both the seller and the buyer total safety.

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.

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It quickly became apparent in these trying financial times that a more cost effective and flexible service could be offered to help people move from one country to another with the minimum amount of stress.

Way2go now have four depots in Javea, Malaga airport, Swanley and Burton-on-Trent adding more value and convenience to our service and if these don’t suit then we offer a delivery and collection service. We also offer one day`s free hire on all bookings, no charges for credit or debit cards transactions and additional drivers are free of charge. We can also offer discounted rates when using Brittany Ferries between Spain and the UK where you can transport your pets for as little as £40.00.

It is worth remembering when traveling selfdrive, you don’t have to pay for expensive flights as with conventional removals.

So, if you don’t fancy using a removal

company to handle and deliver your personal belongings and want a more cost effective option, Way2go is perfect for you. Pack and load your own prized possessions, take full control of your schedules whilst taking in the beautiful scenery of Spain, France and of course, the UK. Rest assured that all Way2Go vehicles have commercial insurance with Lloyds of London which is essential for self-drive hire companies. Beware of alternative insurance being offered where the wrong insurance is as good as having no insurance!

If self-drive hire isn’t your cup of tea, relax and let us take the responsibility for you.

We will include all the overheads along with a full UK invoice offering you peace of mind and us accountability for the service we are providing. Please remember that Way2Go never tranships your consignment onto third party subcontractors’ articulated lorries which has become common practice within the industry. The same helpful and professional driver loading your consignment will be the same making the delivery at your destination.

We feel that this old fashioned, tried and tested method is hard to find these days unless you pay large organisations huge sums of money.

We are confident when quoting ‘apples for apples’ that Way2Go can’t be beaten on value or service.

After only five years we are proud to announce the expansion of Way2Go Hire with the two new depots and eight brand new vehicles. This now means half our fleet are left hand drive, where over the next year we will be working hard to open more depots and only operating left hand drive vehicles.

For all the above reasons, along with a great hardworking team, we find ourselves providing our customers with a most cost effective quality service for all your requirements which is reflected in our testimonials.

Way2Go Hire would like to take this opportunity to thank all our clients, past and present.

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At the Pink House VEGETARIAN MEALS IT’S OFFICIAL.... CUT HEART DISEASE BY 30%

VEGETARIAN MEAL IN TOWN

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Our main menu full of mouth watering meals from the VEG CURRY served with cous cous and rice, the MIGHTY JACKET POTATO with all the fillings you can think of. The hot crispy freshly baked BAGUETTE with your choice of filling. The Italian SPAGETTI & MACARONI with our authentic Italian Bolognese & béchamel sauce. And of course our HOUSE SPECIALS with our secret flavours, A: The TASTY KOUSHERY everyone’s favourite.

B: FALFAL “Veg Burger” and the newly introduced Middle Easterns most popular meal C: FOUL full of protein. TOGETHER with Our homemade soup of the day ~ Our delicious freshly baked cakes – carrot,

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SERVED WITH Hot and cold drinks......and remember ALL soups, cakes and drinks still at €

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

The Tightening Tax Net

Spain’s asset reporting obligation is its latest initiative to increase tax revenue. Over the last decade or so the tax environment has changed dramatically. Here are some of the key tax events since 2000.

2000, June – EU starts negotiations on its Savings Tax Directive to ensure all EU residents pay the tax due on their savings income.

2002, July – Spanish tax authorities reach agreement with Jersey regarding information exchange.

2005, July – Savings Tax Directive comes into force.

2006, April – Barclays Bank is forced to disclose details of offshore customers to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

2007, February - Four major UK banks are made to reveal details of offshore customers to HMRC. 2009, March – International pressure builds on offshore financial centres in wake of the financial crisis. Switzerland agrees to relax its banking secrecy rules.

O

By Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent, Blevins Franks

2009, August – 308 UK and offshore banks are ordered to give HMRC details about offshore accounts.

2010, January – Spanish tax rate on savings income increases from 18% to 19% and 21%.

2010, June – Spanish government says it is investigating 3,000 Swiss bank accounts owned by Spanish taxpayers.

2010, October – Switzerland and the UK agree to negotiate an accord to tax Swiss bank accounts owned by UK taxpayers.

2011, January – Spain top rate of income tax increases to 45%.

2011, February – Electricity companies are obliged to provide information to the tax authorities regarding the electricity usage of every property.

2011, July – Savings Tax Directive withholding tax rate jumps from 20% to 35%. Isle of Man and Guernsey start to automatically report on interest earnings.

2011, September – Wealth tax is re-introduced.

2011, October – The Spanish tax office writes to 300,000 property owners, warning them it is aware they have not submitted tax returns.

2012, January – Income tax rates increase for everyone in Spain, taking the top rate up to 52%. Tax on savings income increases to 21%, 25% and 27%.

2012, April – Spain’s tax amnesty is approved.

2012, October/November – Spain’s anti-fraud plan, including the new asset reporting requirement, is passed into law.

2013, 30 April – First deadline to report your offshore assets.

To make sure your tax planning is up to date take professional advice from a specialist firm like Blevins Franks which has decades of experience advising British expatriates in Spain.

Tax information has been summarised; an individual should take personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website w w w.blevinsfranks.com

Bedar, 04288 (next to Miramar Restaurant)

Tel: 950 469 624 or 687 938 466

Olive

Email: info@olivehouse-es.com

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Monday - Friday 10am - 3.30pm

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Antas

OLV505

...it’s all in the detail Lubrin

OLV566

for rent in Los Carasoles Beautiful villa on 400m2 plot

4 bedrooms, 3 baths, storage room, spacious garden, Quiet area with nice views and plenty of light 20 minutes from the beach

Rental: 350€ pcm

For more information or to arrange to view a property call or email New Horizon Villas, Los Carasoles. Open 9am - 2pm

A great opportunity to purchase a detached 4 bedroom property situated just minutes from the market town of Antas, Vera and just over a 10 minute drive to nearest coastal resort.

159,000€

OLV272

Los

Gallardos

This fantastic 8 bed property is situated between the villages of Bedar and Los Gallardos. Full of character and original features this wonderful property is in an excellent location.

390,000€

Cortijo Algarrobo A reformed, 200 year old detached 2 bed Cortijo with outstanding views and sitting within it’s own plot of 10,000 sq mtrs.

130,000€

Bedar

OLV353

This pretty 3 bedroom detached townhouse is located in a great position just a few minutes walk into the village but with easy access and it’s own private garage.

110,000€

Tel Office: 950 449 600 Out of hours: 636 20 50 70

info@newhorizonvillas.com www.newhorizonvillas.com

Palomino Kennels

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

Offer a Warm, Friendly Environment in a secure Countryside Setting.

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Est 25yrs

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

PRICE BROWN PARTNERSHIP ESTATE AGENTS/INMOBILARIA - MOJACAR

SALES, RENTALS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VENTAS, ALQUILERES Y MANTENAMIENTO

137,500 € Mojácar Playa A1149 165,000 € Mojácar Playa A1048 130,000 € Mojacar Playa A1077 235,000€ Mojácar Playa DV1257 A quality 1st floor apartment of 82m2 in a well kept popular community. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Parking & storeroom. Community pool with sea views. Furnished.

Charming ground floor apartment of 134m2 + garden of 20m2 on a sought after front line complex. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Superb community gardens & pool.

110,000 € Mojácar Playa A1153 Quality ground floor apartment of 69m2 + terrace of 34m2 less than 400mtrs from the beach. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Superb community gardens, tennis & pool.

49,995 € Turre A1051 Spacious ground floor apartment of 61 m2, well furnished, near the town centre. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Lshaped living/dining room. Central patio & communal roof terrace.

Beautiful 1st floor apartment of 65m2 +18 m2 private terrace with sea views.

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Furnished.

Lovely community pool & gardens.

Just a few minutes walk to the beach.

Charming modernised bungalow of 105m2 on 499 m2 only 5 mins walk from the beach. 3 bed, 2 bath, garden with space for pool, A/C, PVC windows & good security.

125,500 € Cabrera DV1250

395,000 € La Parata DV1253

125,000 € Mojácar Playa A1142

Attractive detached bungalow of 87m2 on 130 m2 in a small community. 2 bed, 2 bath. Stunning communal pool, terraces & outstanding views. Easy parking & furnished.

An extremely private detached villa of 249 m2 on 20,462 m2 with superb views to the sea. In superb order throughout. 3 bed, 2.5 bath. Garage, terraces, gardens & room for a pool.

Superb apartment of 67m2 with fabulous sea views. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, huge terrace of 41m2.

Furnished. Community pool. Good rental potential.

139,950€ Mojácar Playa LV602 160,000 € Mojácar Playa A1083 145,000 € Mojácar Playa A1116 Very attractive townhouse of 81 m2 + 28 m2 of terrace in a well maintained gated complex. 2 bed, 1.5 bath.

Furnished. Near the beach. Lovely community pool & gardens.

Lovely ground floor apartment of 83m2 + 16 m2 terrace on a small, sought after, complex. 3 bed, 2 bath & furnished. Well maintained, & pretty, community pool & gardens

Immaculate ground floor apartment 70 m2 + 24 m2 in a well kept gated complex just 2 mins from the beach.

Community pool, tennis & gardens. 3 bed, 1 bath, storeroom & parking.

www.pricebrown.com Tel: +34 950 478 915 Fax: +34 950 478 963 sales@pricebrown.com

rentals@pricebrown.com

Mondays 10.00 - 13.30 & 15.00 - 18.00 Tuesdays - Fridays 9.30 - 13.30 & 15.00 - 18.00 Members of the National Association of Estate Agents Overseas

All properties listed with Price Brown comply with the consumer protection act - decreto 218/2005 11 Octobre (Andalucia).

Members of the Agrupacion Tecnica Profesional

Prices are correct for 7 days from going to print for all properties on these pages

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

the

yorkshire linen co.

home furnishing specialists

Now Even Bigger, Brighter And Better!

One of the most popular stores in the Mazarron area has now expanded to give its customers even more choice and space. Extending into the unit next door has increased the floor space to over 200 square metres. Peter and Karen, who own the business, said “We had outgrown the existing shop and really needed more space. We decided to invest in the business due to the growing demand for specialist soft furnishings products. By listening to our customers, we think we know exactly what they want in terms of stock on the shelves, plus the environment they prefer to shop in. We are in our eighth year of business and have gained an envious reputation for providing customers with a wide range of home textiles and decorative accessories for every room in the house, at fantastic prices.

We can now offer our customers a greater range of home furnishings with the emphasis firmly on value.” Customers will find even more choice of products with new ranges such as dried flowers and vases, ornaments, pictures, candles, lampshades and rugs.” advertising feature

The Yorkshire Linen Company success is built on the ‘customer being king’ and they take great pride in providing outstanding products backed by an extremely high standard of customer care. Their motto of ‘expect more, pay less’ encapsulates their whole philosophy.

A real success story, The Yorkshire Linen Company

property guide....

Many can do it well...

Some can do it very well... but only a few do it like us... always with the customer in mind Camposol Business centre sector a, camposol mazarron

www.anotherworld-properties.com sales@anotherworldproperties.net

TEL: 968 592 679

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT

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 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com

Vera Playa Apartment

LOS GALLARDOS

Parking is easy above the Mercadona at the commercial centre in Puerto De Mazarrón, opposite Lidl.

For more information call 968 595 946 or 650 857 619. See the latest collections on the NEW website at www.yorkshirelinen.com

Apartment For Sale on golf course

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

now only

€39,950

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

Almería Estate Agent 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

The persistence of the crisis, and the new capital requirements contained in the two decrees of restructuring of the financial sector approved by the Government in 2012, were two of the reasons for the acceleration of sales by these organisations.

This also influenced the creation of the Sareb or so-called ‘bad bank’, which is already underway, and whose role will be to manage the real estate assets that remain, most likely with some discounts even greater than those mentioned, which these institutions have used extensively to dispose of these properties.

El Mundo reported that in order to sell homes and other assets, the banks also used other relevant factors as incentives to buyers such as the end of the tax relief for first-time home purchase, on 31st December 2012, or the increase in VAT from 4% to 10% in 2013.

Almost all these entities noticed an increase in sales in the last quarter of the year in order to benefit from the tax relief for house purchases, which ended on 1st January, 2013.

They also had the incentive of falling house prices in Spain, which in the second quarter of 2012 alone decreased by 15.2% from a year earlier, and was the country in the European Union (EU) where prices fell most since, according to data from the European Statistics Agency (Eurostat), prices fell on average by 1.9%.

For all the latest property news, go to: www.kyero.com

O Olive

Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466

C/Llanos, Bedar (Next to the Miramar Restaurant)

Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm

www.olivehouse-es.com

lubrin - 55,000€ Fabulous townhouse in the middle of the village of Lubrin. Two bedrooms, living room and kitchen. plus a small outside space for sitting in the sun.

OLV262

with lovely mountain and valley views

2 BED TOWNHOUSE IN QUIET COMPLEX COMFORTABLE & FULLY FURNISHED, CLOSE TO AMENITIES AND EASY DRIVE TO BEACH PRICED TO SELL AT EUROS MORTGAGE AVAILABLE IF REQUIRED

CALL 609 585 969

Yorkshire Linen is open Monday–Friday 10am6pm & Saturday 10am–2pm.

The four major banks that have been, or are, in the hands of the State – CAM Bank, NCG Banco, Bankia, and CatalunyaCaixa – last year sold nearly 40,000 real estate assets amounting to more than 5,000 million euros, with discounts reaching 60%.

Restored, large Cortijo in Almanzora Valley

DIRECT FROM OWNER

110,000

is an established and influential retail operator in the UK and has more than 40 stores and employs over 300 staff. There are now 9 stores in Spain and Portugal. As franchisees, this allows Peter and Karen to pass on great choice and value to their customers. With regular deliveries from the UK and other suppliers in Spain and Germany, a lot of the collections are unique to the Yorkshire Linen Co and customers know that they can buy something a bit different for their homes. This, alongside their excellent level of service and advice, has seen the business grow into one of the most popular shops in the area. Peter, Karen and their staff would like to welcome new customers from the Almeria area and look forward to serving you in 2013. Many customers from Almeria make a day out to Puerto de Mazarron to visit Yorkshire Linen and enjoy the beautiful beaches, marina and paseo. There are many bars and restaurants to choose from for a leisurely lunch before you travel home.

Nationalised Banks Offload Over 40,000 Homes in 2012

• 3 Double Bedrooms • Spacious Kitchen/Dining Room • Roof Terrace 45m2 • Large Covered Front Porch • Garage • 1500 metres garden • Walled and gated • Fully legal • Mains water & electricity

large country properties needed

€125,000

English Tel: 0044 1952 246 476 Email: berniefinlay@hotmail.co.uk

in the Los Velez area

genuine clients waiting to view

info@icasaspain.com

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

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Turn On The Style With Tiles

27

…the one great thing about living in Spain is the choice of tiles available for every room!

Tiles – in ceramic, slate, natural stone and a variety of other materials – have become an increasingly popular covering for floors and walls not least because they are hygienic and easy to clean. This means that they can be incorporated as an element of kitchen design, or bathroom design, for example, where they are less likely to harbour allergens than some other floor or wall coverings. Not only that, but tiles are available in a wide range of colours and finishes and so can add a touch of elegance to any room...

Ceramic tiles, for example, are no longer restricted to neutral white, cream or grey, as was once the case and are available in brighter, warmer colours in a choice of unglazed, glazed, mosaic and porcelain finishes. Glazing –the application of liquid glaze to the surface of a tile by high pressure spraying or direct pouring – followed by firing in a kiln at a temperature above 1,000°C, creates a hard, water resistant surface.

article courtesy of www.kyero.com - for all the latest property news

Spain: Biggest Annual House Price Drop in Europe

In the third quarter of 2012, the price of housing in Spain registered a drop of 15.2% year-on-year, which is the biggest drop recorded among all the European Union countries, which experienced an average decrease of 1.9% compared to the same period in 2011.

These results are taken from data published by the European statistical office, Eurostat, which has published, for the first time, homogeneous data on the evolution of housing prices between the 27 member countries. This negative percentage rises to 2.5% in the Eurozone countries.

According to Eurostat’s data, the year-on-year drop in Spanish house prices accelerated throughout the year, reaching 12.5% in the first three months 2012, and 14.4% in the second quarter.

In quarterly terms, house prices in Spain dropped by 3.7% in the third quarter, above the average decline of 0.7% in the Eurozone and 0.4% in the whole of the EU, coming only behind the declines of 4.2% and 3.7%

experienced and the respectively.

in Romania Netherlands,

Specifically, among the States for which data was available, the largest yearon-year increases in house prices were registered in Estonia (+8.4%), Luxembourg (+7.1%) and Finland (+2.1%), while the largest declines were recorded in Spain (15.2%), Ireland (-9.6%), the Netherlands (-8.7%) and Portugal (-7.7%).

Regarding the second quarter of 2012, the largest increases in house prices were recorded in Estonia (+2.6%), Latvia (+2.3%), United Kingdom (+1.7%) and Ireland (+1.6%), while the largest decreases were registered in Romania (4.2%), the Netherlands (3.9%) and Spain (-3.7%).

El Mundo reported that, with the announcement of the data on the evolution of housing prices in the EU in the third quarter of 2012, Eurostat is “responding to the demand for reliable and comparable statistics” on developments in the housing market nationally and in the

EU.

The statistics agency said: “The evolution of housing prices is important for the purposes of our economy and monetary policy, particularly to monitor macroeconomic imbalances and risk exposure of the financial sector, and well as being relevant for households, to measure changes in prices of the most important component of families’ expenditure and wealth”.

Mosaic tiles, although essentially manufactured in the same way, are made from pigmented clay, so that the colour extends throughout the tile, making them more resistant to wear and tear. Mosaic tiles are often sold mounted on paper, rather than loose, and although the intricacies of the production process do make them more expensive than some other type of tile, they are, nevertheless, water resistant and highly durable.

Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile, but the use of porcelain clays means that they have a much lower water absorption rate – typically less than 5% – than other ceramic tiles, and, when glazed, are much more durable and hard-wearing. Porcelain tiles can be used to reproduce the look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost.

Whatever you choose will add a touch of style to your home!

Many can do it well...

Some can do it very well... but only a few do it like us... always with the customer in mind

www.anotherworld-properties.com sales@anotherworldproperties.net

TEL: 968 592 679 Camposol Business centre sector a, camposol, mazarron

We urgently require properties for sale or rent, Orihuela Costa & surrounding areas for waiting clients Please contact

Sitara Properties Tel: 966 723 437 or 636 615 716

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

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Sol Insure

What’s happening in your area?

Looking Around for Insurance or Renewal Due?

www.soltimes.com daily

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Local News What’s on?

Where to go? What to do?

Local Business Directory

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Did You Know...

You can watch FREE documentaries...

This is a great new addition to the TV & Radio page, which although unfinished (ahem!) has become very popular.

We have a growing collection of eyeopening, interesting and controversial full length documentaries that you can watch On Demand.

What makes this even better is that it’s absolutely FREE! Visit www.soltimes. com and navigate to TV & Radio, scroll down to the Documentary List and choose a category...

If you have any Documentary requests, ideas or difficulties please e-mail me at webmaster@ soltimes.com

902 750 190

If you have any questions or ideas please email me at webmaster @soltimes.com

950 472 098

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

29

FANTASTIC

OPPORTUNITy

Villa with pool in Mojácar playa for €299,950 Hostel Rosa is a very attractive property set in a typically Spanish residential area of Mojacar Playa. In total the property has a built area of 211.75 mts2 built on two levels on a 725 mts2 freehold plot. The main property has a built area of 97.45 mts2 divided between dining living room, large kitchen, hallway, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. There is also a covered

terrace and part of it has been made into a conservatory. The separate edification where the guest quarter is based has a total of built area of 114.30 mts2 - 68.80 mts2 on the ground floor and 45.50 mts2 on the first floor.

Both ground and second properties are self contained apartments with their own completely entrance. The property also benefits from a roof terrace with sea

and mountain views as well as private swimming pool. The beach is literally down the road no more than a 2 minutes brisk walk. There are plenty of parking spaces for parking, etc.

This property is ideal from those who is looking for a comfortable property they can live in whilst generate a reasonable income by either renting the 2 apartments as self contained properties or running as a Bed &

Breakfast place.

There is a bus stop a few minutes walk down the road and the property is also within walking distance to bars, restaurants, supermarkets, butchers, travel agents and so on. An opportunity to be grabbed!

For more information or to book a viewing appointment please visit our office or contact us via phone or e-mail. Ref: 1060

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria property group

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

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

Do You Have A Property For Sale?

D L O

3 bed 2 bath detached farmhouse Oria €125,000

S

3 bed 1 bath fully reformed village house Arboleas €65,000

2 bed 1 bath villa with garage and pool Arboleas €139,000

5 bed 4 bath farmhouse on 3000m plot Albox €175,000

Is it getting the viewings it deserves from your current agent?

Is it realistically priced?

If so give us a call urgently. We are a local agent and one of the most pro active advertising on all of the key search portals to reach the maximum level of buyers of property in the area.

WE CAN CAN HELP HELP YOU YOU WE

January has been an exceptionally busy month in terms of sales and we have a large database of Belgian and Dutch clients looking to purchase over the next few months

We urgently urgently require require We

FULLY LEGAL VILLAS WITH SWIMMING POOL TO 160,000 EUROS CHARACTER PROPERTIES, FULL REFORMED TO A GOOD STANDARD AND WITH LAND OR GARDEN AND CLOSE TO AMENITIES In Arboleas, Albox, Cantoria, Huercal Overa and surrounding areas

If you are looking to sell your property then please do get in touch to see how we can help you.

Calida Homes Property Consultancy Tel: 950 430 763 or 697 875 717 www.calidahomespropconsult.com Email: calidahomes@hotmail.com

30

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

food news. . .e asy entertaining...food news

Horsemeat scandal:

Beef products ‘pose no health risk’ All processed beef products are safe to eat but consumers must be prepared for more unwelcome news in the ongoing horsemeat scandal, the government says.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said “nothing seen so far presented a health risk”.

According to a report by the BBC, Mr Paterson, who is to update MPs later on the latest development s, said it looked as if an “extensive” c r i m i n a l conspiracy may have taken place.

Legal action is set to begin in continental Europe

on Monday, he added.

Mr Paterson has already said a moratorium on EU meat imports, which has been called for, is not allowed under EU rules.

In France, the government has summoned meat industry representatives to talks and some ready meals were withdrawn after horsemeat was found in some beef-labelled foods sold in Europe.

Mr Paterson said reports from France suggested the problem had been pinned down to two abattoirs in Romania.

The controversy surrounding contamination of meat products has spread all over Europe, affecting countries including Sweden, Poland and the Republic of Ireland.

Last month, Irish food inspectors announced they

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Mr Paterson told the BBC a factory in Luxembourg, which has been linked to the French cases, had to issue warnings to 16 different countries. He said he did not know how widespread the problem was but “we have to be prepared for more unwelcome news”.

Tests were continuing and it was the responsibility of the retailers to “convince their consumers of the validity and quality of their products”, he said.

Mr Paterson added that the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) advice was to continue buying and eating processed beef products, but if any evidence of a serious threat to health emerged “we will act very swiftly”.

The FSA has ordered food businesses to conduct authenticity tests on all beef products for significant levels of horsemeat and the

deadline for the first set of results is Friday 15 February.

Last week Findus UK took its frozen beef lasagne, made by the Comigel food processing company in France, off the shelves after some were found to have up to 100% horsemeat in them.

“A La Carte” & “Deli Sandwich” Menu closed tuesdays

Safety issues • Experts say horsemeat itself should be no more dangerous than beef to eat and is safe • The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has ordered food businesses to check for horsemeat in all beef products, such as beef burgers, meatballs and lasagne. The first set of results are expected on Friday 15 February • There is concern that some horses are given a drug called bute (phenylbutazone) which can be dangerous to humans

The FSA has asked Findus to test their contaminated beef lasagne for the veterinary drug phenylbutazone as animals treated with “bute” are not allowed to enter the food chain. The results are expected in the next few days.

• In rare cases it causes a serious blood disorder known as aplastic anaemia where the body does not make enough new blood cells • Animals treated with phenylbutazone are not allowed to enter the food chain for this reason

The Chief Medical Officer for England, Dame Sally Davies, said: “It’s understandable that people will be concerned, but it is important to emphasise that, even if bute is found to be

• The Food Standards Agency has ordered Findus to test their beef lasagne that contains horsemeat for bute • Results are expected in the next few days

how much caffeine is too much?

A large cup of Starbucks coffee contains more than three quarters of a person’s ‘safe’ daily dose of caffeine, according to a report.

According to a report by the Mail Online, the 16oz ‘Grande’ coffee is said to contain nearly double the recommended limit for a pregnant woman, while a typical home-made 8oz cup of coffee is well above a 10-year-old’s daily allowance. But scientists stress that such statistical averages can vary widely from person to person, with factors such as gender and genetics having an impact on tolerance levels.

A person’s tolerance can also be affected by other drug use, with women who take the contraceptive pill breaking down caffeine slower, and smokers process the stimulant faster than non-smokers.

A study by the government regulatory agency Health Canada concluded that the average person can have up to 400mg of caffeine a day

winter warmer menu To include

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present at low levels, there is a very low risk indeed that it would cause any harm to health.”

Findus UK said the only product on sale in the UK using ingredients from the French supplier had been its beef lasagne and all other beef products on sale in the UK had been DNA-tested and cleared.

Homemade Steak Pie, Chips & Gravy Sausage & mash Gammon Steak, Chips, Peas & Pineapple

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had found horsemeat in some burgers stocked by a number of UK supermarket chains, including Tesco, Iceland and Lidl.

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without experiencing negative affect, such as anxiety or heart problems.

The average allowance for a pregnant woman is 200mg, according to the Food Standards Agency, and 75mg for a 10-year-old.

A 16oz Starbucks coffee has 330mg of caffeine, according to a table compiled by Chemical and Engineering News.

However, Starbucks deny the findings, saying their Grande contains just 140mg - still more than a third of the daily recommended limit.

This is compared to an 8oz cup of brewed coffee, which contains 133mg, and an 8oz cup of instant coffee, which has 93mg.

An 8oz can of Monster Energy has 92mg, while an 8oz Red Bull can has 83mg. A bottle of Coca-Cola contains 58mg of caffeine, while a an 8oz cup of decaf coffee has 5mg and hot chocolate has 9mg.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

send your recipes to editor@soltimes.com d o o G

T

31

Grea tF rie nds YELLOW

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STONE BAR

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served 9 ~ 12 Parties & Special Events

Valentine’s Day has, over time, become synonymous with food and the potential aphrodisiac qualities of certain foods; scientifically, an aphrodisiac is anything which increases sexual desire.

catered for Ask at bar

Throughout history, many foods, drinks, and behaviors have had a reputation for making sex more attainable and/or pleasurable with many aphrodisiacs gaining their reputation from what they symbolise - ahem!!!

Food seems to be able to ‘create’ the desired result purely because we want it too – the ‘placebo’ effect; medical science has not substantiated any claims that a particular food can increase sexual desire or performance.

Most common aphrodisiacs today include:

• Banana: due not only to its shape(!), but also its creamy, lush texture, some studies show its enzyme bromelain enhances male performance!

• Caviar: is high in zinc, which stimulates the formation of testosterone, maintaining male functionality.

• Champagne: viewed as the “drink of love,” moderate quantities lower inhibitions and cause a warm glow in the body.

• Chocolate: contains both a sedative which relaxes and lowers inhibitions and a stimulant to increase activity and the desire for physical contact. It was actually banned from some monasteries centuries ago.

• Figs: seasonal crops were celebrated by ancient Greeks in a frenzied copulation ritual.

• Ginseng: increases desire for physical contact - allegedly!

• Perfumes: made of natural foodstuffs such as almond, vanilla, and other herbs and spices act as a pheromone to communicate emotions by smell.

• Puffer Fish: considered both a delicacy and an aphrodisiac in Japan. If the poisonous gland is not properly removed, the tiniest taste is deadly. The flirt with death is said to give a sexual thrill. Not recommended.

• Oysters: Some oysters repeatedly change their sex from male to female and back, giving rise to claims that the oyster lets one experience the masculine and feminine sides of love.

• Radish: considered a divine aphrodisiac by Egyptian pharoahs, most likely because its spicy taste stimulated the palate.

• Truffles: probably due to its rarity and musky aroma, it has long been considered to arouse the palate and the body. To sustain his masulinity, an ancient lover in lore was said to have gorged himself to death on Alba truffles during the wedding feast.

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• Alcohol: lowers inhibitions and increases confidence; however, over-indulgence has a sedative effect not conducive to a romantic tryst!

• Asparagus: three courses of asparagus were served to 19th century bridegrooms due to its reputed aphrodisiacal powers.

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The Irish Rover Your No1 Entertainment Venue in Mojacar for All the Family

Forthcoming events......

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Morgan - Irish Folk Singer Mark Nugent and Tommy McCarthy telephone: 950 473 135

mojacar playa between Lua & Moma Beach Open 10am till late (Closed Mon & Tues)

32

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

view us online www.soltimes.com http://thelunchbox.co

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ban packed lunches!

A ban on pupils’ packed lunches to help prop up the ‘economically bust’ school dinners system is being called for by Government food advisers.

Restaurateurs Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent argue that this would save parents £2billion a year which could then be ploughed into school canteens.

And they believe that, if they cannot convince ministers to ban packed lunches, schools should police what parents give their children and confiscate unhealthy items such as sweets and fizzy drinks – although they admit it would be an uphill task.

Mr Dimbleby said one headmaster said he had ‘other battles to fight’ when he suggested banning unhealthy snacks.

The system would rely on revamped school meals to tempt children more than

‘institutional’ meat and two veg and processed food. Mr Dimbleby and Mr Vincent, who own the Leon chain of restaurants, began surveying school meals last year.

Cooking lessons at school will become compulsory for children aged seven to 14 from September as the Government aims to ensure they can make up to 20 dishes before taking their GCSE exams.

Education Secretary Michael Gove is also considering banning packed lunches as ministers look at new ways of improving diets while they battle with soaring child obesity, reported the Sunday Times.

Leon fast food chain founders Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent were tasked last year by Mr Gove, 45, with moving on the campaign for better school meals begun by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, 37 Mr Dimbleby and Mr Vincent

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want pupils to be banned from bringing in packed lunches or leaving the premises at lunchtime, at a time when only 40 per cent of children are eating school meals.

They suggest parents should spend the £2billion that annually goes on packed lunches on school meals instead, and double the takeup percentage over five years, reported the Sunday Times.

‘Rather than ask government to subsidise a structurally bust system we want the system to become solvent by getting more customers to pay for school dinners,’ Mr Dimbleby told the newspaper.

The pair said the majority of packed lunches are normally a sandwich, chocolate bar, packet of crisps and an apple, which is often put back in the lunchbox again and again when brought home by pupils.

During tours of school canteens, they were pleased to find no sign of Turkey Twizzlers - famously criticised by Mr Oliver eight years ago - and said the meals have improved over the past decade.

But former Eton pupil Mr Dimbleby told the Sunday Times: ‘There’s still too much processed food in school canteens. Some of the meals I ate were a bit institutional meat and two veg.’

The duo added that the Government cannot afford to invest the £60billion required to rescue the school dinner system - and that parents will have to foot the bill to solve the problem.

Mr Dimbleby and Mr Vincent’s chain has 13 restaurants in London and the South East, specialises in burger, chicken and fish dishes and has an emphasis on sustainability and providing good nutrition.

Article: www.dailymail.co.uk

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

email your favourite recipes to editor@soltimes.com

33

...FOOD & ENTERTAINING Ingredients:

tER r a t s

For 8 Square Tartlets

main

Puff pastry (about 9 oz for 8 tartlets) 1 Goat Cheese Roll 2 small aubergines Fresh thyme Honey A few pink radishes

Mussels In Saffron Broth Ingredients: Serves 4 4.5lbs fresh mussels 2tbsp butter 1 red onion, finely chopped 1 stalk celery, finely chopped 1 carrot, thinly sliced Discard any mussels that are chipped. If some mussels are open, tap lightly on their shells; if they stay open, discard them. Clean the mussels under a cold tap, removing the beard on each one; set aside.

In a stock pot, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add half the onion with the celery, carrot, and thyme. Cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup of the wine, with the bay leaf and mussels.

1 cup dry white wine 1 bay leaf 1 small orange bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely chopped Pinch of saffron threads Salt & pepper to taste ¼ cup crème fraîche 1tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Cover and cook over high heat for 3 minutes or until all the mussels are opened. Discard any that do not open; set aside off the heat.

Meanwhile, in a flameproof casserole large enough to hold all the mussels, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the remaining onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes or until softened. Add the remaining 1/2 cup wine, saffron, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture bubble steadily for a few minutes. Add the crème fraîche and parsley.

Using a large slotted spoon, remove the mussels from the stock pot. Strain the broth into the saffron mixture. Bring to a boil. Add the mussels to the pan. Spoon the liquid over them.

Divide the mussels and broth among shallow bowls.

Heat the milk — with the vanilla pods and seeds, lemon zest and cinnamon stick — to a boil, then stop the heat, cover and let infuse for 20 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla pods, and filter the milk.

Pour the milk into the pot again and add the sugar and cornstarch; mix well. Bring to a gentle boil, while stirring, for the cream to thicken (a few minutes), and then let it cool

Goat Cheese & Aubergine Tartle ts

3 sprigs fresh thyme

Method

Method

Olive oil Sea salt & cracked black pepper

Method Wash the aubergines and slice them. Place them in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let rest for 30 min, so that they release some water.

Use paper towel to pat them dry. Heat 2 to 3 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick frying pan and cook them on each side for about 2 to 3 min.

Add more oil if necessary. Keep on the side.

Roll your dough finely into 4 inch squares.

Make small holes with a fork, leaving a border. Cover with plastic wrap and place in

the fridge for 30 min.

Preheat your oven at 410 F. Take the dough out and place a slice of aubergine on each square. Add one to two slices of goats cheese and sprinkle with some fresh thyme and a dash of olive oil. Season with pepper. Cook for about 15 to 20 min.

Once golden in colour, remove the tartlets from the oven. Top each with fresh slices of radishes, salt and pepper and ½ tsp honey.

Serve with fresh green salad.

p Pa asst teeiiss d dee n na at ta a

(10 minutes).

Then add the eggs, and mix well.

Preheat your oven at 480 °F/240°c/Gas 9 Roll the pastry in the shells, and fill with the cream, leaving a little room from the top.

Bake for 15 minutes or so, until the top has a nice golden-brown colour. Remove and let cool. You will see the flans deflate, and this is totally normal. Enjoy them at room temperature.

Ingredients: For about 12 to 14 pieces, muffin size 1 package (17.5 ounce) frozen puff pastry, thawed OR fresh 2 cups whole milk 1 vanilla pod, split in halves and seeds scraped Zest of 1 lemon 1/2 cinnamon stick, 1/4 cup cornstarch 3/4 cup sugar, 3 egg yolks + 1 egg

DESSERT

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

STANDARD CROSSWORD

9 Runner, say at the trouble without the French (7) 10 Ironies becoming louder (7) 11 One rides ones bike, one’s in for journey’s end with frozen spears (7) 12 Improve university parking degree (7) 13 Conceals troubles within slopes (9) 15 Witness head of department taking small money for drug (5) 16 Copper and theologian the French holds close (7) 19 Cunning without women, if given time with 15 (7) 20 Sum up island college’s nice sounds (5) 21 Hard up and going out? Left initially inside making furrows (9) 25 What you’ll be if always without rail disruption? (7) 26 Cost of version of windows in East seen crashing (7) 28 Piece of furniture I catch following taxi (7) 29 Attempts to destroy French forest (7)

6 Dutch university housing is good - sulphur can get initially nauseating!

(10) 7 Tissue fabric around match (8) 8 Mixing elfin and dry cordial (8) 14 Choices for second votes (10) 16 Compel to hold end of term Monday trade (8) 17 Give an account of violent college derbies (8) 18 See apart, perhaps? (8) 22 Old bishop saw, and did as he was asked (6) 23 Disregard backing part of “Summer on Gibraltar” (6) 24 Foolishly agrees to lubricate (6) 27 Blow up - flipping/very loud (4)

Down

8 Bowler hats (7)

Down

17 A city in Canada (8)

1 Government of the church by bishops (10) 2 Actress _______ Cuthbert (6) 3 A Semitic people (4) 4 Treat (8) 5 Pocketbook (4) 6 Heart rate (5)

12 Muse of lyric poetry (5) 14 Deviance (10) 16 Perfectly (7) 21 Gets pleasure from causing pain (6) 22 Surpass (5) 24 Nemesis (4) 25 A tiny West Indian bird (4)

1 Graduate is in new hospital bar (6) 2 High-pitched, quiet brook (6) 3 Went first up without a bargain (4) 4 Conservative and English, a first student journalist came to an end (6) 5 Searches after fashionable inquiries (8)

Very Hard!

SUDOKU PUZZLE CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS 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.

6 Commonly liked (7) 7 Outer (5) 9 Sicknesses (4) 10 Auxiliary (10) 11 Explode (8) 13 Slowly (musical term) (6) 15 Prima donna (4) 17 Substantive (5) 18 Anagram of “Rest” (4) 19 A citizen from Nairobi (6) 20 Saw (8)

23 Expanded upon (10) 26 Technician (abbrev.) (4) 27 Gossiper (5) 28 Ransack (7)

HARD SUDOKU

Across

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

coffee break

Across

STANDARD SUDOKU

34

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

Julie Bruce does it again!

The Ribbon for Life in Mojacar was an incredible day, with the multinational community, all pulling together to raise money for such a vital cause.

Julie Bruce and her 30 ZumbaChicas (and brave ZumbaChico, John Tolley) were invited to entertain the growing crowds with 6 dance routines from salsa and latin through to hip hop and Bollywood ... so popular that they were asked for an encore!

Event organiser, Bronia was thrilled with their display, “Once again Julie, thank you for your

marvellous exhibition of Super Zumba!!!!! As always will ask you and your Zumba girls to assist us in our following event!!! You are all stars!!!!”

Julie Bruce, who holds various levels of classes in many different locations, also sold nearly 50 ribbons and raised 150 Euros on their stall. She was delighted to be part of such an important World Record Breaking Day! If you would like to join Julie at one of her classes, please call 697 86 10 71

Cucador

VidaRestaurant&Venue

Enjoy Wonderful saturday 23rd february Views from our Candelit 6:30pm - 9:30pm Restaurant

Opens 6:30 - 9:30pm WED-SAT Evenings

Multi Choice Menu

4 course meal only

€10.95 THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ALBOX BRANCH - UPDATE February 21st - Monthly meeting at which the guest speaker will come from MACS, the cancer support charity who have recently opened a new shop in Albox, start time 11:00. Come along to La Parrilla and listen to what will prove to be a very interesting talk.

It is also an opportunity to see the new range of goods on sale at the Poppy Stall.

If anyone has any unused and unwanted Christmas or birthday gifts to donate to the stall this would be much appreciated as all profits are donated to the Poppy Fund February 21st – Bowling at Amigos - a joint venture with Zurgena branch, the event starts at 12:30, lunch is available. For further details please contact Steven Mold, stevepat2006@gmail.com. The cost is 11 Euros to include shoe hire, 2 games and lunch. This is an excellent way to follow up the monthly meeting.

March 30th – Poppy Easter Bonnet Ball, to be held at La Parrilla. The event will start at 7pm, dinner will be served at 7:30. Dinner will comprise a three course meal with some drinks included in the cost. The cost will be 20 Euros for members and 22 Euros for non members. Music will be supplied by Brendan O’Dee. Prizes will be awarded for the best bonnet, male AND female. For further details, or to book tickets, contact the social secretary Bob Cowan on 608049490 or email him at rcowan25@gmail.com.

If you require more details for any of the activities and events for the Albox branch or should you wish to become a member (you do not need to be ex-forces to join) and help with the Legion’s excellent work for British serving and ex-service personnel and their families, both in the UK and here in Spain, please come along to any branch meeting at the Hotel Restaurante La Parrilla (1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month). Alternatively, contact the chairman, Peter Phillips, on 693483392 or email peatpee@sky.com, or visit the branch website, www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/albox

35

from

7.45€

bookings now being taken Thursday night special delicious homemade please note pies , Homemade saturday 16th february Chips & Peas the venue is closed for a private function

tapas 1€

fridays

Beer-battered cod, homemade chips & peas from

5.95€

in the bar

in the Bar

booking advisable

traditional

All Selections 1€ Each

sunday lunch

Tuesday Bar

Specials

12.30PM - 5PM

6pm - 9pm

from

8.95€

Chicken Curry & Long Grain Rice

or

Cod, Chips ‘n’ Peas

Open Every Day 12pm - Late

Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com

5€ Arboleas

Mojacar

E15

booking advisable

We are here

Albox

Zurgena La Alfoquia

fISH OF THE DAY OPTION

1km

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547 Huercal Overa

book the Venue

For your Private Parties, Weddings and Birthdays etc.

36

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

OUT & ABOUT At The Beachcomber on the14th Feb it is a Valentines night treat with Maria, singing tributes to Katherine Jenkins, Dusty Springfield and Miss 60’s. Maria doesn’t need any introduction to many who know her as ‘Dusty Springfield’. She will sing Dusty’s songs plus more from her ‘Miss 60’s show in the final free wifi

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

sunday Roast

3 course - €10.50 main course - €7.50 Winter Opening Times 10 til close Food orders taken from 10:30 til 4pm

menu of the day 3 courses €10

regular TRIBUTE SHOWS see website for details

tel: 950 473 099 www.beachcombermojacar.com

La Cena

Restaurante

Albox

menu del noche 3 starters, 5 mains & 3 deserts Full A La Carte also available

Sunday Sizzler mixed grill €9.95 including a carafe of wine per couple

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

set. The three course meal choices consist of: Starters: Roasted tomato & red pepper soup, pate & prawn cocktail.Main courses: Steak & Kidney or Guinness Pie, Chicken Curry, Fish & chips, Chilli con carne, Cheese and mushroom naan, Grilled chicken & cream champagne sauce. Dessert: Fresh strawberry & chocolate cheesecake, Knickerbocker glory or Rich chocolate brownie. Call now to reserve your table on 950 473 099 or visit the website. http:// beachcombermojacar.com/valentines-night/ 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 Mixed Grill at just €9.95 per person, with a carafe of wine per couple included! If any of this has whetted your appetite, call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm today!

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 will not be disappointed ... Just ask your friends.

FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CALL 697 465 620.

Great venue for Private Functions.

tranger come S WelRestaurante, Limaria Julie and Cliff will be re-opening Wednesday 6th February

Mid week roast – (Wednesdays) 4.50€ Lunchtime Specials – from 4€ Thursday & Friday – Steak Night 7.95€ A La Carte always available Evening set menu – 3 courses plus a drink 9.95€ Sunday Lunch – 1 course, 4.50€ / 3 courses, 9.75€ Open: Wed - Sat 12-3pm and 7-9pm (Last Orders) Sun 12-3.30pm Established 7 years

950 432 719 / 677 378 952

The Crazy Cow Food Cooked With Love

ALL FOOD COOKED TO ORDER

YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED

NEW MENU WITH ALL YOUR OLD FAVOURITES PRIVATE PARTIES CATERED

WINTER HOURS: MONDAY – SATURDAY FROM 11am

CLOSED SUNDAY

KITCHEN OPEN 12noon - 6pm

WE ARE OPPOSITE PLAYA BLANCA TEL: 697465620 SEE YOU THERE XX MOJACAR PLAYA

Email : crazycowcafe@yahoo.com Facebook : Thecrazy Cowcafe

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

37

COMMUNITY NEWS Maureen Frith WAS 67!

(ON 5TH FEB!) Happy Birthday Mo from all your friends in Arboleas, Mojacar, Corrascos and Albox

chairty fun raising

On the 3rd of Febuary Clare Gittens and Jan Mackey handed over the sum of 2,372.89 euros to Bronia Madej Carmen the representative from A.E.C.C Breast Cancer Awareness Mojocar, at the pink ribbon event.

The money was raised at the Summer Ball 2011, the Autumn Ball 2012 and many other events held in La Alfoquia.

We wish to thank everyone for their generosity,donations and help.

Farewell from Gigi!

Anyone who has dealing with PAWS will know Gigi –she is returning to the UK and we thought it would be nice to share her Farewell Message: “I would like to say a heartfelt “Thankyou”, firstly, to all my PAWS friends who attended the PAWS New Year gettogether. The send-off you gave me will be one of my treasured memories. Secondly, to all the many friends I’ve made over the 12 years that I’ve been working with PAWS. So many of you have helped and supported me, regularly, over that period, in my endeavours to raise funds for the charity that is - and always will be - closest to my heart. I do hope that you will all continue to help, and support PAWS events, and I wish you all a happy and successful future.

Hopefully, I will be able, at some time in the future, to come back for a visit, and to renew old aquaintances.

I will miss you all, My fondest regards, ‘Gigi’ (Glenis Graham)

LIVING WATER CHURCH MOJACAR...................

The new Sunday service time for Living Water Church Mojacar will be 4.00pm and will commence from Sunday February 3rd 2013. For more info please phone 950 618 814

Lions Club vera - Fun Quiz Night

Enjoy a fun night out and support local charities with all proceeds going to the Lions Club of Vera. Bar El Paso in Bedar is hosting a Lions Fun Quiz Night on Sat 16th Feb. For just €1.50, you can get involved with Spot Prizes, Most Original Team Name and a whole lot more.

INDALO PLAYER AGM

The Indalo Players will be holding their AGM at the Kimrick, Mojacar on Monday 18th March at 6.00pm

Forthcoming Book Sale

Animal Protection Society Albox (APSA)

Monthly Raffle Prize Winners For January 2013 Amigos Bowling Centre – 2 course Sunday Lunch for 2 or Fish & Chips with Dessert for 2 any day of the week (Closed Mondays) - David Ellis Eurowise – A €15 Voucher - Olga Buntin Pricebusters – A €20 Voucher - Anza Day Winning tickets drawn by Liz Carey APSA Shop Volunteer.

Sellers Cash Received Jean /Dolores 90, Keith 54, Shop 6, Total Collected € 150 APSA is grateful to the Amigos Bowling Centre, Eurowise, & Pricebusters for their monthly prizes and to all who purchase raffle tickets. The proceeds of which will go towards helping the many animals in the care of APSA. Many Thanks for your continued support Keith Roberts

Albox Travel Club

Thank you from Carefusion

Carefusion would like to say a warm hearted thank you to all those that donated to the “Ribbon for life day“ by playing “Guess the teddy bears name” we had a fun day and with your donations we managed to raise 55 euro which was handed over to the “Ribbon for Life” stand at the close of the day, also a special thank you must go to Patrick, he told us of his plight and the fact he was homeless, but still he made a donation over an above the minimum 1 euro a go required, thank you Patrick and we wish you every success for the future.

Unfortunately the bears name was not guessed correctly, so for those that need to know, it was “Bungle” form the TV series Rainbow

Mesón

de

Irene

have our valentine night menu plus a take away bottle of crianza red wine per couple Valid only with this voucher Mon - Sat: 19.00 - 22.00

Taekwondo indigo gym - mojacar

Junior & Adult Classes: (9 yrs - 15 yrs) (16 yrs - Adult) Mondays: 7pm - 8.30pm Wednesdays: 5.15 - 6.45pm Saturdays: 4pm - 5.30pm Kids Classes: (4 - 8 yrs) Wednesdays: 4.15 - 5.15pm Saturdays: 3pm - 4pm

fitness 4 you gym - turre Juniors (9 yrs - 15 yrs) Thursdays : 6.30pm - 8pm adults only (16 yrs +) Thursdays : 8pm - 9.30pm

new classes in turre

Tel: 646 844 708 tkdspain.webs.com

q uirky q uizzes La formerly rumores Albox

#

Events – 4 day Trip to Ronda The Albox Travel Club is organising a 4-day Trip to Ronda.

This will take place June 3rd to June 6th 2013. The price will include 3 nights b&b accommodation in a 4* hotel, 1 free spa circuit, 1 free lunch and a guide for all excursions.

The price is €270 for RBL members and €280 for non Legion members. If you choose to travel on your own there is a single supplement of €81. A deposit of €50 is required upon booking, the balance will be due in April. All profits will be donated to the Royal British Legion. To book your place contact Ann Wells on 950432426 or email her at annwells09@ aol.com. Tickets are also available at RBL meetings held in La Parrilla on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. It is important to remember that all travellers are responsible for their own travel insurance.

The itinerary is as follows: Day 1 – Tour of Ronda.

Day 2 – Tour to Marbella, Puerto Banús, after lunch, to Algeciras. This is followed by a spectacular train ride through some of Spain’s most beautiful scenery back to the hotel.

Day 3 – Tour to La Sierra de Grazalema and El Bosque, after lunch, return to Ronda.

Day 4 – Tour to Pizarra to visit Spain’s 2nd largest citric farm, hear how the fruit is grown, harvested and processed. A paella lunch with wine is included before returning home David Rham – Chairman Tel: (0034) 699125937 email: david_rham@btopenworld.com www.rblablox.com

F.A.C.E. (Fundraising in Arboleas, Caring for Everyone) are pleased to announce that they will be holding a grand book sale on Saturday 23rd February.

The book sale will be held in front of the F.A.C.E. Offices in Callé del Campillo, Arboleas, adjacent to the Adult Education Centre.

There will be a large selection of hard back and paper back books in both fiction and non fiction, and prices will range from only 50 cents upwards.

Proceeds from the event will help various organisations including M.A.C.S. (Mojacar Area Cancer Support), the A.E.C.C.(Asociación Española Contra el Cancer) and A.L.C.E.R. (a Spanish Association which gives assistance to people suffering from Renal illnesses).

If you would like to join the dedicated people who run F.A.C.E., a Spanish registered Charity, please ring Adele Wrigglesworth on telephone number 667 255 094 0r visit the F.A.C.E. Website at www.face-charity.com

tuesday evenings

7.30pm with cherry

all welcome prizes for winners & wooden spoon

VidaVenue

Cucador

Monday evenings 7.30pm This week’s word describes something which we all have ~ unless we are a mythological giant, that is ~ but do you know what your GLABELLA is?

If you do, or can find out, then you will understand the comment! And earn a point for your team into the bargain!!!

sEE OUR MAIN AD ON PG 27 for directions

38

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com see us online everyday

SOL CLASSIFIEDS Airport services

construction cont...

www.AAparking.es t r a n s f e r s Tel: 639 081 067 pick up all areas,

construction

Airp o r t

Cheap

Airport Parking

Alicante Almeria Murcia New Servicing / Repairs

BY TELEPHONE 950 121 936 902 121 936

established in spain for 14 years

MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.

MD S.L

City & Guilds Fully Qualified F-Gas Certified

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

BY E-MAIL

Send your advert or Classified lineage to

sales@soltimes.com IN PERSON

los carasoles, 27 Zurgena, 04650, Almeria Mon to Fri 10am - 5pm

above New Horizon Villas

PAYMENT

VISA ,Paypal, bank transfer & Cheques made payable to MATHEWS mEDIA s.l

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

md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es

alternative energy

All adverts Friday at 5pm prior to publication

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) drainage

Solar Wind Power Solutions.

Over 15 years installation experience. established 12 years in Spain. 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

c a r l o s 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

beauty

950 091 109 or 648 768 587

avon

Cleaning of Septic Tanks

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

cosmetics

claire

Tel: 691 987 454 avonfromclaire@ yahoo.es

computers Steve Hayes Informatica

Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc.

Sales & Repairs on-site callout / tuition.

Consumables Albox, Almeria

Tel: 950 120 900

construction

DEADLINES

Mat Murray 647 841 750 matmurrayes@gmail.com

Air-con

Between 10am & 5pm

Monday to Friday

competitive rates.

For a quote please visit www. spanish estateagent.com or call 661 143 871

equipment hire

Reliable English Builder

For all your building needs • Block work • Balustrades • Plumbing • Paving Driveways & Paths

Call Graham & Barry now for free estimate 620 112 193 or 667 853 062

LICENSED POZO/CESSPIT EMPTYING • Installation of fibreglass

septic tanks

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

• Emptying of Septic Tanks & Cesspits, with high pressure cleaning Only • Small unblockages of 100€ pipes & drainage Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks

Contact: 675 838 808

Drainage 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

FOR SALE advertise all your unwanted items for sale in this section any single item up to 300€ free of charge

email sales@soltimes.com ‘Antique’ ornate Sideboard, flame mahogony panels, 4 central drawers 2 cupboards, Queen Anne legs W 54.5cm x L 170cm x H 90.5cm 35€ Photo Roquetas de Mar 619 253 983 Pine cupboard, art deco influence, 1 long drawer, large under cupboard, L 87cm x W 46cm x H 124c 25€ Roquetas de Mar 619 253 983 Large powder blue Desk, central opening 2 drawer and shelf each side L 160cm x W 83cm x H 75cm 15€ Roquetas de Mar 619 253 983

Legend Mobility Scooter large size new batteries delivery can be arranged

bargain €195 tel: 697 590 151 or 950 329 416 gardening

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 neater heater See our main ad on the news pages

Carlos (Saliente) plumbing & Knowles & Abbott no.1 for electrics and plumbing. Re-wires, free heating services. If it involves water, to air UK satellite systems 950 137 208 we can help! www.carlossaliente.com or 638 010 691 Tel: 968 969 962

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

39

www.soltimes.com house clearance cont...

locksmith

PAINTER / DECORATOR cont...

THE HOUSE CLEARING SPECIALIST

Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours.

Locked Out? Locks fitted/upgraded house safes. Arboleas logs & surrounding area. Special weekend rates. Tel: 697 243 181

painter & decorator

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 should call please**

Tel: 679 207 545 or 636 411 540

hobby/craft Elaine’s Wools quality UK wool & accessories. Come & view my display Also available at Camposol, Mazarron Call 667 273 889 elaines wools@gmail. com

insurance

“we have grea offers on lifet insurance”

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

same people - same great service - differeent name

Tel: 950 121 943

infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com

iron/metal works

metal works Gates, rejas, fabriction welding reliable service

950 168 916 638 449 944

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

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

Tel: Keith Wood on

638 900 949

legal

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 Arboleas & surrounding areas Call Lee on 636 092 632 eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk

Phil Delivers

Logs

gravel & all building materials

Albox & Surrounding areas

tel: 634 328 779

NUMBER PLATES

“RE-PLATE” MATE GB

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 Optica Albox All your optical needs, eye tests, hearing tests, contact lenses Tel: 950 121 991

PAINTER / DECORATOR

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

PAINTING INSIDE & OUT

All quality products Make over your home this year

Tel Graham & Barry on 620 112 193 or 667 853 062

over 25 years experience

give your property or business a fresh look this NEW YEAR

Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com 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

PROPERTY FOR SALE/rent for SALE detatched cortijo

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT

reduced €145,000 0no

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com Vera Playa Apartment

20mins from mojacar This is a unique spanish cortijo with 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & dining room as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool.

Mountain views.

649 186 107

email for more info at thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

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.

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

woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery

arboleas Small friendly kennels, 24hr vets service, pet transporting arranged, welcome to view

ministry approved Tracy Mobile 650 211 952

p a l o m i n o k e n n e l s exclusive boarding kennels/cattery tel: 950 067 051 Padenco Male dog rescued at 8 weeks now 10 months, all paperwork. Good nature Free to a good home. Tel: 687 189 244 A m e ric a n Puppies Staff for sale. 8 weeks old, for more information.

Call James: 651 325 677

ARBOLEAS

self contained 1 bedroom apartment with B & B facilities offered starting from 25€ per night, walking distance of Arboleas & Zurgena

Tel: 950 449 074 or 634 368 071

Long term rentals also considered 175€ + bills chalmersj8@hotmail.co.uk

T: 664 291 793

jescott29@hotmail.co.uk

recruitment

PETS SECTION

pet taxi

SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

SPICE UP YOUR LOVE LIFE & SURPRISE YOUR LOVED ONE ---------

WITH A RANGE OF LINGERIE, TOYS AND MUCH, MUCH MORE ---------

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO BOOST YOUR INCOME - WE ARE LOOKING FOR LADIES AND GENTS TO ACT AS CONSULTANTS TO ORGANISE AND SELL AT ADULT THEMED PARTIES

For more information

Tel: 627 851 679

Staff urgentely required as warehouse assistant Part time or full time, english/spanish speaking preferred must be a hard worker Telephone 636 411 540 679 207 545

SOLTIMES are looking for

Bright, enthusiastic person with an No need for kennels outgoing personality to join our sales friendly or cattery, team and leap into spring with us.

Pet sitting in your own mare Office & field positions available. home, Arboleas & 9 years old surrounding areas. 14.3hh 1.50m Experience not essential as full training Call Vanessa on will be given as long as you’re organised 500€ 637 061 482 and can work to deadlines.

Not just cats & dogs, telephone Send your CV to cmm@soltimes.com All other types of pets 678 838 547 or telephone Chrissie on 647 379 878 considered

40

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

are you a trade Business? advertise in the classified section & reach over 30,000 potential customers 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

PLASTERER

PLUMBING

satellite/television

Bri t i s h All plasterer work guaranteed Tel Paul 634 327 201

gas fast

Sky Digibox

PLUMBING C A R LOS SAL I ENTE 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 c ar los.saliente@ gmail.com

Gas boiler & plumbing repairs.

Tel: 618 062 080 or 637 829 787

Pace with sky card BBC 1, 2, 3, 4 ITV1, 2, 3, ch4 & 5

60€

Knowles & can deliver.Tel: 667 235 205 Abbott no.1 for A1 Sky Television Systems plumbing & electric.

CH, solar hot water Satellite TV installations, alignment of and water deposits. dishes etc.

Telephone 950 Also Spanish “freeview” systems 137 197 or 606 supplied & installed 807 797

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

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

car parts

for sale

Car parts

ONE MUST GO

situations vacant

experienced cook wanted, please call 678 989 979 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 stables

for sensible prices on all parts

www.carpartsinspain.com

or telephone 692 930 326

translation

for hire

Tel: 634 345 257

Van hire

…in a fun and enjoyable enviroment with Paco in his new classroom at Camping Los Gallardos,

New, beginners class starts wednesday 20th nov 2013 4.30pm

Private lessons and different levels also available.

CALL PACO 661 142 606

for more information Telephone 950 121 936 902 121 936 EXT 332

wanted

WANTED JCB’s Mini-Diggers (All Makes), Tractors, Trailers & all other types of plant machinery.

Any age, any condition.

2004 Nissan XTRAIL T Spec. Auto with O/D. FSH. LHD. 1 owner Exceptional Condition.

Tel: 653 245 971

Cash buyer

wanted

Urgently Required ALL Mitsubishi Shogun, Monteo, Pajero, Landrover & all other makes collect from anywhere

All 4x4 vehicles

URGENTLY REQUIRED

ONE WAY

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



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*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN

* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE

TEL: 667 235 205

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

mobile mechanics

Telephone

TEL: 636 411 540 OR 664 619 819

645 094 339 or 950 064 763

Mikes

JT METAL

Ring Mike or Chris: 628 350 178 or 636 824 974

RECYCLING

motorbike mechanic

Translation Services in Huercal For all your motorbike repairs tel:634 Overa Tel: 677 102 006 326 905

LEARN SPANISH…

7950€

Van, car & driver

Airport transfers Almeria 60€ one way, 110€ return Alicante 80€ one way, 150€ return

5 LOCAL EDITIONS

2010 Toyota Auris Hybrid 1.8 Advance. As New, still under manufacturers warranty. Only36,000 kms. FSH. Spanish Spec.

Cost over 21,000€ new.

car & van hire

house & garden clearances, collections & deliveries, weekly collections from IKEA,

Now offer our Classified advertisers

www.soltimes.com

Starter Motors, headlights

Free quote go online or phone

SOLTIMES online at

Clutches, Brakes, alternators, service kits

Rancho Luz Del Sol, Retamar, Partaloa. One to one or group lessons, latest EN standard hats provided.

Escorted hacking and treks. Qualified Mobile Mechanics BHS Instructor. Call Erika Drew on 678 All types of service, repair & ITV 838 547 testing Fully qualified & legal with over 35 years experience swimming pool safety NEATER HEATER See our main advert on the news pages

Accept 14950€

Need quality new parts for any car

Tel Dave: 628 607 778

tuition

634 337 185

motoring section

wanted

wanted

3.5 meter zodiac, honda inflatable boat, must be in good condition

tel: 697 275 751

NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL IN THE REGIONS OF Almeria & MURCIA Turn your old or unwanted CAR into CASH. We will dispose of in our Authorised Depollution End of Life Treatment facility.

We also take fridges, washing machines, microwaves, all elec trical appliances

Certificates Issued

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

Hou s e & g a rden cle a r a nc es, sk ips supplied

Spanish or English

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

TEL: 645 094 339 / 950 064 763

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

K.F.S Kennedy Financial Services

Hard Times

41

Kennedy Financial Services (KFS) has over 25 years’ experience in the Financial Services Industry and are dedicated to providing professional guidance to all its clients.

For too many years now people have neglected their retirement planning, possibly in the main, because we as ex-pats cannot contribute to our retirement plans when we live abroad.

Times are changing there are now pension transfers (QROPS) that allow us to contribute to our funds and help to secure a better retirement.

Are your current pension benefits in one of the following areas?

• • • •

Frozen benefits in the UK that are under performing?

In a QROPS that is not giving you what you wanted?

Trapped in New Zealand for many years to come?

In a S.I.P.P. (are you aware that if you return to the UK your S.I.P.P. may be liable to a tax charge of up to 55%)?

If your answer is YES to the above it may be possible to transfer your benefits to a new receiving pension scheme and release some tax free cash. This may help your current financial position whilst still securing your retirement income.

Did you work in Public Services, NHS, Councils, Armed Forces, MOD, Civil Servants, Teachers, Aviation Authority, Nurses, Police, and Fire Brigade? The pension pots of loyal public servants are shrinking. You should submit your application to transfer your benefits now or you could lose out on thousands. The same applies to personal pensions, SIPPS etc.

There is a huge crisis in the UK as far as pensions are concerned. At the start of the Nineties, a £100,000 pension fund would have guaranteed an income of £15,640 a year for life, twenty three years on, a 65-year-old man will secure just £5,140 a year. This is mainly due to poor performance and market conditions over the same period of time. In May 2012 the pension deficit reached an all-time high of £312bn.

There were also an estimated 5,418 schemes in deficit, with only 1,014 in surplus. Which side of the fence is your pension sitting?

KFS is here to help all expats, regardless of Nationality, through this pension crisis which will affect all those with Pension benefits still in the UK, or possibly those with underperforming QROPS or S.I.P.P’s.

For too many years now people have neglected their retirement planning, possibly in the main, because we as ex-pats cannot contribute to our retirement plans when we live abroad. Times are changing, there are now pension transfers (QROPS) that allow us to contribute to our funds and help to secure a better retirement.

Should you wish to find out how this may affect your benefits please contact at admin@kennedyfinancialservices.com or fill in the assessment form at

www.kennedyfinancialservices.com

42

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

OPEN for business

Barclays Cuts 3,700 Jobs In Bank Shake-Up

tel: 950 930 900 968 969 962 Solar Oil Gas Solid Fuel pellet

Solar Hot Water & Pool Heating Full Heating Installations Water Treatment Systems Water Deposits & Pumps

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

Coastal Mosquitos

Mosquito Screens for Windows & Doors For a free estimate call us on 610 000 700 Awnings shower screens replacement window and doors

TNT

Enclosures / Conservatories Convert your patio area into a sunroom or a mosquito free area with glass or mesh

Plisse retracting screens ideal for all types of door openings

Cars available from Mojacar & Velez Rubio supplying Mojacar, Albox, Los Velez, Baza,

Mojacar Office

Vera, Puerto

Tel: 950 473 157 Mob: 637 545 817 Or Los Velez Area 630

Barclays has announced 3,700 job cuts amid plans to cut £1.7bn in costs and improve standards.

Of these job losses, 1,800 will be in its corporate and investment bank and 1,900 will be in European retail and business banking.

Some 1,600 jobs have already been cut in the investment banking business since the start of the year, Barclays said.

Sky News revealed on Monday that thousands of jobs would go outside its investment bank as part of a streamlining programme overseen by the company’s new boss Antony Jenkins.

But despite the redundancies, the bank - Britain’s second largest - revealed it would still pay £1.85bn in bonuses to staff.

On average, payouts in its investment bank were £54,100, and the average bonus across the group was £13,300 - although these are below 2011’s levels.

Mr Jenkins, who became Barclay’s chief executive in August, told Sky’s Jeff Randall the bank had made mistakes in the past “We’ve got to do business in the right way - the right business in the right way,” he said.

“I’ll be very honest, we did get things wrong at Barclays in the past, as people in the industry did.

“We were too short-term focussed, we were too selfserving and on occasion we were too aggressive.”

He also warned the bank will not be as profitable in the future as it has been in the past.

It comes as Barclays reports adjusted pre-tax profit of £7.048bn for the 12 months to the end of December - a rise of more than 26% on 2011.

Its investment bank performed even better, with profit before tax up 37% at £4.063bn.

Statutory pre-tax profit - which includes the fund set aside to compensate those mis-sold payment protection insurance, among other charges - was £248m.

Mr Jenkins revealed the outcome of a strategic review at the bank - known as Project Transform - which will

professional bricklayer Building for you Phone Gerard - 626 730

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HIRE A HUSBAND

Professional, reliable, handy man available... ...for all the jobs he doesn’t get round to, including Van Removals, Painting Exterior/Interior, Small Plumbing Jobs, Shelves, Garden Clearance, All Outside Work - Walls, Stone Cladding, Rendering etc... Property Maintenance Good hourly/daily rate - 7 yrs in the area.

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

Article: www.news.sky.com - for all the latest news

S.M.S. BUILDING MAINTENANCE

New Walls New Roofs Structual Alterations

Lumbreras and

see the group’s total cost base reduced by £1.7bn to £16.8bn in 2015.

The bank also confirmed that its controversial tax avoidance unit would close, as revealed by Sky’s City Editor.

“We intend to change what Barclays does and how we do it and have set out clear commitments against which our progress can be measured,” Mr Jenkins said in a statement.

He announced he was waiving his bonus for 2012 earlier this month.

The bank’s profit comes despite a difficult year at the bank, which saw its reputation - and the banking industry’s as a whole - come under pressure.

Last week, Barclays said it had increased funds put aside for mis-selling to consumers and businesses by another £1bn, taking the total to £2.6bn.

And in the summer the bank was fined £290m for manipulating the interbank borrowing rate, Libor.

All Building Work Undertaken

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Painting & Decorating ( from 50€ per room including paint) Also All Exterior Painting and Damp-Proofing GUARANTEED TO BEAT ANY QUOTE For free estimate or advice please call Steve on 950 930 536 or 634 306 690

pucker plastering & tiling elite plant hire Damproofing and SIKA TANKING Specialist Guaranteed British quality internal plaster finish

covering all aspects of:

Rendering, Plastering, Floor Screeding, Morticem, Partition Walls, Tape & Joint, Dry-Lining, MF Ceilings, Re-Skims, Coving, Cornice & Mouldings 28 years Experience in the trade 9 years in Spain English & Spanish Fluent

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puckerplastering@hotmail.com covering Baza to Mojacar

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

43

UK inflation stuck at highest level since May

Britain’s inflation rate unexpectedly held steady for the fourth consecutive month in January but there was little respite for consumers as it remained at its highest level since May, official data showed on Tuesday.

Annual consumer price inflation stayed at 2.7 percent last month, the Office for National Statistics said, slightly below the 2.8 percent median forecast in a Reuters poll of economists.

It is the first time inflation has remained unchanged for four months since records began in 1996, the ONS said.

A let-up in the pressure on the strained budgets of British households may still be some way off. Some economists predict inflation will touch 3 percent in coming months.

“In terms of the consumer, it certainly means that the squeeze on real spending power remains very much in place but that’s mitigated to an extent by employment having held up relatively well,” said Victoria Clarke, an economist at Investec.

The Bank of England warned last week that inflation might remain above its 2 percent target for the next two years. It will publish its latest quarterly economic forecasts on Wednesday.

The biggest upward contribution to the annual rate in January came from an 8.5 percent rise in alcohol and tobacco prices. The main downward pressure came from slower rises in the prices of miscellaneous goods and services, such as money transfer fees, as well as clothes and shoes.

The ONS also said house prices rose 3.3 percent on the year in December - the largest increase since

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UK, France & Spain personal shopping from the UK (Argos, Screwfix, Wickes etc)

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

November 2010. In November 2012 they rose 2.2 percent.

The Bank last year launched a scheme to encourage lending by banks, the impact of which has so far been felt most in mortgages.

Persistently high inflation has restrained consumer spending - traditionally a key driver of economic growth in Britain - in recent years. It has also limited the scope for more government bond-buying by the central bank, part of its support for the economy.

Separate data released by the ONS showed that factory-gate inflation rose 2.0 percent on the year in January, the slowest since July. Input prices climbed 1.8 percent, the fastest since March last year and pushed up by domestic food prices, possibly a reflection of bad weather which hurt British crops.

Earlier this month, the British Retail Consortium found that shop prices inched up in January at their slowest annual pace in more than three years, driven by cheaper clothing and electrical goods.

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Stacking service available Free Kindling with every full load

now incorporating “Sammy Sweep”

Small Cut Olive Logs No Roots For The Smaller Fire

619 070 839

(This story was corrected to show inflation rate remained at its highest annual rate since May, not that prices were at their highest level since May)

Article: www.reuters.com

FOR GREAT winter ADVERTISING RATES CALL 950 121 936

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

LOGS FOR SALE 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

FREE KINDLING WITH EVERY LOAD - Grade a Olive - No Roots - Best Prices Available

Tel: 687 314 775 Same Day Delivery & Stacking Service Available

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

Holiday ers Change Ov m fro

€ 35 .0 0

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• 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 David

665 517 643

Steve

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

Phone or email for a no obligation quote

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

Tel: 634 388 243

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TYRE KING The Best Deal for Miles

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

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

44

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

motoring TEST DRIVE: Mitsubishi Outlander

Winter has arrived, there’s a good smattering of frost and ice in the early morning and it seems to get much darker much earlier. This is the time of year when 4x4s really come into their own.

So no better time then to be testing the second generation Mitsubishi Outlander – the third generation was launched in March 2012.

Externally I actually prefer this earlier model if for no other reason than the

chrome edging around the grille, which has been removed on the latest version.

without a complaint.

Inside, the dashboard seems a little stark and minimal, which is actually quite refreshing in this day and age when manufacturers seem to include as many buttons as they possibly can.

Even so, equipment levels are high and the heated front seats are greatly appreciated by both my wife and I during the severe cold spell when the test takes place. There’s hardwearing leather upholstery and the front

It’s not the most attractive off-roader on the market but its distinctive design is certainly memorable.

There’s a good high up driving position and it will easily transport seven adults in comfort across three rows of seats (third row in the large boot as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz) over all manner of terrain

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

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seats are electrically adjustable, too. The six-speed automatic gearbox is generally easy to use although I must confess that when I first parked up I could not work out why the key would not come out of the ignition.

After five minutes of head scratching I finally realised that the Mitsubishi required me to place the gearbox in park mode. I had left it in drive. If drivers prefer the fun of a manual box then the auto unit can be used like this or there’s the addition of paddle shifts either side of the steering wheel, for a similar experience.

This helps get the most from the engine and helps combat the delay experienced when

setting off in automatic mode.

Parkers, the car experts, say: “The second- generation Mitsubishi Outlander is the best car the Japanese company has produced in years.

Nearly all models come with seven seats, making it a good choice for larger families, while the interior is well built and durable.

The extra seats are also very cramped and offer little comfort. The Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the better compact SUVs to drive, even though it also offers more than a modicum of off-road ability. It has responsive handling and accurate steering, and it keeps the body under control when cornering.”

The Outlander is just the ticket for a family that demands more than just a runabout.

specification Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D GX3 (Leather) 5d SST New price range: £21,643 - £31,544 Engine: 2.2-litre diesel Economy: 39mpg Power: 153bhp 0-60mph: 10.7secs Top speed: 123mph Fuel tank: 60 litres Distance on a tank: 430 miles Watch the video at: www.testdrives.biz

Dealerships offer bigger discounts to women

Does being a man mean you’re more likely to get some money off a new car? Or do women have the real power of persuasion for making a saving and getting some optional extras thrown in by the salesman?

Autoexpress.co.uk staged their own battle of the sexes to find out, pitting man against woman in a car dealer haggling contest. They sent two reporters – Chris Ebbs and Claire Holden – to the same showrooms representing 10 different manufacturers. Their goal was simple: go in looking to buy a new car, in exactly the same spec, and see what discount, or extras, they could get.

But they didn’t just score dealers on the savings they’d give us. They also looked at how long it took for staff to approach them, and then rated their manner when they did.

Were they friendly, welcoming and polite? Or stressed and surly about making a sale? Were they informative, patronising or even uninterested?

And would they respect the fact that they knew exactly which model they wanted, or try to sell us something different?

Finally, they scored the salesman on the negotiation process based on how open they were to doing a deal, how aggressive they were in their sales tactics or whether they were going out of their way to keep the customer happy.

The undercover reporters used similar tactics in trying to negotiate on the same models, but the results were very one-sided.

Claire got a better deal than Chris at six of our 10 showrooms, while Chris had the edge at two, with dead heats at the other two. So dealers clearly seem to favour the fairer sex with their discounts. But while women may be able to negotiate a better deal, they may find – as Claire did – they’re subject to long, patronising discussions in showrooms, with some sales staff even resorting to sleaze; the worst Chris had to contend with was uninterested or cocky sales staff.

In addition, the investigation highlighted the gulf in customer service between the best and worst dealers, no matter what sex you are.

Read the full report on www. autoexpress.co.uk

Calle Mallorca, San Javier Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511 www.specialistvehicles.com BMW X1, AUTOMATIC, 2.0S DRIVE, DIESEL, 2011, 15,000KMS.….€26,950 SEAT LEON COPA 1.6TDi, DIESEL, 2011, 61,000KMS.….................€11,950 TOYOTA AURIS 1.6 WTi, SOL, 2008, 99,000KMS.…..........................€8,950 VW GOLF 1.9TDi, DIESEL, 2006, 123,000KMS…...............................€8,450 FORD FOCUS 1.8 TDCi, DIESEL, 2008, 57,000KMS….......................€8,450 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.0L CRDi, 2003, 123,000KMS...........................€6,950 FORD FUSION 1.4TDi, 2005, 162,000KMS.........................................€5,250 CHEVROLET MATIZ 796cc, PETROL, 2006, 84,000KMS..................€3,750 SEAT INCA 1.4 PETROL, A/C, 2001, 94,000KMS ..............................€2,450

over 40 cars in group stock

www.specialistvehicles.com Tel: 968 146 158 / 618 628 511

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

INDALO BOWLING CLUB

This year the Federation Andaluza de Bolos Rinks competition was held at the Indalo bowling club on the 8th/9th/10th of February, and teams from the Indalo, Cabrera, Almeria and Mazarron took part.

After the prelimary round on Friday 8th 16 teams were left to compete over the weekend.

4 teams were left to contest the the semi-finals on Sunday. One match saw Georgina Naylor, Paul Abel, Mark Naylor, Judy Abel (Cabrera) overcome the challenge of Tony Baker, Ruth Compton, Tony Millington, John Fitzgerald (Almeria) 19 shots to 7.

The other match was between two Indalo teams with the team of Debbie Colquhoun, Keith Turner, Jan Dando, John Colquhoun winning a close contest over Keith Harvey, Alan Henshaw, John Dedman, Mick Johnson

with a score of 16 - 12.

Teams from Cabrera and Indalo contested the final on Sunday afternoon,the match was close until the 11th end then on the 12th,13th,14th ends the Indalo team scored 9 shots to take a 6 shot lead which they held on to and won the final 19 - 13.

The F.A.B. Rinks winners for 2013 are Debbie Colquhoun,Keith Turner,Jan Dando,John Colquhoun.

Our thanks to the two Umpires John Dando and Colin Wright.

David Ebdon (F.A.B. Competitions Secretary) From photo: John Ebdon Turner

left to right in the Debbie Colquhoun, Colquhoun, David (Comps. Sec.), Keith and Jan Dando.

angling news with beachcomber john

Boat Fishing.

I’ve not heard of ‘Orca Steve’ getting out and presume he hasn’t been out to sea recently.

‘Brian Cuba’ fished in the shallows in 60ft to 70ft opposite the River Aguas opening and caught loads of tiddlers, pickerels, bogues, pandoras and a few small red snappers, biggest fish of the day was a mackerel! Brian will try the deeper water again when next out to see if anything has returned worth catching!

Brian went out again with ‘Computer Mark’ and Trevor

who was on holiday from the UK. It was a lovely calm day and a good days fishing. They totalled over 50 fish mainly in about 50 feet where they anchored for an hour 100mts out from the Fort.

They caught the usual suspects but as well as catching pickerel by the dozen Mark managed to get a good octopus and Trevor got his little hake which are all teeth. I wouldn’t like to be a small fish when he was on the prowl.

See photo of Mark and his octopus.

I had an email from ‘Pueblo

Cortijo Grande

Wednesday 6thFeb and our winner with 35 points John Park from Grace Ward in second with 32 and in third with 31 points John Hill who also won the ball sweep with the only 2 of the day.

Sunday 10th February and again the wind continues to blow and at times quite cold I think I have been here too long as our visitors wear shorts and I feel freezing cold.

Our winner today with 34 points Barbara Wardley and

in second with 32 points John Hill in third with 31 MartinOliver Once again our ball sweep winner J Hill Dates for your diary We shall be playing at Alboran golf club on Tuesday 19th February.

First tee time 10.30 am If you wish to join us on this day or any other Wednesday or Sunday 950 475509 Enjoy your golf at Cortijo Grande and join a club not a society, visitors and guests welcome. MP

Forum Golf Society Forum Golf Society´s first Team competition of 2013 was a Lone Ranger competition who took place at Lorca on February 8th.

A day that started in benign , calm conditions warm enough for several players to venture out in shirtsleeves turned cold and windy by the time that most teams got to the back nine, but obviously a return to “English” conditions suited the majority of the society with several excellent performances, and the top five teams only separated by two points.

Mike Duckham, Mick Smith, Yvonne Strindberg & Maurice Jamieson were the day´s winners with a score of 80

points, one better than second placed Derek Manning, Bob Cowan, Andy Birch & Peter Moreton (79 points), with Kevin Bircher, John Mills, Adrian Foster & Ann Wilmott third on countback with 78 points.

Neville’ who is fishing in (Is it Aussie or New Zealand?) He’s been catching a few barracuda on a silver spinner. He wants them for bait because out there they are not for human consumption. All the best and see you in March Neville.

Shore Fishing.

Geoff ‘the Hat’ and his friend Gabriel were fishing on the groin at the fort so ‘Cuba Brian’ paid them a visit. Gabriel caught the only fish of the day, a magnificently coloured one which Brian has never seen before. From Brian’s description it sounded like one of the brightly coloured wrasse family.

Coarse Fishing I had a visit from ‘Cockney Ken’ member of the ‘Grumpy Old Men Of Los Gallardos’ fishing club, he tells me the Puentes Lake near Lorca is full of water and he’s never seen it so high, fishing wasn’t good.

They also fished at Lake Argos and did ok; fish were of a bigger stamp maybe because they fished on the far side of the dam.

Ken and mates have however been doing exceptionally well catching dinner plate

sized trout from a lake north of Negratin. I love this lake because you can literally fish out of your car.

Winning weights in matches in Murcia weighed in at Nancy’s 18.1/2lbs and Pedrera 13.3/4lbs.

The Albox fishing club meets every two weeks or so at Bar Wassy. For details of the next meeting tel Sid 634 313 650.

New license information.

There is now a loophole for those wanting coarse fishing licenses for Andalucia who don’t have NIE documents or/and don’t want to do the 24 hour course in Spanish, see me for more details. The only loophole left for fishing the beaches and boats in Andalucia without an NIE document is to make a trip to Murcia.

For up to date information on any of the above see me at the Beachcomber Bar Restaurant on Mojacar Playa or tel 950 473 099.

You can also contact me on Facebook @ ‘John Beachcomber Mojacar’.

Tight lines, Beachcomber John.

Forum´s upcoming fixtures are February 22nd Stableford at Alboran March 8th Stableford at Aguilon March 22nd Pairs Betterball Stableford at Valle del Este For further information, contact Phil Elam on 666 847840 / philjelam@ yahoo.co.uk, or see www. forumgolfsociety.webs.com

45

sport

Marina Phoenix Golf Society

Marina Phoenix played their Monday Stableford on 4th February and found damage from wild boar around the 6th and 7th holes but the ground staff were already on to it with rotavator, roller and seeding. The competition was a win for Ali Mahmud (36) from Frank Varey (34) and Brian Mayhew (30), on countback from Jim Budd, third.

Thursday’s Team comp was a Texas Scramble played in threeballs.

1st Frank Varey, Margaret Budd and Pete Varley 61.9 2nd Jim Budd, Ali

Mahmud and Sue Speck 64.6 3rd Elmar Trappen, Steve Entwhistle and Hylton Smith 67.0 Next week’s Team Competition is an away day at Alboran.

To play with Marina Phoenix at Marina; Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (Team comp) greenfee is €25 – or to join us on away days ring Jim on 950 162 727 / 600 353 670 or Rosalie 950 397 117/ 697 512 882.

Another Week With Dry Weather For Golfing, But With Gusting Winds The Scores Tumbled Quite A Bit, Tuesday 5th And A Team Game With Three Scores From Four To Count And The Winners On The Day Were Moira Mason, Tony Dudley, Linda Bawden And Sean Halligan. ( Well Done Moira First Win In Quite A While ) Frida And Our Normal Stable Ford Comp In 1st Place Christine Banks

35pts 2nd On Countback Martin De Bruin 33pts 3rd Sean Halligan 33pts. Nearest The Pins Were

Valle Del Este Golf Society

Keith Mason And Sean Halligan.

Well Done Everyone.

Quote; Putting Allows The Touchy Golfer Two To Four Opportunities To Blow A Gasket In The Short Space Of Two To Forty Feet. Enjoy Your Golf At Valle Del Este.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 950 124 828

46

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

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won back by Huercal Overa, some step overs by Sele on the right saw the home side win another corner on the right. Sele put the same ball into the box and this time it was met by Mauro to head home! 2-0 Huercal Overa at Halftime!

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•A fter losing 3-1 at Southampton, coupled with Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Everton, reigning champions Manchester City are now 12 points behind the Reds in the race for the PL title.

•F rank Lampard is just four goals behind Bobby Tambling’s Chelsea record of 202 after scoring in a 4-1 win over Wigan.

•F or the first-time ever, three different Spaniards – Michu, Rangel and Pablo -scored in a PL match, for Swansea in their 4-1 defeat of bottom club QPR. •S toke won for the first time this year (2-1 v. Reading) as did Aston Villa (2-1 v. West Ham).

•G areth Bale netted twice as Spurs beat Newcastle 3-1.

•F ulham’s last victory at Norwich was in 1986 (they drew 0-0 on Saturday); Arsenal scraped home 1-0 at Sunderland.

•N igeria won the African of Nations Cup for the third time, beating Burkina Fasu 1-0, • J amie Carragher will retire at the end of the season.

He’s made 713 appearances and won 11 trophies in 16 years at Anfield.

•T op match tonight - Real Madrid v. Manchester United in the Champions League.

•F A Cup action returns this weekend… On Saturday, it’s Luton v. Millwall, MK Dons v. Barnsley, Arsenal v. Blackburn and Oldham, hoping to complete a Merseyside double, v. Everton. Twenty-four hours later, it’s holders Chelsea v. Brentford in a 4th round replay, Manchester City v. Leeds and Huddersfield/ Leicester v. Wigan, while on Monday, Reading visit 11-time winners Manchester United.

-----------------------------------------------------------------• I n the Six Nations, England’s rugby players, are top the table after beating Ireland 12-6 in Dublin - their first victory on the Emerald Isle since 2003.Owen Farrell scored all 12 points - and this was the first game between the countries without a try since 1984.

•E lsewhere, Wales beat France 16-6 in Paris to end a run of nine successive defeats, while Scotland clipped Italy 34-10 in Edinburgh.

•E ngland’s cricketers amassed a record 214-7 as they beat New Zealand by 40 runs in the first of their T20 internationals ‘down under.’ Eoin Morgan hit 46 off 26 balls and Luke Wright 42 off 20.

•R afael Nadal was beaten by Argentinian Horacio Zebolla in the Chile Open tennis final.

•B oxer Carl Frampton stopped Kiko Martinez in the ninth round to win the European super bantamweight title in Belfast.

•D ates for your diary… the 2013 Formula 1 season starts in Melbourne, Australia in four weeks time, while the Motor GP programme, with Dani Pedrosa favourite to win the overall championship, gets underway on 7 April in Doha, Qatar.

A ND DID YOU KNOW that Ryan Giggs has scored in every Premiership season since 1992.

Huercal Overa CF 3 Mar Menor CF 1 In a game that many thought would fall the way of the visitors, a determined Huercal Overa side instructed by the vocal Alonso Parra punched above their weight at El Hornillo!

The game started brightly for the visitors as they kept the ball very well with nice tight triangle passing movements making the home side do all the chasing.

The first chance fell to Mar Menor when Valdeolivas found space on the edge of

the Huercal Overa area in the 18th minute, dropping his shoulder and sending the defender the wrong way he let rip with a screamer which missed by a whisker. Then in the 32nd minute some good work by home debutant Quintero won a corner on the right side of the pitch, Sele whipped a fantastic ball into the area to be met

by Alex at the near post to head home. 1-0 Huercal Overa. Then straight from the kick off the ball was

Two changes for the away team at halftime showed the intent as the second period got underway with a great deal of possession for Mar Menor. A couple of chances fell to the away sides strikers but nothing of any real danger to Michel in the Huercal Overa goal. Then in the 51st minute when the ball was closed down fantastically by Jose Moreno he fired the ball down the middle to find Sele galloping past the away defence to fire into the bottom right hand corner of the net. 3-0 Huercal Overa! The home fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing as Huercal

Overa looked like the team that were 3rd in the table.

In the 54th minute Mar Menor scored a consolation goal through Juanfra after some pinball in the goal mouth found the Mar Menor man open to slot past the helpless Michel. From then on it was plain sailing for the home side with Mansour, Forroga and Sele all coming close to add to the score line, Sele hitting the post but the game ended at 3-1 to Huercal Overa. Next up for The Red Devils is a trip to Cieza who are flying high in the table! For more details on Huercal Overa CF and local football contact lee@ r-gconsultants.com or www. huercaloveracf.com PHOTO: Top Left to right: Michel, Vega, Quintero, Alex, Alex Minarro, Mauro.

Bottom Left to Right: Sele, Forroga, Pedro, Heredia, Jose Moreno

Almeria Bowling Club 2013 Dyer Cup and Appleby Vase Report

(Club Men’s and Ladies Single Championships)

The Dyer Cup and the Appleby Vase, Men and Ladies Singles respectively, commenced on a sunny and windy day of Friday 1st and continued until Final’s day on 4th February. The winner in the Appleby Vase was Jane Franklin over Patsy Tonkin and Chris Ewer in the Dyer Cup over Roy Tonkin.

Appleby Vase Final - Jane continued with her current playing performance, however, Patsy who played reasonably well couldn’t match Jane’s onslaught.

Dyer Cup Final – This proved to be an exciting game with both players on form. Scores level on the sixth end, 6-6, followed with a nip and tuck game until it was level again on

the eighteenth end at 1515. Unfortunately for Roy he couldn’t get off this score giving Chris a win by six points.

Ladies first Semi-Final - Patsy Tonkin v Sylvia Pritchard. This was a tremendous game with both ladies on form. Scores were level on the tenth end when the real battle began. On the fourteenth end, Patsy pressurized Sylvia going five shots ahead. A great effort from Sylvia brought this level again on the eighteenth end at 14-14, also taking another two shots on the next end.

Patsy however was not going to relax and didn’t allow Sylvia to score any more shots, winning by five shot.

The other ladies Semi- final was between Jane Franklin

and Viv Sykes. Jane was in a fighting mood making it hard for Viv who usually leads the way, but today Jane wasn’t going to let it happen, winning fairly comfortably

The men’s first Semi-final was between Wayne Roberts and Roy Tonkin. Wayne started in a very positive manner, but slowed down on the tenth end. Roy then began to pressurize Wayne by steadily forging ahead.

Wayne then scored a single and four shots consecutively going into the lead by one shot. Roy then regained the lead on the next end, level on the twenty-first end at 16-16; unfortunately Wayne was unable to win any more ends with Roy winning by five shots.

The second Semi-final between John Mannall and

Chris Ewer found Chris on a high and John who had been playing so well in previous rounds found it difficult to find that form again with Chris winning well.

All in all the four day’s went well, with the excellent standard of play by all. Colin Wright our Captain thanked everyone who had played and supported the various games. Also the markers, who without, we couldn’t hold this competition. He also thanked Jim and yours truly for supporting him setting up the rinks and administration. This report with photographs will be found on our website. www. bowlingalmeria.com Vic Parsons ABC Press Officer

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

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19th Hole Golf Society Cucador

24 of our determined band of golfing warriors bravely marched to the Aguilon course at Pulpi on Tuesday 5th February to do battle, in this, our first ever Medal Round. The weather and course were excellent so expectations for a low score were realistic, however none of us expected the ensuing result.

Several of the group had “interesting” rounds not least one of our newer members Don Harbron. Don managed to hit 5 bunkers on the 15th, and whilst his sympathetic partners whistled the tune of Lawrence of Arabia, Don struggled with his temperament and the almost impossible urge to toss all his clubs into the nearest barranco. On reflection he would probably have missed the barranco and hit another bunker.

Ann Clough rediscovered her vicious slice when she sliced of the 11th Tee into her playing partners buggy landing in their open sandwich box, destroying the said companies cheese and tomato sandwiches and squashing a couple of bananas. Not sure what penalty Ann took but it was nothing like her partners suffered with no food.

19th Hole Golf Society. Cucador.

But without doubt the event and player of the day was Mark Danson. Mark playing off 02 ( two) went round this very difficult track in a score of 74, gross three over par, that’s nett one over par. He also scored a Two on the 17th and nearest the pin on the 12th, he certainly had a busy afternoon collecting his trophy and winnings. Very well done Mark.

Alan Greenfield returned a very good nett 77 to secure 2nd place , with Harry Eels in third place with 79.

Most people enjoyed the medal round so it will now be a regular monthly event Results.

1st Mark Danson 74-02=72 2nd Alan Greenfield 98-21=77 3rd Harry Eels 103-25=78 Nearest The Pin: Hole No 4 Harry Eels.

Hole Ni 17 Mark Danson The 19th hole G/S is now arranging weekly games at various courses in the area, our home course, which we play fortnightly, is Aguilon.

If you are interested in joining the 19th hole give the secretary a ring on 610340653. Or email gs19thhole@hotmail.co.uk

Albox Darts League

Highlights Dave Babb from Cafe-Bar Oasis 180 Results for Week 19 Division 1 Tue 05 Feb Pablos 3 v 5 La Cinta 1 Tue 05 Feb El Cordobes 7 v 1 Bar Flora Tue 05 Feb Cafe-Bar Oasis 4 v 4 Corner Bar Tue 05 Feb Bar El Frax 6 v 2 Carrillos Bar Results for Week 19 Division 2 Tue 05 Feb Trinidad 5 v 3 The Travellers Tue 05 Feb Tercera Edad 4 v 4 Catalan Tue 05 Feb La Cinta 2 6 v 2 El Local Regards Andy Martin Secretary to Albox & District Darts League Mobile 652 580 695 For On-line results go to http://www.alboxinfo.com/alboxdarts.php

El Ejido Rugby Club

Match Report: Sevilla La Estacion Rinconada Rugby 13 - 8 El Ejido Rugby Club

On Sunday 10th February at 11.00am, El Ejido played their first league game in the second phase of season.

Despite a lengthy bus journey El Ejido turned out a full squad accompanied by supporters.

The early minutes of the game were very tactical and neither side could make the most of their opportunities.

Seville pressed forward soon after causing El Ejido to give away penalties at the ruck just in front of their 22m line. Fortunately for El Ejido the outside half missed two simple kicks. Minutes later El Ejido capitalised on this by gaining a penalty near the half way line. E. Carey stepped up and kicked a marvellous 50m penalty to give El Ejido a 3-0 lead.

The game continued and play was dominated

by forward play.

Unfortunately for El Ejido this resulted in their experienced prop, G. Callejon, becoming injured and forced to leave the field. With a weakened scrum, El Ejido were on the back foot and conceded another penalty to which the hosts levelled the points 3-3.

With new confidence Seville continued to test the El Ejido defence.

After a number of dubious refereeing decisions, the El Ejido scrum half received a yellow card leaving the team with 14 men for ten minutes.

Seville took full advantage of the extra man and scored a converted try despite strong tackling from the El Ejido defence. The final minutes of the first half saw some ugly scenes where foul play by the influential Seville No. 8 caused a reaction from the

47

Thursday 31st January, the 19th Hole Golf Society visited the Macenas course at Mojacer. The weather was very pleasant with hardly any wind to blame the wayward shots on. The course condition, whilst not perfect, was very acceptable and provided a demanding and enjoyable round of golf.

As well as a singles stableford we also played a team Waltz, a very popular configuration with the 19th Hollers. Luckily with 24 players, The Ghost was not called upon to play its part.

In the singles competition Geoff Smith had a great round scoring 34 points playing off 28 (much to The Handicap Secretary’s interest), to secure his 1st win of the year.

In so doing he really rubbed Nigel Greenwoods nose in the proverbial, having rarely beaten him in any previous competition, but making sure Nigel was aware of the success by reminding him every two minutes on the journey home. Come on Lads, you must play nicely!!!!. Nigel’s nearest the Pin on the 18th hole really didn’t cancel out Geoff’s brilliant performance and win!!!

Peter Dow and Big Al(The Artist) Greenfield both had tidy rounds finishing on 31 points each, with Big Al securing 3rd place on countback, just pushing Pete into fourth, leaving Lee Coxon in 2nd place with 33 points.

Ann Clough played her little

socks off to finish 12th overall and was easily the best lady player on the day. Christine Dow had the only Two of the day on the tricky little par 3 14th hole. Alan Chippendale took the Nearest the Pin on the 3rd hole.

Really great to see Brian(Dee) Lowden back with us after his recent illness, Brian played a very steady round without throwing a single club or swearing and considering he is now a non smoker that is a real achievement. Welcome back Brian.

The team Waltz was won with 78 points by Dave and Zeta Denyer, Harry Eels and Big Al. In second place with ONLY 74 points was the team of Terry Caddick, Brian(Dee)Lowden, Lee Coxon and Alan Chippendale.

Results: - Singles Stableford 1st Geoff Smith 34 points (28) 2nd Lee Coxon 33 points (09) 3rd Alan Greenfield 31 points (22) (on countback Twos:- Christine Dow Hole 14 Nearest the Pin:Hole 3 Alan Chippendale Hole 18 Nigel Greenwood The 19th hole G/S is now arranging weekly games at various courses in the area, our home course, which we play fortnightly, is Aguilon.

If you are interested in joining the 19th hole give the secretary a ring on 610340653.

Or email gs19thhole@hotmail. co.uk

badgers golf society

El Ejido substitutes resulting in a red card for an El Ejido player.

to 13-3 after another penalty from ill discipline by El Ejido judged by the referee.

The second half continued in a fierce contest with both teams trying to play attractive rugby. It was El Ejido who made some great opportunities but simply could not convert the chances into points.

Further refereeing decisions dominated the half and the game could not flow fully.

Seville increased their lead

Despite further yellow cards to El Ejido players they managed a brave fight back after some enterprising attacking play resulting in K. Rristian the winger scoring in the corner. The conversion was missed. El Ejido with minutes remaining pressed in attack however Seville held out to win the match 13-8.

As the Wind Blows Wednesday 6th Feb, Badgers golf society visited Valle de Este. What a difference a week made, with the weather last week being perfect for golf to an extremely windy day for playing golf. The blustery conditions made for some very interesting shots to be made and a number of the members found themselves on parts of the course they never knew existed. Top score for the day was visitor Roger James with 30pts on count back from Tony Randell, and in 3rd place playing his home course was Mark Newall with 29 pts Saturday 9th was the Badgers Roll up at Macenas with yet again windy conditions. Winner on the day on count back with 34 pts was Jackie Dale, with Dave Wright taking 2nd place On Wednesday 30th , Badgers were at Macenas Golf

for their weekly competition.

With absolute perfect weather for golf, high scores were expected. Topping the winners list for the day was Dave Crothers with 40pts, with in 2nd place was Sheila Watts with 39pts and in 3rd position was Richard Jones with 37 pts Saturday’s competiton at Macenas was won by Marg Weston with 35pts from Dave Crothers on count back also with 35pts Forthcoming fixtures are Wed 13th Feb Desert Springs, Wed 20th Feb Macenas, Wed 27th Desert Springs, wed 6th March Macenas.

Badgers Golf Society also play every Saturday at Macenas.

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 950 478 525

48 SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2013

for all of the latest news and sport go to: www.bbc.co.uk

Gary Anderson, BBC F1 technical analyst, has been been analysing the sheets of all the lap times done by the drivers and I think I have a way of producing a list that reflects pretty well the true competitive order of the new cars.

That order has some big surprises in it - the quickest cars appear to be those of McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes, with Lotus not far behind. And Red Bull - the world champions for the last three years - look relatively slow. Let me explain how we get there.

Let’s start with the list of fastest times overall from the four days of the test, which looked like this: K J 4.

S

1. F Massa (Ferrari) 1:17.879, 2.

Raikkonen (Lotus) 1:18.148, 3.

Bianchi (Force India) 1:18.175, R Grosjean (Lotus) 1:18.218, 5.

Vettel (Red Bull) 1:18.565, 6. E

F1: Number crunching gives early form guide

Gutierrez (Sauber) 1:18.669, 7. JE Vergne (Toro Rosso) 1:18.760, 8.

N Rosberg (Mercedes) 1:18.766, 9.

J Button (McLaren) 1:18.861, 10. L Hamilton (Mercedes) 1:18.905, 11.

S Perez (McLaren) 1:18.944, 12. P di Resta (Force India) 1:19.003, 13.

D Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) 1:19.134, 14. J Rossiter (Force India) 1:19.303, 15. M Webber (Red Bull) 1:19.338, 16. N Hulkenberg (Sauber) 1:19.502, 17. V Bottas (Williams) 1:19.851, 18.

P de la Rosa (Ferrari) 1:20.316, 19. P Maldonado (Williams) 1:20.693, 20. C Pic (Caterham) 1:21.105, 21. L Razia (Marussia) 1:21.226, 22. M Chilton (Marussia) 1:21.269 23. G van der Garde (Caterham) 1:21.311

The problem with that list is that you do not know how much fuel the cars had on board, and fuel weight makes a big difference to lap times. So on its own, the list is worthless. So, the next step is to look at how many laps the driver did on the run on which he set his fastest time. You know he must have at least that amount of fuel on board.

Taking Massa as an example, his fastest time was set on a six-lap run, so he must have had at least six laps’ worth of fuel on board.

Each lap of fuel burnt is equivalent to a gain in performance of 0.086

seconds. Apply that calculation to Massa’s time, and you get a potential lap time of 1:17.536.

Do that for all the drivers, and the list looks like this:

1. Massa 1:17.536, 2. Rosberg 1:17.566, 3. Grosjean 1:17.961, 4. Raikkonen 1:17.977, 5. Bianchi 1:18.004, 6. Vergne 1:18.160, 7. Vettel 1:18.308, 8. Perez 1:18.430, 9. Hamilton 1:18.476, 10. Gutierrez 1:18.498, 11. Button 1:18.690, 12. Di Resta 1:18.832, 13. Ricciardo 1:18.877, 14.

Rossiter 1:19.132, 15. Webber 1:19.167, 16. Hulkenberg 1:19.331, 17. Bottas 1:19.508, 18. De La Rosa 1:19.887, 19. Maldonado 1:20.350, 20. Van Der Garde 1:20.882, 21. Pic 1:20.934, 22.

Chilton 1:21.012, 23. Razia 1:21.226

A few obvious things stand out immediately. First, the Ferrari is still at the top. Second, the Mercedes looks much more competitive - that is because Rosberg’s time was set at the start of a 14-lap run.

Third, the Red Bulls have slipped down the table.

But this still is not the definitive list, because some of the teams try to disguise their true form in testing.

So they will do a ‘low-fuel’ run - the one that sets their fastest overall time - with more fuel on board than they needed to make

the car look slower than it is, for example.

The ones that do it most tend to be the biggest teams. The smaller teams tend not to mess about.

They want to know where they are.

The big teams pretty much know they will be at the front, but they do not want their rivals to know exactly how quick they are. But there is a way around this.

Nearly all the teams do longer runs on race-distance levels of fuel. By applying the time lost as a result of the extra fuel in the car, you can extrapolate back from the lap times they do at the start of these long runs to give another list of fastest laps.

In theory, this list should match closely to the second list, the ‘potential’ lap times. If it does not you know either that the car was not full of fuel when it started its ‘race’ run or the car had more fuel than it needed when it did its headline lap time in the first list.

Most of the times do match reasonably closely - the ‘potential’ and ‘high-fuel adjusted’ times of both Red Bulls, for example, were within 0.3secs, and the same went for Raikkonen’s Lotus.

The key point is that anyone who has a quicker ‘high-fuel adjusted’

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time than ‘potential’ time was almost certainly running more fuel than they needed when they did their ‘headline’ time.

The prime offenders here are the McLarens - but that is not a surprise, as it is well-known they rarely run low fuel in testing.

So, the Gary Anderson list of fully adjusted lap times from Jerez looks like this:

1. Perez 1:17.315, 2. Massa* 1:17.536, 3. Rosberg* 1:17.566, 4.

Button 1:17.857, 5. Grosjean 1:17.961, 6. Raikkonen 1:17.977, 7. Bianchi 1:18.004, 8. Vettel 1:18.045, 9. Vergne* 1:18.160, 10. Gutierrez 1:18.465, 11. Hamilton 1:18.476, 12. Di Resta 1:18.562, 13. Ricciardo 1:18.877, 14.

Webber 1:18.953, 15. Rossiter 18.966, 16. Hulkenberg 1:19.331, 17. Bottas 1:19.508, 18. De La Rosa* 1:19.887, 19. Maldonado 1:20.350, 20. Van Der Garde* 1:20.882, 21. Pic* 1:20.934, 22.

Chilton 1:21.012, 23. Razia 1:21.226

* = no lap time that constitutes a high fuel load The interesting thing here is that, in lots of aspects, the list is what most in F1 initially suspected by the end of last week.

Button’s time here is calculated from the basis of his fastest lap on day one, which Massa described as “incredible” because it was

done on hard tyres, on a dirty track and on the first day of the car’s life.

So everyone thought the McLaren looked quick.

The big surprise is Red Bull, who appear to have some work to do.

And the Mercedes - which is a fair bit faster than people expected, at least in Rosberg’s hands.

Hamilton, meanwhile, is a long way down the list.

His times are anomalous. Unlike Rosberg, he did do a race run, and it was very slow. But perhaps that’s not a surprise, as it was race pace that Mercedes struggled with in 2012.

And Hamilton’s fastest single lap seemed disproportionately slow.

But then it was his first proper day’s running with a new team in a car with which he was not familiar, and we do not know how much fuel he had on board.

Of course, this is just one test and there is a lot of development to be done before the first race. So it would be wrong to think this will definitively predict the competitive picture in Melbourne on 16 March, let alone the destiny of the world championship.

But it certainly sets things up in an intriguing way.

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“Off Grid” Solar Power Kits – for homes with no electricity.

3Kw/48V system - from 6995€ - (small home)

This system can run radio/CD/DVD/MP3, lighting, large TV and Satbox, internet router and phone, small fridge/freezer, washing machine, fan, microwave, small tools, hair dryer, and many other small appliances. Free installation!

Goodbye to power cuts! The speed of connection between the grid, solar panels or batteries is so fast that you are unaware of the changing over, you will always have a supply of fluid power without interruption.

Ecoverter 3000 kit from 8,495 Euros including Installation Ecoverter 4000 kit from 9,995 Euros including Installation Ecoverter 5000 kit from 12,995 Euros including Installation

5Kw/48V system - from 7995€ - (cortijo / medium home) This system can run radio/CD/DVD/MP3, lighting, large TV and Satbox, internet router and phone, large fridge/freezer, washing machine,microwave, dish washer, hair dryer, an air conditioning unit, swimming pool pump, normal tools and other small appliances. Free Installation!

7Kw/48V system - from 9995€ - (villa / large home)

This system can run radio/CD/DVD/MP3, lighting, large TV and Satbox, internet router and phone, large class A fridge/freezer, washing machine,microwave, dish washer, swimming pool pump, air conditioning, normal tools and other small appliances.Free installation!

Ecoverter™ Systems for homes that have mains electricty

Intelligent Energy: The Ecocorp Intelligent Inverter (Ecoverter™) is much more than an inverter; it is 4-machines-in-one. An intelligent system which can do everything at the same time; It is an inverter, it can charge your batteries, manage automatically the energy you need. Feed-in of your surplus of your own produced solar energy in the grid, plug in other generators like petrol or diesel, while managing constantly an optimal balance for maximum savings between generation, consumption and charging.

We can also service and update existing solar systems Tel: 671 716 597

All our prices include IVA and installation. All products come with full warrenties, maintenance contracts available. *Extended warrenties are available subject to maintenance contracts

902 750 190

On the face of it, the fastest lap times from the first pre-season Formula 1 test last week are meaningless - the cars are not in the order you would expect and some teams who you know will not be winning races were right up at the top.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES WWW.SOLTIMES.COM

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