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2

AUCTION

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SOLTIMES september 2014

Next

Will be on the

13th September at 11am

At Buy Buy Auction Subasta In the Pink House

Viewing all day Friday 12th September & Saturday from 09:30 We speak English, Spanish, Dutch, German, Arabic & Italian Over 500 lots of household items from private and commercial vendors.

To include: famous name ceramics, various garden furniture, mainly silver jewllery, collection of guitars, quality furniture, wardrobes, tables etc, variety of electrical applicances, fridges, freezers, washing machines etc.

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SOLTIMES september 2014

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3

News

Is tourism destroying Barcelona?

It’s Spain’s most popular city destination but is beautiful Barcelona in danger of becoming a victim of its own success?

The Local takes a peek at the dark side of the city’s tourism boom.

Let’s start with the naked figures. In 1990, the city of Gaudi welcomed a modest 1.7 million visitors. By 2000, that figure had climbed to 3.1 million, and last year the Catalan capital received a staggering 7.5 million guests.

There’s no doubt about it. Barcelona — like many parts of Spain — is riding a tourism-fuelled wave. Since hosting the Olympic Games in 1992, the city has become increasingly desirable for tourists, regularly appearing in lists of the world’s must-visit cities.

It’s not hard to see why either. The city is blessed with great weather, a beautiful coastal location, amazing architecture and a vibrant cultural life.

But beyond the hype, there is a growing undercurrent of opinion that Barcelona could be becoming ‘the new Venice’, a city so overrun by visitors that it is losing its soul.

Tensions over rampant tourism flared recently when locals in the tightly-packed seaside neighbourhood of Barceloneta took the streets against the ravages of ‘low-cost tourism’.

“We are tolerant people but the situation is out of control: the last two years have been crazy,” local resident Vicenç Forner told The Local.

Forner, whose family has lived in Barceloneta for generations, is the man behind the photograph of a group of drunk tourists said to have helped spark the recent protests.

“This was always a working-class neighbourhood, and being near the port we have always been at the forefront of contact with the rest of the world — for better or worse,” the photographer explained.

“People here have always welcomed immigrants and visitors, but the tourists who come here now are shouting at all hours of the day and night, and throwing rubbish out of the window. They have no respect,” he said.

Forner lays the blame with the town hall which has ignored rampant real estate speculation in the neighbourhood.

“Investors have been snapping up whole apartment blocks and kicking out the locals, many of whom are elderly,” he

told The Local.

In their place, holiday apartment have sprouted like mushrooms, many of them unregistered. Apartment rental website AirBnB has up to 477 apartments listed in Barceloneta, seven times more than those that are officially registered at Barcelona’s Town Hall, which is currently trying to crack down on illegal flats.

“Two or three people rent out these apartments, and then 25 or 30 people show up for a party which goes on all night. There’s no control on the part of the owners at all. And the tourists themselves, who come here for four days, just don’t care about the city.”

The town hall turns a blind eye because there’s too much money on the line, the photographer said.

“If things continue like this, Barceloneta will turn into (the city’s historic centre), the Gothic Quarter within five years. No one lives there anymore.”

Joan Callís, the director of travel firm Barcelona Guide Bureau agreed that the city sometimes struggles under the weight of tourism, particularly in locations like the famous Las Ramblas boulevard and the Gaudi-designed Sagrada Familia church.

He also pointed out the high number of day trippers from the coast near Barcelona and people coming off cruise ships could make the small city feel crowded.

While Barcelona received only half as many tourists as London last year, the UK capital is 15 times larger geographically.

Tourists are hard to miss in the Catalan capital.

But Callís was keen to stress he doesn’t believe the city has too many tourists, talking down the idea of a ‘boom’ in favour of a “gradual increase”, and pointing to the economic benefits visitors bring to the city for everyone from taxi drivers to hotel owners.

“That money trickles down to everyone else, although not always equally,” he told The Local.

“The neighbourhoods that don’t enjoy the benefits of tourism want more, while the busy parts of town want less,” he said.

“In general, though, people in Barcelona are very accepting of tourism.”

However, Callís recognized that careful planning was key to sustainable tourism in Barcelona. “We wouldn’t stick 50 people on a tour through the (city’s)

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iconic Boquería market nor would we installing public lavatories. organize bike tours through the narrow “Sometimes when I’m walking along streets of the Gothic Quarter,” he said.

Las Ramblas and I see all the tourists, “We also use radio guides with I think of the city’s 7.5 million visitors, headphones on our tours so we don’t and I think to myself, ‘Where do all these bother locals,” he added. people go to the toilet?’ he said.

There was unwritten code of conduct Source:www.thelocal.es among tour operators in Barcelona, Callís said, but unfortunately not everyone followed the Insurance Quotes Today rules all of the time.

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SOLTIMES september 2014

News

Spanish cavemen ate snails long before their French neighbours

Escargot may now be considered a French delicacy but a new study suggests their Spanish neighbours had a taste for the creatures thousands of years before Long thought to be a culinary invention of the French, new research shows Spanish cavemen were eating escargot 10,000 years earlier than their northern neighbours.

Palaeolithic humans living in caves in southern Spain feasted on roasted land snails between 31,000 and 26,900 years ago, archaeologists have discovered.

Archaeologists investigating remains at the Cova de la Barriada site near Benidorm on Spain’s Costa Blanca discovered snails had formed part of the staple diet of early humans.

“Large accumulations of snails were discovered in shallow pits at the site.

Our investigations determined that these had been roasted – the earliest evidence to show that snails had formed part of the human diet,” Javier Fe r n a n d e z- L o p e z de Pablo, of the Ta r ra g o n a - b a s e d Institut Catala de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolucio

Social (IPHES), said.

The new study published this week in the academic journal Plos One presents evidence snails were eaten in Spain much earlier than at other sites in the Mediterranean area.

“Previous sites where evidence of snail consumption were found – in other parts of Europe and North Africa - date from around 10,000 years later,” Dr Fernandez-Lopez de Pablo said.

“These findings show that snails were eaten as part of a diet diversification It may not be the hottest summer on strategy much earlier than previously record, but that hasn’t stopped animal keepers at Madrid’s Faunia animal park thought.” from coming up with some innovative The remains of snails were found in ways to keep their charges cool. shallow pits alongside bone fragments While Madrid’s population eats its of rabbit, ibex and red deer. way through millions upon millions of Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

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ice creams to keep cool this summer, animals at the ‘nature theme park’ Faunia are also enjoying their own summer snacks, Spain’s El Confidencial newspaper reports.

meanwhile, prefer their diet to be about fruit.

To satisfy their desires, zoo staff have created huge blocks of frozen fruit and vegetables for the monkeys to feast on.

The most appetizing fruit is displayed on the outside of the ice blocks so that lemurs know they are in for something delicious.

For seals, fish in frozen ice blocks is the order of the day — treats which animal keepers leave floating for the animals to enjoy at their leisure.

Faunia, which organizes its displays into different habitats including an Australian zone, and African forest and a polar ecosystem, is home to animals including cobras, manatees and wallabies.

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The Vera and District Lions Club will be holding a Craft Fair and Market at El Gnomo Feliz, between Vera and Garrucha, on Saturday 6th Sept from 11am - 3pm. Lots of lovely stalls and a chance to take a ride on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Come along and meet the

cast of “Oh What a Lovely War” and join in a lovely day out and help us raise money for local good causes.

For more information and to find out about your local Lions Club, visit our website www.veralions.com

SOLTIMES september 2014

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5

Ladies Day New mortgages shoot up In the Garden News

19 percent in June

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The number of new mortgages in Spain in June was up nearly 20 percent on the same month in 2013, only the second such year-on-year rise in four years, official figures released on Wednesday show, but the credit crunch is far from over.

Spaniards took out 17,137 home mortgages in June, 19 percent up on 12 months earlier, the preliminary figures from Spain’s national statistics office, the INE, reveal.

The average value of those mortgages also rose 1.3 percent to €98,582 ($130,000), the numbers show, with the total value coming in at just under €10.7 billion However, the year-on-year rise in June followed hot on the heels of two consecutive months of annual falls

— 13.4 percent in April and 3.4 percent in May. Banks green-lighted 100.935 loans from January to June 2014, down 14 percent on the number for the first six months of 2013, and the lowest figure since 2003.

The six-month figure is the equivalent to the numbers seen during just one month of Spain’s property boom, Spain’s El País newspaper noted.

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The total amount of money loaned out was also down 12.7 percent year on year, the INE stats show.

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Some 92.7 percent of Spain’s new mortgages had a variable interest rate, while just 7.1 percent had a fixed interest rate.

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SOLTIMES september 2014

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News

Spaniards named biggest tech addicts in Europe

Spaniards spend an incredible 8 hours and 48 minutes a day using devices outside work, making them the most tech addicted people in Europe, a new study has found.

If you think eight hours staring at a screen while at work is enough already, you may struggle to fathom how many Spaniards and other Europeans do the very same thing in their free time.

The startling results are based on 5,000 interviews with 18 to 65year-olds across Europe carried out

by Samsung and market research company Ipsos MORI. Spaniards top the tech table with nearly nine daily hours of gadget usage, followed by the Italians (7h 48min) and the Norwegians (7h 36min).

The average time spent on devices per day in other European countries is as follows: Sweden (6 hours 30 mins), Germany (7 hours 24 mins), Switzerland (7 hours 2 mins), Hungary (7 hours), UK (6 hours 54 mins), France (7 hours 2 mins), Netherlands (7 hours 30 mins) and Finland (6 hours).

“We’ve seen a similar trend with teenage internet usage in Spain, it

7

SOLTIMES september 2014

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doubles the European average,” Marc Masip, a Barcelona-based psychologist specializing in disorders relating to new technologies, told The Local.

“There haven’t been any sociodemographic studies on the matter so I can’t accurately say why Spaniards are more addicted to screens than other nationalities.

“What I do know is that mobile phones are the main ‘culprits’; we carry them with us at all times and they’ve replaced our reality with a virtual existence.”

Through his therapy practice Desconecta (Disconnect in Spanish), Madip teaches his patients, mainly youngsters, how to get over their nomophobia: the irrational fear of being without mobile phone contact that 77 percent of users suffer.

“We’re bringing up a generation of cowards who only say “I love you” or “thanks” on Whatsapp because it’s more ‘convenient’.

“They’ll end up not having the social skills to tackle a job interview or ask their girlfriends to marry them.”

Ironically, Madip is also the cocreator of a phone app called FaceUp, which collects data on your phone and internet usage and sets challenges to

stop you from reaching out for your mobile all

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SOLTIMES september 2014

Home & Garden

For many people the creation of a luxurious, tranquil space in which to escape from the world, if only for a while, is the ultimate aim of their bathroom design. The actual design, of course, depends on the size of your bathroom – or on the size of your house if you are considering a wet room for example, as an ensuite or second bathroom – and your budget but there is any number of designs for you to choose from.

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COSY CASA

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Crystal Cave

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SOLTIMES september 2014

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t a e d r o o G G l e k e o o F L Hold on to that holiday feeling You may be back from your break away, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose that laid-back vibe

Did that post-holiday spring in your step barely get you past the arrivals lounge?

Join the club! Research shows that far from leaving us with positive feelings of calm and contentment usually associated with time away, the return to real life can in fact be a bitter pill to swallow.

‘Holidays can leave us feeling quite discontented,’ says psychologist Dr Lynda Shaw. ‘Compared to our carefree days away, normal life seems full of restrictions, to-do lists and responsibilities. But you have to remember that holidays are a false scenario, the secret is to use them to plan some positive changes for when you get home.’

Here’s how to keep that holiday feeling going strong, long after your tan has faded Find your silly side ‘The freedom and excitement a holiday brings triggers a cocktail of feelgood brain chemicals, which leave us feeling less inhibited,’ says Dr Shaw.

‘Injecting a bit of playfulness in to your routine can create a similar buzz. Join in playtime with the kids – there’s no better way to rediscover your sense of fun than making a fool of yourself with the dressingup box!’

Curl up with a book ‘Watching TV is not switching off, because you’re absorbing information and being bombarded with marketing messages,’ says psychologist and life coach Natalie Thomas. ‘Pick up a book instead. It’s far more relaxing and rewarding and, if reading is something you usually reserve for the beach, it’ll feel like an extra-

special treat.’

Be a tourist at home ‘Holidays aren’t just about relaxing – they’re also about soaking up culture and enjoying freedom

from everyday life,’ says Dr Shaw ‘Introduce bitesized chunks of this into your week – turn off your phone and visit a gallery, or do something naughty but nice, such as spending an

elax evive

afternoon at the cinema.’

Write yourself a postcard ‘You may wish you were anywhere but here, but being grateful for little things subtly shifts how you think about your life,’ says Natalie. In a few bullet points that might fit on a postcard, write down what’s been good about the past 24 hours.

Try something new ‘On holiday, we don’t think twice about striking up a conversation with a stranger, or trying a new activity,’ says Alexandra Massey, author of ‘Life’s a Beach’ (£6.99, Virgin Books). ‘Back home, break out of your routine by making a promise to try something new every week – even something as simple as speaking to a new neighbour. www. allaboutyou.com

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SOLTIMES september 2014

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SOLTIMES september 2014

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13

News

Consumer prices slide again in August

Spanish consumer prices fell again in August, dropping by 0.5 percent on an annual basis, preliminary figures from the national statistics institute showed, heightening concerns about deflation risk in the eurozone.

The drop follows a sharper-thanexpected fall in consumer prices in July of 0.4 percent on an annual basis due to the lower cost of entertainment, electricity, tobacco and food.

The fall in prices reflects weak domestic demand in Spain, still struggling with a 24.5-percent jobless rate even as the economy slowly expands after emerging gingerly in mid-2013 from a double-dip recession.

The latest inflation report is likely to be of concern to policymakers concerned about deflation, in which falling prices

“English spoken”

choke off growth.

Broad, sustained falls in consumer prices can lead people to postpone purchases in the hope of future price declines, a reaction that brakes economic activity. The phenomenon can quickly degenerate into a vicious downward spiral that is notoriously difficult to reverse.

The European Central Bank (ECB) targets inflation of just below 2.0 percent over the medium term. It considers anything below 1.0 percent to be in a zone posing a risk of deflation.

The ECB has taken unprecedented measures to head off deflation, including the introduction of negative interest rates for banks which want to deposit excess reserves with the central bank.

Source: www.thelocal.es

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SOLTIMES september 2014

braben’s blog...

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. Today I was going to express my disappointment at everyone of you for not having the courage to take up my challenge and examine the world of Linux that I had prepared for you down at my clinic last Friday. Shame!

This weekend I met a lovely couple who had tried, and been unsuccessful, at installing a wireless printer. Because I have done this many times before and seen most of the tricks that the install program and the printer itself can throw at you, I was prepared for all out war!

Installing the printer should be reasonably straight forward, but rarely is! It requires 3 points of connection.

To put it another way, there are 3 places where the installation can fail and unless all 3 parts of the triad are in place and working, the whole thing fails and there is no printouts! So, what are these points of connection you might ask?

First, and in no order of importance, is the printer. Should that not have all the printer cartridges, paper and connections (power and surprisingly a USB cable) installed, then you are beating your head against a wall before you start. The next part of the printer setting up is making sure that it connects to the router. Every printer has a slightly different way to connect to the router and so it would be pointless to give instructions on how to do this, and the instructions might have more than a little ‘techno-babble’ but will point you in the right direction with patience. Needless to say that when you have it right then there will be some kind of notification light to show that you have successfully connected to the router. This is a ‘one-off’ task!

Second part of the triad is the router.

This will have been set

up previously and you will be using it daily to check emails, surf the web and any number of other normal daily tasks. So nothing to do there either.

The final part of the triad is the computer. Usually the software will ‘walk you’ through the installation, making sure that you have completed every stage before you can move on to the next one. I did say ‘Usually’ because if you try to jump ahead at any point beyond the immediate instruction, then the flow of installation is lost and you will have to ‘start again’. This means removing all the drivers and software that they want you to have.

This process is exactly what I had to do: Remove every piece of the original installation and start from scratch.

The thing that took the longest time was getting the printer to recognise the router and vice versa. The router ‘assigns’ an address that your computer uses to access the internet.

The same is true with the printer and until this happens you can’t go any further! Infuriating but that is the way it is. Once this is connected the information light on the printer (there is usually one – I have never seen a wireless printer without one) will become steady instead of flashing (also normal for most wireless printers).

Needless to say that the printer was properly installed and tested to this lovely couples satisfaction.

As with all things computer related, patience and experience will find a resolution to every problem :-) Anyway enough from me! I’m now off to Jack’s Bar in Albox for my Friday morning computer club and afternoon computer clinic! Maybe you would like to make a suggestion using the email address under this article for further article that will be helpful to you.

For further information or advice on computing,contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk

Well I Never Children are eager to learn from their elders; however from the first time uncle playfully removes the child’s nose with his hand to display in his clenched fist; things are not what they seem. A pinch of salt should be taken with quite a few things we take for granted.

Let’s start with animals and bats first; the term blind as a bat is known to us all yet all bats have eyes. Whilst 3/4s of bats use sound to navigate, fruit bats in particular use their vision to hunt for food. The poor goldfish with its tiny three second memory actually remembers things from months ago.

Like a red rag to a bull is poppycock too; it’s the actions of the matador that enrage the bull not the colour red.

Bulls like most mammals see in black and white, the red cape is just another dark colour.

The humble bumble bee apparently should not be able to fly due to the design of its wings; wrong again as proved by the fact they do fly. A French scientist called Magnan published the

Feeling Puzzled !

I quite enjoy a good puzzle occasionally, in fact only last week I spent a happy half hour puzzling out how to open the packaging on one of Mercadona’s lettuces.

I’m convinced Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid broke into easier banks.

But that’s nothing when compared to some of the puzzles that newspapers inflict on us today. I swear that the top code breakers from the intelligence services would be hard put to solve these corkers.

I was leafing through the pages of “The Daily Mail” yesterday and came across a tidal wave of puzzles in the middle of the newspaper. Feeling confident after my comprehensive victory over the lettuce, I grabbed a pencil and attacked the page, aiming to complete the lot before lunchtime.

Before lunch? I’d have been lucky to have them done in time for Christmas!

Now usually I rattle through crosswords and the like.

Only last week I completed the bumper “Radio Times” crossword…Christmas edition…1965. Well, in my defence, it was a tough one. Anyway I sent it off in the hope I might just squeak in before the closing date. I do have my heart set on the prize, signed photographs of Cliff Michelmore AND Judith Chalmers.

But back to “The Daily Mail”. If you think that Sudoku is a challenge then believe me, you’re in for a shock.

I couldn’t believe it. I looked at the page and nearly choked on my healthy mid morning snack. Six chocolate digestives are healthy aren’t they?

Instead of a crossword or friendly Sudoku I came face to face with Hidato, Gogen and Zygolex. Weren’t they on Doctor Who last week? What I would love to know is, who the devil is coming up with these torturous puzzles? Then a thought struck me…the KGB! Stands to reason doesn’t it? Well, what else have they got to do now that they’re-allegedly-not spying on just about everyone, or planting moles left right and centre.

Of course, they’re just the chaps to come up with those modern day objects of torture.

Maybe there’s a hidden plan. Perhaps they hope that the population will be so engrossed in their Super Bumper Make You Very Crossword, or Zygolex, that nobody will notice those nice soldier chappies strolling along your street, annexing the corner shop.

But the thing is, nobody would mindas long as they brought with them the answer to 15 down!

Graham is married to Helen and has a daughter, Alice. He lives part of the year near Albox, but works in Qatar, teaching. If you wish to contact Graham regarding this article email: helenandg@yahoo.co.uk

Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as the articles are posted on there too...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

results of his experiment 80 years ago but had used the wrong instruments. When he noticed his mistake he corrected it but the error had already crept out in the public consciousness and this before Facebook.

I remember in the early 80s being atop the Eiffel Tower and a couple of us boys dropping a few pennies off the side. We were soundly told off by our teacher who told us we could have killed someone on the ground.

Wrong! The coins wouldn’t have reached more than 30/40mph and any side winds would have slowed the coins further. Lightning never strikes twice is a fallacy too as the Empire State building gets struck over a 100 times a year. Prominent landmarks are much more likely to get hit.

Having Australian friends in my teens, I asked them if water rotates anti clockwise when draining down the plug hole down under. I have no recollection of the answer but

if they said yes they were fibbing as water drains clockwise both above and below the equator. On a much larger scale the Coriolis effect works on weather systems; cyclones south of the equator blow anti clockwise and hurricanes clockwise northwards but the force is too weak to change waters direction down the plug hole.

Moving onto the ever popular subject of religion and Christianity, Adam and Eve’s forbidden fruit is usually depicted as an apple. With early Bibles being written in Latin the word mali means both apple and evil, hence the confusion. The bible doesn’t mention three wise men named Casper Melchior and Balthazar arriving on camels to pay homage in a stable to the newly born baby Jesus.

An unspecified number of wise men (magi) are described bringing gifts to a house where Mary and her young child were living so our rose tinted

nativity scenes date from paintings made 300 years after the event.

Islam, also a hot topic currently has a few popular misconceptions. Six dozen virgins are not offered to martyrs in the Quran; just that virgin companions will accompany all that enter heaven.

The word Jihad literally means a struggle (of the spiritual kind) rather than a holy war. Though the saying Jihad bin saif; translates as struggle of the sword. The word Fatwa made infamous by Salmon Rushdie means a non-binding legal opinion under Islamic law rather than a death sentence and often different scholars come up with different interpretations.

Lastly we have the old chestnut that the Great Wall of China is visible with the naked eye from space. It’s really not, however the greenhouses of Almeria certainly are!

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES september 2014

15

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SOLTIMES septmber 2014

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

The Huercal-overa area no1 top selling agent FEATURED PROPERTY CASA AMARILLA VH184

â‚Ź104,950

ABSOLUTE BARGAIN, A spacious modern designed villa with welcoming rustic feel inside with 3 large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on a 311m2 low maintenance walled and gated plot on the edge of a village walking distance to a shop, cafe/bar, restaurant, doctors, church & school. 8 minutes drive from Huercal-Overa town and 30 to 35 minutes drive to the beaches at San Juan de Los Terreros or Mojacar.

The property was built in 2007 but has been maintained so well you would think it was built this year. An ideal main residence or holiday home.

Downstairs is the covered front terrace, large living / dining room with aircon, fitted kitchen, double bedroom with aircon and a shower room.

Upstairs are two more double bedrooms (one with aircon) family bathroom and two large sun terraces on either side of the house to enjoy the country & village views. One terrace has access from the bedroom and the other terrace has access from the landing.

Outside, the garden has been designed for low maintenance in mind and there is plenty of space for a small pool or Jacuzzi and plenty of parking.

The villa is 118m2 plus a porch of 12.9m2 and 1st floor terraces of 17.7m2 and 6.75m2.

Situated on the end of a quiet, private lane on the edge of a small friendly Spanish village 3 mins drive to the A7 motorway, 8 mins drive to the thriving market town of Huercal-Overa with its award winning hopsital and many shops, restaurant, 2 weekly markets and leisure facitlities.

The property has mains electricity, water, landline telephone, internet, satelite tv, Spanish tv, aircon, and double glazing with fly screens.

For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact Voss Homes on 0034 950 616 827 or 678 002 006 or info@vosshomesspain.com or visit our office in Huercal-Overa. We are just 1km of A7 E15 at exit 553, 100m from LIDL.

SOLTIMES september 2014

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17

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

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Question: My parents are in very bad health and are thinking of moving back to the u.k.

I understand that they could sign an authorization to me for me to deal with the sale of their property when a purchaser has been found. If this is the case what do we need to do?

Answer: Yes, it is perfectly possible for your parents to issue you with a power of attorney to deal with the sale of the property.

To achieve this you would normally go to a solicitor, who will organize the signing at the notary of the necessary document.

Your parents would need to assist at the notary with their passports and a translator (which would normally be organized by the solicitor).

The solicitor will send the instructions (minuta) to the notary with the faculties that need to be included.

Please note that the power of attorney cannot be used after the person that granted it has deceased.

If your parents had already moved back to the u.k. then the solution would be a dual column , dual language power of attorney prepared by a Spanish solicitor in Spain that your parents could sign in front of a notary in the u.k.

Before the document is valid in Spain it would need to have the Hague´s Apostille attached to it.

Michael Davies.

Abogado.

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.

News COMPLETE COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE MOJACAR PLAYA Spain Still Selling Mortgages with RENTALS - SALES -MANAGEMENT - MAINTENANCE Controversial Ground Clause We urgently need more properties for sale and rental for waiting clients Properties of the week

Only five eurozone countries continue to market mortgages containing the ground clause, a provision that prevents the consumer from taking advantage of decreases in the Euribor.

According to a study prepared by the independent consumer comparison website, Kelisto.es, these countries are Spain, Belgium, France, Italy and Portugal.

The portal reminded that the ground clause sets the lowest interest that a consumer will pay for their loan, regardless of the level of the Euribor, which is the benchmark used in 87.5% of the mortgages constituted in Spain.

They explained that, for example, a customer who has a mortgage with an interest rate of Euribor plus 2%, would currently pay 2.513% to their financial body. However, if their contract has a ground clause of 4%, then this is interest that they will have to pay, regardless of whether the sum of the Euribor plus differential is much less.

Stephanie Gonzalez, Personal Finance spokesman for Kelisto, said: “In Spain, the latest available data indicates that over 80% of home mortgages have a ground clause, which is equivalent to nearly 5 million loans.”

“In practice, the application of these ground clauses can have an impact

of thousands of euros a year in the pockets of millions of the families affected, if the Euribor falls to levels as low as they are currently,” she added.

El Economista reported that, according to Kelisto, in the other countries of the Eurozone where there are mortgages containing these provisions, it is a “rare and highly regulated” practice.

In Belgium, for example, current regulations require that mortgages with a ground clause also have a “maximum ceiling”, which limits the potential increases in interest rates, while in Portugal these provisions may not appear in the mortgage contract, but separately, in such a way that customers can avoid them if they wish.

Meanwhile, in Italy the ground clauses can be considered invalid if the consumer is unable to understand them. France is the only country without any specific regulation on their operation, a loophole that explains, among other things, the limited implementation of these ground clauses, since most of the mortgages that are signed in the French market are on a fixed rate, stressed the portal.

Source: news.kyero.com

Ref: ES/TS - Det. Villa, 100m to beach, sea views, 3 bed, 2 bath + 2 bed apt below, private pool, lge garage, solarium, gardens.

Ref. PM/TW Beautiful 2 bed, 2 bath apt in Puerto Marina, pool, large terrace, garage, a/c furnished.

Ref. VA/TL Fantastic, 1bed, 1bath apt, a/c, pool, garage parking, large lock up unit, sunny, terrace, 300 m to beach.

Ref. JP/CH Beautiful 3 bed, 2.5 bathroom, duplex, garage, terraces, pools, garden, a/c, 200 m to beach.

MOJACAR €349,950

MOJACAR - €109,950

MOJACAR - €69,950 MOJACAR PLAYA - 179,950€ Paseo del Mediterraneo 19, Mojacar Playa, Almeria (near the Hotel Best Indalo)

Tel: 950 478 612 / 610 808 631 

info@almeriaholidays.com

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18

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SOLTIMES AUGUST 2014

preparing patio furniture for fall

Cleaning your patio furniture at the end of summer will help ensure you’ll have attractive pieces to pull out of storage and use on those occasional warm fall days and nights ahead.By cleaning cushions, umbrellas, hammocks, and the furniture itself, you’ll remove any stains that could set, or even attract insects

Outdoor Furniture Cushions Be sure to clean away any spills or stains before storing outdoor furniture cushions for the winter.Stains allowed to sit for a season are often nearly impossible to remove. ( Most patio chair cushions have synthetic covers and polyester fill and are designed to withstand the elements.

Still, they could use some help if you’d like them to last for the long term (or at least a few seasons.)Use a spray enzyme cleaner on stubborn spots to remove them.

Set the furniture cushions on their ends in the sun until completely dry. If the cushions have mildew, place them on a flat cement surface and saturate with a solution of 1 cup bleach, 3 gallons of warm water, and 1/2 cup of laundry detergent.Let the wet cushions sit in the sun for several hours. Rinse, then allow to dry in the sun for several days or until fully dried. Store clean, dry outdoor furniture cushions in plastic trash bags.

Aluminum furniture: Wash with mild liquid detergent; rinse and dry. Coat with an automotive wax.Resin furniture: Wash with a mild, soapy solution, rinse and towel dry.

Avoid products with ammonia, but use a diluted bleach solution for stains. Polish resin with car wax if desired.

Teak furniture: Don’t use teak oil on outdoor teak furniture because it will act as a dust magnet. Clean teak with a mild soap solution and a soft brush. Rinse well. Keep teak in the sun because dampness will cause mildew.

Wicker furniture: Wash synthetic wicker in soapy water, then rinse and dry it. You can polish it with a sprayon polish.

Wood outdoor furniture: Wash with a mild detergent and scrub brush. Store it indoors over winter if possible.

Wrought iron: Wash with soapy water; rinse and towel dry. Wax and polish it twice a year. Touch up any rust spots immediately. During the winter, either bring wrought iron indoors or cover it Hammocks

away with a nylon scrubber.Rinse, turn over, and clean the other side. Rinse again. Hang to dry. Don’t use bleach on your hammock - it will destroy the fibers.When you bring it out next spring, spray it with a water repellent to minimize water retention, which can cause your hammock to suffer a premature demise. Cotton hammocks soak up water like a sponge. patio Umbrellas Begin cleaning a season’s worth of dirt from a patio umbrella by taking it apart. Put the top part back into the stand so that it’s within reach. Next, crank the umbrella open. Wash the fabric with a liquid dish-washing detergent mixed with water and applied with a sponge.If your umbrella is vinyl, use a cleaner made for convertible car tops. It works wonders on these sun-beaten skin-savers.

Dry the umbrella open in full sun for a day or two. Never put an umbrella away even slightly damp. That’s a recipe for mildew.

To clean, lay flat and scrub with a solution of hand dishwashing detergent in warm water. Scrub stains and spots

See more at: http:www.clean-organized-family-home. com

fully fitted and well equipped kitchen, hallway, internal stairwell to the 1st floor, downstairs toilet with built-in wardrobe, built in storage cupboard under the stairs, court yard with a built in storage room, large front terrace with terracotta tiles and built-in barbecue.

2nd Floor: landing, a small storage area and a very large roof terrace with views of Mojácar Village, the sea and mountains. Additionally, the house has a gas fired boiler.

All 3 bedrooms, living room and dining room have ceiling fans. The location of this house is ideal for those who want to be within easy walking distance to the beach and all the amenities yet o¬nly 200 meters from the countryside.

This is a must see property and the low asking price makes it very attractive. For more information or to book a viewing appointment please visit our office or contact us via phone or e-mail. Ref: 1137

CHARMING SEMI DETACHED VILLA IN MOJACAR FOR

199.950€

Unique property! 3 bed / 3 bath large semi-detached property in Mojácar Playa with sea and mountain views and 360º views from the roof solarium.

The property has a total built area of 202.62 mts². The house is set o¬n a small community comprised of 15 very attractive Moorish style residential dwellings. This secluded end of terrace property is in very good order throughout. The house benefits from: Ground Floor: 1 master bedroom with en suite, fitted wardrobe and air conditioning (hot and cold), large living room with built-in fan assisted wood burning stove, separate dining room,

1st Floor: landing, double bedroom with built in wardrobe and sea facing terrace, another double bedroom with built in wardrobe and a west facing terrace and also a separate very large south facing terrace, a large family bathroom, and internal stairwell leading to the second floor.

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

property group

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

SOLTIMES september 2014

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new one stop tel: 950 473 040 Fax: 950 472 412

www.newonestop.com

est since 2002

info@newonestop.com

Paseo del Mediterraneo 275, Mojacar 275, mojacar Playa 04638, Almeria

REF.727

mojacar

74,000€

REF.747

Partaloa

112,500€

REF.726

mojacar

reduced

124,950€

BARGAIN

Beautiful apartments with 1- bedroom, 1 bath, 72m² built plus south facing sun terrace with lovely mountain views, very sunny, spacious living/dining room, Private secure underground parking and store room, A/C hot & cold, beautiful communal pool & garden, sold fully furnished.

Fantastic opportunity - a beautiful detached villa in immaculate condition, set on a lovely fenced and gated plot of 2800m2. Features include detached 30m2 garage, 9x5 swimming pool, BBQ area, landscaped garden, central heating, air-con.

Large Townhouse centrally located, 3 double beds, 2 baths, generous size lounge, various terraces & roof solarium with mountain and sea views, fully fitted kitchen, private locked garage of 46m, walking distance to bars & Restaurants and the sea

REF.752

REF.732

REF.590

taberno

235,000€

palomares

44,950€

BEDAR

279,950€

Superb opportunity - beautiful detached cortijo in excellent condition, full of charm and original features, set on a wonderful, private plot of 10,000m2 with swimming pool and fantastic views.5 beds, 6 baths.

296m2 built + 4 stables. Perfect B&B.

Bank repossessions opportunity, brand new 2 beds, 2 bath (1 en-suite) apartment, with fitted kitchen, terrace with sea views, underground secure parking and a swimming pool, walking distance to all amenities & Beach

A superb detached cortijo in very good condition, set on a wonderful private plot with beautiful views and a fantastic swimming pool. Very peaceful, edge of village location. 3 beds, 3 baths, huge garage.

310m2 - built, plot - 3250m2.

REF.731 NR SAN JUAN

REF.621

REF.695

219,950€

Superb opportunity – penthouse located first line beach with amazing sea views, large terrace plus 80m roof terrace, 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fitted large kitchen, A/C hot and cold, sold furnished, 103m Constructed.

ZURGENA

159,500€

A beautiful villa in immaculate condition, situated in a lovely location and set on a larger than average plot with swimming pool, garage and fantastic views. 3 beds, 2 baths, build - 122m2, plot - 1070m2.

Air-con and central heating.

MOJACAR

114,950€

50m to the beach, excellent value for money 2 beds, 2 Bath apartment, 70m built plus terrace & garden of 40m with sea views, lounge/dining room, fitted kitchen, preinstalled A/C, underground parking, communal pool.

our office working hours are 10am till 8pm no siesta we speak:

19

20

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

SOLTIMES september 2014

News Spanish Government to Provide Grants for Housing Reforms

Your Belgian Estate Agent for the inland area like Arboleas, Albox & surroundings.

Soon we have another exhibition in Belguim & Legal properties are always welcome.

Albox

Arboleas

Nice villa with 3 bed, 2 bath garage & private pool on 5000m² plot.

The price is only 165.000€

Very nice villa with 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, private pool & beautiful garden The price is 189.950€

Willemsens Karel web: www.immo-carlos.com

email: info@immo-carlos.com

Tel: 950 090 875 – Mob: 648 505 938

In mid-July the Spanish Government approved a housing plan, with an allocated budget of 2,311 million euros up to 2016, which is focused entirely on the promotion of rental housing, restoration and energy efficiency.

The construction sector’s participation in the field of restoration in Spain only reaches 28% of the total sector, which contrasts with 41% in Europe and 56% in Germany. According to the Ministry of Development, restoration activity generates triple the number of jobs than those generated by the construction of new buildings.

To support this activity, the Government is to provide grants, loans and subsidies which could amount to some 4,000 euros for those persons wishing to renovate their homes.

Idealista.com reported that, in order to gain access to these aids, a number of conditions need to be fulfilled. First, the building must have been built before 1981 and at least 70% of its area designated for residential use.

In the case of housing, the plan is intended only to apply to the home address of the applicant.

The subsidies must be utilised for works on the building to improve the facilities for gas, electricity, ventilation, insulation, to build extensions of up to 120 m2, and even to reinforce the structure of building.

Private owners and communities of

Spanish Estate Agent Your Estate Agent for Spain

CANTORIA - €169,995

ARBOLEAS - €74,995

owners can apply for these grants.

In the case of individuals, the family income must not exceed 2,289 euros per month, while in the case of communities is essential that at least 60% of the residents have a household income lower than 3,598.65 euros per month.

In general terms, the maximum amount of assistance available per household is 2,000 euros for conservation works, plus 1,000 euros more if works related to improving the energy efficiency of the house are being carried out, and an additional 1,000 euros if reforms are being made to make the housing more accessible.

For communities of owners, the grants will be between 2,000 and 5,000 euros for works related to the quality and sustainability of the building, plus 4,000 euros for improving accessibility.

These amounts could be increased by as much as 10% in buildings which are declared to be of cultural interest.

The level of aid available varies from region to region, and each region in which a building or property is situated is responsible for approving the applicant’s right to receive this aid, which must be processed according to the agreement signed by each region with the Ministry of Development.

Source: http://news.kyero.com/

CALL US NOW! +34 634 345 257 BUYING

Let us take the stress away We can arrange your inspection trip

SELLING

Stunning spacious villa Pool with superb views 6.000m2 plot

Cash investment property Large plot Sought after area

we can save you thousands...

A fresh approach to selling your property, Fees from only 599 Euros No Sales, no fee from 3%

ARBOLEAS - €64,995

ALBOX - €199,950

LANDLORDS

No contract fees for the first two months. 20% off management fees on selected properties

Cash investment property Immaculate condition Superb value buy

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WHATEVER YOUR NEEDS, CONTACT US

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SOLTIMES september 2014

www.soltimes.com

Mojácar Playa

Mojácar Playa

Mojacar Pueblo

Renovated single storey older style house of 205m2 on 280m2 plot 5 mins walk from the beach. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, private patio & small garden. Full of character. Easy parking.

SDV595

235,000€

Vera

Well maintained village house 162m2 with potential for a large family home or B+B. 5/6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lower ground floor for renovation & large terrace. The new escalator will provide easy access SDV679 150,000€

Mojácar Playa

A beautiful 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, townhouse of 75m2 in a pretty urbanisation. Community pool & gardens. In walking distance of all amenities, beaches & the local bus route. Excellent rental potential. LV675 99,950€

Valle del Este

Mojacar Playa

Very attractive townhouse of 79m2 on 235m2 in a quiet, residential area. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garage of 22m2 + front & rear gardens. Short walk to shops, restaurants & beaches SDV686 189,500€

Mojácar Playa

Quality furnished townhouse of 86m2 on 117m2 400m from the beach. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, terraces, garden & off street parking. Furnished. Community gardens & pool on a secure complex. LV654 125,000€

Mojacar Playa

Top quality 1st floor furnished apartment of 77 m2 + 17 m2 terrace with superb sea views. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & underground parking. Beautiful community pools & gardens.

Very nice golf apartment of 70m2 in walking distance of the beach in a very pretty complex.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & solarium.

Furnished. Lovely community pool & gardens.

LV644

A975

A932

Mojácar Playa

Beautifully renovated ground floor apartment of 51m2 + 28m2 terrace. Situated on a popular, quiet, front-line complex with outstanding community pool & gardens. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & A/C. Excellent rental 119,000€ A1018

150,000€

Agua Nueva

Attractive villa of 88m2 on 400m2 just a short walk from the village centre.3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, private pool & carport. Local beaches are less than a 10 minute drive.

DV1315 179,500€

99,500€

Cabuzana

Very appealing detached villa of 116m2 on 500m2 with far reaching views to the sea. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Fully walled plot + larger than average pool + parking. Highly recommended! DV1321 235,000€

August Opening Hours: 9.30am - 3pm Monday to Friday

DV1308

475,000€

Lovely townhouse of 147m2 in a small community very close to the beach. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Large private garage, roof terrace & sea views. Communal pool, gardens & terraces. Part furnished LV651 125,000€

Garrucha

Superb linked villa of 210m2 + 87m2 private garden front-line to the golf course. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, study, storeroom & A/C. Furnished.

Allocated parking, community pool, & gardens

275,000€

Very attractive villa of 114m2 on a plot of 200m2 with outstanding sea views. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, superb pool &terraces. Carport. In easy walking distance of the beach.

Mojácar Playa

Mojacar Playa

An extremely spacious & impressive house of 151m2 on 201m2 with private garage & space for a pool. Magnificent sea views from the upper terraces. 3/4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. In walking distance of the beach. LV673 249,995€

21

1st floor apartment of 54m2 + 6m2 terrace on a secure complex. Beautiful community pool & gardens. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, furnished.

Garaging + parking. 5 minutes walk from schools, shops & beaches A1186 75,000€

Mojacar Playa

Quality detached villa of 134m2 on 346m2 with outstanding sea views. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, A/C + central heating. Private garage & pool. Short distance to the beach & all amenities. DV1310 295,000€

22

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

SOLTIMES september 2014

Room With A View Long Standing Family Run Business Emma Fowler Matthew Fowler Shaun Garner

Wendy Lester Rentals Manager

Linda Ferguson

Sharon Garner Stephen Garner (Owners of SPC)

Accounts

Coralie & Tamara Stubbs

Billy Lester

Alicia Mae Fowler, the face and future of SPC

Sales & Rentals Administration

Property Maintenance

Why not talk to the professionals?

Tel: 0034 950 615 388 Tel: 0034 950 475 923 Tel: 0034 653 722 290

www.spanishpropertychoice.com Avenida del Mediterraneo 363, Mojacar 04638, Costa Almeria, Spain

Certified & Qualified Estate Agent

Still haven’t sold your property?

Stop sitting and waiting!

We actively search for buyers Experience the Difference!

C/ Río Almanzora 18 - Vera www.nicla-casas.com Tel. 950 133 508 /niclacasas

ACACIA VILLAS PROPERTY SALES

Gordon Condrey API Bancario Bank Property Agent

Tel + 34 637 309 092

Properties urgently required inland and coastal

Mobile: (+34) 664 856 775 UK: 07761 071 432 • UK: 0121 288 1363

email: sunworthyhomes@gmail.com

website:sunworthyhomes.com

info@acaciavillas.net 610 323 541 - www.acaciavillas.net

This 3 bed/3bath villa is in a beautiful position, set in orchards of orange’s & lemons, on a flat plot of 3000 mtrs, very peaceful and private, but only 2 mins drive into the village of La Alfoquia.

Visit website for full description.

Ref: S&K ORCHARD €190,000

SOLTIMES september 2014

www.soltimes.com

23

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VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

for Sale

Clean Team

sea front Apartment - Mojacar

only

69,000€ o.n.o

• 1 Bed, 1 Bath, Terrace • Big Communal Pool • Communal Gardens • Gated parking area • New kitchen • Walking distance to shops and restaurants.

• Sea views • Across road from beach • Sitting tenant optional

Tel. 664 291 793 jescott29@hotmail.co.uk

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

BEDAR

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

BUY SELL RENT MAINTAIN

Now Only 45,000€

This 2 bedroom apartment is in the village of Bedar, 20 minutes from the coast of Mojacar. It is a new build, third floor apartment with a lift access and great views.

OLV148

www.cleanteamspain.com

Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Services Property Management All areas General Property

covered

Maintenance

Tel: 950 930 652 Mob: 634 332 502 E-mail: cleanteam.es@gmail.com

David Vickers

Location & Property Consultant Mobile: (00 34) 616 760 409 Email: david@indalorealestate.com Office: UK:

(00 34) 950 091 137 (00 44) 1865 522 648

www.indalorealestate.com Albox • Arboleas • Huercal Overa • Mojacar • Vera

CASITA FOR RENT URCAL 2 BED FULLY FURNISHED WITH large FLY free area WITHIN LARGE FENCED AREA 300€ LONG TERM 350€ SHORT TERM PHONE LYNN ON 666 281 323 David

Properties for Sale & Rent

Wanted in all areas

Check out our portfolio, with properties starting from only 49,000€ Call Charlie on: 677 667 722 or 950 064 584 or Karen on 635 979 829 Web: www.solymarspain.com

Secure Post Boxes 35€ per year

665 517 643 Steve

610 905 173 valleyconstruction2008@gmail.com Fully Legal & Experienced Builders All Building Work Undertaken No Job Too Big or Small!!

Phone or email for a no obligation quote

24

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES OPEN FOR BUSINESS Possible Tax Changes

SOLTIMES september 2014

for business

Recent reports suggest that the UK government may withdraw the tax-free personal allowance for expats or other overseas nationals who receive an income from the UK. Chancellor George Osborne has indicated that all non-residents may soon have to pay tax on all their UK income – affecting all Britons who rent out their UK property, and even those drawing a Government pension abroad. It is estimated that this could decrease an expat couple’s income by up to £4,000, thanks to the Treasury’s proposals to restrict the tax free-allowance to those with a “strong economic connection” to Britain.

Angelos Koutsoudes, Head of www.OverseasGuidesCompany. com, a free resource for Britons looking to move or buy property overseas, warns, “Sitting alongside the upcoming change of

Need a website?

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UniCraft Upholstery We upholster all type of chairs & sofas • Cushion foam replacement • Large fabric selection • Over 30 years experience • Free collection & delivery • Free in-home estimates

painter & decorator

friendly - reliable - also general house & garden maintenance electrics - TILING - POOL GROUTING

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email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

ANOTHER GREAT INSTALL BY:

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regulation which will enforce capital gains tax on the sale of all residential property owned by overseas nationals and/or UK expats, we would urge expats to review all their sources of UK income. “It’s important to seek professional advice as soon as possible when planning a move overseas, to find out how these plans could affect you. One option may well be to sell the UK property and move pensions into a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). We deal with enquiries every day from concerned overseas property-buyers wanting to ensure their financial and tax affairs are in order. It’s rewarding to be able to put our readers’ minds at rest by connecting them with recommended tax and financial advisors, who are authorised to advise on all financial planning and taxation matters.” Source: www.smartcurrencyexchange.com

John The Painter All aspects of P&D Interior & Exterior Gates, Rejas & Boundary Walls Free Quotations john.colbert@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 662 597 596

POOL SHOP

summer offer

any 2 tubs x5 kilos - €35 FIND US In Longo’s Courtyard

Shop: 950 104 345 or Maintenance: 637 582 696

For all your pool cleaning needs

• Monthly Contract • 1 Off Clean • Minor Repairs • Sand/Filter Changes

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Phone now for free estimate on any type of painting and carpentry works that you require in your home or business cisinfoservice@gmail.com

Tel: Chris 619 693 118 or Eric 634 621 747

SOLTIMES september 2014

www.soltimes.com

25

News Light Shining in the Forest by Paul Torday. Book Review.

Spaniards still have €1.67 billion in old pesetas

Even though the euro replaced the peseta 15 years ago, Spaniards still have a whopping €1.67 billion ($2.11 billion) worth of the country’s old and now unusable currency stashed away in draws and collector’s albums, the Bank of Spain says.

Fortunately for those who have just stumbled upon an old stash of pesetas, Spanish authorities will allow the old money to be exchanged for euros until 2020.

It’s been 15 years since the EU currency took centre stage in Spain and 13 since it completely replaced the peseta as the only currency that could be used as payment.

According to Spanish national daily ABC, Spaniards have continued to exchange pesetas in coinage and bank notes in recent years, €15 million worth in 2013.

But as Spain only just starts to lift itself up after 6 long years of economic hardship, it’s difficult to believe there are still €1.6 billion euros worth that ordinary Spaniards haven’t made use of.

In fact, the Bank of Spain estimates 45 percent of the peseta coins that were in circulation before euros were introduced will never be exchanged either because they’re now collectors’ pieces, they’ve been lost or are in bad condition.

One euro currently equals 166 pesetas, meaning that the €1.67 billion figure equates to an astronomical 277.6 billion pesetas.

Spain’s old currency took its name from the Catalan word peça, which means either piece or fraction.

Although it became the official nationwide currency in 1868, the first coins which contained the word peseta date back to 1808 and are from Barcelona.

Source: www.thelocal.es/

“Why did you give him to me, if you were going to take him away again?”

The debate continues here on stigmata and divine intervention versus atheism and agnosticism. Torday stated that the atheists and agnostics might be wrong and that there might be a God. If this makes your blood run cold then perhaps you’ll relish the opportunity to be immersed in a story that fuses the genres of thriller, satire, horror and the supernatural as well as love and sex. Forget the religion.

Recently in Madrid a number of young children have been abducted from Ciudad Lineal, one from the Dominican Republic, another Japanese and a Chinese girl as well as some Spanish girls. Torday responded to the Baby P case in the UK by writing this novel in an attempt to highlight the inadequacies of the Social Services and the breakdown of the family unit.

Who’s to blame? This is his most disturbing and angry work, published the year of his death. “Pure evil has a random quality that it is difficult to predict and arm yourself against.”

The story is set in Torday’s home territory-Northumberland. We are plunged into the primeval world of fables in the Kielder forest with animals possessing human-like eyes, mysteriously appearing and disappearing, uncomfortable periods of silence. Its inhabitants lived by violence, men who were masterless who acknowledged no King as their ruler. It’s a dark, haunting bleak landscape hiding macabre thoughts

No Holidays for Advance Moves

Whilst most people are heading for the beaches of Spain during the hot summer months for a well deserved vacation, spare a thought for the Advance Moves International removals crews that are at their busiest during the Summer Months.

Advance Moves managing director Mat Ford-Dunn explained that it is always the summer months when removals crews are at their busiest as it fits in with their clients requirement to relocate between the UK and Spain during school holidays to minimise disruption. ‘It doesn’t help that the removals crews find themselves working their hardest when temperatures are well into the mid 30’s over the summer, but our crews are all very experienced and are used to working in this hot climate. We make a point of starting early in the morning and trying to finish as much work as possible early in the day before it really heats up. All our staff have regular medicals and carry plenty of water to combat the heat and keep themselves hydrated and they all have a very positive attitude and enjoy their work so despite the heat they push on and get the job done.’

This year has been especially busy for Advance Moves with a dramatic increase in the number of removals undertaken that has required the purchase of 5 additional vehicles and

a third warehouse in the UK to cope with demand. Mat puts the increased work levels down to a more buoyant housing market but also in the high levels of service that Advance Moves offers to its clients compared to other removers. Advance Moves is one of a handful of Removal companies in Spain that are fully legal with a Spanish transport licence (tarjeta de transporte) and also members of the British Association of Removers (BAR). Mat was also keen to point out that they Export wrap all items of furniture rather than just blanket wrapping which is a poor alternative offered by other less professional movers. ‘Overall we offer a higher level of service and protection than other removers at a price that is still competitive and that is why our clients keep coming back, you only have to look at our online survey results on our website (www.advancemoves.com) to see how highly our clients rate us and we just keep trying to improve’ said Mat when asked why Advance moves was so busy this year.

and acts of barbarity. It’s also where Geordie Nixon works as a woodsman.

His relationship with Mary has floundered after the abduction of Theo, a special child who displayed mysterious lacerations and wounds that appeared and disappeared without any logical explanation.

“Abusing and losing children is something the nation excels at.”

Norman Stokoe is the Children’s Czar, a glorified civil servant who receives an extensive salary for sitting in an office doing nothing because of a political shake up. When confronted by the mother of missing Theo he is repulsed at the thought of getting involved.

A brazen reporter, ambitious, waiting for the killer-story that will consolidate his future as an investigative reporter shakes up Norman’s sanctity. Willie Craig.

Two more children, this time girls, are abducted and the police seem lethargic. Norman Stokoe has a change of heart and wants to get to the truth of the matter. Are the police hiding something? Is there a cover up? Why is he threatened?

Who is the child abductor? Read it at your peril….

Publisher: Orion Books. ISBN: 978-1-7802-2224-0 REVIEW it by Carol Naylor. www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com naylorcl@hotmail.es

26

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

SOLTIMES september 2014

Go to our web site for all our excursions from Benidorm theme parks (Mundomar, Aqualandia & Terra Mitica) to Madrid, Barcelona through to Christmas or Cruises.

online Booking Now Available!

Book online or call us direct, either way one of our operators is waiting to take your call or visit www.coachtripsonline.com for more info

strange laws

• In Georgia, it is against the law to slap a man on the back or front.

• A barber is not to advertise prices in the State of Georgia.

• In Louisiana, a bill was introduced years ago in the State House of Representatives that fixed a ceiling on haircuts for bald men of 25 cents.

• In Oklahoma, no baseball team can hit the ball over the fence or out of a ballpark.

Fun Brain Teasers with Answers to Challenge your Mind

1.Who killed MacBeth? ....................................................

2. Which soul singer had a hit with ‘You’re My First, My Last, My Everything’? ....................................................

3. For which newspaper did Superman work? ....................................................

4. In which state is the Grand Canyon? ....................................................

5. What was the name of the first cloned sheep? ....................................................

6. Of which Asian country was Benazir Bhutto a former Prime Minister? ....................................................

7. Which of the Bronte sisters wrote Wuthering Heights? ....................................................

8. On which river do Halifax and Wakefield stand? ....................................................

9. London is currently bidding to host the Olympic Games, but in what year? ....................................................

10. Which member of the Royal Family is expecting a baby in December? ....................................................

SolPUZZLES wordsearch

Roller Coasters

Find and circle all of the roller coasters that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining 20 letters spell a Ernest Hemingway quotation.

AFTERBURN ALPENGEIST BALDER BIZARRO COLOSSOS COMET CYCLONE

DESPERADO DIAMONDBACK EL TORO GHOSTRIDER GOLIATH GRIFFON HADES

INTIMIDATOR JUPITER KATUN LEVIATHAN MANTA MAVERICK MIND BENDER

MONTU NEMESIS NITRO PHOENIX PROWLER RAGING BULL RAPTOR

RENEGADE ROAR SHEIKRA TATSU THUNDERBOLT TITAN TREMORS

TROY TWISTER VIPER XCELERATOR

Brain Teasers Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

standard SUDOKU

easy SUDOKU

CRYPTIC crossword

6) Pakistan 7) Emily 8) Calder 9) 2012 10) Sophie, Countess of Wessex

CROSSWORD

The hidden message is: LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST

1) MacDuff 2) Barry White 3) Daily Planet 4) Arizona 5) Dolly

SOLUTIONS

wordsearch answer

SOLTIMES september 2014

www.soltimes.com

Sundance Spas ACROSS 2. Bulbous plant (5) 4. Wing-shaped (4) 6. New (5) 8. Percussion instrument (7) 9. Tease (5) 11. Rubicund (8) 12. Plausible (8) 15. Bay window (5) 17. Male ruler (7) 18. Precise (5) 19. Valuable ore deposit (4)

With over 25 Years of Experience in the Spa Industry come and see a name you can trust New Range of Economical Spas Now taking on building work, terraces and extensions

20. Mother-of-pearl (5) Down 1. Glorious (8) 2. Land characteristics (7) 3. Swivel (5) 5. Luxurious car (9) 7. Cleansed (9) 8. Latin-American dance (5) 10. Underground stem (5) 13. Repel (7) 14. Upright (8) 16. Gain knowledge (5)

STANDARD CROSSWORD

STANDARD CROSSWORD CLUES

Mon – Thur 9am – 2.30pm & 4pm – 7pm Fri 9am – 2.30pm & 4pm – 7pm Paseo de Mediterraneo, 165, Mojacar Playa 950 472 845 www.sundancespas.com - sundancespas@telefonica.net

27

SUDOKU PUZZLE s

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.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

standard

easy

squiggle

ACROSS 7 Started with live weapon (5) 8 The final word in alternative books and southern decorations (9) 10 Flexible and quiet in pulse production (6) 11 Glorify England with bird inside imaginary circle (8) 12 Tape container, as arranged, in court before end of June (8) 13 Sapper and journalist’s instrument (4) 15 Artificial credit cards (7) 17 Pieces of cloth shake in explosion (7) 20 Second-hand American-English dictionary’s opening? (4) 22 Mastermind engineer (8) 25 Searches or expels, perhaps (8) 26 Famous hitchhiker with a number of teeth (6) 27 Hugging Marc? Begin changing (9) 28 Some task Edward invited (5) Down 1 Rare gully repositioned at fixed

intervals? (9) 2 Reckons student’s union president initially pretends to be somone he is not (8) 3 Bored with head of department and annoyed about start of lecture (7) 4 I eat crab (cooked) and tiny organisms (8) 5 Alien line found in one insect or another (6) 6 Examine horse at the end of January (5) 9 Money paid periodically for part of barren territory (4) 14 Swayed daughter with gun, initially (9) 16 In terrible century, Tory leader is not straight (8) 18 Benevolence relatives send out to son (8) 19 Half-hour exploiting accomodation (7) 21 Speak about the French Romeo’s pay (6) 23 Objects of worship proceed from the sign (4) 24 Tests former partner’s morning direction (5)

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

28 SOLTIMES september 2014

e t a l o c o h C k Dar Bacon Cupcakes

Makes 2 dozen cupcakes Ingredients

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Method

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place bacon in a large, 12 slices bacon deep skillet. Cook over medium2 cups all-purpose flour high heat until evenly brown. Drain, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder crumble and set aside.

2 cups white sugar In a large bowl, stir together the flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 cup cocoa powder, sugar, baking 1 teaspoon baking powder soda, baking powder and salt. Make 1/2 teaspoon sea salt a well in the center and pour in the 2 eggs eggs, coffee, buttermilk and oil. Stir 1 cup cold, strong, brewed coffee just until blended. Mix in 3/4 of the 1 cup buttermilk bacon, reserving the rest for garnish.

1/2 cup vegetable oil Spoon the batter into the prepared 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa cups, dividing evenly. powder, for dusting Bake in the preheated oven until the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in the pan set over a wire rack. When cool, arrange the cupcakes on a serving platter.

Frost with your favorite Free Bottle of wine chocolate frosting and sprinkle reserved bacon per couple to take away after having our night menus crumbles on top. Dust with additional cocoa powder.

Valid only with this voucher

Mesón de

Irene

summer crazy offer

dinner 19.00-22.00 until 31ST AUGUST

Source: www.allrecipes.com

Makes 30 cupcakes Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup milk 1 (1 ounce) bottle McCormick® Red Food Color 2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting: 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 2 tablespoons sour cream 2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract 1 (16 ounce) box confectioners’ sugar

Method

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix

S H O WB

Restaurant

OX

ALB

COD N’ CHIPS or from HOMEMADE PIE 5.95€ Fridays 12 - 9 Saturdays 12 - 5

Desserts from 2€

SUNDAY LUNCH

Salad Alternative to Chips

amb oast NZ L R s u 12noon - 5pm io c ised day Deli oking Adv 2 Courses from 8.95€ This Sun o B . p p u €1 s 3 Courses from 10.95€

from HOME-MADE AND DELICIOUS WAITER SERVED 6.95€ BOOKING RECOMENDED Book our function room with private patio garden for your parties, weddings, birthdays etc.

9AM-LATE MON-SAT (Tues 8:30) 10-6 SUN SEE OUR

950 120 718

jacksalbox@gmail.com

MAP ON PAGE 30

flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Set aside.

Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in sour cream, milk, food color and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until just blended. Do not overbeat. Spoon batter into 30 paper-lined muffin cups, filling each cup 2/3 full.

Bake 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into cupcake comes out clean.

Cool in pans on wire rack 5 minutes.

Remove from pans; cool completely.

Frost with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting.

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese, softened, butter, sour cream and McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract in large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until smooth.

Source: www.allrecipes.com

AR & REST A URA N T

The Irish Rover

Mojacar’s original & only Irish bar.

Your No 1 Entertainment Venue in Mojacar for All the Family

Our famous Sunday car ver y ser ved 1pm - 5pm.

3 meats, 7 veg & all the trimmings

Live Entertainment & Karaoke Every Night Saturday 13th September SHOWADDYWADDY 5€

Friday 10th October MICHAEL BUBLE & BARLOW 5€ GARY TRIBUTE ACT

Best Authentic Indian fo on the Plaod ya Served All Day!

Now showing

GAA Games

tel: 950 473 135 mojacar playa (between Lua & Moma Beach)

SOLTIMES september 2014

www.soltimes.com

Zucchini Raspberry Cupcakes

el Cucador

Chrissie & Rob

Welcomes Maria, Managing front of House & Pedro our Spanish Chef

Makes 2 dozen cupcakes

nal Spanish Cusine o i t i d a Tr r Restaurant Thurs-Sat til L

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups allpurpose flour 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 cup butter, softened 1 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 cups shredded zucchini 1 1/4 cups fresh raspberries 1 cup chocolate chips

Method

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 24 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.

Whisk together the flour, cocoa, and baking soda; set aside. Beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until lightcolored and fluffy. Add the eggs one

u In o

at a time, allowing each egg to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla with the last egg. Pour in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in the zucchini, raspberries, and chocolate chips, mixing just enough to evenly combine. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes.

Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

Source: www.allrecipes.com

Cotton Candy Cupcakes

ate

& Bar from 12am Daily

Free, Free, Free

This Sunday Live Music in the Garden from 4pm Put on Your Dancing Shoes Free Tapas Tasting from 4pm All Welcome

Ann & Penny continue to cook your British favorites

TRADITIONAL BRITISH SUNDAY LUNCH

Makes 24 cupcakes

Selection o 10/12 Freshf Tapas Serve d Daily Homemade pie night from Next Wednesday Evening Bar Menu from 5€

Ingredients

1 (18.25 ounce) package Duncan Hines® Golden Yellow Cake Mix 3 large eggs 1 1/3 cups water 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 (16 ounce) can Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ Frosting Starter 1 (3 gram) packet Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ Cotton Candy Flavour Mix Coloured sugar Cotton candy

Method

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place cupcake liners in muffin pans.

Prepare cake batter as directed on package.

Pour batter into prepared cupcake liners, filling them no more than two-

29

fr froom m

served FROM 12.30

thirds full.

Bake 18 minutes or until toothpick inserted into cake comes out clean.

Let cupcakes cool for 5 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely.

Pour packet of Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ Cotton Candy Flavour Mix into can of Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ Frosting Starter. Stir until evenly blended.

Frost cupcakes with the Cotton Candy frosting you just created and sprinkle with coloured sugar.

Garnish with pieces of cotton candy.

Source: www.allrecipes.com

Salmon, Cod fillet, & Salad Options

booking recommended

Sunday British Breakfasts served from 10am - 12pm

5.95€

co d n chips prime

atlantic Cod home-made chips mushy peas & homemade tartar sauce

FRIDAYS from 12.30pm

We are here

Albox Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

1km

La Vida

Cucador Huercal Overa

Junc 547

Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com open every day 12pm - late

30

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

SOLTIMES september 2014

What’s on at DARTS TEAM

Looking for new darts players to form an additional team for Tuesday night fun from September.

Men & Women welcome contact us

FUN QUIZ

Coming soon to Wednesday Nights with Andy & with prizes

Sat 6th Sept

Karaoke & Party Night with Graham D food available until 9pm Start

Sat 13th Sept

Last Night of the Proms on Big Screen!

All Welcome

Sun 14th Sept

Table Top Sale Proceeds to Puppy Rescue 10am-2pm

(Few spaces still available Call Jacks to reserve)

For more details - 950 120 718 jacksalbox@gmail.com

Weekend at Miraflores Camping Los Gallardos

COMMUNITY NEWS remember step aerobics? come & join us every wednesday 11.30am at Jovasport gym in Mojacar Parque commercial with Alison

old school moves 2014 style

call 666 273 168 for more info LEARN SPANISH WITH“PACO” WAITER - CAMARERO WATER - AGUA CUSTOMER - CLIENTE ORANGE JUICE - ZUMO DE NARANJA COFFEE - CAFE BOTTLE - BOTELLA GLASS - VASO

WINE - VINO BEER - CERVEZA ICE - HIELO MILK -. LECHE LEMON - LIMON TEA - TE TIP - BOTE

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PLEASE? ¿QUE QUERÍA POR FAVOR? I WOULD LIKE A BEER PLEASE HALF OR PINT? QUISIERA UNA CERVEZA POR FAVOR ¿TUBO O PINTA/JARA? WOULD YOU LIKE ANY MORE? ¿QUERÍA ALGO MAS? YES, ALSO I WOULD LIKE A WHITE COFFEE ONE MORE COFFEE SI, TAMBIÉN QUISIERA UN CAFÉ CON LECHE UN CAFÉ MAS I WOULD LIKE A GLASS OF WINE RED OR WHITE? QUISIERA UN VASO DE VINO ¿TINTO O BLANCO? COULD YOU GIVE ME SOME CHANGE PLEASE?YES OF COURSE ¿PODRÍA DARME ALGO DE CAMBIO POR FAVOR? SI POR SUPUESTO HOW MUCH IS IT? HOW MUCH DO I OWE YOU? ¿CUANTO ES? ¿CUANTO LE DEBO? Learn more Spanish with Paco-661 142 606 at Campsite Los Gallardos, Lessons based in conversation, All levels catered for plus Private lessons!

global Taekwondo Federation

Taekwondo ... be the best ...train with GTF

Come along for a relaxing time Arrive Saturday and enjoy a relaxing time around the pool Saturday Evening - our great live entertainment & BBQ Sunday Lunchtime - our famous Carvery All this including Saturday nights accommodation in a fully equipped mobile home Only 95€ for two people in a luxury home or 70€s for a smaller home.

Bookings now being taken for our very popular

New Years Eve

Tel: 679 970 399

www.campinglosgallardos.com

Martial Arts Classes for Children & Adult S

Tel: 646 844 708 www.tkdspain.webs.com Indigo Gym - Mojacar Playa

Church of England

Costa Calida-Costa Almeria.

Priest Reverend Pauline Williams 950 956 166 / 687 250 860 Mojacar:- Eucharist Sunday 11am. The Church of San Pascual, Aqua De Enmedio Albox:- Community Hall Aljambra,Eucharist last Thursday in month at 11am Evensong second Sunday month 6pm Almeria.

Peurto Lubreras - Tanatorio Pinera (follow the signs for Estacion) Every sunday at 6pm.

Roquetas:- 3rd Thursday of the month at 1200(noon) at Burtys Bar. Church Wardens are Eric Dore 950 515 105. Pam Carter 667 947 573 or visit www.mojacarchurch.org

Want to improve your Spanish?

Do you want to improve your Spanish and speak English with new friends. Every Thursdays from 9.00 pm in L’arrivée Tapas & Lounge Café in Aguadulce.

You can taste our fantastic tapas and enjoy improving your Spanish and speaking English with people from Spain and other countries. Your first pint of beer and tapa is for free. Just come and enjoy

Living water Church

Mojacar. An Evangelical informal service at 4.00pm every Sunday, opposite Red Cross Centre on Mojacar Playa. Contact Pastor David Hamilton 697 522 521 John 950 529 321 Margaret 950477063 For more info visit www.livingwate rchurchmojacar.com

LEARN SPANISH…

…in a fun and enjoyable class with Paco at Camping Los Gallardos, MiraFlores Restaurant.

New, beginners class starts Wed 10th september 16.30pm

Private lessons and different levels also available.

CALL PACO 661 142 606

market days

Mondays: Antas, Berja & Huercal Overa Tuesdays: Albox, Cuevas, Los Gallardos Wednesdays: Mojacar, Bedar, Lubrin, Velez Blanco Thursdays: Carboners, Cuevas, Sorbas Olula del Rio Fridays: Garrucha, Turre, Zurgena Saturdays: Vera, Aguilas, Arboleas Velez Rubio Sundays: Villaricos Nightly: Garrucha, San Juan (Sunday)

SOLTIMES september 2014

www.soltimes.com

31

out & about

...to advertise on this page call 950 121 936

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 for only 10.95€ which includes a Caraffe of wine and you can now choose from a choice of 7 Starters, 6 Mains and 5 Desserts. Full A La Carte is also always available.

Please call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm today and reserve your table, you will not be disappointed!

The Beachcomber John and the team at The Beachcomber always ensure your food is beautifully cooked and is served with a smile.

With fish and chips to die for plus all the traditional favourite meals you would expect. John has also added a Slimming World breakfast to the menu, which is the perfect way to enjoy a meal and not feel guilty!

Telephone now to book or to find out more about any of our many events: 950 473 099.

Bistro Bonita is situated in the pretty village of Cerro Gordo and just 10 minutes outside Albox. They do delicious homemade food including beef wellington, orchard pie and speciality food.

All freshly prepared so booking is essential.

Try their homemade 3 course Sunday lunch at 8.50€. Free venue for your Party or Get Together just phone Chris for details - 950 930 169 or 650 599 739.

ALBOX Fresh food served daily - Check out our specials board

Fri 12 - 9.30pm Sat 12 - 5pm

free wifi

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

day the day of the nu of menu me 3 courses 3 courseS - €12.00 €10.50

Menu del noche

Beach Opening Times 10am til close Food served 10:30am til 10pm

regular TRIBUTE SHOWS see website for details

Beer-battered atlantic Cod, Homemade Chips, with Mushy/Garden PeaS

5.95€

Restaurante

Albox

Bacon Bap or Sausage Sandwich

With tea or regular coffee 9am - 10.30am

Full A La Carte also available

TAPAS Daily

Includes a caraffe of wine per couple 7 starters, 6 mains & 5 Desserts Monday - Saturday 7pm - late. Closed Sunday

Home made tapas

Call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm

Find us across the old bridge from Palza Mayor Albox, opp Bar Wassy

Thursday 4th September From 6pm we are closed to the public due to a private party.

Karaoke will resume the week after.

Friday 5th September The Streeters - Rock band from Benidorm live from 9pm 3 course set menu available only 10.50€ Only diners are guaranteed seating.

Non diners 3€ on the door for this premium gig.

This amazing band are a must see.

Lead guitarist just 13 years old.

Saturday 6th September Twilight Shadows 9pm Menu del noche available Booking essential if you want to dine. 3 courses just 10.50€ Free Entry, only diners guaranteed seating.

Sunday 7th September Mel Howard Coles - Classical and Operatic show, Motown, Soul, Pop and Rock and Roll.

The most gifted singer in Spain.

Sunday roast available, or menu del dia just 10.50€ for 3 courses Free entry but only diners are guaranteed seating.

Full house expected again so book early.

Free entry to all the gig’s

All bookings to barunique@hotmail.com or call Glenn on 634 393 235

9am - 4.30pm (except Sunday)

& add tea or coffee for 50c

8:30 to 10:30AM

darts players required for extra team - tues nights! fun quiz players required for wed nights EXPRESS your interest

• Art Class 9-1:30pm • Line Dancing from 2:30pm with Eleanor & Gilly • ROCK’N’ ROLL 7:30PM

Tuesday

• keep fit 9am • Darts Night from 8pm - All Welcome from Sept

Wednesday

• Line Dancing with Carrie 7pm • Fun Quiz Night Coming Soon

Thursday

• Ceroc Classes 8pm • The forum community singers

Want to sing but think you cant?

Friendly Weekly Workshop from 15:30

friday

• computer club 9:30 - 1pm • CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH 6pm • Geneology (Monthly)

PLUS Pool table tuesday night then fri afternoon till sat night Sunday Breakfast

SERVED 10AM -12 .00 AM

OPEN YOUR BUSINESS TO

3.75€

STANDARD BREAKFAST 2.50€

which will you try today?

Monday

includes free tea or coffee

Market Day

1€

Activities

ALL DAY BREAKFAST from 9AM

Tu es day Sp ec ia l

A great variety, tasty hot or cold

CALL 902 750 192

5.95€

Home Made Burgers, Jacket Potatoes, Home Made Puds, Salads & much more

3€

menu del noche €10.95

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

salad alternative to chips

Bookings Advisable Takeaway option available

tel: 950 473 099 www.beachcombermojacar.com

La Cena

Cod ‘n’ ChipS or homemade pie

Traditional Sunday Lunch

ample parking Free Wi-Fi

9AM-LATE MON-SAT (Tues open 8.30) 10-6 SUN @

950 120 718

jacksalbox@gmail.com

fro m 12 .3 0

BP Garage

•••

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

32

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

SOLTIMES september 2014

SOL CLASSIFIEDS ballroom dancing

carpentry

Tea room ballroom dancing

Bill’s Carpentry & Shop Fitting

Air-con

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

sequence with jean & derek at

La

V

el Cucador

idaRestaurant&Venue mondays 3-5pm

all levels welcome For all your installation or service single or couples MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L requirements including our latest offers info@md-aircon.com enjoyable afternoon to meet telephone 950 432 110 / 607 364 917 new friends 607 364 917 or 950 432 110 for more info call email: info@md-aircon.com 950 449 617 md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es

For all your

Air Con & plumbing needs

baby equipment hire

BABY HIRE

Everything for the visiting baby Car seats, high chairs, stair gates, cots etc contact graham 950 436 581 or 666 375 688 620 112 193 expectingababy.2006@gmail.com or barry 667 853 062

Digital Vision

Air Conditioning Services based in Mojacar & all areas with 10 years experience covered

We offer competitive affordable rates

Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 332 sales@soltimes.com

Professional Baby Equipment Hire Free delivery & collection, All our equipment has been purchased from new Tel: 615 806 126

thebabyhirecentre@hotmail.com

blinds & screens

Hanging Doors Flat Pack Furniture Fitting Kitchens Tiling No Job Too Small Free Quotations Tel: 633 507 165

cleaning services

Mature couple Clean apartments & villas at very reasonable rates Mojacar area etc

648 078 051 or 690 298 925 construction

QUALITY EXPRESS All types of construction works undertaken

visit

Replace ment windows & doors tel: 600 049 515

email: info@digitalvisiones.com

building

Quality & fair Prices Guaranteed

Arboleas builder, Fully legal, Call Steve on 950 930 536 or 634 306 690

Call Carl on 677 091 240

www.digitalvisiones.com Tel: 645 294 064/950 472 081

Airport services www.AAparking.es Tel: 639 081 067

Cheap

Airport Parking

Alicante Almeria Murcia New Servicing / Repairs

A i r p o r t tr ansfers pick up all areas, competitive rates. For a quote please visit www. spanish estateagent. com or call 661 143 871

alternative energy Solar Wind Power Solutions.

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

Call Phil for competitive prices 636 261 240 email:info@sunergyalmeria.com www.sunergy almeria.com

available venues

Venue @ La Vida El Cucador

in Albox

Private parties Private parties Birthday etc, Birthday etc, all events all events catered for catered for call for more call Bar for more information: information

950 634 562

950 120 718

business opportunity

“Internet Millionaire Reveals Secrets Of Making £1,000 A Week & More Without Any Previous Experience”

If you would like to start earning extra money now! Then the internet is definitely the place to do this. You can earn money whilst relaxing by the pool or even earn whilst you’re sleeping.

This is the reality for people that are making money online.

For Free Information Visit

www.howtomakemoneyfrommembershipsites.co.uk

business for sale large amount of quality boot sale items inc books, dvds, clothing, bric-a-brac, electrical goods etc plus large van & 4 wheel box & trailer ramp, english reg

Free Quotations

Reform-it Right

Renovation specialist, general property maintenance, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing and electrics, tiling, painting, landscaping, gardening, extensions, swimming pool etc Berja, Almerimar, Roquetas, Aguadulce No job too small English and spanish spoken Free quotes , advice available and any licence applications tel. Robert 662 20 38 91 email anguanchu@yahoo.es

computers

Don Robinson

pc consultant

Advice, Help, Training, Diagnosis & Repair 15€ per hour min charge 1 hour + parts +IVA

I come to you

established 2008 comp TIA A+ certified

Tel: 646 587 746

donald_gunn_robinson@msn.com

Steve Hayes Informatica

Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc. Sales interested & Repairs on-site callout / tuition.

Consumables come & see & talk Albox, Almeria Tel: 950 120 900 634 337 185 or 950 064 778

for sale

Kingsize bed

Vodafone smart mini android 4.1 80€ ono jellybean, multi media, 2mp camera, wifi, bluetooth & email, was 155€ new, not used selling all-in-one bed frame & glass head board, for 95€ Tel: 950 slatted bed base & bedside cabinets, dark wood with silver detail, to fit kingsize 438 236 between mattress. Bed surround measures total 2pm & 6pm area of 200cm x 174cm, head board measures 173cm in length. needs assembling. Buyer to arrange collection (nr Los Gallardos).

Tel 663 977 230

ASUS Eee PC 1015CX netbook, red cover, Intel Atom, 1.60GHZ, digital vision 1.00GB RAM, 250GB, Wi-fi and webcam built in.

Installed with Satellite Services based in Mojacar & all areas Windows 7, full with 10 years experience covered MS Office and Acrobat 9 Reader.

We offer competitive affordable rates Only 2 years old, complete with visit charger and soft www.digitalvisiones.com carry case. €115 email: info@digitalvisiones.com Tel: 617 138 880 Tel: 645 294 064/950 472 081 (Vera)

Digital Vision

drainage

Drainage Solutions

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

Established 9 years in spain

Tel: 616 531 283 or 670 088 966

Cleaning of Septic Tanks ▪ Emptying of septic Tanks & Cesspits, with high pressure cleaning ▪ Small unblockages of pipes & drainage

Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks

Contact: 675 838 808

M.I.G. Welding Machine(single phase) 250€, Large quantity of porcelite cockery, plates, cups, saucers etc.

New, All white.

Suit restaurant.

Tel: 645 066 538 Silver Ball Coin Op Quiz & Game machine.

Suit Bar or home.

500€ Tel: 645 066 538 Karcher Set Washer 50€, 2 x 2.72kg Camping Gaz Cylinders 10€ Tel: 645 066 538 Small DVD player 5€, 4 x 4ft Blue disco lamps. new unused. 20€ Tel: 645 066 538

Bosch Heavy Duty Angle Grinder 30€, LICENSED POZO/septic tank emptying Small electric pillar drilling • Installation of new septic machine 30€, 2 tanks with certificates Radio Mics. New. Presound, 100€, • Repairs to existing pozos Soundlab Ten • CCTV Camera Channel Mixer/ Inspection Amp with effects.

Call Andy on 950 091 109 or 648 768 587 Little used. 500€.

Email: blockeddrainsrus@albox-online.net Tel: 645 066 538

www.soltimes.com for sale cont...

Android Box. Dual core Brand new and boxed.

Fully loaded, UK TV, Sports including live Premier League, Movies, Adult and much more.

WiFi or ethernet.

Will work on most TVs, including CRT. I can demonstrate and advise on connection.

Only 95€ Tel: 693 818 244

hobby/craft

albox

For all your VGA/SVGA Weprovideafullrangeof Cable for Insurance Needs personalandbusinessto connecting your Please contact suit everyone’s needs 950-120-340 computer to TV. Glenn & jayne 610-240-563 950 121 943 LG BluRay With 15-pin plugs infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com info@garciaytrinidad.com DVD player, New. Only 7.50€ Model BP120 Tel: 693 818 244 iron/metal works Brand new and H e a vy boxed. Full HD. Combination The Metal works Grills, railings, MP3, USB etc.

Safe Sentry gates of all types, security/sliding/ Only 65€ Tel: roller, rejas, concertina doors etc.

80€, Laptop 693 818 244 Case Large / Tel: Keith Wood on 638 900 949 2 Seater Sofas Strong 10€, Pine legal x 2, Light Blue Farmhouse Table 190€ Round 3ft x 2.6ft As New Pine Table & 125€ Tel: 671 459 4wayconnections 4 Chairs 95€, Legal and Translation 132

PA SYSTEM

Services.

Tel 646 844 708

www.4wayconnections.com

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

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

health & beauty avon cosmetics Tel Claire 691 987 454 avonfromclaire @yahoo.es

pet taxi

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic in our regular space on pg 17, please email info@daviessolicitors.com locksmith Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours. Locked Out? Locks fitted/ upgraded house safes. Arboleas & surrounding area. Special weekend rates. Tel: 697 243 181

PROPERTY

Cortijo 3 bed 2 bath set in very tradional settings with stunning views from 2 large terraces

must be seen 300€ pcm

tel: 622 643 145

email: stetchley@hotmail.com

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

pilates with Sharon O’Lanlon every Wednesday 11am - 12 all welcome all levels at El Cucdor Call for more details 638 487 314 fully UK reg: 25 years experience

plasterer

Call Stephen 636 266 641 email info@findmeahome.es Find us online at www.findmeahome.es facebook.com/findmeahome

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT

SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

British plasterer

mojacar playa

€68,995

1 bed, 1 bath Apartment with private, gated parking & gardens.

Communal pool.

Possible sitting tenant. Walking distance to amenities, shops and restaurants Opposite beach Good investment.

plumbing

KNOWLES plumbing No 1 for Plumbing

All types of Plumbing

Central Heating Gas/Oil - Solar Hot Water Boiler Servicing, Repairs & Replacements Water Leaks - Sewage Blockages Water Deposit Tanks 500-8000l Pool Pumps - Septic Tanks Osmosis Systems

TELEPHONE: 950137197 / 606807797

reduced further 20mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool.

Mountain views.

€125,000

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

ono

649 186 107 or email thunderpaul2003 @hotmail.com

PROPERTY maintenance

GB

Pool Cleaning & Garden Services

If Your Looking for a Reliable & Affordable Service Contact

667 853 062 or 620 112 193

From just 10€ per week! painter & decorator Your property will appear as friendly - professional -reliable shown above and be seen by almost 55,000 ring for a free quote Sol Times readers!

Tel: 649 186 107 or Call Paulette TODAY PAINTER

pamper yourself at R Retreat El Cucador, beauty treatments, hair salon, holistic massage, waxing, pedicure etc. Therapists all established & UK qualified. Email retreatcucador.gmail.com or call 647 all types of exterior & 379 878 or look at our main advert interior work on the ladies page inside & call the therapists direct NEW COMBINATION of Hits high intensity Interval training toning & conditioning of entire body Tel Viki on: 650 764 623 for more info

front line

TRAVELLING IN AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE Specialising in rural property with character T: 646 844 708 DELIVERED TO DOOR Whether you are buying or selling PETS STAY IN PET FRIENDLY HOTELS. we will be delighted to ACCOMPANIED TRAVEL AVAILABLE hear from you

Tel Paul 634 327 201

Tel: 663 977 230 can collect

potty finca services

pets

All work guaranteed

must be in good working order to include amp & speaker

gardening

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Kittens 8 weeks old, fully ELAINE’S WOOLS Quality UK weaned and house trained 4 Wool & Accessories. Come & view Ginger and 1 Tortoise Shell FREE my DISPLAY. Also Available at CAT TO A GOOD HOME 634376265 Services & Total Entertainment Call 667 273 889 elaineswools@gmail. No need for kennels or cattery Pet sitting in you own com home, Arboleas & local area.

Call Vanessa 637 061 482 insurance

Pine Dresser 3 drawers with glass section 75€, Pine Coffee Table 30€, Pine TV Cabinet with 2 drawers 40€, Pine 3 Drawer Chest 40€ All Matching & Unused Can insurance Deliver Tel: 634 est 7 years 337 185 / 950 Award winning agent 064 778.

wanted

33

SOLTIMES septmeber 2014

www.soltimes.com

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 332

For y

o

all u

r

building maintenance from

tiling,

p a i n t i n g gardening Call 649 186 107 for a quote

34

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

SOLTIMES september 2014

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

removals

situations vacant

sat/tv services

safe & secure transport 1.9 satellite dishes Due to continued expansion of Avalon throughout SPAIN UK SPAIN Removals to & from uk Spain we require Marketing Assistants to lined & controlled Friendly Reliable Service thermal ventilation ideal for pets now in stock promote the services we provide.

200€ dog - 179€ cats Fully Legal The ideal candidate will be confident, outgoing and able to talk to 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

100€ birds

heavy loads welcome 4700kg with speed limiter fixed price quotes fully legal operation shop & offices to visit px goods to offset costs

www.movemypetsandstuff.com

spain uk spain friendly reliable All jobs considered

Call John on

UK: 0044 +44 (0) 1582 499 836 7939 88 0110 +44 (0) 7977 754 389 Spain: 0034

De Lima’s

removals Local, National & international REMOVALS & STORAGE Quality Second hand furniture showroom

263 Paseo del Mediterraneo Mojacar Playa, Next to Sal Marina Hotel Mon-Fri: 10am-3pm sat 10am-2pm Tel: 950 615 364 Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Brian on 674 280 268 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz

www.delimas.biz

fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS

SPAIN UK SPAIN Large Van going to & from UK monthly

FULL & PART Loads available at Low Rates

For more information call Spain 0034 634 349 347 England 0044 743 443 4820

advertise your service

Your business will appear as shown above and be seen by 55,000 Sol Times readers!

tel: paulette on 950 121 936

excellent prices

634 368 071

CUSHIONS CUSTOm MADE

Anything considered

Tel: 950426904 or 600384265 email

casanaranjamotos@hotmail.com

To be considered for this role you must have access to a car and have a full driving licence. All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

If you feel you are the ideal candidate to join the growing Avalon team please send your CV to marketing@avalonsl.es

We have a sales/administration position based at our head office in Los Carasoles, Zurgena.

•Foam replacement •Interior/Exterior Fabrics •Free estimates

Tel: 692 176 069

Doyou enjoy a fast paced working environment?

Have an outgoing personality with bags of enthusiasm & enjoy the pressure of weekly deadlines.

Do you have good telephone and administration skills then we would love to hear from you.

Experience is not essential as full training will be given.

Send your CV to sales@soltimes.com or call Paulette on 950 121 936

motoring section

car remapping

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TEL: 667 235 205

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

Casa Naranja Motos cars & vans We buy your unwanted bikes for cash, runners, non-runners or accident damaged.

This is a contracted position with a monthly bonus scheme.

upholstery

covering all areas, fully qualified & legal, over 30 years experience, Call Paul on 617 150 300

wanted

Motorcycle Breakers

The position will involve attending venues and events throughout the Almeria region to promote the brand.

tel: 620 112 193

call: 634 368 430

REMOVALS

mainly UK citizens.

wanted for cash

1 hour service guaranteed telephone

661 143 871

all areas covered

REQUIRED

3 hours a day, 5 days a week

This is an unpaid position, small expenses will be met.

To show further interest please email

timbertops1@yahoo.co.uk

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

motoring section cont... for sale

NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 ACENTA 2X4 YEAR 2009 112000KMS 14.900€

Telf: 950 431 861

e-mail: ventas@autofex.com

only 2000€

boat for sale

wanted uk cars & vans bought for cash Telephone

634 345 257

bargain S type jag 3000cc Ideal car for transfer to spanish plate, mot expired june, very good condition,Camping Roquetas.

Kingfisher 20 - 6mtr yacht on a 4 wheel trailer, bilge keel, repainted, roller jib & main, sea toilet, 4 berths, 6hp evenruid engine 1495€ Can deliver 4 wheel trailer available if required Tel: 634 326 521 pictures available

Tel 693473816’ Do you have a caravan, vehicle, boat or motor bike for sale To advertise your vehicle in the motoring section & reach over 32,000 readers call paulette on 950 121 936

SOLTIMES september 2014

www.soltimes.com

The Empress and the Loaf

This is the fifth and final round in my combat with the Mischief Imp. So far that Imp has: Tripped me up; attempted to sabotage the pool pump; made off with the instruction book for the camera, and successfully killed my washing line.

I triumphed over all of these tribulations, suffering nothing worse than a fractured temper, so I felt I had earned a reward, a palliative luxury in the form of a slice of hot buttered toast.

I went to take half a frozen loaf out of the freezer – before freezing I split each loaf into smaller units, and then carefully separate each slice, so that I can, if needed, remove and defrost just one slice and not have to battle

with a whole loaf.

However, on this occasion I was faced with a deep-frozen complete loaf, laminated together so solidly that it would take the rest of the day to defrost sufficiently to remove just one slice.

My dream of hot crunchy toast with an immoderate amount of butter seeping through it seemed unachievable - I had neither the patience nor the inclination to wait for the whole monolithic glacier to defrost!

Fuming with frustration I stared at the homogenous lump in front of me – I wanted toast, and I wanted it right now!

I turned to the Empress, so named because she is an imperial presence in our kitchen. She resides in dignified state on the work surface, a symphony in chrome and black, so superior to every other item in the kitchen that I worry that she could be offended by her humble surroundings.

But she is true class, she rises above the josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

By Jos Biggs

mundane without loss of dignity, daily proving her superiority in all matters culinary.

With due deference I clicked open her door, and inserted the offending ice block.

With reverence I clicked her buttons, politely requesting Defrost.

Courteously she enquired what it was that I wanted her to defrost.

Pan, I told her (She only speaks Spanish).

Sensing my indecision, she suggested that Pan would need 15 minutes to become edible, so I bowed to her superior knowledge, turned her dial to 15, and respectfully initiated Power (She doesn’t have anything as prosaic as Start).

15 minutes later she summonsed me with the microwave equivalent of the ‘Ahem’ of a welltrained butler. I removed one warm and fluffy loaf, separated one soft and malleable slice, which I toasted, buttered and ate!

Ha! No Mischief Imp is a match for the Empress!

alqueria Alqueria, the jewel in the Iberian crown?

The Minister of tourism for the Madrid Government wasn’t losing any sleep over Alqueria’s new initiative. Alquerian tourist drives have come and gone.

They have never attracted more than a handful of holidaymakers and were certainly no match for Spain’s wonderful Costas. The number that have returned to the Pueblo is virtually non-existent and being a member of the Alquerian Frequent Visitors Club is a very lonely experience. Their new tourist initiative was based on the unscrupulous leading the gullible.

It all started at a meeting of the Alquerian Parliament, held in a Remitroot smoke filled room on a scorching August afternoon. Rodriquez, always on the make suggested they turned Alqueria into the ‘Ultimate Bordello Experience’. Enrique, minister for flora and fauna said he thought it already was while staring meaningfully at Manuela. Manuela floored him with a left-hook.

A list of reasons why anyone would want to spend their valuable free time in Alqueria was draughted. It was a very short list. In fact the only item concerned the healing effects of the spa water and this was a complete fabrication.

The only water that emanated from the ground was due to the bad drainage and could turn the stomach of any Port Said sanitary inspector. But it demonstrated a principle. When one buys a house or car one can see the ruddy thing beforehand, with a holiday it is different. By the time the visitors had realised they had been conned, they would have already had their wallets emptied. Deception was to be the byword.

It is said that British seaside landladies based their hospitality on

the Alquerian model. As a tourist destination Alqueria ranks somewhere between Chernobyl and down-town Baghdad. The only recent tourists have been from the Dangerous Sports Club. Eating Alquerian food is listed as one of their more hazardous pastimes.

People have waxed lyrical about the sparkling cities of the world. New York, the Big Apple. Prague, The City of Hundred Spires. Budapest, Pearl of the Danube. One disgruntled tourist suggested an apt epithet for Alqueria. The ‘cleftal horizon’ of Iberia.

So one can see that much work was needed in the reinvention of Alqueria.

Albeit a reinvention on paper only.

The first ploy was to write a cast iron contract to be displayed on the back of each travel document. This small print would be extremely small and in the ancient tongue of the ‘Sodemalls’, not spoken since biblical times. Alqueria will be depicted as a place of fun and laughter, warm lapping seas and enchanting moonlit evenings.

Will tourists even come? Will tourists stay? Will tourists sue?

We shall see.

John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

35

viewpoint

The Sunday Ant My normal morning routine at the pool this time of the year, is to struggle through my designated number of lengths, shower off the chlorine then sit at one of the garden tables to dripdry sufficiently before stretching out in the sun for half an hour before breakfast.

It was during the dripdrying process one Sunday morning, that I noticed a solitary ant scurrying along the grouted joints of the tiled pool surround, first one way then another – seemingly unsure of what to do or where to go. Now ants are hardly noteworthy items of interest, except of course when millions of them overrun your garden or even worse, come into your home. This summer they have been more numerous than usual in this area, and a damn nuisance.

However, knowing how well organised they are and without the protection of a good trade union looking out for them, they seem to be endlessly working; collecting tasty titbits for the colony or whatever else it is they do. So I thought it strange that this particular ant was all alone and seemingly confused, and as I watched him closely, I noticed that he moved in a strange way – as if he had pulled a muscle or something.

I watched him for some minutes then I sloped off to the end of the pool to get my thirty minutes of

rays.

The whole swimming routine was repeated in the following days and there had been no further sightings of any ants poolside until the following week, when once again there was this solitary ant rushing around like an insect possessed. I knew it was the same ant, not only because of his apparent panic and confusion, but also there was that noticeable limp.

Furthermore it was a Sunday. Surely just a coincidence.

I also realised that this was not one of those tiny bugs that have been so common this year, but one the size of your regular British black ant, and then it struck me - perhaps he had inadvertently stowed away on a Ryanair flight to Murcia which would account for his disorientation. But Murcia airport is a long way to hike, especially for an ant and particularly one with a dodgy leg. But then I reasoned that perhaps he had been carried over in some unsuspecting holidaymakers luggage, and staying right here in Los Dolses.

I was roused from my reverie by the sight of my friend Dec (as I had sub-consciously christened the little guy) being carried away by a stream of water that had accumulated on the tiles from my body drippings, so I carefully lifted him out and placed him on a dry area to shake off the water. Then satisfied that he was completely recovered, I retired to my usual spot for my time in the sun.

This whole process was repeated the following week (apart from nearly drowning him) - no sign of ants all week and then just this one on Sunday.

There was nothing of use badbirdnow@gmail.com on this barren expanse

By Colin Bird :

of concrete to forage for - perhaps that was why he was on his own having been sent out on a sort of test. A bit like sending marines out yomping on the Brecon Beacons.

The following Sunday I was naturally eager to get to the pool and I completed my fifty lengths in record time . . . at least for me. I quickly showered and positioned myself on the bench in my usual spot and scanned the paved area for Dec, but there was no sign of him. Then as I was about to give up hope, there he was, dashing about in his usual distinctive way.

“There he is” I shouted.

“There’s who?” my bikini clad princess enquired.

“The ant – the one that’s here every Sunday” I told her.

She looked at me over her sunglasses in a strange way. “How do you know it’s the same ant?” she asked suspiciously.

“Because limp.”

he

has

a

“Which leg?”

“Don’t be daft, my eyesight’s not that good.”

I told her. Honestly I think she was just being sarcastic and not taking me seriously.

But I knew.

Then last week, as Dec was careering around the paving, a score or so more ants – all of the same variety – converged on the area and zeroed in on Dec. After touching noses or whatever it is they have, they all headed off in the direction of the garden area and the logical site of the colony.

Dec I was certain, had either passed his weekly test, or been adopted.

I have to finish now.

Two nice men in snowy white coats want me to go with them . . . but I’m happy, even though I will miss my little friend.

36

SOLTIMES september 2014

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

News Anglo Spanish integration day

Following last years success, the ayuntamiento of Huercal Overa are to hold the 2nd Anglo Spanish integration dayon Saturday the 20th of September 11-00 to 19-00.

There will be great entertainment and food both Spanish and English and

inclunes some interactive activities there will also be face painting.So come along and be sure of a great day out with something for all the family.

Regards Sue Cornwill Chair of the dames in Huercal Overa

After nearly three years trailing Greece in the European Union’s youth unemployment rankings, Spain is once again the country with the highest rate of under 25s without a job, accounting for a worrying quarter of all jobless youths in the Eurozone.

July’s Eurostat figures showed 53.8 percent of young people in Spain didn’t have a job compared to 53.1 percent for Greece in May, the latest figures released for the Hellenic nation.

Despite the fact that a considerable number of young Spaniards manage to find temporary work in the service industries during the summer months, there were still 842,000 of them without a job in July.

Whereas the youth unemployment rate in Greece and the rest of the Eurozone has gradually dropped in recent months, Spain saw a 0.4 percent increase from June to July.

In fact, Spain’s jobless youngsters now make up 25 percent of the total 3.3 million for all 18 European countries

that use the euro.

Knowing the real situation of youth unemployment in Spain and the EU is hampered by the fact that Eurostat has two ways of calculating the figures.

As former Times and Financial Times correspondent William Chislett told The Local: “There’s the rate, or tasa in Spanish, which takes into account people in the 16 to 24 age group that are employed or are actively seeking work. That’s what gives the 57 percent (May 2013 figures) youth unemployment rate which is so widely publicized.

“And then there’s the unemployment ratio, which includes all young people in Spain, studying or working, and offers a much smaller 22 percent.

“Even if the real figures still remain unclear, it isn’t really fair to measure youth labour force when most 16 to 24 year olds in Spain are still studying.”

Cyclists taking part in Spain’s La Vuelta tour are having to endure such high temperatures in the summer heat they’re averaging 4.5kg (10 pounds) a day in weight loss through all the sweating.

If anybody needs an Ice Bucket Challenge right now, that’s participants in ‘La Vuelta a España’.

According to cycling website VeloNews, riders in Spain’s answer to The Tour de France are drinking 12 bottles of water during each stage, and a few more if you count those they pour over their heads.

“Air temperatures are pushing 100F (38 degrees celsius), and it’s even hotter with the sun beating off the asphalt,” VeloNews’s Andrew Hood

wrote.

The first five stages of La Vuelta that have already taken place have all been in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia, notorious for its suffocating summer temperatures.

Swiss cyclist Fabian Cancellara tweeted that no matter how much water he drank he was still getting cramps.

To help fight the heat, top riders of the likes of Alberto Contador and Chris Froome are sporting a new “bar vest” which allows them to carry bottles during racing.

Other teams are opting to strap ice packs to the rider’s backs to try and keep their body temperatures under control.

Source: www.thelocal.es

Spain back on top of EU youth jobless table

info@camconceptssl.com

Our Legal services include Conveyancing Purchase Or Sale Spanish Wills & Inheritance NIE’s & Residents Certificates offering a Forming Of Companies wide range Setting Up Business of legal Registering With Social services in English to Security Office the expat Car Registration & Importation community Translation Work since 1994

CAM. Concepts, S.L. C/. Montilla 1A, 04600 Huercal Overa (Almeria)

TEL/FAX: 950 471 357

Source: www.thelocal.es

Spain’s Tour so hot cyclists lose 4.5kg a day

SOLTIMES september 2014

www.soltimes.com

19th Hole Golf Society. Cucador.

Thursday 28th August with an 8.30am start our early risers met with sleepy eyes to play this Individual Stableford Competition at Aguilon. With temperatures already in the mid twenties and humidity of the scale it really was going to be a day of hanging in and hoping the scores came good. A steady round by Mark Danson which included two no scores and an Eagle secured him 1st place with 35 points from an inspired Nick Pogson on 34 points . Nick scored an impressive 21 points on the back nine which included a pair of birdies enough to keep an ever improving Mike Palmer in 3rd place on 32 points, Ron (The Rocket) Curtis found scoring very difficult, it was suggested he goes to Spec Savers after carefully selecting the right club to hit the green from about 100m and than having it pointed out to him that the ball he was addressing was in fact a mushroom.

As always the Aguilon course was in excellent condition and a treat to play.

Good days golf with good and bad

scores, but a good welcome back at La Vida for nibbles and refreshments.

Results Individual Stableford 1st Mark Danson Nett 35 (3) 2nd Nick Pogson Nett 34 (21) 3rd Mike Palmer Nett 32 (25) NearesT the Pins Hole No 8 Lee Coxon Hole No 12 Steve Newberry Hole No17 Nick Pogson Thanks to all the members who support the 19th Hole Golf Society.

The 19th hole G/S are now arranging weekly games at various courses in the area, our home course, which we will play fortnightly, is Aguilon.

If you are interested in joining or playing with the 19th hole give the secretary a ring on 610340653. or email gs19thhole@hotmail.co.uk

sport SHORTS

• I t was goals galore in the Premiership last weekend, nine on Merseyside where Chelsea beat Everton 6-3 to become the first team since Arsenal in August 2009 to score half-a-dozen times at Goodison Park.

•N eil Warnock began his second reign in charge of Crystal Palace with a 33 at Newcastle.

•S wansea topped the table briefly after beating WBA 3-0.

•M ario Balotelli made his debut for Liverpool who won 3-0 at Tottenham.

•S toke City stunned champions Manchester City 1-0 at The Etihad Stadium.

•A ston Villa, QPR and Southampton also won while there were draws between Leicester-Arsenal and Burnley-Manchester United drew.

• I n the Championship, leaders Nottingham Forest won 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan whipped Birmingham 4-0 and Watford beat Huddersfield 4-2.

•T here were wins for FL1 leaders Peterborough (3-1 at Colchester) and FL2 table toppers Burton Albion (2-1 at Mansfield).

•S PL leaders Inverness CT defeated Kilmarnock 2-0.

•H ere in Spain, Real Madrid, two-nil up after 11 minutes, lost 4-2 at Real Sociedad while Barcelona scored late to defeat Villarreal 1-0.

•T he 2014 Champions League groups are (A) Atletico Madrid-JuventusOlympiakos-Malmo, (B) Basel-Real Madrid-Liverpool-Ludogorets, (C) Benfica-Zenit SP-Bayer LeverkusenMonaco, (D) Anderlecht-ArsenalDortmund-Galatasary, (E) Bayern Munch-CSKA Moscow-Manchester City-Roma, (F) Barcelona-Ajax-PSGApoel, (G) Chelsea-Sporting-SchalkeMaribor and (H) Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk-Athletic Bilbao-B.A.T.E. •T he opening group matches of the Europa League will feature Spurs-Partizan Belgrade, EvertonWolfsburg and Saltzburg-Celtic.

•T onight, England (captained by Wayne Rooney) play Norway in a

by Tony Matthews

friendly at Wembley and Germany met Argentina; tomorrow France meet Spain and Italy oppose Holland.

• I t’s Hungary v Northern Ireland in a European qualifier on Sunday.

•E ngland’s cricketers started the week two-nil down in the five ODI series with India. The fourth game took place yesterday while the fifth and final encounter is on Friday.

•S pain’s superstar Marc Marquez got back to winning ways last Sunday with his 11th victory of the year (in 12 races) in the British MotoGP at Silverstone. Jorge Lorenzo was second and Valentino Rossi third.

•T he Brownlees, Jonny and Alastair, finished first and second respectively in the Stockholm stage of the World Triathlon series while GB triathlete Ben Dijkstra (aged 15) won two golds in the Youth Olympics in China.

•T his weekend, the men’s and women’s US Open singles finals take place at Flushing Meadows with Roger Federer going for his sixth Grand Slam title on American soil.

•O n Sunday we have the Italian F1 Grand Prix from Monza, the British Touring Car Championship at Rockingham, Northamptonshire and the Great North Run. •A lso this week, the Tour of Spain cycle race continues; there are T20 cricket internationals between England and India’s men and women.

•A nd hopefully tomorrow, Europe’s Ryd er Cup team will be named.

TRANSFER NEWS The summer transfer window closed on Monday with over £1.2 billion (€1.31 billion) filtering through the system. Following Luis Suarez’s switch to Barcelona, Loic Remy moved from QPR to Chelsea for £10.5m (€1.26m); Manchester United spent £59.7m (€75.4m) on Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid; Fernando Torres has joined AC Milan on loan from Chelsea while Alex Song has switched from Barcelona to West Ham. Further transfer news next week.

Cabrera Lawn Bowling

37

sport

Cabrera Lawn Bowling hosted the last of the Summer competitions, The Two Wood Trips. It was held between 20th-23rd August under glorious blue skies.

The competition was fiercely contended and the finalists who played on Saturday 23rd were Trevor Robinson, Paul Cartwright and Brendan Cullen against Doreen Sands, Ian Jackson and Janet Jackson. Trevor’s team got off to a flying start going 11-1 up after 9 ends. Doreen’s team fought back admirably and after 14 ends were only 3 down at 13-10. Trevor’s team, however, surged on again and took 5 on the last 3 ends to win the competition 18-10.

Many congratulations to Trevor, Paul and Brendan and a special mention to Brendan who didn’t put a bad bowl down during the whole competition.

Commiserations to Doreen, Ian and Janet who had a great fight back but on the day were beaten by the better team Photo from left to right Paul Cartwright, Trevor Robinson and Brendan Cullen

AGUILON GOLF MEMBERS REPORT With just over a month to go before the the “Order of Merit” and “Eclectic” competitions come to a close there is plenty of competition for the two titles ORDER OF MERIT STANDINGS 1st Chris Baker 368pts 2nd Brian Everitt 367pts 3rd Derrick Stephenson 362pts 4th Dave Sharp 361pts ECLECTIC STANDINGS 1st Ian Jenner 61pts 2nd Derrick Stephenson 60pts 3rd Lynne Whibley 58pts 4th Brian Everitt 57pts 4th Les Raufer 57pts 4th Terry Moore 57pts RESULTS

Wednesday August 27 – Individual Stableford With the on course information board showing a temperature of 40c it was a game of golf to be endured rather than enjoyed and remarkabely our winner was one of the very few who walked the course as opposed to using a buggy 1st Chris Baker 34pts 2nd Louis Long 33pts on a card play off 3rd Caroline Willingham 33pts Twos. Chris Marden 3rd, Louis Long 14th and Brian Everitt 17th Guests and visitors are welcome to join us on a Mon, Wed and Friday For information contact 636240726 or 634641199

R&S G lF At Los Llanos Market. Arboleas Is offering a wide range of golfing services including: - Supply and fit most types of grips - Excellent selection of good quality balls - Extensive range of gloves - Large range of second hand irons, drivers, putters and sets of clubs.

- We can sell your used clubs for you. www.randsgolf.com daveandzeta@gmail.com 610 340 653

The best quaility bicycle shop with the best prices in the area

Sales Servicing Rentals

(Mountain & Road Bikes)

English speaking staff are here to advise you

Las Buganvillas, Vera Playa Tel 950 133 063 Email: info@aguilabike@.com - www.aguilabike.com

38

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

SOLTIMES september 2014

motoring

Nissan Leaf to get sharp new look and range boost

Exclusive images show better look for new Nissan Leaf, while new battery tech boosts range to 186 miles Nissan is hard at work developing the next-generation Leaf, focusing on improving the range with new battery tech and – as our exclusive images show – a more conventional look. The new car is expected to be on sale late in 2016, with prices starting around

£17,000.

Clearly, the introduction of Tesla’s Model S – and its claimed 312-mile range – has changed the electric car market, making the current Leaf’s real-world range of 85 miles seem a bit old-hat.

Nissan bosses are promising new battery technology is on the way, with better energy density for a more usable pure electric vehicle. A figure of about 186 miles is likely to be the target.

There’s a good chance Nissan will offer smaller battery packs with less range, like Tesla does with its 60kWh and 85kWh packs. The new battery technology and motor will be shared with Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti, too.

The premium brand has already made steps towards developing an allelectric saloon – at April’s N e w Y o r k Motor Show, it unveiled the LE concept, w h i c h used the current Leaf’s underpinnings. This new model is now thought to be on track for a release in mid-2016.

It also seems that Nissan’s designers have realised that an electric car doesn’t need to look unusual, as they’re targeting a more conventional style.

Our images give you a good idea of how it’s shaping up, with bosses keen that the large chrome ‘V’ in the grille and the blacked out pillars become recognisable design features of the next generation of Nissan cars. The angular lights and creased bodywork are developed from the brand’s latest concept cars, including the Friend ME. However, a more usable range and fresh styling can only go so far towards boosting the Leaf’s sales appeal; a much improved charging infrastructure will play a key role, too.

To that end, Tesla’s new range of Supercharger stations – promising 30minute fast charges to all EVs – will help, as the network should have the majority of the UK covered by next year. Tesla boss Elon Musk has said he’ll let other manufacturers use it, so long as they keep charging free for their customers.

Nissan’s chief planning officer, Andy Palmer, has previously told us the new battery technology should debut by 2017, so we expect to see the Leaf and the Infiniti EV debut in 2016. Providing the £5,000 Government grant for lowemissions vehicles remains in place, prices should start at around £17,000.

Source: www.autoexpress.co.uk

Calle Mallorca, San Javier Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511 www.specialistvehicles.com mercedes e320 elegance 3.2 diesel auto 2005 162,000km.....€14,950 renault grand scenic 1.5 dci diesel 2009 86,000kms.............€11,950 renault clio 1.2 yahoo, petrol, 2012 1 owner, fsh................€10,450 Renault clio 1.2 16v, 2011 31,000kms.............................................€9,950 kia rio 1.5 crdi diesel, 2010.............................................................€8,950 mini cooper 1.6 petrol auto, 2005, 75,000kms............................€8,950 hyundai terracan 2.9 crdi, diesel, auto, 155,000kms, 2007...€7,950 volkswagon golf 1.9 tdi diesel 144,000kms...............................€7,950 smart forfour 1.5 diesel 71,000kms 2006...................................€5,950 saab 93 2.0 t cabrio 2001 fsh 191,000kms.....................................€4,250

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