Almeria 475 by Sol Times

www.movemypetsandstuff.com

to & from uk

Thermal lined & controlled ventilation ideal for pets

200€ dogs 179€ cats, 100€ birds

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

call: 642 953 309

ISSUE 475

costa almeria 25 feb - 03 mar

SolTimes CK ME UP’est. SINCE 2005 YOUR ESSENTIAL WEEKLY ‘PI

your free weekly newspaper

www.soltimes.com

camping los gallardos www.campinglosgallardos.com

Mobile Homes for sale and rent long and short term Saturday 7th March

albox

Menú (Dia De Andalucia)

25€ Person

The Camping los gallardos annual amateur variety night

Menu includes 7 Starters, 3 Mains inc Steak & Fish & Dessert Served with a Bottle of Tetas de la Sacristana (red/White) per 2 people, bread & Coffee Dinner Time From 7pm - 10pm Start the party with live music from eclipse flamenco & many more surprises

28th, 29th and 30th March

“Shirley Valentine”, a comedy by the

Independent theatre group famous fish & chips friday & sunday carvery

Booking Is Essential via the web page or calling the number 698 369 075

book now to avoid disappointment

Tel: 679 970 399 or 608 918 245

Sales & rental

specialists

NR ARBOLEAS 3 beds, 2 bath Villa 10x5m pool Store room/garage

Number one

broadband internet provider in the area

1.9m & 2.4m dishes in stock

call now for best prices

Quality Build

€139,950

Tel Martin: 678 813 505

Ref:A1773

eurosatwiz@gmail.com www.eurosatwiz.es

NR ALBOX 3 beds, 2 bath villa

GASTRONOMIA ,

Spacious with views

LAS BUGANVILLAS 950 132 048

c. 1000m² garden Unfurnished/part

Try our Freshly Prepared Liver & Bacon Cassarole & Thai Green Chicken Curry Homemade Pies Steak & Guiness,Chicken Ham & Leek, Cottage Pie, Lasagne.

British butcher now here

with Free Installation*

From €400pcm Ref: R343

+ Telephone line with

www.indalorealestate.com URGENTLY REQUIRED - VILLAS WITH SWIMMING POOLS FOR SALE AND RENTAL

paricem b rown i

estate

gents -

ojacar - nmobiliaria

Excellent selection of properties for sale & rent www.pricebrown.com

info@pricebrown.com Mon - Fri 9:30am - 6pm +34 950 478 915

spring

Broadband Internet

Pool & fly-free

Call 950 091 137 or 616 760 409 Winter opening hours monday - friday 9am - 5pm, sat 9am - 3pm

Up to 25Mb Premium

Spanish & English Numbers

UP TO

25MB ONLY 25 €

+ Cheap European and worldwide calls

• Up to 25Mb broadband, 25 euros per month + IVA • Telephone line** costs just 8 euros per month + IVA (including both a 950 number and a UK number from the town of your choice)

Call us now on: 950 091 111 Or visit us on the internet: www.albox-online.net or our office: Avenida 28 de Febrero, 2, Albox, 04800, Almeria

is just around the corner. Don’t miss out on

March Madness! List your property with us today!

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

The King Cuts His Own Salary In Austerity Drive

Serendipity in the

Crystal Cave Fantastic Swarovki Hanging Crystals

New range of handmade silver & gold jewellery ideal for Mothers Day

Singing Bowls Dousing Pendulums and much more

Tumbled and polished minerals

Craft and card classes weekly New classes starting soon

Serendipity

is still here for all your craft needs!

Opening hours:10am - 2pm Mon - Sat We will be happy to open outside these hours! BP Garage

albox online

•••

Cantoria

Baza

Arboleas

Av .L

jacks

Crystal Cave

solymar

Tel: 617 699 624 Email: crystaljohnofalmeria@hotmail.com Avda 28 de Febrero, Albox (Between Sol y Mar/The Post Shop and Jacks

Martin Shortland While his sister has had to relinquish her monarchist nor republican," Professor Barcelona home and is now preparing Varela said, "They consider both are for what could be a long court battle forms of government and, pragmatically in Majorca, King Felipe has slashed his speaking, they think that if one or the salary as head of state by 20% for 2015, other works, either one is good." a move in line with his pledges for a more The abdication of his father turned moderate, fewer-frills monarchy. a page in the volatile history of the A palace statement on Tuesday monarchy in Spain, marked in the past detailing the royal household's 2015 by a string of anti-royalist revolts. Juan budget said Felipe, 47, would receive Carlos won respect for his role in the 234,204 euros, a fifth less than his father country's transition to democracy after and predecessor received as monarch the death of General Francisco Franco before his abdication. Juan Carlos, who in 1975. But experts warn that for many retains his honorary title of king, will Spaniards, tolerance of his constitutional monarchy does not stretch much further. receive 187,356 euros per annum.

The palace budget, which has been frozen or cut since 2009 as Spain suffered hard economic times, remains unchanged in 2015 at 7.8 million euros. Felipe has striven to improve the monarchy's image, which has been tarnished by a number of scandals in recent years. In particular, his father was criticised for hunting elephant in Botswana at a time when ordinary Spaniards were suffering a severe economic crisis. Last year, Felipe banned royals from accepting expensive gifts, including free flights and luxury holidays. The historian Professor Jose Varela Ortega says that Spain differs from other monarchies such as Britain in not having a deeply-rooted attachment to the monarchy. Long in training to succeed his father, crown prince Felipe military-trained, internationally educated and multilingual - had a serious image. If he is to re-popularise the monarchy now as king, he must win over a people traditionally ambivalent towards the royals. "Most Spanish citizens are neither

King Felipe clearly has a tough job on his hands in order to turn things around, if he is able to and his cause is not being helped by the long running saga of his brother-in-law and sisters fraud trial. At a time when the country has been rocked by huge political corruption scandals, peoples mind inevitably turn to the scandals which have, and are currently cursing the royal household. Those scandals have reignited a debate that had not arisen seriously for many years: the question of a republic. Historically speaking, the shift in attitudes to Juan Carlos in his later years has not been surprising, especially amongst the younger generation. Looking back in history, the pre-war republican revolt was seen by observers both inside and outside Spain as a foregone conclusion; you could see it coming, was a view held by many. Present day commentators are now saying it could happen again, at any moment.

Spain to hunt tax dodgers via Twitter

Spain’s main tax collecting body is planning to use information available through social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to spy on people it believes are involved in financial fraud. Spain’s Inland Revenue agency will use the sites to discover further information relating to alleged tax dodgers and their malpractices. According to online daily Cinco Dias, the organization headed by Spain’s Minister of Finance and Public Administration will only access data made public by social network users. Using algorithms, Hacienda – as the agency is known in Spanish – will add extra details to taxpayers’ case files such as online transactions and who they’re in contact with via the internet. Montoro has already confirmed that 100,000 ‘inspections’ were carried out in

2014, 6.8 percent more than the previous year. The tax body is likely to publish its new set of digital footprint regulations in the following week, Cinco Dias reported. Whistleblower Herve Falciani’s recent revelations about how banking giant HSBC helped wealthy clients squirrel away funds in secret accounts to evade taxes could have spurred Hacienda to tighten its grip on taxpayers. Information shared by Spain´s digital newspaper El Confidencial show the extent to which some wealthy Spaniards were helped by international banking giant HSBC to squirrel away funds in secret accounts to evade taxes. An estimated €1.8 billion ($2.8 billion) was concealed by Spanish citizens in Swiss bank accounts between 2006 and 2007.

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

www.soltimes.com

SOL News

Spanish Supreme Court Says Ryanair Jibe Not Libelous Spain’s Supreme Court has rejected card and on one occasion

a libel case brought by Ryanair against a consumer association that described the budget airline as, ‘the lowest of the low,’ which, ‘swindled and mocked its passengers’. Ryanair had taken issue with a series of press statements, articles and comments aired on radio shows in which various spokesmen for the Facua consumer group criticised the treatment received by the airline’s customers. But last Tuesday, a panel of judges ruled that the association had made reasonable use of its right to freedom of expression in defending consumers and was therefore justified in discussing the airline’s shortcomings. Despite Facua once having described Ryanair as the, ‘worst company of the year,’ and accusing the airline of ‘inflating prices’ in a fraudulent manner, the court said that such, offensive comments were justified because the company’s commercial practices have generated a notorious degree of dissent among consumers. Ryanair was also ordered to pay costs. It was the airline’s second appeal against an initial verdict in Facua’s favour from a court in Sevilla, where it was argued that the association had a right to defend consumers by highlighting complaints which the company had not been able to disprove. In 2012, the Andalusian court said that Facua had demonstrated abusive practices on the part of Ryanair, including additional charges for services such as printing a boarding

when passengers at Seville airport were held on a plane without air conditioning for a long period of time. Ryanair also lost a separate defamation suit against Facua in 2013 after the association had criticised the carrier in relation to a series of emergency landing incidents at Spanish airports. On several occasions in 2012 the airline’s pilots were forced to request priority landings, reportedly due to fuel shortages. On that occasion, Facua was sued by Ryanair over a statement criticising the airline for a policy of saving money in areas related to safety which put the lives of its passengers at stake. However, Ryanair said that the flights concerned had complied with EU safety regulations, and that the appeal was withdrawn. The company said in a statement that, ‘All Ryanair flights depart with planned extra fuel that exceeds EU guidelines’. In 2013, Ryanair was both the largest European airline by scheduled passengers carried, and the busiest International airline by passenger numbers. The airline has been characterised by its rapid expansion, a result of the deregulation of the aviation industry in Europe in 1997 and the success of its low cost business model. It operates around 300 Boeing 737-800 aircraft and has a route network serving 28 countries in Europe and Morocco. by Martin Shortland

PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED EXHIBITING IN BELGIUM IN MARCH 2015

Albox area

Villa in landscaped plot 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 110m2 build, 2500m2 plot Swimming pool Workshop / storeroom

APB1569 - €130.000 Albox area

High quality villa 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 123m2 build, 1171m2 plot Swimming pool Garage / casita

APF1688 - €180.000

under offer

BUYING OR SELLING?

Find our office at the Organic Garden Centre next door to Longo’s

Mon-Fri 9:00-14:00 & 16:00-19:00 Sat 9:00-14:00 info@almeriapropertyfinder.com  950 431 624 658 811 628

almeriapropertyfinder.com

Living in Spain? For nearly 25 years Avalon has been committed to informing people in Spain about how the complex funeral system here works. If you are a British, Irish or European citizen that lives, or spends more than four weeks a year in Spain then the information is essential to you. We oﬀer expert advice to you which will allow everybody to make an informed choice to fully protect you and your assets. Avalon is Europe’s leading supplier of pre-paid funeral plans. They will be able to oﬀer a tailor made funeral plan to suit every client which is fixed at today’s cost. All their members are covered in Spain and the UK. You will automatically be covered immediately regardless of health issues or age.

To ensure you have all the facts to enjoy life in Spain call us today

966 799 070 or 951 120 046

Avalon has oﬃces throughout Spain

www.avalonfuneralplans.com

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

SOL News

The King Of Spain’s Sister Forced To Sell Her Barcelona Mansion Martin Shortland

The sister of King Felipe VI of Spain, has been forced to sell her multi-million pound mansion in Barcelona’s exclusive Pedralbes district in order to raise funds for a court battle. Cristina de Borbón - known as the Infanta Cristina and her husband Iñaki Urdangarin, have promised the judge in their trial for tax fraud that they have a buyer for the house, which they bought in 2004 for 6 million euros. They need the money to cover bonds required by the court in Palma de Mallorca. In December, Judge José Castro decided that the 49 year-old Princess Cristina would become the first member of Spain’s royal family to face a criminal trial. She is the second daughter of Juan Carlos I, who abdicated last June after a series of scandals, one of which was his daughter’s indictment for tax fraud. Juan Carlos was restored to the Spanish throne by the dictator General Franco, shortly before his death in 1975. He was widely liked by the Spanish people and helped to reunite the country after the Franco years. He lost popularity in the last five years though, when details of his lavish private life were revealed. Miquel Roca, a lawyer for Princess Cristina, said last week that she is “upset” about having to sell her Barcelona home because it was, ‘something in which she had invested her hopes’. Mr Urdangarin is accused of embezzling public funds, fraud and money laundering, among other offences while he was in charge of a supposedly non-profit company which organised sports and leisure events for several regional governments in Spain. Both Princess Cristina and her husband have denied any wrongdoing. The couple and their four children moved to Switzerland in 2013. Last Thursday, Judge Castro accepted the sale of the house, half of which is under a court embargo related to the bonds Urdangarin has to pay the court in order to cover any liabilities arising from the trial. In total, Urdangarin has been ordered to pay 13.5 million euros, while Cristina also faces a liability bond of 2.6 million. The judge has reportedly agreed that the couple should pay off the 4.4 million outstanding mortgage on the property and send what remains after taxes and costs to the court. Improvements to the house as well as parties and events were allegedly paid for with funds from Mr Urdangarin’s sports foundation.

he cut out t and n middle ma rom the f t c e buy dir rer manufactu

mobile: 638 900 949 office: 950 930 520 www.themetalworksspain.com info@ themetalworksspain.com

The Metal Works

shot blasting and powder coating service available for new & old metalwork

between Amigos Bowling & Mora oil, poligono industrial, arboleas

security grills - garden gates & railings spiral staircases - motorised sliding gates garage doors - ornate gazebos

Spanish eco-warrior arrested in Cambodia

A Spanish environmental activist was arrested in Cambodia Monday and will shortly be deported, officials said, a move described by a rights group as the government’s latest attempt to stifle dissent .Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson, cofounder of the outspoken advocacy group Mother Nature, has led a campaign against plans for a dam in a protected forest area in the southwestern province of Koh Kong. He will be expelled from the kingdom after refusing to leave when his visa renewal application was refused, interior ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak told AFP. "We have asked him to leave the country (voluntarily) but he has refused to do so. Therefore we must expel him," Sopheak said, adding the activist's previous visa expired Friday. Gonzalez-Davidson, a fluent Khmer speaker who has lived in Phnom Penh for years, has been lobbying to halt the construction of Stung Cheay Areng hydroelectric dam. His organisation claims it would flood a valley home to around 1,500 ethnic minority people, destroying a unique ecosystem. Sopheak said the activist's visa was not renewed because of complaints filed against him by the energy ministry and the Koh Kong governor. But Am Sam Ath of local rights group Licadho said the move to expel GonzalezDavidson was directly linked to his vocal

opposition to the proposed dam. The Spaniard was arrested at a restaurant in the Cambodian capital and is being detained at the immigration department, he added. "The arrest will harm the government's reputation," Ath said. Gonzalez-Davidson was detained hours after strongman premier Hun Sen warned the defiant activist to leave Cambodia voluntarily or face being blacklisted from the country. Hun Sen, who marked 30 years in power in January, has said the economic benefits of a series of controversial dams outweigh environmental concerns in a country where a quarter of the population still lacks electricity. Nine dams, including several funded by China, are set to open by 2019. Once they are operational the government has said they will together generate more than 2,000 megawatts, serving all of Cambodia's provinces. Source: thelocal.es

ALBOX

Insurance

INSURANCE

Established 8 years Platinum award winning agent

• Life & Medical Policies • Car & Motorcycle • Travel House & Contents • Dental • Funeral • Pet Funeral insurance now available for the over 70s

25% lifetime discount on net premium Please contact Glenn, Jayne, Ben or Claire:

950 121 943

infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

www.soltimes.com

Almeria Almond Sales Increased Substantially Last Year

Martin Shortland The almond growers of Almeria euros and a market share of 30%. province have had a bad few years, Germany bought more almonds last with low rain fall and desease year and comes second in the table contributing to a decrease in crop with a 25% share, followed by France yields. But that’s all in the past now, with 18%. because figures just released by the Greece is the fourth best customer growers association – representing with 9% of imports and the United over 200 companies – show that last States comes fifth with 5.5%.The United year, the region increased its annual Kingdom, Austria, Algeria, Sweden and sales by 108% compared to the same Lebanon are other countries which period in 2013. import smaller quantities of almonds That represents a turnover of approximately 51.3 million euros and is 141% higher than in 2013. Most of the almonds produced in the area go for export, with Italy taking the largest share; that represents 15.8 million

from Almeria.

SOL News

Outrage over Enrique Iglesias music video ad

The Galician regional government has come under fire for paying €300,000 for Enrique Iglesias to film his latest music video in the northwestern Spanish region. Noche y día (Night and day), released on Friday, February 20th, was filmed in the four provinces of Galicia, in northwestern Spain but has been criticized in local media for featuring the region “in less than a fifth” of the video despite the price tag. Regional newspaper, La Voz de Galicia, pointed out that, while the music video does feature around ten recognizable

Almeria province is the largest producer of almonds in Andalucia and the third largest in Spain, with a national share of 6.4%. The largest exporter is Alicante, followed by Tarragona and Albacete. On a visit to the province last week, the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Jose Manuel Ortiz, said the latest figures showed an important upward turn in what he called, ‘An extremely important industry, not only in Andalucia, but locations, they take up only one minute in Spain as a whole.’ Although the Spanish almond of the four minute 43 second clip. The newspaper also complained that industry is a big one, it still buys the majority of shots of the region substantial amounts from other appear at the very beginning and end countries; the vast majority – 94% of the video, without music, so are - come from the United States of likely to be cut when the music video is America. Australia, Morocco and broadcast on television. Portugal supply the remaining 6% The move was criticized across of Spanish imported almonds. Spanish media, with daily newspaper,

20 minutos, running a blog post with the title, “Enrique Iglesias and the presumed theft of 300,000 Galician euros”. Galicia’s tourism agency paid Universal Music Spain €302,500 ($342,000) to film the music video in the region, a sum that, for many, seems too high considering how little time the video dedicates to showing off the region. The beginning of the music video features shots from around Galicia, including the Sil Canyon, the Cabo Home lighthouse and the roman walls in Lugo. It also shows the famous cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, destination for thousands of pilgrims who walk the Camino de Santiago each year. The majority of the video, however, depicts a rave taking place inside a monestary, which could theoretically be anywhere. Opposition politicians were outraged when it was announced late in 2014 that the Galician government had paid over €300,000 for the music video to be filmed in the region. The regional government maintains, however that it was an “investment” that will generate tourism and publicize the region the same as a conventional publicity campaign that “by conservative estimates” would have cost well over €1.2 million. Source:thelocal.ws

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

Sheikh dupes art conmen with photocopied money

An Arab sheikh gave two Spanish brothers a dose of their own medicine by paying them with photocopied money for a fake Goya painting they tried to flog him. It’s a story that any dark-humoured scriptwriter would jump on without hesitation. It all started in 2003, when the two brothers in question first came across the alleged portrait of Don Antonio Maria Esquivel, purporting to be painted one of Spain’s greatest artists: Francisco de Goya. They presumed it was authentic, paying a deposit of €20,000 on the full €270,000 the ‘art dealer’ was asking for. But when an authenticity certificate couldn’t be provided, becuase experts refuted that it was an original Goya, a Girona judge ruled they could keep the artwork without having to pay the remaining €250,000. Seven years after the court ruling, the brothers decided they would try their own luck at selling the painting of dubious origins. They found a potential buyer in an Arab sheikh, willing to pay €4 million for what he believed was a Goya masterpiece. A meeting was arranged in the northern Italian city of Turin with a representative of the sheikh’s. In return for the Goya and its certificate of authenticity (which they'd forged) they were to receive a first instalment of 1.7 million francs

(€1.5 million). The brothers also hired a moneylender to meet in their home city of Girona with the middleman who had arranged the deal with the Arab buyer. Once they received the money in Turin, they called the loan shark and allowed him to pay the intermediary €300,000 as promised for setting up the sale. The complicated transaction was finalized and for some time the siblings must have thought they were going to get away with it. Then they arrived at a Geneva bank to deposit the 1.7 million francs into a Swiss bank account, Spanish news agency Europa Press reported. It was there tha they were informed their fortune was nothing more than photocopied bank notes. To make matters worse for them, customs in the French city of Avignon informed Spanish police that they’d come across two of their countrymen with a suitcase full of fake money. On arrival in Spain the brothers were arrested and are now facing fraud charges. As for the €300,000 they paid the intermediary, the money was real and borrowed from a local businessman who’s unlikely to ever see it again. Presumably it ended up in the hands of the Arab sheikh, too smart to be outwitted by two rather mediocre conmen.

Tweeter fined €60,000 over football fan death

A man who posted a message on Twitter celebrating the death of a football fan has been fined over €60,000 ($68,000) for his "threatening and offensive" behaviour. Spain’s Secretary of State for Security, part of the Interior Ministry, has fined a Twitter user €60,001 for posting an offensive message celebrating the death of a football fan in November 2014. "I want to express my most absolute and sincere happiness at the death of the Deportivo fan. A son of a bitch who won’t be fighting ever again. Hopefully many more will die," the man posted on social media, according to Spanish daily, 20 minutos. As well as being fined, the man has been banned from attending sporting events for a period of five years under Spain’s Law against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport. The law aims to eradicate violence in sport, as well as preventing, controlling and sanctioning any demonstration or

inciting of violence, such as on social networks. Lifelong Deportivo fan, Francisco Javier Romero Taboada, died after violent clashes broke out between the 'ultra', or organized hooligan supporters, of Deportivo La Coruña and Atlético Madrid on November 30th 2014 outside Atletico Madrid’s Vicente Caldarón stadium. Taboada, aka 'Jimmy', 43, died after being beaten and then thrown into the river Manzanares. A video taken at the time captured the moment Taboada, member of the Deportivo hardcore fan group, the Riazor Blues, was thrown into the river. To date, 43 people have been arrested in relation to the brawl, among them a police man and a soldier. thelocal.es

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

www.soltimes.com

SOL News

Spain’s Podemos denies Latin American financing

A founder of Spanish anti-establishment party Podemos on Friday rejected claims the party was financed by left-wing Latin American governments and said he had been the victim of a “witch hunt.” Juan Carlos Monedero also refuted reports that he sought to benefit from lower tax rates related to payments made to him by Latin American countries for consulting work. Monedero has been under fire since Spanish media reported last month that he received 425,000 euros ($480,000) in 2013 from Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Monedero, a political science professor and former adviser to late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, has provided much of the ideological underpinning for Podemos, which has soared in opinion polls ahead of elections later this year. It is allied with Greece's Syriza, the leftist party that won elections there in January. The reports said Monedero set up a firm called Caja de Resistencia to take payment of the funds, allowing him to pay a lower tax rate. They also suggested the money could have been used to illegally finance Podemos, which was formed in January 2014. "Not a single euro went from Caja de Resistencia to finance Podemos. Not one euro. It is a witch hunt," Monedero said at a press conference. Monedero said he received the money from a development bank

Hair and beauty salon

it’s all about the cut!!

This season is all about having a good cut, one that inspires you to live life with a ready-to-go hairstyle!

belonging to the Bolivarian Alliance bloc, or ALBA, a nine-nation grouping of Latin American and Caribbean countries including Venezuela, to prepare a report. He denied his goal was to pay less tax when he set up the firm and accused Budget Minister Cristobal Montoro of being responsible for the release of his personal tax information to the press. Monedero said he would file a complaint with prosecutors over the alleged release of his personal financial data. The news that he received a sixfigure payment, even if it was taxed properly and was not used to finance the party, hurt Podemos' claim that it is fighting for Spain's underclass against a "caste" of privileged politicians and bankers. The link with Venezuela's far-left government also risked turning off centrist voters.

We are pleased to announce: ! James has joined the team

We offer a range of treatments including: All Colouring techniques, Perming & Straightening, Gent’s barbering services, Hopi ear candling Nail extensions, Pedicures & Waxing

We also offer a wonderful, relaxing, holistic Reiki treatment to treat a number of problems pop in for more information

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am to 5pm

950 930 167 or 628 669 456

Uk SATELLITE TV BEST PRICE, BEST ADVICE 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed Full sky packages available at unbeatable prices

No big dish - No subscription - No buffering

Prices from

250€

including full installation & support

Tel Gary 603 169 666

www.uk-satellitetv.eu

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

SOL FEATURE

Properties wanted in the Huecal-Overa, Zurgena, La Alfoquia & San Juan de Los Terreros areas

UNDER

OFFER

● VH728 €114,950 CEE E32 49

● VH256 €99,950 CEE F62 99

● VH687 €119,950 CEE tbc

● VH532 €99,950 CEE E43 57

● 2 bed, 1 bath Villa to BUY OR RENT

● 2 bed, 1 bath Villa

● 2 bed, 2 bath Villa

● 2 bed, 1 bath Villa

● 467m2 plot with swimming pool

● 600m2 plot

● 425m2 plot

● 500m2 plot

● Walk to amenities

● 20 mins drive to the beach

● 8 mins drive to Huercal-Overa

● 4 mins drive to Huercal-Overa

Voss Homes is a local, friendly and professionally run family business and we offer: • 10 years proven track record of selling properties locally • Office in prime location to give clients confidence • Free realistic valuations, we do not over value just to get your property listed • We bring real buyers, not time wasters • Multi-lingual team for multi-national clients • Extensive internet advertising inc Rightmove, A Place In the Time, Kyero etc • Extensive newspaper & magazine advertising • Suggestions on how to help us to sell your property

URGENTLY WANTED long term rental PROPERTIES IN THE HUERCAL-OVERA, ZURGENA & LA ALFOQUIA AREAS

• Effective working partnerships with other estate agents to increase your chances of selling • Free paperwork checks and advice on updating your deeds. We speak and read Spanish • No sole agency lock-ins • No upfront charges. We get paid when we have done the job • Low commissions for the hard work and quality service provided • Huge amount of Belgian & Dutch etc buyers

● VH749 €104,950 CEE E55 79

● VH751 €189,950 CEE tbc

● VH649 €249,950 CEE E26 12

● 2 bed, 2 bath Villa

● 3 / 4 bed, 3 bath Country House

● 5 bed, 3 bath 250m2 County House

● 449m2 plot

● 1,230m2 fenced garden

● 26,000m2 of land

● Walk to amenities

● Swimming pool

● 8 mins drive to Huercal-Overa town.

● 12 mins drive to Huercal-Overa town

● 12 mins drive to Huercal-Overa tow

Please call 0034 950 616 827 / 0034 678 002 006 / 0034 667 891 741 or email: info@vosshomesspain.com

www.vosshomesspain.com

Office: 155a Carrerera Estacion, Huecal-Overa. 1km off the A7 motorway at exit 553. 100metres from Lidl.

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

www.soltimes.com

SOL FEATURE

a r e v -o l a c r e u h t u around & abo THE PALMS BA RR

I-CAFÉ BAR

in Huercal e the bus station sit po op d te ua sit ily from The I-Cafébar is fé Bar. Open da Ca et rn te In n ru mily snacks. You will Overa and is a fa food, drinks and of ty rie va a g rin here all our 9.30am offe nt atmosphere w sa ea pl d an d xe find a rela lued. customers are va gs cards, news lection of greetin se e rg la a is r fe ore. We are Also on of oks and much m bo , Ds DV , ry ne Services. papers, statio ices and C.A.T.S. rv se tle ut sh e siv Agents for Exclu bio sessions. es and inter cam ss cla ish an Sp r Come along to ou site www.ieck our new web ch se ea pl n io at L OVER A For more inform CAFEBAR HUERCA Ige pa ok bo ce r Fa cafebar.com or ou

GUEL ES DE MI R O B A S taken LOS iguel” Has

res de M urant and “Los Sabo ral’s Resta u R l te o H as b e e n over the Terrace h d n a r a B de an Bar. The d, to inclu e h is rb fu re We completely ting area. a e s r e v o derc k forward outside un ay and loo d ry e v e n are ope you to seeing

restaurante

el alcanzón (Club de Tenis) Huércal-Overa (Almeria)

TLF: 610 377 687 - 950 471 086 closed Monday

Reservations

950 470 129 – 722 294 321

www.lossaboresdemiguel.com

Menu 9 euros Week Weekday Two course menu, menu, include dessert, drink and coffee

Weekend Deluxe Menu 14,95 euros Signature cuisine

These menus change daily

Saint Patrick’s day menu Enjoy this special day with us!!

STAUR ANT The Palms Bar Re staurant is situate d in the village of just off Junction Urcal, 563, Autovia E15, ne ar Huercal Overa. and Tony have be Eileen en trading in Spai n for the last 10 previously the Pe years, pper Tree in Huer cal Overa and no last 5 years at th w for the e Palms, offering th eir customers a se of home cooked lection foods, including snacks, main mea desserts - open fro ls and m Wednesday to Sunday 12 noon til They also cater fo late. r Private Functio ns around the Po Restaurant, Hot/C ol or in the old Buffett to a th ree course meal catered for, large can be or small part ys ar e all welcome. Accommodation is also available. LA ERMITA

The Palms Bar Restaurant Urcal 04691, Almeria

Thursday Night Quiz & Menu 8.30pm start all welcome

friday night chefs special Beer Battered Cod & Chips Homemade Steak Pie Sunday Lunch Traditional Sunday Lunch served 1pm onwards Roast Beef / Lamb Shank & Alternative Menu St patricks night Karaoke from 8.30pm

come and join us for paddy & guniness Available for private functions/parties etc Snacks, Dining & Holiday Accomodation

Find Us off Junction 563 on the Autovia N340-E15 Open 12pm till Late -Wed - Sun

To Book Tel: 950 958 167 / 678 832 036

Just outside of Hu ercal Overa in th e small village of Sa nta Maria de Niev a is Restaurant Mes on Rural La Ermita . Located on the m ain road side, we are a family run rest aurant with a mix of delicious cuisines ranging from Span ish, British and Carib bean. Dine with us during the week and tast e our Menu of th e Day consisting of a 3 course meal for only €8.50. We also ha ve a full a la cart e menu or tr y our tapas and refreshments w hilst enjoying the wel coming atmosph er e, efficient service and cheap prices.

cafe bar

urcal open from 7am - close c/Urcal No47, Huercal-Overa

Breakfast (all day) ▪ Spanish Tostados ▪ Toast ▪ Croissants (Egg on toast etc) ▪ Traditional English ▪ Fresh Fruit Salad Breakfast ▪ Yoghurt ▪ Preserves ▪ Pancakes

We serve daily.. Breakfast: Tostadas,fullEnglishbreakfast served with coffee or juice

Sandwiches and Bocadillos: Pork,Chorizo,Sausage,Tuna, Ham, Cheese etc

light snacks Main meals ▪ Lasagna (Meat and ▪ Jacket Potato’s Vegetarian) (with salad) ▪ Casserole Ham, Cheese, Tuna, ▪ Curry Beans

Various Salads Starters: Ham & Cheese, Fried Calamari,Mushrooms&Ham, Skewers Meat Dishes: Steak,pork,chicken,chops and much more

Opening hours Monday - Friday 09:30 - 18:00 & Saturday - Sunday 09:30 - 14:00 Ctra Estacion 143, Urb Los Ruedos Bloque 2, Huércal-Overa , Almeria 04600 Join us on facebook

join the st patrick day’s party with guiness

Calle Santa Maria de Nieva, No 39 Huercal Overa

serving coffee & great food.

Phone: +34 950 135 039 E-Mail: info@i-cafebar.com

live sports pool/ cards dominoes serves john smith strongbow

Tel: 637 522 478

various sweets & beverages

Motorway A--7, 7, exit 559. Huércal-Overa Huércal Open pen from 6 a.m. to 00

Fish: Sea Bream, Cod, Calamari, Prawns, Salmon

Tel: 950 13 71 73

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

Legal watchdog opens probe into payments made to Madrid judges

Spain’s legal watchdog, the CGPJ, said on Monday it would open an investigation into judges and magistrates in Madrid who have been receiving payments from a company for consulting work related to a new computer system for the region’s courthouses.

The announcement came in the wake of a story published by EL PAÍS the same day detailing how the Madrid regional government has been paying judges, prosecutors and secretaries for carrying out work on the IT system through global technology company Indra. A total of 32 jurists have received a total of €200,000 since 2011 for their involvement. A Supreme Court magistrate has opened a preliminary investigation to find out whether the head of the Madrid Regional High Court, Francisco Vieira, along with other judges in the region, may have overstepped regulations governing their activities by accepting such payments. The Permanent Commission of the CGPJ met on Monday morning to analyze the situation. At that meeting they unanimously agreed to call on the watchdog’s Inspection Service to put together the necessary information to establish the facts of the case. Vieira will this week appear at the headquarters of the CGPJ to offer explanations about the revelations. Since 2011, the Madrid regional government has had an agreement

in place with Indra to make periodical payments to judges, prosecutors, secretaries and judicial civil servants in exchange for consulting work on the development of new IT systems aimed at improving the legal system in the region. A total of 32 people have been involved in the project, among them the head of the Madrid Regional Court, Francisco Vieira.

While Indra is responsible for paying the consulting fees, the payment orders come from the Madrid Justice Board, via a public affiliate known as the Madrid Regional IT and Communication Agency (ICM). Contractual relations between the ICM and Indra are being investigated by the High Court as part of Operation Púnica, a scandal in which Madrid regional politicians are suspected of taking part in a bid-rigging scheme. Evidence has already been uncovered suggesting that false invoices were submitted from the regional government via Indra.

For those of you that may not be aware, there is an English Language Library in Mojácar, which anyone can access. It is situated on the lower level of the Centro de Usos Multiples (often referred to as the Artisan Centre) where you can find 1000’s of books, with something that will appeal to every type of reader. The Community Library has an interesting history and has been functioning for more years and in more locations than most people realize. It all started in 1981, when a group of foreigners in Mojácar got together with all their own paperbacks and started the Library in the home of Helen Larsen, with those involved making the shelves and volunteering to be on duty. After several years it moved to La Rambla, owned by Cyril & Maureen Street, remaining there until Bambi and Martin De Bruin offered their shop in Garrucha. The Library then operated there for six years, until the relocation was made to its current home in 2003 where the collection grew to over 15,000 books. The library is manned by 37 volunteers, although only one from the original team of 1981 still volunteers and that is, Elaine Kenyon. A Committee of 14, chaired by Anne Marie Tandy, meets regularly to select books, so that there are on average 65 new books every couple of months. Donations of good quality books are accepted also. New books for the Library are purchased with money raised from

According to the regional government’s statement, “a work group was created comprising, among others, a magistrate and a legal secretary. The participation of these two figures is key to the first [of three] of the stages of the revision of the juridical infrastructure […].” Given the work involved, it continues, “the justice system communicated in 2011 the need to compensate the efforts of the potential

participants in order to guarantee their collaboration […].” A number of different legal sources have expressed their surprise to EL PAÍS when informed that judges and public prosecutors were receiving payment for work to create their own IT tools. “I don’t know if it is legal, but it does, of course, look very bad,” one magistrate told EL PAÍS, in particular given that these payments were “not made directly […] but rather through the back door via Indra.” In the wake of the publication of the story on Monday, Francisco Vieira released a statement defending the legality of the payments, adding that all of the fees had been declared to the Tax Agency and were above board. elpais.com

The payment system was devised while Esperanza Aguirre was regional leader, but continued under the authority of current premier Ignacio González. In the private sector the majority of companies hire IT technicians to implement new technology systems, with employees usually required to attend compulsory training sessions. However, workers are not usually paid for participating in these projects, unlike the judges and legal staff in this case.

MOJÁCAR COMMUNITY LIBRARY

MOJACAR OFFERS A COMMUNITY LIBRARY, WITH MORE THAN 15.000 BOOKS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE

The regional justice chief and the deputy of Madrid premier Ignacio González declined to speak to EL PAÍS for this story, but instead issued a press release explaining that an IT project to modernize the region’s courts was begun in 2011, as required by a law forcing the regions to have new systems in place by July 2015.

member donations. The requested amount is 12 Euros per year and covers everyone in the household, although any Spanish members are invited to join free of charge. It is important, too, to know that you do not have to live in Mojácar, or even Spain, to become a member.

Madrid High Court chief Francisco Javier Vieira (R) and regional premier Ignacio González (L)

MOJÁCAR TOWN NURSERY GETS A FACELIFT AND NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

Currently there are just under 200 households using the library with around 300 members, but the library does need more in order to raise funds through donations, which enables the purchase of more books. None of this would be possible, however, without the free use of the premises and the Library Committee would like In accordance with the municipal to express its gratitude to the Mojácar maintenance plan, the Town Hall of Ayuntamiento for its continued support in providing the sole use of the room, as Mojácar has commenced work this week well as meeting the costs of the heating to make good and paint the exterior of and lighting. the nursery school. With its team of helpful volunteers, the library is staffed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am to The 28th of February will see a series of 1pm, closing only on fiesta days. So, if you are not already a member, come along events organized to celebrate the Day of and have a look at the wide selection of Andalucía in the town of Mojácar. books on offer. Also, if you are interested The festivities will begin in the town hall in becoming a volunteer yourself, please square at 12 noon with the raising of the come and have a chat. Andalucia flag. This will be followed by an exhibition of Zumba at the Plaza Nueva and a release of balloons to mark the festival. At 2 P.M. at the Plaza Parterre there will be a Giant Paella, free for everyone, courtesy of the Town Hall.

The Town Hall has also purchased 1,200 Euros worth of playground equipment suitable for infants between 1 and 2 years old to renew the centre’s facilities for the youngest children.

MOJÁCAR CELEBRATES ANDALUCÍA DAY

At 6 P.M. in the Centro de Usos Múltiples (formerly known as the Artisan Centre) there will be a traditional concert performed by local schools and groups

including:- The School of Music Choir “Yolanda Parra”, the Guitar Group “Pedro Clemente”, the Pro-danza School “Nicky Mainstone”, the Spanish Dance School “Gustavo Criado”, The Oriental Dance School “Fátima Perestrello” And the Rociero Choir “Embrujo Mojáquero”. Finallly, at 11 P.M. To conclude the festivities at the Centro de Usos Múltiples there will be a performance of the PopFlamenco group “Los Jereles” who will entertain us all with their versions of flamenco numbers with a pop twist. There will be a bar to raise funds for the “AECC” cancer charity.

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

www.soltimes.com

The menu del dia is the cheapest way to eat out in Spain. Here are a few things worth knowing before you order.

1. Lunchtime Only Menús del día tend to only be served at lunchtimes - and usually only on week days. Arrange your eating habits around this fact and you’ll get the best food in Spain at the best price. 2. Spanish Only As a restaurant’s menu del dia tends to change every day, it is unlikely that there will be anyone on hand to translate it into English. Some restaurants then kindly assume that as you are not a Spanish speaker, you couldn’t possibly want then menu del dia, even though they probably have one. If you aren’t offered a menu del dia, ask “¿Hay menú?” (EYE men-OO?), but remember to bring your phrasebook! 3. Primeros and Segundos Your meal will be split into three - a first course, second course and dessert or coffee. The ‘primer plato’ will usually consist of your carbohydrates or vegetables, and the ‘segundo plato’ will be your meat and fish. If you prefer, you can usually order two primer platos (but not two segundos). 4. Coffee or Dessert? You can usually choose from either coffee or dessert for your final course, but sometimes the

coffee won’t be included. Ask, “¿Esta incluido?” (est-AR in-clueEE-do?). 5. Save Some Room? Don’t expect much of your dessert. Plus, very occasionally you might find there is no desert offered at all. You will see ‘postre’ on the menu if it is included.

SOL FEATURE

of you or you are dining alone. Which means that if you both order wine, it will probably be a carafe to share, but if you’re very lucky, ordering one wine and one water could get you a full serving of each! 9. ...Or Something Else to Drink? Most menus will say ‘con pan y vino/agua’ (with bread and wine/water), but it is usually possible to order another drink - but not always. If you don’t feel like wine, check something else is allowed (using the above “¿Esta incluido?”) - beer is usually OK, coca-cola or other soft drinks are often not.

6. Tax Included? Beware, in touristy places you might find the price of the menu doesn’t include tax. It will say “IVA incluido” or “IVA NO incluido” on the menu. 7. Inside or Outside? http://gospain.about.com/ Frequently (and not just in touristy places) there will be a supplement for sitting on the ‘terraza’. 8. Wine or 12.30- 4pm Water? closed In many Tuesdays restaurants, the standard full snack menu available ● Traditional Sunday Roast serving for wine or water is a Tel: 950 472 659 carafe - whether Paseo del meditterano 199 (La Parata roundabout) there are two

pizzas • pastas • salads • meat • fish wines & beer • eat in or take away

menu del dia

Inc Starter, Main & Dessert & Drink

12€

lemon The

menu 2 courses €7.50 del dia 3 courses €9.00

800

ottocento ristorante ♦ pizzeria Menu del dia 3 Courses

Avd. Almería nº 27 Turre (Almería)

12€

pizza or pasta

opening hours

mon/tues 7pm - 11.30pm wed - sun 12 - 4pm & 7pm - 11.30pm

607 804 488

www.pizzeriaeldesvio.com

bar/restaurante

Menu del dia €10 Monday to Friday €12 Saturday & Sunday

Full menu also available

Open monday - saturday (closed Wednesday) 1pm - 4pm & 7pm - 12pm

Huge Beachside terraces, Live music every Thursday

paseo del mediterráneo, 185 Tel: 950 615 100 - mojÁcar

www.neptunomojacar.com

Large restaurant & bar

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

SOL health & beauty

Look Good

Feel Great

Tel: 950 121 936 sales@soltimes.com

The effects of alcohol on your sleep

1. You wake in the middle of the night Perhaps a couple of glasses of wine make you fall asleep faster than usual, but they don’t help you sleep better. Research shows that after drinking alcohol there is a greater risk of sleep being interrupted in the middle of the night. 2. Alcohol cuts short the REM stage of sleep This is the deepest sleep phase and is essential to repair

in Sa d e r i u eq staff r

ulpi P / n a u J

kim clark benefits consultancy Do you suffer from mobility problems, breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles? Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision? You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK sickness / disabililty benefits while living in Spain

For advice or to book a consultation call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com

Osteopath

Naturopath Enrique Arias, N.D, D.O

Tel. 629 289 385

for info and appointments

Health Care For Adults and Children • Emergency Home Visits • English • Spanish • French • German • 20 Year’s Serving the community

UK Registered - Treating

Sciatica - Back Pain - Sports Injuries Digestive and Cardiovascular Disorders Headaches - Arthritis - Skin Conditions Centro Cueva Del Lobo Paseo Mediterraneo 10, Mojacar Beach Centro Medico Indalo C/ Manuel Azaña, Almeria

areas

cells and gain quality rest. Alcohol has an important impact on the REM sleep stage and can affect memory in the long term and makes us more irritable. The more alcohol we drink the less REM sleep we get. 3. Alcohol produces stomach acid that wakes you up early. The more drinks you have , the more difficult it is for your stomach to keep its pH balance right. What’s more, alcohol is well known for its relaxing effect on the oesophageal sphincter which increases the burning sensation in your stomach that keeps you awake. 4. It makes you get up to go to the bathroom Alcohol is a diuretic that creates a need to go to the toilet that will wake you up in the middle of the night. Our body is designed to produce less urine at night, so that you can rest through the night without having to get up. Except that is, if you have been drinking alcohol. 5. Alcohol and sleeping pills are a dangerous mix If you need pharmacological help to sleep and have been drinking alcohol it’s probably a good idea to skip the medication for a night. This is because alcohol and sleep-inducing drugs act on the same neural system and mixing them can strengthen their effect, which can be dangerous and in some cases lethal.

Catherine Mcandrew -(deb) DMA Hypnotherapy. HTR registered

Hypnotherapy can help with many long standing issues, anger, low self esteem, confidence, loss of sleep, relaxation, pain relief, smoking, eating habits and many more. Working from Arboleas & Almanzora - Call for free confidential advice Appointments also available for past life regression

Telephone 622577379

KAMAGRA ORAL JELLY`S VIAGRA IN 50 SHADES OF BLUE

IS GOOD FOR YOU TOO for all your bedroom products & ENHANCING PRODUCTS CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE

www.viagrasextoys.com All major credit cards Excepted Posted in plain Packaging

tel 0044 7462620003 text or call for any enquire`s agents required all area`s contact james

Email: johnwilliams38@hotmail.com

Glad rags Jenni Rock

Tel no: 634 313 071 spanishrocks@hotmail.co.uk For stylish clothing in beautiful fabrics there is nowhere like gladrags in Calle Malaga, Albox opening hours: Mon - fri 10am - 3pm • Sat 10am - 2pm Monica Algañaraz Over 40 years experience in physiotherapy and osteopathic treatment. General postural assessment and holistic health checks available English spoken PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT MONICA ALGANARAZ: 695 355 381 Email: monica@centrophysis.net www.centrophysis.net EAST VALLEY (A7 Exit 529 Golf Course - Business Centre) Very near Garrucha, Turre, Los Gallardos Mojacar-Vera, Albox

JAX Hair&Beauty

look good, feel good with our full range of treatments

Brighten up your look for Spring. Pop in for our colour offers

Tlf. 645 560 367 Tuesday - Friday 10am - 3pm

Opposite Bar Toni In Old Town, Albox

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

www.soltimes.com

QUICK SOLUTIONS

The Beauty Problem There’s Eyeshadow Fallout All Over Your Cheeks. Dusting powder eyeshadow onto your lids after you’ve done your foundation can end up being a time-consuming mistake. Why? Chances are, a little excess will trickle down and settle

etreat

onto your cheeks, and you’ll have to immediately touch up your face. The Solution When applying shadow, fold a single square of tissue and hold it underneath each eye. It will always catch any loose pigment fallout while protecting your freshly done foundation. www.glamour.com

STELLA’S

950 699 973

Tuesday - Friday all day & Saturday 11am - 2pm Closed for all National Fiestas Baileys Coffee & Cake back tor the Winter, Cocktails still available, all created by Victor’s Bar

d Stella Wil

Holistic Therapist Angela Ellis B.A.B.T.A.C ITEC MAR REIKI MASTER Call for appointment

beauty Treatments

Hairdresser Peluquería

Hair by Stella

Open 9 - 3pm Mon - Thurs. El Cucador

Our team is experienced & qualified to the highest standards on all hairdressing, colouring and cutting techniques. Call Teri: 619 467 295

SOL health & beauty

Las Buganvillas 13, Vera Playa (next to Forgetmenot)

OUR hair, BEAUTY & MASSAGE THERAPISTS ARE FULLY UK TRAINED

Hair Treatments

Book a holistic therapy and receive a complimentary wash and blowdry

Audrey-Gail Parkin, Homeapath and Bowen Therapist Improves all aspects of your health, both emotional and physical Call for appointment

For face & Body, Elimis Luxury Facials, Eye Treatments. Nail Treatments, Shellac Nail, Waxing. Eyebrow Shape - Eyelash Tint - Eyebrow Tint Call Sandra: 661 858 949

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Dermal Fillers & Botox For the next Clinic call: 647 379 878

Massages

Aromatherapy. Holistic. Reflexology. Call Melissa: 626 144 680

HAIR BY GILL Wednesday & Friday 10am - 5pm BEAUTY & CHIROPODY BY FIONA Thursdays, other days by appointment

O nly at S tella ’ s do you get the star treat m ent , because you are worth it ! !

We are a self-contained private suite of rooms on the right hand side of La Vida Bar, El Cucador

25€

44.95€

cut & Blowdry

Was €43

cap highlights JoseFa Beautician

including Cut & Blowdry

39.95€

Luxury facial mini Manicure & polish

WAXING from

FULL BODY MASSAGE

€20 €8 €3.75 €25

Call for an appointment iFi Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm FREE W 950 633 086 Calle Malaga - Albox (100m from Mercadona)

Saturday by appointment

Now taking bookings for New Years Eve

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

18.90€

Designer Sunglasses

30% discount For the over 60’s

50% OFF

no need to return to the uk for your glasses

all Lenses including varifocals

we have it covered

• Free Hearing Test • Digital Hearing Aids • Various Models & Colours • Adjustments, Parts & Repairs • Moulds & Batteries • Pensioners - 30% OFF

IVA ON SUNGLASSES has increased to 21% but our prices are stayIng the same!

mercadona

Avda. Guillermo Reyna Huercal - Overa

salas opticos

lidl

super special his ‘n’ hers

hospital

perm cut & blowdry

Daily Lenses FOR ONLY

Tel: 950 135 081 salasopticos@Yahoo.es

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

SOLTIMES february 2015

Hello and welcome to CanDu Computer Bytes. Whoever said that music calms the savage beast obviously didn’t listen to Punk Rock or Thrash Metal, although this anger filled music is, in reality, a safety valve from an emotion viewpoint! As I’ve grown older, if not wiser, I’ve learned to appreciate a wide variety of genre’s of music! In years gone by, music was played from a wax drum, then a wax disk and finally the wax was replaced by more durable materials. In those days music was as it had been created, analogue. Analogue music is the pure sound created by a melodic Oboe or a bow drawn across a Cello. It is either in the form of a wave or audio pulses depending on how you were taught Physics at school. In either case the sound, with all its imperfections and inflections, reaches the ear, is translated to nerve impulses at which point we hear the music. Most of the music we hear today is prerecorded and by definition is digitised. So what is digitising? Imagine a single note on an oscilloscope. A pure sine wave. To create a digital signal, this pure sine wave has to be sliced into sections. The term slicing isn’t accurate in as much as the position of the wave at a given time is recorded as a number. For example, at the bottom of the wave we can give it the number -255; at the top of the wave we can give the number 255; so by default the middle of the sine wave must be 0 (zero). If you look at the wave you can now see how my simple number system works. In reality, the numbers used are many time larger! Now you have a string of numbers relating to a single note. The length of the string depends on how many ‘slices’ you have taken. The greater the number of slices the more accurate the sound reproduction will be. Digital music has a variety of formats

some ‘Lossy’ and some ‘Lossless’. Music files can be huge! The size depends on how many samples were taken for each seconds music – more samples equals bigger file size! ‘Lossless’ file formats generally have most of the information. ‘Lossy’ formats such as MP3 uses a calculation to determine what sound you are unlikely to hear and remove that. There are other mathematical techniques use to further reduce the data string without reducing the quality of the overall sound. This technology is used in music CD’s. As music files that are ‘Lossless’ can be huge, what good are they? A good question! Apart from the quality of the music that is reproduced and the ability to then compress or convert to a ‘Lossy’ format, probably none. Although when I convert music from LP or Audio tape to be put onto a CD for someone, I always use a ‘Lossless’ format to get as much of the original sounds as possible. After that the cleaning process (removing clicks, hiss and other unwanted noise) which also removes some of the data, still leaves me with a cleaner sound, without too much loss, before compression or conversion. CD’s and Digital music will always be inferior to it’s analogue cousin because no matter how many samples you take, no matter how close together the samples are, there will always be gaps where the music slips through. In the next article I will try to clear-up what digital file formats are and which ones are the best. So until then, have a safe and successful week and chat to you in the next article. Contact me for free advice concerning your computer or tablet at the address or phone number below.

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

The Pot and the Kettle

The Islas Chafarinas are three small islands located just 3.5km off the coast of Morocco, they have been occupied by the Spanish since 1847 with the only residents being a 190 strong military garrison. There used to be a colony of the world’s second rarest seal the Mediterranean Monk Seal living there but by 1990 they had all been murdered by fishermen for ‘stealing’ their fish. The Alhucemas islands consist of three islands all within hailing distance of Morocco. The Penon de Alhucemas at just 200m off the Moroccan coast is the largest with a Spanish fortress housing a garrison of 30 men on it. The other two islands are Isla la Mar at 207m away and the Isla de Tierra is closer still being just 93m from its African neighbour. Next we have Penon de Velez de Gomera; this island is so close to Morocco that in 1934 a huge storm washed so much sand between them that it created an 85m beach to connect them. It’s classed as the

Most wanted fugitive arrested in Amsterdam A suspected drug trafficker for fugitives. The NCA will

from Liverpool has been captured in Amsterdam after being on the run for 12 years. Scott Coleman, aged 40, from Walton, who was arrested as part of a Police Scotland investigation in February 2003, was charged with possession with intent to supply heroin but failed to appear for trial at Edinburgh Crown Court and fled to Spain. Coleman was detained by officers from Amsterdam Police last week on George Gershwinplein in the Stadium area. They were able to confirm his identity as a result of joint working with the National Crime Agency. He is due to appear in court next Monday when extradition proceedings will begin. Coleman is the 65th fugitive to be located out of 76 publicised through Operation Captura – the multi-agency initiative between Crimestoppers, the NCA and the Spanish authorities. Hank Cole, Head of International Operations for the NCA, said: “We know Coleman was in Spain for a while but like many fugitives he wrongly believed he could evade c a p t u r e by moving around. “There is no safe haven

continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners across the world to pursue these individuals and return them to the UK to face justice.” Founder and Chairman of Crimestoppers, Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, said: “The arrest of Scott Coleman is pleasing for two reasons. Firstly, he has been on the Operation Captura list since 2008, so his arrest is welcome news. And secondly, his arrest takes the success rate of the campaign to over 85%. “This figure cannot be underestimated. We are talking about individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes, and it gives me great pleasure to see another one removed from our streets, thanks to the work of Crimestoppers, law enforcement, and the public.” Originally fled to Spain 12 years ago, and who is 65th to be located out of 76 “most wanted” who have been publicised through the joint UK-Spain Operación Captura. www.nationalcrimeagency. gov.uk

Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as world’s shortest land the articles are posted on there too...and they’re a bit longer too! Findmeahome are border. A Spanish garrialways looking for quality homes for their sales and rental portfolios, please contact son is stationed on the Stephen for a valuation: stephen@findmeahome.eu Telephone: 636 266 641 fort that’s built on the 100m high rock. Last the terrified teenagers who gave the only statue summer the Committee for the libup on the spot without firing a of Franco still eration of Ceuta and Melilla which shot. Even the Spanish Legion got on Spanish soil. included the local mayor managed involved. The spat was deemed King Juan Carto scale the rock and plant Morocso important that the great warlos visited in 2007 causing massive can flags before getting arrested. rior Colin Powell brokered a peace 1790 was the last time there was protests in Morocco. I remember deal which still leaves the island a military attempt to get it back Charles and Di’s visit to Gibraltar in disputed by both sides. The island from Spain. It looks like a ‘Mini-Me’ is again empty apart from some 1981 causing a similar stir. of another place that’s been in the goats with Moroccan nationality. Lastly there is Ceuta; 18 miles news recently – Gibraltar. Melilla is part of the European from Gibraltar and three times the The Isla de Perejil is uninhabited Union and lies in east Morocco. It’s size with a population of 85,000. lying 250m off the coast of Mobeen won and lost by the SpanInvaded by the Portuguese in 1415, rocco, about 13 km from mainland ish many times since they first a treaty signed in 1668 gave it to Spain with ownership disputed beinvaded in 1497. The last conflict tween the two countries. Morocco Spain just a few years before the ended in 1926. It is twice as large placed some Army cadets there in of Gibraltar, with the population of Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 gave GiJuly 2002 to stop illegal immigrants about 75,000 fiercely holding on to braltar to the British. Ten thousand and smugglers using the island. their Spanish identity. Melilla was Moroccans cross the border each Spain was having none of it and a where the Spanish Civil War started day to work there; it has a low tax week later sent a major invasion with a military revolt against the regime, a strong military presence force consisting of the Air Force, Republican officers in July 1936. and is notorious for smuggling. the Navy and their elite commando The first concentration camp by Morocco wants it back but Spain unit across the Straits of Gibraltar the Nationalists was also built here to valiantly retake the island from and infamously the town boasts ain’t budging. Sound familiar?

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

GO ON A CRUISE - YOU’LL LOVE IT!

If you haven’t been on a cruise, you don’t know what you’re missing. My wife and I have been on four in the last eight years and we’ve enjoyed everyone. Nowadays, the cruise ships - or liners if you prefer - are quite superb, equipped with facilities aplenty including gymnasiums, saunas/spas, beauty parlours, casinos, swimming pools, golf ranges, table tennis areas, dance halls, theatres, several shops (selling an array of goodies) and plenty of bars/restaurants. And, of course, there is ample space to lie on a deck lounger and get a terrific sun tan, stroll round the perimeter of the boat (four laps is roughly one mile), take part in casual

fun quizzes, attend talks, watch a film, check out art exhibitions and sit in on an auction, witness an ice-cutting

show, and you can even participate in talent shows (including karaoke), go on a treasure hunt, try to win at bingo, enjoy live music sessions (from various artists) in located places on board and, of course, there is an internet service, allowing you to keep in touch with loved ones wherever you might be in the world. You might think you are enclosed inside a large floating hotel when you’re at sea for a couple of days. That’s far from the truth. There is always something to do - you’ll never get bored or fed up on board a cruise ship. And there is a huge chance that you will make friends, even meet someone from your town or city. Whilst on one cruise, my old football club secretary was in a nearby cabin. Without going into detail as to where I’ve been on a cruise, suffice to say the Caribbean and Far East are included, but you may want to travel to Alaska, t h e Norwegian fjords, to the USA and Canada, even float round the Med. In fact, several cruise lines go from

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 - www.daviessolicitors.com

Inheritance tax : we will have to pay the full inheritance Teething problems with tax (and perhaps claim back the fund the application of the using the courts), telling us that the 6 Sentence issued by the ECJ month deadline to make the payment on the 3rd of September is up next week. of 2014 (Case C-127/12 ). The Answer: difference for this reader There is no problem, you will not would be 34000 euro in tax. have to pay any inheritance tax. Question. Our article was correct. You are I am desperate. My sister and myself entitled to the exemption. What your are non residents in Spain. Our father solicitor is saying is also correct. has left us an estate in (Mojacar) The government in response to the Spain valued at 300,000 euro (one sentence created the new forms that, hundred and fifty thousand euro like most tax forms nowadays, are each for of us), nothing in the uk. filled in online. The problem is that Our solicitor initially said that as non for some reason the new forms do residents we where only entitled to not work correctly and presently can an exemption of sixteen thousand not be filled in online. We have also euro each resulting in a total tax bill of just under thirty four thousand had this problem and have discussed euro. When we read the article it with the tax office. All he needs to about the sentence on your blog we do is press the download button. He asked him and he said that indeed will be able to see the form with the we were lucky as the system had document number on this screen just changed and that we would be even though he can not fill it in. He able to claim the exemption of one then needs to print it out and write hundred and seventy thousand euro the document number by hand on the each, resulting in no inheritance tax form. He will then need to fill in the for us . Suddenly out of the blue he rest of the form by hand in the good yesterday called us to inform us that old fashioned way. The tax office will the new forms which allow for us then accept it without any problem as to claim the exemption available to they are aware of the problem. If he residents is not yet available and that has any problem he can call me. 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.

Almeria, Malaga and Marbella, and there are some great offers available right now, depending on what you want. I didn’t go for a posh cabin... no way... you’re only in there to sleep really! Food is available on board most ships from 6am until 2am the next day and with 2,650 passengers and 1,100 crew members to cater for, especially on the bigger ones, I was intrigued to learn from the head chef himself, as to the amount of produce he has to order, prepare and cook. It’s amazing. Listed below are details of the average amount of food which comes out of (or goes through) the kitchen on a cruise ship on a daily basis. Yes, every single day. * 4,500 eggs (31,500 a week, 128,000 a month, 1.5 million a year); 80,000 loaves of bread, rolls, cobs and baps); 6,000 lbs of meats (including 2,500 steaks and 2,500 hamburgers); 1,700 lbs of fish; 5,000 sausages (various sizes); 5,000 tomatoes; 1,600 lbs of salad; 400 lbs of shrimps; 13 gallons of mayonnaise; 500 lbs of pastas; 2,700 lbs of potatoes; 2,500 lbs of mixed vegetables; 550 gallons of soup; 6,000 pastries, 1,500 sandwiches (prepared); 300-350 large cakes/pies; 100 gallons of ice cream; 1,500 lbs of flour, plus all the beer, wine, shorts, tea and coffee which is drank (1,000 gallons in total). And oh, there is fresh, drinkable water - literally thousands of gallons of it... and there are people who have to wash 70,000 dishes and 21,500 glasses every day and also do the

laundry. Elsewhere, stewards will ensure that each cabin has at least four toilet rolls in position every day, along with four or five towels, cups and saucers and fresh water with a handful of chocolates thrown in for good measure. And most of the time you are on board, there are some 100 waiters available, with tray in hand, checking on whether you want a drink (or two, or three) as well as some more food! And remaining on food, you can have breakfast at 7am, midmorning coffee/tea at 11am, lunch from 12 noon, afternoon tea around 4pm, evening meal from 6.30pm and even fish and chips from 11pm. It’s simply eat, eat and be merry... there is something available every minute of the day. Nowadays, a large cruise liner (with 3,750 people on board) is approximately 950 feet long and 125 feet wide. It is powered by diesel electric/gas turbine engines, with 9,000 horse power thrusters. When full, the tanks contain 3,300 tonnes of fuel (750,000 gallons) and once at sea, a liner averages 16-17 knots per hour (top speed is 20.1 knots), gobbling up a gallon of fuel every 50 feet! I had never contemplated going on a cruise until 2007... but now I am ready to book my fifth. By Tony Matthews

Spain making efforts to attract Chinese tourists

Spanish five-star hotels are serving up white rice for breakfast as Spain offers quicker visas and seeks more direct flights from China to tap into the surging wave of Chinese tourists. When Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy visited China in September, he announced that visa applications from the country’s travelers would be processed within 48 hours. The government is also in talks with Asian airlines to boost traffic through Madrid’s underused airport by offering reduced fees and promoting Spain as a hub for travel to Latin America. So far only one airline, Air China, offers direct flights between Spain and China seven times a week. In contrast, Italy has 28 direct weekly flights to China, France has 70 and Germany 87. While Chinese travelers usually visit several countries during a trip to Europe, they are unlikely to include Spain if they land in another country because of its geographic location, said University of London lecturer Keven Lathan, author of a book on Chinese tourism in Europe. “Spain’s location is less central. You have to add two to three days to make it feasible. There is not much you can do about it,” he said at a recent tourism fair in Madrid. China has been the world’s fastestgrowing source of tourists over the past decade due to rising incomes and the easing of restrictions on foreign

travel, according to the Madrid-based U.N. World Tourism Organization. Over 100 million Chinese are expected to make trips abroad this year. Spain is the world’s third-most visited country after France and the United States and has long been a favorite sunshine destination for Europeans who flock to its beaches. But the country received just 288,000 visitors from China last year, according to tourist board Turespana. By comparison the United States welcomed 1.8 million Chinese visitors in 2013, the last year figures are available, while France received over 1.2 million Chinese tourists that year. “We are clearly missing the train of Chinese tourism,” said Hilario Alfaro, the president of the Madrid Business Forum, a lobby group. While travel industry leaders welcomed Spain’s moves to attract Chinese tourists, they lamented that Madrid was lagging behind other Western nations. Spain has just three consulates in China that can issue entry visas, compared to eight in France, said Alfaro. chinapost.com

PROPERTY supplement

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

SOLTIMES PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT THE ONLY PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT ON THE COSTAS!!!! LOOKING TO BUY OR RENT? FIND YOUR DREAM HOME INSIDE!

Your Belgian estate agent for inland, specializing in the area of Arboleas, Albox and surrounding towns and villages. Oria, Nice villa with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms on a bigger plot and close to the village !!

Cantoria, Very nice villa with 3 bed & 2 bath, space for a pool & very close to the village.

Arboleas, Beautiful villa with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and pool with fantastic views.

El Prado, Very nice villa with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a double garage !!

The price is only 98.000€

The price is only 169.950€

The price is only 139.950€

The price is only 175.000€

We are now open at Plaza Nuevo 10 in centre of Albox (opposite Donkey Statue), and would like as many new legal properties as possible in the Arboleas and surrounding areas, we are also looking to expand into Huercal Overa and to take properties to our next exhibition in Belguim.

Office: Carlos: Gavin:

950 102 191 www.immo-carlos.com 648 505 938 671 293 942 email: info@immo-carlos.com Your Belgian Estate Agent at the Coast

property sales and relocation specialists

Avda de Almeria 78, Turre

We are looking for new property listings both coastal & inland Please contact us on 950 469 592 or 697 640 681

info@colespain.com • www.colespain.com

After a very successfull first year we still are looking to extend our portfolio with coastal properties from Mojacar to San Juan

ANN 666 260 792 ISMAEL 670 596 085 www.almeriapropertyinvestments.com ann@almeriapropertyinvestments.com RONDA DE LAS BUGANVILLAS nº 42 (next to Luces & Bar Cactus)

Sol 204-Gachas Migas

4 bed, 3 bath, 10x5 pool Large garage that has been converted into a studio apartment Price 149,950

Karen on 635 979 829 or 950 064 584 Web: www.solymarspain.com

Secure Post Boxes 35€ per year

PROPERTY SECTION

SOLTIMES february 2015

Bedar, 04288 (next to Miramar Restaurant)

Tel: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466

Olive

Email: info@olivehouse-es.com

www.olivehouse-es.com

Monday - Friday 10am - 3.30pm

Sales office now open in Bedar

OLV927

BEDAR (El Campico)

...it’s all in the detail bedar

OLV941

This traditional village cortijo boasts 3 bedrooms in

This fine looking property is located in the hills above

the main house and another bedroom en-suite in a

the beautiful village of Bedar boasting 3 bedrooms, 2

separate annex next to the refurbished courtyard garden

bathrooms, larger than average kitchen and substantial

with plunge pool. The property is situated between the

living dining room. The property sits on a wonderful plot

popular villages of Bedar and Lubrin and is a short walk

of over 10,000m2 of beautiful terraced land with a fine

away from a very good bar/restaurant .

selection of trees.

new to the market

115,000€

Sorbas

OLV853

This charming 5 bedroom village cortijo has been sympathetically restored retaining many of it’s original features and boasts terraces to the front and rear as well as a beautiful garden area. The property is located in a small hamlet under 10 minutes from the popular and historical market town of Sorbas.

170,000 €

new to the market

299,000€

OLV911 ANTAS (Los Raimundos)

This very spacious village house has been restored to a high standard. It has 4 double bedrooms , 2 bathrooms and is situated between Bedar and Antas in a small village. The property also includes a small piece of land with fruit trees. This property would make an excellent holiday home or permanent residence being in great condition and with a very attractive price.

only 85,000 €

COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE COMPLETE MOJACAR PLAYA

RENTALS - SALES -MANAGEMENT - MAINTENANCE

We urgently need more properties for sale & rental for waiting clients

Ref: SP/LS - Beautiful, furnished 2 bed apart with aircon, private parking, pool & gardens. Terrace, mountain views, spacious lounge/diner with UK satellite channels.

Ref. OA/RJ – Stunning 3 bed, 2,5 bath, 130 m2, duplex in renowned complex Oasis del Mar 1, terraces & solarium with sea views, fantastic pools/gardens, private parking, a/c.

Ref. CB/SK - Beautiful, modern, 3 bed, 2 bath villa with garage & large terrace with Jacuzzi with outstanding panoramic views of Mojácar Playa beach and mountains.

Ref. ALB/MB/14 - Beautiful & modern, 2 bed, 2 bath apart. Private com pool, terr with sea views, air con, private parking space.

MOJACAR - €99,950

MOJACAR – REDUCED - €249,950

MOJACAR PLAYA - €149,950 Mojácar REDUCED- €275,000 Paseo del Mediterraneo 19, Mojacar Playa, Almeria (near the Hotel Best Indalo) Tel: 950 478 612 / 610 808 631 

info@almeriaholidays.com

www.almeriaholidays.com

www.soltimes.com

Start your mortgage research early - IT HELPS! If you are serious about buying a property in Spain then you should start arranging your Spanish mortgage almost before you do anything else. Leaving the financial side of your Spanish property purchase until the end does you no favours whatsoever. If you leave it too late, and have to arrange your Spanish mortgage in a rush and under pressure, it is likely that you will get an expensive and inflexible Spanish mortgage. And never forget that Spanish mortgages run for many years so you will have to live with the consequences of you decision for years to come. The advantages of arranging your Spanish mortgage at the start of your property search are as follows: It costs you nothing to start early Forward planning helps you clarify the advantages and disadvantages of taking out a mortgage in Spain and make the best decision as to how much, if at all, to borrow Arranging your Spanish mortgage in good time allows you to find the mortgage in Spain that best suits your requirements and avoid overpaying By taking steps to arrange your Spanish mortgage at the start you will have a better idea of how much you can spend on your Spanish property and can work out the likely future financial implications of your purchase Having your Spanish mortgage in place reduces the risks of you loosing a Spanish property that it has cost you so much to find, and means one less source of anxiety and pressure when you are trying to close on a Spanish property

Mortgages in Spain Mortgages in Spain are offered by banks and savings banks (know as ‘cajas’ in Spain) and sold either directly by the lenders or through mortgage brokers. Several international banks, including British banks like Barclays and Lloyds TSB, offer mortgages in Spain alongside the national banks and cajas. And just like any other developed mortgage market there are big differences in the costs and terms of the Spanish mortgages on offer, ranging from inflexible and expensive mortgages to cheaper and flexible ones. Although the interest charged on all Spanish mortgages is calculated as a function of the base rate set by the European central bank, beyond that mortgage lenders in Spain are relatively free to set the charges and terms they offer. This translates into significant differences in costs and conditions. Not only do Spanish mortgages vary from bank to bank, they also vary within the same bank, from branch to branch. So, in normal times (not during a credit crunch), there are lots of good and bad mortgages on the market, and it is up to you to shop around to ensure you get the best deal. Otherwise you risk paying thousands of Euros more than you need to over the lifetime of your mortgage.

Variable and fixed rate mortgages in Spain The vast majority of mortgages sold in Spain (to both Spaniards and Foreigners) are variable rate mortgages, meaning that mortgage repayments vary according to the base rate set by the European central bank. Borrowers with variable rate Spanish mortgages cannot be certain what their mortgage payments will be in the future. If the interest rate falls they will pay less, but if it rises they will pay more. Most lenders also offer a fixed rate mortgage, though these are not popular in Spain (less than 3% of borrowers have a fixed rate mortgage). These mortgages tend to have higher interest payments in the short term, but if interest rates rise a fixed-rate Spanish mortgage holder might end up paying less than would be the case with a variable-rate. The great advantage of fixed rate mortgages is the certainty they give borrowers, who know exactly what their mortgage repayments will be for a set time into the future. Some lenders also offer a mixed mortgage that involves a certain period (for instance 5 years) of fixed interest payments, and a floating rate thereafter. During the boom some lenders started offering interest only mortgages, but that was before the credit crunch and falling property values. You would be very lucky to get one now, and if you did it wouldn’t come cheap.

Other mortgage terms The mortgage you get will depend upon your financial profile. Lenders will want to know how much you earn and what your other financial commitments are (your personal balance sheet). As a general rule they will lend according to earnings multiples whereby your loan repayments on all your worldwide borrowing do not exceed 35% of your net annual income. However, if they think you have excellent career prospects, and that your income is likely to increase in the future (something that you would have to convince them of) they may be prepared to lend you more. They also take into account the kind of property you want to buy. If you are buying a holiday home they will consider this riskier than a main home. They will assume you will default on your holiday home loan first if you get into difficulty. So, generally speaking, loan to value ratios for holiday homes are lower and conditions are more expensive. What kind of a loan to value can you expect in Spain? Typically 60% to 70%, though during the boom it was possible to get more than 100% using inflated valuations. Today, after the credit crunch, you might not get more than 50% to 60%, if at all. It all depends on your creditworthiness. How many years can you expect? It depends upon your age, but most mortgage terms in Spain run for 20 to 25 years, though during the boom lenders starting offering 40 years or longer. The longer the term, the smaller the monthly repayments, but the more the mortgage will cost you over the lifetime of the loan. Posts credit crunch, mortgage terms are falling. (Scorce: Spanish Property Insight)

PROPERTY SECTION

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES february 2015

ACACIA VILLAS P RO P E RT Y SA L E S

info@acaciavillas.net 610 323 541 - www.acaciavillas.net Lovely compact villa, 2 bed & 2 bath being sold with all furniture, only 5 mins walk into the village, this is a bargain being sold at half it's price, fully landscaped gardens, and plenty of room for a pool. Build size 80 mtrs - Plot size 580 mtrs Price 96,000€ - Area, La Alfoquia.

This villa is set in orange and olive groves, very peaceful area, only two villas next door to each other, good sized plot and plenty of room for a pool, this villa is a great size. you are only 5 mins away from the villages of La Alfoquia & Zurgena. Build size 120 mtrs - Plot size 600 mtrs Excellent price of 95,000€

Another bargain, 3 bed & 2 bath, only 3 mins walk into the village, being sold with all furniture, and this villa is larger than most of the surrounding villas has been extended by another 6 sq mtrs floor area Build size 106 mtrs - Plot size 450 mtrs Bargain price 115,000 €

This villa is in an ideal spot for the village of Arboleas & Zurgena at the end of a small cul-de-sac, fields to the rear & side, orange & olive groves surrounding the villas. within walking distance to the villages, & only 3 mins by car, 8x4 mtr pool, sold furnished. Build size 117 mtrs - Plot size 580 mtrs - Price 139,000€

This is a new cortijo,built from the old footprint, This is 3 bed & 2 bath, large through lounge, good sized landscaped garden with 8x4 mtr pool, out in the countryside but only 5 mins by car to the village's. Build size 140 mtrs - Plot size 480 mtrs Just reduced from 160,000 to 125,000€

This villa is in a perfect spot for views of the countryside & mountains, ultra modern with it's fittings & furniture, part furnished, 5 mins by ca rto Zurgena & La Alfoquia. The converted garage/utility room, can easily be a 4th bedroom. Kidney shaped pool Build size 110 mtrs - Plot size 667 mtrs Just reduced from 175,000 to 169,950€

Full description of all properties can be seen on our website

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast ! API-M0120 79500€ MOJACAR 2 bedrooms & 1 bathroom Terrace & roof terrace of 57 m2 with sea views furnished Airconditioning Excellent rental potential 2 outdoor pools

API-PDE0100 169950€ POZO DEL ESPARTO 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms Covered terrace, sea views Roof terrace (79 sqm) with jacuzzi & BBQ Air conditioning in bedrooms Partly furnished No community fees REDUCED TO SELL

API-V0169 105000€ VERA PLAYA 2 bedrooms & 1 bathroom roof terrace of 47 m2 furnished Airconditioning Underground parking space Excellent rental potential outdoor pool 100 m to the beach

API-V0165 199000€ VERA PLAYA 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms Front terrace with garden (188 m2) roof terrace with sea views 5 outdoor pools 100 m to the beach First line beach complex

API-V0170 155000€ VERA PLAYA 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms terrace and roof terrace Airconditioning Underground parking Excellent rental potential outdoor pool 50 m to the beach

www.almeriapropertyinvestments.com

d l o

After a very successful first year we still are looking to extend our portfolio with coastal properties from Mojacar to San Juan

ANN 666 260 792 ISMAEL 670 596 085

ann@almeriapropertyinvestments.com

RONDA DE LAS BUGANVILLAS nº 42 (next to Luces & Bar Cactus)

PROPERTY SECTION

SOLTIMES february 2015

www.soltimes.com

property group

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk You can find us on Mojácar Playa

€79,950

3 bed / 2 bath Apartment with nice sea views in Marina de la Torre. Front covered terrace. Fully furnished. Ref. 1559

Mojácar Playa

€112,000

3 bed / 1 bath Apartment with private parking, store room & large terrace with partial sea views near promenade. Ref.1609

Turre

€149,000

2 bed / 1 bath one level Villa with pool on plot of 400 m² in Agua Nueva near amenities. Terrace & solarium. Ref.1620

Mojácar playa

€170,000

3 bed / 2 bath nice semi detached House with private plot of 230 m² on gated community with pool near beach. Sea views. Ref. 1618

Mojácar playa

€249,000

3 bed / 2,5 bath charming Villa on plot of 530 m².Solarium. Separate dining room. Residential street. Very private.Ref.1558

Jauro

€90,000

3 bed / 1 bath charming Village House with 2 plots of 121 m² & 437 m² and garage. Traditional features. Ref 1082

€95,000

Mojácar village €111,000

3 bed / 2 bath Townhouse on quiet residential street near amenities. Private plot, court yard & terraces. Ref.1063

Opportunity! 3 bed / 2 bath charming Village House with sea views near square. Roof solarium. To restore. Mortgage. Ref.1616

Turre

DUE TO INCREASE IN DEMAND WE URGENTLY NEED PROPERTIES IN MOJÁCAR, GARRUCHA, VERA AND TURRE. CALL US NOW ON 950 472 430 Or 610 053 563

FREE VALUATION Mojácar playa

€199,950

Mojácar playa

€199,950

3 bed / 2 bath detached Villa near beach, amenities & promenade. Air & fire place. Car port & terraces. Partial sea views. Ref.1560

3 bed / 3 bath semi detached Villa with sea views on small community with pool near amenities. Terraces & solarium. Ref.1137

Mojácar playa

Mojácar Playa

€249.950

3 bed / 2 bath newly renovated Villa with pool . Plot of 246 m² within 1 min to beach. Air con. Roof terrace with sea views. Ref.1610

Mojácar playa

€115,000

Beautiful sea facing 2 bed / 2 bath Apartment with private parking. Terraces of 25 m² & 6 m². Fully furnished. Ref.1595

Mojácar playa

€155,000

2 bed / 2 bath Apartment with large terrace, store room & under parking. Nice community lift, pool & gardens near promenade. Ref. 1556

vera

€240,000

Opportunity! 3 bed / 2 bath Villa +1 bed / 1 bath Annex. 5.851 m². Few mins to town. Landscaped gardens & olive grove. Ref.1200

€250,000

Amazing sea views. 3 bed / 2 bath Villa with garage, utility room, roof solarium & terraces on plot of 417 m² near beach. Ref.1062

Please visit our office or refer to our website for more “bargains”. Vendors: If you are seriously considering selling your property please visit our office to discuss effective ways of achieving your goal. As per decree 218/2005 the “Documento de Información Abreviada” (D.I.A) for any property sold by Veritas Homes is available at our office.

PROPERTY SECTION

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES february 2015

Mojacar Playa

Mojácar Playa

Mojacar Playa

3 bed, 2 bath, ground floor apartment of 99m2 on a beautiful front-line complex. Storeroom & garaging. Impressive community gardens & pool. A1049

3 bed, 2 bath, ground floor, frontline, apartment of 116m2 in the Marina Golf. Uninterrupted sea views, FGCH, garaging, storeroom, community gardens & pool. A1132

2 bed, 1 bath, penthouse golf apartment of 57m2 + terrace & solarium. Fantastic sea views. A/C. Community pool & underground parking. Beaches in walking distance. A1212

1 bed, 1 bath, 4th floor apartment of 64m2 on a high quality urbanisation. 12 m2 terrace. Underground parking. Superb community pools & gardens. A1151

Mojacar Playa

Mojacar Pueblo

Mojacar Playa

3 bed, 2 bath, penthouse apartment of 100m2

2 bed, 2 bath, apartment of 64 sq m. Sea & mountain views. Underground parking. Beautiful community pool & gardens. Short walk to the beach. A1218

3 bed, 1 bath, 3rd floor apartment of 78m2 near the fuente in the village. Enclosed balcony. In walking distance of all amenities. Short drive to the beach. A1217

1 bed, 1 bath, apartment of 60m2+ sea views on a secure complex. Furnished. Community pool & in walking distance of the beach. Underground parking & storeroom. A1197

Mojacar Playa

Los Gallardos

Mojacar Playa

3 bed. 1 bath, semi-detached furnished house of 104m2 on a plot of 1,589m2. Sea & mountain views in a rural setting less than 5 mins. drive from Mojácar. SDV699

2 bed, 2 bath, townhouse of 83m2 on 141m2 + & private parking. Furnished. Community gardens & pool. Short drive to local beaches & towns. SDV72

2 bed, 1 bath, furnished bungalow of 77m2 on 193m2 less than 5 minutes drive to the beach terraces, garden & roof terrace. Community gardens & parking. LV656

3 bed, 1.5 bath, furnished townhouse of 86m2 on 117m2 less than 400m from the beach. Terraces, garden & off street parking. Community gardens & pool. LV654

250,000€

+ 56m2 of terraces. Superb views. Community pool & gardens. Walking distance of beaches & amenities. A1220

195,000€

137,000€

Mojacar Playa

210,000€

79,000€

89,950€

Arboleas

3 bed, 2 bath newly built detached villa of 120m2 on 874m2. Superb sea & mountain views. Garage, pool & solarium. Kitchen furniture not included. DV1338

350,000€

110,000€

65,000€

125,000€

Villaricos

3 bed, 3 bath, villa of 154m2 on a level plot of 1,025m2. Roof terrace, carport & private pool. Excellent quality & lovely views. Short drive to local towns. DV1332

254,995€

69.000€

65,000€

125,000€

Zurgena

3 bed, 2 bath, villa of 85m2 on a corner plot of 264m2 with sea views. In walking dstance of restaurants & beaches. Community pool. DV1331

155,000€

3 bed, 2 bath, villa of 110m2 on a plot of 857m2. Lovely terraces, private pool & great country views. 30 minutes drive to the coast. DV1330

178,500€

PROPERTY SECTION

SOLTIMES february 2015

Euro property bargains up for grabs in Spain

British buyers are leading the pack when it comes to snapping up properties in Spain encouraged by a weak euro and a property market at rock bottom. Spain tops the wish-list for potential second home-owners living in Britain proving that neither the economic crisis nor the planning corruption scandals of recent years have put them off. House sales went up for the first time in 2014 since the construction bubble burst with foreign buyers accounting for almost one in every five houses sold in Spain last year, an increase of over 19 percent from the year before. Official statistics from Spain published last month record that French purchasers made up 10.48 percent of the market, German buyers accounted for 6.45 percent of sales and Belgians 6.19 percent. By far the biggest percentage of buyers were the Brits at 18.6 percent and it’s no wonder. Spain has now overtaken France as the destination of choice for holiday homes for British buyers of a second home, a survey published by Rightmove Oversees in January revealed. Some 37 percent of Brits looking to buy abroad said they would choose Spain with only 23 percent opting for a property in France. With the euro at an eight year low against the pound, estate agents in Spain are already seeing a rush from British

Social Security Contributors Fell by 2.36% in January

buyers eager to snap up a bargain.

“We’re seeing British buyers eyeing up cut-price properties across Spain in high numbers right now, as they can get so much more for their money than they could a few years ago,” Martin Dell, the director of leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com told The Local. “But what’s interesting is the number of buyers looking to snap up properties with heftier price tags too.” For example,a new build three bedroom villa with pool in Benijofar, Valencia, which is on the market for €335,000 would cost a British buyer £250,000 at the current exchange rate, while back in 2009 it would have cost £310,000. “With the exchange rate looking so favourable, it really is a case of the more you spend, the more you save at the moment,” observed Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España. “There are some incredible bargains on the market at the moment, particularly in popular areas like the Costa Blanca,” he said. n Alicante, for example, this a two-bedroom apartment in the newly constructed La Recoleta III development is going for just €142,000, not bad for a holiday pad just a few metres from the beach Source: thelocal.es

www.soltimes.com

The number of foreign contributors to the Spanish Social Security system stood at 1,516,056 in January, which is a decline of 2.36% compared with the previous month, representing 36,583 contributors less, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Employment and Social Security. However, El Economista reported that the number of foreign contributors increased by 0.08% compared to January of last year, with an additional 1,235 contributors, and represents the first year-on-year rise since 2008. The Ministry also highlighted in their statement that this is the first time in their comparable historical statistics that an increase has been registered in the number of foreign affiliates in this month. In the previous months of January, foreign membership has declined year-on-year, and even registered a decline of -6% in 2009. The January figures show that a total of 902,521 of the foreign contributors came from countries outside of the European Union and 613,535 came from EU countries. Catalonia is the region with the most foreign social security contributors, with a total of 341,762 workers, followed by Madrid (323,116), Andalucía (191,992), and Valencia

(172,157).

Compared with January 2013, the number of foreign contributors increased in six regions (the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Murcia, Navarra, the Basque Country and La Rioja) and decreased in the remaining regions. Of the total number of foreign citizens contributing to the Spanish Social Security system, the greatest numbers come from Romania (263,158), Morocco (186,858), China (91,134) and Ecuador (69,164), followed by Italy (63,652), Bolivia (57,178), the United Kingdom (53,193) and Colombia (50,852). http://news.kyero.com/

properties for sale TWO houses - sold as one lot.

Two detached villa shells built up to and including roofs 125m2 built on flat 3000m2 plot. Secluded position, unspoilt countryside views across orange and lemon groves front and rear.

Fully Legal & with Title Deeds ONLY

£65,000 THE PAIR!

• Each villa spec: 3 beds / 2 baths. Size 125m2

• Exceptional uninterrupted views of orange and lemon groves to front & rear • Situated between Almanzora & Arboleas overlooking Almanzora valley • 10 minutes to nearest town with all amenities • Inland country setting, but only 30 minutes to coast. • Ideal for builder to complete internals.

Private sale - Priced to sell

Must be viewed to appreciate this golden opportunity

Tel: 0034 609 199394

PROPERTY SECTION

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES february 2015

Home Sweet Home Property Services CALL 950 121 936 EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM

detatched cortijo reduced

Conveyancing ● vehicle registration & all other Legal requirements ● NIE / Residencia ● Wills Fiscal / Labour & much more Email: info@asesoriajrubio.com Tel: 0034 950 471 596 0034 950 135 489 Fax: 0034 950 616 621

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE FULLY REGISTERED - FROM 101€ VAT INC.

BUILDING SURVEYS -Totally independent report outlining any visible defects in accordance with photographic illustrations. CERTIFIED, LEGAL REPORTS available for litigious cases of building negligence or house damages. ANTIQUITY CERTIFICATES (pools, garages) HOME EXTENSIONS & REMODELATIONS considering full analysis of existing energy situation.

O Olive

bargain A CHIMNEY OR FLUE NEEDS CLEANING ONCE A YEAR! WHY?

€125,000

Legal adviser - insurance agent Juan Rubio Granados

C/Balcones Portal 1, 1B 04600 Huercal overa (Almeria)

BUY SELL RENT MAINTAIN

20 mins from mojacar, 4beds,2baths,Openplanlivingareas,kitchen& diningroomaswellasaworkshop,courtyardfront &back&room forapool.Mountainviews.

649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

Properties for Sale & Rent Wanted in all areas Check out our portfolio, with properties starting

from only 49,000€

This charming and petite village property is located in the peaceful village of El Marchal, just 5 minutes from the friendly market town of Lubrin and 10 minutes from the popular village of Bedar. The property needs full renovation and would make an ideal project for someone looking to put their own stamp on a village property.

OLV867

SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

David

665 517 643 Steve

610 905 173 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

urgently wanted for our belgian & dutch clients 2/3 bed villas & country properties in huercal-overa, zurgena & La alfoquia

Please contact our office in Huercal-Overa on

155a Carretera Estacion, Huercal-Overa, Almeria 04600

www.olivehouse-es.com

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT

A CLEAN CHIMNEY IS A SAFE CHIMNEY!

0034 950 616 827 or visit our website www.vosshomesspain.com

Karen on 635 979 829 or 950 064 584 Web: www.solymarspain.com

Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466 C/Llanos, Bedar (Next to the Miramar Restaurant) Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm

only 14,000€

FOR A FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL, CLEAN, SERVICE

CALL PAUL ON 617150300 OR 850993057

Secure Post Boxes 35€ per year

LUBRIN (El Marchal)

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A CHIMNEY FIRE BY REMOVING SOOT AND TAR FOR PEACE OF MIND BOOK YOUR SWEEP TODAY

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

PROPERTY SECTION

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

www.soltimes.com

Greece bailout: Deadline looms

FOR BUSINESS

Greece is preparing to present a list of reforms to lenders in order to secure a bailout extension. The list to be submitted on Monday must be approved by international creditors to secure a four-month loan extension. Analysts say a collapse of the deal would revive fears of a Greek exit from the euro. Minister of state Nikos Pappas said the list would include measures to tackle tax evasion and streamline the civil service. He told Greece’s Mega Channel on Sunday that reforms would take the Greek economy “out of

Steven Smith - Arboleas Builder

ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE FOR ONLY 10€ & HAVE YOUR BUSINESS SEEN BY OVER 30,000 READERS. CALL: 950 121 936 EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM

Phil Delivers

Logs

Very Competitive Prices Albox & Surrounding areas

Building Maintenance & Property Repair No job TOO Big nor TOO Small

Happy to provide a Quotation without Obligation Blockwork - Plastering - Damp Proof Concreting - Tiling - Roofing Painting - Cladding - Rejas...

All aspects of P&D Interior & Exterior Gates, Rejas & Boundary Walls

Log-on-Tommy

lives on through his son

olive & Eucalyptus Full & Part Loads Stacking Service Available Every load will receive half price chimney sweep & inspection Free Kindling with Full Loads

619 070 839

painter & decorator

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

ring for a free quote

Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

Upholstery

We upholster all type of chairs & sofas

• Cushion foam replacement • Large fabric selection • Over 30 years experience • Free in-home estimates

Tel. 692 176 069

e-mail: unicraftspain@gmail.com • www.unicraft.es Member of: www.arboleas.co.uk/forum

PAUL

FOR ALL TYPES OF SERVICE AND REPAIRS, ITV TESTING OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY QUALIFIED AND LEGAL DIESEL SPECIALIST

Digger Hire available

call lee on 636 092 632 eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk

UniCraft

POOL SHOP

MOBILE MECHANIC ALL AREAS COVERED

• walls • paving • extensions • cladding

references available

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

bob The Painter

construction & drainage

Cheapest logs in town !

Fully Legal

MOBILE VEHICLE VALETING

Please Call: 950 930 536 or 634 306 690 or email: ArboleasBuilder@gmail.com

elite plant hire • general builders • jcb 3cx hire • patios • roofing

Painting & Decorating Special Offer

Free Quotations Tel: 662 597 596 - 660 072 171

tel: 634 328 779

sedation”. Germany’s Bild daily newspaper, citing sources close to the Greek government, reports that Greece aims to recover 7.3bn euros (£5.4bn; $8.3bn) with measures to combat tax evasion. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told Bild the extension agreement reached on Friday with European finance ministers had given the region “some breathing space, nothing more”. “Now it’s up to Athens,” he added. Greece agreed at a meeting with its EU and IMF lenders on Friday to submit the list of reforms before Tuesday. bbc.co.uk

PAUL

NO JOB TOO SMALL

still available

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

Tel: 617 150 300 or 850 993 057

trifenners@gmail.com

British Plasterer

• 9 years trading in this part of Spain with 25 years experience • Quality work guaranteed • References available

Tel: 634 327 201 / 661 129 028 Email: atpspain@gmail.com www.paulmorrison.es NEED A PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP OR STOVE INSTALLER? • Using the very latest power sweeping equipment. • No clambering onto roofs! • 25 Years experience. • Stoves serviced. Hetas & City and Guilds qualified. • CCTV inspections. Tel: 633 523 344 • Stoves installed.

Shop: 950 104 345 or Maintenance: 637 582 696

selecciones NEW STOCK ARRIVING DAILY ikea runs starting febuary call in to place your order

Delivery & collection available house clearances - items taken in on consignment find us on

Buy & sell turre

ANOTHER GREAT INSTALL BY: mobile:

699 909 737 office:

950 528 334 E-mail:

solosat@gmail.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

www.soltimes.com

John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu

viewpoint

Not til February

Election: The Campaign

Election time in Alqueria and the whole community is thrown into a frenzy of high powered inertia. The interest that the election invokes is akin to a mermaid’s enthusiasm for mountain climbing, such is the apathy of the Alquerian people. The whole affair is simply an excuse for getting the upper-hand over the opposing barrio, excessive drinking, and civil unrest. Three main parties will contest the ten seats which form the government of the Village Republic. The largest party is the Vested Interest and Libellous Entrepreneurs or V.I.L.E. led by Fernándo Rodriquez. The next in size is Manuela’s Bona-fide Organisation for National Karma also known as B O.N.K. The smallest, the Democratic Alliance of Fellow Twits or D.A.F.T. is led by the dynamic but clinically insane Loco Paco. The V.I.L.E. party is standing on the ticket of privilege, hereditary influence and conning every possible cent out of the population of Alquerian. Rodriquez thinks he has a divine right to govern irrespective of his motives, honesty or personal hygiene. He believes a sweeping victory is in the offing based solely on conceit, arrogance and a grotesque sense of self importance. Manuela has the most interesting policies, even if many are physically impossible or at the very least extremely demanding. Her belief is in people, their ability to control their own lives and destinies without the need for external authority. All that is required is to keep the internal authority in the form of morale at its highest peak. To this end she proposes a series of measures. These include introducing Viagra into the drinking water and subsidising certain latex products usually ordered via catalogues and delivered in plain brown wrappings. Loco Paco stands on the free food for

Saharan Dung Beetles platform. This is not because of Benjy, his very own beetle but because he is a total loony. He lives in a world where Saharan Dung Beetles sing close harmony and giant two metre rodents dance the Lambada. One can only wonder about the sanity of his followers of which he has a respectable number. I suppose is says something about the Alquerian mind, what exactly it is difficult to say. Paco thinks he will lead the next government because, well Paco still believes the British Tory party cares about the ordinary people. The road to the ballot box promises to be a difficult one. Canvassing is prone to problems, verbal abuse, total indifference and airborne projectiles are among the most common discomforts. We will continue to follow these hopefuls to the ballot box. We will listen to their debates. We will report the final vote and the subsequent count.

Birds, Dog, Birds, Dog by Paul Martin

One o’clock and it’s lunch time for my sparrows. And how well they’re all looking - fit as little fiddles! I reckon there’s about thirty of them, although it’s not easy to count, because they move around so quickly. I feed them three times a day and like all creatures of habit, they know the timetable. The first feed takes place after I get back from walking the dog – around 9 o’clock, by which time they’re all waiting in the tree, on the balcony rail and even clinging like acrobats to the side of the house. Now the dog, being a dog and also in his opinion, the king of this particular castle, has a routine as strict as the birds. As soon as we get back, he races into the kitchen, drinks a couple of litres of water, then paces up and down as I prepare his food, which he wolfs down in about 20 seconds. Then . . . da, da, da, da, it’s mega excitement time. Before I give the birds their seed, I break up some of yesterday’s bread and scatter it on the pavement below; the dog, being a dog and king of the castle etc, etc., and not wanting to be left out, has

acquired a big taste for bread. So it’s a handful for the birds and a chunk for the dog; birds, dog, birds, dog. It keeps him happy. There’s definitely a pecking order, with a ‘matriarch’ who virtually lives on the balcony, she’s very tame and always has first choice at the seed dish. Last year’s youngsters hang off the wall, or perch in my tree, or down below and await their turn as the grownups feed first. Anyone who steps out of line gets a good peck. It’s very funny to watch, very verbal and often, very physical. Now here’s an interesting thing; some months ago, I decided that as the colony was getting so large, I would use a bigger dish as the one I was using was small and couldn’t accommodate the flock. So, on the first morning I proudly put out the seed in a new and much bigger dish, thinking, ‘they’ll be happy little fellows when they see this.’ More food, more room. Normally, as soon as I turn away, the dish is inundated, but not on this day. A few birds arrived, took one look and flew off again. Some more turned up and did the same

The winter had hardly got under way when the cheerful little chappie who sold us our last load of logs made his annual appearance at our gate, hoping to sell us some more. I showed him the ample supply left over from his sales pitch of four years ago, and firmly insisted that we needed no more logs until February. He departed with a Spanish ‘I call you in February’ and a merry wave. On January 31st he could wait no longer – he rang. The conversation, in Spanish, went something like: ‘I have your logs.’ ‘I said February. It’s not February yet.’ ‘Pues.’ (This is the Spanish equivalent of a shrug, delivered verbally.) ‘I have your logs. I will bring them this afternoon.’ ‘I don’t want them this afternoon. I still have logs.’ ‘I have them on the lorry. I will bring them this afternoon, at one o’clock.’ ‘I have enough logs for another month. I don’t want them yet.’ Pause. ‘I will bring them on Tuesday.’ I sensed a micro-victory – I had managed to defer the delivery date for 3 days, and while I still had this marginal advantage I sprang to the attack with: ‘I don’t want a big lorry, and I don’t want big logs. I want small ones, and a small lorry.’ His parry was swift, and deadly. ‘A big lorry is more economical. A small lorry is more expensive.’ I’m sure he was talking about the contents of the lorry, rather than the actual vehicle itself. ‘But I only want a small lorry. And small logs. I can’t lift big logs.’ I

thing; not one touched the food. I left it in place for the rest of the day, but there were no takers, they sat in the tree in the road and looked mournful. So what was their problem? Were they suspicious of the change? Are they such creatures of habit? I don’t know. All I know is that as soon as I changed the new dish for the old one, they were back in their normal fashion, feeding and fighting and generally having a good time. You learn something new every day. And that’s what they’re still eating from - the old small dish; it obviously suits them. It’s no more than two inches across, but I’ve often counted up to twelve of

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk emphasised. Another pause. ‘I will bring you small logs. I will cut them myself. But if you want small logs, you must have a big lorry.’ The logic of this escaped me completely, but I knew that I was beaten; I had achieved as much of a victory as I was ever going to, so I gave in. ‘OK, big lorry, small logs, Tuesday one o’clock.’ On Tuesday at 12.30 a veritable behemoth reversed up our drive and tipped a load of logs so daintily cut that each log would hardly look out of place on a porcelain cake stand next to the cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off. We now have: logs in the woodshed; logs in the useful bits of timber shed; logs in the kindling shed; logs under the mimosas; logs under the big palm, and logs against the back wall of the house. All of them are small – but perfectly formed!

them crowded round it at a time, with another dozen poised in the trees, rather like planes stacked up over Heathrow, waiting for their turn to land. T h e lu nc ht i me frenzy is over now, but Georgina - the matriarch - is sitting in my tree, with her feathers puffed up, one leg tucked in and I think she might be having a snooze. And the dog? Same thing almost; he’s curled up in one of the balcony chairs, about two feet away from his feathered friend – they make a lovely couple.

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

The X Factor Live Tour 2015

Michael McIntyre Happy & Glorious Tour Following the successful “Showtime” tour 2013

Now is your chance to see The X Factor live

The Open 2015

Experience The Open at the Home of Golf. Practice day tickets from £10

BOOK YOUR TICKET PLUS MUCH MORE - LOG ON TO WWW.SOLTIMES.COM on this day March 1

752 BC - Rome’s first colonies were established. 1476 - Forces of the Catholic Monarchs engage the combined Portuguese-Castilian armies of Afonso V and Prince John at the Battle of Toro. 1815 – Napoleon returns to France from his banishment on Elba. 1893 – Nikola Tesla gives the first public demonstration of radio in St. Louis, Missouri. 1946 – The Bank of England is nationalised. 2002 – The peseta is discontinued as official currency of Spain and is replaced by the euro.

SolPUZZLES wordsearch

Songs From the Year 2003

Find and circle all of the songs that are hidden in the grid. The remaining 22 letters spell an additional song title.

soltimes sports records Quiz 1. Ian Botham first played for which county?................ 2. Eddie Merckx was a record breaker at which sport?.........

soltimes on this day 1 march quiz

3. Which team set a record

1) OTD (on this day), it is the feast day of which

as rugby league champs in

patron saint of where?............................................

the 90?s?............................

2) Born OTD 1810 Frederic Chopin in which

4. In which sport was Mark

country?.................................................................

Spitz a record breaker?........

3) Born OTD 1910, the actor who wrote the books

5. Who won the first

The Moon’s a balloon and Bring on the empty

15 world pro snooker

horses, who?.........................................................

championships?..................

4) Born OTD 1945, the lead singer with The Who,

6. Which team won soccer’s

who?......................................................................

world cup for a fourth time

5) Born OTD 1940the first Briton to become a

in 1994?..............................

World Champion at show jumping, who?................

7. Sean Fitzpatrick played for

6) Died OTD 1988 the actor Joe Besser, which of

which international team?....

the 3 stooges did he play?.....................................

8. Billy Meridith was playing soccer for which country

10) OTD 1990 what did the Navy abolish? ..............

Brain Teasers Answers

CRYPTIC crossword

6) Curley 7) Archbishop Makarios 8) Pennsylvania 9) Charlie Chaplin 10) Rum rations

CROSSWORD

1) St David of Wales 2) Poland 3) David Niven 4) Roger Daltry 5) David Broom

SOLUTIONS

wordsearch answer

RAIN ON ME RIGHT THURR SAY YES SENORITA SO GONE SOMEDAY STAND UP STUCK SUGA SUGA SUNRISE SUPERMAN TROUBLE UNWELL

when aged 45?.................... 9. Gillian Clarke made record England appearances in which sport?.................... 10. Who became the first player to score over 500 in first class cricket?................

Answers

squiggle SUDOKU

Swiss grave?..........................................................

standard SUDOKU

9) OTD 1978 whose coffin was stolen from its

easy SUDOKU

abolish slavery?.....................................................

I CAN I WANT YOU I’M WITH YOU IGNITION IN DA CLUB INTO YOU INTUITION LANDSLIDE LIKE A STONE LIKE GLUE MESMERIZE MISS YOU PICTURE

HOW YOU GONNA ACT LIKE THAT

8) OTD 1880 which US state became the first to

ALL I HAVE ANGEL BABY BOY BEAUTIFUL CLOCKS COME OVER DRIFT AWAY FIGHTER FRONTIN’ GET BUSY GET LOW GOSSIP FOLKS HEADSTRONG

6. Brazil 7. The All Blacks 8. Wales 9. Badminton 10. Brian Lara

Cyprus?..................................................................

1. Somerset 2. Cycling 3. Wigan 4. Swimming 5. Joe Davies

7) OTD 1959 who ended his exile and returned to

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

www.soltimes.com

To advertise in this space Across

Down

2. Portion (5) 4. Capricious (9) 6. Copious (5) 7. Type of orange (7) 9. Infinity (8) 10. Curriculum (8) 13. Wanderer (7) 15. Evaporating water (5) 16. Seabird (9) 17. Imbibe (5)

1. Courageous (8) 2. Sagacious (7) 3. Decree (5) 4. Imminent (9) 5. Exuberant (9) 6. In front (5) 8. Scrapbook (5) 11. Face veil (7) 12. Boring (8) 14. Attempted (5)

STANDARD CROSSWORD

STANDARD CROSSWORD CLUES

Contact our sales advisors on 950 121 936 or email: sales@soltimes.com

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

Down

7 She’s following a famous sporting competition (5) 8 Selling vessel in meeting without European leader (9) 10 Has transformation when getting married outside and cleaned (6) 11 Gun-holders lets horse nearly run free (8) 12 Keep up primary train, lacking final car (8) 13 Starts to trade illegally doubtless you’ll clean up! (4) 15 Business interest (7) 17 More annoyed with new earring (7) 20 This could produce strikes (4) 22 Something small from animal? Funny clue! (8) 25 Art of self-defence gives king small change on inside - half-full (4,2) 26 Flying cyclone? (9) 27 Turn red as British leader’s luxuriant (5)

1 It’ll help you get to the next level! (9) 2 Making me chain Chinese leader to garage worker (8) 3 Airline object to cleaning (7) 4 Framework could come before key (8) 5 Shanghai’s first well-known gallery delays opening, it’s said (6) 6 Debut attempt after 10 doesn’t start (5) 9 Thought of an estimate? (4) 14 Food angle of sea creature (9) 16 Look into her cares, perhaps (8) 18 Put money in trust not very long ago (8) 19 Think of a drink in topless fruit (7) 21 If you are one of twelve people in court, you might be hurt (6) 23 In jail, I keep the same (4) 24 Less negative? (5)

28 SOLTIMES february 2015

st davids

day m

arch 1st

On St David’s Day we wear the leek to celebrate winning a battle against the Saxons in a field of leeks. Lucky it wasn’t a field of cows!

On 1 March each year we celebrate our patron Saint, Dewi Sant or St David who died on that day in 589AD. To mark the day, Welsh people around the world wear one or both of our national emblems - a daffodil or leek -and celebrate at special concerts and processions. Dewi was educated in Cardiganshire and then went on pilgrimages, founding religious centres across Wales and England, including one at Glastonbury. He even travelled as far as Jerusalem, where he was made an archbishop. He eventually settled at Glyn Rhosyn (now St Davids), in south west Wales, where he established a religious

community. Many miracles have been attributed to him. The most incredible being when he caused the ground to rise beneath him when preaching so that everyone could see and hear him. When David died he told his devoted followers to: "Be cheerful and keep your faith and belief, and do the little things that you have heard and seen through me." The Cathedral of St Davids in Pembrokeshire, where his remains are buried, became a popular place of pilgrimage. It was said that two pilgrimages to St Davids equalled one to Rome and three equalled one to Jerusalem.

Welsh food and drink

We love our food in Wales and so we should. We pride ourselves on supplying some of the finest produce in the world. Our landscape reflects freshness, quality and variety. Fresh and local are two words you’ll often hear to describe

the food available here today. There’s meat fresh from the farm, fish fresh from the coast and vegetables dug up that morning. We’re also pretty good at cooking. Having great ingredients helps, but all over our country you’ll discover innovative cookery by award-

winning chefs using quality local ingredients.

Laverbread, not actually bread at all but seaweed, is often fried into crisp patties with eggs, bacon and fresh cockles for a traditional Welsh breakfast.

Creamy scrambled egg with cockles and laverbread

ad, made from Enjoy a taste of the seaside, Laverbre les cock seaweed, and h west Wales. are both particularly popular in sout

Ingredients:

Serves 1 1 tbsp/15g laverbread 1 tbsp/15g cooked cockles Toast (if desired)

2 large eggs Coarse salt & pepper 1 tbsp/15g butter 1 tbsp/15ml double cream

Method

the butter over a In a small non stick saucepan melt heat medium dry with a Drain and rinse the cockles well, pat paper towel ns water; In a bowl, beat eggs with 1 tablespoo season with salt and pepper. frequently Pour into pan; cook, scraping bottom set, 2 to 3 just l unti ula, spat f proo with a flexible heat minutes. cockles and cream and heat to ad, rbre lave the Stir in out over cooking the eggs with warm through to a plate. sfer Tran Serve with toast, if desired

new

Bar lepanto

specials served daily

We are opening on Sunday 1st March for breakfast 9am–12noon Opening Weds 4th, Thurs 5th and Friday 6th March 5pm - 9pm.

Traditional Sunday Lunch 1pm - 5pm Check out our Facebook page (Bar Lepanto) for up and coming menus or telephone Kim

Lepanto 26, Albox

Tel 642 906 638

Email: kimking09@outlook.com

SOLTIMES february 2015

eek

w days a

RESTAURANT

Camino aljambra No 116, albox 04800 near corner shop Tel 950 064 615/634 351 001 - cocoschicken@outlook.com Opening times: Closed Monday, Tuesday - Sunday 12 noon - 4pm, 6pm - late

Sunday roast

MENU DEL dia

20oz T-BONE STEAK, 16oz BEEF ENTRECOTE 12oz PORK TENDERLOIN, ROASTED LAMB SHANK & SHOULDER, ROASTED PORK KNUCKLE & MORE

vegetarian Childrens menu available menu available

FREE WIFI

Booking Recommended

Spanish Speaking 950 430 145 ~ English Speaking 647 730 103 PolIGONO Industrial Albox, Near the ITV Garage

www.mesondeirene.com Alices bar in Turre will be holding a competition for all you readers to win fish & chips for 1 on a Friday. All you need to do is find Cris P Cod amongst the pages of Soltimes and email your answers to production@ soltimes.com. We will print the name of the winner every week. We apologise for Chrispy not being in the paper last week due to being kidnapped, he has now been safely returned.

FUTURE EVENTS AT LA VIDA Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday 15th March

Serving our popular traditional roast Free gift for all the ladies!

St Patricks Day Tuesday 17th March

Enjoy delicious Irish Stew served with homemade Soda Bread

Italian Nigh t thursday 4t h march booking esse ntial

free

Tel: 950 634 562

lavidacucador@gmail.com Open every day 12pm - late

Corner Shop

Ibex Insurance

tado

l Ru

e de

Call

mercadona

see our Facebook page or arboleas forum for more info from

8.95€ m s fro e h s € Di 5.95

Highlights from our Menu

Beef Lasagne Rich & tasty Beef cooked to our special recipe layered with pasta & served with garlic baguette & fresh crispy salad Horseshoe Gammon Traditional Gammon served with a fried egg and a pineapple slice

Mixed Grill A mouth-watering platter of your favourite meats: 4oz Rib-Eye Steak, Pan-fried Chicken Breast, Gammon, Pork Sausage, Morcilla together with all the traditional accompaniments Tender Pork Fillet Pan-fried fillet of Pork served on a bed of sautéed leeks & cabbage

traditional Sunday lunch from 12.30pm

Selection of Delicious Homemade starters and puddings to include a glass of wine or tubo. Our main menu includeds a selection of fine fresh vegetables and homemade gravy, and included a FREE glass of wine, tubo or soft drink booking recommended

from

Easter Saturday Dinner Dance Saturday 4th April Special menu and entertainment from Janine all your Disco / Soul / Motown favourites



MENU DEL NOCHE - DINNER 7PM-10PM

Alja

Monday to Saturday inclusive Lunch 1pm - 4pm

mbr a

Every sunday from 12 noon till 15.30pm starter: soup of the day main course: roast beef We can accomodate private with yorkshire pudding, functions & birthdayparties roast & mash potatoe with seasonal vegetables Dessert: Apple Crumble with a choice of custard or ice cream 1 course 6,95€ come & try our new selection 2 course 7,50€ of dishes coming soon 3 courses 10 € Cocos Chicken Booking essential The

4 COURSES WITH WINE & COFFEE

o de

BOOK YOUR MOTHERS DAY sunday roast

4 courses with bottle of ESTE wine per couple & coffee included: Roast Lamb Shoulder & Pork Knuckle, 16oz Entrecote, 20oz T-Bone, 12oz Pork Tenderloin, Roast Potatoes & Fresh Vegetables Freshly Baked Bread SERVED 1pm - 4pm

MENU - TAKE AWAY

Cam in

OPEN 7

5€

from

5.95€ Cod & chips

FRIDAYS 12.30pm - 9pm

bar specials from 6pm

Tuesdays: Chilli Night 5€ Wednesday Supper: Liver & Onions with mashed Potatoes 5€ Thursday Pie Night: Homemade Pies, Chips & Peas 5.50€

LIVE PREMIER FOOTBALL

We are here

Albox Arboleas Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

1km

La Vida

Cucador Huercal Overa

Junc 547

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

SOLTIMES february 2015

Tel: 950 121 936

community news LEARN SPANISH WITH“PACO” AT THE DENTIST’S

MOTHERS’S DAY SPECIAL Sun 15th March Due to popular demand Live Music from - Geoff Murrell -

BOOKINGS ONLY

Pick up the menu at Jacks or email jacksalbox@gmail.com

- Book Sale Sat 7th Mar

Zumba!

Fridays with Sue 10 - 11am Get fit have fun

Every Thurs @ 8pm

Fun Quiz!

See our main ad on page 31 for fixtures BLUESMAN CHARLIE

MOUTH - boca EXTRACTION - extraccion TOOTH - diente ANAESTHETIC - anestesia TOOTH DECAY - caries

SEDATIVE - calmante FILLING- empaste PAIN - dolor FALSE TEETH - dentadura postiza. TOOTHACHE - dolor de muelas

CAN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH The DENTIST, PLEASE? PUEDE DARME HORA CON EL DENTISTA, POR FAVOR? I HAVE TO SEE THE DENTIST TENGO QUE VER AL DENTISTA I HAVE TOOTHACHE TENGO DOLOR DE MUELAS HELLO, I COME FOR MY ANNUAL CHECK UP HOLA, VENGO PARA MI REVISIÓN ANUAL I HAVE AN AWFUL TOOTHACHE TENGO UN TERRIBLE DOLOR DE MUELAS CAN YOU FILL IT? PUEDE EMPASTARLA? WHEN DO I HAVE TO COME AGAIN? CUANDO TENGO QUE VOLVER? HOW MUCH DO I OWE YOU? ¿CUANTO LE DEBO?

new beginners class starting Thurs 19th February at 5.30pm

Learn more Spanish with Paco-661 142 606 at Campsite Los Gallardos, Lessons based in conversation, All levels catered for plus Private lessons!

WHAT’S GOING ON IN MOJACAR?’

to receive regular newsletters with Mojácar events please send your email address to info@mojacar.es

CRISIS AT DOG HOUSE

Pat of Cucador Dog Rescue and Paul of the Dog House would like to thank the public for their generosity Pat appealed for bags of dog food because the Dog House is in crisis and a total of 40 bags were donated. Also thank you to Dave who delivered these to the Dog House free of charge. It is obviously on going as the Dog House has 54 dogs so if you can donate a bag of dog food please deliver to Pat at Cucador and it will be taken to Dog House. Also any old bedding, dog bowls, dog shampoo, flea and tick treatment would be much appreciated. It is much appreciated and thank you to you all and thank you in advance to anybody that can help in the future. Fore further donations contact Pat: 607 554 984.

Bluesman Charlie & The White Coffin Blues Band are Albox RBL Funds Raised playing at Los Angeles , Villaricos on Friday 27th Feb The Albox Branch of The Royal British Legion held its 21:00 onwards. annual Christmas Bazaar on Thursday 4th December whats on HUÉRCAL-OVERA at La Parrilla Hotel & Restaurant in the main square From the 5th to 26th February, “ ALMERÍA of Albox. As in times past there were the ever popular EN BLANCO Y NEGRO “an extraordinary selection stalls for The Poppy Fund, books, cakes, and many of vintage photographs by JESUS DE PERCEVAL. others including the RBL Tombola stall. Primarily known as a painter and sculptor , Perceval The event started at 10.30 and was well attended. The was also an exceptional photographer who was ahead stall holders donated 5 € each. Despite the current of his time. The exhibition includes 34 images taken financial climate, members and local businesses, kindly in Almería during the 1950s and 1960s , most of them donated goods towards the tombola stall; and we unpublished, from the photographic archives of the would like to thank all those who donated and made Museo Casa Ibañez. the Bazaar a great success. A total of €323 was raised Saturday, February 28 , 17:30. Theatre Villa Huércal –Overa presents “THE TOY STORY . THE a great result for the charity. MUSICAL “ Preserving the humor and heart of the On the 6th of December the Branch held its Christmas original “Toy Story” film from Pixar Animation Studios, Poppy Dinner Dance. Entertainment provided by “Toy Story-The Musical” explores the true meaning of Brendon O’Dee who kept the dance floor full. At the friendship as Buzz Lightyear and Woody transform half time break we had a visit from Santa who ran the from jealous adversaries to best friends with an raffle. A wonderful €474.55 was raised in total and a unbreakable bond. The show’s elaborate costumes great night had by all. capture the vibrant colors and playfulness of the If you want details on how to join us and become a animated characters. Guests of all ages will delight in member (you don’t need to be ex-forces to join) go an original collection of show tunes that retell the story along to one of the meetings at La Parrilla Hotel & in a fun and energizing way. Saturday & Sunday, February 28 to March Restaurant in the Main Square in Albox on the 1st & 1. VILLAZGO MEDIEVAL MARKET During these 3rd Thursday of each month (10.30 & 11.00 start) or days in Constitution Square ( next to the church) contact the Chairman Filip Ostrowski on 950 066 037 the atmosphere of a medieval market with artisans, email: ossiesinspain@yahoo.co.uk or visit the web site workshops, merchants and live performances. at www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/albox.

sales@soltimes.com remember step aerobics? come & join us every wednesday 11.30am at Jovasport gym in Mojacar Parque commercial with Alison

old school moves 2015 style

call 666 273 168 for more info

New almeria forum

There’s a bit of good news for any of you who live in the Almeria area, a new and different forum has been launched! “The Almeria Forum” is being run by the community and for the community, as a noncommercial enterprise. The aim of the forum is to provide a central point for you to access and share information about issues important to you, as well as enabling you to “meet” new friends, get help with day to day problems, and join in some lively and interesting debates and chatter, amongst other things! There are sections on legal issues and local politics, technical issues, pets, books and films, and general chatter, to name but a few. Members will be encouraged to add more sections if they want to – this forum is very much “owned” by its members! One very important aim is that the forum should not need to be overly censored or moderated – members agree to be responsible enough to treat all members with respect, while encouraging everyone’s valid point of view, in a spirit of openness and honesty. Advertising, buying and selling will all be free, encouraging local businesses to raise their profile. Any monies which happen to be raised by the forum for any reason will be donated to charity, and full accounts will be kept and made available to everyone. Already the forum has attracted a lot of interest, with active membership growing daily, people from all walks of life who want to be part of this new and exciting arena for the exchange of ideas and for lots of fun! If you’d like to be a part of it, go towww.arboleas.eu and click on “The Forum”. Registration is easy, so what are you waiting for? Enjoy

The Cabrera Social Committee

Film night 25th February Los Pastores. Time - 18:30 for 19:00. cost 8€ to include Film Tapas and Drink. “The Rewrite” is a typical Hugh Grant romp. Its a charming romantic Comedy about second chances with a stellar supporting cast including JK> Simmons, Allison Janney and Bella Heathcote. If its a “feelgood” film you seek this is it. Book via Los Pastores - 950 468 002.

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 950 477 063 For more info visit www.livingwate rchurchmojacar.com

LEVANTE LADIES CLUB

at the Arriba cafe/bar, Mojacar Playa, 12.30pm- 3,00pm, Tuesday, 3rd March. Tapas and healthy food available and a 25-question trivia quiz with Tony Matthews.

SOLTIMES february 2015

www.soltimes.com

t u o b a & t ou

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

Restaurante

Eating In Spain

like patatas bravas (potatoes with red sauce on top).

Eating in Spain becomes an attraction all to itself

If you are traveling to Spain, do not expect big, full meals. To experience the culture you must have tapas, which are available at most restaurants. If you go to a very touristy place, they will cater towards a bigger tourist meal. Try to stay away from this and eat as they do.Just because they are small plates, does not mean you don’t get enough food or won’t be full. It is customary to order a few, and if you are hungry for more, just order additional tapas… no problem.

There’s something really special about Spanish food. It’s not just the type of food, but also the style in which they present it, the sacredness of the meal time socializing, and the pride behind its roots. This has produced, over time, some really great dishes. And it’s also really fun to spend time eating in Spain. It’s the thing I love the most...to sit and dine, take my time and savor the expereince. While fine dining meals do exist in Spain, they are reserved for special occasions. Tapas and Pinchos (typically food served on a stick) are the most common way Spaniards eat. Translated as “small plates” these dishes are meant to be eaten a few at a time, and shared among others at your table. Many times they are finger type foods, for example a croquette or olives that you can easily eat. Others require taking a portion on your plate,

Mesón

While eating in Spain you’ll notice a lot of establishments have counter space only for eating. Don’t let this deter you from stopping there. Some of our greatest meals were eaten at the counter with a nice on-tap beer. The typical time for eating out in Spain, that Spaniards eat lunch, thier biggest meal of the day, is between 13:00 - 16:00 and dinner around 21:00. http://www.southern-spain-travel.com

Irene

of Cerro Gordo and just 10 minutes outside Albox.

Free Bottle of wine

per couple to take away after having our night menus Valid only with this voucher dinner 19.00-22.00 until 31st march

950 120 718

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€.

Full A La Carte also available Monday - Saturday 7pm - late. Closed Sunday

Call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm

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

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!

Cod ‘n’ ChipS

5.95€

Bookings Advisable Takeaway option available

booking for mothers day now being taken

Sat Nav co-ordinates N37° 24.511 W002° 11.479 EL556

phone Chris for details - 950 930 169 or 650 599

www.bistrobonita.alittlebitofengland.es bistrobonita1@hotmail.com

739. www.bistobonita.alittlebitofengland.es.

Tel: 650 599 739 / 950 930 169

•••

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

ALBOX

BAR MENU AVAILABLE EVERY DAY

LIVE FOOTBALL

9am - 4.30pm (Sun 10 - 12)

includes free tea or coffee

Fri 12 - 9pm Sat 12 - 5pm

Sunday Lunch

3 course only €8.50 Call for all enquiries & reservations

9AM-LATE MON-SAT 10-6 SUN ALL DAY BREAKFAST from 9AM

BAR - RESTAURANT CERRO GORDO

Free venue for your Party or Get Together just

ample parking Free Wi-Fi

From

menu del noche €10.95

Includes a caraffe of wine per couple 7 starters, 6 mains & 5 Desserts

BP Garage

jacksalbox@gmail.com

6.95€

Albox

Bistro Bonita is situated in the pretty village

winter crazy offer

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

La Cena

3.95€

EVERY DAY

homemade pie

served with chips/peas or salad

5.95€

SCAMPI NOW BEING SERVED

Traditional Sunday Lunch fr om 12 .3 0

FOOTBALL MATCHES AVAILABLE AT JACKS

THUR 26th 19:00 BESIKAS V LIVERPOOL 19:00 FIORENTINA V SPURS 21:05 EVERTON V YOUNG BOYS SAT 28th 13:45 WEST HAM V PALACE 16:00 MAN UTD V SUNDERLAND SUN 1st Mar 13:00 LIVERPOOL V MAN CITY 15:05 ARSENAL V EVERTON TUE 3rd 20:45 VILLA V W.B.A.

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

SOL CLASSIFIEDS 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

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

business opportunity

advertise your unwanted items up to “Internet Millionaire Reveals 300€ for free email: sales@soltimes.com Secrets Of Making £1,000 A Radio mics (2) W IND O W S soundlab with base station XP PRO SP3 Week & More Without Any new condition little Intel Pentium 4 combi Previous Experience”

used 80€ 654 066 CPU 3.00 GHz 538 2 GB Ram Intel 82945G Express W ARDROB E For all your installation or service Chipset Family, light wood 2 doors MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers requirements including our latest Dell Tower with info@md-aircon.com 2 draws plus lots of USB ports telephone 950 432 110 / 607 364 917 shelves V.G.C. 6 at the rear 2 at 175H, 70 W, 40D the front, 17" Flat for quick sale 20€ screen email: info@md-aircon.com monitor, Almerimar Tel: HP keyboard and md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es 950 497 122 / 616 mouse speakers 885 849 cam microphone fridge www.howtomakemoneyfrommembershipsites.co.uk Gas 200€ - 47 x 21 W H E E LCHAIR , and a 6 month old made, Hp printer. 120€, inches approx. custom Air Conditioning Services computers strong, Tel: 634 328 142 Fully working no extra - Paul based in Mojacar & all areas longer required f o l d i n g , s e l f Don Robinson with SOLARIU M with 10 years experience covered Contact by email propelled pc consultant :- goldward64@ quilted seat & back TABLE with Help, Training, Diagnosis & We offer competitive affordable rates Advice, yahoo.co.uk Tel: cover, as new 6 chairs white Repair, 15€ per hour min charge 0044 127 335 195€ ono. delivery aluminium, Glass 1 hour + parts +IVA visit 8550 or mobile possible Tel: 950 top little used , 95€ I come to you 416/603 195 cost 300€ new, www.digitalvisiones.com established 2008 comp TIA A+ certified (Not always a 329 451 Double folding signal) 0034 687 Tel: 646 587 746 email: info@digitalvisiones.com Bed 332 036 CO M PU T E R occasional donald_gunn_robinson@msn.com little used 35€, Tel: 645 294 064/950 472 081 Portable Gas fire ENTERTAINMENT needs attention otherwise good Airport alternative condition 10€, services Tel: Brian 865 774 energy Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc. Sales & Repairs 401/653 561 952

not a jack of all trades

607 364 917 or 950 432 110

Digital Vision

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

mixer/ amplifier 10 channel with effects little used 450€ 654 066 538

Steve Hayes Informatica

www.AAparking.es Tel: 639 081 067

Cheap

Airport Parking

Alicante Almeria Murcia New Servicing / Repairs

SOLTIMES

To advertise your business here Tel: Kate 950 121 936

Solar Wind P o we r Solutions. Over 15 years installation experience. established 12 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices 636 261 240 email: info@sunergy almeria.c om 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 baby equipment hire

BABY HIRE

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

950 436 581/666 375 688

expectingababy.2006@gmail.com

on-site Callout/Tuition. Consumables

Albox, Almeria Tel: 950 120 900

drainage

Drainage Solutions

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

Established 10 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

LICENSED POZO/septic tank emptying • Installation of new septic tanks with certificates

•R epairs to existing pozos

bluesman charlie & the white coffin blues band seeks gigs TEL: 645 086 441 gardening

potty finca services 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 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 647 379 878 or look at our main advert 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

hobby/craft

www.soltimes.com see us online everyday insurance

albox insurance

Award winning agent For all your Insurance Needs Please contact

Glenn & jayne 950 121 943

infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com

iron/metal The Metal works Grills, railings, gates of all types, security/sliding/ roller, rejas, concertina doors etc. Tel: Keith Wood on 638 900 949

locksmith Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours. Locked Out? Locks fitted/ upgraded house safes. Arboleas & surrounding area. Special weekend rates. Tel: 697 243 181

logs for sale

load of small or big Olive logs, no roots €165 load of mixed Olive some roots €145 load of eucalyptus, no roots €165 all loads 2 tonnes EPSON PRINTER Arboleas & inks, T007 Black surrounding areas x 14 and T008 Colour x 7, Call Lee on 636 092 632 unopened, bought eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk in UK. Colour Jet Photo 915 Printer included for painter & decorator spares or repair [minor paper feed problem]. 25€, Tel: 697 765 637

CO M M E RCIA L deep fat fryer, 80€, Junker Instantainious Gas Boiler 100€, avon cosmetics Tel Claire 691 Albox area, Tel: 987 454 avonfromclaire @yahoo.es 634 357 455.

ELAINE’S WOOLS Quality UK Wool & Accessories. Come & view my DISPLAY. Also Available at CAT Call Andy on 950 091 109 or 648 768 587 Services & Total Entertainment Call Email: blockeddrainsrus@albox-online.net 667 273 889 elaineswools@gmail.com

•C CTV Camera Inspection

PICK AXE – 5€, Pump & Filter New for above ground pool, 10€, SDS Kango/ Drill Boxed with bits 15€, Fence Post Levels x 3 for wood or metal Posts 10€, Spirit Levels 80cm, 1m, 2m, all 3 for 20€, 15 Ltr Quality indoor paint (White) 10€, Weed Suppression Material on a roll 50m x 2m 40€, Various Items from 1€, Tel: 607 675 394

SOLTIMES 950 121 936

painter & decorator

friendly - professional -reliable all types of exterior & interior work

ring for a free quote

EPIPHONE semi acoustic electric guitar, 2 Anico C90 Pickups, Berry Red, V.G.C., hardly used with hardback fur lined case, 200€ Tel: 950 479 662/648 No 078 051

Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com Pets

need for kennels or cattery Pet sitting in you own home, table tennis full size table 120€ Arboleas & local area. Call Vanessa 637 061 482 Tel: 649 186 107

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

www.soltimes.com

www.soltimes.com plasterer

British plasterer All work Guaranteed Tel:Paul: 634 327 201

PROPERTY detatched cortijo reduced

bargain

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. €125,000 649 186 107 oremail thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

removals cont...

Large Vans Leaving Fortnightly House Clearance & Local Removals Etc....

email: a-acargo@hotmail.com

634 337 185

UK - SPAIN - UK

uk@fmtransport.co.uk www.fmtransport.co.uk

VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL

+44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389 C & A REMOVALS & STORAGE UK-SPAIN - SPAIN - UK from a box to a full load Cars, Pets & passenger if req

LOCAL REMOVALS ALSO

SECURE STORAGE

LUBRIN ALMERIA SPAIN & ESSEX UK Unwanted items bought for CASH Call: 634 310 512/634 349 347 or 07434434820 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

Specialising in rural property with character Whether you are buying or selling we will be delighted to hear from you

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

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

removals

safe&securetransport to & from uk

200€ dog - 179€ cats 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

call: 634 368 430

fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS

SPAIN UK SPAIN Removals

Friendly Reliable Service

REMOVALS spain uk spain Fully Legal Special deal

friendly thermal lined & controlled ventilation ideal for pets reliable All jobs considered

sat/tv services

now in stock

we are the cheapest in the area

Tel: 620 112 193 642 310 103 Digital Vision

From a parcel to a small Satellite Services based in Mojacar & house move all areas Professional,Friendly & Caring with 10 years experience covered Fully insured, scheduled We offer competitive affordable rates monthly door to door service

Two bedroom beautifully furnished and equipped apartment in Cuevas de Almanzora. 200€ per month plus electricity and water. Contact by email goldward64@yahoo.co.uk Phone:00441273358550 or mobile (Not always a signal) 0034 687332036

Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332

1.9 satellite dishes spain - uk - spain & europe

from UK - Spain

Office: 968 564 298 Mobile: 696 621 884

marmenorremovals@hotmail.com

Call John on UK: 00447 939 88 0110 advertise your business Spain: 0034 634 368 071 Your business will appear as shown below and be seen by 55,000 Sol Times readers! chalmersJ8@ hotmail.co.uk tel: Kate on 950 121 936

visit

www.digitalvisiones.com email: info@digitalvisiones.com

Tel: 645 294 064/950 472 081

situations vacant

SOLTIMES have a vacancy at the office of Los Carasoles

We are looking for a talented artworker to join our expanding team in our production department. You must be able to use

INDESIGN & PHOTOSHOP

have a creative eye, love the pressure of working to a deadline and have a good sense of humour! If this sounds like you we want to hear from you Please send your CV to editor@ soltimes.com

spanish tuition

LEARN SPANISH… …in a fun and enjoyable class with Paco

at Camping Los Gallardos, MiraFlores Restaurant.

New, beginners class starts 19th february 2015 5.30pm

Private lessons and different levels also available.

CALL PACO 661 142 606

upholstery

CUSHIONS CUSTOm MADE

Due to expansion throughout Almeria, Avalon are now opening new offices in Turre and are looking for an Office Manager, preferably with a sales focus to help us to manage and grow our customer base. We also need two strong sales people to complete our Almeria Team sales experience ideal. Avalon is a true career opportunity for the right people.

Please send you CV to recruitment@avalonsl.es or call 966 799 070

STELLA’S Hairdresser

Peluquería

Las Buganvillas 13, Vera Playa (next to Forgetmenot)

•Foam replacement •Interior/Exterior Fabrics •Free estimates

Required for our Salon: Fully Qualified Hairdresser with lots of experience and customer care.

Tel: 692 176 069

Tel: 950 699 973

q u i z compere w a n te d M o n d a y evenings 8pm 10.30pm at la vida cucador, A compere to compere our weekly quiz. For more information please ask at the bar or call Rob on 609 199 394

SOL TIMES COSTA ALMERIA SALES HQ: 902 750 190/950 121 936 OPEN: Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm Fri 10am-4pm

ALBOX, ARBOLEAS, ALFOQUIA, ROQUETAS, ALMERIMAR coastal & mojacar areaS

EDITOR: editor@soltimes.com sales@soltimes.com POSTAL ADDRESS: Matthews Media SL, Los Carasoles, 27 - 04650, Zurgena, Almeria

Sol Times Almeria is independent of political parties, private investment and government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Almeria is an independent publication. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Almeria. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions. Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement. EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: Views & opinion in editorial copy are not necessarily those of the publisher. the publisher accepts no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein. Almeria Edition AL-344-2005/Roquetas Edition AL 956-2010

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

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2015

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 Thursday Contact Kate on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332 motoring section

for sale

2500€

Mercedes E240V6 Avantgarde ITV until May 2015, Recently had new front end as you can see by the headlights, ( Spanish lady reversed into me) In excess of 5000.00 spent on a new gearbox and bearings on the compressor alternator starter and new airbag sensors. Work was carried out by Mercedes so under warranty. All the tyres are hardly worn. Slight dent to front wing hence the price. Reason for sale I am leaving the Country for good. Tel: 634328142 Paul

This size advert is only 15€

number plates

wanted

Casa Naranja Motos “RE-PLATE” Motorcycle Breakers

MATE

We buy your unwanted bikes for cash, runners, non-runners or accident damaged.

Anything considered

Tel: 950426904 or 600384265 email

casanaranjamotos@hotmail.com

wanted uk & spanish

cars & vans bought for

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

cash

call Kate on 950 121 936

motorhomes

full service contact:

Telephone

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

667 235 205

mobile mechanics

Van hire

Mobile motor mechanic



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

ONE WAY

self drive removal service

UK to Spain or Spain to UK

*Local * Collection & delivery *National *Storage *European *Long & short term available

TEL: 667 235 205

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

animal corner

To advertise here call : 950 121 936

dog for homing

Very nice stray bitch for homing between a year and 18 months old very nice nature very playful good with other dogs and cats if anyone can please give this lovely lady a home please call 950 930 913

The Doghouse Foundation Huercal Overa has three large dogs looking for their forever homes.

1. Harry is a German Shepherd Cross and was found very thin and exhausted and had a very thick chain around his neck where he had obviously been chained up. Harry is a friendly quite shy dog gets on well with other dogs. approx D.O.B 01/08/12 2. Hatti is a large mixed breed, neutered,, gets on well with dogs and cats, also enjoys the company of adults, loves to play, and enjoys cuddles Hatti is very gentle and loving dog, walks well on a lead and house trained. she would suit a family or make an ideal companion. approx D.O.B 13.01.14 3. Shadi is a Mastin Cross Galgo,.and has a lovely nature, gentle,very affectionate,playful, would need plenty of space, he is neutered, chipped and has his passport. He would make a great family pet. approx DOB 12/02/12 If you are interested in any of the above contact Paul email: thedoghse@hotmail.com or phone 646809599

Palomino Kennels Exclusive Boarding Kennels/Cattery Offer a Warm, Friendly Environment in a secure Gl Countryside Setting. Pa ad th lo e the mino y sen All Diet Requirements Catered for. yw t K en enn me t o t ba els Daily Exercise in we t En ck to while over 30 Acre Estate, c gla nd old & ! Vet on 24/7 standby. (30 years Experience).

Call 722 435 226 - 950 067 051 674 536 480 www.palominokennels.com

Harry

Hati

shadi

Ken & Jackie Dog & Cat Sitter service

• Your home or ours • Honest & trust worthy • 5 years experience of all types of animals • References available on request

URGENT APPEAL

I am collecting bags of dog food for the Dog House in Huercal Overa. Due to lack of funding they are in danger of having 40 dogs destroyed. We cannot let this happen if you could please donate 1 bag of dog food this would help. I am collecting this in Cucador or can come and collect from you. I would also like to thank all the people that have already donated food thank you all so much.

phone PAT 676 389 592 607554984

SOLTIMES february 2015

www.soltimes.com

film review

“Solitude is a thing you learn, the knack of being alone. Time is relentless, that helps.” This was Stephen Brown’s directorial debut based on John Banville’s 2005 Booker Prize winning novel. The film is a British-Irish collaboration filmed entirely in Co. Wexford, Ireland and premiered at the Edinburgh Film Festival in June 2013. It boasts of renowned actors such as Ciaran Hinds, Sinead Cusack, Charlotte Rampling, Rufus Sewell and Natasha McElhone. The film explores grief and abandonment over three different time lines using frequent flashback techniques to connect with the distant past, the recent past and the present. We see the young Max Morden as a 12 year old during a vacation spent in Ballygarrett, a middle aged Morden (Hinds: Road to Perdition, Harry Potter and the Deathly Harrow Part 2) when his wife Anna (Sinead Cusack) is diagnosed with terminal cancer and the present which represents Morden revisiting a scene of excitement, sexual awakening and tragedy. Highly significant and disturbing. Morden chooses to visit Ballygarrett after Anna’s death. He is uncertain of his motive and admits this to Miss Rose Vavassour (Charlotte Rampling: The Duchess 2008,The Eye of the Storm2011 and Season 2 Broadchurch 2015). His daughter Claire (Ruth Bradley) drives him to the boarding house where he plans to stay, but reluctantly so. He knows it’s hopeless but he still goes: “Fleeing one’s sadness by revisiting the scene of an old one doesn’t work.” It makes you wonder why he needs to return here. “This is

The Sea

ridiculous,” Claire tells him, “The past is the past. You can’t go back to it.” Morden copes badly with news of Anna’s death sentence and feels stranded, completely deserted. He is an art historian although he calls himself a dilettante and he travels light when he arrives; research on the French painter Pierre Bonnard does not prove to be the distraction he needs from his grief and loss. Inevitably, it is the booze that temporarily numbs the pain and we see Morden frequenting The Schooner until he is barred for violent behaviour and drunkeness. The boarding house and the owner, Vavassour have strong links with Morden’s past. Her appearance suggests a 1920-30s style, Bohemian with a sophisticated and an aloof air about her. She is a lover of solitude and the reasons become obvious as the film draws to a close. The boarding house is significant because this is where the unconventional clan of Graces stayed during the summer when young Max was 12. Max was from a working class family, simple Irish folk who rented a chalet. He was excited the first time he saw this Bohemian family on the beach and was drawn into their exciting fold, being adopted as one of the family especially by Connie (McElhone) who knocks back bottle upon bottle of vino, squealing excitedly, playing hide-and-seek and leaving the terrible twins, Chloe and Myles to an inexperienced and incompetent nanny who seems infatuated with Connie and suspicious of young Max. The twin were volatile, ill-disciplined and down-right rude and offensive. However, this was all the more exciting for young Max

who seems to have been sheltered. Connie enchants him physically with her warmth and sensuality although his growing sexual awareness is because of precocious Chloe who has the knack of manipulating his feelings to suit her pleasure. When she informs a besotted young Max that the holiday is coming to an end she is ruthless with him and acts in an Estella-like way as if he was unimportant and would be quickly forgotten. The poor lad is devastated. We also experience Chloe’s unstable mind when she observes the nanny reading, close to the shore, wishing she would drown. The adult Morden constantly resurrects images of Anna’s dying moments as well as remembering that summer vacation with the Graces. He laments Anna’s passing to his daughter: “This wasn’t supposed to happen to us. Your mother and me. Misfortune, sickness, early death only happens to the good folk, the humble ones, the salt of the earth, not to Anna and me.” He admits to Miss Vavassour that they “rubbed along the way people do” when asked if his marriage had been happy. Rather evasive. Yet his grief is real. Even Anna asked the same question before she died. “Happy beyond words,” had been his response. When she then asks suspiciously: “You wouldn’t lie to me?” he laughs, on one of the few occasions and then tells her: “Of course I would.” Regardless of how happy a marriage they had, her death devastates him and this is the reason why he turns to the bottle to survive until his parole officer takes him away.

Closure of Basque association marks end of anti-ETA movement

The beach is obviously the central location with frequent images of the sea, with waves rolling towards the shore-line, where past and present combine to show us the powerfulness of nature, the frailty of mankind and the potential for doom and gloom. It’s also the place where a drunken Max stumbles, falling into the water and lying there inert, at the mercy of the sea. The abrupt end to young Max’s childhood is more akin to a Susan Hill tale, or even George Eliot or Virginia Woolf, filled with horror and shocking to the core. Now you’ll have to watch it, won’t you? To maintain a mournful, soul-searching mood tune into the music of the violin virtuoso, Hilary Hahn, a recurrent motif, simply appropriate and moving. REVIEW it by Carol Naylor.

assassination of a young local councilor in 1997, which decided to stop its activities. Many of Basta Ya’s founders decided to go into politics and created Unión Progreso y Democracia (UPyD). The evolution of the Basque social movements has been an accurate reflection of the evolution of Basque society in the face of terrorism. When Gesto por la Paz first called a street demonstration on November 26, 1985, ETA had killed 465 people.

With the terrorist group’s activities seemingly over, civic groups say their job is done. The last remaining Basque association created to help bring ETA to an end will cease to exist in March, in acknowledgment that the terrorist group appears to have ended its violent activities for good. Lokarri was part of a social movement that sprung up in the northern region at the height of ETA’s murderous activities, but which has been slowly disappearing since the Basque separatist group announced a definitive cessation of armed violence in October 2011. While ETA has yet to turn in its weapons and officially disband, Lokarri leader Paul Ríos said that his association’s main goal, the end of violence, has been achieved.

The evolution of the Basque social movements has been an accurate reflection of the evolution of Basque society in the face of terrorism. Pending issues such as disarmament or the return of ETA prisoners to the fold of society are jobs that fall to political parties and Basque institutions, Ríos said. Lokarri was created in 2006 to help legalize the “abertzale left,” the name traditionally given to radical left-wing nationalists, and give it a political channel for its aspirations. Other civic society bodies have been dissolving over the last decade as ETA’s violence has come to a gradual end. In June 2012, the largest of the anti-terrorist movements, Gesto por la Paz, ceased to exist. Before that, in 2008, it was Basta Ya, a prestigious association created after the

“It took us a while to react because we were coming out of a dictatorship and many Basques erroneously justified ETA’s rebelliousness against oppression,” explains Ana Rosa Gómez Moral, a member of this group. “It took us a long time to realize that we were now living in democracy and that there was no possible justification of terrorism.” José María Calleja, one of the sponsors of Basta Ya, recalls how they were trying to push all Basques who rejected terrorism into civic engagement “with the goal of taking away the fear that permeated our society and take back the streets from ETA and its friends.” Between 2003 and 2010, ETA’s assassinations were reduced drastically, numbering 11 in that entire time. Since Franco’s death in 1975, ETA has killed more than 800 people. elpais.com

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

SOLTIMES february 2015

SOL FEATURE

Home & Garden The almond tree is one of the first trees to flower at the close of winter and in February large parts of Spain are dressed with light and colour. The "Almendros" (almond trees) are in bloom, a fact that marks the beginning of spring. It lasts approximately 3 weeks, and is a spectacular sight. The almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is a small to medium sized deciduous fruit tree within the rose (Rosaceae) family, along with other tree fruits such as peaches, apples, pears, plums, cherries, and apricots. Within the genus, almonds are most closely related to the peach, and hybrids of the two are used as rootstocks.

shop in garrucha

shop in antas el real

Almonds are native to the Mediterranean region of the Middle East, explaining their requirement of mild winters and long dry summers. Almonds were domesticated at least by 3000 BC, and perhaps much earlier since wild almonds have been unearthed in Greek archeological sites dating to 8000 BC. The almond was spread along the shores of the Mediterranean in northern Africa and southern Europe by Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In Greek mythology the almond tree is represented by the beautiful princess Phyllis. Left at the altar on her wedding day, Phyllis waited for years before finally perishing of a broken heart. In sympathy, the gods transformed her into an almond tree, as a symbol of hope. When Phyllis' fiancee returned to find her as a leafless, flowerless tree, he embraced it and the tree burst into bloom.

Lots of discounts on:

Flowering & Fruiting

Beds,leather sofas,garden furniture El Rincon Del Mueble

Pologono industrial “El Real” C/Venie Vacio – 04628 Antas

Tel/Fax 950 459 071

Muebles El Rincon

Paraje “Las marinas”- ctra Garrucha Vera Km 1 S/N 04620 Vera

Tel/Fax 950 460 867

We speak English

www.muebleselrincon.com

Almond flowers are nearly identical to peach and other Prunus flowers, but are more fragrant and tend to be either light pink or white. The almond tree is not self-pollinating and must be cross-pollinated. Because of this, honeybees or other pollinators are essential to fruit production. However, there is a lot of work being done on developing a prolific nut producing, self-fertile almond. In the meantime, it is possible to buy grafted compatible varieties of almonds to reduce the need for two trees The soft, fuzzy almond tree fruit is called a drupe. Prior to "ripening", the hull dries and splits, revealing the nut, within which lies the kernel that we love to eat. There are two types of almonds trees, the bitter, used for almond essence, and the sweet almond tree, grown in home gardens and perfect for eating. The bitter almond is a cousin to the sweet almond, but contains traces of lethal prussic acid (Hydrogen cyanide) in its raw state. The toxicity is destroyed by heat, so it is safe to eat any dish prepared with bitter almonds, but unprocessed bitter almonds can be lethal.

www.ecocorpshop.com

Special Offers Visit:

Oil may last a few years or a few hundred Oil is a child of the fossil fuel age and prices will trend upwards. Solar is a child of the electronics age and prices will trend downwards. years. The sun will last a few billion years. All of the oil coal and gas known to humans has the same energy as 20 days 3kw power Swimming of sunshine reaching earth! 1 x Victron Multiplus 5Kw inverter/Charger 1 x Victron BlueSolar MPPT 150/70 Solar charge controller 4 x 12V/250Ah Deep cycle batteries (48V/250Ah) 12 x 250W Eurener panels (25 Year guarantee @ 80%) 1 x Inox aluminium Mounting frame for 12 panels. Cables, connectors, fuses and breakers. This system is normally 11,495€ installed.

systems with pool heating batteries installed from From 1995€ 4995€ 5Kw power systems with batteries installed from 5995€

The latest in auto-consumo technology! Grid tie solar power systems from

3995€

These systems can have more panels added to as and when required. Self-monitoring so as no power is fed back to the grid!

Which one would you choose?

Solar water heaters 200L 1995€ fitted

If you are getting frustrated at ever increasing electricity bills and want a clean, reliable energy alternative that can run in conjunction with your mains electricity. A system that you can add to, as and when you or your budget requires. free consultation and survey. With solar power systems that can pay for themselves in around 6/7 years. No more power cuts, we can supply and install a system to provide your whole home with a UPS system.With some of the highest sunshine in Europe, it is a great time to consider solar energy to reduce your electricity bills.

Call Ecocorp on

La Meseta, Bedar, Almeria

for a no obligation quotation

WWW.ECOCORPSHOP.COM

671 716 597 or 950 930 187

Victron Energy Official Installers for Almeria and Murcia 5 year warranty Spanish qualified Installers Eurener, Sharp, Senersun official Installers Servicing, repairs and surveys Grid tie systems Off grid systems Water heating Swimming pool heating

SOLTIMES february 2015

www.soltimes.com Almond trees require at least 2 to 3 years to produce fruit, with maximum nut production in 6 to 10 years. Unlike its short-lived cousin the peach, almond trees can produce for 50+ years. Thinning is unnecessary; a high proportion of flowers must set fruit for normal cropping. Like so many tree crops, rainfall damages fruit production once trees begin to bloom. Frost can be equally damaging, with both the blossoms and young fruits susceptible to frost damage. Almonds are harvested in summer when the outer, fleshy hull starts to split open. Collect the nuts from the outer canopy of the tree first, by spreading a tarp on the ground below and knocking the tree. A couple of weeks later the nuts on the inner canopy will have ripened and can be harvested in the same way. Almonds can be stored for months either in-shell, or shelled if dry, or for years when frozen. Planting & Care Almond trees should be planted early in the year, when low temperatures prevent leaf buds from growing - this gives the roots time to regenerate before budding. Almonds do best in deep, well-drained soil that is reasonably fertile, but will tolerate poor soils. Pick a sheltered position that receives full sunlight. When almond trees are first planted, it is important to give them a boost with superphosphate, following up with a balanced plant food in autumn and spring thereafter. Although mature trees can survive on little water, to produce a maximum crop of nuts they need regularly watering. Pruning The Almond Tree The almond tree are trained to an open centre shape in the first year to allow sunlight and air to penetrate the tree. Maintain the almond tree by pruning the branches every year. This is best done in late winter or early spring

before the new growth appears. When pruning, cut off dead and unhealthy branches first and then thin out areas where growth is bushy. Almonds have been used as a valuable food source since ancient Greek times. The healthiest of all the nuts, almonds contain protein and concentrations of important vitamins and minerals, they are low-carb and rich in unsaturated fat (good for the heart), and also have the highest fibre content of any nut or seed. In India, consumption of almonds is considered a nutritive for brain and nervous system and is said to induce high intellectual level and longevity. So go ahead and eat a handful a dayâ&#x20AC;Ś Marc Vijverberg

SOL FEATURE

Our Business is Growing Specialists in:

Landscaping - Irrigation - Garden Maintenance Lawn work - Tree Trimming

Call: 666 847 583 or 950 132 518 gardenworks.bates@gmail.com

Mojacar - Bedar - Vera

Let us look after your home Visit www.firesramos.com

Triton Property Services

to see our stylish, contemporary fires & heaters

Triton Security Services When you want something done, professionally, reliably and on time then you need people who pride themselves on providing the service you need with total trust and commitment. Pool Cleaning Landscaping Property Management Key Holding Property Maintenance Vacant Property Checks Gardening & Strimming Home SecurityImprovements Painting & Decorating Plus Home Care Services Providing the right people for the job!

Call us on: 634 326 322 www.tritonspain.com

C / Panama 7, Fines (Almeria)

Tel: 667 667 786

koal a furniture s.l SOFAS - MATTRESSES - GARDEN FURNITURE RECLINER SOFAS LEATHER SOFAS - PACKAGES

FURNITURE

quality rattan luxury furniture at great prices Pool Safety Fencing

glass curtains

fly free enclosures

Frameless Glass Curtain Systems New Innovative Pool Safety Fencing FlowPlast Guttering & Drainage Systems High Quality Glazing (Sliding/Folding/Hinged) Insect Screening for any Area Fixed or Fully Retractable Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm

Parque Ind El Real, Calle El Garcel 11, Antas, Exit 534 E15 Autovia

Tel: 950 459 060 M. 638 063 196 / 649 482 677 info@lifestyle-enclosures.com Find www.lifestyle-enclosures.com us on

monday to friday 10:00am to 19:00 saturday 10:00am - 14:00 POL.IND.EL REAL C/VENTE VACIO E-14 04628 ANTAS - ALMERIA TEL: 950 392 307 MOVIL: 627 215 345 www.KOALAFURNITURE.ES koalafurniture@outlook.com

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

SOLTIMES february 2015

SOL SPORT & MOTORING

SPORTS SHORTS by Tony Matthews

• On Sunday (1 May) it’s Chelsea-Tottenham in the League Cup final. • The Premiership games this weekend are: ArsenalEverton, Burnley-Swansea, Liverpool-Manchester City, Manchester United-Sunderland, Newcastle-Aston Villa, WBA-Southampton and West Ham-Crystal Palace. • In the Championship, we have the East Anglia clash between Norwich and Ipswich; Fulham play Derby and Middlesbrough visit Sheffield Wednesday. • Bristol City play Rochdale and Oldham-Preston in FL1 and it’s Burton Albion-Newport and ShrewsburyNorthampton in FL2. • The top two meet in the SPL, Celtic-Aberdeen, and in La Liga, Real Madrid play Villarreal, Barcelona visit Granada and Almeria take on La Coruna. • In Rugby’s Six Nations we have France-Wales and Scotland-Italy on Saturday, followed by Ireland-England on Sunday. • Cricket’s World Cup goes into its third week with England-Sri Lanka (Sunday) and Ireland-South Africa (Tuesday). Earlier, pathetic England lost by eight wickets to the Kiwis for whom Tim Southee took 7-33 and Brendan McCullum hit a record-breaking 16-ball fifty but came back to beat Scotland by 119 runs with Moheen Ali (128) and Ian Bell (54) registering an unbeaten opening stand of 172. In Group ‘B’ the West Indies whipped Pakistan and there were also victories for Sri Lanka (v Afghanistan) and India (v South Africa). ----------------------------------------------------------------• A week ago, in the Champions League, Chelsea drew 1-1 at PSG and Real Madrid beat Schalke 2-0. Last night, Manchester City played Barcelona and this evening Arsenal meet Monaco. • In the Europa League first leg knockout games, Everton defeated Young Boys of Berne 4-1 with a Romelu Lukaku hat-trick; Mario Balotelli’s penalty gave Liverpool victory over Besiktas; Spurs drew 1-1 with Fiorentina and Celtic were held 3-3 by Inter Milan. The return fixtures take place tomorrow. • Recent action in the Premiership, QPR had Joey Barton sent-off (again) in their defeat at Hull... Chelsea,

with Nemanja Matic seeing red, drew at home with Burnley... Swansea beat Manchester United to clinch their first-ever League double over the Reds... Stoke (with a late Victor Moses penalty) won at Aston Villa... Arsenal pipped Crystal Palace... Manchester City (with two goals from David Silva) belted Newcastle 5-0.... Liverpool won at Southampton while the Everton-Leicester, SunderlandWBA and Spurs-West Ham games all finished level, Harry Kane equalising for Spurs with a 96th minute penalty. • In the Championship, Middlesbrough (2nd) lost 1-0 to Leeds... Bournemouth (3rd) and Ipswich (4th) were also defeated... Derby beat Sheffield Wednesday to go top... and Norwich won 3-0 at Watford. • In FL1, it’s Bristol City, MK Dons and Swindon 1-2-3... Burton Albion lead Shrewsbury in FL2... and Exeter lost the Devon derby 3-1 to Plymouth. • Malaga stunned Barcelona in La Liga, winning 1-0 at the Nou Camp. Real Madrid, who won 2-0 Elche are now four points clear at the top (60-56). • In Germany, Bayern Munich made it 14 goals in two games with a 6-0 win over Paderborn (they won 8-0 four days earlier). • Peterborough have sacked their manager, Sir Alex Ferguson’s son Darren. • St Helens boxer Martin Murray lost his WBA middleweight title bout to Kazakstan’s Gennady Golovkin, the referee stopped the contest in the 11th round. And the winner of the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas on 2 May will receive €105m, the loser €70m. • Darren Clarke will captain Europe in the 2016 Ryder Cup. • South Sydney beat St Helens 39-0 in Rugby’s World Club Challenge Cup. • Northampton, after their win over Bath, are now six points clear at the top of Rugby’s Aviva Premiership. • In the World track cycling championships in Paris, GB’s men and women pursuit teams both won silver medals. • And England’s women cricketers won the first but lost the second of their 20/20 internationals against New Zealand.

Calle Mallorca, San Javier Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511 www.specialistvehicles.com audi q5 2.0tdi, quattro, 2012, 96,000km.....................................€26,950 AUDI A3 1.6 TDI, 2012, auto, sport back 23,000km.......................€18,950 mercedes e320 cdi, diesel, elegance, auto, 2005, 162,000km..€14,950 peugeot 308 sw, 1.6 hdi diesel, 7 seater, 2012, 61,000km.........€13,950 renault fluence, 1.5dci, diesel, 55,000km.................................€11,950 Renault clio 1.2 16v, 2011 31,000km................................................€9,950 hyundai terracan 2.9 crdi, diesel, auto, 155,000km, 2006.....€8,950 ford fiesta 1.4 TDCI 2006, 5 DOOR....................................................€5,950 peugeot 206 cc, cabrio, 2.0i, 2002, 69,000km..................................€4,950 HYUNDAI GETZ 1.1 PETROL, 2004, 195,000KMS..............................€2,950

over 40 cars in group stock

www.specialistvehicles.com Tel: 968 146 158 / 618 628 511

TYRE KING The Best Deal for Miles

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

● All New Tyres Supplied Have Manufacturers Warranty ● Computerised Tracking Including 4x4s ● While You Wait Service

● Large Stock Available ● Motorbike Tyre Specialists ● Headlamp Polishing

Poligono El Real, Calle El Garcel F19, Antas, Almeria 04628

Open: Mon - Fri: 9.30 - 17.30

Tel: 950 459 253

www. tyreking.es e: tyreking@ymail.com

Vera  tyre king

petrol station E15/A7 MOTORWAY Exit 534

Antas

LOCAL FOOTBALL ROUND UP Another defeat for Huercal-Overa

CF on the road this week, when a breezy trip to Mar Meno in San Javier ended with Marme bagging 2 in the second period to bring them to within a point of the Andalucians in the fight for promotion. Elsewhere in the Tercera G13 Aguilas, La Union and Jumilla slipped up. Mar Menor C.F. 2 – 0 C.F. El Castillo, E.F. Alhama 3 – 0 La Unión C.F., P.M.D. Fortuna 1 – 0 C.D. Cieza, E.G. El Palmar C.F. 2 – 0 Águilas F.C., C.F. Molina 2 – 1 A.D. Caravaca, Yeclano Deportivo 1 – 2 C.D. Plus Ultra, Muleño C.F. 1 – 1 R. Murcia Imperial, F.C. Pinatar 1 – 2 C.D. Minera, Cartagena F.C. 1 – 0 F.C. Jumilla. The Preferente division is hotting up at the top of the table with 3pts separating first and fifth, Lorca Deportiva dropping points but Ciudad de Murcia keeping the pressure on with another victory at home. Olímpico de Totana 5 – 2 C.D. Bala Azul, Atlético Balsicas 5 – 0 Nuestro Abarán C.F., Ciudad de Calasparra 2 – 1 C.D. Bullense, Ciudad de Murcia 3 – 1 Sporting Aguileño, E.D.M.F. Churra 2 – 0 U.D. Los Garres, Sangonera La Verde 1 – 0 Lorca Deportiva, Jumilla C.D. 1 – 1 UCAM Montecasillas, Soho-Medi C.F. 2 – 1 A.D. Alquerías, Atlético Pulpileño 3 – 1 C.D. Algar. If you would like to hear more about your local side then get in contact with us and we will try to provide more information on your local clubs.

Pit Stop

Tel: 950 124 828 pitstop-oria@live.co.uk

TYRES • SERVICING • REPAIRS

Fixed Price Servicing Petrol up to 2L from 89€

Diesel up 99€ to 2L from

ALL MAKES & MODELS

FREE

Safety / ITV check with every service

CLUTCHES - EXHAUSTS - BRAKES - HEAD GASKETS - GEARBOXES ITVS - HEADLIGHT POLISHING

Part Worn Tyres 20€ from

New Tyres Lazer Tracking only 15€ from 30€ only Puncture Repairs

...includes fitting, balancing & IVA

Wheel Balancing

cars for sale...cars for sale...cars for sale...cars for sale 2004 Nissan Navarra 4x4, Crew Cab, 135,000kms, A/C, new ITV..................€4995 2001 Ford Galaxy 1.9, TDI, Auto, 7 Seater, New ITV............................€3295 Nissan Terrano 2.7 TDI, SWB, 4x4 New ITV..............................................€2495 2002 Opel Combi 1.7, DCi, VGC, New ITV....................................................€2495 1999 Skoda Felicia Pick Up 1.9d, VGC.......................................................€1995 1998 Vauxall frontera, 2.8 tdi, 4x4, tow bar, new itv................................€1495 2001 opel Corsa, 1.7d, A/C, New ITV & Tyres...........................................€1495 2002 fiat punto 1.3, Petrol. VGC, A/C....................................................€1495 1996 Peugeot 306 1.9 Td, A/C, 5-Door Hatch.............................................€1200 2000 ford Fiesta , 1.8 D, Only 43,000kms, New ITV, A/C, VGC...................€995 citroen C15, new ITV, Ideal Work horse......................................................€695 Find us on the Partaloa to Oria road (A399) 1km outside of Oria on the right. Carretera Autonomica A-399 - c / Paraje el Puente sin 04810. Oria, Almeria

free

tracking wit or morhe 2 n t yres ew F Cour tersee with a fy Car ull s (by arr e r v i c e angem

ent only )

950 124 828

SOLTIMES february 2015

www.soltimes.com

MALAGA STUN BARCA IN THE CAMP NOU!

A Juanmi goal in the seventh minute set Málaga on their way to victory over a lacklustre Barcelona Saturday’s first game in round 24 of Liga BBVA fixtures saw an upset at the Camp Nou as Málaga CF saw off FC Barcelona 0-1. The Andalusian side took the lead after seven minutes, and held on for the victory in one of their best games of the season. After great team play, a defensive error from Barcelona saw Juanmi beat Claudio Bravo to the ball to put the visitors ahead. Luis Enrique’s side tried to

get back into the game with Rafinha pulling the strings in midfield, however they created few chances, and it was Málaga who enjoyed the game’s better chances before half time. The second half was like the first. Although Barcelona were more incisive and dominated possession more than they did in the first period, Sergi Darder created danger on more than one occasion. Barcelona attempted to find a way past Carlos Kameni right up to the end with Neymar and Pedro having chances, however try as they might they could not get back into the game. Málaga held on to take three points with what was an exercise in bravery and patience. Lfp.es

Atletico Madrid 3 UD Almeria 0

Mandžukić and Griezmann lead Atlético to victoryA goal from the Croat and a brace from the Frenchman handed los rojiblancos the three points against Almería. Atlético Madrid took advantage of FC Barcelona’s defeat as they beat UD Almería 3-0 at the Estadio Vicente Calderón to cut the gap in the fight for second place in the Liga BBVA. It was a convincing display from Atlético in front of their home crowd, who were able to celebrate three goals with their team in the first half. Mario Mandžukić it was who stepped up to put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot after a foul on Diego Godín. And, far from bouncing back from this,

Almería then conceded two more, Antoine Griezmann grabbing both to leave his side on course for the win. With Atlético firmly in the driving seat, their intensity dropped in the second half. This led to some attacking openings for Almería, with Miguel Ángel Corona trying his luck but seeing his effort just off target as the deficit remained unchanged. The result sees los rojiblancos cement third position, three points behind second-placed Barcelona. lfp.es

19th hole End of Year Award and 2 day Golf festival

The 19th Hole Golf Society held its 2014 End of Year Bash on Wednesday and Thursday 18th&19th February at the beautiful Valle del Este Golf Resort. The main event played on Wednesday was a Team Waltz. With 33 players, this was going to be a fiercely fought competition but the Team of Terry Caddick, Chrissie Dow, Lee Coxon and John Boutler easily took first place with 84 points, from Ian Postles,Mike Duckham,Don Harbron and Nekana on 74 points. In the Individual Stableford Competition Lee Coxon comfortably took the 1st Division Men’s award with an impressive 37 points from an in form Terry Caddick on 31. The Ladies Division winner was Nekana Galindez on 36 points. The Men’s 2nd Division winner was that old stalwart John Boulter with 33 points from Don Harbron in 2nd place with 29 points. The big award was the La Vida Order of Merit Trophy, awarded for the most consistent player over the calendar year. The 2014 winner was Chrissie Dow who has played to her decreasing handicap throughout the year and becomes the first lady player to win the award. Our Wednesday evening entertainment in Karens ( The Venue

Bar) was brilliant with a disco till late and just a couple of drinks to ease the tired limbs On Thursday 19th we again took to the Valle del Este fairways in weather more suited to snowboarding, with a biting wind and the threat of rain. The fact that the course was exceptionally busy and therefore progress was slow compounded the cold and several players really suffered from elements. With the exception of the team of Paco, Nekana, John Ball and Mike Duckham, they slaughtered the course returning a gross one under par in this 4 ball Texas Scramble. When converted to points it netted them 55 with the team of Dave Denyer, Dave Rust, Zeta Denyer and rookie Steve Tucker in 2nd place with 52 points. A really great couple of days with wonderful facilities at the Valle del Este Golf Resort, our stay was made all the better by the great service, food and attention given by all the Valle del Este Team thankyou. The 19th hole G/S is now arranging weekly games at various courses in the area, our home course, which we play fortnightly, is Aguilon. If you are interested in joining the 19th hole give the secretary a ring on 610340653. Or email gs19thhole@ hotmail.co.uk

SOL SPORT & MOTORING

40 SOLTIMES february 2015

Tel 902 750 190

www.soltimes.com

Support your local businesses

Android Man TV Box NEW LOW PRICE ONLY 139€

Quad Core

BUY LOCAL

Minix Quad Core

159€

Free Live UK TV, 50 Freeview channels including BBC, ITV, Channels 4 & 5 Free Sports, Golf, Tennis, Football, Rugby, Cycling, Boxing, Wrestling & Many More Catch up TV, Coronation Street, Eastenders, Match of the Day + Loads More TV Shows - All the latest TV show box sets NO Monthly Payments - Requires an Internet Connection Includes 12 months support service demonstrations available in albox, arboleas, huercal overa & turre

our android man tv box is available to purchase from Total Entertainment Albox open 7 days a week Tel: 950 121 318

Total Entertainment Arboleas open 7 days a week Tel: 678 009 051

Icafe bar Huercal Overa open 7 days a week Tel: 950 272 822

Androidman Los Llanos Saturday Market between Arboleas & Albox

have you purchased your android box elsewhere? not what you expected? is it the same as our own models? do you need support? we offer annual support packages

Tel: 634 308 226