Almeria al418 highres

ISSUE 418

COSTA almeria

8 - 14 JAN

SolTimes

CK ME UP’ YOUR ESSENTIAL WEEKLY ‘PI NAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS advertise WITH SOL TIMES CALL 902 750 190 your free weekly newspaper

www.soltimes.com

Glass Curtains flood protection guttering neater heaters and of course all types of fly screening!

Visit our showroom

Find us on

MENU DEL NOCHE

4 COURSES WITH WINE & COFFEE 20oz T-BONE STEAK, 16oz BEEF ENTRECOTE 12oz PORK TENDERLOIN, ROASTED LAMB SHANK & SHOULDER, ROASTED PORK KNUCKLE AND MORE DINNER 7PM-10PM

PASTA & PIZZAS Fresh pasta spagheti macaroni lasagne ravioli carbonara bolognese napolitana Pizzas margherita tuna mushrooms vegetarian 4 seasons

vegetarian menu available

MENU DEL DIA 4 Courses with Wine & Coffee Monday to Saturday

CALL 902 750 190 SALES@ SOLTIMES .COM

The largest mobile home park in Southern Spain with all onsite services and a great community all year round.

Miraflores Restaurant serves great food and has the top entertainment around.

Our English Supermarket is well stocked and prices are low.

Please look on our website to view mobile homes for sale and rental.

Phone 679 970 399 for an appointment to view or further details.

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

info@lifestyle-enclosures.com www.lifestyle-enclosures.com

RATES

incorporating Camping Los Gallardos, Miraflores Restaurant, Almeria Lawn Bowling Club www.campinglosgallardos.com

More than just and enclosure company

M. 638 063 196 / 649 482 677

ADVERT

Los Gallardos Leisure

1 0 t h Ye a r o n E l R e a l !

Tel: 950 459 060

est. SINCE 2005

GREAT

SALES & RENTAL

NEW YEAR

U O Y W NE Page 14

inclusive Lunch

SPECIALISTS

ARBOLEAS

3 beds, 2 baths Walk to amenities Garage, nice views 10x5m pool

€149,950 Ref: A1716

1pm - 4pm

albox

sunday roast

3 bed, 2 bath Villa Unfurnished Nice views Walking distance to Albox

menu del dia 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

€495 pcm

Freshly Baked Bread SERVED 1pm - 4pm

Childrens menu available

Ref: R309

FREE WI-FI

OPEN 7 days a week

Call 950 091 137 or 616 760 409

Booking Recommended

Spanish Speaking 950 430 145 ~ English Speaking 647 730 103

www.indalorealestate.com

Pol igono I ndu st r ia l A lb ox, Nea r t he I T V Ga rage w w w.me s onde i re ne.com

URGENTLY REQUIRED – VILLAS WITH SWIMMING POOLS FOR SALE AND RENTAL

CAR OF THE WEEK

Antas Parque Ind El Real, Antas 04628 Tel: 950 459 136

Sales Vehicles always in Stock

Renault Scenic 1.5 Servicing & Repairs all makes & models DCi 100BHP - 2005 - 110000kms - Alloy Mon~Fri 9:30am - 7pm Sat 10am - 2pm Wheels - Climate Workshop: 950 459 209 Control Sales: 950 459 136 Email: costacoches@mail.com

5,495€

phone or check Renault Scenic 1.5 our website for more cars

www.costacoches.net

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ort

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

Sundance Spas

Pool Maintenance S.L.

Open: Monday - Thursday 9am - 2.30pm & 4pm - 7pm, friday 9am - 2.30pm & 4pm - 6pm Closed Saturday & Sunday

up to

50% off selected spas

Professional swimming pool cleaners our company has been maintaining pools for over 20 years. from routine cleaning to acid washes & grouting from pump repairs to leaking joints

rooms w o h s r u o to g alon ome C ers on Genuine Sundance Spas Lots of Special Off Also Good Selection of Second Hand Spas

We Purchase Your Old Spa Cash Paid

Stop press - New range of economical Spas arriving soon Mojacar Showroom, Paseo de Mediterraneo, 171

Tel: 950 472 845

www.sundancespas.com • sundancespas@telefonica.net

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

uk news UK weather warning Britain was again battered by strong winds and 50ft waves today, as more than 100 residents were trapped in their village for a fourth consecutive day.

PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR SALE Property Required for Belgian Property Fair 20-21 Feb 2014

Villa in Huercal Overa area

Floods as far as the eye can see and a whole village cut off: Aerial photos show devastating scenes caused by a month of storms Somerset village of Muchelney cut off for four days after access roads were left under 3ft of water Environment Agency issues 320 flood warnings or alerts - including three severe warnings in Dorset Met Office issues ‘be aware’ yellow warning for wind as gusts of 70mph are expected in South-West Heavy rain falls across much of Britain last night, with up to 1.6in expected on higher ground today Forecasters warn of ‘exceptionally high waves’ and say 0.4in of rain could fall in less than an hour Surfers fly in from US to follow deep depression across the Atlantic dubbed Winter Storm Hercules Three deaths: Man falls into Oxford river, man swept out to sea in Cornwall, woman killed in Devon Wave-watchers still risking their lives to stand in dangerous locations, defying guidance from police Iconic natural rock formation in Cornwall shaped like giant doughnut is knocked down by 30ft waves As forecasters revealed that last month was the stormiest December since 1969, floods have left all access roads to Muchelney under 3ft of water.

The Somerset village, which lies between Taunton and Yeovil, has been cut off for four days - and it’s only just recovered from last year’s flooding.

Environment Agency officials have issued 320 flood warnings or alerts - including three severe warnings in Dorset, where there is ‘significant risk to life’.

The Met Office issued a ‘be aware’ yellow warning for wind as gusts of up to 70mph are expected on the west and south-west coast of Britain today.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

• Large, 3 bed, 2 bath villa • 3 hectares • 10x5 swimming pool • Triple garage • Open views

APB377 - 169,950€

Cortijo in the Antas area

APB361 - 60,000€

Open Mon - Thurs 9.30am-5.00pm / fri 9:30am-9pm Sat 9.30am-3.30pm / Sun 11am - 3pm Find us in Arboleas 200m from Coviran

Telephone: 676 604 008

APF349 - 165,000€

Villa in Arboleas

APF354 - 164,950€

Office: Next to Cajamar Bank Open Monday- Saturday 10am to 3pm

Burns Night

Price: 25 euros per person !! Live Piper David Weir !!

• Beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath villa • Screened porch area • Private pool and garden • Garage and secure camper van carport • 20 minutes to the beach

For further information call Cathie or Antonio 950 43 16 24 or 658 811 628 or email us on info@almeriapropertyfinder.com www.almeriapropertyfinder.com

Cafeteria & Pasteleria

Whiskey for your toasts ~~~~~ Cock a Leekie Soup ~~~~~ Haggis and Neeps!! ~~~~~ Roast Beef and all the trimmings ~~~~~ Raspberry Cranachan ~~~~~ Coffee and Petit Fours

Villa in Zurgena area

• Outstanding 3 bed, 2 bath villa • Private pool • Pretty garden • Walking distance to amenities • Sought after location

• Traditional style Cortijo • 3 beds, 1 bath • Large terrace area • 10 minutes to the beach • Fantastic Value

Humbugs Café Saturday 25th January, 7pm Book Now to Avoid Disappointment Call 676 604 008

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Tlf: +34 958 003 391 Mob: +34 606 281 865

Family run estate agency dedicated to finding your dream home in the sun! Established since 2003 SH788 - Nr Arboleas - 155,000€

SH712- Arboleas - 139,500€

SH643 - Partaloa - 145,000€

SH682 - Nr Arboleas - 149,950€

Detached villa nr Arboleas, with 3 double bedrooms, one with en-suite plus a family bathroom, a kitchen with white goods, a large lounge with open fire, a private 8m by 4m pool plus a sun terrace.

Villa located in Partaloa, on a 2879m2 plot of land, swimming pool, 3 bedrooms and great views.

Spacious 4 bed, 2 bathroom property situated just 5 minutes drive from the inland village of Arboleas with private pool.

Villa within walking distance of Arboleas, 3 beds, 2 baths, with garage and private 10m by 5m pool.

If you are thinking of selling your property we offer 3% commission on a no sale no fee basis with no marketing fees at all, contact us to add your property to our portfolio.

info@spanish-hideaways.com www.spanish-hideaways.com

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.serendipitycrafts.es

SALE STARTS THURSDAY 9TH JANUARY

• All Xmas peel offs 35c • Xmas Stock up to 80% off • Rubber Stamps up to 75% off • Punches 30% off • Xmas Decoupage from 15c • Lace Templates 75%off • Flower Soft stamps/embellishments up to 80% off • Crafters Companion embossing boards 50% off • Normal Stock at least 10%off and much more

OPENING HOURS: MON, TUES, THURS,FRI & FIRST SAT of every month 10-2PM

ortconnexions CALL MARGARET ON 634 338 832 Avda. 28 de Febrero, Albox

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

The magic of the Three Wise Men

The most magical moment of the year, especially for the little onesis when, last night on 6 January, they get their presents from the Three Wise Men. In Spain it is Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar who bring Christmas presents to children who have been good during the year. After writing a letter, in which they tell the Kings which presents they would like, the long-awaited day finally arrives.

The Wise Men parade through the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Spain in traditional cavalcades. Their camels loaded with presents, they go through the streets handing out sweets, accompanied by their royal pages. Little by little the colourful floats go by, entertaining all the family.

Of all these parades, the one in Alcoi, Alicante, is particularly outstanding – it is Spain’s oldest.

950 479 502

When night falls, children go to bed early to wait for Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar to come in through the window and leave presents in their shoes.

New wireless BROADBAND internet service available 4&6mb from €24.95 p/m No landline required Call us for details if you are a part time resident. to find out if your area is covered go to

www .conn exion sonli ne.ne t

SHOP BIG

mobile phones, sales, repairs & unlocking area distributor for

hits sim cards computers ~ laptops full repair service

& THINK LOCAL come see us Distributor for

Don’t lose your TV channels

Android TV boxes available No Satellite dish needed

Check our new website out www.theoutletshop.net

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

www.ecocorpshop.com Autoconsumo “Mini kits” these plug and play new systems will be available form next week. Incredibly easy to install and you can just keep adding as and when required. Using the highest quality panels from Eurener (Spanish manufactured in Alicante)

250W Complete kit with cables and fittings - everything only 595€ 500W Complete kit with cables and fittings - everything only 1045€ 1000W Complete kit with cables and fittings -everything only 1495€

Start small and keep adding as you save money on your electricity bills!!! Utilize free solar energy and save money in the process!!

Special Offer 5kw complete system with batteries. Only 6995€ A generator or mains electricity can be wired into this system also 5Kw 48V/5000W.../50A Inverter charger/built in solar charge controller 9 x 240W Panels (25 year warranty) Panel mounting structure for 9 panels (Inox aluminium) 4 x 12V/250Ah Tabs batteries (48V/250Ah @ C100) Cables, breakers and fuses.

All for just 6995€ Alternatively, you can have this system with 8 Trojan L16G-AC batteries (6V/433Ah = 48V/433Ah) for an additional 1495€

Special Offer 3kw complete system with batteries.

Only 4995€ A generator or mains electricity can be wired into this system also.

3Kw 24V/3000W/...50A Inverter charger/built in solar charge controller 6 x 240W Panels (25 year warranty) Panel mounting structure for 6 panels (Inox aluminium) 4 x 12V/250Ah Tabs batteries (24V/500Ah @ C100) Cables, breakers and fuses.

All for just 4995€

ECOCORP are proud to support Vera & District Lions Club Helping local charities & other good causes www.veralions.com Welfare Call 634 338 322

Alternatively, you can have this system with 4 Trojan L16G-AC batteries (6V/433Ah = 24V/433Ah) for an additional 795€

WE SERVE

Contact us via the web for a FREE, no obligation consultation and survey, alternatively call 950 930 187, 671 716 597 or for UK numbers call 01332 896510 We now accept all major credit cards !!!

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

5

Granada in the New Year

The city of Granada was the last stronghold in Spain of the Muslim Moorish race who had controlled the Iberian Peninsula for all of 8oo years. During their time in Spain they made the city of Cordoba, the largest and, with a population one million people, the most populated city in the known world. They were an educated people who built some of the worlds earliest universities. Under them medical research in particular blossomed. Then disaster. The city of Cordoba fell to the reconquering Christians. This event forced the Moors to move their seat of power to Granada.

Determined to maintain the high standards by which they lived, they chose a site on a red coloured hillside to build what was to become one of the most famous Muslim built collection of Palaces in the western world. This was to become known as “The Alhambra Palaces”.

The word Alhambra meaning “the red hill”. More Beautiful and ornate palaces are hard to imagine. The palaces were surrounded by beautiful gardens and many fountains. The Nasrid dynasty were the masters of all that they surveyed during the time that they lived here in Granada.

Even today the city enjoys the feel of it’s powerful Moorish Past.

The market area in the centre of the city has the Moorish horse shoe shaped doors. The narrow cobbled streets that you would associate with the Kasbah lead into bright leafy squares with tinkling fountains.

The people here are olive skinned with big soft brown eyes. They sing throaty melancholy songs which tell the story of their exotic past. In the caves fiery dancers in flamenco dresses stomp arrogantly, throwing their hands in the air, pained looks on their faces as they stamp, pout

id’s v a D

COACHTRIPS S.L. GRANADA

3* City Centre Hotel B&B

O

€ 9 9 NLY

and pose to the sounds of strumming Spanish guitars . In the day time there is always the guitar player sitting in the Spanish sunshine lovingly picking out a tune from his much used instrument. Viewing points in the heights of the Albaicin, where the old Moorish and Jewish districts merged overlook the Alhambra palaces.

Below this point you can see the powerful outline of the mighty cathedral placed there by the Catholic Monarchs Isabel and Ferdinand when their troops finally ended Moorish control in Spain with the capture of Granada in the year 1492. They took the city from the Moors, but they couldn’t take the Moors from the city. The spirit of these exotic exciting people still lingers in the streets, palaces, squares and caves of this magnificent city. This low cost pre-season price is deal for those who would struggle with hot Spanish summer weather.

David’s Coachtrips SL offer a great deal. Using a four star city hotel (bed and breakfast) which is close to everywhere you would want to see in Granada The fabulous price of only 99€ (January special offer) for this 3 day break is particularly good value.

New Year dates 3 days b&b - 13th -15th & 27-29th January.

Booking couldn’t be easier. Simply go online www.coachtripsonline.com and book or call us on (00334) 966785910 and speak to one of the “Coachtrips “ English speaking operators

Go on it’s too good to miss.

Visit us www.coachtripsonline.com Or call us direct on 966 785 910

3 days Jan 13-15 Coaches from Vera, Marina Golf, Albox, Alfoquia, Arboleas 3 Days Jan 27-29 coaches from Los Alcazares, Balsicas, Valle De Sol. Totana, Puerta Lumbreras

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

Spain’s economy minister sees ‘significant’ job creation in 2014 Spain’s Economy Minister Luis de Guindos arrives at the Parliament to attend the weekly government control session in Madrid Spain’s Economy Minister said on Wednesday that job creation in 2014 would be “significant” as a tentative economic recovery kicks in, but a poll showed most Spaniards do not expect any clear improvement until 2015.

“2014 will see the net creation of jobs, higher even than we predicted in September in the budget, and the jobless rate will fall,” Luis de Guindos told Cadena Ser national radio, declining to put a number on expected jobs created.

Spain exited a recession in the third quarter of last year but the economy is still sickly and with unemployment officially predicted at 25.9 percent in 2014, roughly where it is now, there is little perception of a real recovery on the streets.

Separately on Wednesday, a poll of 1,000 people published in newspaper El Mundo showed that 71 percent of Spaniards believe the recovery and the end of the crisis will start in 2015 at the earliest.

The country is still reeling from a decade-long housing bubble which burst more than five years ago, forcing a 41-billion euro ($56 billion) bailout of the country’s banks, which were glutted with property debt.

The centre-right government decreed a labour market reform in late December

As I lay me down to sleep, I know there is no need to weep, Friends and family free from worry, No need to spend a heap of money, With a pre-paid plan that is free of VAT Plus Interest free instalments on top of that A wise man I most surely am, For putting my trust in Iberian. A practical way to help reduce the financial strain on loved ones. Prices are fixed from day one, so you know exactly how much you have to pay. The services outlined in the plan are guaranteed to be carried out in full. Acceptance to the Funeral Plan is guaranteed, whatever your age of health situation. Your family will receive personalized attention, compassionate guidance and complete support. All details handled with discretion and care. Fully transferable to the UK or any other EU Country.

Prices Start from €3390

Iberian Funeral Plans SL www.iberianfuneralplans.com Phone 952 595 691/952 490 690/951 203 994 e-mail: info@iberianfuneralplans.com Iberian Funeral Plans SL, Edifico Los Jardines, Bloque V, Local 1-B, San Luis de Sabinillas, Manilva, 29692 Reg/CIF no: 11138305/B93156107

Telephone: 950 460 999

MUNDI

to encourage employers to take on more part-time workers and to simplify contracting in hopes of fuelling job creation.

“We believe the labour reform will make the market more dynamic ... in 2014,” Guindos said in the interview recorded a few days ago.

However one think tank has said the changes fail to tackle Spain’s notoriously two-tiered labour market, with security for long-term fixed contracts and practically none for shorter-term ones.

Guindos added that the economic recovery would take root thanks to an expected tax reform which would look to reverse a personal income tax rise implemented when the government came to power in 2011, and cut corporate taxes while reducing corporate tax deductions.

(Reporting By Elisabeth O’Leary; Editing by John Stonestreet) Photo and report: http://www.4-traders.com/news/Spains-economy-ministersees-significant-job-creation-in-2014--17740343/

King Juan Carlos should abdicate King Juan Carlos should abdicate, say two thirds of Spaniards The popularity of Spain’s King Juan Carlos has slumped to a record low, with almost two thirds of Spaniards thinking he should abdicate King Juan Carlos of Spain has for the past 38 years been one of the world’s most popular monarchs.

But Spaniards have overwhelmingly lost confidence in him over the past 12 months, with 62 per cent now saying that he should step down.

By contrast, two years ago, in the first three months of 2012, almost 80 per cent of Spaniards had a positive opinion of the King. In the same survey this time last year, he remained popular, with under half thinking that the 76-year-old King should abdicate.

But Spanish newspaper El Mundo, which commissioned the survey, described 2013 as “the third consecutive annus horribilis” of the King, “in which the gap between Spaniards and the monarchy has widened.”

Spanish citizens have become increasingly frustrated by a long-running corruption investigation into the King’s daughter, Princess Cristina, and her husband Inaki Urdangarin – particularly at a time of economic crisis and widespread unemployment The corruption case of 2013 further damaged the King’s standing – which had already taken a battering the previous year when he was discovered to have embarked on a lavish hunting trip to Botswana at a time of grim austerity in Spain. He fell and broke his hip during the elephant-hunting safari, which caused the expense to come to light.

The King has appeared in public on crutches in recent months and in November surgeons replaced his left hip – his ninth operation since May 2010.

Ahead of his last operation, the palace firmly denied the King was considering abdicating.

Younger Spaniards, who were not alive during the Franco years, were overwhelmingly in favour of abdication, the poll showed. King Juan Carlos was widely respected for helping guide Spain to democracy in the 1970s after the death of Franco.

However King Juan Carlos’s son, Prince Felipe, 45, held on to a positive rating of 66 per cent – and most of those polled said the monarchy could recover its prestige if he took the throne.

Ronda de Las Buganvillas, Local 22, (nr Garrucha) www.mundiabogados.com info@mundiabogados.com

ABOGADOS

Maria Maroto Perez: Solicitor/Barrister - Esther Serrano Saez: Solicitor/Barrister

• NIE Cards • Residency Cards • Social Security Cards • • Company Setup • Insurance • • Conveyancing • Translations • Litigation • Wills & Inheritance Tax • Tax Returns •

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

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

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

We can also arrange the following if needed: • Open a Spanish bank account • Connection of utility services • If you are considering renting your house or land we will negotiate your letting agreement, ensuring that the terms of your contract meet your requirements • Write your Spanish will • As your Fiscal Representatives, we will assist you in any dealings with Spanish Tax Office and explain to you all the taxes that you are liable to pay.

For those that become residents of Spain, we can also assist in other legal matters, such as matrimonial issues or business contracts.

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

JACKS - SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH HEL PING TO PREVENT BED SORES When we sit in a chair or lie in bed and don’t move you may have noticed that your skin feels uncomfortable or even painful. When this happens we change our position. However many people are unable to make these changes - for example they may be ill or sedated or unable to notice the uncomfortable feeling that calls us to change position, as can be the case for people with spinal cord injuries.

If we stay in one position too long without moving, blood can no longer get to the skin at the parts of our body that we sit or lie upon. When this happens the skin on our bottom or heels can die and a wound in the skin occurs. These wounds were once called bedsores or decubitus however today doctors and nurses call these injuries pressure ulcers.

These types of ulcers are very common and most people may be aware of a family member or friend who has had a pressure ulcer. Sadly when we approach the end of life pressure ulcers may occur but with the right attention fewer people will have to endure this additional sufferance. If someone is likely to develop them carers will take steps to help stop the wound occurring. They may help you change your position at regular intervals and often will provide special beds and cushions that help to protect your skin.

This year Jacks is proud to support fund raising efforts to purchase a special bed which will be made available through local organisations to anyone in our community who is in need. Unlike an overlay these beds replace mattresses and go a long way to help prevent development of ulcers. We have an ambitious but achievable target of 1500€ so far a little over 100€

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has been achieved through generous donations from the organisers of our recent 70s charity night and our Christmas and New Year Raffles. A few of our regulars have even volunteered for a new year sponsored slim! Would you like to take part?

Our next major fund raiser will be on 22nd February with a charity night hosted by Mark Deakin and Rod Oxley from Smooth FM. We think there are moments when a community can effectively help their own and this is our first attempt at helping others in a time of need. Your energy or generosity can make a difference; after all we are a community within a foreign country where finding support can sometimes seem impossible.

If you would like to support the idea or donate or would like more information on any of the above then please call into Jacks in Albox where a warm welcome awaits you.

swimming pools pool sureste sl made with “Gunite” FREE Dolphin & Seal Mosiac Design on base of pool. Ask for details.

Al & SIZES l s hapes eg.

8.500 €

8m.X 4m.

pool Repairs ~ Terraces ~ Pool Covers

968 461 404 - 630 810 299 poolsureste@gmail.com www.poolsureste.com

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

Heloise’s Hints for Taking T: 950 10 42 72 Control of Clutter Oak Furniture For Your Home Find us at Los Carasoles, Zurgena (Almeria) On the Baza Road

ck Sto w e N In Now

www.rusticoakfurnitureelpinar.com View all our items on our website...

Exceptionally Low Prices...

...many unique pieces - once they’ve gone...they’ve gone!

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fabulous range of leather sofas

WE ARE HERE

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www.KOALAFURNITURE.ES monday to friday 10:00 to 19:00 saturday 10:00 - 14:00

Getting rid of stuff seems to be the chore we all dread. But when closets are crowded, drawers are jumbled, and shelves overflow, it can really slow you down. Every day I try to focus on just one or two areas (like kitchen counters) that drive me crazy. These clutter-busting hints will help you dejunk your space — which will save you time and stress.

Finding Time to Toss It:

If you have five minutes...

Chuck crummy sponges and outdated cleaning products lingering in your kitchen; clear old leftovers out of the fridge and pitch any expired foods found in the pantry.

Do a TV-room makeover. I call this method “TVC”: During TV commercials, quickly tidy up the room you’re in. Gather all the magazines, newspapers, and bits of trash and put them in the garbage. Straighten pillows and refold throws. Organize your worktable. On the next program break, you can even give the den a quick vacuum.

Throw away old cosmetics and expired medicines in the vanity drawer or the cabinet over the sink. Sort bath towels and washcloths for laundering or the rag bag.

Weed out toys and games that haven’t been used recently. If they are in good condition, you can donate them to a shelter, a hospital or a school.

Gather misplaced belongings in a holding basket; later, ask family members to claim their possessions and put them away.

If you have one hour...

W h e n serious decluttering is in store, try the ABC method. Select a cabinet or closet that’s been bugging you. Take everything out and arrange items into three piles: A: always used B: used during the holidays and special occasions, or seasonally C: not seen or used in a year or so Then do a final sort: Step 1: Toss or give away C items unless they are valuable or have sentimental worth.

Step 2: Return B items to the back of the storage area.

Step 3: Place the A team in the front of the space so those items will be handy for immediate use.

Read more: Clutter Control - How to Get Rid of Clutter Good Housekeeping Follow us: @ goodhousemag on Twitter | GOODHOUSEKEEPING on Facebook Visit us at GoodHouseKeeping.com

IN THE YELLOW CONTAINER

Only plastic containers, cans, and cartons Your Town

Clean as a..

Remember all plastic containers, cans, and cartons we use can be recycled when deposited in the yellow container. If mixed with other wastes we spoil everyone’s efforts.

Let’s separate well Recycle

better

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

9

It’s New Year Resolution Time!

“English spoken”

Deborah Cubel fisher 7 years experience in this area

“on parle francais”

legal & fiscal advice for residents & non-residents, Tax Payments and refunds

New Year’s Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year.

It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes.

This is a list of the ten most popular New Year resolutions.

10. Reorganise Your Life On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, ‘organisation’ can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organised enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organised enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, what you will find is that when you spend less time ‘looking’ for something, you spend more time ‘doing’ something!

9. Be More Charitable A very popular, non-selfish New Year’s resolution, volunteerism can take many forms.

Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local pet charity, mentoring a child, or building a house, doing something for others makes a real difference to other and yourself!

8. Learn Something New Resolutions aren’t always about giving things up! Make a promise this year to learn something new. Whether it’s improving your Spanish, how to fix your computer or bake a better cake!

Challenge your mind in the coming year, and your horizons will expand!

7. Get Out of Debt Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of other who will resolve to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It’s a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

6. Stop – or Reduce – Your Alcohol Intake While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. For the majority of us who drink socially, it may be worth taking stock of actually how much you are drinking and the possible health benefits of reducing your units!

5. Enjoy Life More Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of people in the world, it is no wonder that “enjoying life more” has become a popular resolution in recent years. It’s an important step to a happier and healthier you!

4. Stop Smoking If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-thecounter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you’ve tried to quit before and failed, don’t let it get you down.

On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good, so don’t lose faith in yourself!

3. Lose Weight Weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of people who made a New Year’s commitment to shed extra pounds. Why not get some help and join a slimming group for added support and advice.

2. Get Fit Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else; studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better! Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean joining a gym – although this works for a lot of people – take advantage of the lighter evening and take yourself off for a brisk 20 minute walk!

AND FINALLY… 1. Spend Time with Loved Ones Recent polls conducted shows that more than 50% of people asked, vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Of all the resolutions you

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Mojácar’s 17 kilometres of coast stretch from Marina de la Torre (in front of the golf course) on the border with Garrucha, to the Granatilla dry river bed in the impressively pretty outlying Sopalmo, just a few kilometres from the beginning of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park andthe border with the municipality of Carboneras. Visitors can find virgin beaches, ideal for the most solitary, as well as more touristy beaches with numerous services.

Awarded European Union Blue Flags or the subject of quality plans, the fine sandy beaches are the most popular with families, where there is the offer of a range of leisure activities and all services are available: the beaches of Marina de la Torre, El Descargador, El Cantal, Cuevadel Lobo, Las Ventanicas and Venta del Bancal, among others.

Depending on seasonal changes, tides and winds, there may be some variation in the beaches and sea access incline.

Bathing season runs from 15th June to 15th September.

During this period the lifeguard service operates daily from 11am-7pm. Outside this season there are no lifeguard and rescue services.

Playa Marina de la Torre: The first of Mojacar´s beaches coming from the east, it is located in front of the old Marina Palace, in the centre of the new residential and luxury hotel zone of the same name, and in front of the magnificent 18-hole golf course. It is next to the Río Aguas Lagoon protected area.

Services: Access for the disabled, lifeguard service, amphibious Mojácar Playa chairs, changing rooms In Coastal Properties with footbaths and toilets, Multicentro 38 (behind Unicaja) sunbeds, beach bars, playground and water Mon - Fri 10 - 5 sports.

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predominantly consists of reeds and rushes.

- Playa La Rumina: Near the quietest residential area of Mojácar, and next to the mouth of the River Aguas. Mediumgrained, greyish sand.

- Playa del Palmeral:These spacious sandy beaches are among the best connected and most easily accessed. Mediumgrained, greyish sand.

- Playa del Descargador: Its name comes from and old mineral-loading platform, which no longer exists. Mediumgrained, greyish sand.

Services: Disabled access, lifeguards, changing rooms and toilets, playground, mini golf and beach bars.

Playa PiedraVillazar: Located near the crossroads which link the municipality’s coastal strip with access to the village. In the vicinity of this beach is the luxurious Parador de Mojácar hotel. This beach is named after the rock structure located on the sand, the remarkable Villazar stone. Medium-grained, golden sand.

Services: Accessible, lifeguard service, amphibious chairs, changing rooms and toilets, playground area, hammocks and beach bar.

Playa Vista de Los Angeles: Located in an easily accessible and well-connected area, this beach offers multiple services and leisure opportunities. The sand is medium grained, making it very comfortable, and has clean waters.

Playa del Cantal: Our most popular beach, equipped with a comprehensive variety of medical services, beach-bars, leisure and sport attractions. It has easy access and good connections. There is a curious and interesting outcrop of stone on the sand in front of the campsite.

Services: Changing rooms with footbaths and toilets, lifeguard service, hammocks, beach bars.

Source: mojacar.es

Laguna del Río Aguas: A protected area of high ecological value. A lagoon located at the mouth of the River Aguas, it is the habitat for many kinds of birds, especially waterfowl, as well as a habitat for amphibians.Flora

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Gone, but not Forgotten 2014 Ed Lauter L o Reed

V e t e r a n character actor Lauter died of me sothelioma, a rare form of cancer most c o m m o n l y caused by a s b e s t o s exposure, on Oct. 16, 2013.

He was 74

u

Reed died of a “liverr e l a t e d ailment” on Oct. 27, 2013 at the age of 71 Paul Walker Walker died in a car crash on Nov. 30, 2013, his rep confirmed. He was 40.

P e t e r O’Toole

Patsy Swayze Margaret T h at c h e r , Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990, died of a stroke in London on 8 April 2013 at the age of 87.

T h e legendary actor of the stage and screen died on Dec. 14, 2013 following a long illness.

He was 81

Jackie Lomax

Lisa Kelly

Jackie Lomax, a s i n g e r- s o n g w r i t e r who worked with The Beatles and enjoyed a long solo career, died Sept. 15, 2013 following a brief illness. He was 69.

Choreographer and dance instructor Patsy Swayze, the mother of late actor Patrick Swayze, died Sept. 16, 2013.

S h e w a s 86. No cause o f death w a s given.

Robin

The former “That ‘70s Show” actress died at the age of 43 on Aug. 14, 2013.

According to TMZ, Kelly died in her sleep at a rehab facility in California.

Nelson Mandela passed away aged 95 after a short illness in Johannesburg on 6th December 2013

Michael Ansara The “Star Trek” actor died on July 31, 2013 at the age of 91.

Lee Thompson Young “The Famous Jett Jackson” star was found dead in his apartment by his landlord in Los Angeles on Aug. 19, 2013. Young’s rep confirmed that he took his own life. He was 29.

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PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT MONICA ALGANARAZ: 695 355 381 Email: monica@centrophysis.net www.centrophysis.net Wednesdays: Mojacar Playa Valle del Almanzora: Olula Del Rio

Flu and the flu vaccine

Flu is a highly infectious illness that spreads rapidly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are carrying the virus.

If you’re at risk of complications from flu, make sure you have your annual flu jab available from September onwards. Flu symptoms can hit quite suddenly and severely. They usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles. You can often get a cough and sore throat. Because flu is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics won’t treat it. Anyone can get flu, but it can be more serious for certain people, such as:

•people aged 65 or over

•people who have a serious medical condition •pregnant women If you are in one of these groups, you’re more vulnerable to the effects of flu (even if you’re fit and healthy) and could develop flu complications, which are more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which could result in hospitalisation.

Should you have the flu jab?

See your Doctor or Angel about the flu jab if you’re 65 or over, or if you have any of the following problems (however old you are): •a serious heart complaint •a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema •serious kidney disease •diabetes •lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment •if you have a problem with your spleen or you have had your spleen removed

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How effective is the flu jab? No vaccine is 100% effective, however, people who have had the flu jab are less likely to get flu. If you do get flu despite having the jab, it will probably be milder than if you haven’t been vaccinated. The flu jab doesn’t cause flu as it doesn’t contain live viruses. However, you

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You shouldn’t have the flu vaccination if: •you’ve had a serious reaction to a flu vaccination before •you have a high temperature (postpone it until you’re better)

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NEW YEAR U O Y NEW

25 Ideas for Trying Something New

Step out of your comfort zone and try something new! What have you wondered about doing in the past, but haven’t had the courage to try? Aim for something small that you can accomplish in a single day. Get in the habit of trying something new on a regular basis. Each successful experience will build your confidence and motivate you to try something else!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1.Make an appointment to try a new hair color or a new hair style.

2. Visit your local car dealership and test drive the sports car of your dreams.

3.Schedule a hot air balloon ride for you and a special friend.

4. Visit a clothing store you don’t normally go to and try on clothes that represent the new YOU! 5.Buy a pair of designer jeans or fun shoes.

6.Try on some bold fashion jewelry that you wouldn’t normally wear.

7.Rent a kayak and spend the day on the river or local lake.

8.Sign up for dance classes.

9.Dine at a restaurant alone and fully enjoy the experience.

10.Park your car and take a bus somewhere — just for the fun of it!

11.Take the day off and walk through a botanical garden or art museum.

12. Visit one of the popular “naked” clay art studios and tap into your artistic self.

13. Visit your local library and find a book about something that you would normally never read — biography, historical fiction, or a science book — expand your horizons!

14.Start your own blog!

15. Enter a story, poem, or article in a writing contest or submit it to a local magazine.

16. Check out classes at a local college or community education class and sign up for something new.

17. Take a “do-it-yourself” class at Lowe’s or Home Depot and learn how to lay ceramic tile, repair a leaky faucet, or give your bathroom a fresh coat of paint.

18.Go someplace with a friend and sing karaoke!

19. Go line dancing — or salsa, or ballroom — whatever is new, different, and sounds like fun!

20. Find a local Mary Kay representative in the phone book and schedule a makeover.

21. Volunteer for a day at a school for special needs children and discover the joy of working with these kids.

22.Send a letter to the editor about a local issue that is important to you.

23. Make a point of greeting every sales clerk, delivery person, server, receptionist, and cashier you encounter today by their name and ask how they’re doing. A smile goes a long way!

24. Go fly a kite, ride a bike, go skating, or anything else you haven’t done since you were a child. Buy some crayons and color a picture of your dream. There’s nothing like big, chunky crayons to bring out the creative spirit of a child in you!

25. Open a bank account and name it your “dream fund.” Set aside a little money from every pay check to use to make your dreams come true.

! oy j n E !!

IT O D d n a it m a Whatever it is, dre

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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15

The property landscape in 2014 From the effects of the potential mansion tax in London to the various incentives for investors overseas

Villa Lola, Sa Caleta six bedroom villa, £5.6m Aylesford Thoughts of the coming year in the central London property market inspire a curious cocktail of optimism and fear for agents. The market is “on fire”, as Howard Elston, director of Aylesford International, puts it. Foreign buyers will continue to dominate the picture and new areas are becoming magnets for international wealth – Battersea’s vast Nine Elms regeneration area, for example, Marylebone, whose new boutique developments are breaking previous price ceilings and Mayfair, no longer Belgravia’s poor cousin.

But prime London’s market sizzles beneath an ominous shadow: the threatened Mansion Tax. Until the May 2015 election, no one can know exactly what the tax – Labour’s proposed one per cent annual levy on homes worth £2m or more – will mean for property values. But Trevor Abrahmsohn, director of Glentree Estates, who sells some of London’s most expensive mansions in Hampstead’s The Bishop’s Avenue, sees it in dramatic by terms. “It will Zoe Dare drive a coach and horses

Hall

through the finely balanced dynamics of the residential property market, the like of which has not been seen since the Second World War.” “Many owners of high value homes aren’t prepared to wait and take the risk, so they’re downsizing in anticipation.

That’s a trend that’s likely to continue next year, with more renters likely to target the top end of the London property market as a result, says Camilla Dell, partner at Black Brick buying agency.

“But non-doms will continue to flood in, despite a new capital gains tax on profits from April 2015,” she adds of the new announcement that overseas investors in UK property will have to pay tax on any profits.

Among those non-doms, Chinese buyers will come to the fore in London next year, says Rachel Thompson, a partner in The Buying Solution, branching out from the

Mansion on Hampstead’s Bishop’s Avenue new-build riverfront developments that have typically attracted them to more traditional period properties, while Middle Eastern buyers will increasingly diversify to the commercial sector.

For those with aspirations of digging deep in Kensington & Chelsea or Westminster, 2014 will be the year to do it before their local councils – who are already clamping down on megabasement conversions – put a stop to the practice entirely.

As for areas on the up, the South Bank is “the most exciting contemporary urban quarter” and firmly on the prime central London map now, according to Savills, who predict 25 per cent growth over the next five years. New projects include South Bank Tower, an overhaul of the 1970s King’s Reach Tower, where 173 flats will launch in Spring from £650,000 through Savills and CBRE. The South Bank’s competition will come from The Strand, soon to be rebranded “North Bank” and to become a “world class destination”, according to Ben Babington from Jackson-Stops & Staff, who are marketing the new 353 The Strand development, with apartments costing from £2.35m. Neighbouring Covent Garden and the “city fringe” are also part of the WC2 overhaul and will see buyers migrate from the likes of Mayfair.

Overseas, residency will be the buzzword in 2014. Following in Portugal’s footsteps, Spain recently launched its “golden visa” scheme, offering residency to non-EU nationals in return for at least €500,000 in Spanish property. Malta has introduced a new Global Residence Programme for non-EU nationals and similar incentives are taking off in the Caribbean, where

the success of St Kitts’ citizenship programme has driven Antigua and Grenada to launch similar schemes.

Barbados is also making it easier for buyers to invest by relaxing the amount of time they can stay without needing to renew their visas.

Spain will be hoping for some light at the end of the tunnel, now that it’s officially out of recession. Bill Gates has shown a vote of confidence by investing in the Spanish construction industry FCC and Ibiza’s property market is set to continue to fly next year, with British buyers back in force. “But don’t expect any bargains,” says Alex Vaughan from Lucas Fox. “For that, head to Barcelona, the Costa Brava or Marbella, whose markets have seen big price drops but are now recovering.”

Italy – whose luxury property market saw prices fall by up to 20 per cent this year, according to Linda Travella from Casa Travella estate agency – is hoping to tempt investors by reducing buying costs from January (you’ll save around €12,000 on a €1m home) and Tuscany will be the place for Italian bargains, says Paul Belcher from Ultissimo. “The large supply of luxury properties, some at distressed prices, will put the brakes on price rises for at least another year,” he says.

So, mixed fortunes await in London and incentives galore are on offer in weaker markets abroad. Where will you invest? http://w w w.telegraph.co.uk /luxur y/ property-and-architecture/18979/theproperty-landscape-in-2014.html

Investment Opportunity 2 DETACHED VILLAS AND land for sale Two detached villa shells built upto and including roofs125m2 built on flat 3000m2 plot. Secluded position, unspoilt countryside views across orange and lemon groves front and rear

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16

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

Morph Book Ends ~ From £19.95/22.40€ Keep your shelves tidy and your literature upstanding with these magnificent Morph Bookends.

With Morph at one end and his cheeky chappy cousin Chas at the other ensuring all your written works stay upright and just the way you left them. You are sure to love the perplexed look on Morph’s face as he tries to push the books one way, without realising that Chas is hidden away at the other end stopping him.

Gadgets Mini Steel Drums ~ From £14.95/16.80€ Just tap away with your digits and these little drums will make satisfyingly sunny sounds whisking you away to an environment of inner calm. When you get to the pinnacle of laid back-ness there is even a ‘Demo’ button that you just press once and the Steel Finger Drums will play all by themselves so you don’t even need to go to the effort of playing them yourself.

Sergeant Salt & Pepper Pots ~ £12.95/14.60€ Sgt. Pepper isn’t so lonely anymore now he’s found his found his good friend and comrade Sgt. Salt, together they are mobilising to spread seasoning to food up and down the land.

Sergeant Salt and Pepper aren’t just cool cartoony salt and pepper pots that will sit on your table, wind them up and they’ll even march double time to just where you need them.

Bar Games Beer Mats ~ £7.95/8.95€ Each one of these cool coasters has a different game, activity, or useful feature.

From peanut darts to crazy chat-up lines, a reserved sign, and even a Snakes and Ladders board these great mats will keep you and your mates entertained on any night out. The mats are a normal beer mat sized 91 x 91mm and are made from 85% recycled paper, so they are good for the environment as well as for your nights out.

Stay Well This Winter Winter is the harshest of seasons and many of us wish we could hibernate until the last of the frost is over.

Unfortunately, we’re not designed to do that - but here are some tips to ensure you make it through to spring happy and healthy.

Fresh fruit & veg…

You’ve heard it before but five portions of fresh fruit and veg per day really will boost your immune system and leave you fighting fit. Prunes, kiwi fruit, broccoli, greens and carrots should see you through the worst of the winter.

Garlic…

Your partner may not appreciate it - but garlic has fantastic protective qualities when it comes to beating colds. In a recent study, volunteers who took a garlic capsule each day for 12 weeks during the winter months, suffered fewer colds than their sweetbreathed chums.

Drink water…

It’s tempting to drink less water during the winter because you may feel less thirsty but between 8-10 glasses per day will help retain your skin’s elasticity and prevent dryness.

Regular water consumption also helps flush toxins out of your system.

Exercise…

Taking refuge under the duvet may be tempting but a bout of exercise - three times a week - will do you more good. It needn’t be boring - dancing is just as good for your immune system as a vigorous workout! Why not treat yourself to one of those celebrity exercise DVD’s in the Jnauary sales?

Retain your body heat…

It may seem obvious - but make sure you keep warm. Most heat is lost through the head so wear a hat or scarf and cover your body with thin layers of clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy materials.

Junk food…

Cut out junk food.

A high intake of sugar will lower the immune system - so try to reduce the amount of refined and sugary food that you consume. The worst offenders include sugary drinks, white bread, cakes and biscuits.

N a t u r a l remedies…

Try the herbal remedy Echinacea (available from health shops).

Echinacea contains natural chemicals

that help stimulate the production of antibodies. A recent study found that Echinacea reduces the chances of catching a cold by 58 per cent.

Vitamin C… Multivitamins plus extra vitamin C may protect against illness during the winter months, although the research on the benefits of supplements are inconclusive.

Natural sources of vitamin C can be found in: citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, cantaloupe, broccoli and peppers.

Flu jab…

Get a flu jab - ask your local GP for details. The flu virus changes every year so you’ll need to get your jab annually.

Free vaccinations are available to anyone over 65 or those with specific conditions such as diabetes.

Medicine…

Don’t overdose on cold therapies. Some people get so het-up about the prospect of losing work-time that they stoke up on cold remedies packed with antihistamines and caffeine causing drowsiness and insomnia in equal measure. Instead, take remedies on a needs-only basis.

Skincare…

It’s easy to forget to protect your skin from the sun during the winter - but if the sun is shining on the snow you may actually need more protection than you think. Use a moisturiser with a good SPF rating. ...and remember, feel well, be well - don’t underestimate the power of POSITIVE THINKING!

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

top 5 best jobs

1. Chocolate consultant This could well be the ultimate job for anyone with even the smallest craving for chocolate – and yes jobs like these really do exist. There are lots of different types of chocolate consultant too; from people that work with high street brands and liaise directly with their outlets to people that work with more niche brands.

Louise Thomas has worked in the chocolate industry for two years and been passionate about chocolate for more than six years. She became frustrated by the lack of education and awareness regarding fine chocolate, so started her own company to share her love of the cocoa bean. She now runs events and tastings – similar to wine tastings – as well as doing consultancy for hospitality and retail, to find a particular chocolate for a client or extend their range.

If you don’t yet have what it takes to be a chocolate consultant you can still work with chocolate as a pastry chef.

2. Beer tasters Maybe not one for everyone, but if you prefer beer to chocolate then many breweries hire technologists to check the quality of their drink before it goes on sale. In order to thrive in this job you have to have an adept palate – and that doesn’t mean being able to sink six pints on a Friday night.

It’s still a pretty popular job; when Welsh brewery Evan-Evans started the search for a group of beer tasters to help with the development of a new beer range, the company received more than 250 applications.

Of course, if you’d rather be selling the beer than tasting it, then the career of a bar manager awaits.

3. LEGO sculptor Who hasn’t at some point in their life sat down in front of a box of LEGO and set

17

about building (or helping to build) a fantastic creation in multi-coloured blocks? For some people this becomes more than just something you did as a kid. LEGO has a number of certified professionals who work with the company to create sets and build models for them.

They work against fairly tight budgets and thematic constraints, and are based in Legoland Discovery Centres around the world. But competition for the jobs is fierce, with estimates varying as to exactly how many there are in the world – from nine to 30. The latest one to get a job was 23-year-old Andrew Johnson who submitted a clever video, then competed in a hard core three-round build off, allegedly fighting off 45 other competitors.

If you love childhood toys but don’t fancy building them, why not consider joining the retail sector and work in a toy shop?

4. Island Caretaker OK, everyone lists this but what a job! It was advertised as “Officially the best job in the world” in 2009 and involved working for the Queensland Tourism Board.

The role was a newly created position designed to help promote the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef to the world.

Briton Ben Southall won the job, earning £73,400 to live on an island in the Great Barrier Reef for six months, swimming, exploring and generally enjoying himself whilst filming and blogging about all the fun he was having. And it didn’t end there, after his six-month stint on the island, Ben went onto become Global Tourism Ambassador at Tourism Queensland.

If you’re not lucky enough to land a job caretaking an exotic island then the travel and tourism industry can still take you to some pretty interesting places.

5. Shark Tank Cleaner Window cleaning is probably not the most fun of professions. However, add in the requirement to share your job with a bunch sharks (and not the loan variety) while simultaneously being watched by a crowd of people, all of whom are no doubt secretly hoping at least one of the sharks is feeling a little peckish; and suddenly the interest levels notch up a level or two.

However, if you don’t fancy risking the odd limb, but still want to work with fish perhaps a career as a fishmonger would be a better choice.

Lovely Townhouse in Mojácar playa for

197.000€

Very attractive 3 bed / 2 bath Townhouse set on an extremely well kept development with pool and gardens within 150 meters from the promenade, beach and amenities.

The property has a built area of 133.24 m² distributed on two levels comprised of living / dining room with fire place, a fully fitted kitchen, hallway, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, family bathroom

and two further double bedrooms.

It has on the ground floor a porch with a built area of 9.53 m², a terrace with 22.31 m² and a private garden with 33.64 m². It also has 2 terraces on the upper level, one with 4.05 m² and another with 2.02 m² and finally a roof solarium with sea views measuring 55.74 m².

The property also benefits from air conditioning and from a private parking place.

This is a must see property and the low asking price makes it very attractive. For more information or to book a viewing appointment please visit our office or contact us via phone or e-mail. Ref: 1523

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

property group

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

18

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

19

Wanting to sell?

We are currently looking to expand our portfolio.

For more information please call us on, Spain 0034 699 271 709 or UK 0044 7919215925 email: shirleywithvidacabrera@hotmail.com

Property of the Week

* Cortijo Grande * 2 bed/2 bath * Duplex * On golf

* * * *

Cortijo Grande 2 Beds /2 Baths Near Golf Fantastic views

* Arboleas * 3 Bed/2 Bath * Private pool * Garage

* * * *

* 2 sun terraces * Fantastic views * Ideal holiday home * 5 mins to town

SCL0098

89.000€

SCL0124

199.995€

Sierra Cabrera 3 Bedrooms SCL0097 Private Pool 275.000€ Sun spa jacuzzi

SCL0123

95,000€

* Turre * 3 bed/1 bath/wc * Spacious & airy * Seperate kitchen

SCL0140

90,000€

* Albox * 1/2 & 3 Beds * Central Location * Ideal 1st home

* Cortijo Grande * 2 bed/2 bath * Large terrace * Open plan

SCL0127 from

33.000€

SCL0139

79,999€

* Cortijo Grande * 3 bed/2 bath * near golf * on one level

* Cortijo Grande * 3 bed/2 bath * on golf * Private pool

* Puerto Lumbreras * Private pool SCL00135 * 2 roof terraces * Country property 215.000€

*Sierra Cabrera * 3 Bed/3 Bath SCL0130 * Seperate annex 225.000€ * Various terraces

* Mojacar Playa * 4 bed/2 bath * Sea views * On golf course

* * * *

* Sierra Cabrera * 3 Bed/3 Bath SCL0050 * 1450sqm Plot * Stunning views 385,000€

* Sierra Cabrera * 4 Bed/4 Bath * 1600sqm plot * Infinity pool

Sierra Cabrera 3 Bedrooms Lge underbuild Private pool

SCL0049

280.000€

SCL0131

80.000€

SCL0134

160.000€

SCL0081 from

230.000€

SCL0094

694.000€

www.sierracabreraliving.com email : shirleywithvidacabrera@hotmail.com

Tel : 950 091 830 / 699 271 709

20

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

Happy new year to everyone

• VH598 €149,950 NEW LISTING • 3 bed, 2 bath Villa • Edge of village • Swimming pool • Walk to restaurant

• VH398 €130,000 BARGAIN • 3 bed, 2 bath Country House • 43,000m2 flat, fenced land • Less land if wanted • Walk to amenities

• VH570 €129,950 BARGAIN • 3 bed, 2 bath Villa • Swimming pool • 5 mins drive to Huercal-Overa • 25 mins drive to the coast

• VH561 €129,950 BARGAIN • 2 bed, 1 bath Villa • Swimming pool • 5 mins drive to Huercal-Overa • 25 mins drive to the coast

PROPERTIES WANTED • VH416 €165,000 NEW INSTRUCTION • 3 bed, 2 bath Villa • Double garage • Swimming pool • 5 mins drive to La Alfoquia

• VH121 €148,000 REDUCED • 4 bed, 3 bath Det Village House • Swimming pool & jacuuzi • 1,135m2 garden • Garage

• VH98 €89,950 REDUCED • 3/4 bed, 2 bath, 1wc Village House • Large & spacious • 320m2 garden • Walk to amenities

Urgently wanted properties in the San Juan de Los Terreros, Huercal-Overa, Taberno and the Zurgena areas

• VH256 €114,950 BARGAIN • 2 bed, 1 bath Villa • Edge of village • Walk to amenities • 10 mins to Huercal-Overa

• VH264 €149,000 BARGAIN • 5 bed, 2 bath Country House • Full of character • Main road access • Walk to amenities

• VH344 €247,500 REDUCED • 5 bed, 3 bath Country House • 170,000m2 of land • Separate apartment & garage • Stable & Paddock

• VH309 €179,950 REDUCED • 3 bed, 2 bath Seaside House • San Juan de Los Terreros • Communal pool with 5 others • Great sea views

• VH588 €179,950 NEW INSTRUCTION • 2 bed, 2 bath Seaside Villa • San Juan de Los Terreros • Sea Views • Walk to amenities & beach

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

Est 25yrs

PRICE BROWN PARTNERSHIP

ESTATE AGENTS / INMOBILiARIA / MANTENIMIENTO - MOJACAR SALES, RENTALS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VENTAS, ALQUILERES Y MANTENIMIENTO

DV1289 Mojácar Playa 159,000 €

A1186 Garrucha 75,000 €

DV1288 Agua Nueva 174,950 €

Spacious detached villa of 116m2 on 467m2 in walking distance of the beach. Needs some modernisation but has huge potential. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, integral garage & roof terrace + sea views. RECOMMENDED.

Spotless 1st floor apartment of 54 m2 + 6 m2 terrace on a secure complex. Beautiful community pool & gardens.

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, furnished. Underground parking + parking. 5 minutes walk from the beach.

Immaculate villa of 100m2 on 400m2 in walking distance of the town. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 8 x 4 m private pool, pretty gardens, terraces & carport.

Country views. Short drive to beaches & golf courses.

A932 Mojácar Playa 99,500 €

SDV1276 Mojácar Playa 259,000 €

SDV604 Mojácar Playa 230,000 €

Very nice apartment of 70m2 in walking distance of the beach & golf in a very popular complex. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & solarium. Lovely community pool & gardens. Good rental potential.

Very attractive, south east facing, detached villa, of 94m2 on 423m2, 5 minutes walk from the beach. Good sea views. 3 bedrooms + built in wardrobes, 2 bathrooms, ample terraces.

Garage & private gardens.

Spacious semi-detached villa of 100m2 + 158m2 of private

DV1272 Mojácar Playa 265,000 €

A1144 Turre 55,000 €

DV1250 Cabrera 115,000 €

Very attractive detached villa of 134m2 on 530m2 in a very private location. Newly renovated with many desirable features. Ample terrace, gardens & room for a pool. Just 2 minutes drive from the beach.

LV547 Mojácar Playa 120,000 €

Immaculate town house of 76m2 in a small & secure community. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, parking. Ample terraces + sea views from the upper terrace. Sky satellite dish. In walking distance of the beach.

An excellent south facing 2nd floor apartment of 55m2 near the centre of Turre. Nicely furnished + lift access.

Nice views. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. 10 minute drive to the nearest beaches.

DV1248 La Pilica 299,950 €

Pretty detached villa of 141m2 on 2,500m2 with superb far reaching views. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Private garage & heated pool. Just a short drive to golf, towns & beaches.

gardens. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & private garage of 37m2.

Community pool & only a few minutes walk to the beach.

Attractive detached bungalow of 87m2 on 130m2 in a small community. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Stunning communal pool, terraces & outstanding views. Easy parking & furnished.

LV554 Mojácar Playa 197,000 €

Top quality townhouse of 133m2 + 93m2 of terraces on a sought after front-line complex. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, parking. Superb community gardens & pool. Outstanding sea views from the roof terrace.

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

Members of the National Association of Estate Agents Overseas

Monday - Friday 9.30am to 6pm

We are able to organise Energy Efficiency Certificates at very competitive prices. Contact us for more details All properties listed with Price Brown comply with the consumer protection act - decreto 218/2005 11 Octobre (Andalucia).

Members of the Agrupacion Tecnica Profesional

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

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SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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 Q. I am resident in the U.K. In Spain I own a villa in San Juan de los Terreros (Andalucía) worth aprox. 250,000 euro and a small bank account. In the u.k. I have assets worth aprox. 700,000 (seven hundred thousand) euro.

I have two daughters. One lives in Mojacar (Andalucia ) with her daughter and the other lives in London and has no children.

When I purchased the property in Spain I made a simple Spanish will leaving my Spanish estate to my two daughters in equal shares.

What inheritance tax will my daughters have to pay in Spain?

A. Residents in Andalucia who are in Group I (spouse and direct descendents) do not pay inheritance tax as longs as they receive less than 175000 (one hundred and seventy five thousand) euro each. Non-residents in group I pay on everything but the first 16,000 (sixteen thousand) euro received. If you leave things as they are, your daughter that lives in London will have to pay considerable inheritance tax in Spain and this is unnecessary.

With this in mind, I recommend you change your will and leave the Spanish assets to your daughter and granddaughter that are resident in Spain and compensate your other daughter with extra assets in the u.k.

As they will each be inheriting less than 175000 (one hundred and seventy five thousand) euro no inheritance tax will be due.

I also recommend that If your granddaughter in Spain is a minor, you name your daughter in Spain executor with faculty to sell in case she needs to dispose of the inherited property before her daughter (your granddaughter) becomes of age.

The content of a will can make a very big difference to the expenses and complexity of probate for your heirs. After looking into the options you may find that a simple mirrored will is the best thing for you, but this is not always the case.

WE have a lot of experience in dealing with complex and/or expensive inheritance situations due to the non-existence of a Spanish will or wrongly written ones.

Good advice when making a will is inexpensive and can save a lot of expenses and hassle.

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.

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

O

22

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

OLV787

Bedar (EL PInar)

This fantastic 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom town house is located in the popular village of El Pinar, 5 minutes from the beautiful village of Bedar and just over 10 minutes from the coastal resort of Mojacar.

...it’s all in the detail

OLV776

agua amarga

These stunning 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom properties are located in the beautiful and renowned coastal resort of Agua Amarga in the now protected National Park of the Cabo de Gata.

99.950€

450.000€

OLV773 sorbas (la huelga)

OLV766

This charming Cortijo is situated in the beautiful and friendly hamlet of La Herreria, just a few minutes’ drive from major road links and only a 25 minute drive from the beautiful beaches of the Cabo de Gata National Park.

This unique 3 bedroom property has incredible views of the coast and village of Bedar. This property is being sold to include everything inside, all furniture, fixtures and fittings. An immaculate property.

139.950€

Bedar

365.000€

COMPLETE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY CARE CARE COMPLETE MOJACAR PLAYA

RENTALS - SALES -MANAGEMENT - MAINTENANCE

Ref. PC/SK beautifully refurbished, very large 1st flr apt, 300m to beach, pool & a/c.

Ref:INT/MJ - 3 bed/2bath house private gardens , garage, com pool 300m to beach

MOJACAR - NEW - €149,950

MOJACAR - new €189,950

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

Ref:VA/TL Fantastic 1bed/1bath apt, A/C, com pool, parking, F/F, 300m to beach

MOJACAR - NEW €119,950

Ref: IND/JL fantastic front line 2 bed/2 bath apt.,pool, large terrace with sea views, garage, a/c, furnished.

MOJACAR - NEW€169,950

MOJACAR - new €69,950

reduced

Ref: IA/SP/302 - 1 bed/1bath apt, F/F, 50m to beach, sea views A/C, com pool, good rental

MOJACAR - €57,950

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

23

Coles of Andalucia would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2014.

Last year was a very busy one for us and as a result we are looking for new property listings.

We urgently require fully legal properties both coastal and inland from apartments to new villas, village houses to old cortijos. If you have a fully legal property for sale or you are thinking of marketing please contact us as soon as possible. We offer a professional, friendly service with no pressure and a no sale no fee approach. Our sales commission is low & fare with absolutely no upfront charges at all. Our contact details are below for a free valuation & consultation on what we can do to get you moving.

D OL

S

D L O

D OL

S

S

D L O

S

D L O

D L O

S

S

D L O

S

Ref ARB3VG08 Price €159,000 Superb detached 3 bed 2 bath villa near Arboleas village centre with great views, private pool, store shed, covered terrace and built to a very high specification. Plot 775m2 and build size 127m2.

Ref ZUR3VCU01 Price €129,950 Just reduced and a genuine bargain!

3 bed 2 bath detached villa near Zurgena. Private pool, two enclosed conservatories, outside kitchen, immaculate home with lovely views.

A must view!

Plot 600m2 and build size 129m2.

Ref ARB4VC02 Price €139,000 A huge 4 bed 2 bath villa very near Arboleas village centre with private 10m pool, enclosed covered day room, furniture and full air-con throughout. A bargain home at this reduced price. Offers invited.

Ref GAL3T10 Price €129,000 A very large 3 bed 3 bath village house in Los Gallardos village with furniture, private garage, solarium, terraces, communal pool, air-con, fully fitted kitchen etc. A stunning home with everything a stroll away!

Ref VER2AV01 Price €69,000 2 bed 2 bath fully furnished apartment on Vera Playa with indoor pool, outdoor pools, underground private parking, walking distance to the beach and mortgage available if required

Ref ARB3VL08 Price €159,000 A splendid home of a very high quality! 3 bed 2bath detached villa in Arboleas with great views, private pool, day room, large 149m2 build on a plot of 700m2. A very private aspect and a must view home!

For more information or viewings please contact us on the details below please contact us for more information:

Tel: 950 469 592 Mobile: 697 640 681 www.colespain.com info@colespain.com

24

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

NEW YEAR NEW BUSINESS? 3 WAYS TO ADVERTISE RING 950 121 936 OR 902 121 936 OR EMAIL YOUR ADVERT TO sales@soltimes.com

Log-on-Tommy

Stacking service available Free Kindling with every full load

PAUL

MOBILE MECHANIC ALL AREAS COVERED FOR ALL TYPES OF SERVICE AND REPAIRS, ITV TESTING

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY QUALIFIED AND LEGAL DIESEL SPECIALIST

PAUL

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Tel: 617 150 300 or 850 993 057

trifenners@gmail.com

Professional, reliable, handy man available...

Call Jim 677 557 190 Evenings 950 930 596

References available & Pics of work completed

swift transport

Wayne English

• Deliveries to / from UK • Monthly runs • Local deliveries also available

spain-uk-spain 07857 484886 Uk +34 618 511 234 Spain

full / part loads uk shopping swift.transport@rocketmail.com

www.cleanteamspain.com

Fully Qualified with over 25 years experience

TJOLIVER@HOTMAIL.CO.UK PIEDRA AMARILLA ALBOX, ALMERIA

619 584 405 635 979 829

619 070 839

...for all the jobs he doesn’t get round to, including Van Removals, Painting Exterior/Interior, Small Plumbing Jobs, Shelves, Garden Clearance, All Outside Work - Walls, Stone Cladding, Rendering etc... Property Maintenance Good hourly/daily rate - 7 yrs in the area.

Monthly contracts, one-off pool clean, summer contracts, Procare holiday rentals, pools sand changes, minor pools repairs and much more

ANOTHER GREAT INSTALL BY:

642 370 681

solosat@gmail.com

For VERY competitive rates call

office:

950 528 334 E-mail:

or email:

elite plant hire construction & drainage

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

• walls • paving • extensions • cladding

Digger Hire available references available

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

James & Son

Removals / Storage

• 8 years in Spain with

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

mobile:

699 909 737

procarepropertyservice@gmail.com

British Plasterer 25 years experience • Quality work guaranteed • References available

ALL AREAS COVERED COAST & INLAND Fully Legal Domestic & Commercial Cleaning going back to the UK? Window Cleaning, Don’t just lock up.

Painting & much more . home Let us look after your Regular or One-Off Service Tel: 950 930 652 Mob: 634 332 502 E-mail: cleanteam.es@gmail.com

TJ Carpentry & Construction

now incorporating Small Cut Olive Logs No Roots For The Smaller Fire “Sammy Sweep”

HIRE A HUSBAND

Clean Team

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

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

FREE QUOTATIONS & ADVICE

The No.1 li supp er &installer in your area

AWNINGS DIRECT FROM MANUFACTURERS

Established 5 years with 100% customer satisfaction our prices cannot be beaten - guaranteed

Turn your outside area into a dry & wind free enclosure & enjoy the outside while still being inside

Telephone: 627 907 207 Email: solshaders@live.co.uk Web: www.solshaders.com

UK, France & Spain personal shopping from the UK (Argos, Screwfix, Wickes etc)

Pet Transportation & Competitive Rates

950 529 731 / 627 968 434

GARRY BOULTON Qualified Carpenter & Builder

35 years experience - Fully legal - Est 10 years in Spain

Walls to Wardrobes Painting to Patios Coving to Cladding

Guttering to Garages

Termites to Tiling

- Certificates, references & photographs - No work sub-letted Office: 950 437 053 / Mob: 628 650 598

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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Pets also benefit from New Year’s resolutions

PETS CORNER

As 2014 begins, veterinarians are encouraging pet parents to keep some New Year’s resolutions in mind for their pets, as well as themselves.

Preventing injuries or disease is by far the most remarkable care you can give your pet, they say.

Here are some New Year’s resolutions that will keep your pet healthy and energetic: Consider quitting smoking for yourself and your pet.

Secondhand smoke isn’t only harmful to people.

It’s also harmful to pets. Knock the habit to help keep yourself and your furry friend alive longer.

Exercise with your pet. Exercising for both people and pets is a great way to stay in shape. The life expectancy of a pet

can be significantly increased if they live a healthy and active life.

Maintain regular visits with your family veterinarian.

Pets age much faster than people, so take your pet to your veterinarian twice a year.

Consider obtaining a pet insurance policy to assist with funding in the event of a veterinary emergency.

Companies like Trupanion offer pet health insurance.

That can mean the difference between being able to save your furry friend or having to make the difficult decision to put him or her to sleep.

Start an emergency fund.

Setting aside $20 to $40 per paycheck can be a perfect way to save for emergency care.

676 389 592

950 163 489 pammyandjohnny@gmail.com

See more at: http:// chroniclenewspaper.com/apps/ pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20131230/ NEWS01/131239997/0/opinion03/ Pets-also-benefit-from-New-Year’sresolutions#sthash.vrhFF2Mr.dpuf

Let us transport your loving friends to and from the UK & Europe in comfort with loving care in our air-conditioned van

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

THE HILTONS CATTERY

Our cattery is like no other, the purpose built roomy heated building is double insulated for warmth in the winter, cool in the summer, mosquito proofed, hygienically tiled and each very large private room is decorated in a homely manner with all the comforts of home. Our care for your pet is constant and personal with companionship for your cat assured.

We have over 15 year’s professional background in animal care. We are small and care for your cat the way we would like our own to be. For the pet lovers with dogs and other pets these can be accommodated for in our own spacious home with walled garden and treated as one of the family.

Our service is special, bookings are limited and pre-booking is recommended. Discounts are available for multi-cat owners. Inspection is welcome and regular customer references are available.

Pam & John The Best Care There Is For Your Cat...

Source: BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Tampa, Fla.

Ken & Jackie Dog & Cat Sitter service

25

Tel 950 092 096 or 661 402 493 Email jt.transport@yahoo.co.uk

woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery arboleas

Small friendly kennels 24hr vets service pet transporting arranged welcome to view ministry approved

Tracy 650 211 952

APSA, the animal charity in Albox is delighted to announce it´s new plans for 2014 - an exciting year for the charity as we will be moving home! The charity is unable to meet the rising costs at the kennels so have negotiated a piece of land - more convenient too as it is closer to Albox.

Once we have built there, the running costs will be far less and we hope to home more dogs as the new kennels will be more easily accessible to potential owners. The new kennels will be better for dog walkers, open days.........the future looks promising!

At first, of course, we have to build! Could you help by donating money specifically for the building fund? - €4 buys a bag of cement, €5 buys 10 bloques, €20 a palet. Or could you organise a fund-raiser in your area? €100 raised would buy a strong gate for example. €500, a complete pen for dogs.

Perhaps you can support the building fund by taking items for sale to the shop, open 10 - 2 opposite Jacks in Albox, Monday to Saturday and by buying something when you get there too! Also we always need bedding, food and rice for the dogs and, any donations will reduce the cost of the food bill.

Please take any donations of money, food, clothing etc to the shop or ring Di, chair of APSA on 663 762 642, particularly if you can offer building materials or labour! We can collect materials. See dogs for homing at www.apsa.org.es.

Charlie

Charlie - small dog, part French bulldog, clean, very loving, about a year old. APSA can help with neutering etc. Please call 663 762 642 www.apsa.org.es

Thankyou, Happy New Year from APSA

Bailey, new to APSA, in his xmas jumper, waiting for the new kennels!

Baxter

Baxter - 10 month old german-shepherd (well, mainly). Taking well to training, loves a romp. Please call APSA on 663 762 642 www.apsa.org.es

Bailey

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

STANDARD CROSSWORD

26

Across

(7) 29 Blameless (7)

Across

1 Shiver (7) 5 Drops (7) 9 Instances of hard physical labor (9) 10 Absorbs written material (5) 11 French country house (7) 12 Saliva (7) 13 Making better (9) 15 Detected (5) 17 Writing tables (5) 19 A short yet extended fictional work (9) 22 Too old (7) 25 Corroding (7) 26 Primp (5) 27 Revering (9) 28 Gabled extensions in a roof

Down

1 Element of vehicle good in France (6) 5 Stupid idiot Dan gets arithmetic operation (8) 9 Carefully considering pre-fight event before midnight (8) 10 Apes manage to catch one student leader (6) 11 Associated closely, if it denied production (10) 12 Animal’s quiet old state (4) 13 Attribute of suitable drink, say (8) 16 Vehicle left in plant (6) 17 Fluid that’s disputed in silence (6) 19 Puts down, so tips off after removing half of debt (8) 21 Setter’s section of exam in English (4) 22 Sadly dies on horseback initially, with feathers inverted (6-4) 25 A head of department, only to alter slightly (6) 26 English meadows in colour that’s slackened (8) 27 Amicable conclusion in adornment, mostly unknown (8) 28 Most crafty instruments without right to be in the street

1 Pale cane syrup (7) 2 Some women bat these (9) 3 A small brown heron (7) 4 An expert manner of speaking (9) 5 Electrical safety devices (5) 6 Borders (7) 7 The smallest amount (5) 8 Temporarily expel (7) 14 State leaders (9) 16 Derived from hunches (9) 17 Let fall (7) 18 An Algonquian people (7) 20 Homosexual woman (7) 21 Engrosses wholly (7) 23 Chieftain (5) 24 Modifies written material (5)

SUDOKU PUZZLE

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

(6)

Down 2 Leading margin of victory? (5) 3 Start to live with drink (5) 4 Number one to rise awkwardly with more sound (7) 5 Any girl exploding with rage (7) 6 Determines policemen’s entry into river with pole (7) 7 Foremost university (extremely poorly-off) to witness turnaround - thanks to these? (3-2,4) 8 Her voting’s erratic, happening in a short time (9) 14 What’s left of a memento, externally (9) 15 Course of action, perhaps, prouder to include church (9) 18 The Uni mostly ‘ad trouble, having resident ghosts (7) 19 Ruin of the French city of old (7) 20 In mix-up, add less oars (7) 23 Journal’s sudden attack coming up at start of year (5) 24 Tiny daughter’s unwanted growths (5)

STANDARD

Very Hard!

To get the solutions go to

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

property SERVICES BUY - SELL - RENT - MAINTAIN CALL 902 750 190

EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM

Home Sweet Home

27

KEVIN LEWIS INSURANCE AGENT •CAR • HOME • LIFE • TRAVEL • • FUNERAL • MOTORBIKE •

davidkevin.lewis@exclusivos.libertyseguros.es For Quotation or Advice please contact me on 669075117

POOL SHOP

special offer €25 5kg shock + clorama algicide

offer available while stocks last

FIND US In Longo’s Courtyard

Shop: 950 104 345 or Maintenance: 637 582 696

FOR SALE

tel: 950 930 900 968 969 962

Offers in Region of €190,000 3 bedroom duplex for sale Sol De Alboran, Almerimar A beautiful, residential duplex apartment on this quality development. This property benefits from first line beachfront location and is also equipped with communal gardens and a huge swimming pool, playground and paddle tennis courts. It also boasts fantastic mountain, beach and lake views.

Please email for more details and photos

Solar Oil Gas Solid Fuel pellet fully legal company with public liability insurance Solar Hot Water & Pool Heating Full Heating Installations Water Treatment Systems Water Deposits & Pumps

Email:sueknowlts@hotmail.co.uk

carlos.saliente@gmail.com • www.carlossaliente.com

Tel Evenings: 0044 1793 226 568

Cortijo Pipa, Avda de Limaria 1, Limaria, arboleas

David

665 517 643 Steve

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

Phone or email for a no obligation quote

energy performance certificates from 121€ (VAT included) fully registered

BUILDING & STRUCTURAL SURVEYS cERTIFIED & LEGAL REPORTS

For litigation purposes, concerning building negligence & house damage Free consultation www.proinspectionreport.co.uk architect Daniel González Aranda Telephone 686 846 624

propertyinspectionreport@hotmail.com

Mojacar - Bedar - Vera

Triton Pool cleaning prices from 60€ per month

Triton Property Services 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

DENISE: 628 408 197

Urgently wanted properties for sale in the Huercal-Overa, Zurgena, Taberno & San Juan de Los Terreros areas.

Call 0034 950 616 827 / 0034 678 002 006 155a Carretera Estacion, Huercal Overa.100m from LIDL

www.vosshomesspain.com

28 SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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

Easy Entertaining

Salt-crusted Mini Baked Potatoes with Cold Chive Hollandaise

Starter

INGREDIENTS - Serves 5 10 small red potatoes olive oil ½ tbsp salt flakes 3 egg yolks 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoons white wine vinegar 6oz butter seasoning (1oz) chives, snipped You will need a large solid baking sheet.

METHOD

First of all, make the hollandaise by placing the egg yolks in a small bowl and season them. Then place them in a food processor or blender and blend them thoroughly for about 1 minute.

After that, heat the lemon juice and vinegar in a small saucepan until the mixture starts to bubble and simmer.

Switch the processor or blender on again and pour the hot liquid on to the egg yolks in a slow, steady stream. After that, switch the processor or blender off Now, using the same saucepan, melt the butter over a gentle heat, being very careful not to let it brown. When the butter is foaming, switch the processor or blender on once more and pour in the butter in a thin, slow, steady trickle; the slower you add it the better. (If it helps you to use a jug rather than pouring it from the saucepan, warm a jug with boiling water, discard the boiling water and pour the butter mixture into that first.)

When all the butter has been incorporated, wipe around the

sides of the processor bowl or blender with a spatula to incorporate all the sauce, then give the sauce one more quick burst and you should end up with a lovely smooth, thick, buttery sauce. Then pour it into a bowl and stir in two-thirds of the snipped chives. Cover the bowl with clingfilm and leave in the fridge until the sauce is cold and set.

Next, scrub the potatoes thoroughly and dry them with a tea towel, then leave them aside for the skins to dry completely (if you get ready-scrubbed potatoes, just wipe them with damp kitchen paper). Preheat the oven to 190°C/gas mark 5. When the skins are nice and dry, prick them with a fork, then moisten your hands with oil and rub the potatoes to oil them all over.

Put the tablespoon of salt flakes in a bowl and swirl each potato in the salt to coat it lightly. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until crisp and tender.

Then when you’re ready to serve, cut a cross in the top of each potato and gently squeeze up from the base to open out the cut slightly (use a towel to protect your hands). Quickly top each one with a spoonful of the chive hollandaise, then sprinkle with the reserved chives.

Restaurant

ALB

OX

Restaurant Open Friday & Saturday 6pm - 9pm For a la Carte Menu Sunday lunches served noon - 5pm Waiter service in our Restaurant Booking Recommended Try our NEW a la carte menu including Menu de la Noche Book our function room with private patio garden for your parties, weddings, birthdays etc Please call into Jacks or phone to discuss your BUFFET OR MENU REQUIREMENTS, OR JUST A CHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU

OPEN 9AM-LATE MON-SAT 10-6 SUN

950 120 718

jacksalbox@gmail.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

Easy Entertaining

Pear & Chocolate Crumble

air-conditioned

29

idaRestaurant&Venuare V Wish you all a Happy New Ye el Cucador

La

Saturday Burns Saturday Burns 25th 25th January Party January Night Night

+J with J+ Music Music

fr from om

88.9 .955

Wonderful Night for all Address a Toast to the a n d to the Haggis Lassies

booking recommended

traditional sunday lunch served 12.30PM-5PM

includes a complimentary coffee & chocolate

Kilts Optional 6.00pm - 9.30pm evening menu 3 Course 5€ 9 .

1 2 Themed

OUR MAIN MENU INCLUDES 16oz STEAKs ~ MIXED GRILL ~ FRESH FISH Menu changes weekly please ask for our daily specials fri – SAT EVENINGS 6PM – 9PM

dessert METHOD

INGREDIENTS 4 large ripe pears peeled quartered and cored 200g fresh or frozen blueberries 1 large orange juiced 100g belgian chocolate chopped into pieces 170g plain flour 85g rolled oats 100g butter 110g brown sugar

Mesón de

winter crazy offer

#

#

Irene

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 january

Pre heat oven gas mark 6/200C Cut pear quarters into large chunks.

Stir in blue berries and transfer the fruit to a shallow ovenproof dish. Pour over the orange juiceand scatter over chocolate pieces.

In a food processor whizz flour and butter together briefly.

Tip into a mixing bowl and stir in the oats and sugar.

Sprinkle crumble over fruit and bake until the top is golden or the bottom is bubbling hot.

7:30 pm pm 77 -- 7:30 HOMEMADE STARTE Bookings Essential Essential Bookings & SCRUMPTIOUS HOMERS MADE DESSERTS all 3.00 each!

NOW SHOWING el Cucador Saturdays La &Sundays

VidaBar

LIVE PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Monday special wednesday supper

Chilli Night

5€

TUESDAY special Chicken Curry & Rice or Cod Fillet & Chips

5€

homemad burger, Chips & Salad Home cooked Ham, Chips & Salad

5.50€

Thursday Pie Night

Homemade Pies, Chips & Peas

5.50€

SERVED 6-9PM

Beer battered cod

homemade chips & peas

from

5.95€ in the Bar

FRIDAYS 12.30pm - 9pm

lite bite snacks

open every day open for lunch 12pm - 4PM specials, burgers, wraps 12pm - late

menu del dia 2 COURSE LUNCH 12:30-3:30PM 6€

Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com

We are here

Albox Arboleas 1km

Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547

Huercal Overa

30

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

out & about ALBOX

Upcoming Events Saturday 25th January

THE KING OF SWING MR TONY JUSTICE RETURNS TO JACKS - ONLY A FEW SEATS REMAINING

New Value Winter Offers

Bacon or Sausage in a floury bap or sandwich, tea or regular coffee ONLY €3 Order BEFORE 11.30am Mon - Sat

Saturday 1st February

THE BIGGER ALL DAY BREAKFAST from 9am includes FREE tea or regular coffee. Only (Tickets now available) 3.75€ & Saturday 5th February Double-up 5.90€ Venue Room closed

SALIEN - NEW TO ALBOX 4 PIECE BAND

for private function.

Friday 14th February Valentines Night with Obsession Duo (Tickets now available)

WEDNESDAY is now MID-WEEK PIE DAY

Bar Menu & Snacks 9AM-4.30PM (except Sunday)

Cod ‘n’ ChipS

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

The Beachcomber

John and the team at The Beachcomber always ensure your food is beautifully cooked and is served with a smile. With fish and chips to die for plus all the traditional favourite meals you would expect, John has also added a Slimming World breakfast to the menu, which is the perfect way to enjoy a meal and not feel guilty!

Here are details of some forthcoming and regular weekly events: An evening with singer Kay Frances on Friday 24th January. Spanish Lessons, held every Monday and Tuesday mornings from 10.15am . Tai Chi every Wednesday and free Thursday mornings wifi from 10.30am. Line dancing lessons Downstairs on the sea front next to the Irish Rover Monday afternoons Look out for our live entertainment evenings from 4pm. Free day Computer and the day of the nu of menu me electronic workshop 3 courses every Saturday, 3 courseS - €12.00 10.30am - 1pm. .50 €10 Beach Opening Times Telephone now to regular 10am til close book or to find out S TRIBUTE SHOW more about any of Food served s detail for ite webs see our many events: 10:30am til 10pm tel: 950 473 099 www.beachcombermojacar.com 950 473 099.

Menu del noche

NOW SHOWING PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL ON LARGE SCREEN Home Made Burgers, Jacket Potatoes, Home Made Puds & much more

ALL DAY BREAKFAST from 9AM includes free tea or coffee Only 3.75€ + new Daily Specials

friday & SATURDAY SERVED 12-9pm

Beer-battered Cod, Home-made Chips, with Mushy or Garden PeaS

Bookings Advisable Takeaway option available

Activities

Monday

•L ine Dancing from 2:30pm with Eleanor & Gilly • ROCK’N’ ROLL 7:30PM

Tuesday

• QUIZ NIGHT 7.30PM for 8PM & Darts

Wednesday

• Line Dancing with Carrie 7pm

Thursday

• Ceroc Classes 8pm • Geneology

5.95€

PLUS

Art Classes, Computer Club, Keep Fit

Please call into Jacks to check Timetables

NEW NEW NEW Easy Peezy Spanish Lessons with Avril - Tues 4.30pm

SUNDAY 10 BREAKFAST AM-11.30aM SERVED

ample parking Free Wi-Fi OPEN 9AM-LATE MON-SAT 10-6 SUN

@

950 120 718

jacksalbox@gmail.com

BP Garage

•••

← ARBOLEAS BAZA → Av••• AL .L B ep OX an → to

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 Includes a caraffe of wine per couple of 7 Starters, 6 Mains and 5 Desserts. Full A 7 starters, 6 mains & 5 Desserts La Carte is also always Full A La Carte also available available. Please call 950 430 930 Monday - Saturday 7pm - late. Closed Sunday after 5.30pm today Call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm and reserve your Find us across the old bridge from Palza Mayor Albox, opp Bar Wassy table, you will not be disappointed!

La Cena

Restaurante

Albox

menu del noche €10.95

OPEN YOUR BUSINESS TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES CALL 902 750 192

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

31

COMMUNITY NEWS SolTimes would like to wish all readers a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2014

La

VidaBar El

Cucador

our Specials served 6-9pm monday special 5€ Chilli & Rice, Chips or Nachos

TUESDAY special

Spicy Chicken Curry & Rice or Cod Fillet & Chips

POOL SHOP

5€

wednesday supper 5.50€

Homemade Burger, Chips& Salad or Home Cooked Ham,Chips & Salad

Frank and Dianne from the 1 Stop Pool Shop are continuously sourcing new products for your pool for your benefit and have the best prices. Back open for business on 13th January 2014, they look forward to seeing you all to view their new products. Their chemicals still are the best quality at the most competitive prices. Winter and Solar covers are available fitted by experienced fitters. Fitting these quality covers since 2006, their maintenance team will be available for Regrouts, Acid Baths and Total Refits for your pool whilst out of season.

They would like to take this opportunity to wish all new and existing customers a Happy New Year. Please also see their main advert on page 27.

(both served with homemade relish on the side)

Thursday Pie Night 5.50€ Homemade Pies, Chips & Peas

Open Every Day 12pm - Late

Tel:950 634 562 • lavidacucador@gmail.com

book the Venue: For your Private Parties, Weddings and Birthdays etc.

The Fundraiser Charity & Community Shops

The people’s charity, The Peoples Choice

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

vera shop has now moved to just before the guardia civil & next to the chinese shop

Total Entertainment’s January sale is now on...all Christmas stock half price, DVD’s 2 for 5€ and more. Android Man will be demonstrating his Smart TV system on Tuesday 14th January at 11am, Midday & 1pm, make sure you don’t miss your favourite TV shows after the big switch over scheduled for February. Pick up a bargain at the January sales, bus trips to La Zenia Boulevard 16th Jan 17€pp and Murcia 30th Jan 12€pp. Enjoy Oscar Season at the Mini Cinema, yours to hire for just 15€ (seats 10). Slimming Club starts again on Friday 10th at 10.45am. Mick’s Free Computer Clinic every Friday can help with any Kindle, i-pad or Tablet queries you may have. We are now the only outlet in Albox for E-Cig España, electronic cigarettes & accessories. Mas Mobile sim cards are also now available in Total Entertainment, call in for prices & tarifs. See our website to keep up to date with all of the products and services available. You can also find details on Facebook and Twitter. Or phone Claire on 950 121 318.

Opposite Super Turre in Turre & Just before the Guardia Civil in Vera Open 6 days a week... times on shop doors Contact 664 620 288

selecciones See this window of opportunity

new morrocon pots now in stock

It could be yours.......

Call: 950 121 936 Email: Sales@soltimes.com

www.facebook.com/ LifestyleEnclosuresEurope

We are now the area’s official distributor for

Neater Heater BEHA

Norway’s answer to heating your home in Spain 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 us on www.lifestyle-enclosures.com

32

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

SOLTIMES www.soltimes.com

see us online

everyday

BY TELEPHONE Between 10am & 5pm

Monday to Friday

950 121 936 902 121 936

BY E-MAIL

Send your advert or Classified lineage to

sales@soltimes.com FOR SALE advertise all your unwanted items for sale in this section

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

alternative energy

construction

Solar Wind Power Solutions.

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

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

sms for all your building needs Call Steve on 950 930 536 or 634 306 690

FOR SALE cont...

c hainsaw.

For sale new unused florabest 2200 watt automatic, 40 cm oregon chrome blade, low vibration, still in original box , 65€ Tel

689 165 123 Rocal Log Burner Fully enclosed insert, 2 speed auto fan, full glass door, excellent, 25€ Tel: 642 786 205

business for sale

Business For Sale

Small, well-established English Food Shop Genuine Reason for Sale Price includes existing stock, fixtures & fittings Call Kenny 634 337 483

No time-wasters wanted

carlos saliente plumbing & heating for solar pool heating, solar hot water installations and repairs. call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962, email carlos.saliente@ gmail.com

available venues Venue @ La Vida El Cucador Private parties Birthday etc, all events catered for call for more information

950 634 562

in Albox Private parties Birthday etc, all events catered for

call Bar for more

information:

950 120 718

baby equipment hire

BABY HIRE

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

950 436 581 or 666 375 688 expectingababy.2006@gmail.com

2 hairdresser salon chairs ballroom dancing & other related salon equipment required, Must be in good condition Tea room ballroom dancing Tel: 647 379 878 sequence with jean & derek at

DJ WANTED Call Brian 634 305 132

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

La

VidaRestaurant&Venue el Cucador

mondays 3-5pm

Installations and supplies of: Plasterboard • ceilings screens • wallpaper Tel: 675 986 622 calvet@calvetinstalaciones.es www.calvetinstalaciones.es

drainage

Drainage Solutions

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

Established 9 years in spain

Tel: 616 531 283 or 670 088 966

LICENSED POZO/septic tank emptying • Installation of new septic

all levels welcome tanks with certificates Records, old postcards, any single item up to 300€ single or couples watches, jewellery, Can collect, Call free of charge enjoyable afternoon to meet • Repairs to existing pozos 950325235 or 636134272 new friends email: sales@soltimes.com •C CTV Camera for more info call Air-con in k Large glass C l a s s i c a l 950 449 617 Inspection cartridges

refills or buy a compatable at great prices.

We love to save you money.

ICS shop inside liberty seguros insurance, Calle malaga (next to puppy rescue) or call 609 199 394 Clarke Ark Welder 300€, EWT German radiator type 0c1143 240v 35€, H oover F reejet vacuum cleaner with foldaway handle 8€, Bosch Starlight cylindervacuum cleaner, also as new 20€, Leather 3 seater settee and 3 armchairs cost £3.000 new 150€,

top patio table with aluminium frame 20€, Jones sewing machine, very seldom used 50€. Tel: 634 366 987 LG 32” HD Television, as new.

Complete with remote control and in s t r u c t i o n s.

Cost 350€ sell 95€.

Perfect condition and reception, can deliver locally.

Tel: 950 955 778 BUSH 39” FULL HD 1080P LCD TV. HDMI x 3 only 6 months old.

200€ Tel: 646 009 453 A c ademy Classi cal Guitar 40€, Alhambra

Guitar 40€, BM Concert Guitar 40€, Ta n g l e w o o d Electric Guitar 40€, Session Amplifier 60€, Microphone Stand 30€, Seiko Guitar Tuner 10€, Casio Multi Func t ion E l e c t r i c Keyboard plus stand 75€, 950 432 847 V arious M usi c Books 3€ each. Tel: 950 432 847 for full details mornings only - 9am - noon.

S amsung fridge freezer white no frost 345ltrs VGC 160€ Lorca. Tel: 699 275 530 ele c tri c

MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.

MD S.L

City & Guilds Fully Qualified F-Gas Certified

25 years sole experience in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

not a jack of all trades

For all your installation or service MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers requirements including our latest info@md-aircon.com telephone

carpentry for all your carpentry needs Call B& B designs on 646 101 712

WILDWOOD Bespoke Joinery For all your carpentry requirements

607 364 917 or 950 432 110

Fast, efficient, competitive service.

Tel: 634 328 574 james@wildwood.es

md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es

chimney sweep

950 432 110 / 607 364 917

email: info@md-aircon.com

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

Cheap

Need

Transport??

Airport services Alicante Almeria Murcia shopping New trips Servicing / Repairs hospital A irport appointments transfers etc pick up all areas, c o m p e t i t i v e 663 429 521 rates. For a quote please visit professional www. spanish reliable estateagent. com or call 661 service 143 871

Airport Parking

SAMMY SWEEP Chimney Sweep Service available covering all areas call paul on 619 070 839 The Chimney sweep, for a friendly professional service Call Paul on : 617 150 300 or 850 993 057.

computers Steve Hayes Informatica

Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc.

Sales & Repairs on-site callout / tuition.

Consumables Albox, Almeria Tel: 950 120 900

Call Andy on 950 091 109 or 648 768 587

Email: blockeddrainsrus@albox-online.net

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 electrician

CD electrical SERVICES Rewires & Upgrades - Fault Finding - Boletins

Emergency Call Outs for all your electrical needs!!! air conditioning & ALARMS

Call: 617 410 534or 662 414 043 info@cdelectricalservices.com www.cdelectricalservices.com

Check out our genuine reviews on

www.viva-almeria.com

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

www.soltimes.com equipment hire

insurance

albox

iron/metal works

The Metal works Grills, railings, gates of all types, security/sliding/ roller, rejas, concertina doors etc. Tel: Keith Wood on 638 900 949 T & T Metals For all quality metal works, including gates, Please contact railings, rejas, Glenn & jayne s t a i r c a s e s , gazebos & chain950 121 943 link fencing Tel: infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com 950 431 738

insurance est 7 years Award winning agent For all your Insurance Needs

gardening

potty finca services professional tree felling & pruning,

legal

including all types of palm trees

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

handyman

Round To It

Internal external painting general maintenance & property tlc no job too small references available

contact 656 903 024 heating Carlos (Saliente) plumbing & heating services.

If it involves water, we can help! www.carlossaliente.com Tel: 968 969 962

health & beauty avon cosmetics Tel Claire 691 987 454 avonfromclaire @yahoo.es 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 for a full listing of treatments or look at our main advert on the ladies page inside & call the therapists direct

hobby/craft

ELAINE’S WOOLS

Quality UK Wool & Accessories.

Come & view my DISPLAY. Also Available at CAT Services & Total Entertainment

Call 667 273 889 elaineswools@gmail.com

Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332 PAINTER / DECORATOR

painter & decorator

friendly - professional -reliable neat & tidy - experienced no job too small

new year offers Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com pets section

plumbing C A R L O S SALIENTE Plumbing and Heating offer machined boiler decals for gas water heaters for just €65 – aguafuerte is not the answer!

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

KNOWLES plumbing No 1 for Plumbing

All types of Plumbing

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

TELEPHONE: 950137197 / 606807797

PROPERTY section

woodhouse boarding kennels Specialising in rural property with character & cattery - arboleas

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

Whether you are buying or selling we will be delighted to hear from you

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

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic in our regular space dog & grooming parlor PROPERTY TO RENT – Los pedregales on pg 22, please email Bath • Hygiene • grooming 2 Bedroom Casita.Furnished or info@daviessolicitors.com 616 857 429 mimopeluqueriacanina@gmail.com locksmith Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours. Locked Out? Locks fitted/ upgraded house safes. Arboleas & surrounding area. Special weekend rates. Tel: 697 243 181

logs load of small or big Olive logs, no roots €160 load of mixed Olive some roots €140 load of eucalyptus, no roots €160 all loads 2 tonnes Arboleas & surrounding areas Call Lee on 636 092 632, eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk

Camino San Roque, Albox

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

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

Phil Delivers No need for kennels or cattery Logs gravel & all building materials

Albox & Surrounding areas

tel: 634 328 779

to advertise in this space contact paulette on 950 121 936 or email: sales@ soltimes.com

OPTICIANS O pti c a Albox All your optical needs, eye tests, hearing tests, contact lenses Tel: 950 121 991

33

Pet sitting in your own home, Arboleas & local area.

Call Vanessa 637 061 482 Pilates

PLASTERER

pilates

British

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

plasterer, All work guaranteed, Tel Paul 634 327 201

Unfurnished. Fully Fitted Kitchen, Log Burner, Internet Connection, tv & sat box, electric by card meter, Large Fly Free Patio within a large Fenced area.

Available till end April 2014

300€ pcm inc. water

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34

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

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viewpoint

Monday 7th July It is said that Christmas is one of the most stressful times of the year, and I understand why that is so – but I enjoy Christmas. In a perverse sort of a way I enjoy all the rushing around buying cards and presents, not to mention the hours spent poring over the Christmas card list – is that their most recent address, or have they moved? What are the names of their children/ grandchildren/ pets? Is Dillon their grandchild or their dog?

It is the only time in the year when the many strings of our lives get drawn together on the same day, and that is my favourite aspect of Christmas – we are all celebrating simultaneously. No matter what the primary accent of our Christmas may be, whether it be religious or purely Disney, we are all part of an international event, with feel-good and be-nice spread as thick as clotted cream on a Devonshire scone.

For some reason Easter is unable to generate the universal bonhomie that marks Christmas. I feel that has a lot to do with it being a movable date – if it were,

for instance, always on 15th April, then we would know where we were, instead of having to consult the calendar only to discover that Easter, like an inconsiderate dinner guest, is ‘early’ or ‘late’ this year.

The New Year has the advantage of being always on 1st January, yet still somehow fails to achieve the stature of Christmas – probably because it lacks an endearing central figure – there is no Santa New Year, nor a holy message of hope embodied in human form.

Not even the blesséd Bank Holiday is observed simultaneously throughout the entire British Isles; England and Wales have 8, Scotland has 9, but Northern Ireland has the right idea with 10, according to my pocket diary.

I was pondering on the problem, thinking how our celebratory talents and marketing opportunities were being squandered when the solution came to me – Birthdays! We all have birthdays, so why not celebrate them all on the same day? Why don’t we have an international Birth Day? It fills all the requirements – one date with an endearing central character – ourselves!

How simple that would make things! Just one date to remember, one party to plan; what a boon for those with large families!

I’m suggesting a date in early July; Nice weather, and far enough from Christmas.

What about 7th July? That is a Monday this josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk year - Mondays need a lift!

By Jos Biggs

The Man with the Silly Hat had the Last Laugh what’s a chap to do when confronted with gorgeous young things wanting to dab you with samples of patchouli and musk.

In fact the whole store is manned by young attractive persons apparently recruited from a modelling agency.

So now they have got me inside and I discover that the restaurant is situated on the top floor. This is not bad planning but is in fact a very cunning ploy indeed, because in order to get your lunch you now have to pass through the many delights on floors one to four all patrolled by the members of Girls Aloud and the Stepford wives.

Floor one. My wife and I separate and arrange to meet in the restaurant 45 minutes later.

I am surrounded by the finest designer clothes that money can buy and so to avoid temptation I rush to the escalator, carefully averting my eyes and humming loudly as I ascend to floor two, only to find more men’s clothing. This time the gear is more realistically priced with a plethora of special offers. I am so relieved to have escaped the designer floor unscathed, that I immediately buy five shirts and two winter sweaters because at these prices you simply cannot go wrong.

A last gasp effort to reverse my decision before parting with my cash is that I really don’t want to have to lug heavy bags around with me.

But they have that covered too, because the ravishing assistant assures me that everything will be sent down to the service desk for collection when I leave.

But I remind myself that the sole purpose of coming here badbirdnow@gmail.com in the first place is to get

We love the city of Cartagena. For my part, I enjoy the waterfront and its fascinating history and I always look forward to tapas at a favourite restaurant.

My wife loves El Corte Inglés We are also fond of Alicante, and there’s nothing I like better than to schmooze over the expensive yachts in the beautiful marina enjoying an Americano or two, before heading to another favourite eatery in the Calle San Francisco.

My wife loves El Corte Inglés Okay look, for what its worth I have to admit that El Corte Inglés is an impressive establishment, but why do I always seem to spend for England there? I’m a bloke for goodness sake. So I have had a good long think about this and I reckon I’ve worked it out. It was the day we decided to drop into the store simply to get ourselves some lunch that the penny dropped.

The ground floor is given over to cosmetics and perfumes, craftily staffed with stunning ladies and

By Colin Bird :

some food inside me. Upwards then to floor three.

No problem here, because it’s kids clothing and toys and those days are long gone thank God, so on to floor four where I am immediately surrounded by a breathtaking collection of kitchenware gadgets. I can ignore this I tell myself, just so long as I avoid eye contact with the coffee machines and those really useful . . . but no, I steel myself and focus on the escalator.

To get to it however I have to pass through the electronics section and be fair, what bloke can walk past 3D televisions with screens the size of Norfolk and home cinema systems? Well not me that’s for sure. And look, there’s that super duper iPod with docking system that I have been promising myself.

I swallow hard because it’s four hundred euros and hey, I only came in for a chicken carbonara but ding, I suddenly remember there is a way out. I have nowhere near enough cash left, and the only credit card that I have in my wallet is American Express - the one bearing the picture of a chap wearing a silly hat.

Now let me tell you about the Platinum American Express card.

It has been my companion for the last nine years, sulking and thoroughly brassed off. Why? Well it’s great to be able to flash this card and ask shopkeepers in a faintly American accented voice, “Do you take Amex?”, but the fact is nobody does.

Visa, MasterCard, Electron – sodding Goldfish, but no sorry, not American Express.

Hallelujah, I have been saved from my

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

alqueria

35

Año Nuevo

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

www.soltimes.com

According to Alquerian legend, 2014 is the tenth year of the eighth cycle of the ancient calendar of Mustapher-Fag. To be precise it is the year of the Horned Saliva Beetle. This has come to symbolise the stupidity of all those who believe such puerile superstitious claptrap. Even Loco Paco isn’t fully convinced.

But the New Year did bring the possibility of the dawn of a new age.

An age of understanding, tolerance and peace in the Republic of Alqueria.

Of course this is only a possibility. With the New Year’s Bacchanalian delights over, the people of Alqueria turn a collective and bleary eye towards the future. How the dysfunctional village survived long enough to welcome in 2014 is not only remarkable but an aberration on the normal course of human experience.

While most people wish for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead the people of Alqueria have different priorities. Getting to the big pointy rocks first during the many inter-barrio riots is high on their list as is the hope of procuring Manuela’s favours.

The Hill People who reside in the western barrio rely on their Remitroot crop for income. This wonderful plant has a multitude of uses, not least are the potent wines and spirits which are produced from it. The Hill People are the original inhabitants of Alqueria who occupied the Village before its relocation in AD932. The eastern barrio is populated by the affluent Newcomers who arrived after this time. The only other industry in the Pueblo is the olive mill of the

Newcomers, dilapidated and rundown it is owned and mismanaged by the obnoxious Rodriquez.

What occurred during the fateful year of AD932 is not on record.

Compelling archaeological evidence suggests that the village underwent a complete but precise dissection and a later reconstruction in the valley below the Sierra Alhamilla.

Local legend suggests that the Caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III ordered the village moved after one of the inhabitants upset the venerable gentleman. A sheep’s bladder, an amphora of olive oil and one of the Caliph’s wives formed the basis of the tale.

Barrio rivalry and undeclared war have raged ever since as both factions try to gain the upper hand.

Every available weapon is used from sarcasm to explosive devices. Rioting has long been known as the ‘Alquerian Pastime’. The cobblestones in the streets have two numbers carved on them. One is for its position in the road and the other for its position in the barricade.

With the coming of a new year a real hope for peace does exist. The chance to forgive and forget only has to be grasped by willing hands. A strange tide of optimism runs through Alqueria, it is the sea of hope and it is on the flood.

That night the Bar La Golondrina Verde was fire-bombed.

own folly.

Er sorry, but no you haven’t mate, because oh joy, El Corte Inglés does accept it!

I dejectedly make my way to the top floor and wonder how to explain how it is I have just spent our life savings. But I needn’t worry because it just so happens that wifey remembered to pick up our Visa and MasterCards before leaving, and in her care it seems our flexible friends have had to be positively double jointed.

I am now so hungry that I am tempted to eat the maître d’ but the merluza is prettier, so I settle for that and an even prettier glass of Rioja. I am pleasantly surprised at the very reasonable bill, and feeling suitably refreshed we wander out of the restaurant and into the final trap.

“Oh look”, says my wife as she sees a beautiful piece of lead crystal. “That’s just what we need.”

I groan and there is the sound of muffled cheering from the man with the silly hat in my wallet.

36

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

braben’s blog...

Wriggley question

Doesn’t the mind work in strange ways? When we get to a particular stage of our lives we’re delighted just to have a mind that works every so often, but it’s a source of wonder at times what it can do under its own steam. I was looking though some photo albums from when Helen and I went to California in 2000 BC-Before Child- and they reminded me that I used to believe chewing gum was made from spiders. I couldn’t work out why I was in chewing gum mode, but I went with it anyway. Then another long forgotten fact popped into my memory; chewing gum was first used over 5000 years ago in the Neolithic Era. That’s even before The Archers were heard of!

As if by magic, almost immediately I came across a report that said someone had found a piece of gum which scientists’ tests had proved was from that same Neolithic Era. It must be yucky to be a scientist sometimes, the idea of spending my day poking about in a piece of gum that had been heartily chewed by someone you didn’t know, getting all manner of stuff on your skin isn’t my idea of fun. But then scientists are an odd lot-remember Uncle Quentin in Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books? He’s been my model for all scientists since-intelligent but away with the fairies. Since then I’ve always kept them at arm’s length, you never know what they may want to prod or probe.

I’ve got nothing against scientists, but they do strange things; some of them have been doing that probing and prodding thing on Red Squirrels for the last four years. Why? They’re investigating whether they-squirrels not scientists-could carry the pox virus. My immediate thought wasn’t, wow, that’s fantastic news for us, or at least for squirrels, no, the first thing that popped into my head was, after all that intimate squirrel contact out in squirrel land, how do they wash their hands for lunch?

Then I remembered. San Luis Graham is married Obispo, a town in California! We to Helen and has a went there and it has something daughter, Alice. He called Bubble Gum Alley, where lives part of the year near Albox, but works people stick their chewed gum on the walls. Finally, I know how in Qatar, teaching. If you wish to contact I made the connection between Graham regarding holiday snaps and chewing gum. If this article email: only this mind of mine could get round helenandg@yahoo. to remembering where I put my wallet co.uk yesterday, then I can pay the milkman!

I received an interesting email from a gentleman who, for a living, sells IPTV (Internet Protocol TeleVision) android based boxes. He wanted to ‘update me’ on several facts.

In the introduction to the article on 23rd October I did say that this article was ‘fraught with controversy’ for the very reason that everyone has a different perspective. The article was supposed to be a fair appraisal of the devices out there, with a few warnings!

This gentleman’s email seemed centred around the fact that in England everyone pays for everything! TV licences, Sky subscription and the list goes on.... We don’t live in England and don’t have to have that archaic attitude pushed on us. We are allowed to watch what we like without additional costs as these costs are picked up by the advertising that is on every 10-15 minutes. He further highlights the additional costs of EPG (Electronic Program Guides – can also be got free over the internet); Catchup TV (invest in a video recording device); the costs of setting up Server (just a computer with many huge hard drive storage devices) and the fact that the BBC (Bribes, Buyoff’s and Corruption) don’t want anything being ‘allowed’ out of England!

In previous articles, I have highlighted the different required speeds for standard TV and HDTV but as a reminder, you need about 2Mb download speed of ‘Standard’ TV and double that for HD and as most of us have 2 or more Mb’s download there shouldn’t be a problem with it.

The final part of the email was a justification as to the prices that are charged for these devices. I think it only fair to cut and paste this

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

It’s that time again

Christmas is upon us; that time when most people in the western world celebrate the birth of the saviour Jesus Christ 2013 years ago by not going anywhere near a church and instead go and worship the shopping centre and other deities like Amazon and pay tribute with their flexible friends.

Britain’s church attendance numbers have been in dramatic decline until recently when numbers have bottomed out and even risen in some places. Statistics are up there with lies of course.

Since 1980 the number of church goers in the UK has almost halved and the average age of attendees gone from under 40 to well over 50. Mens attendance has dropped further. With Sunday opening for shops and Super Sunday on Sky TV for football worshippers, God has dropped further down the list of priorities.

In the 2001 UK Census 60% of Britons stated they were Christian, other religions made up 7.5% and the rest either said they were not religious or didn’t state a preference. In Britain about 10% of Christians attend church regularly, equating to over a million people a week in Anglican churches.

At Christmas attendances swell and in 2011 over two and half million people attended a service which was almost 15% more than

the year before.

Norwich apparently is the least Godly place in Britain having the lowest amount of church goers though recently numbers rose there by 10%. There are 44 Church of England Dioceses in the UK and 20 of these have seen improved numbers.

In 2011 Anglican churches saw 1000 weddings, 2600 baptisms and 3000 funerals held every week across the country.

The Catholic Church in Britain has seen a marked decline in its fortunes since its heyday in the late 1960s.

There were nearly 50,000 church marriages in1968 but nowadays less than 10,000 couples a year marry this way. The Swinging Sixties brought us the pill and Free Love; homosexuality was also decriminalised.

Attendances have fallen as the Vatican has stood fast against contraception, divorce, abortion and homosexuality and said they are not compatible with the teachings of the church.

Scandals too involving church orders can’t have helped. Still, out of a population of about 4 million Catholics in Britain; 900,000 visit church regularly 233 new Catholic priests were ordained in 1965 compared to just 16 in 2011; with 30 men deciding instead to join a monastery, now there is a looming

crisis of a shortage of future Catholic priests. Oddly a new priest has to take a vow of chastity yet should an Anglican married Priest convert to Catholicism that’s okay and it’s been that way since the 1950s. In fact in 2008 when 500 Anglican Priests and Bishops jumped ship in protest of the Church of England allowing women priests many were married.

Just four years ago Pope Benedict announced that a married man who converts to the Catholic Church can apply to train as a priest.

Malta and Poland have the highest church attendance rates in Europe with almost 3/4s of the population going regularly. In Ireland almost half the population go yet in Italy which is sort of where the Pope lives only 3 out of 10 people regularly go to church. Here in Spain with its many religious festivals it’s only 1 in 5. A study showed that church going reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s, another that people with a right wing view of politics are more likely to visit church as are people with university degrees. In the immortal words of Dave Allan ‘and may your God go with you!’

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

part of the email for you to understand the complexities of legally importing.

‘Finally products like the android box and simarly yes they are pretty cheap but you have to no you are buying them from a reliable source with full CE certifcates a lot of people are bringing them in from China with no ce no duty paid and no iva thats why they come cheap. this type can be fire hazard and no support here today gone tommorow . also i would guess 99% of people if they plugged one in they would not have a clue what to do with it.’ He goes on to say, ‘I have engineered the software for ease of use all menu driven no silly icons you have to press with a mouse everything works from the remote control.’! Which is the impression that I left you with in the previous article when I said, ‘Bear in mind that hundreds of hours have gone into finding EXACTLY what was required to bring the box, software and internet tv addresses together in a single usable bundle.’

I have watched a movie, over the internet, on a tiny web-book through to a 36’’ TV and the quality was as good as any of the DVD rips, that have been downloaded from the internet!

That’s it for now. I hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year and look forwards to hearing from you soon.

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

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

motoring That’s what Peugeot calls its 2008; a five door estate that sits high off the road like a 4x4 but without the uneconomical permanent all wheel drive. However, it’s fitted with a grip control that features modes for mud, sand, snow and normal everyday driving making it more agile than a standard car (watch the video at testdrives.biz). This function provides much needed traction to the front wheels when required. It can also be cancelled at speeds of up to 30mph, giving the driver ultimate control.

I’m testing a 1.6 e-HDi Allure model, which is basically the mid-range offering. Standard features include 16” alloy wheels, power folding chrome door mirrors, rear parking aid, dark tinted rear windows, stainless steel front and rear scuff plates, cruise control, speed limiter, all round electric windows and air conditioning.

Parkers, the used car experts says: “Skid plates front and rear supplement more aggressively-styled alloy wheels, either in 16 or 17-inch sizes, sitting beneath squared-off wheelarches. A kink in the roof above the rear door evokes memories of an early Land Rover Discovery, though it embellishes the space with chrome rather than glass. It’s a material used throughout the car’s exterior. That familiar, and slightly fussy, Peugeot family face is adorned with a bold grille outlined in the shiny metal, as are the roof rails, door bottoms and wing mirrors. It makes for a rather glitzy ambience to what could otherwise be considered a slightly derivative design statement.”

Over the course of our time together we head into the New Forest, Hampshire and on into Dorset and Wiltshire, which provides ideal terrain for testing

Fuel Options for the Future Biodiesel

Biodiesel is an eco-friendly fuel that can be made from animal fats, algae, or from recycled vegetable oils like those used by restaurants to cook up French fries and other greasy goodies. Clean, veggie-based, and carbonneutral, this fuel can usually run in any diesel car or truck with little or no modification to the engine.

Biodiesel burns cleaner than fossil fuel diesel, expelling fewer aromatic hydrocarbons and less soot and carbon monoxide. Because the carbon dioxide released by biodiesel is the same kind absorbed by the plant (or animal) source from where the fuel came, biodiesel is called a carbon neutral fuel. Unfortunately, biodiesel releases more nitrous oxide than regular diesel, a factor in smog. In 2005, the U.S. produced around 75 million gallons of this alternative fuel and in 2006, 65 companies reported having biodiesel plants under construction.

Ethanol Ethanol is another popular alternative fuel that is usually made from fibrous materials like wood chips or from the starch or sugar found in common crops like corn. Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline while reducing greenhouse gases.

Ethanol is already in use, powering nearly six million flex-fuel vehicles already on the road. The United States is widely considered the world’s largest ethanol producer, cranking out 4.6 billion gallons of ethanol each year.

Vegetable Oil Vegetable oil can power a diesel engine after just a few simple modifications, turning junker cars into low emissions vehicles. Before use, vegetable oil must be put through a conversion system so that it is heated to the appropriate temperature to properly run an engine, but once users get the hang of the process, there are many benefits beyond the low emissions.

Because both unused and used vegetable oil work to

37

Urban crossover.

Facts at a glance: New price range: £17,245 0-60mph: 12.8secs Top speed: 113mph Economy: 78.5mpg (extra urban) VED: £0 for the first year. £20 a year standard rate

its abilities. The concept is simple; Peugeot has created a more robust estate car that embraces the challenges that the modern family will throw at it. A family like the Saunders clan, which decides to take a few days out and have a well earned rest at Sandy Balls, the self-catering holiday park in the New Forest. That means loading everything but the kitchen sink and although the boot is not large enough to accommodate our tandem pram it does tackle the smaller single pushchair, a reasonably sized suitcase and of course eldest daughter Harriett’s Trunki.

Fortunately, a Farad roofbox from roofcarriers.co.uk provides extra storage space, making for a more comfortable journey. Otherwise everything else would have to go inside. With comfortable leather trimmed seats and smatterings of metal trim throughout, the 2008 Allure feels well put together, if a little minimal in its interior design. Fitted with a five speed manual gearbox, to reverse the driver pulls the gearstick towards them. It’s funny how this differs from car to car. For instance, in my Ford Fiesta the driver pushes the gearstick away from them and down to engage this mode and the same too in some Citroens.

when pulling away.

In the depths of the countryside grip control comes into its own where during heavy downpours thick mud becomes an increasing problem. A turn of the dial in the centre console and the driver can rest assured that traction is optimised in conditions of poor grip, giving increased control. When an oncoming tractor forces a sudden stop and a hasty detour into an unwelcoming unmade lay-by, the Peugeot makes no Advanced motorist complaints.

Tim Saunders is the former For more information about roof boxes visit: w w w. r o o f c a r r i e r s . co.uk

Its raised height gives an added sense of security Watch the video at even if the diesel unit is at times sluggish, especially www.testdrives.biz fuel a car, people who convert often brag about never having to pay for their fuel, instead relying on the neverending supply of used cooking oils from restaurants.

Electricity Electricity isn’t new, but modern science has found interesting and eco-friendly uses for it. Electric vehicles are eco-friendly because they don’t produce tailpipe emissions, although the generators producing the electricity used to charge EV batteries do emit pollutants. However, these pollutants are considered to be minimal when compared to the usage of gas. There were over 55,000 Full-Electric Vehicles in 2004, and this doesn’t even include hybrids! Annual growth has skyrocketed since then at an approximate growth rate of 39% Hydrogen Hydrogen currently isn’t powering any consumer vehicles, though many city bus systems have already made the switch to this zero-emissions alternative fuel.

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

Because of the many benefits, it seems to be only a matter of time until this efficient fuel makes its way into your vehicle. The U.S. government is working towards overcoming the cost and production challenges and anticipates progress sometime soon.

Compressed Natural Gas Compressed Natural Gas is clear, odorless, and noncorrosive. Impressively, vehicles run off of natural gas show an average reduction in ozone-forming emissions of 80 percent compared to gasoline vehicles, and CNG is produced at a relatively low cost and is cleaner burning than gasoline or diesel fuel.

Other Alternative Fuels on the Horizon Include fruit-derived fuel biogasoline rice-based ethanol Source: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/ alternative-fuels/fuel-options7.htm

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

Sports Shorts 8th January

by Tony Matthews

• England’s cricket team was totally humiliated by Australia who completed an Ashes whitewash by winning the final Test by 281 runs. Alastair Cook’s men were out-bowled, out-batted and out-fielded by the aggressive Aussies. It’s the first time an England team has lost 100 wickets in a series. Let’s hope get better in limited over games!

• Last weekend’s 3rd round FA Cup-ties saw upsets by Sheffield United (2-1 winners at Aston Villa), Rochdale (2-0 v Leeds) and Nottingham Forest (5-0 v. West Ham); Arsenal beat Spurs 2-0 and there were also victories for Swansea (for the first time ever at Old Trafford), Cardiff, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Liverpool and Southampton.

• The 4th round will feature Arsenal-Coventry, Stevenage-Everton, Chelsea-Stoke and possibly Bournemouth-Liverpool.

• Yesterday, Sunderland met Manchester United in a League Cup semi-final first leg encounters while tonight the other semi-final features Manchester City against West Ham, and this weekend in the Premiership there are six-pointers involving Cardiff City v West Ham and Fulham v Sunderland.

• Elsewhere in the top Division, leaders Arsenal visit Aston Villa, Hull City play Chelsea, Manchester City visit Newcastle and Stoke City meet Liverpool. The big Championship game is Leicester City v Derby County, Brentford play Port Vale in FL1 and FL2 leaders Scunthorpe United meet Mansfield Town, while Celtic (v St Mirren) and Rangers (v. East Fife) will hope to extend their unbeaten runs in the SPL and SL2 respectively • There’ll be 19 races in this year’s 2014 Grand Prix programme. Cars and drivers will compete at two new venues - in Austria and Russia - but not in India.

• Mo Farah has been voted European Sportsman of the Year (2013) ahead of Sebastian Vettel.

• Dutchman Michael Van Gerwen won the 2014 WDO dart championship.

• The 5th round of Rugby’s Heineken Cup and the Masters Snooker Championship both take place this weekend.

• And finally, the great Portuguese footballer Eusebio has died aged 71; ex-jockey Terry Biddlecombe passed away, aged 72 and two former football club Chairmen have also left us, Ron Noades (Crystal Palace) and John Silk. R.I.P.

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

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cars for sale...cars for sale...cars for sale...cars for sale 2005 Daewoo Lacetti, VGC, A/C, 5 door hatch.......................................€2995 2001 Nissan Tino 2.2 Td, A/C, Alloys, New ITV.......................................€2495 Opel Corsa, 2001, 1.7cdti Sport, Alloys, A/C, New ITV...............€2495 2001 Fiat Marea Estate 1.9, TDI, A/C......................................€1995 Daihatsu Fourtrak 2.8 Turbo Diesel, 4x4, VGC, New ITV....................€1995 Nissan Vanette 2.5d, 5 seats, new ITV...............................................€1795 Opel Astra Estate 1.6, 1999, VGC New ITV ....................................................€1495 1998 Opel Corsa, 1.2 16v A/C new ITV, alloys...................................€1295 Nissan Patrol 4x4, 2.8 Diesel, SWB, Tow Bar, New ITV...............€1195 Peugeot 406 Estate, 1.9d, A/C, towbar......................................€995 Citroen Zsara, 1.9D, New ITV, Very Economical......................................... €795 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Petrol, VGC, New ITV.........................€795 Find us on the Partaloa to Oria road (A399) 1km outside of Oria on the right.

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950 124 828

SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

sport shorts

19th Hole Golf Society - Cucador Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club Thursday 2nd January the one boys took all the honours 19th Hole Golf Society reported, on time, at Aguilon to play this two division Individual Stableford Competion.

With all prizes being donated

by Peter Easthope to celebrate his big Five 0, and with nine players playing in the first Division with handicaps ranging from 1 to 18 this was always going to be competitive.

Mark Danson managed to take the overall win with 34 points from Dave Sharp on 33 points to pip Nigel greenwood into 3rd place on count back with the same amount of points. Mark also managed to secure a Nearest the Pin on the 4th and a Two on the same hole. Not be out done Dave Sharp took Nearest the Pins on holes 10 and 12, in fact the Division

Results:

.The other half of the musical duo of D·Sharp, Brian (Dee) Lowden showed a bit better form than of late ending with 27 points.

In Division two it was a family affair with Peter Dow taking 1st place with 30 points from wife Christine on 29, Geoff Smith who had nursed a sore back throughout the round finished in 3rd place with 25 points. Geoff sort of thought that with his sore back it would probably be softer for him if he played in the sand a bit. He it every bunker within range( and some that weren’t) and managed to extract the ball from each one albeit just into the next bunker.

Our sincere thanks go to Peter Easthope for his generosity in sponsoring the event.

Sunday 5th Jan 2014 and the feature of today was 7 two”s in our competition.This is something of a record as I cannot remember over the last 22 years of golf at Cortijo Grande of so many two s. The most Ican remember is 4 so this was something of a record. The names are Lilly Pepper Amanda Roberts Ann Jackson Cathal Higgins David Middleton X 2 Daphne Deardon.

The winner of the first Div with 38 points Leif Myhre second with 34 Peter Jackson. Second Div winner with 36 Ann Jackson and second with 33 Frans Deardon Best wishes to all you golfers for 2014 may you beat all your previous best scores but not while you play with me MP Picture: left - right. :Runners-up Frank Smith,Lyn Stoyles, and John Sephton. Winners:- Maureen Stakes,Tony Hutton and Brian Saunders.

LOS AMIGOS DRAWN TRIPLES COMPETITION-2013

On Sunday 15.12.2013 saw the finals of the Los Amigos Drawn Triples, after four days of competition. The finalists were: Lead -Tony Hutton, No.2 - Maureen Stakes, Skip-Brian Saunders, versus Lead- Lyn Stoyles, No.2-Frank Smith and Skip-John Sephton. The spectators were given a very entertaining match with an exciting finish over the last three ends. It was all square

Car wash by hand Cleaning of interior & seats Motor cleaning Collection & e Waxing delivery servic

39 points (29) 29 points (37) 25 points (28)

Nearest the Pins 4th Hole Mark Danson 8th Hole Mark Cuphey 10th Hole Dave Sharp 12th Hole Dave Sharp 17th Hole Dave Keymar Twos 4th Hole Mark Cuphey 8th Hole Mark Danson

sport

on the 16th end then on the 17th end Brian’s team went ahead by one shot. On the last end Frank was holding until Brian’s bowl took it out and held shot, winning the match. Well played to both teams and congratulations to the winners.

Cortijo Grande Golf

Division 1 1st Overall winner Mark Danson 34 points ( 4) 2nd Dave Sharp 33 points (5) 3rd Nigel Greenwood 31 points (18) Division 2.

1st Peter Dow 2nd Christine Dow 3rd Geoff Smith

39

Have a car like new from 18€ integral auto

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.

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

vera

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Repairs to lights Xenon & LED lights / Wheel trims Metalube /Navigation aids Accessories / Seat covers

In Est. El Real, Antas Tel: 603 398 706

Calle Mallorca, San Javier Call us: 968 146 158 or 618 628 511 www.specialistvehicles.com Mercedes C220 2.2CDI elegance, 2009, 70,000kms............€19,950 mitsubishi montero 3.2 auto, diesel, 2006 104,000kms.....€13,950 opel Zafira 1.7cdti, Diesel, 7 seater, 2011, 95,000kms..................€13,950 2006 audi a3 2ltr tfsi quattro 93,000kms..............................€9,950 vw passat 1.9 diesel auto 2004 102,000kms...........................€6,950 Seat ibiza 2007 1.9 tdi diesel 107,000 kms..................................€6,950 opel tigra 1.3cdti 70,000kms 2006.................................................€6,950 smart forfour 1.5 diesel 71,000kms 2006..................................€5,950 Ford fiesta st 2.0 petrol 86,000kms 2005 ...................................€5,950

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R.&S.Golf at Los Llanos Market

are offering a wide range of golfing services including;

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COUPON

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0000 XXX SPANISH PLATES

Tel & Fax: 950 459 116 - Mob: 607 373 298 tallerdaydo@hotmail.com Poligono El Real de Antas, 04628 Antas

40 SOLTIMES JANUARY 2014

Tel 902 750 190

www.soltimes.com

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