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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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Since last May Guardia Civil officers and Policía Nacional have been involved in ‘Operation Índalo 2012’ on the coast of Almería, Granada, Murcia, Malaga and Algeciras, in order to control migration from North Africa.

The operation, coordinated by the Guardia Civil has resulted in the arrest of 35 traffickers and organizers of the crossings, the interception of 169 boats and the rescuing 2,245 people, victims of networks dedicated to aiding and abetting illegal immigration.

There have been about 2,900 hours of maritime surveillance and 684 hours of aerial surveillance throughout the operation, which has been coordinated with intelligence and research teams against illegal immigration networks.

Troops from Spain, Slovakia, Italy, Iceland, Luxembourg, Belgium, France and Portugal have been used, as well as 6 aircraft, 2 ocean-going vessels and 1 helicopter.

Besides illegal immigration by sea the operation has yielded positive results in the fight against drug trafficking, transnational crime and maritime pollution.

The operation has a double purpose: Each time a boat with illegal immigrants aboard is located, a police operation with two main objectives is set in motion. One objective is to rescue and provide humanitarian aid to the occupants; the second objective is to detect the skipper in charge of human trafficking, who is usually hidden amongst the victims, and consequently goes unnoticed by the police.

In relation to drug trafficking, surveillance by sea and air has led to the detention of 84 people and the seizing of 30,368 kilos of hashish. Additionally 13,990 packets of tobacco and a further 2 people were arrested in connection with this.

Also seized were: 32 vessels, 11 vehicles, 36 engines, 9 jet skis and 2 winches.

Two cases of illegal discharges from ships were detected, where bilge (waste deposits of oil, grease and other pollutants) was emptied straight into the sea, rather than on land and in the places provided for such purpose.

Such actions seriously harm marine life, so the facts were reported to the authorities to initiate the appropriate disciplinary action.

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Javea

The Royal British Legion’s 2012 Poppy Appeal collection boxes have once again been targeted by opportunist thieves in the Javea area. At least three of the immediately recognizable collection tins have been taken from public premises.

The tins were taken from the Cancer Care Charity Shop, The Original Charity Shop, and the Humpty Dumpty newsagents. It is thought that the same thief took all three tins, as one was found empty and abandoned close to all three premises.

Roger Dawes, Chairman of the Legion’s Javea Branch, said that the amount of money in each tin was not great, but he was concerned that local outlets would not want the responsibility of having a box in coming years. However, next year the Legion would be distributing plastic ties in a bid to make the boxes more secure.

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

La Unión

A protest took place outside the Ayuntamiento at La Unión in response to the increased water charges. The increased charges came into effect on 1st September, but the rise in payment due has been exacerbated by the artificially low water tariff that La Unión has enjoyed for several years, which is a result of the lack of review of the prices for the last 8 years.

An added complication is that the water is now no longer supplied by the Ayuntamiento, but by Acciona. According to figures supplied by them (Acciona) the price of 5 cu mtrs of water has been increased from 48.32€ to 65.52€.

Part of the agreement made with Acciona by the Ayuntamiento is that they upgrade the infrastructure in the area, including works on the inadequate sewage system.

Acciona are confident that these upgrades will lead to a much more efficient water supply and sewage treatment, that will be to the benefit of all citizens in the long run.

At the root of the problem is the claim by the PP that in 2007 it inherited a water debt of 3.5 million euros from the PSOE, and can simply no longer afford to subsidise the water supply.

Costa Blanca

A storm with winds registering up to 98kph swept through the Northern Costa Blanca last week caused widespread damage to both urban and beach areas, with debris and fallen trees scattered around.A 64-year-old man owes his life to the Bomberos, who managed to rescue him from his vehicle as it was being swept away by a flash flood in a ravine at Palma de Gandia.

Three metre waves off the coast kept fishing boats from Denia, Javea, Calpe and La Vila in port, and the port of Denia had to be closed. In Javea, Denia and Moraira schools were closed, and many roads were flooded.

Bomberos were called to more than 20 emergency calls in the Marina Baixa to deal with fallen trees.

In Callosa a roof was blown from a building, while in Alcoy an abandoned factory was partly destroyed. Fortunately no-one was injured in either incident.

Altea was severely affected by the storm. Roads and schools were closed; A violent gust of wind broke a window at the local police checkpoint. The road between Altea and Callosa remained cut off for two hours by a fallen palm tree; and a tree fell near the schoolyard of Altea la Vella, and the Altea boardwalk was flooded.

In Benidorm, the wind affected numerous trees and awnings; Traffic was stopped when a window was blown from the 13th floor of the Europa Centre, while in Callosa d’en Sarria an entire roof of a house was ripped off. Further south, strong winds caused the most damage, felling trees in San Miguel and roof cornices were blown to the ground in the garden of the Ibi Social Centre.

On the Costa Calida municipal workers were called in to remove fallen trees, repair damage to urban property and clear rubbish. However, the Murcia region suffered heavy rain, but no reported substantial damage.

Benidorm

A British man who set his mattress on fire in the Hotel Ambassador was said by his defence counsel ‘to present no danger to the community’ when bail was requested. It is not clear why he committed this act, but the hotel had to be evacuated and 13 guests had to be treated for smoke inhalation. If he is found guilty he could face up to 9 years in prison for the offence, which took place in 2010.

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death of a young woman found in Calle Madrid in Raval Roig by a tram worker in the early hours of the day. She was wearing a white dress and was found dead in the middle of the road with extensive facial injuries consistent with a fall. She is thought to be about 24 years of age, but her identity has not at this moment been established. Local residents heard no disturbance, though they did inform the police that two Romanian men had been stalking the neighbourhood and were responsible for several robberies in the area.

Lorca Worshippers had a lucky, or maybe a divine escape when the roof of the Capilla de San Antonio collapsed during a service in the Capilla del Cristo de la Sangre.

The service was being held in the only part of the church that has been useable since the earthquake of May 2011. A loud rumbling was heard before the roof caved in. No one was hurt in the incident.

Javea Now, not only are palm trees being threatened by the Red Palm Weevil along the Costa Blanca, but now agaves are in danger from the Black Weevil. It is smaller than the red weevil but goes through similar life cycle – it burrows into the soft tissues of the plant to lay its eggs, which mature into larvae and consume the plant’s soft inner crown.

As with the damage caused by the red weevil, the first signs of damage are terminal wilting, at which stage it is too late to save the plant.

Javea Ayuntamiento has warned that the black weevil, Scyphophorus Acupunctarus, has been discovered in various parts of the municipality. It attacks agaves (Agave Americana), yuccas (Yucca Elephantipes) and dragon trees (Dracaena Drago).

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Over four in 10 Spanish drivers fail their test the first time

Spanish motorists are more likely to fail their driving test than any other Europeans, a recent survey by the tyre company Goodyear shows.

A total of 43% fail their first test, compared to 32% on average on the continent. But they are no better nor worse than Europeans in their driving theory test, with 83% of Spaniards – compared to the continental average of 84% – passing first time.

And Spanish drivers – particularly women – are less likely to feel confident about driving alone after passing their tests. In total, 43% of women and 24% of men, being an average for Spain of 34%, said they felt nervous about taking over the wheel and going it alone, compared to just 22% of the rest of Europe.

Over a quarter of those interviewed who were already drivers, of varying levels of experience, said they would not expect to pass their driving test if they had to take it again. Nearly a half of all driving students, particularly the youngest, said they had received no training concerning driving

Sport

in the dark.

In Europe, students who were least-prepared for their tests were found in Russia, the Czech Republic and Turkey – 76, 75 and 72% respectively saying they had had no training for driving in the dark – but at the other end of the scale, only 6% of Danes and two per cent of Germans said they had not had any practical teaching about nighttime driving before their tests.

In Spain, 38% of drivers were scared of taking to the road after dark, and a further 33% had little confidence about driving in the rain. Only 45% knew how to check their tyre pressures and just 20% were able to replace a punctured tyre. Two-thirds of Spanish youngsters felt it was ‘easy’ to pass a driving test, but eight in 10 said it was extremely expensive.

The survey involved interviewing 6,400 people in the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey and South Africa.

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evaluatION OF general strike

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

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

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

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

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

injured in clashes, including many police officers.

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

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

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

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

Doctors have described her medical progress as “unfavourable”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

5

Spain’s Banks See Bad Debts Hit New High

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

lender chooses to repossess the property.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Traffic police officers pressurised into handing out more fines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ETA suspect arrested in UK

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

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

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

without a sentence. Once released, he disappeared.

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

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

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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calida country cmc

DON’T FORGET .... CLUB IS CLOSED on Friday 07 December! (Disco Night)

Sadly the hall will not be available for use on this night as their hosts, Antonio & Cheryl, are to enjoy a well-earned pre-Christmas break. Calida Country re-opens on...

FRIDAY 21 DECEMBER Heralding the welcome return of the fantastic RED STROKES, Calida Country’s answer to the world renowned Garth Brooks, playing a mix of traditional and modern country and line dancing music guaranteed to get your toes tapping. Also in attendance will be ‘Cody’s Country’ C&W western wear stall! A fantastic night’s entertainment for all! Make sure you don’t miss it! Entry on this night will be just €5.00 per person.

FRIDAY 04 JANUARY 2013 An short OPEN FORUM, designed to allow suggestions for the possible continued improvement of Calida Country CMC to be heard, is to be held at the club from 8.00pm on the evening of Friday 04 January 2013.

Following this ‘open forum’, ‘Crooning Country’ CM Disco will be playing CM dance music for the rest of the evening. Entry on this night will be just €5.00 per couple or €3.00 for ‘singles’. Put a note in your diary now!

FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2013 Will provide you with yet another night’s fabulous country music entertainment, this time in the company of fabulous local songstress, CHRISTINE KING. Always a firm favourite at Calida Country, this little lady is equally ‘at home’ with any style of music but, when she puts her Stetson on, it’s a case of ‘look out girls – you’ve got competition!’

Singing a mix of many CM Divas such as Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, Billie Jo Spears and many more, this will be a night to remember. Entry on this night will be just €5.00 per couple The club is located at the Social Club in La Molata, Los Muñoces – take the exit just north of the Condado de Alhama (Polaris World) exit and located just off the RM32/MU 603, (signposted Venta Aledo & Los Muñoces) Only around 10km from Camposol, it is a non-member club, and is a non-profit making organisation. A small entrance fee is charged to cover costs, and any excess is dedicated to the Community Ambulance Fund España (CAFE).

The club normally meets twice monthly – on the 1st and 3rd Fridays – from 8.00pm, The entrance fee on ‘live artist’ or ‘cabaret’ nights(normally 3rd Fridays) is €5.00 per person and just €5.00 per couple (€3.00 per single) on Country Disco nights (normally 1st Fridays) Boasting a large dance floor, the venue is also a licensed premises, with drinks at Spanish prices and their hosts, Antonio & Cheryl, maintain a superb kitchen. The ‘fish and chips’ are, reportedly, ‘to die for!’ Advance bookings for meals are recommended and should be made direct to Cheryl on 619 003 022 to avoid disappointment on the night. if you fancy a ‘bit of a boogie’ on a Friday night – or simply want to put into practice what you’ve been learning at your line dance classes –go along and give it a try!

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DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES IN LOS ALCÁZARES

The Los Alcázares Digital Camera Club (LADCC) will be running a series of training courses starting at the beginning of 2013. The objective of the training courses is to show members how to produce expert pictures by understanding the basic rules of photography, their cameras and the use of photo editing with commercial software.

Photography is an art form not a technical exercise but understanding a little more about the technology of photography will allow the photographer to achieve a wider variety of photographic images in a greater range of conditions. Of course, the most important element of a good photograph is seeing the picture and composing the shot.

The course will include picture composition but will concentrate on understanding the basics of photography such as Apertures, Depth of Field, Shutter Speeds and focus plus the Digital Photography subjects such as White Balance, ISO Sensitivity and shooting in RAW. This will be followed by instruction on how these parameters are set on the camera. The post photograph editing will include downloading images, straightening, cropping, sharpening and adjusting brightness and contrast with the commercially available software.

The training courses will commence in February and be open to all members of the LA Digital Camera Club. For more details of the courses, the club or how to become a member please contact Derek on 968 546 866 or Mike on 968 582 217. The club website is www. ladigitalcafe.webeden.co.uk/ .

Vega Baja Garden Club

The Vega Baja Garden Club welcomed Eileen Wallace, a talented local painter, to its November meeting.

Eileen Wallace has been living in Spain for eleven years and specialises in a technique known as “ One Stroke Painting”. She gave a fascinating demonstration, showing how to load the brush with paints to achieve speedy and most effective results. Eileen painted a beautiful white rose on a black background, a perfect choice of subject for the enthralled Garden Club members. Eileen explained that the technique can be used on many surfaces, including glass, wood, outdoor surfaces and items such as plant pots or tubs, which was of particular interest to members. Several members successfully tried their hand at painting leaves and petals for themselves, and all enjoyed seeing the wide variety of colourful and detailed flowers and plants on the items Eileen brought with her, ranging from drinking glasses and candle holders to mirror frames and wooden spoons. Following her demonstration, Eileen answered several questions and explained that she teaches the technique to small groups in her own home.

There was then a general gardening question and answer time. Problems that members had encountered with apple and quince trees were raised, and welcome solutions were suggested.

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The next meeting will be held on Monday December 3rd, at 1.45pm for a 2.00pm start, at Los Rosales Restaurant on the CV895 Lemon Tree Road, Campo de Guardamar. This will be the Christmas meeting, and members will bring along tasty festive morsels to nibble and share, and look forward to a quiz with a gardening emphasis! There will be the usual raffle of plants, and a second one of donated prizes.

If you are interested in gardening and would like to attend the meeting, you will be assured of a warm welcome. For further information, please contact Val, Tel 966 716 527.

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

“Remembrance Sunday” Events

Running Wild group

9

CRESCENDO CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG TIME

Yes, it’s that time of year again when you are cordially invited to join CRESCENDO choir for their Christmas sing-along!

This year it will be at restaurant El Paraiso near Carrefour, on Sunday November 25th at 4pm. Tickets at 3euros each are available from Mary Mitchell on 627 014 053.

Please come and join us, and get into the Christmas spirit. Crescendo’s other concerts for the holiday season are:Dec 8th at Valorians restaurant. This is a charity evening of food and song. Please contact the restaurant for reservations.

Dec 12th Carol service at TCF starting at 7pm Dec 15th at Benejofar Church starting at 8pm.

For further details please check the choir website www.crescendo-choir

Running Wild A.C., Los Dolses, entered members in both of the following runs :1) San Javier 10K Road Race The undulating course ending in the Athletics´ Stadium, proved to be nearer 10.8K. Crecia Wilding & Helen Mitford both made the podium in vet. C category, 1st & 2nd in 58:10 & 59:27 respectively, to receive their trophies.

Howard Bednall, vet. C, came in on 60:51 & their fourth runner, Julia Skinner, vet. B, completed in 66:34, both finishing well.

2) Los Alcázares Prom. 3K (MABS Cancer Charity) 6 lady members supported this good cause and helped to boost entry numbers, which was down on previous years, due to the recent cool & showery weather persisting.

The club´s finishing order was :Frauke Gerlach & daughter, Meike Hendry in sub 20 mins.

Mo Lockey, Yvonne Sherrington & Jools Rushton, together in 20 mins. & Lin Gossage (24 mins).

Lin was understandably elated to run the complete 3K, her furthest continuous run since double stress fractures nearly a year ago. She now plans to complete the Barcelona 10K on New Years Eve with mixed runs & power walks.

FAST Fundraiser FAST Camposol held their Christmas Fayre on Saturday, 10th November which proved to be a great success.

The day started with 30+ stallholders busily setting up displays and decking out their stalls with a spectacular array of goods on offer for the shoppers when the doors opened at 11.00am.

The expectation of a fun filled day packed with happy shoppers during this lead up to Christmas started to buzz around within Mariano’s, adding a real festive feel to all those participating and helping this unique charity fulfil its goal in raising funds to keep operating for the residents and visitors to Camposol.

The doors opened and the people of Camposol and surrounding area poured in to show their support and soon Mariano’s was full to bursting point and would have been the envy of any high street store as shoppers jostled and dodged each other to see what was on offer at each and every stall. The atmosphere and festivities were further enhanced by the sounds of clicking bottles from the FAST tombola stand and Christmas Carrols and festive music supplied by the Wellspring Choir singing their hearts out.

One of the main events of the day was the FAST Grand Prize Draw which took place at 2pm with first, second and third prizes of a 42” Plasma TV, a Digital Camera and a Halogen Oven respectively, plus a further 50 prizes donated by businesses and individuals added to this prize draw extravaganza which was a complete and total sell out with not one ticket left buy.

In addition, the FAST cake stall manned by FAST Support volunteers and fund raisers and proved to be a rip-roaring success displaying a huge variety of delicious cakes and pastries of all different sizes baked by some of our own volunteers and by residents who baked and donated their cakes to FAST. There was also a FAST Volunteer Recruiting stand displaying some of the training and trauma equipment in use by

the FAST Responders in order for them to carry out this unique service. Again this was manned by responders and support volunteers who were on hand to answer any and all questions posed and it is a great pleasure to say that their efforts were rewarded by recruiting a further nine volunteers to help the cause.

A TREMENDOUS TOTAL EXCEEDING 4600 EUROS WAS MADE ON THE DAY. As a charity we are always looking to recruit volunteers and we can never have enough volunteers, so if you would like to learn a very useful skill, have a caring nature, willing to help people in need of emergency medical assistance and are physically capable of carrying out the requirements of a FAST Responder then please contact the FAST Coordinator on 677 288 003 for information.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all FAST volunteer for their dedication and work ethics over the past year, the FAST Support volunteers and fund raisers for their ideas and their dedication to the art of fund raising. Not forgetting the husbands, wives and families for their support and helping hands to make the FAST Christmas Faye the superb day that it turned out to be. My thanks also goes out to all the stall holders for supporting FAST and look forward to seeing you all again at future events. Finally, my thanks and that of FAST goes to all the businesses and individuals who donated wonderful prizes for the raffle, a list of all who donated will be published in a follow-up to this article, and most of all to the residents of Camposol and surrounding area for their support in making the Christmas Fayre a day to remember…

FAST – Making Camposol Safer For All FAST – Camposol (First Aid Support Team Registered M3035763 (2) FAST - Registered G30863658

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Cas Ventura Jazz Club (Jazz Lunch)

‘Swingtet -Plus’ are starting a new venture, at the Casa Ventura on Urbanization San Luis, Torrevieja.

These will be monthly events, the last Friday of every month starting on Friday, November 30th, at 2.00 pm.

Tickets 5 euros from Casa Ventura, or on the door.

Lunch will be available either before or during the concert.

Contact Kevin the manager for menu details and price. Diners are advised to book in advance by calling Kevin on 966 -789 - 247.

‘Swingtet-Plus’ has some of the best musicians in these areas of the costas - playing music from Standards, Jazz, compositions from some of the finest composers and arrangers

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Easy Horse Becomes a Foundation Sue and Rod Weeding the founders of The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre (EHCRC) are delighted to announce that they have signed the deeds for a foundation. The rescue centre is now officially called: “Fundación Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre”. This means that they can now become even more serious players in the world of horse rescue and animal welfare. Not just locally but across Spain, collaborating and working together with the Spanish local and national governments, as well as lobbying at the European Parliament.

Sue has recently travelled to London and met with Baroness Mallalieu, the chairperson of the All Party Parliamentary Group for horses. Speaking with her at the palace of Westminster before going in to Prime Ministers Question Time, Sue got some time to tell the Baroness all about the work they are doing in Spain and her plans for campaigning for better horse welfare. “She was very interested in the work we do as she lobbies for horse welfare in the EU and so her goals are very similar to ours and she has said she will help and advice us in any way she can.”

Rod and Sue have gifted their premises to the foundation and are happy in the knowledge that they have permanently secured the horse rescue centres future. Thus ensuring it will always be a permanent home for the rescued horses and other animals that live there of which there are currently 51 horses, ponies and donkeys. This will also serve as the main rescue centre and head office as this is just the beginning. There will be a second

rescue centre opening very soon at Villa Vera. More centres will follow.

Excitingly there are many new professional people now joining the team bringing with them invaluable skills that are needed in creating a successful organisation. This will ensure the continuous growth of the EHCRC Foundation and ultimately achieving our aim of eliminating the suffering and abuse of horses across Spain.

There are many exciting things happening within the foundation over the next few weeks; we will continue to update you.

Vivace Presents Rutter’s Requiem

Vivace Choir is to perform three concerts of music by the English composer John Rutter.

The first half will consist of Rutter’s beautiful setting of the words from the book of Ecclesiastes, ‘To Everything There is a Season’ as well as his arrangement and translation from the French of Gabriel Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine. The French text, which Faure set to music, was a translation of a Latin hymn ‘Consors Paterni Luminis’ by the seventeenth century dramatist Jean Racine, hence the title of the piece. The music was composed in 1864/65 by the 19 year old Faure and is a firm favourite with choirs.

The second part of the programme is devoted to John Rutter’s Requiem. Several movements are taken from the Roman Catholic Requiem Mass with the addition of the 23rd Psalm and some words from the Book of Common Prayer. The work was first performed in October 1985 and is both expressive and melodic.

The concerts will take place at the following venues: Friday 30 November, La Siesta Church, Torrevieja at 8.00 pm Saturday 1 December, San Miguel Church at 8.00 pm Sunday 2 December, Los Montesinos Church at 8.00 pm For details of the La Siesta performance call Douglas Brown on 659 616 356 and for the San Miguel and Los Montesinos concerts call 96 572 0919.

On a more festive note, Vivace will be joined by the Phoenix Band for a performance of Christmas music, which will include community carols, on Thursday December 13 in San Miguel Church at 8 p.m

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They say a dog is a man’s best friend. Now new research suggests our canine friends could also be the key to a longer life, too.

www.soltimes.com

A puppy, a happy marriage and plenty of good friends!

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

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

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

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

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

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than a third of those in ‘good relationships’.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The report also found that marriages bring

much more contentment after age 70, and how we age after 80 is more about habits formed before the age of 50, rather than genetics.

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

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

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

He added that he enjoyed following the lives of the men in the study. ‘It gives me an awful lot of hope,’ he said.

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

Resarchers from Queens University, Belfast, concluded that dogs can prevent us from getting ill (by boosting the immune system) and help us recover more quickly when we do fall ill. There are also the obvious benefits of getting regular exercise.

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

New vaccine against most deadly strain of meningitis could soon be offered to all babies

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The first vaccine to offer broad protection against meningitis B is to be licensed for use in the UK, drastically reducing the number of children killed by the disease.

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

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

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

Bexsero is the first vaccine providing broad

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

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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14

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

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

YOU DESERVE PRIVACY, PEACE, HARMONY AND YOU CAN AFFORD IT !!! orihuela (alicante)

€50,000

BARGAIN PRICE!!! Large traditional cottage fully re-furbished, only 3 km shopping and train station of Beniel, 5 minutes drive to Orihuela center, beach 30 minutes. The 86 m2 living area is on one level, traditionally distributed in the entrance hall, 3 bedrooms, lounge / with open fireplace, bathroom.

The electric gated entrance courtyard with it’s BBQ and sitting area also offers off road parking for 2 cars. Mains water and electricity. A character home to enjoy the country side near to ameneties. Ref.: E-2141

cox

€105,000

New build villa with tasteful interior details, at the village of Cox . 4,000 m2 plot. 130 m2 living area.

Entrance hall, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 ensuite), kitchen, lounge/diner with open fire place, large southfaced porch with beautiful views over the country side, asphalted access. Beautiful and very convenient property being near to the motorway and to Cox, Callosa, Catral, Orihuela, beach 25 minutes. Ref.: E-2140

HONDON DE LAS NIEVES €110,000

Beautiful 100 m2 country home on 2,000 m2 fenced plot, 10 mins walk to village with all amenities like bars, restaurantes, market hall, schools, health and sport centres. 3 bedrooms, lounge with log burner, diner, bathroom, kitchen, porch, terraces, 8x4 m pool, BBQ, wooden shed, a lovely property (in need now of some TLC) to relax and enjoy this amazing country side, only 30 mins drive to the airport of Alicante. Ref.: E-1910

pinoso

€128,000

160 m2 southfaced villa on 9,000 m2 fully fenced plot, 5 driving minutes to Pinoso. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large lounge with open fireplace with central heating system. Large roof terrace. Very big kitchen with beautiful units. The house is build in a very fine rustic style very tastefully tiled, beautiful grills, balustrades, wooden beams. The interior courtyard offers the utility area as well as BBQ and summer kitchen. Everything is there to enjoy a good country life. The price of € 28,000 is just incredible!!!

Ref.: E-2144

ORIHUELA

€178,000

Family home surrounded by orange and lemon horchards, within the village of Molins with all ameneties, 8 minutes drive to Orihuela and train station. Groundfloor and first floor have separate entrances, therefore good for 2 families. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge with open fire place, large kitchen and utility room, pantry, beautiful terraces.

On the 600 m2 plot is a lovely and private 9x4 m pool area, the entrane courtyard offers a beautiful BBQ area and off road parking for 3 cars. The garage with it’s additional room is ideal for extensions. A spacious home for 2 families with ameneties around the corner. Ref.: E-1831

orihuela

€165,000

Beautiful country home very private but with neighbours around near, in pine tree forest, all services, air con, main house south faced, big living room with open plan kitchen, two bedrooms, one with walk in wardrobe and direct access to the amazing pool area, Pool 8 x 4 v with summer kitchen and bar and outside toilet, , Completely self contained guest cottage, with bathroom, kitchen, air con., garage for two cars, 10 Years old, stunning views to la Pedrera lake, asfalted access, electric gate, impressive drive in area with several terraces and a vegetable garden. 25 Mins from the Sea. E-2137

EVA VERONIKA... Your Country Property Advisor Please call for viewings and/or appointment. Thank you

Phone/Fax Office: 966 180 004 Mobile Eva: 669 621 173 www.spain-fincas.info info@spain-fincas.info

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Joan Rivers mistaken for illegal immigrant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

tailor made

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mo Farah’s ‘Mobot’ victory celebration.

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

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

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

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

Driver sentenced to hold ‘idiot’ sign

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

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

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

on the sidewalk to avoid a school bus.”

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

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

“She won’t stop laughing. She’s

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

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

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

weird & wonderful news...

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

15

16

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

17

RASCALS WILL BE ROCKING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree is just one of the great Christmas songs that Rascals patrons will be able to enjoy and sing along to at their Christmas show “ Disney Delights and Christmas Crackers” The first staging of the show will be at the School of Culture and Music Theatre in Los Montesinos on Sunday December 2nd curtain 7pm and the second show will be just over a week later on Tuesday December 11th at the Virgen Del Carmen theatre in Torrevieja with curtain up at 7-30pm. The Show is aimed to please both adults and children alike with excerpts from Disney Classics such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, The Pirates of Penzance and Aladdin. The second half is sure to send you away full of Christmas spirit with songs like Jingle Bell Rock, White Christmas and Little Drummer Boy. If you have not seen a Rascals show before then you are in for a treat, The cast have been rehearsing since September and the show is looking like the best they have done to date. All proceeds from Rascals shows go to Charity and so far they have raised well over 100,000 eruos. Tickets are on sale now and you can reserve yours by calling Sue on 96 678 4874 or Jill on 966 7272 82

OFFICIAL:

THERE IS LIFE AFTER DEATH

According to UK Pensions it is possible to survive death. Retired expat Dermot McLaughlin was astonished to learn that UK Pensions had informed Spain’s Social Security Services that he had passed away on April 3, 2012. As a consequence his pension, heating allowance and healthcare had been withdrawn.

He tells of how the helpful clerk at Torrevieja’s INSS Social Security Department, had spun the computer’s monitor. He did so to show him and his interpreter the notice of his death sent by their UK counterparts. The clerk was amused, Mr. McLaughlin bemused. He says: “After jumping through hoops to prove I am still alive I have almost lost the will to live.”

He says his pension is again overdue. It appears that UK Pensions have now decided you only live twice. He says he has listened to every cock and bull story imaginable from UK Pensions.

They had claimed he had failed to return his signed life certificate, but his death was announced before they had sent the request. It appears that after their apologies they have now decided he is dead after all. The very much alive pensioner says: “I am at my wits end. They only death I can report is theirs, between the ears.”

Michael Walsh - Media Journalism Professional Editing and Ghost-Writing Awarded ‘Writer of the Year’ Telephone 0034 662 067 490 Skype michael.walsh2088

LOCAL SCENES...

CRIME WATCH SPAIN

(Asociacion Vecinos Colaborando Costa Blanca) Alicante Generalitad Reg. 8261/2002 A voluntary, legal, non political and independent Association, always trying to reduce crime and vandalism in our communites.

Main contacts: Torrevieja Tel. 966 786 266; Montesinos Tel. 685444335; Catral Centre Tel. 965 992 838; Catral North Tel. 679362890; Rojales Tel 966 789 195 (p); Almoradi Tel. 966783066; Guardamar Tel. 628942089.

Email: colaborando.crimewatch@skynetlink.com Webpage: sites/Google.com/site/vecinoscolaborandocatral/home Facebook.com/asociacionvecinoscolaborandocostablanca

BRITISH TV SERVICES 622 31 58 19 - Est 1998* BBC - Channels, ITV - Channels Channel 4, More 4, Music Channels Why pay every month when these are free to view on a 1 mtr dish 1 59€ ~ fully installed ~

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tel: 634 383 298

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Outlook España

We are excited that International Evangelist Dr Peter Gammons, who hails originally from Cambridgeshire, and has recently returned to his roots after a long spell living in Orlando, Florida, is coming to Spain. Dr. Gammons has a world-wide ministry, and even though he is used to ministering in meetings where millions are in attendance he accepted our invitation Spain to spend 10 days proclaiming the Word of God’s Salvation and Healing to a somewhat smaller audience here on the Costa Càlida and Costa Blanca.

Dr Gammons is a friend of presidents, prime ministers. royalty and media celebrities around the world and has a remarkable gift of healing.

Peter will minister at a Gospel Healing Rally at 8.00 p.m.on Saturday 24th November in the Rio de Vida Auditorium, Calle Benijofar, Polígono Industrial Levante 2, 03187 Los Montesinos Inear Sofaland) and on Sunday 25th at Vineyard Christian Fellowship, 20 Calle Veintiocho de Marzo, Pinoso 03650 Alicante at 11.00 a.m. Translation into Spanish will be available at both meetings.

Hear are some testimonies of people who have attended Dr Gammon’s meetings: HEALED OF BLINDNESS “I brought my daughter to your meeting because she was born blind. When she woke up the next morning she was completely healed.” G.T. HEALED OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS In a meeting where Dr. Gammons ministered “One woman who was wheelchair-bound with multiple sclerosis got out of her wheelchair and

t t h a e n g n r i ee n e h T The Evergreen Eatery

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES pushed it home. A number of deaf testified they had been completely healed. “.Pastor N.E. ARTHRITIS IN MY FEET “The Lord healed me of arthritis in my feet. Oh the joy of being able to stand in a meeting singing and praising God and to be able to sleep at night instead of living in agony! Just to stand and do jobs without pain.” Betty.

DEAF BABY HEALED “We brought our baby to your seminar - He was totally deaf and the Lord completely healed him. He can hear perfectly”. G.B. 87 YEAR OLD HEALED “My eighty seven year old mother was healed of a frozen shoulder and nick in your meeting. She was healed when you walked past her, you didn’t even pray for her.

My stepfather had been so riddled with arthritis that he could hardly bend or move. He too was instantly healed and the three people I brought with me all gave their lives to Christ.” T.B. HEALED... AFTER 28 YEARS OF DEAFNESS Peter “said there were people present with hearing difficulties that the Lord wanted to heal. …Due to prolonged exposure to loud explosions experienced whilst testing tank guns in the army, my hearing in both ears had deteriorated. As Peter prayed, I felt a sharp pain and there was a loud noise in my head, which quickly passed and my hearing instantly returned. I no longer need a hearing aid and even whispers can be heard perfectly.” A.B. You can see Dr Gammons praying for the sick on Sky TV, who get healed even if they are not in the meeting. See Sky channel 591 at 9.30 in the mornings.

Terry Turner, Administrator of Outlook España has this to say “I have known Peter Gammons for 30 years and he has been consistently used by God as an evangelist who has brought healing to untold thousands around the globe. Unlike some tele-evangelists Peter does not have any airs and graces and does not maintain a large staff; although he is used to ministering at meetings where thousand or even millions are in attendance, and is a personal confidant of presidents, royalty, national leaders and celebrities, he is humble enough to consider coming to Torrevieja to minister to much smaller numbers. We are expecting to see great miracles of healing and salvation in this visit.”

Both services on Sunday are intended for English and Spanish speakers but you do not have to consider yourself to be a Christian to attend as Dr. Gammons will pray for anyone who wants to be healed. He has an excellent record for notable miracles of healing, especially where doctors have told sufferers that they have no hope.

You can find out more about Dr. Gammons´ ministry by visiting his web site www,pgmi,org or the tour organiser’s website. www outllookespana.yolasite.com or looking at the attached document Ministry Facts.

Contacts: Pinoso Vineyard Fellowhsip – Sue Buske 667049647 Tour co-ordinator - Terry Turner 634361852

LEGIONNAIRES BOWLS TEAM

On Thursday 15 November the Royal British Legion´s bowls team, the Legionnaires, were invited to play a Friendly against The Emerald Isle Bowls Club, La Florida. The result was Emerald Isle won 6 Rinks (187 points) The Legionnaires won 1 rink and drew 1 rink (93 points). The winning team was Anne Macray, Brian Coultate, and Allan Budd, and Ann McRay, Ben Stevens and Harry Epson held their team to a draw, well done both teams. Although we were beaten fair and square, we put up a good fight, but most of all we had a thoroughly enjoyable game. Thanks Emerald Isle, and having been invited to return in the New Year we cant wait to meet up with you again.

Anyone wishing to join the RBL Legionnaires Bowls Team will be most welcome, we meet every Tuesday and Saturday 1.30 for 2.00pm at La Siesta Bowls Club. Please ring Dianne or Allen Budd on 966716931 Membership to Torrevieja Branch of the Royal British Legion is also open to ex-military and non-military, all are welcome and we hold meetings on the second Friday of every month at Casa Ventura, San Luis at 6.30 for 7.00. For further information contact Pauline on 966 704 146.

Following the success of our Jubilee Appeal, the residents and friends of Entre Naranjos and Laguna Green urbanisation have launched a Christmas Appeal commencing 25th November, on behalf of those less fortunate living in the Los Montesinos area.

We are looking for donations of non perishable food items for families in need.

Collection boxes have been placed at the Inn at the Green bar, situated in Laguna Green, for anyone wishing to donate tins, packets, etc.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Christmas shoe box appeal for the children should wrap the box and indicate if the contents are suitable for a boy or girl and what age group. As with the food donations, the distribution point will be inside the bar.

To help the appeal along Diane from Style Ladies Fashions will be at the Inn at the Green on Sunday 25th November from 2.00pm with a range of ladies fashions from the autumn/winter collection for you to have a browse through and possibly pick up that special outfit for the festive season.

apa dac dog rescue

Mulled wine and mince pies will be on sale all proceeds going to the appeal.

If you require any further information please pop into the bar or Call us on 677 617 434

So why not pop along and join us. All welcome cv-95 san miguel  commercial orihuela de salinas

centre



inn at the green

san javier

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los montesinos

622 400 321 677 617 434

 www.theinnatthegreen.co.uk

alicante

Herman Is A 4 Yr Old Pointer Who Loves Cuddles And Affection, He Was Abandoned By A Hunter And Is Now Looking For A Loving Home - Can You Help?

Gracia Is An 8 Yr Old X German Shepherd Who Was Living In A Family But Then Left At The Shelter She Is Very Good Tempered And Well Behaved And Would Be A Joy To Take To A Loving Home

Please Call 606 039 531

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www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

3 PAGE SPECIAL

photo: duesyinspain.blogspot.com

The Origins Of Cuidad Quesada

Justo Quesada Samper: A real man of the people, a self-made man in what were undoubtedly difficult times, who at the end of the sixties dreamed of building a holiday city from scratch.

What today, in the midst of the 21st Century, is nothing new, was then a truly innovative project well ahead of its time.

In 1972 he began to build Ciudad Quesada starting out with just a modest family firm and no resources other than his own hands and, above all, a tremendous capacity for sacrifice and hard work.

He did not cease in his efforts even when faced with the tremendous problems and financial crises the sector has suffered over the years, a fact which makes the successes achieved even more worthy of praise.

With the support of his wife and five children, Justo Quesada gave shape to his dream and created what is now a model company with tremendous prestige within the sector as can be seen from some of the awards we have received: the Costa Blanca Tourism Award in 1991, Jaguar Award for the Best Spanish Developer in 1999, Alicante Chamber of Commerce Award or the Prestige Rating Book.

Over the years, Mr. Quesada has gradually passed on control to his son José Angel, the company’s current chairman.

Although still a young man, he has spent years training to continue his father’s work with the modern vision required for town planning in the new millennium, but also based on the intensive, invaluable preparation he has received since his childhood.

35 years ago, Mr. Justo Quesada Samper’s visionary approach began to give shape to an ambitious dream: to create from scratch a real city which would play a leading role in launching residential tourism on the Costa Blanca. This was the birth of Ciudad Quesada.

Thousands of people from all over Europe supported this first great project to be carried out by our company’s founder, and it became a model of a

bar Welcome All! Fresh Sandwiches

HAPPY HOURS 4pm – 8pm

• €2 PINT • €1 HALF PINT • €3 SPIRIT & MIXER • €1 CHOICE OF WINE • €5 BOTTLE OF WINE

Breakfasts from 1€ Snacks & Tapas Lunches

BUFFETS IN OR OUT

Catered buffets on our al fresco patio for groups of up to 50 Wide selection of tapas and appetisers made fresh to order

Call for a quote at you home or business

Avda. Las Naciones, Ciudad Quesada (next tothe card & gift shop)

halfway house Café / Restaurant

services city in every way, offering amenities which for the time were considered daring and unimaginable, such as a nine-hole golf course and a landing strip for light aircraft.

Ciudad Quesada is now a reference in 21st Century Spain, one of the country’s leading real estate developments, with over 20,000 homes built on an area of 10 million m2 and

further areas still under development.

It also stands out for its impressive range of services open all year round: eight banks, an abundance of food stores, two medical centres, a service station, a Water Park, five supermarkets, a Norwegian state school, a town hall and the La Marquesa golf course.

Different nationalities living together in harmony

The George Pub Ciudad Quesada

Always a Warm Welcome

has strengthened the bond between Ciudad Quesada’s thousands of residents.

In fact, it is the only urbanization which celebrates the fiestas of its own patron saint held every August, on San Justo day, with a fiesta committee and the participation of the Town Council of Rojales, the municipality which Cuidad Quesada forms part of.

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3 Superb Courses

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€7.90

Saturday is Steak & Ribs Combo Only

€9.50

Every Wednesday

Quiz Night FREE

Buffet!!

For all taking part 8pm

Calle Los Los Arcos, Arcos, Ciudad Ciudad Quesada Quesada Calle Tel: 966 966 731 731 689 689 Tel:

The Treasure Chest Jewellery and fine gifts

Good Food, Good Company

Daily Specials

Quality British Food prepared fresh to order

Kitchen Open

Monday to Friday 9:30 to 3pm Saturday 9:30am to 2pm Sunday - Kitchen Closed

K&S KARAOKE

Fridays 8:30pm to 12 Midnight

Open Early Till Late

Tel: 966 717 959 Next to the Chop Shop

The Service you expext ......

...also for your car

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965 72 54 52 www.opencar.es

• Gold Jewellery (9 & 18ct) • Beautiful selection of Sterling Silver Jewellery including Silver Pandora-style Bracelets and Charms * Tresor Paris Bracelets • Jewellery Repairs • Watches – Huge Range of Ladies & Gents by Police, Citizen, OOzoo and Eton • Figurines by Lladro and Nao • Extensive Range of Gifts • Cards & Wrap – at the very best prices!

Villamartin Tel: 966 765 374 Mon - Fri: 10am 6pm Sat: 10am - 2pm

19

Playa Flamenca Tel: 965 325 387 Mon - Fri: 10am 5pm

Quesada Tel: 966 718 100 Mon - Fri: 10am 6pm Sat: 10am - 2pm

20

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

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

win 25€ in our

wordsearch competition TO BE SPENT WITH ONE OF THE ADVERTISERS ON PAGES 19, 20 & 21 DC Bakery Bistro Find and circle all of the Stephen King Movies that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secret message.

Freshly Baked Bread & Pastries

BISTRO

Come for Breakfast Lunch or Dinner or a Delicious Quick snack

Sandwiches - baguettes Burgers - Stews - Goulash Meatballs - Spaghetti Waffles - Pancakes Tea - Coffee Beers - Cocktails & LOTS MORE

Order your Christmas cake today baked & designed by us -don’t leave it too late

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HOME & GARDEN...

CAMPO LIFE WITH JENNI.......

In the last edition I shared with you the fact that I use olive leaves in flower arranging and this week on a recent trip to Alcoy, I was excited to find even more greenery that I could use.

For Christmas I have decorated one of the lounges in pinks, purples, silvers and white and was absolutely chuffed to find swathes of pink heather growing wild on the hillside of our property - which is situated on the banks of the Serpis River, at the foot of the Mariola Mountain Range, which is one of the highest in Spain.

A quick ´stop the car´ to Derek and I was out carefully breaking off stems of Heather which will go perfectly with my colour scheme. Although I do have pink thyme growing within the Reserve at La Pedrera, I do not have Heather.

Funnily enough people often mistake the thyme for the Heather and I can see why as the colours are similar but the Heather would simply not last growing wild here on the Coast as the summers are just too hot and too dry but here in the Mountains the conditions are just perfect.

The Heather is also known as Spanish Heath (Erica australis) is found in Spain, Portugal and Northern Morocco.

It is evergreen and has beautiful crimson flowers - does not like chalky soils but prefers a light and acidic soil. It is very hardy and can withstand temperatures dropping to minus 10.

It flourishes in a sunny position in well drained soil. It was just such a pleasure to witness this riot of colour in what was otherwise a very damp and dull day.

region some sections of forests have been saved normally at the top of hills where it has been too steep to terrace.

Here the trees have been felled to clear lands for agriculture and grazing and being near the Coast as an old Spaniard told me, wood for ship building and of course charcoal for the cold winters.

Spain is the fourth country in Europe in terms of forest resources With 14.4 million hectares of forest cover, and are increasing by about 86 000 ha per year, both through natural expansion and through the forest plantation program, partly funded by the European Union, that has been under way for more than 50 years, with soil protection and erosion prevention as its main aims.

Apart from the many and varied trees there are also lush shrubs and I was really happy to find some Viburnum tinus, an evergreen species from the Mediterranean with beautiful dark blue-black berries and flattened heads of pinkish-white flowers

This again we used in London and used to buy from the New Covenant Garden Market as foliage for flower arranging and I am sure many of you recognize it from the UK but I had no idea it originated from the Mediterranean.

Many use it in their gardens as it is a compact dome shaped, evergreen shrub with a long flowering season.

The foliage provides a wonderful backdrop for other plants and ornamental features. It is a lovely plant to have in the garden as the fragrant flowers open late in autumn We were up in the mountains to recce the walk that I will when many other plants have already become dormant, be doing on Monday the 26th with the walking group that providing scent, colour and late foraging for wildlife.

I lead here at La Pedrera. Each Monday we walk around Needless to say, again the boot was opened and you can the many tracks and trails around the La Pedrera Reserve now see the ‘evidence’ in the a few vases in my lounge. and sometimes we do some Äway Walks¨and explore the Like me, if you want some greenery from shrubs and region. trees, remember that you are actually pruning the plants.

I particularly love coming to the Mountains at this time Consider carefully which branches to cut and which ones of the year, not only because of the change of scenery, to leave. Distribute the cuts evenly around the plant in but you also get to experience the change of seasons order to preserve its natural form. with the leaves on the trees turning rich oranges, reds and More on that next week and if you would like to come yellows. On the Coast many of the Pine Forests have been us on our ´trip to the Mountains of Alcoy¨ or want to know decimated and there are only a few clumps of undisturbed more about our weekly walks within the La Pedrera Reserve vegetation left that has not succumbed to the bulldozer please get in touch. or man. Deforestation started in Spain during the Roman Alternatively if you would like to come on one of my craft occupation in the first century BC and continued over the next two thousand years and more, to meet the days to learn more about flower arranging and go home with your own Table Centre Piece for Christmas, again population´s needs for fuel and construction. please contact me on 660 816 620. All you will need is a The consequence is that the southern part of the country, sharp pair of scissors or secateurs to gather the greenery especially on the Coast has very little forest cover but in and all the materials, ie. the bowls, oasis, candle, ribbons the North forestry activities and the related industries are etc will be provided. The cost is 10 euros per person and healthy. You can imagine how it must have been when will run throughout December.

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HEDGES

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

23

...HOME & GARDEN e in the garden, defining Hedges play a quietly important rol providing privacy, shelter boundaries, keeping out intruders, st and, within the garden from the wind, relief from rambla du adding to the overall er, oth an m fro a are e on te tia en fer itself, dif re are varieties of hedge to pleasure of the garden space. The the ground for most fine suit many tastes and purposes, but paration. hedges needs the same sort of pre Yew:

For a noble hedge, there is no plant as good as the yew. The hedging plants should be put into the ground as soon as they arrive home from the garden centre. Establish a yew hedge in spring or autumn, plant 45cm apart for trees 60cm high; 60cm apart for trees one metre high and one metre apart for those of one to one and a half metres. Yew is slowgrowing and it may be as long as 10 years before the hedge reaches its full dignity, but the results are worthwhile. It’s important to remember when choosing to plant yew that the leaves are poisonous to horses and cattle.

Cypress:

Another fine hedging plant! You can choose ‘leylandii’ with its good resistance to salty sea breezes or ‘horizontalis’ which is native to southern Europe and quickly forms a thick hedge. Plant the young bushes 60cm apart aand they should combine into a hedge in three years. Limit the growth of 30cm a year and trim the sides lightly in early spring and early autumn to encourage good growth low down.

Pittosporum:

Planting A hedge will stay in place for a long time so dig the ground deeply. November is an excellent planting month for hedges. The quickest way to get a good hedge is to plant two staggered rows close together. How close you should plant the hedging material depends on the size and nature of the individual bushes – the garden centre will be able to advise you. Take out a trench at least one metre wide – if you have decided on a single hedge – for economy or any other reason – a trench 60cm wide will suffice. It is important that the trench be dug deeply; fill the bottom with rotted manure or compost as this encourages the roots to grow downwards and not head out sideways, robbing nearby borders. Apart from top dressing, this original ‘manuring’ is the only nourishment the hedge will ever have, so be generous now. From the beginning, plan the final size and shape that you want the hedge to be. This will prevent mistakes, such as planting too near a wall for example.

Caring for your Hedge Tall hedges should be narrower at the top than at the bottom. If the hedge widens out at the top, the lower leaves and branches won’t get enough light. How often to clip or prune your hedge depends upon its purpose and the plants you have chosen to make it. In general, evergreen hedges should be clipped as necessary throughout the summer months, with any major reductions made in May, giving the hedge a long growing season to recover.

What Shape Top?

A strong, close-growing hedge, such as ‘Box’ or ‘Cypress’, can be clipped flat on top; a rounded top is rather easier to manage. A few lovers of the highly formal garden prefer to angle the tops of their hedges to a ridge in the centre, like the gable of a house.

Which Hedge? Hedges fall into three main classes; those fit to put on a fine show

to the world; others, less expensive and imposing, which will nevertheless make a firm ‘keep out’ statement round a boundary; then come those other gentler, often flowering, scented and delightful hedges to use within the garden itself.

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Many varieties of this shrub make good hedges. ‘Pittosporum tobira’ from Japan with its sweetly-scented creamy flowers makes an excellent screen and is particularly good if you live by the sea. Prune in spring when necessary and once established it will often seed itself freely. ‘Pittosporum tenuifolium’ has smaller leaves with wavy edges which sprout from dark shoots and bears dark maroon flowers.

Pittosporum are drought-resistant but appreciate watering in very hot weather.

Berberis (pictured):

This is said to take its name from the Barbary and there are plenty of varieties to choose from. One of the best is ‘Berberis stenophylla’ which, when spaced 60cm apart, grows into an impenetrable hedge. Its long, prickly sprays bear sweetly-scented yellow flowers and it should be trimmed immediately after flowering.

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

week 7

By Lyn Aspden of ‘Strictly Dance’ This week saw the show coming from the Wembley Arena, a venue six times the size of the studio and with a capacity crowd of 6000, the celebrities were saying that they felt like ants in such a huge venue. This week was showing dancing through the decades from the 20’s to the naughties and it proved to be another terrific show.

Last year this was a tough show for some of the couples and so it proved again this year. The latin couples who were able to stay on the central elevated stage area were fine, but the poor ballroom couples had to dance on both the elevated stage and also try to cover the rest of the stadium floor a difficult task for professionals never mind celebrities with just a few weeks dance experience.

Opening were Lisa & Robin with a Samba danced to Carwash from the 70’s. As we have come to expect from Lisa it was personality plus, she always gives 100% and this was no exception. As the music was disco, Lisa danced quite a lot of disco moves but for me too many as I felt it lost its Samba identity a little but a great show opener. I gave Lisa an 8 and the judges awarded a total of 32.

Next to perform were Nicky & Karen with Jailhouse Rock from the 1950’s and a Jive.

Much improved Nicky gave it his all and he had a great start to his routine. However, he was very flat footed and consequently looking heavy with no knee action and no

foot retraction on the kicks, Nicky you are supposed to point your toes on kicks! I awarded him a 5 (one of my bottom 2) and the judges a score of 30.

Up then were Denise & James with a Charleston from the 20’s performed to Walk Like An Egyptian. This music was rather slow for a Charleston which lost a bit of impact for me but Denise showed excellent swivels, flicks and tricks in fact just what a Charleston should be. I awarded her a 10 and the judges had her in first place with 39 and the highest score of the series and the first 10 of the series.

Next out were Victoria & Brendan performing a Paso Doble to Bicycle from the 1970’s. I loved Victoria’s outfit which was red white and blue reminiscent of the Olympics, she was lowered to the stage on her bike.

However to give her chance to get out of the harness I was bored with Brendan’s cape work (every time we see Paso we get capes, I just wish they would give them a rest!)

Victoria gave a very creditable performance with some good Paso Doble steps and much improved turns. I awarded her a 7 and the judges 24 and joint bottom slot.

Following were Lewis & Flavia with an American Smooth Quickstep from the 1930s.

Lewis this wasn’t up to your normal standard, I found him gapping quite a lot and skipping his chasses instead of powering through.

I think the size of the floor was partially responsible for this dip in performance and hope that one of my favourites comes back into form again next week. I gave him an 8 and the judges a score of 30.

Next to the floor were Dani & Vincent with a Quickstep to You Can’t Hurry Love from the 60’s. Again a great improvement from last week with good movement across the giant floor with good flat hops, skips and jumps, I would just like her to lift her core a little more to gain a perfect top line which I currently find too vertical. I awarded Dani an 8 and she received 36 from the judges and in 2 place.

Taking to the floor next were Richard & Erin dancing a Salsa to Club Tropicana from the 1980’s. Once again the salsa basic was too high in the legs resulting in a plonky looking basic. Salsa has to be danced in the knees to enable the sexy down and dirty characteristics and I’m afraid it just didn’t happen, although Richard really enjoyed his dance. I gave him 5 and the judges had him

The penultimate pair were Kimberley & Pasha performing to Living La Vie Da Loca from the 90’s which for a change was a nice slow samba rhythm. I found Kimberley’s Samba one of the best I have seen in the show for a long time with great leg and Samba action and dancing the variety of rhythm changes characteristic to, and very difficult to master, in this dance. She deservedly earned a 9

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and the judges had her in 4th spot with a 34.

Closing the show were Michael & Natalie with a Slow Foxtrot from the 40’s to New York New York. Unfortunately, as I now run a social dance night on a Saturday, the show was taped and there was a problem with the airing by BBC Scotland which resulted in 80% of the dance not being shown. However the bit I did see, I thought that Michael had improved considerably from last week but I do wish that he would get his bottom in! I awarded him a 7 but he ended up in 3 place from the judges with 35.

The bottom 2 this week were Richard & Erin and Nicky & Karen both in my bottom 2 and with a unanimous decision Nicky survives for another week which meant that we said farewell to Richard and Erin.

The stakes are certainly hotting up as the competition starts edging towards the grand finale and I’m excited to see who will be putting in the hours to crank up the challenge for next Saturday.

The average hours per day has increased to around 5 or 6 with some dancers doing even more. When you think that if you go to a class once a week to learn to dance, some of these celebrities are doing more than a years classes in a single week!

Don’t forget that you can come and join one of our classes or our Saturday social night and enjoy the ‘Strictly’ gossip with us.

For more info contact me on 635 584 431.

Charity Christmas Fair at Morgans Bar

Morgans Bar Eagles Nest (2 mins from Villamartin Plaza on the San Miguel Rd) will be holding a charity Christmas fair on Saturday 1st December between 12 - 4pm in aid of the childrens home based in Elche.

We have a great selection of stock from The Christmas Shop in Torrevieja, everything from Lights to Baubles, Tinsel to Cards all at reduced prices for one day only plus a great selection of local businesses offering vouchers for Beauty treatment, alternative therapy treatments etc.

It will hopefully be an ideal afternoon to pick up some fantastic and original gift ideas for all the family as well as getting to know more about the local businesses around us.

We will also be drawing our grand raffle with the first prize two VIP tickets, courtesy of Heatwave Promotions, to see 80`s superstars “Alexander O´Neil” & “The Real Thing” with the chance to meet the guys at the exclusive aftershow party!

Ultimately though we will be raising much needed cash for the children in the Elche Childrens home, a cause that is, quite frankly, humbling.

We will be a collection point for anybody who wishes to buy a little present for the kids to open on Christmas Morning. Please do not wrap the gifts as the staff will have to allocate them appropriately according to age, ability, gender etc. All gifts must be new guys and present their the ages are from 5 to 16 years, boys and girls.

We are looking for a few more local businesses with gift ideas to come along and promote yourselves for free!! All we ask is the you make a small donation to the charity for the space you use. The tables/space you need will be under cover in the bar so we will not be hampered by the weather.

If you are interested in taking a space for FREE, please contact bar owner, Trev Massey, on 698 702 529 and reserve yours today. We only have a limited number of spaces and once they are gone, they are gone!!

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SolTimes

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

coffee break STANDARD CROSSWORD

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

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

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

HARD SUDOKU

Very Hard!

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

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

SUDOKU PUZZLE

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

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

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

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Freewheelers Strike Oil

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Email: paul@torresat.info The little bit of an international strike throughout most of Europe was not going to stop the Freewheelers from having their day out visiting the olive oil producing factory in San Isidro without IT hero Al who waived us off from his workplace despite the strike. Obviously not a union man.

It even stopped raining for the day!

After a scenic drive through the compo we arrived at the factory to be greeted

by Antonio who explained the workings of the plant through our in house interpreter, Richard.

Although he knew more English than he let on. First we saw the olive grove adjacent to the factory where we learnt never to eat an olive direct from the tree! Then on to the start of the process where right on cue a local grower arrived to tip his olives into the pit thus allowing us to follow the whole process from berry to oil although once the olives had disappeared up the chute to be tested for oil content, separated, washed and squeezed there was little to see before ending up in one of the 12 massive stainless steel vats.

As with the grapes last month, the byproducts are not wasted as the leaves go into the production of cosmetic creams and the stones etc are ground up and used as furnace fuel. In the past olives were collected by first shaking the tree and then collecting the fallen olives off the ground by hand pushed machines that looked remarkable like old fashioned lawn mowers or by previously laying a sheet under the tree to catch the

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fruit. Here they had a modern €300,000 monster of a machine that straddled the trees, beat them as it went and caught the olives as they fell and fed them into two hoppers. A one man operation.

Finca la Tallada has a number of olive groves throughout the region and also accept olives from local private growers who can either sell the whole load the the factory, take all the oil and pay for the processing or the most popular way, take their oil minus a discount to the plant owners and sell their own oil themselves.

It was then onto Faulty Towers for lunch, a favourite if ours. Unfortunately Manuel (name changed to protect the innocent) was not there to tend to our needs as he had been poorly and had only just come out of hospital, we wish him well.

His stand-in was equally efficient and it has to be said, much prettier.

A very pleasant and leisurely meal was enjoyed by all with the usual steady flow of beer & wine.

And so ended another fine day out with the Freewheelers.

Visit our website on www.

TorreviejaInformation/freewheelers or write to freewheelers08@yahoo.co.uk

HELP Vega Baja’s Christmas Market

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HELP Vega Baja’s Christmas Market was held on Saturday 17th November at The Asutrias on the N-332 in Punta Prima.

e

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This major fund raising event of the year for HELP Vega Baja was held on a bright and warm November day after a very large number of volunteers had spent weeks and even some months, preparing the items, making, cooking, knitting and asking for donations and vouchers from very supportive shop owners.

Fortunatley our very committed stallholders had arrived whilst it was still dark and arranged their stalls with enthusiasm as the first shoppers arrived early to a well organised market.

The upstairs of the Asturias soon started to fill with those eager to snap up a bargain, the ‘Mystery Tombola’ proved a magnet with colourfully wrapped prizes awaiting the lucky winners. A friendly atmosphere prevailed the whole event and stalls soon started to sell many items at a hectic pace.

The raffle draw marked the end of the market and the hamper was won and collected at the time, as most other prizes where. Winning ticket numbers of goods not collected are: 01355; 00636; 01302 and 00731, prizes with names are awaiting collection in the San Miguel office and can be collected Monday to Friday from 1013:30, upon presentation of one of the above tickets.

A magnificent 5081€ was raised in just 4 hours and the proceeds of the Christmas Market are being donated to the ‘Reach Out’ project for destitute and homeless people in Torrevieja and surrounding areas.

On behalf of HELP Vega Baja, a big thank you must go to all those who did come out and support the Market, without their intrepid support this money would not have been raised.

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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

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

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

225g/8oz golden caster sugar 225g/8oz suet 340g/12oz sultanas 340g/12oz raisins 225g/8oz currants

110g/4oz candied peel, chopped 110g/4oz plain flour 110g/4oz fresh white breadcrumbs 55g/2oz flaked almonds 1 lemon, zest only 5 eggs, beaten 1 level tsp ground cinnamon 1 level tsp mixed spice 5g/1 level tsp freshly grated nutmeg pinch of salt 150ml/5fl oz brandy or rum

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

Mix together all the dry ingredients.

Stir in the eggs and brandy and mix well.

Spoon the mix into basins. Put a circle of baking parchment and foil over the top of each basin and tie securely with string. Make a string handle from one side of the basin to the other so it is easier to pick the basin out of the pan after cooking.

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

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

Pot Noodle hopes Christmas dinner flavour will fly off the shelves after testing it on RAF!

For those in a festive rush it probably isn’t going to be a substantial enough replacement for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

And for anyone spending the holiday alone it will likely make the main meal seem that little bit more lonely.

Pot Noodle have released a Christmas Dinner flavoured variety that is a ‘festive fusion of turkey and stuffing with all the trimmings’, according to the company.

The Pot Noeldle goes on sale today priced at £1.10 and a donation of 2p from every pot sold will be made to the RAF Association’s Wings Appeal to support Miles More Minutes.

The project seeks to allow overseas troops more time to telephone their loved ones over the Christmas period.

The flavour was developed and trialled last year with 27 Squadron RAF Regiment after member Sergeant Ian Hobbs revealed that

troops regarded the brand as a home comfort.

Squadron Leader Stuart Balfour, head of RAF licensing, said: ‘The snack is enjoyed by so many of the troops and it’s great to know that every pot sold will help them keep in touch with loved ones at what is a really important time of the year.’

Pot Noodle spokesman Tom Denyard said: ‘We’re especially proud of the Pot Noeldle.

‘It’s been 12 months in development, with several taste tests involving the troops themselves. It’s the first time we’ve produced a flavour from a homegrown story.’

It is the latest in a series of strange new flavours from the student snack food makers, having released a doner kebab variety in March 2009.

That was the first time Pot Noodle had unveiled a new edition in two years, having previously developed Lamb Hotpot, Tikka Masala and Chicken Satay flavours in March 2007.

www.soltimes.com

food news

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Champagne shortage predicted

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But Thibaut le Mailloux, a spokesman for

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Article : www.dailymail.co.uk)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nick Nairn, the youngest Scottish chef to win a Michelin star, has been employed to come-up with a Christmas menu based on the Lidl range. They are set to take on the upmarket likes of Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s - at a fraction of the cost. Lidl said that it had greatly expanded its luxury range ‘due to customer demand.’

The budget chain says Christmas would not be the same for the middle classes without ‘affordable luxury’.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Pets & Beatles Pack ‘Em In

Once again The Liverpool Band show held at Restaurante Los Rosales in Guardamar on November 17th was a sell out. After their last sell out show there in September, Beatles fans were quick off the mark to make sure they didn’t miss out. With a packed house and an audience who were out to have a good time, the atmosphere was electric. Not only did everyone sing along with gusto to all their favourite hits, but the dance floor and every available space was filled with folks out to dance the night away..

Pets in Spain, the local charity who rescue more than 30 animals a week were there to hold a raffle to raise much needed funds. No animal is destroyed unless their quality of live is non-existent. With so many animals being abandoned and thrown out like rubbish, it is an endless task to keep up with creatures who through no fault of their own have found themselves on the streets or ready to be put down in local dog pounds.

Mark Lewis and his daughter Yvonne, who run the charity, were delighted that they raised over 570 Euros on the night.

There was also a nice bonus as many people wanted to adopt animals whose photos were on display. For more information please go to www. petsinspain.com The evening was brought to a crescendo with universal cheering and table banging for an encore.

When The Liverpool Band obliged by singing “Hey Jude” the audience went wild and all waved their hands in unison. The band will be making a return in the New Year with another sell out show. If your charity would like to be invited to one of the shows or for details of all the fundraising shows and events at Restaurante Los Rosales please email losrosaleshows@ gmail.com or tel 697501992

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animals Elephant learns to speak Korean

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An Asian elephant called Koshik has astounded scientists - by learning to speak Korean.

Researchers report that the mammal has learnt to imitate human speech and can say five words in Korean.

The zoo animal places the tip of his trunk into his mouth to transform his natural low rumble into a convincing impression of a human voice.

It means elephants join a growing list of animals able to mimic human speech, from parrots and mynah birds to the recently reported case of a humansounding beluga whale.

The study’s lead author Dr Angela Stoeger, from the University of Vienna, said she first came across Koshik after videos of the elephant were posted on YouTube.

After making contact with his owners, she went to his home, Everland Zoo in South Korea, to study his unusual vocal talent.

Dr Stoeger said: “We asked native Korean speakers, who had never experienced the elephant before, to write down what they understood when we played back recordings from Koshik.”

They found that Koshik’s calls correlated to five Korean words: “annyeong” (hello); “anja” (sit down); “aniya” (no); “nuwo” (lie down) and “choah” (good).

But while Koshik sounds convincing, the researchers do not believe that he has any comprehension of the words that he is saying.

Instead, they think that the elephant took up talking as a way to bond with his human companions.

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS -

31

E M A I L E D I T O R @ S O LT I M E S . C O M

MUSIC EVENT THIS FESTIVE SEASON...................................

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre................

Friday 7th December 2012 The ORIHUELA COSTA MALE VOICE CHOIR at the Virgen del Carmen Theatre in Torrevieja. Conducted

by NIGEL HOPKINS with guest artistes Mary Beer and Janelle Gaskell, the concert starts at 8pm. The concert is in aid of the REACH OUT Charity which helps people with no money - no food - and no place to live. Tickets are 5€ each and are available from any choir member OR from CallNet Internet Cafe in the alley next to Paddy’s Point at La Zenia.

Telephone: 966 761 171.

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre are pleased to announce the opening of a NEW Sunday market. Starting Sunday 16th December, there will be a new mercadillo/ market at Daya Vieja being held on the municipal car park. The market will be open from 10:00am until 02:00pm for buyers and will be open for traders from 08:30am.

For further details and availability of stalls, please contact Steve on 966 770 234 or 675 479 672

Sunday 16th December 2012 @ 8pm. The NIGEL HOPKINS CHRISTMAS CONCERT featuring ‘In Harmony’ Chamber Choir and the lovely voices of ‘Cantemos!’ Children’s Choir.

This ever-popular annual concert takes place at LA ZENIA Church ... just off the La Zenia roundabout.

Many patrons now insist that ....’Christmas Starts Here ....’ with this concert - and we hope you can join us again this year. Entrance is 5€ each with the proceeds again going to charity. Tickets will again be available from choir members OR ... from MONDAY 26th November ... from CallNet Internet Cafe, along the lane next to Paddy’s Point at La Zenia.

THE SPIRITUALIST CHURCH, QUESADA..........

Important Date for your Diaries ....

Saturday 26th January 2013 at the ORIHUELA COSTA RESORT HOTEL ‘SOUNDS OF THE 60s’ with MELODY MAKERS INTERNATIONAL and CANTEMOS! CHILDREN’S CHOIR conducted by Nigel Hopkins. Dozens of your favourite famous tunes from the 60s sung in glorious harmony, and featuring some of the best soloists on the Costa.

There will be TWO performances on the day:MATINEE performance at 2pm. Adults price: 10€ Children (16 or under): 5€ EVENING performance at 8pm. All Tickets: 12€ Tickets will soon be available from both the Orihuela Costa Box Office and CallNet Internet Cafe.

YOU WILL BE INFORMED by email of exactly when the tickets are available, and - as usual with our Mailing List patrons - BEFORE the general public are informed.

We hope you can join us in the above events, and we would take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. If you have any queries with any of the above events ... please telephone: 966 775 976

50+ SOLOS.................

TORREVIEJA EVENTS UPDATE 17 November Nandos restaurant 1.00 for1.30 hrs Lunch and gifts for 50+ SOLOs 23 November The Black Bull Chaparral Torrevieja charity event for Help for Homeless Veterans (not connected with H4Hs) It is hoped that Sandra and Jeff’s son will fly in from the UK- just completed 2nd tour in Afghanistan.

1 December start 1900 hrs tickets still available at 15 euros. Elvieras SanLuis Torrevieja 3 course carvery, big raffle and music. All proceeds to help Help for homeless Veterans in the UK. This evening is open to anyone who wishes to come along and enjoy an evening but also help our recently discharged military - and others.......many are homeless and need physical and psychological help.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL. Will YOU BE WARM THIS CHRISTMAS, WITH PEOPLE YOU LOVE IN A WARM PLACE ?? contacted Ruth Reid 966789063 Anne Ward 966786281

3 CHANCES TO WIN!!!

Every week 2 lucky couples can win a fabulous, 3 course meal, from our Winter Specials Board menu, with a bottle of wine … and … 1 couple can win a delicious, 9 item English breakfast, including tea or coffee (between 9.30am – 5pm)

strictly dance classes ..........................

Come and join the professionals ‘Strictly Dance’ classes every Monday The Palms (formerly Old Asturias) Punta Prima next to the go kart track on the N332 and every Tuesday at The Club Quesada. Tuition 8:00pm-8:45pm Social Dancing 8:45pm10:15pm, NEW every Saturday Social (anything goes) Dance on a SPRUNG WOODEN FLOOR! (yes you heard right!) we play your requests. 7:30pm-10:30pm at Sophia Wellness Centre (behind car sales) Cabo Roig strip. Come and join us and be assured of a warm and friendly welcome partners are not essential.

coffee morning...

St Nicholas’s Church is holding a coffee morning on Monday 7th January 2013 from 11.00 am.

Everyone welcome.

Come and meet us. There are no strangers here, only friends we haven’t met yet. You can find us on C/Sobrija 2248 D20 Urb Camposol Mazarron

FREE competition

AT MANHATTAN, CABO ROIG

JUST FIND WHERE WE’VE HIDDEN A BOTTLE OF WINE IN THIS ISSUE AND SEND THE ANSWER TO BLANCASALES@SOLTIMES.COM OR DROP YOUR ANSWER INTO MANHATTAN’S DIRECTLY!

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST WEEK’S WINNERS:

MEAL FOR 2: susanne glassup ~ robert beavis

BREAKFAST FOR 2: trisha goff

space for a lit tle one?

Do you have any fundraising ideas? Would you like to organize or hold an event for APAH. If you have some great ideas and have some free time please contact Natasha on 616 210 850 or visit www.apahrescue.org

Leo is 2 years old. He was found under a tree in Playa Flamenca with his two

brothers when he was 8 weeks old. He has lived in the kennels all his life and is desparate to find a home and people to love him. Leo would love to go to a home that already has another dog as he doesn’t like to be on his own. He has been chipped, castrated and vaccinated.

Estrella and Scruff are a year old, they were found wandering in Campoverde. They are both very happy little dogs, Estrella has been spayed and chipped.

Please visit our website www.apahrescue.org under urgent appeals to see our other dogs in need of finding a foster home.

leo estrella & Scruff

Meets at Sociedad Compas, 14 Calle de Toledo, Quesada. We hold a Sunday Service at 11.30 a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship at 7.30 p.m. And every Thursday there is an Open Circle where you can develop your skills commencing at 7.30 p.m. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service.

Ray Bailey will take the Divine Service with Mediumship on Sunday, 25th November.

On Tuesday 27th November there will be an Evening of Mediumship with Debbie Blevins. The Divine Service with Mediumship on Sunday, 2nd December will be taken by Morag Bulloock. Our Carol Service with the Phoenix Brass Band will be held on Tuesday, 11th December at 7.30 p.m 4€. To ensure a seat tickets can be purchased at all services.

Please support your church. Everybody welcome. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www.spiritualistchurchquesada.com

La Siesta Ladies Friendship Group

CHRISTMAS FAYRE SATURDAY 24th NOV 10.30a.m

LA SIESTA CHURCH Bric-a-brac, jewellery, raffle, home baking, mulled wine, mince pies, hot dogs, auction, linen, books, games, tombola, tea & coffee etc.

Proceeds to local charities.

32

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

SOL CLASSIFIEDS

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Private sale ads are free under 300€ (3 ads per week) email them to: blancasales@soltimes.com

boats

BOATING LICENSES ARE NOW A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN SPAIN Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, VHF & ICC. Own-boat tuition on sail and power. If you have a yacht or powerboat get qualified and certified.

Contact Richard +34 638 056 224 Email: enquiries@serenitysailing.com or visit: www.serenitysailing.com

beds

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Please contact Tel: 966 781 307

25 vending machines for sale 20 with sites for more info phone 968 970 681 Thistle & dragon

Trapaso/Lease FOR SALE inside 50 covers Terrace 15 covers On the street 8 covers Fully equiped & stocked, Ready for immediate takeover Benimar area Contact: 634 322 344 or 672 829 760 no time wasters please!

for sale Electric Golf Trolley Used for 12 rounds of golf.

Complete with battery, charger and instruction manual. Only just over one year old. Giving up golf membership forces sale. Selling for less than half of what it cost new 125€ Tel. 695 340 569 Toshiba 22” High Definition LCD TV with Built-In DVD, USB Media Player, Freeview Tuner, Brand new in box Bought 32” TV instead so surplus to requirements, 140€ Tel. 695 340 569 32” TELEVISION very good condition complete

with manual. Nice looking item.

150€. Tel: 968 970 684 Camposol B Mazarron SKY BOX complete with Card 20€ Tel: 968 970 684 Camposol B Mazarron Dartboard in wooden cabinet complete with rubber mat only 30€ Tel: 966 190 695 of 610 673 922 EDESA electric 4 ring ceramic hob.

Good Condition 40€ Tel: 698 289 324 Single Drainer Stainless Steel Sink with mixer tap. 204€ Tel: 698 289 324 Large Wall

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Pool tables, snooker tables, table tennis tables, darts.

Tel:666 933 726 www. spainpool.com H illbilly Electric Golf Trolley. No Battery Good Working Order 45 € Tel: 665203629 Catral area

By PERSON: Quesada business centre, calle los arcos 7, quesada Costa blanca areas christine 966 719 647 Costa calida area Paulette 902 750 190 ext 332

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H otpoint Free Frost – Fridge Freezer Good Condition 1800H x 600W x 600 D. €150 Telephone: 966 717 147 professional waxer inc. strips,l otions, wax 20€, slendertone muscle exerciser with 16 pads 25€, table

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SOLTIMES

SELL IT FAST SELL IT FREE

top electric organ with pre-sets 35€, e-mail lindelle50 @hotmail.co.uk for info and photos or tel 634 334 169 fuente alamo / camposol area 2 no. 6kg Powder Fire extinguishers.

Unused.

About 6 months old.

C/w paperwork

from supplier, if required. Located near Villamartin.

Collection or local delivery €20 each.

966 189 032 spares or repair - rover 214SI 3 door hatchback, silver, 1995 n reg, has stood so battery flat and immob iliser

for sale

doors

Unit.

Antique Pine Cupboards, Drawers, Open Shelves and glass display as new 100€ Tel: 698 289 324

Simply Doors Espana

H otpoint Free Frost Fridge Freezer, Good Condition.

1800H x 600 W X 600 D 150€ Tel: 966 717 147 Antique Pine tall narrow unit cupboard, drawer and mirror on top.

As new 80€ Tel: 698 289 324

A1 Group

GOLD WANTED

Telephone 628 505 733

PAYMENT

English jeweller wishes to buy Complete Garden Maintenance & Property Services broken or unwanted Gold jewellery, We cover Mazarron & silver and coins surrounding areas IMMEDIATE CASH

heating

insurance

NEATER HEATER

asssa medical insurances Asssa Mazarron, Diane Nolan, Tel: 968 153 396, mazarron@asssa. es

See our main advert on the news pages

limousine hire

BATH SHOWER SCREEN 80 x 40 cms, with wall fittings. 25€. Tel 96 676 3081

Tel: 968 969 648 618 315 933 (eng) 634 321 024 (esp) info@tuxedolimousines.es www. tuxedolimousines.es

hearing aids

Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths

musician Lenny Mitchell, guitarist singer, international, professional, solo act. lenny Mitchell & his musical time machine invite you on a trip back to the 60’s & 70’s.

Available to play in any venue. tel: 658 321 891 or email lennymitchell@live.co.uk

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

piano tuner

Piano Man

Calle azul, cuidad quesada tel: 966 718 738 see our main ad on page 8

Qualified piano tuner & technician-piano man

607 346 658 + 665 786 226

electricians

Electrician

PLEASE CALL JAMIE ON: 966 713 075 OR 680 545 923 www.southcostablancaonline.com

664 890 990

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

from €595 fully installed

C/Pablo Neruda 2, Local 5, Rojales

Call Peter

pets

(Quesada)

Furniture first

contact emma mtmprints@ hotmail.com

jewellery

uk manufactured, made to measure, composite & pvc doors & windows with up to 25 years guarantee over 40 styles to choose from with colour options on composite doors

Antique pine available for all works. coffee table with Small or large. magazine shelf, as new 40€ Tel: 698 Call Dave 693 251 562.

289 324 davendonc@aol.com 2 and 3 seater sofas.

Brown base with cream Furniture cushions.

Exc. condition. 100 & est 2006 150€ (200 the pair).

Camposol area. sl Tel. 968131797 / ROJALES SPECIALIST OF PRE - OWNED 646771007 FURNITURE & AccESSORIES AT SENSIBLE PRICES P O R T A B L E house clearance specialist AIRCON UNIT 72 FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE x 50 x 32 cms on WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE wheels.

50.00€.

QUALITY FURNITURE Tel 96 676 3081 Open Mon - Fri 10 - 18.00, Sat 10 - 14.00

p3p & xbox 360 repairs we also pay for damaged consoles & laptops

garden services

EMAIL YOUR ITEMS FOR SALE TO BLANCASALES@SOLTIMES.COM PRIVATE ADVERTISERS ONLY • NO PETS

needs resetting. good tyres, body fair, interior needs good clean but could be a runner. best offer over 100€, buyer to collect nr fuente alamo / camposol, email lindelle50 @ hotmail.co.uk for info / pictures or tel 634 334 169

play station repairs

info.pianoman@gmail.com photography

house clearances

quick cash

house

clearance

transport in 1 hour

tel: 669 723 709

plastering English Plasterer internal finishing, external rendering, 15 years experience, good rates. Call Chris 671 444 246 email: c_pettit@hotmail.co.uk

www.soltimes.com

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

33

removals cont...

property for sale

Linen Mills

Express

Don’t miss the biggest BARGAIN yet!

We have a key-ready block of apartments in Los Montesinos with full finance! All you pay is €3,000 to complete.

to ced u UK Spain Uk ly red 0

2 on €49.00

weekly service

Cheaper than renting?

All you pay is EUR 3,000 buying costs and the rest is mortgaged at around EUR 250 per month. Cheaper than renting an apartment in the area. Some of these 2 bedroom apartments have 2 bathrooms and some with only 1. It’s a first come, first served basis! Great deal!

The apartments do not come with white goods but do have pre installation air conditioning.

Quality and location The apartments are finished to a very high quality with communal areas decked out with marble floors and spacious corridors which make the building very light.

The location is second to none, on the entrance to Los Montesinos overlooking the Torrevieja salt lakes and every apartment has its own private roof garden but there is no communal pool.

Prices are 59.900 €, the payment plan is 3.000 € deposit and straight to mortgage. If a client wants a 30 year mortgage it works out at 266 € per month and if it is a 35 year mortgage it works out at 242 € per month.

TOWNHOUSe TORREMENDO

620 582 063

removals low cost spain - uk - uk - spain local moves full or part loads pets welcome

brian Playa Flamenca Tel: 965 326 920 666 847 648 email: beechdale@hotmail.co.uk

simply removals Spain ‹ UK › Spain • Full & Part Loads • Local-No jobs too small • Pets Welcome • Experienced owner/driver (Playa Flamenca)

Tel: 603 192 957/966 848 607

UK: 00 44 790 519 8895 MEL LANDON melvyynleo@yahoo.com From a parcel to a small house move

VANTASTIC 3.5 tonne removals or any handyman & van service Also Spain-UK tel: 693 251 562 e mail: davendonc@aol. com

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

LWB Sprinter van going from south to North of the UK & back every 2 weeks, based near Murcia Airport. Tel: 610 846 260/ 0044 7519 186 355. or email: van. man@hotmail.co.uk

UK - SPAIN - UK

2 bedrooms & Family Bathroom, Built on 3 Levels, Spacious Living/Dining Room, American Style Kitchen, Solarium & Terrace, Gated Complex, Stunning Views of the Lake. Great Value €59,000

tel: 693 806 409

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

recruitment

property for sale

FOR SALE

Apartment (Top floor / Penthouse) Almoradi, Costa Blanca 4 Bed, 2 Bath, Large Terrace, Lounge, Sep Kitchen, Utility Room, Communal Solarium, Lift, Furnished inc. White Goods, UK TV , 90m² Interior Living Space plus, 15m² Terrace / Balcony with Awnings Spacious apartment overlooks a newly reformed Plaza, views of the church & mountains, unusually large terrace. 2 min walk away from the town’s attractive central square, all other amenities are also within easy walking distance,12 mins drive from the resort of Guardamar del Segura. Close to La Finca Golf course

Bright spacious apartment in old part of Villamartin with front line golf views.

The property consists of 2 bed, 2 baths, seperate kitchen, utility room, large room, large spacious lounge/ diner, 2 large balconies with ample space for entertaining

95.000€

Tel: 656 447 060

Tel: (0034) 676 534 978

earn €350-€1400 part-time/full-time catalogue distribution & team leader roles available with 89 year old PLC visit: www.thevistagroup.info

RENTAL PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED

Qualified & experienced

We have clients enquiring in this area

€ 79,950

distributors required

property rentals

in Cabo Roig/Villamartin, Orihuela Costa & Costa Calida

Price (Private Sale)

Independent

Contact CASASOL REAL ESTATE

tel: 965 325 601 Email:

tony@casasolrealestate.com

live in Home Carers required to work in UK 2/3 weeks on 2/3 weeks off basis start Jan 2013, top rates paid

£525 per week

Telephone 685 406 881

We Will Move It Pets, Boats, Caravans, Trailers, Full Roof Rack for Long Loads, Full or Part Loads, Based in Mar Menor, Murcia.

Spain UK Spain, North & South of UK, 3 LWB Vans Twice a month

Tel: 0044 7783 222251 0034 634 360 846

wewillmoveit@hotmail.co.uk

LowCostaMoves

sky digi box

we shift most things

Sky Digibox

UK and Spain

Anthony Foster Local moves & deliveries Playa Flamenca

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

60€

can deliver.

Tel: 667 235 205

Mob: 616820232 0044 7976367559 tony-foster@live.co.uk

Van hire

ONE WAY



CALL SOLTIMES

CLASSIFIED

UK to Spain or Spain to UK

*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN

Pace with sky card

* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE

TEL: 667 235 205

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

902 750 190

ext 330

34

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

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

personals

translation

Vehicles registration

Vehicles wanted

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

Translation Services

“RE-PLATE” MATE

WANTED

natasha, Divorced, diverse super sexy, private apartment, complete massage with massage bed. Very discreet.

Call 677 676 554 San Policarpo No. 87 Apt 1-17 Cerca Calle Orihuela.

Can accommodate one person or accompanied. elegant Slim, sexy italian lady available home/house visits.

Torrevieja, La Manga, Torre pacheco & Mazarron. Escort available, home & house visits Tel: 693 357 526

satellite tv Rainbow Satellites for all your TV needs with clients all over the Murcia Region. Contact Matt or Alan 686 358 475 or rainbowsats@terra.es

swimming pool safety NEATER HEATER See our main advert on the news pages

wanted

Steptoe & son

we will take anything you don’t want from cars to clothes, electrical items working or not.

One man’s junk is another one’s treasure, so don’t delay call today

Tel: 634 383 298

Local petanca club is looking for a reasonable second hand wooden shed to store rakes etc. Phone: 966798642

wigs Salon Margarethas 24 years in Torrevieja hair/wig specialist for medical illness and hair loss problems. We offer different hair replacements, top fillers, hair prostheses, toupees & wigs. Natural & artificial hair & much more. Also fashion/ festival accessories. TV/TS are welcome to our service. Call Margaretha on 966 921 846 for an appointment.

Name transfer on all types of vehicles 50 € Registering of vehicles from English to Spanish 8 Don’t Get Caught Out! 0€ The police are cracking down

on residents who still have a British driving licence. Call me to get yours changed over for Also available to do all types of translations a fee of only 30€ 20€ first hour, 10€ every hour after

GB

All trafico work

Please call Ashley McCulloch 638 899 350

body work

BODYWORK & PAINT SPECIALISTs

FULLY LEGAL WORK GUARANTEED LATEST PAINT TECHNOLGY COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE PLASTIC WELDING (BUMPERS) SAME DAY SERVICE FOR MINOR DAMAGE HEADLAMPS REFURBISHED

E

Don’t take a chance!

Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates 490€ plus Road Tax plus CO2 emission if applicable WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

vehicle imports & matriculation.fast and competitive rates. call 687 845 730

Approved Insurance Repairers

jig facilities Ken brooks: 645 162 808/654 907 247 Behind the Sunday Zoco Market CV940 Benijofar • San Miguel Finca Garroferos • Nave 8 • Algorfa 03169 Email: rapidrepairs2668@yahoo.co.uk

AUTOKOLOR express quick, reliable, trustworthy, quality Paint & Car Body , Repairs at your home Flakey paint & lacquer repairs Faded Headlights No Problem Email pics for instant quote!

Costa Blanca south Tel: 965 077 626 john: 666 607 075 www.autokolor.es see our main ad on page 37

recruitment

Can you sell ice to an Eskimo?

For re-registration of cars, motorbikes and motor homes contact Graham Shelton Who after re-registering over 1000 vehicles will put you on the right side of the road.

605 319 889 or 966 753 375 www.spanish-number-plates.com info@spanish-number-plates.com

mechanic

Ed’s mobile

CAR REPAIR SERVICE

CAR AIR CONDITIONING REGASING SERVICE SERVICING, REPAIRS ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS GARAGE SERVICES

610 078 940 car parts

All vehicle repairs, servicing, small bodywork repairs, ITV and paperwork needs. Ken Sherwood, British Mechanic Tel: 679 646 859 (Costa Calida area only).

Car parts

Need quality new parts for any car

for sensible prices on all parts

ALL VEHICLES

Cars, Motorhomes, 4x4’s, Boats, Vans, Trailers, Quads, Classics

FOR CASH Telephone:

699 805 995

Used

Motorbikes

sell, buy & repair

transfer on Spanish reg home service pickup

Call Marcel 644 166 347 Guardamar

wanted cars for cash Best prices paid Spanish English Anything considered telephone Tim on 662 211 993

CASH CASH CASH Same day collection

We pay instant cash same day for cars, vans, bikes, quads, caravans, trailers, absolutley anything!

From 1€ to 10,000€

Call Phil: 607 848 332

CA4RS CASH

WE BUY Clutches, Brakes, alternators, service kits Cars, Vans, Bikes Damaged or Scrap Starter Motors, headlights Reliable Cars Bought For Cash

Free quote go online or phone

jet skis urgentely wanted any condition

or telephone 692 930 326

603 100 692

www.carpartsinspain.com

motorhomes

SOLTIMES

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

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

Tel: 950 047 033 or 687 845 730

you can sell ice to an Eskimo

cars for sale

...then we would really like to meet you!

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

This size advert is only 10€

Motorhomes for sale & wanted urgently

ARE YOU • • • Organised & able to work to deadlines?

• Do you have an outgoing, friendly attitude?

And more importantly...

bangers4cash@yahoo.co.uk

info@hispavan.com www.hispavan.com

SELLING YOUR bike ?

THIS SIZE SPACE FOR PRIVATE

ADVERTISERS IS CHRYSLER VOYAGER, ITV till April 2013, ONLY 15€ INCLUDING A PHOTO Full Service, 97,000kms, Spanish Plates, Limited edition, 7 seater 6000€, Contact PHONE CHRISTINE ON 966 719 647 & REACH OVER 40,000 READERS 634 322 344 or 672 829 760

www.soltimes.com

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

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

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

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

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

viewpoint

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

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

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

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

necessarily facing the person to whom she was speaking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

for Beef bourguignon.

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

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

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

Quality of ingredients and preparational skills are what matter.

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

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

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

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

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

“What’s that?” Others would ask.

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

You couldn’t go wrong.

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

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

“Fag?” I asked.

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

But I digress. How

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

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

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

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

35

John MacDonald (El Sordo) www.caratacus.eu

Pre t t y Day

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.carsupermarket.es

36

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

SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

Perhaps a tomb for an unknown civilian will be unveiled someday

Oh what a lovely war!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

braben’s blog....

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

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

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

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

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THE ENGLISH TEACHER

BY R.K.NARAYAN

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

I am more than happy to endorse this.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vintage Classics. ISBN: 9-780099-282280

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

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daya nueva.......................................

DAYA NUEVA 7 V. ALGORFA Manuel made it 3 - 2 for Daya 2 INFANTILS G10 DAYA´S SECOND HALF OUT OF THIS WORLD After an even opening few minutes Daya started to pressure the visitors. Then on 11 minutes Danni failed to hold a simple high ball, it slipped through his fingers and over his head for 1 - 0 Algorfa.

The goal gave the visitors a big lift and they pushed forward making for some uncomfortable moments in Daya´s defence.

Algorfa lost their goalkeeper through injury on 18 minutes, this seemed to lift Daya and a succession of corners for them resulted in the equaliser when David headed home from a corner on 23 minutes.

Just a few minutes later Algorfa were back in front following a soft free kick which they put away for 2 - 1.

Daya came back into the game and pushed Algorfa back into their penalty area but a goal just would not come. So 2 - 1 down at half time but Daya were not out of it by any means.

The home side flew at Algorfa right from the start of the second half and this pressure soon took its toll on the visitors.

On 41 minutes David scored his second goal to level it at 2 - 2. Just minutes later

with a scrappy goal, but they all count ! On 50 minutes a great defence splitting pass saw the ball reach Francisco who strode forward and hit an unstoppable shot for 4 2.

On 52 minutes a trade mark David long range shot gave him his hat trick and the home side a 5 - 2 lead.

Marcus hit a fierce shot on 60 minutes which flew past the keeper for 6 - 2. Daya were now battering their visitors with more goals looking likely to come. The seventh goal came right on time when Manuel scored a fine goal to round off a superb second half display by the home side. So final score 7 - 2 with Daya having run Algorfa ragged.

Would it have been different if the visitors had not lost their keeper, I don´t think so as Daya were on another planet in the second half.

Yet another good sized crowd saw a great Daya performance. The game was well controlled by a strong referee. Man of the Match, David for his hat trick.

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MAZARRON FC 1 V CD ALBERCA 1

Mazarron’s improved form continued with a creditable 1-1 draw at home to second placed CD Alberca.

They could have taken the lead as early as the first minute but the visitor’s keeper turned a great shot from Cecilio round the post for a corner which was cleared. However, on 3 minutes Cecilio flicked the ball onto Jose Ruben who lobbed the advancing keeper to give Mazarron the lead.

Alberca responded well and they then took control of the game for a long period causing, the Mazarron defence problems on a number of occasions. Jose Iker made a very good save in the 25th minute to preserve Mazarron’s lead before Poyato wasted a free kick hitting the ball harmlessly wide. In their next attack, Alberca were awarded a disputed penalty after a challenge by Pepelu.

The spot kick was converted

by Antonio Garcia Pedreno to bring the scores level.

Mazarron suffered a further blow in the 35th minute when the influential Cecilio was forced to leave the field through injury to be replaced

by Edu. Diego had a chance to restore Mazarron’s lead just before half time but headed just wide from Poyato’s free kick.

At the start of the second half, Mazarron forced two

corners in quick succession but both came to nothing.

Then, in the 56th minute Alberca had a shot which was cleared off the line and 10 minutes later actually had the ball in the net only to see the goal disallowed for offside.

Alberca continued to press for the winner and had another good chanced after 71 minutes when a free kick was finally cleared by the Mazarron defence which managed to stand firm in the face of increasing pressure.

Both teams had chances to win the game in the final minutes.

Mazarron’s Barrachina fired a close range shot into the side netting, and at the other end, Jose Iker made a brilliant save to thwart the Alberca centre forward.

In the end, a draw was probably a fair result and Mazarron have now only lost once in their last six games.

Team: Jose Iker, Alfonso, Pepelu, Diego (capt), Pepe Pollo, Urrea, (Panocha), Poyato, (Diego (2), Jose Ruben, Santi, Barrachina, Cecilio, (Edu).

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T.M.G.S.Golf Society at La Finca After being rained off last week and with the forecast not looking good for today, everyone had their fingers crossed that we would be able to play. A quick phone call to the club at 8am confirmed that the course was open and that buggies would be in use. Almost 30 members and guests arrived at the course in time for our 11,30am start, only to be greeted with overcast skies and the thought of rain coming in again, how wrong we were, by the time we`d started the back nine you could hear from across the course, I will have to take my sweater off or I wish that I had put my shorts on. What a difference a few hours make.

On to today`s game, visitor Eamon Murray enjoyed the beautiful conditions helping him return to the club house with 41 Stableford points on his card !. The Gold Category also saw good scoring, 1st place going to Mike O`Regan with 39 points, Captain Alan Rickers 2nd 35 points and

Vice-Captain, Mick Kennedy 3rd 34 points. The Silver Category members fought hard for 3rd place with several returning 26 points, but Brian Dunk had the better back 9, 2nd place went to Derek McLean also on 26 points and again the back 9 rule had to be applied. 1st place was won emphatically by Ian “Marshall” Parkinson with 38 points. Nearest the Pins this week, Gold Category Holes 3 and 6 Theo Boelhouwer, Silver Category Hole 13 Ian Parkinson, Hole 16 Bill Wylie.

Our thanks go to Salvador and his crew for their help and also to the green keeping staff for presenting the course in excellent condition under difficult circumstances.

Our next game is at Alenda Golf on the 21st November.

We do like to cater for those on holidays and we do have a Friday series for that purpose.

Take a look at www.tmgs. com or phone our Match Secretary on 966719604 to book in with us.

RODS AND REELS This week,s competition was the 2nd round in the Coast Rider Challenge Trophy, the venue again being the Eden canal. The river was coloured and with a lot of flow on it due to the precipitation of late. As the match started it was first to find some slack, and then the fish. As nearly always, the cottage pegs produced the best weights bar one. The only bonus when the river is like this, is the terrapins don´t seem to feed, just a pity that the flow doesn´t take them down to the estuary!!!!!.

Top Rods on the day 1st Ian ( Irish Wizard ) Dalzell fishing the pole using pellet with 10.40 kilo´s.

2nd Dave ( Yours Truly ) Hoare fishing the pole using bread with 8.52 kilo´s.

3rd Terry ( Swing E´m ) Screen fishing the feeder using maggot with 7.86 kilo´s.

PLEASE NOTE The club has some vacancies at present, if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 966729293 or 603535771.

Also members, the Murcia Federation dues are now required, money to be paid to Derek or Sue Swann urgently.

Our continual support and best wishes go out to Jim Hovey.

ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS Supplied by Terry Screen Due to this week’s inclement weather the planned open match was cancelled, as most

of the venues were flooded and the banks muddy and treacherous.

Our next fishing match is on the 20th November and is our Xmas Contest and we then have our annual Xmas dinner and Dance on the 24th November at 7.30pm.

Also our AGM is on the following Monday the 26th November at 7.30pm both being held at the Abbey Tavern.

Members also need to pay for their Murcia Federation renewal to Mick Hill before the end of this month All details are available on our website www.abbeyangling. com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 965328368 ANGLERS TOGETHER The objective of Anglers Together has been reached ( which was to introduce anglers to each other ). Now that newcomers to Spain are few and far between, we have decided that monthly meetings are serving no useful purpose and the friendships that have been made over the past 4 years are now firmly established.

We will continue to provide information through our email address if contacted but there will be no membership renewals in May. Thanks to all past members for their support.

Email : anglerstogether@ hotmail.com TIGHT LINES DAVE HOARE

C.F Sporting de San Fulgencio....................................

Saints see off Aspe to return to the top(for now!)

C.F Sporting de San Fulgencio 3-1 C.F La Coca de Aspe As Dolores and Cox could only draw their respective fixtures this weekend, the Saints took full advantage with a ‘straightforward’ victory against Aspe to go level on points with both sides at the top with a superior goal difference.

The opening ten minutes were tense and nervy with a lot of slack passing and dillydallying on the ball. Aspe had the first attempt at goal, albeit a sliced effort that went well wide.

As the game went on the home side calmed down and started to play the ball around nicely. Giacomo Marcello had their first real chance and really should have scored, but he could only tap wide with the goal at his mercy.

The rest of the half was quiet, neither keeper seeing any of the ball. The closest either team came before the end of the first period was Marco Aurelio’s angled effort that smashed off the crossbar.

San Fulgencio continued to control the tempo of the game after the break and after a few chances were wasted, Carl Kirby popped up with his first of the season. Giacomo and Marco connected brilliantly to split the Aspe defence open and Carl was on hand to tuck into the open goal from Giacomo’s square ball.

The Saints really had their tails up after the opener and continued to create chances.

Aspe’s goalkeeper made a

stunning reaction save to keep Marco’s poked effort out before smothering Carl’s left foot strike.

Aspe managed to smash in an equaliser against the run of play, their number 11 rocketed his shot into the roof of the next after a smart pass unlocked the home defence.

The visitor’s joy didn’t last long as Giacomo was tripped in the box after a mazy run.

Despite the Aspe player’s protests, the penalty was given and Marco stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way.

Giacomo had a great chance to extend the lead, but the striker dragged his volley wide of the mark. Aspe then came close to scoring, but San Fulgencio were relieved to see the free-kick sneak past the post with Jovi Navarro beaten.

Giacomo was involved at the other end again moments later, but this time he was booked for ‘simulation’ in the box. Unbelievably the same thing happened again, but the referee let the influential number 11 off the hook, much to the fury of the Aspe players and staff. They had a lot to be furious about as Giacomo outpaced his man on the wing and set Carl up for his second of the day.

A very good weekend of football for the Saints, who could remain top tonight depending on other results!

Our next match is away to Monforte next Saturday.

Thank you to Telecom 900 and the rest of our sponsors!

Match report by Jordan Lucas

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SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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GREENLANDS BOWLS CLUB...........

BY STEVE HIBBERD Steve Cantley, Bill Pain 20-7.

CORNISH PRIDE (LOS DOLSES)....

Ten Pin Bowling League Matches played on November 13th The top 2 teams in the league met this week, and it was a very close match with all 3 games only being decided by a few pins. It ended with Team Finland beating Hall y Day 62, and going above them in the league. Top bowler in the match was the Finns skipper Jukka Koskinen with a 662 hcp series.

Despite drawing 4-4 with Crazy Pinz, Lucky Strike dropped 1 place down to 8th position. Philip Adams bowling for C.P had his highest scores so far, a 424 scratch and 574 hcp series.

Caballo Negro moved up to 7th place, and pushed Los Lobos down to bottom position when they beat them 8-0, even though Ron Jewll bowling for L.L had his highest 4 scores so far, including a 197 hcp game. Top bowler for C.N was Seppo Tuominen with a 631 hcp series.

Jane Hamill bowling for Bar

Mosquitos had the ladies top games of the night, 192 scratch and 235 hcp, but her team still lost 6-2 to Split Happens, mainly due to their Kjell Monsen bowling 230 scratch in his last game.

Mixers had a comfortable 80 win against Carp-r-us, to move them back up to 6th in the table. Inga Soderstrom bowling for Mixers had the top 2 ladies series scores with a 535 scratch, and a 607 hcp.

Biggest cheer of the night came from the Splash team as they beat 4th placed Los Bandidos 6-2, that win moved Splash off the bottom of the table, they also had the highest team score of the night 1754.

With only 2 bowlers Cornish Pride knew they were in for a tough night against Bandoleros.

They did manage to get 2 points, but eventually lost 6-2, top bowler for Bandoleros was Jamie Brian, who had his 4 highest scores so far, including a 236 hcp game and a 615 hcp series.

SAILING ASSOCIATION MAR MENOR (SAMM)................................

The seventh day of the SAMM Autumn Race Series was held

on Sunday November 18th. The race took place from the CAR Sailing Centre at Los Narejos on the Mar Menor. The wind a north easterly was at 3 – 4 knots. After the start of the race it began to rain, it became heavier and heavier, eventually it was torrential. Everyone was soaked but they battled on and the results on corrected times were, as follows:First race: Place Boat Helm Crew 1st Sailfish Mistral Robert Hudson Don Clarke 2nd Sailfish Sorocco Vernon O’Byrne Terry Chapman

Mick Burgesss 3rd Catamaran Hamoor John Clarke D Squires, R Hext,

B Blinkhorn The second race was cancelled due to no wind and too much rain!

The next race day will be on Sunday 25th November. For more information see www.sailingmarmenor.com or email sammracing@yahoo.co.uk.

Sailfish Mistral

Sailfish Sorocco

LO CRISPIN GOLF unfortunately SOCIETY.............

16.11.12 - Altorreal straight into a Today we played our last major of the season, Nominated Pairs, a betterball stableford format, which was finally played at Altorreal in Murcia. The event was kindly sponsored by Mick Budd, who presented the prizes. The game should have been played the week before at La Finca, but we all know what a wet week that was and the weather did not improve much before this match either.

The morning of the game was thick fog, a real pea souper, you could have been on the top of Ilkley Moor for all you could see. Nevertheless, 38 guys and gals set off with headlights blazing onto the A7 where finally we got through the mist and into sunshine.

The course was very green and lush but rather wet and soggy in places, the greens were fast and unforgiving but in good condition, but some people like Meirion Roberts in particular, liked to make life harder by trying off roading through trees to find a ball on the next fairway, only to get stuck and so he had to reverse

tree. Luckily he, the buggy and the tree came off without a blemish.

Weary and hungry we all went back to Montes Bar, on Montebello where we had the presentation and where Andy and Chris had put on a chips and sandwiches for us, many thanks to them. The entertainment was good with the Irish contingent starting a sing along closely followed by the English.

Many congratulations to our winners: 1st Tony Ellis and Ray Brown 42pts, they won a trophy, a medal each and two free games at Altorreal, plus a Society shirt each with their names on.

2nd Dicky Claeys and Barny Barningham 40pts 3rd Paul Flanaghan and Chris Nield 39 c/b 6 Nearest the pins , Hole 2 Jim Noonan, hole 9 Mick Budd and hole 17 Tony Ellis Free game draw Mike Cutts.

Gail Coultate Correspondent

39

Lime Bar Golf Society Los Altos, Orihuela Costa The golf societies venue for the 14th November 2012 was held at La Torre Golf Course.

Again the weather can only be described as perfect for golf, the course was in fairly good condition considering the recent weather. This was the first time most of the 20 players had played the course resulting in the scores being reasonable.

The competition was in the stableford format, and the scores were recorded, as follows:Nearest the Pin in two on the 5th hole was Norman Dobson.

Nearest the Pin on the 9th hole was Steve Cottle.

Longest drive on the 16th hole was Michael Heighway (guest) Silver Class 3rd place was Dave Kirk with a score of 28 points.

Silver Class 2nd place was Nev. Greenwood with a score of 30 points.

Silver Class 1st place was

Paul Abbott with a score of 35 points Gold Class 3rd place was Mick Slater with a score of 27 points.

Gold Class 2nd place was Barry Sawyer with a score of 30 points.

Gold Class 1st place was Steve Cottle with a score of 35 points.

Yet again a very enjoyable days golf in pleasant company, thank you to Captain Mick Slater and Vice Captain Stewart Coleman and also thanks to the Staff at The Lime Bar for a most enjoyable meal. Anyone wishing Join our friendly society just need to phone Mick on 659866468 or Stewart on 966180003.

Fixtures for the first 5 months of 2012 are: January 9th Presidents Trophy at Vistabella – 35 Euros; February 13th Mar Menor – 50 Euros; March 13th Altorreal – 35 Euros; April 10th Curtis Cup at Vistabella – 35 Euros; May 8th Captains Day at La Torre 50 Euros.

All games include green fee, buggy, prizes and buffet.

SHOULD HAVE BEEN THREE Torry travelled to Elda last Sunday to take on CD Eldense in a 5.00pm showdown. The game took place in the impressive recently built Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium. Eldense came into the game one place outside the drop zone with a poor record of late.They are now managed by ex-Torry manager Soto. They included two ex-Torry stalwarts, Raul Manrique and the veteran Diego Meijide, who wore the captains armband, in their starting line-up.

Torry were again without defender Rafa, who is still regaining match fitness following the removal of his appendix, and also leading marksman Koeman who had not managed to fully recover from an injury picked up in the previous game.

With around 900 spectators, both sides were keen to attack.

On 6 minutes Torry broke quickly and Inarejos accelerated to the by-line and hit a deep cross which found Luis Carlos who smashed the ball into the roof of the net through the despairing hands of the Eldense keeper who couldn’t keep the ball out. After 19 minutes a brilliant surging run through the middle

by Jorge and a great pass put Luis Carlos in the clear and as he went round the Eldense keeper he was bundled over just outside the box. The referee had no hesitation in sending the Eldense keeper off. Eldense then made the inevitable substitution and sacrificed an outfield player for their reserve keeper. Torry began to control the tempo of the game but came unstuck after 30 minutes when trying to play a bit too much “tic-tac” football in their own half and a sloppy pass by Ernesto was intercepted by one of the Eldense forwards and he advanced and hit a thunderous shot from 30 yards which beat Manolo all ends up and finished in the roof of the net. . As half time approached Torry created

blazed wide from an excellent position after being played in by Ernesto. Then Inarejos had two good chances but both times skied the ball over the top. Torry got off to a perfect start to the second-half when Pedro Lopez found Inarejos with a great ball and he crossed it into the Eldense six-yard box where an Eldense defender put the ball into his own net under pressure from Gasch. With just over 20 minutes left the referee started to get a twitch in his right arm and began a spate of card waving which infuriated the locals and got them increasingly agitated.

The challenges by the Eldense players were coming in thick and fast, in the main, desperate and late. On the 70 minute mark Eldense were down to 9 men when one of their players was dismissed for a second bookable offence. Eldense held out for a precious point while Torry should have been leaving with all three points. While the game ended 2 apiece in goals, in indiscretions Eldense were the clear winners by a mile with 2 reds and 8 Yellows against No Reds and No Yellows to Torry.

Biased referee, I think the locals thought so. They demonstrated there feelings after the match as they bayed for the blood of the match officials who stayed on the field for a good five minutes or so before being escorted off surrounded by police using riot shields held over their heads to protect them against missiles being thrown from the main stand..

Torry have now slipped down 2 more places into 12 position but still only 3 points off 4th place in the table. This coming Sunday Torry are at home to bottom of the table Catarroja in game Torry need to win to stay in touch with the top. The game kicks off at 5pm - try to be there.

More fixture congestion resulted from last Mons total washout of the SABA league, for not only do those games need to be re-scheduled, but many club championship matches have suffered the same fate - 2 games in a day anyone?

Luckily, the weather changed just in time for the visit of La Siesta for round 5 of the Winter league. Only 1 rink failed to record a victory, in an emphatic 9-1 triumph. That’s the way to do it: Sue Johnson, Lynn Greenland, Dave Greenland, Bill Pain 25-7. Gail Watson, Wendy Latham, Fred Willshire, Barry Latham 18-11. Mike Veale, Bobbie Sims, Tom Hill, Steve Cantley 15-14. Ronnie Cairns, Ian Kenyon, Angie Goodfellow, Derek Tozer 1616. Not to be outdone, those intrepid Berleeners also did the business, winning on both rinks, to secure the 2 points on offer. Up, up, and away: Di Lawton, Bill Sims, Colin Lloyd, Barry Collins 27-6. Noel Cork, Hilda Cork, Sandra Heath, Phil Goodfellow 20-16.

If you think that’s good, 24 hrs later, they went one better - 1 point better that is! The re-arranged match against high flying El Cid, produced a clean sweep, lifting this little lot way up the table: Sue Johnson, Mike Veale, Barry Collins, Dave Greenland 30-17.

Lyn Greenland, Bobbie Sims,

Ian Kenyon, Tom Hill, Angie Goodfellow, Derek Toozer 15-12. Gail Watson, Wendy Latham, Fred Willshire, Barry Latham 27-5. Alas, the ONE rink Berleen team failed to add to their points tally (don’t get me started on that one!).

Those Southern league Oaks, keep going from strength to strength, following their trouncing of Emerald Isle Cavaliers. On home green, only one rink came unstuck, on the way to a sound 12-2 victory.

Get in there: Di Lawton, Sheila Stead, Barry Collins 1614. Jeannie Clements, Colin Lloyd, Dave O’Sullivan 17-16.

Graham Bater, Tom Hill, Fred Willshire 20-9. Beryl Norris, Mike Veale, Steve Cantley 2015. Gail Watson, Avril Toozer, Barry Latham 15-14. At time of going to press, no report had been received from the Elms. To complete this weeks roundup, the Cedars made the short trip to San Luis, to take on their Pumas. Two wins and a draw, meant that they had to be content with a 5-9 defeat, but playing against any San Luis side nowadays isn’t easy, so all in all, that’s not a bad result. Good on yer: Barbara Doran, Tony French, John Wray 21-13. Keith Page, Mike Kilby, Pete Tomkins 24-8. Helen Langois, Chris Dewar, Charles Langois 15-15.

fc torrevieja.............................

TORRY GAIN A POINT BUT IT a number of chances. First Abel

ST JAMES’S GATE G S

at Vista Bella TUESDAY 13TH NOVEMBER Leaving home in the rain I had high hopes it would clear up before we teed off at 09.00am. but it was not to be. 13 Hardy members and guests ( out of 24 that should have played ) teed off in the rain, but after 6 holes played it subsided. Although wet under foot the course and greens were in very good condition as it is a well drained course. Scoring was very low with the top score of 30 points

by Malcolm Anderson to take First place in the Gold Gategory followed by last weeks winner Les Yates 25 points. In Third place.was Rodney Smith with 21 points. Maura Mullen scored 20 points to take Third place.

Only one par 3 green hit today

by Malcolm Anderson, Jim Lappin took the Longest Drive and also was the best Guest scoring 39 points. We came bask to the St James,s Gate pub for the Presentation and refreshments kindly supplied

by Sonia and her staff. As usual very nice. Next game which is the penultimate one of the season is at Bonalba, first tee 10.00am. Meet on the car park at 08.00am or be at the course by 09.15am. If anyone would like to join our friendly society or just want a game, give Ron a ring on 678-849-142 or put your name and Telephone number on the Start Sheet in the pub.

Photo Silver Category Winners

Roda went ahead despite the forecast telling us that the day would be hit by some very heavy showers well they were not kidding after we started in sunshine we were hit by some of the worst rain i have seen since coming to Spain twelve years ago .

Somehow we managed to get through the most of the games with two games agreeing a result so to the results. Game one between Club 25 & Seirra Golf resulted in a win for Club 25 by 25pts to16pts Game 2 The Celt Club v/s Leaders San Javier Celts won 27pts to14pts.

Game 3 saw Roco-Juna take on near neighbours La Zenia With the men from La Zenia coming out on top by23pts to22pts Game four was between The Not So Sprightly Crew v/s La Manga This game was

teams agreeing that the score should stand at the point the game stopped the result being a win for S P Crew 18pts to 13pts in the last game after much discussion Marinasol beat Hacienda 18pts to 5pts.

So the table now reads 1st Marinasol 74pts 2nd San-Javier 71pts 3rd Club 25 67pts 4th S P Crew 65pts 5th Roco- Juna 58pts 6th Seirra Golf 56pts 7th La-Manga 55pts x 7th La Zenia 55pts x 9th The Celt Club 48pts x10th Hacienda 47pts x = only played two games As you can see things are very tight and we can look forward to to the next round of games @ La Torre on the 10th &12th of December Yours Alex Mclennan

Murcia League Golf..................

Round three Matches at cut short by a downpour the

40 SOLTIMES NOVEMBER 2012

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on Wednesday 14th, however, many did not believe us so it was their miss for our first visit to this lovely Sevi Ballesteros course which we subsidised cost wise on the day.

We played our usual Stebleford competition which unfortunately had to be rearranged on the day causing a few problems but all turned out well and though scores in general were on the low size it was enjoyed by all.

Winners on the day, Category 1.1st. Peter Kerr 36 points.2nd.Geoff Shand 30 and on 26 Mick O’Brien Category 2. 1st. Ken Holmes 31 points. 2nd. Alan Darby 28 3rd. Chris Butland 26.

Category 3. 1st.Brian Coombes 31 points 2nd.

Bernard Ball 25 and in 3rd. place Christopher Rose 23.

Nearest the Pin Hole 2.

Alan (NTP) Darby , Hole 12.

Ken Holmes and 3rd.shot nearest the pin Hole 18. Brian Coombes Picture shows some of the winners on the balcony of La Peraleja Club House Our Saturday roll up at Vistabella last week resulted in a win for yes, El Bandito, Peter Kerr playing in a Stableford Competition with 36 points.

Our next Club day is at Hacienda del Alamo on the 27th. November followed by our roll up at Vistabella on Saturday the 8th.December.

For more information contact David Winder on 626 774 157 or email davidwinder. torregolf@gmail.com

Torrevieja Swimming Club

Torrevieja Masters excel in 1st League event

This weekend Torrevieja Masters won five 1st’s, a 2nd, 3rd and 6th place across the 8 events entered by the 4 team members. The team travelled to the Municipal pool in Elda for their 1st timed control. First out, Beth Altabas continued her dynamic swims earning two new records across the Communidad of Valencia in the 65 yrs + 100 m medley and by breaking her own record by 18 seconds in the 400 m freestyle with a time of 6:49:85. New to the Masters this year Gillian McNiece set an outstanding baseline in her first two swims being placed first in both events, 35 yrs + 100 m backstroke and

100 m freestyle. Vicki Connolly followed with a 1st and 2nd place in her 45 yrs + 100 m freestyle and 400 m freestyle races. Finally Rafael Bordes gained 3rd place in the men’s 35 yrs + 100 m breaststroke and 6th in the 50 m freestyle.

As the first race of the season nerves were high but it was great to have more comrades to share the tension with! Well done to all! For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa 665454126 or President Felipe on 609418776 or by e-mail on info@clubnataciontorrevieja. com

Torrevieja swimmers earn new Personal Bests in 1st League event

This weekend the 12 – 20 yrs old members of “Club Natacion Torrevieja” travelled to Petrer for their 1st league event of the season. Ten members of the club were challenges against 178 swimmers from 7 other clubs across the region in a variety of events. In the Infantil category (13 – 15 yr olds) Nadya Cheetham improved upon her 200 m freestyle time by 3 seconds, Piroska Rideg on her 100 m freestyle and in her 200 m medley by 3 seconds. In the male Infantil category Konstantin Badminov improved upon his personal best by 8 seconds in his 100 m freestyle and 18 seconds in his 200 m freestyle with a new time of 2:30:72. In the Junior

category Ruth Brassington improved upon her 100 m and 200 m freestyle times and new times were set for Julia Lopez and Alexander Timmerman.

The only swimmer in the Absoluto category (18-19yrs) from Torrevieja, Yuriy Lymar, improved upon his 100 m freestyle personal best with a time of 1:01:66. All the rest of the team worked hard to retain similar personal bests and are focusing upon future events to come. For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa 665454126 or President Felipe on 609418776 or by e-mail on info@clubnataciontorrevieja. com

quesada golf society Wednesday 14th November 2012 at Las Colinas 17 members and guests set off for Las Colinas for our usual stableford competition, the weather promised to be good golfing weather and after the last few wet days this was good news, the course was in very good condition the only downside was, because of the rain buggies had to be kept to the paths and for some of our older members this was very wearing (oh poor old souls ) I hear you say, but understandable from the course preservation side.

Snippets from the course are fewer this week as not so many members were able to play but still here we go, Chris Nield on hole 12 hit his tee shot behind a tree so decided to try a trick shot which did not happen as his ball hit the tree and flew backwards, however his next shot was a cracker and landed on the green, Trevor Hobbs has been classed as the luckiest player today as many of his shots were lucky to arrive where he needed them according to his playing partner John King, Charlie Wallace had a chilly day today as he failed to get his tee shot passed the ladies tee on three holes today and according to golfers if you dont reach the ladies tee, then down with your trousers,

AUTOKOLOR AFTER

BEFORE

I personally have yet to see this happen but then I would probably be dissapointed anyway. Les Lindores after 5 holes had lost 4 balls , he turned to his playing partner and said “ I am not worried as I have just purchased 200 balls off the internet so I should have a few left at the end of the game” .

Results Winner Trevor Hobbs 37 pts 2nd John King 32 pts on count back 3rd Darryll Wright 32 pts on count bck Nearest the Pin Hole 5 John King Hole 7 Alan Evans, Hole 10 Trevor Hobbs Hole 14 Charlie Wallace, Hole 17 Vic Dew Nearest the Pin in 2 shots Hole 4 Ann Hobbs, Best Guest Terry Smith The Roy Les Lindores Our thanks to Anita & David at Quesada Country Club for the wonderful refreshments laid on for our weary golfers on their return and their support .

If you are interested in joining our society please contact our membership secretary Les Pancott on 966716723.

Reported by Pam Martin

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RAIN what rain, yes we promised our members sunshine and perfect conditions to play golf and yes that’s what was provided to them with when we visited

TORREGOLF.EU at La Peraleja

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